All was quite until Peavy to the White Sox came up. More Peavy talk today-
- Peavy is not going to close the door on the Sox saying right now the White Sox do not appeal to him. The White Sox will leave the deal on the table in case Peavy changes his mind.
- Peavy prefers to stay in the NL and if traded he would prefer the midwest. Brewers and Cubs will fight for him with the Cards not having the assets to land him.
- Buster Olney reports the Cubs still have interest in Peavy.
- Paul Sullivan says the Cubs could pursue Peavy once the ownership transition progresses before the last part of July.
- An interesting note is that Peavy praises the Cubs fans and the organization (You know he wants to be a Cub!)
More Cubs Chatter-
- The Cubs and Lou are getting really frustrated at the lack of offense and could make a move for more speed or power. The Cubs are currently eyeing Mark DeRosa, Chone Figgins, Cristian Guzman, and Felipe Lopez according to some scouts. The Cubs are growing tired of Mike Fontenot and Aaron Miles everyday so they are currently looking for guys who can play all around the infield and all four guys listed can with 3 of them being switch hitters. I would not be surprised for the Cubs to make a move on a middle infielder in the next 3 weeks if they do not start getting production from 2nd base.
That is it, for now!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Cubs Will Restart Talks for Peavy.... Lee's Comments
A lot of Peavy news has been circling around baseball. First Jake was going to be traded to the southside but he exercised his no trade clause. It was a wise idea for Jake considering if he waits a bit longer he can determine what team is in contention, if the location would then appeal to him, and if they are built to win in the years to come as well.
Some clubs that have come out and rumored to be interested since this and they are the Red Sox, Angels, and Brewers. The Red Sox already said they have enough pitching depth and may concentrate on offense at the deadline. The Angels are also considering offense and maybe a first baseman and the Brewers, well, are the Cubs biggest concern right now. The Brewers have money to spend right now and at the deadline so I see them as their only competition.
When Jim Hendry was asked about restarting talks about Peavy there was no comment. But it is said that once the Ricketts family finalizes the purchase of the Cubs they will pursue Peavy to add strength to their rotation. Some player that now could be involved are Bobby Scales, Jake Fox, Jeff Stevens, and numerous other young pitchers.
A good thing is that Ryan Theriot and Reed Johnson like the idea!
One thing is for sure, the Cubs will be players for Peavy again!
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Something stuck me the other day hearing Derrek Lee's comments on Cubs pre-game. He stated that the Cubs have been "playing good baseball" and that he is "not worried." I am sorry but Derrek you are wrong! I am really getting sick of this attitude that everything is just fine and the Cubs ignore the giant elephant in the room. The Cubs are not "playing good baseball." They are making baserunning and fielding mistakes, lack of hustle, and motivation. A lot of that comes from our Captain Derrek Lee who is hitting a poor .239 with 4 homers, and a .305 OBP. It is not early anymore and a corner man hitting like that would not even be on the 25 man roster let alone starting.
It is time Derrek starts hitting and shut his mouth because he does not have any idea what "playing good baseball" is right now. Considering he is "not worried" scares me because the Cubs are currently in 3rd place and 4 games out of first.
This whole situation bothers me and if Derrek does not pick it up then the Cubs need to start Hoffpauir at first because he is "playing good baseball!"
Some clubs that have come out and rumored to be interested since this and they are the Red Sox, Angels, and Brewers. The Red Sox already said they have enough pitching depth and may concentrate on offense at the deadline. The Angels are also considering offense and maybe a first baseman and the Brewers, well, are the Cubs biggest concern right now. The Brewers have money to spend right now and at the deadline so I see them as their only competition.
When Jim Hendry was asked about restarting talks about Peavy there was no comment. But it is said that once the Ricketts family finalizes the purchase of the Cubs they will pursue Peavy to add strength to their rotation. Some player that now could be involved are Bobby Scales, Jake Fox, Jeff Stevens, and numerous other young pitchers.
A good thing is that Ryan Theriot and Reed Johnson like the idea!
One thing is for sure, the Cubs will be players for Peavy again!
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Something stuck me the other day hearing Derrek Lee's comments on Cubs pre-game. He stated that the Cubs have been "playing good baseball" and that he is "not worried." I am sorry but Derrek you are wrong! I am really getting sick of this attitude that everything is just fine and the Cubs ignore the giant elephant in the room. The Cubs are not "playing good baseball." They are making baserunning and fielding mistakes, lack of hustle, and motivation. A lot of that comes from our Captain Derrek Lee who is hitting a poor .239 with 4 homers, and a .305 OBP. It is not early anymore and a corner man hitting like that would not even be on the 25 man roster let alone starting.
It is time Derrek starts hitting and shut his mouth because he does not have any idea what "playing good baseball" is right now. Considering he is "not worried" scares me because the Cubs are currently in 3rd place and 4 games out of first.
This whole situation bothers me and if Derrek does not pick it up then the Cubs need to start Hoffpauir at first because he is "playing good baseball!"
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Cubs Updates.. I have been busy...
I first want to apologise to all my readers but I have been really occupied with work, family, and finding a house. So hang with me through this rough stretch in Hot Stove Cubbies history. Here is what we have for today-
- The Cubs sale could be done by July according to reports that began surfacing Monday morning. It stated that Tom Ricketts "has lined up three banks to complete the $450 million financing his group needs to finalize his purchase of the franchise."
This is a big step in the right direction and also towards the Cubs getting some of their mid season goals like adding more depth in the pen and upgrading some spots at the deadline. Tom Ricketts has contacted Bill Murray about investing in the Cubs as well as Jim Belushi and John Cusack about investing $25 million each. The meeting took some weeks ago and no one else is talking about this.
It should also be noted that Ricketts and the Cubs want to develop the Cubs Network for all Cubs games. So basically what the Yankees and Red Sox have. Didn't we have this before??? Oh yeah, WGN before Comcast came around!
- Bobby Scales is lighting it up! He is hitting at a .303 AVG., a homer, 5 RBI, a .407 OBP, all while playing really good defense. What a great story!
- Someone else making noise is power slugger Jake Fox. He is now hitting .429, .513 OBP, .968 SLG.. He has 17 homers, 55 RBI, and 13 doubles in 126 ABs. When are they going to call this guy up??? Fox's D is not very good but he can play behind the plate, 3rd, 1st, and in the corner spots in the outfield. Right now I would take him over Miles and Lee!
That is it for now!
- The Cubs sale could be done by July according to reports that began surfacing Monday morning. It stated that Tom Ricketts "has lined up three banks to complete the $450 million financing his group needs to finalize his purchase of the franchise."
This is a big step in the right direction and also towards the Cubs getting some of their mid season goals like adding more depth in the pen and upgrading some spots at the deadline. Tom Ricketts has contacted Bill Murray about investing in the Cubs as well as Jim Belushi and John Cusack about investing $25 million each. The meeting took some weeks ago and no one else is talking about this.
It should also be noted that Ricketts and the Cubs want to develop the Cubs Network for all Cubs games. So basically what the Yankees and Red Sox have. Didn't we have this before??? Oh yeah, WGN before Comcast came around!
- Bobby Scales is lighting it up! He is hitting at a .303 AVG., a homer, 5 RBI, a .407 OBP, all while playing really good defense. What a great story!
- Someone else making noise is power slugger Jake Fox. He is now hitting .429, .513 OBP, .968 SLG.. He has 17 homers, 55 RBI, and 13 doubles in 126 ABs. When are they going to call this guy up??? Fox's D is not very good but he can play behind the plate, 3rd, 1st, and in the corner spots in the outfield. Right now I would take him over Miles and Lee!
That is it for now!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Cubs Could be Looking Around...
The Chicago Cubs have been plagued by injuries so far this season which is unfortunate but not unexpected. The Cubs may in fact have to start to look at outside their own farm for some everyday help. The Cubs are said be be in need for both pitching and power hitting help. The Cubs do like their rotation but there is always upgrading to do, they like there lineup but with Aramis out for 6-8 weeks they will need either someone to step up or make a move. The Cubs did receive Ryan Freel for Joey Gathright late last week and should soften the blow of losing Aramis some but that will only last so long. The other concern/non-concern is Derrek Lee. He has been bothered with a bulging disk in his neck and has been sidelined for the better part of a week. The good news the Cubs have Hoffpauir and expected to get back on Tuesday or Wednesday.
The number 1 thing the Cubs need to do is revamp their bullpen and started doing that by calling up Jose Ascaino for the injured Chad Fox. They still have a lot of cutting to do though, guys like Neal Cotts, Angel Guzman, Patton, and Heilman that have all been very inconsistent. Out of the pen they should just keep Guzman, Heilman, Marmol, and Gregg in there. I think Cotts and Patton need to be traded or put though waivers. The Cubs have too much depth in AAA to put up with pitchers giving up the homerun ball and not throwing strikes. They should let players like Jason Waddell, Jose Ascaino (who is with the Cubs), Jeff Stevens, Greg Reinhard, Esmailin Caridad, and Mitch Atkins get a shot at winning a spot in the pen.
As far as the Cubs offensive situation they could either call up Jake Fox to add some pop or go outside the organization for a player that can either add tons of speed or power. If Aramis looks like he will be out past the 6 weeks the Cubs will need to make a move for a power bat or added speed to this lineup. Here are some players that could be available and that should interest the Cubs.
- Garrett Atkins- This guy has been on the block the past 2 seasons and still remains there. He could provide the Cubs will pop but will his power translate to Wrigley is the question.
- Adrian Beltre- In the last year of this contract he could be had for not too much. The Cubs could look past his not so good glove and hope the change of scenery helps his bat.
- Hank Blalock- Would look pretty good in Cubbie blue and has been shopped around some the past couple seasons, not to mention he is also in the last year of his contract. With Texas doing as good as they are look for them to be buyers not sellers.
- Mark DeRosa- His name already coming up in trade rumor and we are not even in June. The Cubs could bring him back because right now they really miss him!
- Chone Figgins- Love the player and his speed. He would provide the Cubs with depth and versatility even when Aram gets back. He is also in the last year of his contract.
- Brandon Inge- My number one guy they should pick up. Just think in March of 2008 the Cubs could have gotten Bradon Inge for Weurtz! He would provide the pop and defense for the injured Aramis. Even when Aramis comes back Inge could take the place of Soto if he continues to struggle or be a spot starter for a guy in the outfield. Either way the Cubs should jump at the thought of getting him!
- Mark Teahen- Maybe wishful thinking considering the Royals are doing so well and how good Teahen has been but you never know. He is 2nd on my list of guys that the Cubs should try to acquire.
The Cubs just need to make a move and one soon before the Cards or Brewers create distance with the rest of the division.
The number 1 thing the Cubs need to do is revamp their bullpen and started doing that by calling up Jose Ascaino for the injured Chad Fox. They still have a lot of cutting to do though, guys like Neal Cotts, Angel Guzman, Patton, and Heilman that have all been very inconsistent. Out of the pen they should just keep Guzman, Heilman, Marmol, and Gregg in there. I think Cotts and Patton need to be traded or put though waivers. The Cubs have too much depth in AAA to put up with pitchers giving up the homerun ball and not throwing strikes. They should let players like Jason Waddell, Jose Ascaino (who is with the Cubs), Jeff Stevens, Greg Reinhard, Esmailin Caridad, and Mitch Atkins get a shot at winning a spot in the pen.
As far as the Cubs offensive situation they could either call up Jake Fox to add some pop or go outside the organization for a player that can either add tons of speed or power. If Aramis looks like he will be out past the 6 weeks the Cubs will need to make a move for a power bat or added speed to this lineup. Here are some players that could be available and that should interest the Cubs.
- Garrett Atkins- This guy has been on the block the past 2 seasons and still remains there. He could provide the Cubs will pop but will his power translate to Wrigley is the question.
- Adrian Beltre- In the last year of this contract he could be had for not too much. The Cubs could look past his not so good glove and hope the change of scenery helps his bat.
- Hank Blalock- Would look pretty good in Cubbie blue and has been shopped around some the past couple seasons, not to mention he is also in the last year of his contract. With Texas doing as good as they are look for them to be buyers not sellers.
- Mark DeRosa- His name already coming up in trade rumor and we are not even in June. The Cubs could bring him back because right now they really miss him!
- Chone Figgins- Love the player and his speed. He would provide the Cubs with depth and versatility even when Aram gets back. He is also in the last year of his contract.
- Brandon Inge- My number one guy they should pick up. Just think in March of 2008 the Cubs could have gotten Bradon Inge for Weurtz! He would provide the pop and defense for the injured Aramis. Even when Aramis comes back Inge could take the place of Soto if he continues to struggle or be a spot starter for a guy in the outfield. Either way the Cubs should jump at the thought of getting him!
- Mark Teahen- Maybe wishful thinking considering the Royals are doing so well and how good Teahen has been but you never know. He is 2nd on my list of guys that the Cubs should try to acquire.
The Cubs just need to make a move and one soon before the Cards or Brewers create distance with the rest of the division.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Wounded Cubs and Other Notes.
- A lot can happen in just a couple of days. Lee has missed another game and will not start tomorrow because of his neck. He will get some test done after that they will decide whether to DL him or not.
- Aramis was placed on the DL today with a dislocated left shoulder. The MRI he had today showed no major damage other than the dislocation. The Cubs should know after a month how when he will be back. They expect him to be out 6-8 weeks at least.
- The Cubs traded Joey Gathright to the O's for Ryan Freel. Freel will start at 3rd for Aramis and should do a decent job but will not produce like Aram of course.
- If injuries continue to mount and the pen continues to fail, Lou may do a complete overhaul of the pen and then try to acquire a guy like Chone Figgins or call up Jake Fox. Either way the Cubs need some consistency.
- Aramis was placed on the DL today with a dislocated left shoulder. The MRI he had today showed no major damage other than the dislocation. The Cubs should know after a month how when he will be back. They expect him to be out 6-8 weeks at least.
- The Cubs traded Joey Gathright to the O's for Ryan Freel. Freel will start at 3rd for Aramis and should do a decent job but will not produce like Aram of course.
- If injuries continue to mount and the pen continues to fail, Lou may do a complete overhaul of the pen and then try to acquire a guy like Chone Figgins or call up Jake Fox. Either way the Cubs need some consistency.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Some Good Cubs Updates....
Here is some news from today-
- Derrek Lee is out of the game tonight and maybe for the next couple of days with a stiff neck. The Cubs do not want to place him on the DL but it may be the right choice right now.
- According to the Tribune the Cubs will call up Randy Wells on Friday to start against the Brewers. It is likely that Scales will be sent back down to Iowa but he may stay with the team. I wonder who would be sent down?
- The Cubs called up Chad Fox and sent down Shark. Fox will provide some veteran leadership in the pen. The Cubs are also considering calling up Jeff Stevens among others if the pen can't throw strikes. I think Stevens and Waddell deserve to be with the Cubs!
- Derrek Lee is out of the game tonight and maybe for the next couple of days with a stiff neck. The Cubs do not want to place him on the DL but it may be the right choice right now.
- According to the Tribune the Cubs will call up Randy Wells on Friday to start against the Brewers. It is likely that Scales will be sent back down to Iowa but he may stay with the team. I wonder who would be sent down?
- The Cubs called up Chad Fox and sent down Shark. Fox will provide some veteran leadership in the pen. The Cubs are also considering calling up Jeff Stevens among others if the pen can't throw strikes. I think Stevens and Waddell deserve to be with the Cubs!
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Sale of Cubs Update-
Thanks to ChicagoCubsOnline.com for this one-
According to a report from the Chicago Tribune, the sale of the Chicago Cubs to the Ricketts Family "will not be completed by the owners' meeting" on May 20-21. The Tribune cited unnamed sources familiar with the negotiations.
"Despite good intentions on both sides, the transaction will not completed by the owners' meeting, said sources familiar with the negotiations. But a second blown deadline is not an indication that the deal is in trouble, sources said. One person who asked not be identified said the sale is "proceeding slowly but proceeding."
Spokesmen for the Ricketts Family and the Tribune Co. declined comment.
While many are rightfully focused on the inconsistent season of Lou Piniella's Cubs, the sale of the team must be completed soon.
"Sources blamed the slow pace of negotiations on several factors. The double whammy of a recession and a financial-sector meltdown has made it difficult for the Ricketts to secure financing. The family raised $400 million for the deal by selling personal stock holdings and planned to borrow the rest."
According to the Tribune, "both sides are reluctant to put a timetable on completing the deal." Baseball owners are not scheduled to meet again until August.
According to a report from the Chicago Tribune, the sale of the Chicago Cubs to the Ricketts Family "will not be completed by the owners' meeting" on May 20-21. The Tribune cited unnamed sources familiar with the negotiations.
"Despite good intentions on both sides, the transaction will not completed by the owners' meeting, said sources familiar with the negotiations. But a second blown deadline is not an indication that the deal is in trouble, sources said. One person who asked not be identified said the sale is "proceeding slowly but proceeding."
Spokesmen for the Ricketts Family and the Tribune Co. declined comment.
While many are rightfully focused on the inconsistent season of Lou Piniella's Cubs, the sale of the team must be completed soon.
"Sources blamed the slow pace of negotiations on several factors. The double whammy of a recession and a financial-sector meltdown has made it difficult for the Ricketts to secure financing. The family raised $400 million for the deal by selling personal stock holdings and planned to borrow the rest."
According to the Tribune, "both sides are reluctant to put a timetable on completing the deal." Baseball owners are not scheduled to meet again until August.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Ryan Theriot, Power Hitter?
The Cubs offense has been sparked not by Milton Bradley, Lee, Soriano, or Aram but Ryan Theriot. We heard last week that Lou told Ryan to start to drive the ball more and boy, did he take it to heart.
Ryan his hitting .323 with 3 homers, 15 RBI, 14 Runs, and 6 steals on the young season. He has recently become the spark plug of the offense and also the power supply. He has hit 3 homers in 4 days which is tied for most in his career and it is still May. In fact Ryan Theriot is hitting better than guys such as David Wright, Milton Bradley, Jose Reyes, David Ortiz, and has more homeruns than the starting infield for the Oakland A's.
It seems to me that Ryan has been bitten by the power bug and it does not look like he will let up anytime soon. All us Cubs fans have seen something similar to this before with Ryne Sandberg hitting just 7 homers in 1982 and 8 in 1983 then coming into his own by hitting 19 in 84 and crushing 40 in 1990. I by no means want to say that Ryan Theriot is the next Ryne Sandberg but I am just comparing there power trends. If Theriot can mirror about a quarter of what Sandberg was we are in for a treat.
One thing is for sure is the Cubs need to really get the bats going especially with our bullpen the way it is. Maybe Ryan can host a hitting clinic for them?
Ryan his hitting .323 with 3 homers, 15 RBI, 14 Runs, and 6 steals on the young season. He has recently become the spark plug of the offense and also the power supply. He has hit 3 homers in 4 days which is tied for most in his career and it is still May. In fact Ryan Theriot is hitting better than guys such as David Wright, Milton Bradley, Jose Reyes, David Ortiz, and has more homeruns than the starting infield for the Oakland A's.
It seems to me that Ryan has been bitten by the power bug and it does not look like he will let up anytime soon. All us Cubs fans have seen something similar to this before with Ryne Sandberg hitting just 7 homers in 1982 and 8 in 1983 then coming into his own by hitting 19 in 84 and crushing 40 in 1990. I by no means want to say that Ryan Theriot is the next Ryne Sandberg but I am just comparing there power trends. If Theriot can mirror about a quarter of what Sandberg was we are in for a treat.
One thing is for sure is the Cubs need to really get the bats going especially with our bullpen the way it is. Maybe Ryan can host a hitting clinic for them?
Monday, May 04, 2009
Z to DL and Scales to the Show.
- The Cubs put Carlos Zambrano on the 15 day DL with a mild grade 2 hamstring strain. It is more of a precautionary thing for the Cubs. The Cubs did call up infielder Bobby Scales and do plan on calling up Randy Wells for a spot start on Friday against the Brewers.
- News and Rumors have been slow and should pick up after May wraps up. So hand in there Cub fans!
- News and Rumors have been slow and should pick up after May wraps up. So hand in there Cub fans!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Aram Could be Heading to the DL
- The Cubs will have Aram work on running again at Wrigley today and if nothing improves then the Cubs will put him on the 15 day DL. The Cubs would then call up Bobby Scales to replace him on the roster. Scales would be a good backup infielder and provide Lou will good defense. Hopefully Aramis is better today and plays tonight!
- New owner Jeff Moorad said the Padres would love to keep Jake Peavy but said "no one is untouchable." I would love to get Adrian Gonzalez and Jake Peavy in a deal. But that is not likely to happen.
Lets hope the Cubs can string together some wins!
- New owner Jeff Moorad said the Padres would love to keep Jake Peavy but said "no one is untouchable." I would love to get Adrian Gonzalez and Jake Peavy in a deal. But that is not likely to happen.
Lets hope the Cubs can string together some wins!
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