Some GOOD Late Night Cubs Notes...

• Matt Garza, James Russell, Luis Valbuena, and Jeff Samardzija have all been tendered contracts.  While Ian Stewart, Jaye Chapman, and Zach Putnam have been non-tendered. I am not surprised on any of these moves and it should be noted the Cubs are expected to try to negotiate a contract with Stewart even though they let him go today.  The Cubs just did not want to pay him the $2.5M next year given his production and health concerns.  There others maybe brought back on minor league contracts but not on the 40 man roster.
• Bruce Levine from ESPN is reporting a source told him that the Chicago Cubs have spoken to Michael Bourn's agent.  Couple of things to remember is Bourn's agent is Boras and he is known to leak stuff like this.  Also the Cubs make contact with a lot of free agents.  Also Boras represents more than just Bourn which means the Cubs could have contacted Boras about another player or coach.  Not Bourn.  Having said all that if you still need convincing that Bourn is not an "ideal" or "smart" target is he is wanting a $100M+ contract which the Cubs will not do.  He does not fit the age "requirements" of the front office.  Not to mention I do not see Theo making another Crawford type mistake.  Bourn does not seem likely.
• One more tidbit on Bourn.  If the market for CF has dropped as much as the media said it has that could work in the Cubs favor if they are legitimately interesting in him. If the Cubs can get a 3 year deal worth $50M I say pull the trigger but that is not going to happen.
• There is a rumor out there stating the Cubs have some interest in Josh Hamilton as well which I say is pretty bogus.  The only way he ends up in a Cubs uniform is if he signs a 3-4 year deal which is not likely since the Rangers offering a similar deal that Hamilton turned down and the Orioles ready to pony up big cash and years to get him.
• I am already hearing reports of the Cubs having some level of interest in outfielder Ryan Sweeney, pitcher Anthony Carter, outfielder Derrick Robinson, reliever Peter Moylan, and starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens.  All have been non-tendered before today's deadline.
• If the reports of Brian Wilson looking for an incentive laden one year deal to prove himself is true.  The Cubs need to jump all over that.  No word if there is interest in him yet but I expect chatter to start with him and the Cubs very soon.
• Another pitcher the Cubs could look at is John Lannan.
• I am hearing from a source the Cubs have minimal to no interest in Mark Reynolds.
• Casey Coleman cleared waivers and will report to AAA Iowa.
• Fujikawa is nearing a decision and it seems he is leaning toward the Angels.  The Cubs were considered a front runner as well but recent talk indicates the Angels have an edge over the Cubs.
• The Cubs have some interest in bringing in Grady Sizemore on a minor league deal.

Until Next Time....