Thanks to cubs.com-
SAN FRANCISCO -- The Cubs, needing an experienced bat against left-handed pitching, acquired outfielder Craig Monroe from the Detroit Tigers on Thursday for a player to be named.
Monroe, 30, is expected to join the Cubs on Friday in Arizona.
"He's a good athlete, a good outfielder and he's got some pop," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said in announcing the move. "He's a good bat coming off the bench with experience. The teams we're playing here all have left-hand starters in the rotation. He'll be a valuable addition to us, and he gives us more experience."
This season, Monroe was batting .302 with five homers, eight doubles and a .542 slugging percentage against left-handed pitchers. He has played all three outfield positions.
Cubs bench coach Alan Trammell knows Monroe well from their days together in Detroit.
"To me, he's an above-average outfielder," Trammell said. "He can play all three positions. He's had some pretty productive years. I haven't talked to anybody over there as to how this came about."
A career .258 hitter who was batting .222 in 99 games this season with the Tigers, Monroe had been designated for assignment.
"As far as what type of person he is, he's a great guy and will fit in very well," Trammell said.
"He'll be a nice fit. He's produced at the Major League level."
Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said he has been looking for a more experienced right-handed bat to deal with lefties.
"Our young players have played terrific, but I think going into September it would be nice to get a guy who's done it before and had a world class second half last year," Hendry said of Monroe, who hit five homers and had nine RBIs in the playoffs last season with the Tigers.
"He's 30 years old, so he has a lot left in the tank," Hendry said. "Our scouts feel he could add something to the table, especially against lefties."
The Cubs are batting .253 against left-handers this year compared to .273 against right-handers. They had Matt Murton and Jake Fox as right-handed options off the bench against southpaws, but Murton has shown more power against right-handers, and all four of his homers have come off them.
Tigers manager Jim Leyland complimented Monroe.
"He was certainly one of our big guys last year," Leyland said. "I'm very happy for him. He'll be in the thick of a pennant race. He's going to be playing in a good ballpark for him."
If the Tigers liked Monroe, why was he designated for assignment?
"It was just a situation where we felt here that, this year, it wasn't going to get better, and you have to start making decisions on what you want to do with people in the future," Leyland said.
"That's basically why that was handled that way."
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Cubs designated Buck Coats for assignment.
I like this move by the cubs. They get an experienced OF that can play all 3 positions, a guy who has playoff experience, has good power( especially against lefties), and we didn't have to give up hardly anything for him. He is a good fill in the corners rather than Murton or Fox and when Sori comes back he would fit well platooning with Jones and Floyd in RF or CF. The player to be looked at as the odd man out is Fox. I don't agree with it but he will probably be sent down to AAA but I wouldn't be surprised if he is called up when the roster is expanded. I am surprised Coats is DFA. He had a solid year in AAA hitting .303 with 11 homers and 59 rbi. I wouldn't be surprised if we get sumtin for him like a PTBNL, or maybe he will be sent to the Tigers.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Good roster moves!
In coordination with Cedeno being sent to AAA Iowa and Hill DFA the cubs have activated Floyd from the RL and activated Blanco from the 60 day DL list. I love this move for the cubs of course. Im a huge Hank White fan and I think with the duo of Kendall and Blanco you have a solid catching core. Another thing I am happy with is Cedeno sent to Iowa instead of Fox. Cedeno is nothing but a mediocre MLB player and Fox has good power and is just a hard nosed player. Good move Hendry!
I would like to also add that I think Ward should be in RF and Floyd in LF with Jones in CF against RHP( giving Murton, Fox, and Pie spot starts). That would put alot of Left handed pop in the line up and imagine facing Jones, Lee, Aram, Floyd, and Ward in the lineup back to back to back to back to back.. That is not a fun inning for a pitcher. I am also in favor for Fox to getting playing time over Murton. I'm tired of Murtons ABs.
I would like to also add that I think Ward should be in RF and Floyd in LF with Jones in CF against RHP( giving Murton, Fox, and Pie spot starts). That would put alot of Left handed pop in the line up and imagine facing Jones, Lee, Aram, Floyd, and Ward in the lineup back to back to back to back to back.. That is not a fun inning for a pitcher. I am also in favor for Fox to getting playing time over Murton. I'm tired of Murtons ABs.
Friday, August 17, 2007
ZAMBRANO AND CUBS AGREE TO 5 YEAR DEAL!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks to MLBtraderumors.com-
Cubs Sign Carlos Zambrano To Extension
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs have inked Carlos Zambrano to a five-year, $91.5MM contract extension. The deal also has a $19.25MM player option for a sixth year, so you might as well call it 6/111.
By waiting, the Cubs cost themselves at least $11.5MM. It's unclear as to whether the original 5/80 deal Zambrano almost signed had a player option. The new contract carries Zambrano through his age 31 season.
This is a home team discount, but $18.3MM annually guaranteed is still pretty hefty. The discount is that the Cubs are on the hook for five or six years instead of seven or eight. And sure, Z probably could've gotten $20MM on the open market. The deal would look a lot better for the Cubs if the 2013 option was the club's. As a player option, Zambrano will basically only exercise it if he's in bad shape.
I've been back and forth on my opinion of a huge Zambrano extension, kind of like the pitcher's up and down season. Part of me says that the Cubs got a slight discount, Zambrano's been an injury-free horse, and he'll still be pretty young throughout the deal. The other side of me says that his best years are behind him, he's got a ton of mileage on his arm, and almost no free agent pitcher deal of this magnitude could possibly work out. I think you could make a legitimate case for either side - sorry for the cop out.
The free agent pitcher market is significantly worse for Zambrano's absence. The best option now appears to be Curt Schilling on a short-term deal, if you can get him.
Cubs Sign Carlos Zambrano To Extension
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs have inked Carlos Zambrano to a five-year, $91.5MM contract extension. The deal also has a $19.25MM player option for a sixth year, so you might as well call it 6/111.
By waiting, the Cubs cost themselves at least $11.5MM. It's unclear as to whether the original 5/80 deal Zambrano almost signed had a player option. The new contract carries Zambrano through his age 31 season.
This is a home team discount, but $18.3MM annually guaranteed is still pretty hefty. The discount is that the Cubs are on the hook for five or six years instead of seven or eight. And sure, Z probably could've gotten $20MM on the open market. The deal would look a lot better for the Cubs if the 2013 option was the club's. As a player option, Zambrano will basically only exercise it if he's in bad shape.
I've been back and forth on my opinion of a huge Zambrano extension, kind of like the pitcher's up and down season. Part of me says that the Cubs got a slight discount, Zambrano's been an injury-free horse, and he'll still be pretty young throughout the deal. The other side of me says that his best years are behind him, he's got a ton of mileage on his arm, and almost no free agent pitcher deal of this magnitude could possibly work out. I think you could make a legitimate case for either side - sorry for the cop out.
The free agent pitcher market is significantly worse for Zambrano's absence. The best option now appears to be Curt Schilling on a short-term deal, if you can get him.
Better now than never for the Cubs and Z to agree. I think this contract is a huge discount for the Cubs. With Z's rough start and yet he is still in line to win 18 games or more is beyond incredible. Zambrano was looking at 5 to 8 year deals worth 20-30 million a year on the open market( especially with teams like the Mets, Red Sox, and Yanks going after him). Now we can stop reading columns about " Zambrano would like it in NY" and " Zambrano will be the biggest FA on the market". Thank go we wont here that anymore! And teams in New York can finally talk about something besides all the money there are going to throw at Big Z. Big Z is a Cub and Im damn happy he is!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Cubs to take a strong look at Wily Mo!
Straight from the rumor mill and from my dedicated readers. Wily Mo Pena is expected to be DFA or traded in the next day or so. This is what the Boston Herald has to say-
The team has yet to announce Buchholz’ start because of the maneuvering required to add him to the 25-man roster. Indications point to underproductive outfielder Wily Mo Pena being traded or designated for assignment today or early tomorrow. Pena has cleared waivers and can be traded without restrictions.
The Cubs have expressed interest in Pena in the past. Jim tried to acquire him via trade before he was eventually traded to Boston for Arroyo. In the past 3 years Pena has draw interest from many teams but are hesitant because of his "lack to hit breaking pitches" and his lack of experience in the minor leagues before making the jump to the ML.
The Cubs ( who have had a full outfield until recently) have been bitten by the injury bug and other circumstances. Recently the cubs were looking to add Pods and Stewart via trade but they fell through. With Pagan and Soriano on the DL and having Fox and Murton splitting time in the outfield along with Jones, Pie, and Ward, the cubs are interested in picking up a bat. If the Cubs were to acquire Pena( which I don't hide, I would love that!) they would have a problem when Sori, Floyd and Pagan come back. I don't believe Pena can be sent down but if I had to pick between Murton and Pena. Ill take Pena! As far as who will go to Iowa if he is acquired, you gotta believe it would be Cedeno. He is not getting any PT with the way Derosa, Font, and Theriot are playing and personally he is nothing but a good AAA player.
Pena would come cheap especially if he is released. He is only making 1.875 million this year and would cost nothing to get the raw power righty. Now if we go the trade route it will likely be for a PTBNL or a minor leaguer not on the 40 man roster( so he doesn't have to pass waivers). Pena would be a great addition to this team and would really help them down the stretch especially when the Cubs extend the roster to 40 man on the 1st.
He can do nothing but help the Cubs. Come on Jim get it done!
The team has yet to announce Buchholz’ start because of the maneuvering required to add him to the 25-man roster. Indications point to underproductive outfielder Wily Mo Pena being traded or designated for assignment today or early tomorrow. Pena has cleared waivers and can be traded without restrictions.
The Cubs have expressed interest in Pena in the past. Jim tried to acquire him via trade before he was eventually traded to Boston for Arroyo. In the past 3 years Pena has draw interest from many teams but are hesitant because of his "lack to hit breaking pitches" and his lack of experience in the minor leagues before making the jump to the ML.
The Cubs ( who have had a full outfield until recently) have been bitten by the injury bug and other circumstances. Recently the cubs were looking to add Pods and Stewart via trade but they fell through. With Pagan and Soriano on the DL and having Fox and Murton splitting time in the outfield along with Jones, Pie, and Ward, the cubs are interested in picking up a bat. If the Cubs were to acquire Pena( which I don't hide, I would love that!) they would have a problem when Sori, Floyd and Pagan come back. I don't believe Pena can be sent down but if I had to pick between Murton and Pena. Ill take Pena! As far as who will go to Iowa if he is acquired, you gotta believe it would be Cedeno. He is not getting any PT with the way Derosa, Font, and Theriot are playing and personally he is nothing but a good AAA player.
Pena would come cheap especially if he is released. He is only making 1.875 million this year and would cost nothing to get the raw power righty. Now if we go the trade route it will likely be for a PTBNL or a minor leaguer not on the 40 man roster( so he doesn't have to pass waivers). Pena would be a great addition to this team and would really help them down the stretch especially when the Cubs extend the roster to 40 man on the 1st.
He can do nothing but help the Cubs. Come on Jim get it done!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Roster moves and the lineup they need out there
Cubs made some roster moves today once again-
CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs today selected left-handed pitcher Carmen Pignatiello and recalled infielder/outfielder Jake Fox from Triple-A Iowa. In corresponding moves, right-handed pitcher Sean Gallagher and infielder Eric Patterson were optioned to Iowa. To make room for Pignatiello on the 40-man roster, catcher Henry Blanco has been transferred to the 60-day disabled list.
Lou is currently trying to find the right mix in his lineup with Sori and Floyd being out. Lou should listen to me on this and do this lineup.
Against RHP
Theriot SS
Jones RF
Dlee 1st
Aram 3b
Ward LF
Pie CF
Kendall/Hill C
Font 2nd
Against LHP
Therot SS
Kendall C
Dlee 1st
Aram 3b
Derosa 2b
Jones CF
Murton LF
Fox RF
Thats a solid lineup with some pop. To be honest I think Fox is better than Murton but thats just me.
CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs today selected left-handed pitcher Carmen Pignatiello and recalled infielder/outfielder Jake Fox from Triple-A Iowa. In corresponding moves, right-handed pitcher Sean Gallagher and infielder Eric Patterson were optioned to Iowa. To make room for Pignatiello on the 40-man roster, catcher Henry Blanco has been transferred to the 60-day disabled list.
Lou is currently trying to find the right mix in his lineup with Sori and Floyd being out. Lou should listen to me on this and do this lineup.
Against RHP
Theriot SS
Jones RF
Dlee 1st
Aram 3b
Ward LF
Pie CF
Kendall/Hill C
Font 2nd
Against LHP
Therot SS
Kendall C
Dlee 1st
Aram 3b
Derosa 2b
Jones CF
Murton LF
Fox RF
Thats a solid lineup with some pop. To be honest I think Fox is better than Murton but thats just me.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Deals dead for Pods and Stewart??
According to MLBTR-
Cubs Deals For Podsednik, Stewart Dead
Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Cubs will not be acquiring Scott Podsednik, and in fact chances were slim from the beginning. I saw a recent poll where the majority of Cubs fans thought the Cubs should trade for an outfielder. I disagree - I can't see a waiver acquisition improving upon the in-house options. The one possible exception I can think of is Matt Stairs. Regardless of my opinion, the Cubs will apparently go with what they've got.
Similarly, the idea of acquiring Shannon Stewart should be dismissed. According to the Contra Costa Times, Stewart's continued presence in an A's uniform means the deadline has passed for a trade. Joe Stiglich notes that Stewart could net the A's a high draft pick if he leaves via free agency.
But according to Hendry he still has some live claims out there for a couple of players. Yet he says he is comfortable with how the team is. Personally I am not comfortable how the team is. Trotting Murton to bat clean and playing everyday I'm not comfortable with. I understand he is having a good series, but most people have a good series when there at Coors. So until he makes it constant Hendry should still be looking. I am also not comfortable with Cedeno coming off the bench to pinch hit or as a defensive replacement. Hopefully he gets sent down when Ward comes back. Why doesn't Hendry trade for Wily Mo Pena??? He has cleared waivers without a claim and I think he could help this team especially with Pagan out. He has raw power, OK glove and arm.. why not trade Ohman and Cedeno for him?? Some moves need to be made to help this team while Pagan and Sori are out and in case of an injury because we cant lose anymore key players!
Cubs Deals For Podsednik, Stewart Dead
Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Cubs will not be acquiring Scott Podsednik, and in fact chances were slim from the beginning. I saw a recent poll where the majority of Cubs fans thought the Cubs should trade for an outfielder. I disagree - I can't see a waiver acquisition improving upon the in-house options. The one possible exception I can think of is Matt Stairs. Regardless of my opinion, the Cubs will apparently go with what they've got.
Similarly, the idea of acquiring Shannon Stewart should be dismissed. According to the Contra Costa Times, Stewart's continued presence in an A's uniform means the deadline has passed for a trade. Joe Stiglich notes that Stewart could net the A's a high draft pick if he leaves via free agency.
But according to Hendry he still has some live claims out there for a couple of players. Yet he says he is comfortable with how the team is. Personally I am not comfortable how the team is. Trotting Murton to bat clean and playing everyday I'm not comfortable with. I understand he is having a good series, but most people have a good series when there at Coors. So until he makes it constant Hendry should still be looking. I am also not comfortable with Cedeno coming off the bench to pinch hit or as a defensive replacement. Hopefully he gets sent down when Ward comes back. Why doesn't Hendry trade for Wily Mo Pena??? He has cleared waivers without a claim and I think he could help this team especially with Pagan out. He has raw power, OK glove and arm.. why not trade Ohman and Cedeno for him?? Some moves need to be made to help this team while Pagan and Sori are out and in case of an injury because we cant lose anymore key players!
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In other news, Lou has said that the Cubs are going to be doing closer by committee. They guys you will see closing out games for the cubs are Marmol, Dempster, and Howry. I wouldn't be surprised to see Woody get some opportunities too.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Bad Ohman and Sox do want something for Pods.
Thanks to Chicago Tribune-
DENVER -- Will Ohman's latest attempt at clearing up his name was not received well by his teammates, manager and general manager, and could lead to an off-season divorce from the organization.Ohman appeared Friday on the "Mike North Morning Show" on WSCR-AM 670, apparently to defend himself from speculation he was embellishing a minor arm ailment to avoid reporting to Triple-A Iowa. Ohman told the station the Cubs doctors knew of his arm problem and that he had been hurting for 2 1/2 months.
He said Tuesday the Cubs trainers knew his shoulder was "barking."One player walked up to a group of reporters Friday and pointed out that Ohman never reported early to the ballpark to have Cubs trainers work on his arm."You can't not show up and then say you're hurt," he said. "It doesn't work that way."Some Cubs were upset trainer Mark O'Neal has been dragged into the controversy. One even referred to Ohman as "our former left-hander."General manager Jim Hendry reiterated neither Ohman nor O'Neal mentioned any injury to him before Ohman was demoted to Iowa on Tuesday. If Ohman had been injured seriously the Cubs would have placed him on the disabled list."If Will felt he couldn't go, for the benefit of the ballclub, he should have let us know so we could have gotten somebody else to pitch," Hendry said.Hendry was upset Ohman continued to make an issue of his demotion three days later."I've known Will since I drafted him in 1998, and I'm fairly visible in our clubhouse," Hendry said. "He never mentioned [an injury] to me. Let's not make a bigger thing out of it than it is. He certainly was not a DL candidate. He was available to pitch even on the night he was sent out."Ohman is scheduled to report to Iowa on Saturday.Hendry wouldn't speculate on Ohman's future in the organization, although club sources say he is likely to be traded or released after this season. Ohman is signed through 2008 and will receive $1.6 million next year.Manager Lou Piniella said Ohman's injury was news to him."[O'Neal] is really good at conveying to me if a guy has as much as a pimple," Piniella said. "I work closely with the trainer. He gives me a report daily on who can play and who he's treating and so forth."Was Piniella upset by the accusation the team knew Ohman was injured when he was sent down?"All I know is what I was told, and if I had known there was a problem, whether it was Ohman or any other player, I wouldn't use him," he said. "It's hard enough to play this game when you're 100 percent, as opposed to playing it less that that. And I know Mark is good at giving me reports, so I'll leave it at that."
Guys like this don't deserve to put on a Cubs uniform. He is the type of guy who only looks after himself and blames " the trainer and his injury" on why he was sent down. If your injured tell the freaking team! Don't go out there and pitch because your only hurting the team!
Put this guy on waivers because I don't want to see his name on a cubs jersey whether it be Iowa or Chicago ever again!
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According to multiple sites the White Sox want a good prospect for Pods. Is Pods the same guy that they tried to nontender at the beginning of the season?? Isn't he the same guy who Ozzie called "unreliable"???? It seems the Sox are trying to rob the cubs of one of its decent prospects. I have heard the Sox want players like Marmol, Gallagher, etc, if the white Sox think there gonna get a player like that for Pods there stupid. You can have a player like Cedeno, Ohman, Cotts, or Coats or someone not on the 40 man roster. The Sox should just do a salary dump on the Cubs and get a PTBNL from them. This way some of there young kids can play and Pods can go to a winning team and help us. Come on Williams, stop asking for the moon for your players be realistic!
DENVER -- Will Ohman's latest attempt at clearing up his name was not received well by his teammates, manager and general manager, and could lead to an off-season divorce from the organization.Ohman appeared Friday on the "Mike North Morning Show" on WSCR-AM 670, apparently to defend himself from speculation he was embellishing a minor arm ailment to avoid reporting to Triple-A Iowa. Ohman told the station the Cubs doctors knew of his arm problem and that he had been hurting for 2 1/2 months.
He said Tuesday the Cubs trainers knew his shoulder was "barking."One player walked up to a group of reporters Friday and pointed out that Ohman never reported early to the ballpark to have Cubs trainers work on his arm."You can't not show up and then say you're hurt," he said. "It doesn't work that way."Some Cubs were upset trainer Mark O'Neal has been dragged into the controversy. One even referred to Ohman as "our former left-hander."General manager Jim Hendry reiterated neither Ohman nor O'Neal mentioned any injury to him before Ohman was demoted to Iowa on Tuesday. If Ohman had been injured seriously the Cubs would have placed him on the disabled list."If Will felt he couldn't go, for the benefit of the ballclub, he should have let us know so we could have gotten somebody else to pitch," Hendry said.Hendry was upset Ohman continued to make an issue of his demotion three days later."I've known Will since I drafted him in 1998, and I'm fairly visible in our clubhouse," Hendry said. "He never mentioned [an injury] to me. Let's not make a bigger thing out of it than it is. He certainly was not a DL candidate. He was available to pitch even on the night he was sent out."Ohman is scheduled to report to Iowa on Saturday.Hendry wouldn't speculate on Ohman's future in the organization, although club sources say he is likely to be traded or released after this season. Ohman is signed through 2008 and will receive $1.6 million next year.Manager Lou Piniella said Ohman's injury was news to him."[O'Neal] is really good at conveying to me if a guy has as much as a pimple," Piniella said. "I work closely with the trainer. He gives me a report daily on who can play and who he's treating and so forth."Was Piniella upset by the accusation the team knew Ohman was injured when he was sent down?"All I know is what I was told, and if I had known there was a problem, whether it was Ohman or any other player, I wouldn't use him," he said. "It's hard enough to play this game when you're 100 percent, as opposed to playing it less that that. And I know Mark is good at giving me reports, so I'll leave it at that."
Guys like this don't deserve to put on a Cubs uniform. He is the type of guy who only looks after himself and blames " the trainer and his injury" on why he was sent down. If your injured tell the freaking team! Don't go out there and pitch because your only hurting the team!
Put this guy on waivers because I don't want to see his name on a cubs jersey whether it be Iowa or Chicago ever again!
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According to multiple sites the White Sox want a good prospect for Pods. Is Pods the same guy that they tried to nontender at the beginning of the season?? Isn't he the same guy who Ozzie called "unreliable"???? It seems the Sox are trying to rob the cubs of one of its decent prospects. I have heard the Sox want players like Marmol, Gallagher, etc, if the white Sox think there gonna get a player like that for Pods there stupid. You can have a player like Cedeno, Ohman, Cotts, or Coats or someone not on the 40 man roster. The Sox should just do a salary dump on the Cubs and get a PTBNL from them. This way some of there young kids can play and Pods can go to a winning team and help us. Come on Williams, stop asking for the moon for your players be realistic!
Friday, August 10, 2007
Hendry confirms my source!
I had a source recently tell me that Jim had made at least a dozen claims on player in the past couple of day and it seems he was right. Thanks to cubs.com-
Hendry would neither confirm nor deny the report and said, "I don't want to get into specific guys I've claimed. I mean, this is part of the business. I've probably claimed a dozen guys this week. What I try to do is make claims of anybody that I thought could possibly help us. Most of the time the claims you make, really the other team has no interest of moving the guy anyhow, but that's what you do every day."
Sounds like Hendry is staying busy. I want to thank all my sources and reader for the information they have gave me.
Hendry would neither confirm nor deny the report and said, "I don't want to get into specific guys I've claimed. I mean, this is part of the business. I've probably claimed a dozen guys this week. What I try to do is make claims of anybody that I thought could possibly help us. Most of the time the claims you make, really the other team has no interest of moving the guy anyhow, but that's what you do every day."
Sounds like Hendry is staying busy. I want to thank all my sources and reader for the information they have gave me.
Looks like I may be wrong???
http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports_hardball/2007/08/podsednik-on-mo.html
A major league source confirmed the Cubs put in a waiver claim on White Sox outfielder Scott Podsednik, one of the heroes of the 2005 World Series season.
The Sox can either work out compensation for Podsednik, who could help the Cubs in the outfield, or simply let the Cubs claim him and pick up the balance of his $2.9 million salary. It's unlikely the Sox would fail to work out a deal, given their emphasis on looking to the future with Jerry Owens in the leadoff spot.
If Podsednik moves to the Cubs, the Sox would save more than $800,000. That would mean more than $3 million saved in deals involving Tadahito Iguchi, Rob Mackowiak and Podsednik.
Looks like I may be wrong. I found this and MLBTR is now reporting that we won the claim. Sounds like a deal could be done by tonight and he could play in the next game. Pods adds so good speed to this team and with him and Theriot at the top you have a great chance to score in the first inning! Not to mention he is better than Murton, and would be great off the bench when Sori comes back!
A major league source confirmed the Cubs put in a waiver claim on White Sox outfielder Scott Podsednik, one of the heroes of the 2005 World Series season.
The Sox can either work out compensation for Podsednik, who could help the Cubs in the outfield, or simply let the Cubs claim him and pick up the balance of his $2.9 million salary. It's unlikely the Sox would fail to work out a deal, given their emphasis on looking to the future with Jerry Owens in the leadoff spot.
If Podsednik moves to the Cubs, the Sox would save more than $800,000. That would mean more than $3 million saved in deals involving Tadahito Iguchi, Rob Mackowiak and Podsednik.
Looks like I may be wrong. I found this and MLBTR is now reporting that we won the claim. Sounds like a deal could be done by tonight and he could play in the next game. Pods adds so good speed to this team and with him and Theriot at the top you have a great chance to score in the first inning! Not to mention he is better than Murton, and would be great off the bench when Sori comes back!
Cubs put claim on Pods?? Hendry makes alot of claims.
According to MLBtraderumors-
Cubs Claim Scott Podsednik?
Several people have emailed me this morning about an ESPN Radio 1000 report. Apparently the Cubs have claimed Scott Podsednik. As with the Shannon Stewart situation, I'm currently unclear on whether the Cubs simply put in the claim on Pods or if they've been awarded it.
How Podsednik would help the Cubs is beyond me, but that's why Jim Hendry gets paid the big bucks. Podsednik makes another $860K or so this year, and might be a nontender candidate this winter. By the way, this is where I believe the original rumor began.
Cubs Claim Scott Podsednik?
Several people have emailed me this morning about an ESPN Radio 1000 report. Apparently the Cubs have claimed Scott Podsednik. As with the Shannon Stewart situation, I'm currently unclear on whether the Cubs simply put in the claim on Pods or if they've been awarded it.
How Podsednik would help the Cubs is beyond me, but that's why Jim Hendry gets paid the big bucks. Podsednik makes another $860K or so this year, and might be a nontender candidate this winter. By the way, this is where I believe the original rumor began.
Now( like the guy who runs MLBTR) I don't believe that the cubs put a claim on Pods. I do think this is just a rumor that hit radio stations and people ran with it. Now I could be wrong but that is just my opinion.
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Jim Hendry has been busy the last couple of days. According to sources, Hendry is trying to make this team better, and working hard to fill in holes that this team currently has. According to several of my sources Hendry has put in at least 12 waiver claims on 12 players in the last couple of days. Be interesting to see what players he wins and what players he ends up getting. So far I have kept record of players that are rumored to have been claimed.
Casey Blake
Shannon Stewart
Matt Stairs
Scott Podsednik
Johnny Damon
I will update this list as soon as I hear any other names pop up.
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