There is a very interesting development happening in Texas that could effect the Cubs. The Rangers DFA Armando Galrraga to clear a roster spot for Jennings . Rangers fans and columist are shocked at the idea of designating him for assignment. They figured that it would either be Robinson Tejeda, Nelson Cruz or Botts that gets cut. A lot of people are speculating including me that this means that he will be traded within the allotted 10 days and more than likely to the Cubs in a Murton/Byrd deal. Armando is a 25 year old righty who went 0-0 with a 6.23 era in 3 games in the ML last season. In his career in the minors he had a 25-35 record with 4.13 era in 116 games in which he started 98 of them. He had a whip of 1.32. Here is some comments from some outraged Texas fans-
WHAT THE FFFFFFFF?? DFA Galarraga and keep Scooter Feldman? What naked pictures do Feldman and Tejada have of Hicks and JD together? This is REDICULOUS. There is no way we would have traded Galarraga for Jennings, IS THERE? I guess we just did huh? This is messed up unless there is already a trade out there!!!!1
his numbers weren't spectacular last season and that a good thing in this case. so hopefully he'll clear waivers. hell shelton did. but i also would have let go of feldman, tejeda, or cruz to keep galarraga.
Guys... this is such a stupid move, I can draw only one conclusion from this. Galarraga is the add-on in a Marlon Byrd for Matt Murton trade. JD needed to make that 40 man move, so he DFA'd Galarrga.
At least, that's what I hope the case is. If it's not, and we did just DFA a decent pitcher over Feldman, Tejeda, and Nelson Cruz... then I'm with you guys, I'm gonna be livid. 'Cause there ain't no way he'll clear waivers.
I can't believe that the Rangers would DFA Galarraga unless they plan to trade him. I don't see him passing through waivers to the Rangers have something up there sleeve. I would not be surprised if the Cubs, O's, and Rangers have a three way deal that would send Roberts and Byrd to the Cubs with the O's and Rangers getting prospects that include Murton, Gallagher, Galarraga, Veal, Cedeno, Marshall, Epatt, Colvin, etc. Look for a trade in the next 10 days with something happening sooner than later.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Jim not done making moves yet!
Jim Hendry told the Tribune he is not done with his roster. He is looking for some final touches and Lou seems to think if they do make a move it will be for a outfielder( likely to platoon with Pie and fill in at the other two spots). We have heard the names of Marlon Byrd, Kenny Lofton, and Chone Figgins. One name that I see mentioned Shannon Stewart. That would be an interesting pick up because he hasn't played much CF in the past 3 years. The ideal situation would to get Figgins but he will cost a lot of players that frankly we don't have. It seems Lofton and Byrd are the likely suitors. Lofton can be a great speedy guy off the bench that could fill in at all three OF positions and mentor Pie but he is left handed. Byrd provides the same as Lofton but right handed bat and better defensive skills. Byrd would likely cost Murton and a pitching prospect( I hope not Gallagher). Byrd would be a nice addition even though his numbers are unlikely to be duplicated from his career season last year.
Though Lou says that he says he sees the Cubs making a move for an outfielder don't count out Khalil Greene. The Padres are looking for a corner outfielder and like Matt Murton. Greene was offered a extension but turned it down because he wants to play on the east coast or a hitter friendly park. A deal would likely include Cedeno and a pitching prospect along with Murton for Greene. Greene would provide offense and a good glove at SS. It would also allow Theriot to take over the super utility role and strengthen the bench. His stats are very misleading.
CAREER AT PETCO-
.228 BA with 27 homers, 136 RBI, .288 OBP, 227 K's in 980 AB.
CAREER AWAY
.280 BA with 47 homers, 157 RBI, .335 OBP, 194 K's in 1028 AB.
That what we call a drastic home/away split. I am all for getting Greene with a deal that would include Murton, Cedeno, and Gallagher. He would be going to a hitter friendly park. Provide a great glove at SS and a nice bat in the 6th or 7th spot in the lineup. When is the last time we had a legitimate SS that hit 15 homers out of the 6th or 7th spot in the lineup? The only concern I have is he seems somewhat fragile but you can live with the risk because you have Theriot ready to fill in if needed. Lets hope something happen before pitchers and catchers meet in 20 days.
Though Lou says that he says he sees the Cubs making a move for an outfielder don't count out Khalil Greene. The Padres are looking for a corner outfielder and like Matt Murton. Greene was offered a extension but turned it down because he wants to play on the east coast or a hitter friendly park. A deal would likely include Cedeno and a pitching prospect along with Murton for Greene. Greene would provide offense and a good glove at SS. It would also allow Theriot to take over the super utility role and strengthen the bench. His stats are very misleading.
CAREER AT PETCO-
.228 BA with 27 homers, 136 RBI, .288 OBP, 227 K's in 980 AB.
CAREER AWAY
.280 BA with 47 homers, 157 RBI, .335 OBP, 194 K's in 1028 AB.
That what we call a drastic home/away split. I am all for getting Greene with a deal that would include Murton, Cedeno, and Gallagher. He would be going to a hitter friendly park. Provide a great glove at SS and a nice bat in the 6th or 7th spot in the lineup. When is the last time we had a legitimate SS that hit 15 homers out of the 6th or 7th spot in the lineup? The only concern I have is he seems somewhat fragile but you can live with the risk because you have Theriot ready to fill in if needed. Lets hope something happen before pitchers and catchers meet in 20 days.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Cubs like Khalil Greene?
The Cubs join the Angels, O's, and Cards in the pursuit of Greene. Greene recently turned down an extension with the Pads because he wants to either play on the east coast or in a hitter friendly park ( Wrigley). The Pads are looking to trade him for a young corner outfielder. The Padres really like Matt Murton and Reggie Willits. I can see the Cubs trying to land him instead of Roberts. Greene provides power and a good glove and would be an upgrade over Theriot. The Cubs could also flip Greene to the O's to get Roberts but I don't see that happening. The Pads would likely want Cedeno or Eric Patterson along with a pitching prospect and Murton. I also wouldn't mind a three way deal with the Angels and somehow us getting Figgins but that is kind of far fetched.
In other notes the Cubs have avoided arbitration with Weurtz signing him to a one year deal worth 860,000 bucks.
In other notes the Cubs have avoided arbitration with Weurtz signing him to a one year deal worth 860,000 bucks.
Monday, January 21, 2008
O's and Cubs trade heating up AGAIN! 3 way trade?? More updates!
MLBTR has some good info today!
Ken Rosenthal's Latest- The Padres are targeting Matt Murton for left field, a notion that gels with Kevin Towers' stated quest to acquire a corner outfielder via trade. Plus, Towers gets along well with Cubs GM Jim Hendry. Not sure how the teams would match up, unless things expand to include Khalil Greene. The Cubs would have to be sure they don't need Murton for other deals or because of other deals though.
Rosenthal agrees with the recent rumor that the Orioles will decide whether to trade Erik Bedard and Brian Roberts by month's end. He notes that Cubs starter Jason Marquis actually does have trade value, and could be part of a package for Roberts. Other teams are interested in him too - go figure. Innings are innings I guess.
UPDATE, 1-21-08 at 6:39pm: According to Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald, "informed insiders say no renewed talks are underway" for a Cubs/Orioles blockbuster. Miles does believe Hendry is shopping Murton and interested in Byrd.
FROM 1-21-08 at 3:09pm:
Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune insists that Orioles owner Peter Angelos did shoot down some kind of Erik Bedard/Brian Roberts to the Cubs blockbuster last week. Furthermore, Rogers' source says the talks are now back on.
Rogers speculates that "frustration and gamesmanship" might be why Lou Piniella and Jim Hendry recently denied the blockbuster rumor. Hendry was quoted as saying "that certainly hasn't been a path we've been on."
Rogers also has sources saying the Cubs may have to give up Matt Murton and one or two other players to get Marlon Byrd from Texas (perhaps Sean Gallagher). He speculates that a three-team deal with the Rangers and Orioles to net the Cubs Bedard, Roberts, and Byrd is a possibility. Felix Pie would have to be in that mix, and note that Roch Kubatko said yesterday that the Cubs "would be willing to part with Rich Hill" to get Bedard and Roberts.
Through all of this Rogers says it's a "very highly placed source" and that he trusts the source. It's hard for me to really evaluate this stuff until we get more clarity.
I can actually see the Cubs finally getting this done especially if Texas gets involved( maybe they can float some prospects so we don't have to give up Hill). I still don't think the Cubs should give up Hill in any deal. Bedard will be a free agent at the end of the season and its likely he will want a big payday which the Cubs may not give him. Plus Hill is close to being just as good or better than Bedard. I would be willing to give up Pie and Colvin in the deal but not Hill, unless we got Millwood along with Bedard, Roberts, and Byrd. Come on Jim don't trade Hill.
Ken Rosenthal's Latest- The Padres are targeting Matt Murton for left field, a notion that gels with Kevin Towers' stated quest to acquire a corner outfielder via trade. Plus, Towers gets along well with Cubs GM Jim Hendry. Not sure how the teams would match up, unless things expand to include Khalil Greene. The Cubs would have to be sure they don't need Murton for other deals or because of other deals though.
Rosenthal agrees with the recent rumor that the Orioles will decide whether to trade Erik Bedard and Brian Roberts by month's end. He notes that Cubs starter Jason Marquis actually does have trade value, and could be part of a package for Roberts. Other teams are interested in him too - go figure. Innings are innings I guess.
Now Marquis in a deal for Roberts and Bedard seems wise. I like that idea a lot instead of dealing Hill. If the Cubs can pull off a Greene for Murton and a couple of other players would be ideal. He would be sick in the lineup considering his splits. Away from Petco he hit .300!
UPDATE, 1-21-08 at 6:39pm: According to Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald, "informed insiders say no renewed talks are underway" for a Cubs/Orioles blockbuster. Miles does believe Hendry is shopping Murton and interested in Byrd.
Seems Bruce and Phil have different sources. Also it is rumored that the Padres are going strong for Matt Murton. I can see Murton going to either the Pads, Indians( who also have interest in him) and the Rangers ( would want him in the Marlon Byrd deal). I think the Cubs should just stick with Derosa at 2b unless they will trade Roberts without giving up Pie or Hill. If the Cubs decide they want to strengthen the middle infield, how about Peralta or Greene?? Trade Murton and other players( Gallagher, Marshall, Cedeno, etc) for an upgrade at SS. Peralta should would look great in the lineup!
FROM 1-21-08 at 3:09pm:
Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune insists that Orioles owner Peter Angelos did shoot down some kind of Erik Bedard/Brian Roberts to the Cubs blockbuster last week. Furthermore, Rogers' source says the talks are now back on.
Rogers speculates that "frustration and gamesmanship" might be why Lou Piniella and Jim Hendry recently denied the blockbuster rumor. Hendry was quoted as saying "that certainly hasn't been a path we've been on."
Rogers also has sources saying the Cubs may have to give up Matt Murton and one or two other players to get Marlon Byrd from Texas (perhaps Sean Gallagher). He speculates that a three-team deal with the Rangers and Orioles to net the Cubs Bedard, Roberts, and Byrd is a possibility. Felix Pie would have to be in that mix, and note that Roch Kubatko said yesterday that the Cubs "would be willing to part with Rich Hill" to get Bedard and Roberts.
Through all of this Rogers says it's a "very highly placed source" and that he trusts the source. It's hard for me to really evaluate this stuff until we get more clarity.
I can actually see the Cubs finally getting this done especially if Texas gets involved( maybe they can float some prospects so we don't have to give up Hill). I still don't think the Cubs should give up Hill in any deal. Bedard will be a free agent at the end of the season and its likely he will want a big payday which the Cubs may not give him. Plus Hill is close to being just as good or better than Bedard. I would be willing to give up Pie and Colvin in the deal but not Hill, unless we got Millwood along with Bedard, Roberts, and Byrd. Come on Jim don't trade Hill.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
9 player trade not accurate?? Cubs lose out on Affeldt.
Now we have heard from Jim Hendry. He says the rumor that would have sent Bedard and Roberts to Chicago for 7 prospects is "not accurate." Roch Kubatko says that "it now appears the Cubs would be willing to part with Rich Hill" if they could get Roberts and Bedard. But I don't see that happening considering the can get a lot more players if they deal them separately. I also feel that Hendry wouldn't trade Hill for Bedard because they are basically the same pitcher only Bedard has more experience and becomes a free agent next season. Doesn't make sense to me.
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In other notes the Reds signed Jeremy Affeldt to a one year 3 million dollar contract. They beat out the Cubs, Astros, Mets, and Mariners. The Cubs were looking at him as a possible swing man or long relief but decided to focus on the outfield and middle infield rather than Affeldt who has control problems. I see no need to sign another reliever, we are pretty tough in the pen.
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In other notes the Reds signed Jeremy Affeldt to a one year 3 million dollar contract. They beat out the Cubs, Astros, Mets, and Mariners. The Cubs were looking at him as a possible swing man or long relief but decided to focus on the outfield and middle infield rather than Affeldt who has control problems. I see no need to sign another reliever, we are pretty tough in the pen.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Byrd not enough to get Murton?? Angelos nixed 7-for-2 trade??
This is a interesting read from the Newberg Report. Here is the link-
http://www.newbergreport.com/article.asp
Jamey Newberg doesn't believe that a straight swap of Byrd for Murton is going to happen. He feels the Rangers will have to throw in another player, either a prospect or a guy like Robinson Tejeda or Scott Feldman. Tejeda went 5-9 with a 6.61 era in 19 games started, his strikeouts to walks ratio is scary having 69 SO and 60 walks. I don't see why we would want him besides his young and could turn things around. Scott Feldman went 1-2 with a 5.77 era in 39 innings pitched. I don't see this happening either, they Cubs have a lot of right handed relievers already. Here is what I purpose Matt Murton, Ryan Dempster, and Sean Marshall for Marlon Byrd and Kevin Millwood.
Byrd would give the Cubs there right handed platoon in CF next season and they Cubs would also get a solid starter in Kevin Millwood. Millwood is a good ground ball pitcher who has a career 3.97 era. He would fill the 3rd spot in the rotation giving the Cubs a strong starting 5 along with depth.
Z
Lilly
Millwood
Hill
Lieber/Marquis/Gallagher
The Rangers would get a guy they really like in Matt Murton that could platoon in LF with Dale Murphy. The Rangers would have a nice young outfield with Hamilton, Murton, and Murphy along with a veteran in Bradley. They would also get a guy that they could use in the pen or in the rotation in Dempster. They would probably be using him in there weak rotation as a 3 or 4 starter. Texas would also get Sean Marshall, young lefty that they could use in there rotation right away.
This trade would give Texas depth in the rotation along with younger guy that don't cost a lot of money compared to what pitchers are getting now. They fill out there outfield with a young core and veteran leadership. The Cubs get a solid number 3 starter and a good platoon partner for Pie in CF.
This is a win win trade for the Cubs and Rangers. If I were them I would pull the trigger on this one.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
According to the Suntimes Peter Angelos nixed a deal that would have sent Bedard and Roberts to the Cubs for 7 prospects. The prospects were not named but I have heard that the deal did not include Hill or Marmol( that's probably why it was nixed). I'm speculation that the deal was Gallagher, Marshall, Pie, Colvin, Veal, Cedeno, and Hart. That seems alot of players to give up but hey I would do it! Can you imagine the rotation with Bedard and Hill in it?? DOMINATE!
MacPhail denies reports that of the 7 for 2 player trade but what else is he going to say?? Yes its true?? MacPhail says the talks are still on going for Roberts and Bedard and that ownership has giving the OK to trade the players. The O's are going to discuss trading Roberts and Bedard until the end of the month and hope that they get a deal done by then. They want to trade them separately to get the biggest package of players to restock there team with young talent. It is also said that the O's wish to trade Bedard before Roberts so it looks like the chances of the Cubs gettting Roberts is getting slimmer and slimmer.
http://www.newbergreport.com/article.asp
Jamey Newberg doesn't believe that a straight swap of Byrd for Murton is going to happen. He feels the Rangers will have to throw in another player, either a prospect or a guy like Robinson Tejeda or Scott Feldman. Tejeda went 5-9 with a 6.61 era in 19 games started, his strikeouts to walks ratio is scary having 69 SO and 60 walks. I don't see why we would want him besides his young and could turn things around. Scott Feldman went 1-2 with a 5.77 era in 39 innings pitched. I don't see this happening either, they Cubs have a lot of right handed relievers already. Here is what I purpose Matt Murton, Ryan Dempster, and Sean Marshall for Marlon Byrd and Kevin Millwood.
Byrd would give the Cubs there right handed platoon in CF next season and they Cubs would also get a solid starter in Kevin Millwood. Millwood is a good ground ball pitcher who has a career 3.97 era. He would fill the 3rd spot in the rotation giving the Cubs a strong starting 5 along with depth.
Z
Lilly
Millwood
Hill
Lieber/Marquis/Gallagher
The Rangers would get a guy they really like in Matt Murton that could platoon in LF with Dale Murphy. The Rangers would have a nice young outfield with Hamilton, Murton, and Murphy along with a veteran in Bradley. They would also get a guy that they could use in the pen or in the rotation in Dempster. They would probably be using him in there weak rotation as a 3 or 4 starter. Texas would also get Sean Marshall, young lefty that they could use in there rotation right away.
This trade would give Texas depth in the rotation along with younger guy that don't cost a lot of money compared to what pitchers are getting now. They fill out there outfield with a young core and veteran leadership. The Cubs get a solid number 3 starter and a good platoon partner for Pie in CF.
This is a win win trade for the Cubs and Rangers. If I were them I would pull the trigger on this one.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
According to the Suntimes Peter Angelos nixed a deal that would have sent Bedard and Roberts to the Cubs for 7 prospects. The prospects were not named but I have heard that the deal did not include Hill or Marmol( that's probably why it was nixed). I'm speculation that the deal was Gallagher, Marshall, Pie, Colvin, Veal, Cedeno, and Hart. That seems alot of players to give up but hey I would do it! Can you imagine the rotation with Bedard and Hill in it?? DOMINATE!
MacPhail denies reports that of the 7 for 2 player trade but what else is he going to say?? Yes its true?? MacPhail says the talks are still on going for Roberts and Bedard and that ownership has giving the OK to trade the players. The O's are going to discuss trading Roberts and Bedard until the end of the month and hope that they get a deal done by then. They want to trade them separately to get the biggest package of players to restock there team with young talent. It is also said that the O's wish to trade Bedard before Roberts so it looks like the chances of the Cubs gettting Roberts is getting slimmer and slimmer.
Convention Reports and Rumors.
The Convention started off well in Chicago starting with the rumor that the Cubs maybe done with the Roberts trade idea and moving to help out the outfield by adding a right handed hitter to platoon with Pie in CF and fill in at LF and RF next year. Though they wouldn't discuss who, Marlon Byrd is a definite possibility. Byrd had a nice year last year batting 307 with 10 homers in 70 rbi. He would be a decent fit for a platoon in CF.
Lou also discussed Soriano leading off. Lou said "I would say he'll be leading off, if something unforeseen happens as far as a trade or something, it could change that. But outside of that, no. The way our team is put together, he'll be leading off."
Soriano has no problem batting 5th in the lineup. "Two years ago I made the adjustment to play from second to left," Soriano said. "If I have to make an adjustment from batting first to batting fifth, I'll make the adjustment.
"The first at-bat is the only one I lead off," Sori added. "In the third inning, I'm batting sometimes with two outs, sometimes with the bases loaded. I think it's only the first at-bat that matters. After that it's just a regular at-bat."
Lou also added that Dempster will in fact go from the closing role to the staring role next year and it will be a difficult transition for Dempster. Dempster feels that he will do a good job at it. Lets hope he does!
As for right now it looks like Fukudome will be hitting 2nd in the lineup. If the Cubs don't add a speedy guy before Opening Day Fukudome will be a good fit in the 2 spot because of his high avg., high OBP, and his ability to take pitches. If the Cubs do acquire a speedy number 2 hitter then look for him to bat 4th in the lineup to split up Lee and Aram.
Other notes-
- Lou feels Cedeno will become the other super utility player on the Cubs roster. He wants Cedeno to play infield and outfield next year. He does have a lot of athletic ability so I can see him doing well in this role.
- Ted Lilly will start on Opening Day instead of Z. It was Zambrano's decision because he is winless in the last 3 opening day starts. So Lilly will be your Opening Day starter.
Lou also discussed Soriano leading off. Lou said "I would say he'll be leading off, if something unforeseen happens as far as a trade or something, it could change that. But outside of that, no. The way our team is put together, he'll be leading off."
Soriano has no problem batting 5th in the lineup. "Two years ago I made the adjustment to play from second to left," Soriano said. "If I have to make an adjustment from batting first to batting fifth, I'll make the adjustment.
"The first at-bat is the only one I lead off," Sori added. "In the third inning, I'm batting sometimes with two outs, sometimes with the bases loaded. I think it's only the first at-bat that matters. After that it's just a regular at-bat."
Lou also added that Dempster will in fact go from the closing role to the staring role next year and it will be a difficult transition for Dempster. Dempster feels that he will do a good job at it. Lets hope he does!
As for right now it looks like Fukudome will be hitting 2nd in the lineup. If the Cubs don't add a speedy guy before Opening Day Fukudome will be a good fit in the 2 spot because of his high avg., high OBP, and his ability to take pitches. If the Cubs do acquire a speedy number 2 hitter then look for him to bat 4th in the lineup to split up Lee and Aram.
Other notes-
- Lou feels Cedeno will become the other super utility player on the Cubs roster. He wants Cedeno to play infield and outfield next year. He does have a lot of athletic ability so I can see him doing well in this role.
- Ted Lilly will start on Opening Day instead of Z. It was Zambrano's decision because he is winless in the last 3 opening day starts. So Lilly will be your Opening Day starter.
Friday, January 18, 2008
With the Lieber signing whats next?? Cubs sign Shingo Takatsu to a minor league deal.
The Cubs feel the signing of Jon Lieber completes the depth in the rotation and with Spring Training upon us lets take another look at the Cubs needs.
I think the Cubs need to acquire a speed number 2 hitter or lead off hitter somehow. Roberts would be that answer if this price goes down. The O's will not get Hill or Marmol so if a deal gets done it might include Gallagher, Marshall, Murton, Colvin, Pie, and/or Veal( obviously it wont be all those players). Another option is getting a SS or utility player to share time with Derosa and Theriot in the middle infield. Cedeno is not the answer because he is not left handed. Unfortunately there is not a lot of players out there besides Felipe Lopez or Christian Guzman that would fill that role.
The other thing the Cubs could do is just leave Derosa at 2b (in which he did a great job last year). Go get a platoon player for Pie in CF or full time OF that can play all three spots and fill the number 2 role in the lineup.. Here is a list of players that would be a good fit-
Ryan Spilborghs- Young guy, low money, but cost some players. He is a righty will a high average, good pop, and OK speed. He could also play all 3 outfield positions. He would platoon well with Pie!
Marlon Byrd- The Cubs do have interest in him and would be a nice platoon player. Though I don't believe he would be ideal in the number 2 spot. He wouldn't cost to much but could be a nice pick up.
Rocco Baldelli- If he could ever stay healthy he would be a force defensively and offensively. He can hit for power, steal bases, and fill in the two hole nicely. He would cost some players too, even tho he has only played 263 in the past 4 years.
Melky Cabrera - Also rumored the Cubs are interested in. Might come cheaper than the players above. He provides great D and decent offense but not a 2 hitter.
Coco Crisp- Would be nice in the 2 spot. Had an off year in Boston but would look good platoon in CF with Pie.
Kenny Lofton- If you read this blog you know how I feel.
Randy Winn- He would be nice in CF for the Cubs next season. He has veteran leadership, plays good defense, and hit for avg. Not to mention he has decent speed and a career OBP of .345. Would look mighty good hitting 2nd.
Chone Figgins- This is the guy that would absolutely be the perfect fit for the Cubs. He can play all outfield positions and do it well. He can play SS, 2b, and 3b. He hits for avg. Has not to much power but can hit the ball out of the ball park. 41 SB last year with a .330 avg and .393 OBP he is the complete package. The Angels are looking for a 3rd baseman to replace him so we would have to get another team involved because they can have Aram. I honestly thing the Angels, White Sox, and Cubs could match up well in a 3 team trade. If the Cubs got Figgins they can go into ST feeling very confident.
Either way the Cubs need guy who can play middle infield or OF with speed and can fill the #2 hole in the lineup. If they can get that before Spring Training I think Cubs fans would feel pretty good about the team.
The Cubs signed Shingo Takatsu to a minor league deal. He has decent numbers for the time in the ML. Here is his stats-
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7255
He is the one with that weird 60 mph change up LOL
Here is a video of him-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S75Ei5FUYFo
I think the Cubs need to acquire a speed number 2 hitter or lead off hitter somehow. Roberts would be that answer if this price goes down. The O's will not get Hill or Marmol so if a deal gets done it might include Gallagher, Marshall, Murton, Colvin, Pie, and/or Veal( obviously it wont be all those players). Another option is getting a SS or utility player to share time with Derosa and Theriot in the middle infield. Cedeno is not the answer because he is not left handed. Unfortunately there is not a lot of players out there besides Felipe Lopez or Christian Guzman that would fill that role.
The other thing the Cubs could do is just leave Derosa at 2b (in which he did a great job last year). Go get a platoon player for Pie in CF or full time OF that can play all three spots and fill the number 2 role in the lineup.. Here is a list of players that would be a good fit-
Ryan Spilborghs- Young guy, low money, but cost some players. He is a righty will a high average, good pop, and OK speed. He could also play all 3 outfield positions. He would platoon well with Pie!
Marlon Byrd- The Cubs do have interest in him and would be a nice platoon player. Though I don't believe he would be ideal in the number 2 spot. He wouldn't cost to much but could be a nice pick up.
Rocco Baldelli- If he could ever stay healthy he would be a force defensively and offensively. He can hit for power, steal bases, and fill in the two hole nicely. He would cost some players too, even tho he has only played 263 in the past 4 years.
Melky Cabrera - Also rumored the Cubs are interested in. Might come cheaper than the players above. He provides great D and decent offense but not a 2 hitter.
Coco Crisp- Would be nice in the 2 spot. Had an off year in Boston but would look good platoon in CF with Pie.
Kenny Lofton- If you read this blog you know how I feel.
Randy Winn- He would be nice in CF for the Cubs next season. He has veteran leadership, plays good defense, and hit for avg. Not to mention he has decent speed and a career OBP of .345. Would look mighty good hitting 2nd.
Chone Figgins- This is the guy that would absolutely be the perfect fit for the Cubs. He can play all outfield positions and do it well. He can play SS, 2b, and 3b. He hits for avg. Has not to much power but can hit the ball out of the ball park. 41 SB last year with a .330 avg and .393 OBP he is the complete package. The Angels are looking for a 3rd baseman to replace him so we would have to get another team involved because they can have Aram. I honestly thing the Angels, White Sox, and Cubs could match up well in a 3 team trade. If the Cubs got Figgins they can go into ST feeling very confident.
Either way the Cubs need guy who can play middle infield or OF with speed and can fill the #2 hole in the lineup. If they can get that before Spring Training I think Cubs fans would feel pretty good about the team.
The Cubs signed Shingo Takatsu to a minor league deal. He has decent numbers for the time in the ML. Here is his stats-
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7255
He is the one with that weird 60 mph change up LOL
Here is a video of him-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S75Ei5FUYFo
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Cubs and Pads trading partners?? Roberts trade close??
The Padres are currently looking for a corner outfield via trade and have been linked to Matt Murton along with Payton, Lind, Bay, among others. I can see us matching up well considering Murton won't cost a whole lot and the Cubs maybe in need to restock the farm if they trade for Roberts. I would love the idea of a Greene for Murton and a prospect but I maybe stretching a bit. Either way the Cubs need to find a place for Murton whether its in AAA or another MLB team.
Thanks to my reader and MLB RUMORS for this one-
According to ESPN 1000 in Chicago, the Cubs and Orioles have reached a tentative agreement on a trade that would send Brian Roberts to the Cubs for at least three players. It sounds iffy because no players are known but it is believed that they are holding off on announcing it until this weekends Cubs Convention. The Cubs have been known to save announcements on signings and such till the Convention. Last year, it was the signing of Jeff Samardjiza, so it is possible. Also, with the signing of Jon Lieber it would make sense they would trade a pitcher like Sean Marshall or Sean Gallagher. More on this as it unfolds...
UPDATE: One baseball insider confirmed through email that the Cubs would like to make another move this off season before pitchers and catchers report. He went on to say that he has not heard anything about a deal being close, but said a deal is likely to go down before the end of the month
.UPDATE 2: Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan writes that GM Jim Hendry declined to address the latest rumors that a Roberts deal was imminent.
UPDATE 3: No word yet on whether or not this is true. It seems ESPN 1000 got ahead of themselves a little bit. The Daily Herald believes the Orioles would prefer to trade Bedard before Roberts, so we will see what happens.
We have heard this before( MANY TIMES), but I have to post it! This would make more since to trade for him before the Cubs Convention because Jim loves to make big splashes. I will keep you posted on anything I hear.
Thanks to my reader and MLB RUMORS for this one-
According to ESPN 1000 in Chicago, the Cubs and Orioles have reached a tentative agreement on a trade that would send Brian Roberts to the Cubs for at least three players. It sounds iffy because no players are known but it is believed that they are holding off on announcing it until this weekends Cubs Convention. The Cubs have been known to save announcements on signings and such till the Convention. Last year, it was the signing of Jeff Samardjiza, so it is possible. Also, with the signing of Jon Lieber it would make sense they would trade a pitcher like Sean Marshall or Sean Gallagher. More on this as it unfolds...
UPDATE: One baseball insider confirmed through email that the Cubs would like to make another move this off season before pitchers and catchers report. He went on to say that he has not heard anything about a deal being close, but said a deal is likely to go down before the end of the month
.UPDATE 2: Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan writes that GM Jim Hendry declined to address the latest rumors that a Roberts deal was imminent.
UPDATE 3: No word yet on whether or not this is true. It seems ESPN 1000 got ahead of themselves a little bit. The Daily Herald believes the Orioles would prefer to trade Bedard before Roberts, so we will see what happens.
We have heard this before( MANY TIMES), but I have to post it! This would make more since to trade for him before the Cubs Convention because Jim loves to make big splashes. I will keep you posted on anything I hear.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Lieber a Cub!
Former Cub and 20 game winner Jon Lieber is back with the Cubs. He signed a 1 year 3.5 million dollar contract. This a low risk move for the Cubs. They add depth to there starting pitching and also may make it easier to trade Gallagher, Marshall, Dempster, or Marquis in a deal. This move makes other moves a lot easier, while I still believe the Cubs need another top tier starter I am OK with this. Now the Cubs can move onto more outfield help and middle infield help. I honestly think the Cubs should target Figgins along with Roberts now that we have our pitcher in place. Either one would really improve the lineup. Lets just hope Jimbo is not done yet!
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