- The Cubs have confirmed interest in Pedro Martinez and watched him work out earlier this week. Nick Carfardo said Pedro hit 94 MPH on his fastball during the work out. The reason this is so important is because the Cubs currently have a good rotation but have health and stability issues. Harden is very injury pron, Marshall is needed in the pen, and Randy Wells looks like he may be coming back down to earth. With all that the Cubs need a veteran pitcher to build up there rotation and I think Pedro is the answer.
- Bradley is not making any friends in Chicago. Not only is he slumping, he is not playing sound baseball. If he is not striking out and blaming umpires then he is giving away runs. When is it enough? Bradley is not a Cub and Hendry needs to find someone who wants to to be a Chicago Cub. The Cubs need a player like Adam Dunn (who wanted to be a Cub) or Brad Hawpe (who is a professional player. Right now, Bradley is not that type of player.
- Peavy could be out up to three months with the ankle injury he suffered. Maybe this will put the Peavy to Cubs rumor to rest!
Til next time Cub fans.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Cubs Draft Picks and Cubs Source has Hawpe Top the List!
Here is an update from the Draft-
- Cubs selected 19 year old Brett Jackson as their first round pick. The last player to play in the Majors that was a first round draft pick by the Cubs was Mark Prior. Jackson is on the verge of becoming a true Center fielder. He batted .326 with a .416 OBP and 11 steals in 14 attempts his Junior year. He does not have tons of power but that may come down the line. Wilkens says his speed and above average defense is what impressed him.
- The Cubs also selected another former LSU player named David LeMahieu. He is an above average infielder with great baseball instincts. He has only really played SS in his career so far.
- The Cubs selected a left handed pitcher for their round 3 pick. His name is Austin Kirk. Kirk went 9-1 with an 0.45 ERA on the mound and batted .408 with 50 RBIs his senior season. He is truly a steal in the 3rd round and expect him to move fast through the Cubs system.
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According to one Cubs "source" I recently talked to, the Cubs front office is getting frustrated and annoyed with Milton Bradley's injuries, lack of production at the plate, and his antics toward the media this season. The Cubs have many players they are looking at to add at the deadline whether the team sale is completed or not. One of the players he spoke highly of and is at the top of their list of players they will try to get is Brad Hawpe of the Rockies. Hawpe not only is a natural right fielder, he is a left handed bat that can hit in the middle of the lineup. The Cubs will try all they can to get Hawpe according ot this Cubs source.
Here is a link to Brad Hawpes stats. Got to get him!
- Cubs selected 19 year old Brett Jackson as their first round pick. The last player to play in the Majors that was a first round draft pick by the Cubs was Mark Prior. Jackson is on the verge of becoming a true Center fielder. He batted .326 with a .416 OBP and 11 steals in 14 attempts his Junior year. He does not have tons of power but that may come down the line. Wilkens says his speed and above average defense is what impressed him.
- The Cubs also selected another former LSU player named David LeMahieu. He is an above average infielder with great baseball instincts. He has only really played SS in his career so far.
- The Cubs selected a left handed pitcher for their round 3 pick. His name is Austin Kirk. Kirk went 9-1 with an 0.45 ERA on the mound and batted .408 with 50 RBIs his senior season. He is truly a steal in the 3rd round and expect him to move fast through the Cubs system.
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According to one Cubs "source" I recently talked to, the Cubs front office is getting frustrated and annoyed with Milton Bradley's injuries, lack of production at the plate, and his antics toward the media this season. The Cubs have many players they are looking at to add at the deadline whether the team sale is completed or not. One of the players he spoke highly of and is at the top of their list of players they will try to get is Brad Hawpe of the Rockies. Hawpe not only is a natural right fielder, he is a left handed bat that can hit in the middle of the lineup. The Cubs will try all they can to get Hawpe according ot this Cubs source.
Here is a link to Brad Hawpes stats. Got to get him!
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Peavy Unlikely to be Traded Unless to Cubs..
- According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports the Padres are unlikely to trade Jake Peavy unless the Cubs get permission to take on his contract or a mystery team comes into the picture. It has said that Jake wants to pitch in the NL, for a contender, and a Midwest team.
- Ryan Spilborghs is not on the Cubs radar according to Ken Roshenthal.
- The Cubs are set to get Harden back this week after a decent rehab outing.
- Great read on Milton Bradley on CCO.
That is it for now Cub fans!
- Ryan Spilborghs is not on the Cubs radar according to Ken Roshenthal.
- The Cubs are set to get Harden back this week after a decent rehab outing.
- Great read on Milton Bradley on CCO.
That is it for now Cub fans!
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Z to Retire After Contract? Other Notes...
Here is a good tidbit from MLBTR-
According to MLB.com's Carrie Muskat, Cubs' righthander Carlos Zambrano says he will retire at the end of his current contract. Zambrano is currently in the second year of a five year, $91.5MM million dollar contract that he signed before the 2008 season.
"After this contract, I'm done," said Zambrano, who is signed through 2012 with a vesting option for 2013. "I'm serious. I don't want to play. I want to help this team, I want to do everything possible to win with this team, but after five years or four years, or whatever I have left on my contract, I just don't want to play.
"I want to stay home and see my daughters grow up and hang out with my family more," he said. "Do you know how many Mother's Days I spend with my mother? Do you know how many things I've lost in my life?
"It's good to be here, it's good to play baseball -- don't get me wrong," Zambrano said. "But five years, four years, whatever I have left in my contract, I will retire. That's it."
Zambrano turned 28 just this past week and just won his 100th career game last night. Like the quote says, his contract doesn't expire until after the 2013 season and has a vesting option for 2014 based on health and Cy Young voting, but it seems a bit odd that he would announce his intentions to retire so early. Perhaps he's just frustrated by some of the recent issues he's deal with. What do you guys think?
If Z is healthy in 5 years there is no way he retires!
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- The Cubs are linked to Ryan Spilborghs once again. I am fine with Reed Johnson and Fukudome in CF for now.
- The Cubs will not put Bradley on the DL once again. He will be back in the starting lineup on Tuesday. I am really getting sick of this BS.
- Did you know that the Cubs payroll this season is just over 137 million and next year without any renewing contracts or free agent signings the Cubs will still have a payroll of 119 million.
- The Cubs will check around the deadline on Derrek Lee's trade value according to some Cub officials.
According to MLB.com's Carrie Muskat, Cubs' righthander Carlos Zambrano says he will retire at the end of his current contract. Zambrano is currently in the second year of a five year, $91.5MM million dollar contract that he signed before the 2008 season.
"After this contract, I'm done," said Zambrano, who is signed through 2012 with a vesting option for 2013. "I'm serious. I don't want to play. I want to help this team, I want to do everything possible to win with this team, but after five years or four years, or whatever I have left on my contract, I just don't want to play.
"I want to stay home and see my daughters grow up and hang out with my family more," he said. "Do you know how many Mother's Days I spend with my mother? Do you know how many things I've lost in my life?
"It's good to be here, it's good to play baseball -- don't get me wrong," Zambrano said. "But five years, four years, whatever I have left in my contract, I will retire. That's it."
Zambrano turned 28 just this past week and just won his 100th career game last night. Like the quote says, his contract doesn't expire until after the 2013 season and has a vesting option for 2014 based on health and Cy Young voting, but it seems a bit odd that he would announce his intentions to retire so early. Perhaps he's just frustrated by some of the recent issues he's deal with. What do you guys think?
If Z is healthy in 5 years there is no way he retires!
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- The Cubs are linked to Ryan Spilborghs once again. I am fine with Reed Johnson and Fukudome in CF for now.
- The Cubs will not put Bradley on the DL once again. He will be back in the starting lineup on Tuesday. I am really getting sick of this BS.
- Did you know that the Cubs payroll this season is just over 137 million and next year without any renewing contracts or free agent signings the Cubs will still have a payroll of 119 million.
- The Cubs will check around the deadline on Derrek Lee's trade value according to some Cub officials.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Bradley to DL? Cubs Looking for Power Hitting Outfielder??
With Bradley out with a strained calf muscle on his right leg the Cubs may be finally forced to place Bradley on the 15 day DL. This has been a complete wasted season for Bradley and one Jim will try to make up for by getting a power bat for right field to take his place.
Lou stated yesterday that the Cubs will be forced to put Milton on the DL if he is not ready to go by the weekend. Lou also said that he does not have anyone else the would be a good option to call up at this point. The Cubs did have Brad Snyder but he was placed on the DL a little while ago. He would have been an ideal option considering he is hitting .319 with 12 homers and 35 RBI. The only other decent option is Jason Dubois, and we have already saw him in a Cubs uniform in the past.
The Cubs are going to have to make a move to get a power hitting right fielder. Jim knows it, Lou knows it, everyone does! Here is a list of potential targets for the Cubs RF vacancy-
Adam Dunn- Should have signed him instead of Bradley. He can be dealt by June 15th according to ML rules since he signed a contract this season I believe. Would be the power hitter the Cubs need and my number one on the list!
Brad Hawpe- The last place Rockies may be looking to get rid of their expensive players and start over. Hawpe would cost plenty and is right up there with Dunn in my book. Hawpe is owed 23 million over the next three seasons.
Jeremey Hermida- Everyone likes him in the Cubs front office and almost acquired him this winter. He could be a cheap option for RF.
Josh Willingham- Could be another cheap option for the Cubs. He has a low avg. but high OBP and 9 homers!
Mark Teahen- This is the guy the Cubs need... He can play everywhere and well. He his a good hitter, young, and a lefty. After Dunn and Hawpe, he is the man!
If the Cubs could somehow get Teahen and Dunn or Hawpe that would be amazing but this is not a video game and I do not see that happening.
Either way the Cubs should make a move in the next couple of weeks or else they will find themselves at the bottom of the central division.
Lou stated yesterday that the Cubs will be forced to put Milton on the DL if he is not ready to go by the weekend. Lou also said that he does not have anyone else the would be a good option to call up at this point. The Cubs did have Brad Snyder but he was placed on the DL a little while ago. He would have been an ideal option considering he is hitting .319 with 12 homers and 35 RBI. The only other decent option is Jason Dubois, and we have already saw him in a Cubs uniform in the past.
The Cubs are going to have to make a move to get a power hitting right fielder. Jim knows it, Lou knows it, everyone does! Here is a list of potential targets for the Cubs RF vacancy-
Adam Dunn- Should have signed him instead of Bradley. He can be dealt by June 15th according to ML rules since he signed a contract this season I believe. Would be the power hitter the Cubs need and my number one on the list!
Brad Hawpe- The last place Rockies may be looking to get rid of their expensive players and start over. Hawpe would cost plenty and is right up there with Dunn in my book. Hawpe is owed 23 million over the next three seasons.
Jeremey Hermida- Everyone likes him in the Cubs front office and almost acquired him this winter. He could be a cheap option for RF.
Josh Willingham- Could be another cheap option for the Cubs. He has a low avg. but high OBP and 9 homers!
Mark Teahen- This is the guy the Cubs need... He can play everywhere and well. He his a good hitter, young, and a lefty. After Dunn and Hawpe, he is the man!
If the Cubs could somehow get Teahen and Dunn or Hawpe that would be amazing but this is not a video game and I do not see that happening.
Either way the Cubs should make a move in the next couple of weeks or else they will find themselves at the bottom of the central division.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Cubs Favorite to Land Peavy and others....
- Jon Heyman says the Cubs are still the favorite to land Jake Peavy.
- Execs around baseball are keeping an eye on Jake Fox as a possiable cheap DH option for them.
- In a related rumor the Cubs are looking at other pitchers and some hot off the stove are Erik Bedard and Cliff Lee. The Cubs are in need of a dominate lefty in the rotation if the cannot acquire a right handed ace like Peavy. The Cubs once turned down a trade that had Mark Prior and another player going to the O's for Tejeda and Bedard. Wow! What a mistake that was! This is only the 2nd time I have heard Cliff Lee's name related to the Cubs in 2 years. He would be a great top of the rotation pitcher for the Cubs and would not cost as much as Peavy, prospect or money wise. Both the Mariners and Indians like Jake Fox and some of the Cubs young pitching.
Guys like Sean Marshall, Randy Wells, Kevin Hart, and Angel Guzman could really intrigue both teams that are looking to get younger and less expensive. Jake Fox would benefit from a DH role for either team and provide each team with stability where players like Hafner and Beltre have not been stable.
Keep an eye on this one, I will update you with the latest as the Hot Stove gets hotter!
- Execs around baseball are keeping an eye on Jake Fox as a possiable cheap DH option for them.
- In a related rumor the Cubs are looking at other pitchers and some hot off the stove are Erik Bedard and Cliff Lee. The Cubs are in need of a dominate lefty in the rotation if the cannot acquire a right handed ace like Peavy. The Cubs once turned down a trade that had Mark Prior and another player going to the O's for Tejeda and Bedard. Wow! What a mistake that was! This is only the 2nd time I have heard Cliff Lee's name related to the Cubs in 2 years. He would be a great top of the rotation pitcher for the Cubs and would not cost as much as Peavy, prospect or money wise. Both the Mariners and Indians like Jake Fox and some of the Cubs young pitching.
Guys like Sean Marshall, Randy Wells, Kevin Hart, and Angel Guzman could really intrigue both teams that are looking to get younger and less expensive. Jake Fox would benefit from a DH role for either team and provide each team with stability where players like Hafner and Beltre have not been stable.
Keep an eye on this one, I will update you with the latest as the Hot Stove gets hotter!
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Aram May Need Surgery After Season, more notes...
- Aramis Ramirez may need surgery at the end of the season if his shoulder continues to bother him. He told the paper he rehabs well so he should not need anything done during this season and expects to be in the starting lineup by the 2nd week in July.
- The Cubs are not really worried about Sean Marshall but may chose to throw him in the pen once Rich Harden gets well. The Cubs love how Randy Wells has pitched for them and think he has won a spot in the rotation in Chicago. The move would not likely take effect for a while because Rich Harden is still not throwing a baseball.
- The Cubs are starting to shop for a power bat for the their weak lineup and a top of the rotation pitcher if one become available according to Cub officials. The Cubs are very optimistic about the sale that they are starting the wish list now. There is no word that what players are on that list but why don't you make some guesses?
- Jim Hendry picked the wrong guy. Milton Bradley has been hurt more than he has played this season and just has not preformed while Adam Dunn, Raul Ibanez, and even Bobby Abreu put together another solid season with Dunn and Ibanez tearing the cover off the ball. Milton Bradley could turn it around but right now Hendry plan and simple made the wrong choice.
That is it for now Cub Fans!
- The Cubs are not really worried about Sean Marshall but may chose to throw him in the pen once Rich Harden gets well. The Cubs love how Randy Wells has pitched for them and think he has won a spot in the rotation in Chicago. The move would not likely take effect for a while because Rich Harden is still not throwing a baseball.
- The Cubs are starting to shop for a power bat for the their weak lineup and a top of the rotation pitcher if one become available according to Cub officials. The Cubs are very optimistic about the sale that they are starting the wish list now. There is no word that what players are on that list but why don't you make some guesses?
- Jim Hendry picked the wrong guy. Milton Bradley has been hurt more than he has played this season and just has not preformed while Adam Dunn, Raul Ibanez, and even Bobby Abreu put together another solid season with Dunn and Ibanez tearing the cover off the ball. Milton Bradley could turn it around but right now Hendry plan and simple made the wrong choice.
That is it for now Cub Fans!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Roster Update...
The Cubs place Ryan Freel on the 15 day DL with a pulled left hamstring and called up Bobby Scales to take his place on the roster. The Cubs also expect Harden to be out for three weeks or more so the Cubs may need to make a move for a pitcher unless they feel comfortable with Wells in the rotation until Harden get better ( which I am).
Nationals Fire Sale Could Benefit Cubs.
Newsday's Ken Davidoff had this to say today on the trade front-
Nick Johnson, or (Josh) Willingham, or (Austin) Kearns, anyone on our roster, if we can make a good baseball trade and improve ourselves, not only for our present but also for our future -- a player that can impact us -- we have to make those kinds of trades."
He also stats that the Nationals are seeking young, athletic players with high ceilings in trades. So what this means for the Cubs is that with Milton Bradley's chances of getting injured, lack of offense until recently, and Aramis being out, the Cubs use another bat in the lineup. This also could effect positions if they acquire an outfielder. Lou talked earlier this week that the unlikely possibility of moving Soriano back to 2nd base (Wow!).
The players listed above do not really help the Cubs anymore than what we really have besides the veteran bat of Nick Johnson. But Ken does say "anyone on our roster" which means guys like Willie Harris, Christian Guzman, and even Adam Dunn could be available and all could interest the Cubs in some way or another.
I am personally in favor of acquiring Adam Dunn just like I was before we landed Milton Bradley this offseason. There are a lot of options for Lou if he gets Dunn and here they are-
1. Trade Lee put Dunn at 1st.
2. Move Soriano to 2b, put Dunn in LF.
3. Put Bradley in CF, put Dunn in RF.
I personally think the Cubs should sacrifice defense for offense for this. What a lineup with Dunn this would be!
1. Soriano LF
2. Theriot SS
3. Bradley CF
4. Dunn RF
5. Lee 1st
6. Soto C
7. Freel 3b
8. Fonty 2b
with Ram back-
1. Soriano LF
2. Theriot SS
3. Dunn RF
4. Aram 3b
5. Bradley CF
6. Lee 1st
7. Soto C
8. Fonty 2b
Wow! What a lineup that would be!
Keep an eye on the Nationals situation, because it could benefit the Cubs!
Nick Johnson, or (Josh) Willingham, or (Austin) Kearns, anyone on our roster, if we can make a good baseball trade and improve ourselves, not only for our present but also for our future -- a player that can impact us -- we have to make those kinds of trades."
He also stats that the Nationals are seeking young, athletic players with high ceilings in trades. So what this means for the Cubs is that with Milton Bradley's chances of getting injured, lack of offense until recently, and Aramis being out, the Cubs use another bat in the lineup. This also could effect positions if they acquire an outfielder. Lou talked earlier this week that the unlikely possibility of moving Soriano back to 2nd base (Wow!).
The players listed above do not really help the Cubs anymore than what we really have besides the veteran bat of Nick Johnson. But Ken does say "anyone on our roster" which means guys like Willie Harris, Christian Guzman, and even Adam Dunn could be available and all could interest the Cubs in some way or another.
I am personally in favor of acquiring Adam Dunn just like I was before we landed Milton Bradley this offseason. There are a lot of options for Lou if he gets Dunn and here they are-
1. Trade Lee put Dunn at 1st.
2. Move Soriano to 2b, put Dunn in LF.
3. Put Bradley in CF, put Dunn in RF.
I personally think the Cubs should sacrifice defense for offense for this. What a lineup with Dunn this would be!
1. Soriano LF
2. Theriot SS
3. Bradley CF
4. Dunn RF
5. Lee 1st
6. Soto C
7. Freel 3b
8. Fonty 2b
with Ram back-
1. Soriano LF
2. Theriot SS
3. Dunn RF
4. Aram 3b
5. Bradley CF
6. Lee 1st
7. Soto C
8. Fonty 2b
Wow! What a lineup that would be!
Keep an eye on the Nationals situation, because it could benefit the Cubs!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Cubs Make Some Much Needed Roster Moves...
The Cubs are finally shaking things up! They have made some good roster moves today. They put the struggling Aaron Miles on the DL with a "sore right shoulder" and called up backup infielder Andres Blanco who has been doing well in Iowa. The Cubs also called up the power hitting Jake Fox and lefty Jason Waddell. With that move they optioned Neal Cotts and Bobby Scales to AAA. Cotts has been struggling in Chicago while Scales has been doing well but the Cubs needed a backup at SS with Miles going on the DL.
These moves could also be a showcase of talent that the Cubs have. The Cubs have been linked to several infielders and showcasing guys like Waddell and Fox could peak other teams interest looking to build for the future.
Any way you look at these moves you have to agree the Cubs front office made some good decisions.
In case you missed it..............................
- Rich Harden was placed on the 15 day DL and has not pitched since being put there.
- Carlos Zambrano was ejected from todays game for bumping the umpire. He will not serve any time because after MLB looks at the replay they will see the ump actually bumped him.
- The Cubs will not rush around to get a Peavy deal done right now. They will wait to see if the asking price decreases and wait until the ownership situation is resolved.
- Cubs officials are drooling at the idea of the Cubs getting Adrian Gonzalez and Jake Peavy in the same deal. A third team would more than likely have to get involved with the Cubs trading some players like Derrek Lee, Jake Fox, Sean Marshall, Micah Hoffpauir, Vitters, etc in a three team deal to get a deal done.
That is it for now, Go Cubs!
These moves could also be a showcase of talent that the Cubs have. The Cubs have been linked to several infielders and showcasing guys like Waddell and Fox could peak other teams interest looking to build for the future.
Any way you look at these moves you have to agree the Cubs front office made some good decisions.
In case you missed it..............................
- Rich Harden was placed on the 15 day DL and has not pitched since being put there.
- Carlos Zambrano was ejected from todays game for bumping the umpire. He will not serve any time because after MLB looks at the replay they will see the ump actually bumped him.
- The Cubs will not rush around to get a Peavy deal done right now. They will wait to see if the asking price decreases and wait until the ownership situation is resolved.
- Cubs officials are drooling at the idea of the Cubs getting Adrian Gonzalez and Jake Peavy in the same deal. A third team would more than likely have to get involved with the Cubs trading some players like Derrek Lee, Jake Fox, Sean Marshall, Micah Hoffpauir, Vitters, etc in a three team deal to get a deal done.
That is it for now, Go Cubs!
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