Levine Latest, Bradley's Contract Details, and Backup Catcher...

- The Cubs could restart talks for Peavy soon but the new ownership groups for both will have to agree on it according to Bruce Levine.

- Bruce Levine also said that the Cubs are eyeing Aaron Heilman and that Ronny Cedeno could be a fit for Seattle. Heilman for Cedeno would work for me. Heilman could be a starting candidate if acquired, spend time in the pen, or flipped for another player. Hendry is to said that he likes Heilman and has tried to trade for him earlier this year.

- Here is some interesting contract details from Cots baseball contracts on Milton Bradley. Milton will only make 5 million in 09, 9 million in 10, and 12 million in 2011. The kicker is that 2011 may become a club option with a 2 million dollar buyout based on Bradleys' health. I really like the deal now!

- There has been whispers that the Cubs may sign Blanco as their backup catcher again, once the ownership situation is resolved. The Cubs love Hank White and have even talked about him becoming a coach for the Cubs organization of some sort after he retires from baseball. I really hope Hank signs with the Cubs.

Cubs Ink Bradley... More on Jake Peavy and the Cubs.

- As expected the Cubs signed Milton Bradley to a 3 year deal worth 30 million dollars.

-Lets run down the latest Peavy talk-

***** Fred Mitchell had this tibit from Barry Axelrod; "Hendry seems to be open to anything. There are some GMs you deal with who are all paralyzed by their caution and analysis. Jim is willing to get out there and make things happen. So I wouldn't put anything past him of any kind." He also said that he understood there was " a framework in place" for Peavy to be traded during the Winter Meetings and that framework could still be in place.

***** Kevin Towers spoke to the San Diego Union Tribune on Wednesday and said the proposal from the Cubs "would fill several holes" for the Padres.

***** This is a must READ! This is why I want Ricketts to win the bid! Very good read! Another reason why Peavy should be a Cub!

- In other notes, it seems Adam Dunn will not be a Washington National like once thought. The Nats GM said that they will not be signing anymore free agents this offseason. Adam Dunn was once thought to be heading to the Nats but now that looks unlikely. Dunn's top pick is still the Cubs but the Cubs only are interested in him if the trade Lee or Soriano. Giants are also interested.

- Jim Hendry has this interesting quote on patience-

"insisting his product shouldn't be judged until Spring Training opens next month or by Opening Day."

Sounds like he will make a key trade or signing to make us say WHOA!

- The Sun-Times say Chone Figgins is suddenly available via trade. A little too late for the Cubs unless they plan to use him at SS because they already have Miles and Fonty at 2b.

That is it for now, more to come!

HERE WE GO! Peavy Talks Back On.

Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times says "those close to Jim Hendry expect him to restart the Jake Peavy talks." This is because the Cubs have unloaded salary with Jason Marquis( and DeRosa) and Jim even said yesterday he wanted to add another pitcher before the start of the season.

Hendry would still have to get an OK from the new ownership before absorbing Jake Peavy's contract because his contract would have an effect on the 2010 payroll. The only players that signed this year that have effected the 2010 payroll are Aaron Miles, Ryan Dempster, and soon to be Milton Bradley, but that amount was already approved by the front office before the winter meeting began.

Wittenmyer thinks the new ownership could be in place in just enough time for the Cubs to make a deal for Peavy. He also notes Braden Looper and Tim Redding would be a better fit financially than Lowe( assuming they do not get Peavy). Dave van Dyck of the Chicago Tribune wonders if Pettitte would be a fit( you know I do because he would likely just take a one year deal). The pitchers I have targeted are here.

I still think the Peavy deal will eventually get done. The Padres need to unload his contract and Peavy has made it know he want to be a Cub. Another reason is the Padres have already damaged the relationship with Jake Peavy and his agent. Jake thought for sure he would be a Cub and even signed autographs that said "GO CUBS GO'' in Vegas. So just having Peavy in a Padres uniform just won't do. Not only that, if Jake Peavy for some reason gets hurt during the season or spring training the Padres would be stuck with a massive contract and no one to unload it on because he is injured( you cannot trade an injured player). That is something the Padres can't risk, so they won't. I would not doubt Jake is in a Cubs uniform but Spring Training or the latest during ST.

There is just too much that has already taken place for him not to end up in Chicago!

Marquis for Vizcaino Done and Cubs Looking to Deal Soriano??

Here are some more rumors today-

- The Cubs completed the deal that sent Vizcaino to the Cubs for Jason Marquis. The Cubs could flip Vizcaino in another trade or hold onto him to fill Howry's role last year in the pen. The Cubs will pay 1 million for Marquis' 9.875 million and all of Vizcaino's 4 million dollar contract. So they end up saving 4.875 million next season by dealing Marquis.

- According to the MLB Network, the Cubs are quietly shopping Alfonso Soriano and the 6 year 106 million left on his contract. With Tex getting 8 years 180 million and Manny looking for 4 years 100 million it is no wonder why Sorianos' 6 year 106 million may look appealing. He is a decent LF with a lot of pop, and speed. He could also benefit by going to the AL by doing to DHing. There are several teams looking for a dynamic hitter including the O's, Dodgers, Mets, Braves, Nationals, and others. I am assuming the Cubs could get a good return for him as well as a team taking on a lot of his contract.

The one thing that makes me wonder is if Soriano is moved will another LF be in the mix during the trade or would they sign a guy like Abreu or Dunn to play LF to give them more balance in the lineup? Or could Soriano be apart of a multi team trade that could net the Cubs, Roberts, Peavy, or a player like that? Or would he even waive his no trade clause?

I have mentioned earlier this offseason that Soriano could be move and different scenarios. Lets see if this rumor has legs.

And Here Comes The Rumors...

Got a variety of rumors for everyone today-

- The Cubs are very close to completing the deal that would send Vizcaino to the Cubs for Jason Marquis according to Carrie Muskat. Dave van Dyck says the Cubs are "actively seeking more live arms, whether it be Jake Peavy or another starter to replace innings of Marquis." Either the Cubs do not have faith in Sean Marshall starting or they just value him more as a long relief lefty out of the pen.

- Ameet Sachdev of the Chicago Tribune says the Cubs' ownership situation could be resolved finally after bids were placed in late November. It still could take a while for them to go over negotiations and other things, but the good thing is the Cubs can now present the new owner with ideas about the team and see if they can raise the payroll anymore to get a guy like Roberts, Peavy, etc. I am pulling for the Ricketts Family.

- The Cubs did have interest in Derrek Lowe but his asking price is just too high.

- This is a great tidbit from Gordon Edes-

The Cubs and Padres appeared close to a deal for Jake Peavy in Las Vegas, but the Padres backed away, leaving the Cubs convinced that someone over Kevin Towers’ head pulled the plug.

This is totally different from what we heard during the Winter Meetings. I really hope talks start heating up again with new ownership getting close to taking place.

- With the Cubs interested in getting another arm lets take a look at potential trade possibilities and inexpensive free agent signings-

Jake Peavy- Should be the Cubs top priority right now with Bradley all but wrapped up.

Bartolo Colon- A free agent that would not even cost the Cubs a major league contract but could pay off in the end considering he was a 20 game winner when healthy.

Pedro Martinez- A nice veteran presence, decent #5 stater and could cost about half of what Marquis made and put up better numbers.

Mark Mulder - Could be his bounce back season. He was great in Oakland and good in St. Louis when healthy. Could sign a incentive laden deal with Cubs.

Andy Pettitte- The Cubs really like Andy Pettitte but only if his price comes down. He recently rejected a 1 year 10 million dollar deal from the Yankees, so that might not happen. I sure would like him as our 5th starter though!

Mark Prior- I know I will get ripped for mentioning his name but if the Cubs offered him a 1 year 1 million dollar deal with incentives, what is the hurt in that. Especially if he becomes healthy and pitches like he did in 03. And if he does not then all you wasted was 1 million dollars.

Kenny Rogers- A nice veteran lefty that could really help the chemistry in the clubhouse. He is a real competitor and could cost a fraction of the 8 million he make last season. His numbers were down last season but he played on an awful Tigers team.

Ben Sheets- This guys has had health issues which makes teams interest in him a little lower than I expected. He does have interest from the Brewers, Rangers, and Astros but how bout throwing an incentive laden two year deal worth about 8 million a season?? If healthy he is a #1 pitcher but that is a big IF.

Kevin Millwood- He is owed some money and is not as good as he use to be but still has that sinker working. Would cost the Cubs a minor league guy with Texas looking to shed payroll. Might give the Rangers a call.

Erik Bedard- The guys has had some issues in the M's organization but the Cubs showed great interest in him before traded there. Not to mention would fill out the rotation well.

Justin Duchscherer- Big fan of this guy and Oakland has made it known, no one is unavailable in that organization. He would cost some prospects but not near as many as Peavy. Got to love that 2.54 ERA last season. Did I mention he is still under team control and making a 1.2 million this year.

Roy Halladay- I know I am dreaming right??? Maybe not! We have heard the past two off seasons and during the deadline last year that Roy was secretly made available by the Jays. I think for the right package he could be had by the Cubs. He is in the final two years of his contract and owed 30 million. He is likely to hit the free agent market after 2010 and be the highest paid pitcher in MLB. He is a Cy Young candidate every year and a 20 game winner. Two problems woudl be payroll limitations and if the Cubs have the players to get a deal done or would they need to involve another team. Imagine what he could do in the NL Central!

That is it for now!

Cubs Sign Bradley.

The Cubs have signed Milton Bradley to a three year 30 million dollar deal " with some options in the deal." Rosenthal says the two sides have to work through some language in the contract but it should not be an issue.

This is good news( even though I think Dunn is a better fit power wise). 3 years 30 million is a reasonable price considering Burrell got a 2 year deal worth 16 million. Burrell is a big time power hitter with low average, bad defense, and right handed. While Bradley hit for power and average, decent defense, and a switch hitter. Not to mention Milton is 2 year younger than Burrell.

Now is Bradley 2 million more dollars a year better than Burrell??? Absoultly!

Now if they can just trade Soriano, sign Dunn to play LF, and trade for Peavy, I would be extremely happy, but that will not happen.

Bruce Levine Rumor Updates

Bruce has some more updates for todays so lets have a look-

- Milton Bradley is still expected to sign next week with the official announcement to take place at the Cubs Convention. Levine said it will be about 8-9 million a year for about 3 years. While Lee Hamilton said it is 3 year 24 million. Either one is reasonable.

- The Marquis deal is expected to be made official on Monday or Tuesday.

- Levine stuck to his reports last week that the Cubs new ownership will have to be in place for the Cubs to trade for Peavy and add his contract. He thinks the new owner could be in place in the next month. He also says he is hearing Josh Vitters, Jeff Stevens, Welington Castillo and Kevin Hart would go to San Diego in return for Jake Peavy. Also he says there is a 80% chance that this will happen and I agree.

- The Cubs are talking to Rich Aurilla right now and are interested in signing him to back up at 3b and 1st. The only way I support this is if Cedeno is traded because we already have Miles, Cedeno, Theriot, Fonty, and Hoffpauier as infielders, so they only way this works is if one is traded or Hoffpauier starts in AAA.

- Bruce is not sure whether Pie or Cedeno will be on the opening day roster or traded because both are out of options. He thinks trade talk for both will increase in the next 2 weeks.

- Here is a great link for Kaplan and DeRosa's interview.
Listen Now! (mp3)

What a class act!

That is it! For Now.

New Year Rumors.

Happy New Year To Everyone! Lets hope 2009 brings the Cubs a World Series!

- According to the Chicago Tribune, Paul Bako is expected to sign a contract with the Cubs for 500,000 dollars. He will be the 2nd catcher on the team.

- It appears the Cubs recent trades have no bearing on a potential Peavy deal. It was rumored that the deal was impending on a potential Jake Peavy trade. Towers also said a trade for Peavy to Chicago is "Doubtful." Honestly I think this is posturing, remember Towers said that the next time they talk about Peavy it will be under the radar and no one will know until it happens.

- Hendry talked on the radio yesterday so lets recap-

***** Trading Mark DeRosa was one of the most difficult decisions he has had to make as a GM.

***** The Cubs were too right handed and that is why he made the trade. ( more posturing, Jim would not have traded DeRosa and his production if he did not have another thing working)

***** Hendry is going to add a switch hitter or left-handed bat in the next 7-10 days.

***** Hendry want more speed along with a switch hitting or left-handed bat.

***** Hendry has had no talks with the O's all offseason and thinks MacPhail is content with keeping the player.

***** The Cubs will go to Mike Fontenot and Aaron Miles at 2nd when the season starts. I like Fonty starting at 2b, another left-handed bat with decent pop!

***** Hendry likes his pen and it seems like that part is set.

***** The ownership deal has gone on longer than expected and Hendry has a payroll number he can work with until the situation is resolved within the next month.

***** Hendry said if he can make one or two more significant additions he considers this a good offseason. If they are Peavy and Bradley, it is a great off season!

Cubs ink Aaron Miles, DeRosa to the Indians?? UPDATES!

UPDATE-3:30pm- There is some speculation and talk around baseball that the 3 players acquired from the Indians maybe used to get Brian Roberts and not Jake Peavy. This is just talk and speculation but still something I wanted to let you guys in on. I find it curious that the Cubs would sign Miles if they planned on getting Roberts so that seems fishy, unless they include Cedeno, Theriot, or Fontenot in a deal for Roberts. That is the only way it makes somewhat sense to me.

UPDATE- 2:10pm- According to Bruce Miles and Bruce Levine, the Cubs ownership situation will have to resolved before a deal for Peavy is completed. It also should be noted that the Cubs have saved about 9 million dollars by making deals for Miles and Vizcaino, that 9 million will likely go to the first year of Milton Bradley's multi-year contract.

UPDATE!!!!!!! 12:30pm- Levine and Onley are saying it is a done deal for Mark DeRosa to the Tribe for three minor league pitchers; Jeff Stevens, Chris Archer and John Caub.

Here is stats on each-

Jeff Stevens
Chris Archer
John Caub

It is rumored that these 3 pitchers will be sent along with others( maybe Pie, Cedeno, and/or Guzman) to the Padres for Jake Peavy. It is just a rumor right now but so far Levine has been right on with everything he has said that past 24 hours. Will Peavy be a New Year surprise??? Only time will tell!



-According to Bruce Levine and Chicago Sun-Times the Cubs have signed Aaron Miles to a two year deal worth 4.9 million dollars. This will allow the Cubs now to trade Mark DeRosa and give a full time starting job to Mike Fontenot at 2b(which I think he will do great at).

Miles by the way is a switch hitter and did very well in a Cardinal uniform. He hit .317 with a .355 OBP with 4 homers and 31 RBI last season. It will definitely lessen the blow of losing DeRosa while Miles can play every position on the infield, he too has played some outfield.

- Bruce Levine has been working some overtime today saying that a deal is close that would send Mark DeRosa to the Indians for two or three young pitchers. Levine has scooped the Aaron Miles, the Marquis to Rox, Milton Bradley "done deal" signing, and that the Cubs are "back in the mix" for Peavy. He has really poured in the news and rumors over the last 24 hours. So far he has been right on all!

Bruce Levine Update!

UPDATE-10:45pm- According to David Kaplan on Comcast Sportsnet Chicago, the Cubs are on the verge of signing Milton Bradley to a multi-year deal. A deal is expected to be announced next week after the new year.

UPDATE-7:25pm- The Marquis/Vizcaino deal is done and will be announced next 3 to 4 days.

Bruce was just on ESPN 1000 and has some good Cubs updates. Lets have a look-

- He said the Cubs ownership situation should be resolved "sometime in January."

- The Marquis trade will be completed the next 3-4 days and the Cubs will save 5.5 million or so.

- They are planning to use that money to sign Bradley, which he said the deal is done and will happen by next week.

- He also said there is about 2 to 3 teams that are talking to the Cubs about DeRosa and he could be traded within the next 3-5 days. WOW! That is a surprising comment from Levine!

- The prospects gained from trading DeRosa would be added to a deal for Peavy.

- Hendry is moving money around so these deals will happen.

- Vizcaino maybe traded before he puts on a Cubs uniform.


I would hate to lose DeRosa but if it nets us Bradley and Peavy, I am all for it!