Time to Catch Up

• Jorge Soler is officially a free agent and his agent Barry Praver is requesting all offers to be submitted by Thursday.  The Cubs are the favorite to land the young outfielder.
• The Cubs also have a lot of interest in 23 year old righty Armando Rivero who is also an International Free Agent.
• The Cubs DFA Michael Bowden to make room for newly required Jairo Asencio from the Indians.
• Matt Garza is available for the right offer but the Cubs are more interested in signing him to an extension.
• Starlin Castro is not available or being discussed in any trade talks according to everyone.
• The Yankees, Blue Jays, Phillies, O's, Angels, and Red Sox all have interest in Matt Garza.  It also should be noted those same teams also have interest in Ryan Dempster.
• My source is getting the feeling that not only will Dempster and Garza get traded but so will Bryan LaHair, David DeJesus, and Carlos Marmol.
• Alfonso Soriano's interest in gaining among a National League team and 3 American League teams according to sources.
• The Dodgers have joined the Ryan Dempster race according to Danny Knobler.
• The Tigers have more interest in Jeff Baker than Darwin Barney because of the asking compared asking price.
• If the Red Sox want in on Garza then Will Middlebrooks will have to be involved unless the Cubs can get Ellsbury.  The Red Sox maybe willing to deal Middlebrooks if they can get a near ready young 3rd baseman in return.  The Red Sox also maybe willing to deal Middlebrooks and overpay for Garza to keep him out of NY.
• The Phillies have emerged in the starting pitching market and have Garza and Dempster on their list.
• Theo and Co. want a stable defensive, young third baseman with power and they could move for one at the trade deadline.
• Vitters could be in a deal that nets them a young third baseman because the Cubs are not too thrilled at his progress (until recently).
• The Indians could be one of the AL teams that like Soriano but will have a tough time paying any of his contract.
• Junior Lake keeps hitting and could be called up to Iowa when Rizzo gets called up to Chicago.  Lake actually could win the 3rd base job out of spring next year if he continues his success and the Cubs don't land a more ready player for 3rd.
• Despite injury, Ian Stewart is gaining interest from many clubs with the White Sox being the most notable.
• Jon Morosi say Soriano will be playing elsewhere by July.
• 3 mock drafts have the Cubs taking outfielder Albert Almora with the 6th overall pick.  This would be a good pick for the Cubs but I think a shake up will take place and the Cubs will end up with Kevin Gausman.

Until Next Time....