- The Cubs may look very different in 2012 because the likelihood of Zambrano and Soriano being traded or released, Pena looking for a multi-year deal, and Aramis Ramirez wanting to test free agency.
- The Marlins maybe willing to offer Ramirez a 4 year deal worth 50+ million dollars according to sources. Cubs CANNOT compete with that!
- The Tigers, Twins, Rockies, Giants, Dodgers, Angels, Phillies, and Mariners all have some level of interest in Ramirez.
- Carlos Pena first choice is to remain with the Cubs but he said he also wants a multi-year deal which could force the Cubs to pass on Pena.
- Pena will likely not sign a contract until after Pujols and Fielder sign so he can see what the market is. This plays well for the Cubs because there is less of a chance the Cubs come up empty handed if he signs after Albert and Prince rather than before.
- If the Cubs lose out on all three big hitters then they could go with LaHair at 1st full-time or settle for lower tier guys like Michael Cuddyer or Derek Lee.
- Tom Ricketts could get creative in trying to lure guys like Epstien and Friedman by appointing them GM and a either President or VP of Baseball Operations for the Cubs as well which would be a step up for both Friedman and Epstien.
- Ricketts wants to focus of building a team within and does not necessarily want to spend all the money he has on big named free agents.
- Some more rumors are out saying Marlon Byrd will be dangled this offseason.
- Dempster coming back next season is not a slam dunk like everyone thought it was.
- There are grumblings from the Cubs clubhouse that some players will not return or may ask to be dealt if Quade remains manager.
Until Next Time...
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Cubs Note: GM Stuff, Pitching, and Hitting
- Walt Jocketty will not be the next Cubs GM according to sources. He is likely vying for an extension from the Reds.
- Tom Ricketts will not start contacting GMs until the first week in October.
- Ricketts will likely call on about 20+ GM candidates and have formal extensive interviews with 8-10 of them.
- Brian Cashman and Jon Daniels are not candidates for the Cubs GM job.
- Theo Epstein, Billy Beane, and Andrew Friedman have not denied interest in the job so they are still viable candidates.
- Tim Wilken did not receive an extension but will be back next season and is looking forward to it.
- Levine does not see LaHair as a possible replacement for Pena at first next season.
- Levine thinks the Cubs will trade for a left-handed starter this offseason and names JA Happ and John Danks as targets.
- A source of mine said the Cubs have extensively been scouting Zach Britton.
- Cashner will be stretched out this fall and likely come back to the Cubs as their 5th starter.
- Kerry Wood is done for the season and he said he either is going to re-sign with the Cubs or retire from baseball.
- The Phillies will likely add Ryne Sandberg to their coaching staff for next season according to Levine. I think he should be the Cubs manager next season.
- There are whispers out there that Crane Kenney will be out as Cubs President after the season. If that is the case then I see no reason not to have Pat Gillick as your next team President.
- If Crane Kenney is removed you could see a current baseball GM’s like Epstein, Beane, or Friedman take a promotion to become the Cubs new President.
Until Next Time…
- Tom Ricketts will not start contacting GMs until the first week in October.
- Ricketts will likely call on about 20+ GM candidates and have formal extensive interviews with 8-10 of them.
- Brian Cashman and Jon Daniels are not candidates for the Cubs GM job.
- Theo Epstein, Billy Beane, and Andrew Friedman have not denied interest in the job so they are still viable candidates.
- Tim Wilken did not receive an extension but will be back next season and is looking forward to it.
- Levine does not see LaHair as a possible replacement for Pena at first next season.
- Levine thinks the Cubs will trade for a left-handed starter this offseason and names JA Happ and John Danks as targets.
- A source of mine said the Cubs have extensively been scouting Zach Britton.
- Cashner will be stretched out this fall and likely come back to the Cubs as their 5th starter.
- Kerry Wood is done for the season and he said he either is going to re-sign with the Cubs or retire from baseball.
- The Phillies will likely add Ryne Sandberg to their coaching staff for next season according to Levine. I think he should be the Cubs manager next season.
- There are whispers out there that Crane Kenney will be out as Cubs President after the season. If that is the case then I see no reason not to have Pat Gillick as your next team President.
- If Crane Kenney is removed you could see a current baseball GM’s like Epstein, Beane, or Friedman take a promotion to become the Cubs new President.
Until Next Time…
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