Chicago Cubs Signed:
RHP Cory Bailey http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Cory%20Bailey&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=110450
C J.D. Closser http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=JD%20Closser&pos=C&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=408038
C Danny Fatheree
SS Andres Blanco http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Andres%20Blanco&pos=SS&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=433217
OF Andres Torres http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Andres%20Torres&pos=OF&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=400083
Some really decent minor leaguers!
Fukudome is to meet with his agent in the US and see what offers he may get or already have gotten from MLB clubs. The Cubs have said that there biggest need is a power hitting, high OBP lefthander to play right field and its no secret that the Cubs have scouted him and will make a big push for him. He is reportedly wanting 3 years 30 million which seems fair but I expect the Cubs to overpay to get him signed as quickly as possible. I expect the Cubs to make a 4 year 50-55 million dollar contract loaded with incentives comparable to Dice-K.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Hendry meets with Matsui? Fukudome to make decision next week. Wood likely done as a Cub?!? Payroll increase??
Thanks to the Suntimes-
Matsui, a switch-hitting second baseman coming off his best season, turned down a two-year, $7 million offer to stay in Colorado and could be looking at a three-year deal worth between $11 million and $15 million as a free agent.
Hendry wouldn't discuss details of his talks with Matsui, but a deal does not appear imminent. Sources on both sides confirmed the meeting, which took place over lunch at Riviera Country Club.
Not the sexiest move if Hendry signs him but its a move. Matsui is rumored to be ready to sign with Houston but its all talk right now. He would be a good backup to Derosa and Theriot, he has good speed, ok defense, and a decent at batting. Not a bad move.
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The longer Kerry Wood remains on the free-agent market, the less likely it appears he will return to the Cubs.Several teams have courted Wood, including Boston, which wants him to be the primary right-handed setup man for closer Jonathan Papelbon. General manager Jim Hendry said he has spoken with Wood's agent frequently, but couldn't say whether returning to the Cubs is Wood's priority, as Wood said it was last winter when he became a free agent.
"Kerry is getting a lot of action around the industry," Hendry said. "We're hopeful he'll want to remain a Cub. I believe, probably before we get to the winter meetings [Dec. 3], this will be brought to a conclusion. We certainly would like to have him back, and hopefully it'll work out."The Cubs convinced Wood to take an incentive-laden one-year deal last November. But with so much interest on the market, they now will have to decide whether he's worth the risk of a multiyear deal at around $5 million per year.
Help wantedHendry also is looking to sign Colorado infielder Kazuo Matsui to a three-year deal. He could use the left-handed hitter at both second base and shortstop.Matsui played in 108 games at short for the New York Mets in 2004, before moving to second in '05 and remaining there with the Rockies, who hope to re-sign him. Though his range is limited, Matsui could play short alongside Mark DeRosa when Ryan Theriot is sitting, or move to second when DeRosa is in right field or at third base.On Tuesday, Hendry said he was looking to add "some left-hand hitting on the bench and maybe in a versatile role in the infield." Matsui and recently acquired utilityman Omar Infante would give manager Lou Piniella plenty of flexibility in terms of double-switches.The Cubs biggest off-season job, however, will be finding a right-fielder. Carl Crawford will be on their radar if Tampa Bay puts him on the trade block, which it has yet to do. Japanese star Kosuke Fukudome is another possibility, if he decides to come to play in the majors."Our initial moves, once we cleared the deck a little bit after the season, clearly show we certainly are going to go after, in the free-agent world or trades, a quality, left-handed-hitting outfielder," Hendry said. "That would be a priority."
Money talksSenior vice president/legal counsel Crane Kenney wouldn't reveal the Cubs' 2008 budget, but it will be significantly higher than the $110 million payroll from the end of '07."We've put together a plan from the financial end and the baseball end that should give [Hendry] everything he needs to address the three areas that he mentioned," Kenney said. "I can tell you this—when I started with the club, my first year was 2003, and our payroll was $80 million."Our track record is we'll grow the payroll as we grow the business, and certainly we expect to do that again next year."
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Fukudome is expected to make a decision next week whether he will accept one of the 3 offers to stay in Japan or leave Japan to come to MLB. The Cubs will be the biggest players in race for Fukudome and its rumored that is why the Cubs haven't signed any free agents. They are waiting on Fukudome, which is a wise decision on Hendry's part!
Matsui, a switch-hitting second baseman coming off his best season, turned down a two-year, $7 million offer to stay in Colorado and could be looking at a three-year deal worth between $11 million and $15 million as a free agent.
Hendry wouldn't discuss details of his talks with Matsui, but a deal does not appear imminent. Sources on both sides confirmed the meeting, which took place over lunch at Riviera Country Club.
Not the sexiest move if Hendry signs him but its a move. Matsui is rumored to be ready to sign with Houston but its all talk right now. He would be a good backup to Derosa and Theriot, he has good speed, ok defense, and a decent at batting. Not a bad move.
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The longer Kerry Wood remains on the free-agent market, the less likely it appears he will return to the Cubs.Several teams have courted Wood, including Boston, which wants him to be the primary right-handed setup man for closer Jonathan Papelbon. General manager Jim Hendry said he has spoken with Wood's agent frequently, but couldn't say whether returning to the Cubs is Wood's priority, as Wood said it was last winter when he became a free agent.
"Kerry is getting a lot of action around the industry," Hendry said. "We're hopeful he'll want to remain a Cub. I believe, probably before we get to the winter meetings [Dec. 3], this will be brought to a conclusion. We certainly would like to have him back, and hopefully it'll work out."The Cubs convinced Wood to take an incentive-laden one-year deal last November. But with so much interest on the market, they now will have to decide whether he's worth the risk of a multiyear deal at around $5 million per year.
Help wantedHendry also is looking to sign Colorado infielder Kazuo Matsui to a three-year deal. He could use the left-handed hitter at both second base and shortstop.Matsui played in 108 games at short for the New York Mets in 2004, before moving to second in '05 and remaining there with the Rockies, who hope to re-sign him. Though his range is limited, Matsui could play short alongside Mark DeRosa when Ryan Theriot is sitting, or move to second when DeRosa is in right field or at third base.On Tuesday, Hendry said he was looking to add "some left-hand hitting on the bench and maybe in a versatile role in the infield." Matsui and recently acquired utilityman Omar Infante would give manager Lou Piniella plenty of flexibility in terms of double-switches.The Cubs biggest off-season job, however, will be finding a right-fielder. Carl Crawford will be on their radar if Tampa Bay puts him on the trade block, which it has yet to do. Japanese star Kosuke Fukudome is another possibility, if he decides to come to play in the majors."Our initial moves, once we cleared the deck a little bit after the season, clearly show we certainly are going to go after, in the free-agent world or trades, a quality, left-handed-hitting outfielder," Hendry said. "That would be a priority."
Money talksSenior vice president/legal counsel Crane Kenney wouldn't reveal the Cubs' 2008 budget, but it will be significantly higher than the $110 million payroll from the end of '07."We've put together a plan from the financial end and the baseball end that should give [Hendry] everything he needs to address the three areas that he mentioned," Kenney said. "I can tell you this—when I started with the club, my first year was 2003, and our payroll was $80 million."Our track record is we'll grow the payroll as we grow the business, and certainly we expect to do that again next year."
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Fukudome is expected to make a decision next week whether he will accept one of the 3 offers to stay in Japan or leave Japan to come to MLB. The Cubs will be the biggest players in race for Fukudome and its rumored that is why the Cubs haven't signed any free agents. They are waiting on Fukudome, which is a wise decision on Hendry's part!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Cubs like Cameron?? Pods to cubs??
Thanks to MLBTR-
The Padres have had "cordial and informative" talks with free agent Mike Cameron. The talks sound pretty low level right now. According to Cameron's agent, the Nationals, Rangers, and Cubs also like him.
Im not sure why they would want Cameron unless they feel Pie isn't ready and the miss out on Fukudome. He is a decent hitter and a good defender but I don't understand it. Here is his stats-
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=111904
Not much of an upgrade of Pie I think.
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Thanks to MLBRUMORS-
Scott Podsednik was designated for assignment today and because he has enough major league time, he can declare for free agency if claimed. He will probably be non-tendered next month anyways but expect the Padres and Cubs to be interested. The Cubs were interested in him last season but couldn't work something out. It does not seem that Mike Cameron is going back to the Padres and they could look to bring Podsednik in and platoon him with someone else. The Cubs have shown interest in Cameron so they might go after him if the price is right. Podsednik struggled with the White Sox this season batting .243 with 2 HR, 11 RBI, and 12 SB, but has had some success in the past. Other than the Padres and Cubs, I expect the Rockies, Pirates, Orioles, and Nationals.
This only makes since if the Cubs use Pods as a 4th outfielder. The Cubs seem to be targeting some pretty mediocre outfielders recently such as Cameron and Scott. But this is just talk right now. It would be nice if Hendry made some moves before were left with Geoff Jenkins in RF next year.
The Padres have had "cordial and informative" talks with free agent Mike Cameron. The talks sound pretty low level right now. According to Cameron's agent, the Nationals, Rangers, and Cubs also like him.
Im not sure why they would want Cameron unless they feel Pie isn't ready and the miss out on Fukudome. He is a decent hitter and a good defender but I don't understand it. Here is his stats-
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=111904
Not much of an upgrade of Pie I think.
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Thanks to MLBRUMORS-
Scott Podsednik was designated for assignment today and because he has enough major league time, he can declare for free agency if claimed. He will probably be non-tendered next month anyways but expect the Padres and Cubs to be interested. The Cubs were interested in him last season but couldn't work something out. It does not seem that Mike Cameron is going back to the Padres and they could look to bring Podsednik in and platoon him with someone else. The Cubs have shown interest in Cameron so they might go after him if the price is right. Podsednik struggled with the White Sox this season batting .243 with 2 HR, 11 RBI, and 12 SB, but has had some success in the past. Other than the Padres and Cubs, I expect the Rockies, Pirates, Orioles, and Nationals.
This only makes since if the Cubs use Pods as a 4th outfielder. The Cubs seem to be targeting some pretty mediocre outfielders recently such as Cameron and Scott. But this is just talk right now. It would be nice if Hendry made some moves before were left with Geoff Jenkins in RF next year.
John McDonough to the Blackhawks.
Thanks to cubs.com-
CHICAGO -- John McDonough ended his 24-year tenure with the Cubs, most recently serving as team president, to take over the NHL Chicago Blackhawks.
The Blackhawks announced McDonough as the new team president at a news conference Tuesday.
Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz said the best person to take over the team was "right in front of our nose." Wirtz said they wanted to bring someone in to coordinate hockey operations.
"The Cubs congratulate John McDonough on his new position," said Crane Kenney, Tribune Co. executive, to whom McDonough reported. "In his time as team president, John helped the club take an important step toward our ultimate goal -- bringing a championship to the greatest fans in baseball."
McDonough has been the Cubs' team president since Oct. 1, 2006, when he replaced Andy MacPhail, who resigned after a 96-loss season. At that time, McDonough boldly announced the Cubs' mission was to win the World Series.
"The purpose of why I've been asked to do this job is for the Cubs to win the World Series -- not win the Wild Card or win the division or win the pennant," McDonough said when introduced as interim president last year. "It's time to win. It's time to win the World Series."
McDonough was behind the hiring of Lou Piniella as manager, and the overhaul of the team, which included spending more than $300 million on players such as Alfonso Soriano, Ted Lilly, Jason Marquis and Mark DeRosa.
In 2007, the Cubs rebounded to win the National League Central, but they were swept by Arizona in the NL Division Series.
"The Cubs were terrific to me from top to bottom," McDonough said Tuesday. "That's a big part of my life. Being part of an organization for 24-plus years and having so much respect for everybody over there, but the opportunity that Rocky presented to me -- and this came together rather quickly -- was something I was quite impressed with."
McDonough's long-term job status with the Cubs was uncertain because of the pending sale of Tribune Co. and the likely sale of the Cubs. He signed a multiyear contract with the Blackhawks. Whoever replaces McDonough will likely be on an interim basis until the new ownership is named.
"We will not let the ownership transition distract us from our primary goal -- to see a championship come to the Chicago Cubs in 2008," Kenney said. "Tribune's commitment through an expanded payroll and additional capital for Wrigley Field evidences the continued focus on taking the next step for Cubs fans.
"Jim Hendry has a well-constructed plan in place and is already working to strengthen our roster for 2008," Kenney said. "We also have a new, multi-million-dollar playing surface ready to welcome our team on Opening Day."
McDonough met with front-office staff Tuesday at Wrigley Field to announce his resignation.
He joined the Cubs in 1983 as director of sales and promotions and became the team's marketing director in 1987. The innovative McDonough linked popular product giveaways, such as Beanie Babies, to the Cubs and was responsible for the creation of the Cubs Convention, which began in 1986 as a winter fan fest and became the prototype for other league and club events.
CHICAGO -- John McDonough ended his 24-year tenure with the Cubs, most recently serving as team president, to take over the NHL Chicago Blackhawks.
The Blackhawks announced McDonough as the new team president at a news conference Tuesday.
Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz said the best person to take over the team was "right in front of our nose." Wirtz said they wanted to bring someone in to coordinate hockey operations.
"The Cubs congratulate John McDonough on his new position," said Crane Kenney, Tribune Co. executive, to whom McDonough reported. "In his time as team president, John helped the club take an important step toward our ultimate goal -- bringing a championship to the greatest fans in baseball."
McDonough has been the Cubs' team president since Oct. 1, 2006, when he replaced Andy MacPhail, who resigned after a 96-loss season. At that time, McDonough boldly announced the Cubs' mission was to win the World Series.
"The purpose of why I've been asked to do this job is for the Cubs to win the World Series -- not win the Wild Card or win the division or win the pennant," McDonough said when introduced as interim president last year. "It's time to win. It's time to win the World Series."
McDonough was behind the hiring of Lou Piniella as manager, and the overhaul of the team, which included spending more than $300 million on players such as Alfonso Soriano, Ted Lilly, Jason Marquis and Mark DeRosa.
In 2007, the Cubs rebounded to win the National League Central, but they were swept by Arizona in the NL Division Series.
"The Cubs were terrific to me from top to bottom," McDonough said Tuesday. "That's a big part of my life. Being part of an organization for 24-plus years and having so much respect for everybody over there, but the opportunity that Rocky presented to me -- and this came together rather quickly -- was something I was quite impressed with."
McDonough's long-term job status with the Cubs was uncertain because of the pending sale of Tribune Co. and the likely sale of the Cubs. He signed a multiyear contract with the Blackhawks. Whoever replaces McDonough will likely be on an interim basis until the new ownership is named.
"We will not let the ownership transition distract us from our primary goal -- to see a championship come to the Chicago Cubs in 2008," Kenney said. "Tribune's commitment through an expanded payroll and additional capital for Wrigley Field evidences the continued focus on taking the next step for Cubs fans.
"Jim Hendry has a well-constructed plan in place and is already working to strengthen our roster for 2008," Kenney said. "We also have a new, multi-million-dollar playing surface ready to welcome our team on Opening Day."
McDonough met with front-office staff Tuesday at Wrigley Field to announce his resignation.
He joined the Cubs in 1983 as director of sales and promotions and became the team's marketing director in 1987. The innovative McDonough linked popular product giveaways, such as Beanie Babies, to the Cubs and was responsible for the creation of the Cubs Convention, which began in 1986 as a winter fan fest and became the prototype for other league and club events.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Cubs like Castillo, Matsui and Colon?? Cubs Plan B, Bradley??
Rosenthal mentions that the Cubs are interested in Luis Castillo and Kaz Matsui, both switch hitters, to play second base next year. The Astros and Mets are also in on Castillo, while the Rockies like Kaz, might be say no to his asking price. The Cubs have been rumored to be ready to sign Matsui to a 3 year deal but nothing has formed yet. Castillio is obviously a better choice. He has better power, decent speed, and a really good glove. I pick Luis over Kaz. Here is Luis stats- Gotta love his .368 OBP and .294 lifetime avg.
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=112116
Cafardo in the Boston Globe names the Cubs as suitors for Bartolo Colon. This is interesting because of his health issues and being obviously over weight. He has only pitched 155 inning in the last 2 years only making 28 starts. If healthy he is an allstar and 17 to 20 game winner, but thats a big IF! If your going to make a run at Colon also make a run at Clement or Livan??
According to MLBRUMORS-
According to sources inside the Cubs, there has been some interest in Milton Bradley, but only if Fukudome is not with the Cubs.
Not a bad 2nd option for the Cubs. He could be a club house cancer but he is a good hitter and fielder. Here is his stats-
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=150396
I love his OBP and his homers in a big ball park. Good plan B for the Cubs if the cant land Crawford or Drew thru a reasonable trade.
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=112116
Cafardo in the Boston Globe names the Cubs as suitors for Bartolo Colon. This is interesting because of his health issues and being obviously over weight. He has only pitched 155 inning in the last 2 years only making 28 starts. If healthy he is an allstar and 17 to 20 game winner, but thats a big IF! If your going to make a run at Colon also make a run at Clement or Livan??
According to MLBRUMORS-
According to sources inside the Cubs, there has been some interest in Milton Bradley, but only if Fukudome is not with the Cubs.
Not a bad 2nd option for the Cubs. He could be a club house cancer but he is a good hitter and fielder. Here is his stats-
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=150396
I love his OBP and his homers in a big ball park. Good plan B for the Cubs if the cant land Crawford or Drew thru a reasonable trade.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Cubs made contact with Rowand??
Thanks to MLB RUMORS-
Rowand Taking Over In Center For Dodgers?: Free agent outfielder Aaron Rowand is drawing a lot of interest from teams around the league, and his new contract is expected to be big. Although he is asking for fifteen million, one MLB executive tells me he expects the deal to top 90 million dollars. There are several teams interested in Rowand that could take on that kind of contract. The Dodgers, White Sox, Rangers, Cubs, and Astros have all made contact with Rowand, but it appears the Dodgers have the inside track because of Rowand's connections to Southern California.
The Cubs are probably just keeping there options open, this is curious tho. Hendry said he wants a high OBP OF with power and Rowand is righthanded. Plus Pie slotted to play center next year, they could move him to RF but he is more serviceable in CF. If the Cubs did acquire Rowand that means Pie could be expendable for pitching, a RF, or a shorstop. Pie for Greene has been rumored and that would make sense if the Cubs inked Rowand to a deal. This is all speculation right now, but never less it is interesting.
Rowand Taking Over In Center For Dodgers?: Free agent outfielder Aaron Rowand is drawing a lot of interest from teams around the league, and his new contract is expected to be big. Although he is asking for fifteen million, one MLB executive tells me he expects the deal to top 90 million dollars. There are several teams interested in Rowand that could take on that kind of contract. The Dodgers, White Sox, Rangers, Cubs, and Astros have all made contact with Rowand, but it appears the Dodgers have the inside track because of Rowand's connections to Southern California.
The Cubs are probably just keeping there options open, this is curious tho. Hendry said he wants a high OBP OF with power and Rowand is righthanded. Plus Pie slotted to play center next year, they could move him to RF but he is more serviceable in CF. If the Cubs did acquire Rowand that means Pie could be expendable for pitching, a RF, or a shorstop. Pie for Greene has been rumored and that would make sense if the Cubs inked Rowand to a deal. This is all speculation right now, but never less it is interesting.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Blockbuster deal going down???
This is from a emailer of mine who also emailed me about the Marquis deal a week before it happened, but he also emailed me the Cubs were getting Renteria last year but that didn't pan out. So here it is take it for what its worth-
This is a move for the ages. The Cubs are in discussion with Boston and Nationals about a blockbuster deal! Here is the scoop-
Cubs get Ryan Church and JD Drew
Nats get CoCo Crisp, Matt Murton, and Ryan Dempster
Red Sox get Sean Marshall, Austin Kearns, Ronny Cedeno, and Wil Ohman
You heard it from Prophet79 first. Remember I tipped you off on the Marquis signing!
Take it for whats its worth. It seems fair to me but this could just be one of the unfounded rumors. Lets see if anyone else can confirm this trade or at least tell me if it has some truth to it.
This is a move for the ages. The Cubs are in discussion with Boston and Nationals about a blockbuster deal! Here is the scoop-
Cubs get Ryan Church and JD Drew
Nats get CoCo Crisp, Matt Murton, and Ryan Dempster
Red Sox get Sean Marshall, Austin Kearns, Ronny Cedeno, and Wil Ohman
You heard it from Prophet79 first. Remember I tipped you off on the Marquis signing!
Take it for whats its worth. It seems fair to me but this could just be one of the unfounded rumors. Lets see if anyone else can confirm this trade or at least tell me if it has some truth to it.
Matsui Deal done by weekend??
Thanks to MLBTR-
WGN Radio's Dave Kaplan reported that the Cubs could complete a contract with second baseman Kaz Matsui this week. It'd be a multiyear deal; not sure if the Cubs would have to go three years on it. This would be an indefensible signing.
This is a good move in my opinion. I wasent sold on it before but Matsui can play SS, 2b, and even some third. He is speedy and a patient hitter with good gap power. He provides a good platoon with Derosa and Theriot. The cubs need speed and a pesky hitter and Kaz is that! He had a .342 OBP and stole 32 bases in 104 games. This only makes the team better. Plus it provides the Cubs with the option of trading Font, Cedeno, Omar or even Theriot for a RF or pitching.
WGN Radio's Dave Kaplan reported that the Cubs could complete a contract with second baseman Kaz Matsui this week. It'd be a multiyear deal; not sure if the Cubs would have to go three years on it. This would be an indefensible signing.
This is a good move in my opinion. I wasent sold on it before but Matsui can play SS, 2b, and even some third. He is speedy and a patient hitter with good gap power. He provides a good platoon with Derosa and Theriot. The cubs need speed and a pesky hitter and Kaz is that! He had a .342 OBP and stole 32 bases in 104 games. This only makes the team better. Plus it provides the Cubs with the option of trading Font, Cedeno, Omar or even Theriot for a RF or pitching.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Bonds a cub? DOUBTFUL. Hendry on 1460 in des moines and other notes and rumors
-It looks like Bonds wont be in a Cub uniform next year. He will be in stripes but only behind bars. Bonds was indited today on perjury among other charges.
- Jim was on Umps eye view today at around 630 on 1460 kxno and he likes Pie in CF and they are going to pursue a power hitting lefty that can play RF thru either a trade or free agency. He dismissed the Crawford for Marmol or Hill trade saying " We are not going to trade the players that helped us into the playoffs, Hill and Marmol are untouchable" He did not say they weren't discussing a trade for Crawford tho. He also wouldn't touch the Dempster situation but said he liked the idea of Marmol being the closer. He also said he would like to add a speedy OFer and utility infielder this offseason still. My bet is Lofton and Matsui. Both would be solid pickups, and Lofton could play CF if Pie isnt ready. Matsui would be good defensive sub and can platoon with Derosa, Infante, and Theriot. Dont look for Cedeno or Font being on the 25 man roster if the get Matsui.
- The Cubs have supposed interest in Jenkins but I think that may be a last resort. That means players like Stewart, Bradley, Wilkerson, Church Green, and Nixon would probably be ahead of him on the list. I don't like the idea of Jenkins! Strike out king, doesn't hit with RISP, low OBP, power declining.. NO WAY! Might as well sign Burnitz again!
- Fukudome still hasn't decided whether to stay in Japan or come to the US. He is expected to make a decision after thanksgiving at the latest. I hope he decides soon so we can move on or sign him to a contract!
- The Cubs are discussing options for RF, including players on other teams. They have interest in players like Abreu( if becomes availible), Drew( Sox maybe shopping him), Nick Markakis ( would cost a bundle but they could look into him), Luke Scott( not a sexy name but is a good power hitter with high OBP), Crawford( we have already went over this lol), and Raul Ibanez ( great power, bad fielding). Either way the Cubs need a power hitting LF or a lefty who hits for average and OBP and some power.
- Jim was on Umps eye view today at around 630 on 1460 kxno and he likes Pie in CF and they are going to pursue a power hitting lefty that can play RF thru either a trade or free agency. He dismissed the Crawford for Marmol or Hill trade saying " We are not going to trade the players that helped us into the playoffs, Hill and Marmol are untouchable" He did not say they weren't discussing a trade for Crawford tho. He also wouldn't touch the Dempster situation but said he liked the idea of Marmol being the closer. He also said he would like to add a speedy OFer and utility infielder this offseason still. My bet is Lofton and Matsui. Both would be solid pickups, and Lofton could play CF if Pie isnt ready. Matsui would be good defensive sub and can platoon with Derosa, Infante, and Theriot. Dont look for Cedeno or Font being on the 25 man roster if the get Matsui.
- The Cubs have supposed interest in Jenkins but I think that may be a last resort. That means players like Stewart, Bradley, Wilkerson, Church Green, and Nixon would probably be ahead of him on the list. I don't like the idea of Jenkins! Strike out king, doesn't hit with RISP, low OBP, power declining.. NO WAY! Might as well sign Burnitz again!
- Fukudome still hasn't decided whether to stay in Japan or come to the US. He is expected to make a decision after thanksgiving at the latest. I hope he decides soon so we can move on or sign him to a contract!
- The Cubs are discussing options for RF, including players on other teams. They have interest in players like Abreu( if becomes availible), Drew( Sox maybe shopping him), Nick Markakis ( would cost a bundle but they could look into him), Luke Scott( not a sexy name but is a good power hitter with high OBP), Crawford( we have already went over this lol), and Raul Ibanez ( great power, bad fielding). Either way the Cubs need a power hitting LF or a lefty who hits for average and OBP and some power.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Crawford to Cubs Dismissed??? Why not Bonds??
According to MLBTR-
Crawford To Cubs Rumor Shot Down
ESPN 1000's Bruce Levine suggested yesterday that the Cubs were preparing an offer for Carl Crawford. However, team officials told Roger Mooney today that there's nothing brewing. Apparently the rumor was Rich Hill, Eric Patterson, and a prospect for Crawford. That doesn't seem sufficient anyway. There was even some talk of a three-way deal involving the Brewers and Yankees, which was from Gotham Baseball. According to Mooney, none of it is for real. You be the judge.
In other Rays news, they picked up Al Reyes' $2.3MM option and passed on Greg Norton at $1MM. No surprises there. UPDATE: Reyes actually has a $1MM base salary plus $1.3MM in incentives
This is not a shock to me. Hendry and the Cubs usually like to keep things quiet on the trade and free agent front. Remember Soriano signing out of nowhere?? That was announced on November 19th by the way, maybe he can make another big splash from now until then. Remember the Cubs just traded two OFers so there has to be a move on the horizon. Even if the Crawford deal doesn't go down expect the Cubs to be making some nice big moves before Thanksgiving, Fukudome anyone???
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I purpose this question, Why not Bonds in Cubbie Blue??
Lets forget about Steroids, lets look at Barry Bonds.
With the RF free agent market weak and if the Cubs lose out on Crawford and Fukudome( which I don't see happening) why not give Bonds a call?? Barry has said he would gladly play in either league next year even as a parttime player. If the Cubs do miss out on Fuk or Craw then you have guys like Wilkerson, Sosa, Jenkins, Stewart, Bradley, Greene, Guillen, Nixon, and Sanders for corner OFers. These are all medicore RFers except maybe Guillen so why not go after Bonds. He will cost about 10-15 million a year which isn't a bad price you could also load his contract with incentives to lower the price. You could platoon him with Murton and give him days off. It would be the ideal platoon situation, plus he would be in a great hitters park and I think the fans would welcome him at Wrigley. Not to mention he could either hit 2nd or 4th and finally have protection for him in the lineup.
This is just a thought and I think the Cubs would be a fool not to at least talk to him if the cant land Fukudome or Crawford. The other option is of course signing a CFer like Rowand, Hunter, Cameron, or A. Jones and moving them or Pie to RF.
Crawford To Cubs Rumor Shot Down
ESPN 1000's Bruce Levine suggested yesterday that the Cubs were preparing an offer for Carl Crawford. However, team officials told Roger Mooney today that there's nothing brewing. Apparently the rumor was Rich Hill, Eric Patterson, and a prospect for Crawford. That doesn't seem sufficient anyway. There was even some talk of a three-way deal involving the Brewers and Yankees, which was from Gotham Baseball. According to Mooney, none of it is for real. You be the judge.
In other Rays news, they picked up Al Reyes' $2.3MM option and passed on Greg Norton at $1MM. No surprises there. UPDATE: Reyes actually has a $1MM base salary plus $1.3MM in incentives
This is not a shock to me. Hendry and the Cubs usually like to keep things quiet on the trade and free agent front. Remember Soriano signing out of nowhere?? That was announced on November 19th by the way, maybe he can make another big splash from now until then. Remember the Cubs just traded two OFers so there has to be a move on the horizon. Even if the Crawford deal doesn't go down expect the Cubs to be making some nice big moves before Thanksgiving, Fukudome anyone???
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I purpose this question, Why not Bonds in Cubbie Blue??
Lets forget about Steroids, lets look at Barry Bonds.
With the RF free agent market weak and if the Cubs lose out on Crawford and Fukudome( which I don't see happening) why not give Bonds a call?? Barry has said he would gladly play in either league next year even as a parttime player. If the Cubs do miss out on Fuk or Craw then you have guys like Wilkerson, Sosa, Jenkins, Stewart, Bradley, Greene, Guillen, Nixon, and Sanders for corner OFers. These are all medicore RFers except maybe Guillen so why not go after Bonds. He will cost about 10-15 million a year which isn't a bad price you could also load his contract with incentives to lower the price. You could platoon him with Murton and give him days off. It would be the ideal platoon situation, plus he would be in a great hitters park and I think the fans would welcome him at Wrigley. Not to mention he could either hit 2nd or 4th and finally have protection for him in the lineup.
This is just a thought and I think the Cubs would be a fool not to at least talk to him if the cant land Fukudome or Crawford. The other option is of course signing a CFer like Rowand, Hunter, Cameron, or A. Jones and moving them or Pie to RF.
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