- The Cubs have signed Walter Ibarra, Eli Whiteside, and Aaron Cunningham to minor league deals.
- The Cubs have interest in bringing in an experienced back up catcher to mentor Castillo. They have been linked to Kurt Suzuki, Jose Molina, and Humberto Quintero. There has been chatter about John Buck as well.
- Jim Bowden says the Cubs are shopping Edwin Jackson because of the crazy priced pitching market and Edwin Jackson's now nice looking front loaded contract. The Cubs could trade both Shark and Jackson during the Winter Meetings.
- The Cubs have various degrees of interest in pitchers Josh Johnson, Phil Hughes, and Scott Kazmir.
- CubsDen.com is saying the Cubs could target Logan Morrison from the Marlins. Fantastic idea in a buy low player with a high ceiling.
- Another player that is being tossed around is Nate McClouth.
- Some bounced back guys (or lower tier) that the Cubs have had internal discussions about are Roy Halladay, Kevin Youkilis, Jeff Baker, CF Chris Young, and Grady Sizemore.
- Curtis Granderson recently said he has interest in coming home to Chicago. If the price is right a reunion is possible.
- Kris Bryant was named AFL MVP.
- Renteria coaching staff should be announced early next week with Mariano Duncan, Bill Mueller, Henry Blanco, Alex Cora, Mike Borzello, Gary Jones, and Bruce Fields rumored as possiable coaches.
- The Cubs are already expected to bring back Bosio and Strode.
- The Diamondbacks interest in Nate Schierholtz is significant I am told. They could part with Eaton or Pollock in an even swap. Parra looks to be off the board.
- The Pirates remain interested in Schierholtz but only as a back up option because they may trade for a big bat.
- The Dodgers have interest in Starlin Castro. They could dangle Zach Lee and Joc Pederson in a deal for him.
- Jeff Samardzija will be shopped aggressively between now until the start of the season unless they can work out an extension. The Cubs remain interested in signing him long term but a major sticking point is the NTC. The FO will not give those out.
- The Cubs could check on Corey Hart if his market remains weak.
- There is still mutual interest between Scott Baker and the Cubs.
Until Next Time...
