Randy off the Market, Marquis headed to Coors, and Cubs to get bullpen help?

- Randy Johnson will not be a Cub next season but Andy Pettite could be. The Cubs want to add some kind of veteran lefty to the rotation but first have to trade Marquis and about half his contract. The Cubs have discussed Andy internally according to a source close to the Cubs.

- The Rockies have shifted their focus from Tim Redding to Jason Marquis according to Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News. Some names rumored in a deal for Marquis are Jason Hirsh or Franklin Morales. The Rockies do not want to get in a bidding battle with teams like the Mets and Orioles for Redding. The Mets are using Marquis as a backup plan if they can't sign Redding. An ideal situation is some team besides the Mets and Rockies sign Redding that way the Cubs can play both the Mets and Rockies against each other so they can get the best players and pay not as much for Marquis' contract.

- The Cubs are looking at Japanese pitchers Ken Kadokura and Shingeki Noguchi according to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune. Both were let go by the Yomiuri Giants and maybe signed but more than likely invited to Spring Training. It is also said that the players could be used to make Fukudome feel more comfortable.

- Here is a good read why the Cubs should sign Adam Dunn. We agree on a lot except moving Soriano to RF and putting Dunn in LF.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays To Everyone!

Thanks For Reading and Posting on Hot Stove Cubbies!

Radio Rumors and More....

Here is some Christmas Eve rumors for everyone.

- Ed Randall reported during his show on XM Radio Tuesday night that he heard Milton Bradley was heading to the Angels. We have not heard anything about him becoming an Angel today's so it seems it is just a rumor and nothing more.

- Dan Haynes and David Kaplan discusses Jake Peavy on Monday. He said talks between the Cubs and Padres are not totally dead. This supports Rosenthal's comments Monday somewhat and Towers quotes recently.

- The play by play of the Nationals said the Nats are interested in Adam Dunn but also heard the Cubs had some talks with the power hitting lefty.

- It has been rumored that the market for slugger Alfonso Soriano has taken shape. We heard earlier this winter that the Cubs have made and taken calls about Soriano but there was only some interest. Now that the bats of Ibanez and Teixeira have found new homes more teams are contacting the Cubs about Soriano. Soriano has 106 million over 6 years which looks like a steal to some teams compared to the deal Tex got. Plus the Cubs would pay a portion of this contract which is also a plus. Teams that are rumored already to be interested in Soriano are the Angels, Nationals( yet again), Dodgers, and yes even the Yankees(only if they unload 2 of their outfielders though). Keep an eye on this situation because each of these teams have good pieces that I would love to see in Cubbie blue! I will keep you updated on this situation as it progresses.

- Here is an "Unfound Rumor" for you guys. I am getting some emails regarding the Angels calling the Cubs about the availability of Derrek Lee. Lee has 2 years 26 million left on his contract which is a steal at rate this free agent market is going. I did not hear any names that we would get in return but I would love to get guys like Figgins, Willits, Aybar, Nick Adenhart, or Kenny Morales. I will let you know if I hear anything more on this situation as well.

Happy Holidays To Everyone!

New Outfield Guys on the Radar and Other Notes..

- Since the signing of Mark Teixeira by the Yankees they are going to look to trade one or two of Melky Cabrera, Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, Xavier Nady, or Nick Swisher. The Cubs were interested in trading for Swisher before they signed Fukudome last season, so there might be interest there. Nady does not appeal to the Cubs because he is right handed, nor does Cabrera because he is an unapproved hitter. But Matsui, Damon, and Swisher are all guys that could interest the Cubs.

- Ken Rosenthal says the Cubs are confident about signing Milton Bradley. He also says do not be surprised if the talks for Peavy heat up and get centered around the Angels and Cubs. Here is some quotes from Towers-

"If it heats up, nobody is going to know it," Padres GM Kevin Towers said. "As of right now, we're not talking to anybody. And we don't plan on calling anybody.

"We've got a pretty good idea which teams that Jake would maybe consider. If they call, we'll listen to what they have to say. If it's enticing enough, we'll approach Barry and Jake."

I would still prefer if the Cubs got him but the price would have to come down for sure!

Marquis WIll Be Traded?? Adam Dunn... Hendry talk....

- It seems like the Cubs will trade Jason Marquis before opening day or even before the new year. The O's, Rockies, Mets, and Brewers are all looking for back of the of the rotation inning eaters. Those teams are looking at guys like Redding, Looper, and Marquis. The Brewers seem close to signing Looper, leaving three teams fighting for 2 players. My bet is Marquis to the Mets.

- The Adam Dunn situation is picking up some steam. Reported on Friday, I dropped the idea of Adam Dunn signing a discounted deal to play for the Cubs. It is reported that he is not looking for not a huge deal but a fair one. A source with MLBTR says the Cubs have"expressed pleasantries" with Dunn's agent, nothing more. Bradley is still the Cubs first choice, but would you take Adam Dunn for less money and/or years??? I would!

Bradley is reportedly wanting 3 year contract around 10-12 million a year. He has some injury concerns and whether he can play 140+ games. He is a good bat, switch hitter, and can play CF, so that is a plus.

Adam Dunn made 13 million last year but is unlikely to make that this year due to Ibanez's 3 years 31 million dollar contract labeled as a "ceiling" for an outfielder. Dunn has some defensive liabilities but can rake. It is likely he would take a 2-3 year contract worth about 7-9 million a year.

Which would you prefer-

Dunn- 3 years 26 million- Good Guy- Cubs are first choice-healthy- can play RF/LF/1b- less of a complete hitter.

Bradley- 3 years 32 million- Hot Head- Still talking to other teams- health issues- switch hitter- can play all three outfield spots decently- a complete hitter.

I pick Dunn!

- Hendry was on with Kaplan Friday, so lets check out the points-

****** Hendry would like to add a left-handed or switch hitting bat to the lineup.

****** Hendry said the Cubs would love to add a starter, but the new owner would have to sign off on it.

****** The Cubs do not know who their new owner is yet.

****** Hendry said the Cubs always have the door open if Maddux wants to return as a coach, player, etc.

****** Hendry was asked about Adam Dunn and he said he likes his power numbers and how he is an on-base guy.

****** He said the Cubs have not counted out adding anyone.


I am sure more is to come!

Dunn, Bradley, and others...

- According to David Kaplan and others sources, Adam Dunn wants to play on the northside if the Cubs will have him. Kaplan went further to says "he wants to play here in the worst way." I have also even heard that Dunn would be willing to take below market value to play for the Cubs. I say sign him and let him hit 40+ homers for the Cubs!

- The Cubs have interest in southpaw Fu-Te Ni. He is a free agent but recently played for Taiwan.

- Lou and Jim really want Bradley but have concerns about his health and price of 10 million a year. If Bradley becomes a cancer, the Cubs would not have much space for another over paid player that does not fit. The Cubs also have been said to have "limited" interest in Abreu because of his age, asking price, and he is not a Lou "kind of player."

- The Rockies are trying to decide whether to sign Redding or trade for Marquis. The Mets also have interest in both. It seems whoever gets Redding the other will get Marquis. It would be nice to unload about half his contract on someone.

More Trades To come and Bradley "framework" being talked about?? Really Bored!

- It seems that Jim has been busy after the Winter Meetings in Vegas. He has been contacted by several clubs proposing trades according to Hendry. He of course did not disclose the teams or players but it is interesting! It has been rumored a lot of teams are interested in outfielder Felix Pie with the Pirates, Orioles, and Marlins named potential suitors. I like Nate McLouth from the Pirates, Luke Scott from the O's, and Jeremy Hermida from the Marlins. Get one of those Jim!

- According to the Sun-Times, the Cubs "have had talks about at least the framework of a potential deal" for switch hitter Milton Bradley.

- Could the Cubs trade both Soriano and Lee to the Angels???( No this is not a rumor, just a thought) Here is my thoughts-

****** If the Angels do not land Tex then they could turn to Manny or another big bat for a similar price. Why not Soriano and Lee?? There combined salary for next season would be 29 million and they reportedly offered Tex around 20 million a year. The Cubs would of course have to put some money into a deal( I am guessing 10 million for this season and maybe 30-40 million over the next 5 seasons) but what a salary purge it would be for the Cubs. The Angels would get a good defensive glove at first and two good bats in their lineup.

****** If the Cubs did pay about 40-50 million over the next 6 seasons for 6 years for Soriano and 2 years of Lee they would actually be saving 70-80 million over the next 6 seasons(12 to 14 million a year).

****** Why would the Cubs trade Soriano and Lee besides salary relief?? Well Lee's numbers have not been the same since his wrist woes and Soriano is a streaky hitter and the Cubs need less of those on this team. Plus if you did in fact trade them to the Angels I imagine you could get some nice ML ready players or prospects to stock the minor league system or flip to get a guy like Peavy, Roberts, etc. They have guys like Reggie Willits, Howie Kendrick, Erik Aybar, Brandon Wood, Jared Weaver, Ervin Santana, Nick Adenhart, or Kevin Jepsen could be in a deal for Lee and Soriano. I would not mind any of those names on the Cubs.

****** Now why would the Cubs create two big holes in the lineup as well as in the field by trading them?? Remember the 70-80 million you could save over the next 6 season you would use that to get a more balanced lineup, more power, higher OBP and solid hitters. The Cubs budget as it stands can take on a contract like Bradley( he will get about 10-12 million a year). Here is what I suggest they do. Sign Bradley to a 3 year deal worth 11 million a year, sign Adam Dunn to a 3 year deal worth about 13 million a year, stick DeRosa at 1b in a platoon role with Hoffpauier, and use some of the players you acquired from the Angles along with players like Cedeno and Pie to get Brian Roberts. The Cubs would basically have the same amount in payroll for next season if they were just to keep Lee and Soriano and sign Bradley. But instead they would get a switch hitter with decent defense and hard nosed attitude, a big power bat in Dunn to play LF, and finally a legitimate leadoff man.

Check out the lineup-

Against Lefty

1.Roberts 2b
2.Theriot SS
3. Bradley RF
4. Aram 3b
5. Soto C
6. Dunn LF
7. DeRosa 1b
8. Johnson CF
9. Pitcher

Against Righty

1. Roberts 2b
2. Fontenot SS
3. Bradley RF
4. Aram3b
5. Dunn LF
6. Soto C
7. Hoffpauier 1b
8. Fukudome CF
9. Pitcher

***** It would give Lou so many options for the lineups and positions. DeRosa can play everywhere, Dunn can play RF/LF/1b, Font and Theriot can play MI, Bradley, Johnson, and Fukudome can play all three outfield positions. The only 3 position players in the everyday lineup that can't play any other positions are Soto, Aram, and the pitcher.

Like I said this is just a thought and by no means a rumor but I honestly think this could work if Lee and Soriano waive their no trade clauses, the Angels lose out on Tex, and they are willing to take on salary that they would have gave to Tex anyways.

Guess I am just bored with the lack of rumors. LOL

Cubs in on Lowe??? Trading Marquis?? Cubs Need a Right Fielder!

- Derrek Lowe could land with the Cubs?? According to baseball people that Jon Heyman talked to, Chicago could be a landing spot for Lowe. He said since the Cubs were trying to trade for Peavy and his 63 million dollar contract over 4 years they could sign Lowe to replace him with a similar contract and not have to trade anyone to get him. He also says some baseball guys think the Peavy talks will heat up and I think so too. The Cubs do have competition for Lowe like the Braves, Red Sox, Mets, Phillies, Dodgers, and Angels.

- The Cubs are still trying to trade Marquis but with the market flooded with middle to the back of the rotation pitchers, he will not likely get traded until the market slims down. The Rockies and Mets remain interested.

- If Bradley signs with someone else besides the Cubs, there fall back option is Bobby Abreu. The Cubs do not like his price or age but he is the next best thing according to some Cub officials. If the Cubs do not get Abreu or Bradley expect them to turn all there attention to Adam Dunn. Another rumored option is Garrett Anderson.

Cubs to sign Gathright??? UPDATE

UPDATE @ 11:45 am- The Cubs have signed speedy defensive outfielder to a one year deal worth $800,000. He has a lifetime 74% success rate on steals, which is pretty damn good!

According to Cubs.com and the Score out of Chicago the Cubs have Joey Gathright on there radar and could sign him soon. He was non-tendered by the Royals on Friday. This guys is considered one of the fastest guys in baseball and would compete for a spot on the bench. He would add speed and a left handed bat to this team. If the Cubs sign him it would be hard to argue that it is not a good signing. Low risk, high reward.

Weekend Tidbits and.... OH NO! Peavy Talk????

- Bruce Levine said the Cubs have worked out Bradley and he is the main priority of the Cubs. He also thinks he will be signed right around the new year.

- The Brewers were a player in a potential deal for Peavy in a round about way. Kevin Towers was ready to take on Marquis and then flip him to the Brewers for two pitching prospects. The Brewers like Marquis and the fact the Cubs would pay 4-6 million of his contract would help. I think this is one deal that should be made within the division. How about Marquis for a couple of pitching prospects??

- Are you ready for it??? Bruce Levine said on talking baseball that "most people think it's over, its is not." This referring to the Jake Peavy to Cubs saga. There is a lot of people who do not agree with him but that is what he is hearing. He said the two sides continue to talk and unless the Cubs trade players that would be involved in a deal for Peavy or he is traded somewhere besides the Cubs they will still work towards a deal. He added the Padres must trade Peavy and cannot wait. That is why Towers had a self imposed deadline at the meetings and him saying they will hold onto him is just posturing to see if the Cubs or another team will flinch. He has been told by the owner of the Padres to deal Peavy and his contract because of the divorce settlement. He remains to say that Peavy has only approved trades to teams named the Cubs, Stros, and Braves. It also should be noted that neither Towers or Hendry would tell Levine that a deal is dead.

Stay Tuned!

- The Cubs still like Mark Teahen but not as a everyday player. Levine said the Cubs want to add two left-handed bats this off season and like the Teahen and how he is a lefty version of DeRosa.

- With the tendered contracts and 1 year deals the Cubs payroll is now sitting at 131.875 million the way the roster is right now. The Cubs still need a switch hitting or lefty bat( Bradley), maybe a lefty reliever(??), bench bat( Teahen/Figgins), and catcher(Blanco/Bako/or in house Hill??). With those in mind the Cubs payroll could reach 145-150 million for start of next season.