Cubs Sale Info and Eyeing Relievers...

Thanks to ChicagoCubsOnline.com for this-

According to a report from CSN Chicago, the sale of the Chicago Cubs to the Ricketts Family is completed and the deal should be officially announced on Monday.

According to the report from Dave Kaplan, "the two sides reached an agreement last week and sent the contract to Major League Baseball for approval." The deal is expected to be approved by August with the Ricketts taking over control soon after.

Reports surfaced on Monday morning that the team could file for bankruptcy in order to expedite the sale.

Stay tuned ... This appears to be the final step.

- The Cubs really like BJ Ryan who is expected to clear waivers today. Ryan who is 1-1 with a 6.37 ERA this season. The Cubs reportedly would use him as a lefty specialist but would first have him pitch in the minors to get he velocity and control back.

- The Cubs are very interested in Matt Herges as well. With an ERA of 3.55 and fewer hits than innings pitched no wonder they like him.

That is it for now Cub fans!

Rumors Swirling Around Cubs..

Here is the latest from the Cubs front-

- The Cubs have received calls on their expensive outfield but none including talk of Soriano. The Reds and Rays have reportedly asked about the availability of Milton Bradley, Fukudome, Hoffpauir, Jake Fox, and Reed Johnson according to a Cubs official. If the Cubs move Bradley or Fukudome they would have to eat a large portion of their contract because of the economy and that is not likely for the Cubs according to the Cubs official. This makes Fox, Johnson, and Hoffpauir better options for teams looking for outfield and bat help.

- The Cubs are not looking to join the Halladay race according to sources close to the Cubs. They rather have a consistent big bat in the middle of their lineup.

- The Cubs are good candidates in potential multi-team deals nearing the deadline giving Hendry's experience in that matter, the smaller pieces the Cubs need, and the lack of big name prospects but solid players in the Cubs minor league system. I have already heard whispers of a deal where Scott Rolen would be sent to the Red Sox, the Cubs would get Mark Teahen, The Royals would get some prospects and the Jays would receive several minor league players and relief from the majority of the money left on Rolen's contract which is about 22 million including this year and next season.

I have not had anyone verify this rumor but it is interesting!

- The Cubs are still looking for a backup catcher and may wait until after the break before the get someone to see how Soto progresses during that time.

That is it for now Cub fans!

Some Cubs Chatter.

Here is the latest chatter from the Cubs front-

- The Cubs are not interested in Pedro Martinez anymore but may look to deal Harden for a durable veteran pitcher at the deadline. They are very concerned about Harden's health and are taking calls on him.

- Dempster could miss the minimum time on the DL because he is progressing well. Soto on the other hand could be out a month and Fuld was called up to take his roster spot.

- The Cubs are looking outside the organization for a backup catcher. They tried to claim Chris Coste off of waivers but the Astros snatched him up. Some other catchers the Cubs like and that are available are Greg Zaun, Josh Bard, and Jose Molina. All are very good backups and would be nice to have on this team. I really like Josh Bard!

- Derrek Lee left the game with neck spasms. He is day to day and likely to play one of the double headers tomorrow but not both.

Go Cubs!!!!!

Ricketts To Owns Cubs... Other notes...

- Ameet Sachdev reports on ChicagoBreakingNews.com that Tribune Co. has reached a deal to sell the Cubs and Wrigley Field to the Ricketts family for about $900MM. This includes the Cubs, Wrigley, and 25% control of Comcast SportsNet. ChicagoBusiness.com passes on a Reuters report says the Tribune Company has not agreed on the deal with anyone and that Marc Utay has recently sent a bid for the Cubs. This report does not seem correct but who knows. It does give the Cubs flexibility make a trade at the deadline if the deal is near completion.

- Roy Halladay is being made available. While the Cubs are not in desperate need of starting pitching it would be great to get Doc. Ken Rosenthal says the Cubs could be a landing place of Halladay but because of lack of prospects and since their ownership is not finalized it is not likely. He still names them as suitors though.

- The Sun-Times has this quote from Jim Hendry-

"We have a pretty good team,and if our guys all play like their capable ... you don’t have to do a whole lot."

Seems like posturing to me. Hendry always makes a deal!

- The Royals acquired Ryan Freel and cash from the Cubs for a PTBNL. Nice to get something for him.

- Aram, Johnson, and Guzman were activated yesterday from the DL and Kevin Hart and Sam Fuld was sent to AAA while Patton was put on the 15 day DL with a groin injury.

- Dempster was put on the 15 day DL with a fractured big toe. No word on how he injured the toe. Dempster could be out 4 to 6 weeks and will get X-rays in two weeks and go from there. The Cubs called up Kevin Hart and he will start Weds. against the Braves. Hart is an interesting choice considering Jose Ascanio has better stuff and better numbers in Iowa.

- The Cubs could now look at trading for pitching at the deadline or sign a guy like Pedro or Paul Byrd. The Cubs biggest concern to me is still an impact bat in the lineup. They should upgrade 2nd base by getting a Teahen or Uggla.

- Johnson will leadoff tonight and may find him in the 1 hole against lefties the rest of the season. It looks like Soriano will not be leading off anymore due to his struggles, but the way Lou is that could change by tomorrow.

That is it for now, GOOO CUBS!!!!

Cubs like Scott Downs, Teahen, Others....

- The Cubs are very interested in Scott Downs if the Jays make him available. He is currently on the 15 day DL with a big toe sprain.

- According to Gordon Edes of Yahoo Sports says the Cubs, Red Sox, Giants, Red Sox, and Angels have made calls on Teahen. They will likely see how Baker does before they pull a trade off for Teahen.

- The Cubs also have interest in recently DFA Matt Herges according to Cubs execs.

- Casey Fossum signed a minor league deal with the Cubs. Wooohoo!

- The Cubs were so close to trading for Mark DeRosa that he was actually told he should pack his bags for Chicago but then later that day was told he was traded to the Cardinals.

- Neal Cotts is out for the season and will be getting Tommy John Surgery.

- According to the Daily Herald, Jeff Baker and Andres Blanco "are going to stay" while Mike Fontenot, Jake Fox, Micah Hoffpauir and Sam Fuld are the candidates to be sent down to Triple-A. It appears Kevin Hart and/or Jeff Samardzija will return to Iowa when Angel Guzman is activated from the DL ... the better move might be to place Alfonso Soriano on the DL for the remainder of the first half.- thanks to CCO.com.

I think Baker and Blanco should stay and Fontenot and Hart should be sent to AAA with Soriano going on the 15 day DL to get his knee and head right because he is doing awful!

- The Cubs could deal Harden if he does not improve and sign Pedro but his asking price will still have to come down.

That is it for now... GO CUBS!

Jeff Baker the New Cub and Other Notes....

- Jeff Baker was traded to the Cubs today for a minor league pitcher named Al Alburquerque. To make room for him on roster they DFA Ryan Freel. Freel did not do well for the Cubs, neither did Joey Gathright for that matter. Lets hope Baker is the answer for the Cubs super utility man. Last season Jeff Baker hit .268 with 22 doubles, one triple, 12 home runs and 48 RBIs in 104 games. I think Baker is a good addition for the Cubs. I wanted to trade him for Angel Guzman earlier this year but I glad they waited! That would have been a mistake.

- The Cubs are expected to have Aramis Ramirez in their starting lineup on Monday if everything goes well in his rehab at bats. Angel Guzman and Reed Johnson is also due back on Monday. I expect some interesting moves to be made. I expect Hart, Fuld, and Fox to be sent to AAA unless for some reason a trade happens.

- Arangure Jr. says the Cubs may have signed Wilson Contreras for 850K.

- The Cubs are looking to bolster the bullpen and are looking at Pirates' closer Matt Capps and Padres' righty Cla Meredith.

- David Kaplan had an interesting tidbit on the radio the other day. Some Cubs execs are open the idea to move Theriot to 2b and acquiring an above average or big named shortstop. The only names that come to mind is Hanley Ramirez ( I wish), Stephen Drew, Cristian Guzman, and
Jhonny Peralta (who needs a change of scenery). Other than that I do not see a fit.

That is it for now, more to come!

DeRosa to Cards, Teahen on Cubs List?

With Mark DeRosa traded to the Cards yesterday (which burned me bad) and the Cubs are not getting the production they need from Bradley and as well as 2nd base. They will now turn to utility guy Mark Teahen. Teahen has played all over the diamond for the Royals and could be the next best option to DeRosa. Teahen not only would provide power and good defense but versatility because he can play 1st, 2nd, 3rd, some short, and the corner spots in the outfield. Peter Gammons tweeted about this yesterday saying the Cubs as possible suitors.

It is about time the Cubs start shaking things up and making deals. Get on it Jim!

Cubs Talk- Bradley, DeRosa, and Cubs Sale...

Here is the last update for maybe a week Cub fans. A lot of things going on now but I will have your updates as soon as I have time to get to them. Thanks for your patients!

- Bleed Cubbie Blue says Milton Bradley must go. Not only is Bradley not producing but his off the field antics, words with Lou, and teammates bad mouthing him are really hurting the team. I agree with BCB.

- Gordon Wittenmyer of The Chicago Sun-Times says the Cubs and Indians talked about a trade earlier this month that would bring Mark DeRosa back to the north side. A lot is depending on Aramis, the Cubs sale, and asking price. I am in favor of DeRosa because he is an all around good guy and good baseball player.

- The Cubs sale is moving in a good direction. Cubs.com said this-

The Chicago Tribune quoted sources as saying the Ricketts family and Tribune Co. have made "good progress" recently in negotiations to reach an agreement on the sale of the Cubs, Wrigley Field and a 25 percent stake in Comcast SportsNet Chicago.

"We're closing the gap," a source told the newspaper. "The attitudes are much more positive."

This is really good news Cub fans!

Til' next time Cub Fans!

Cubs Talk- DeRosa, Teahen, and More....

- The Cubs have considered bringing back Mark DeRosa. You can't blame them for trying to get him back. He would provide the versatility and bat the Cubs need on this team. Guys like Freel and Miles just do not cut it. Anyone who does not approve of this move needs their head checked.

- The Cubs are also very interested in Mark Teahen. He would also provide the Cubs with versatility and a good lefty bat. The Royals are to be listening to offers on everyone except their core players which leaves off Teahen strangely. I would love to see a Mike Fontenot, Mitch Atkins, and mid-level prospect for Teahen. That would make sense for both teams.

- Geovany Soto tested positive for marijuana while playing for Team Puerto Rico during the WBC. I do not see this being that big of an issue. It was once and he said it was a big mistake.

- Reed Johnson was placed on the 15 day DL and the Cubs called on Ryan Freel.

That is it for now. I may not be able to update the Hot Stove until maybe Monday or Tuesday because of a crazy weekend ahead. But stay tuned!

Cubs Agree to Terms with Brett Jackson.

Thanks to MLBTR for this one-

According to an MLB.com press release, the Cubs have agreed to terms with first round pick Brett Jackson. The 20-year-old outfielder bats left-handed and received praise from Baseball America on his athleticism. The Cubs selected him with their first pick in the draft, 31st overall.

Jackson should be a good guy for the outfield in the next 3 years or so. Another guy I am awaiting to see if the Cubs signed is Austin Kirk. He is the scouting reports on him-

Consistent lefty that was dominant this year at the high school level with an overpower fastball with late movement. Throws in the low 90s, but upped his stock a bit by being clocked as high as 95 mph in the state semifinals. Sharp breaking ball coupled with a solid changeup give him three quality pitches to keep hitters off balance. Struck out 111 with only 21 walks in 62 innings this spring.- coachesaid.com

Austin Kirk- LHP 6'1", 205 lbs, 19 yrs old, bats left, throws left: This kid played for a high school baseball powerhouse in Oklahoma that has produced several professional players. He posted a record of 9-1 0.45 ERA with 21 walks versus 111 K's in 62 IP. What I like about this is it does not appear the kid was abused, because he was on a good team (unlike Kerry Wood, who was the bread and butter of his team in the playoffs). Has overpowering fastball (at least on high school terms) that was clocked at 95 MPH in state semi-finals, as well as a sharp breaking ball and solid change-up. This might be a difficult sign, as he's already signed a letter of intent with the University of Oklahoma. An important note ... is he's also a good hitter too, hitting .400+ with 5 HR this year when he wasn't pitching. So, he has several things going for him ... a very polished arm, playing for a baseball powerhouse in high school, not having his arm abused, AND apparently he's a really good kid with a solid head on his shoulders. There was a 70 year old that kind of adopted the team as his own, and was a huge fan of Kirk's...It's almost like a Babe Ruth story. The guy was on his deathbed still rooting for the team, and recently passed away, and Kirk had given him his old jersey, a signed ball, and their state championship medal. When he was buried, the guy had on Kirk's jersey, the ball, and medal. It was a very heartwarming story, and I hope we can sign a kid of that type of ability AND character.

Austin Kirk video