Bradley to Tigers? Yes? No?.... Other Talk...

- There has been a lot of talk surrounding Milton Bradley being traded to the Tigers.

***** It was first reported by Steve Stone of WSCR Chicago that the Tigers have shown interest in Bradley.

*****David Kaplan says he has heard from two very solid baseball sources that the rumor is in fact true. The Chicago Sun-Times is saying the same thing Kaplan is saying.

*****Do not get too excited yet Cub fans. MLB.com's Jason Beck says that Bradley's name has never come up in any talks for the Tigers and Paul Sullivan of the Chicago says there has been no conversation with any team about Bradley.

*****When I asked my sources they said the Cubs are secretly shopping Bradley and that is why the two reports are conflicting. The last thing the Cubs need is a really upset Bradley when they are playing so well. I have also heard from my guys that the Cubs are willing to eat 50-75% of Bradley's contract or take on an equally bad contract if a deal is in fact made. We will see if this gets updated anymore.

- The Cubs are still very much in on George Sherrill and are a "top target" for some Cubs execs.

- The Cubs like how Soto is rehabbing and will not add a catcher at the deadline.

- Toni Ginnetti at the Chicago Sun-Times talked to Cubs GM Jim Hendry, who expects some upgrades will come after the non-waiver deadline. Whoohoo! Lets hope Dunn or Crawford is a candidate, not likely.

- Ted Lilly was placed on the 15-day DL and Justin Berg was recalled from Triple-A Iowa today.

- Derrek Lee is having neck spasms once again. He had it lock up on him sliding into second trying to break up a double play. Lou said either Hoffpauir or Fox would spot start if he cannot go on Sunday.

Cubs Add Starter To the List.

- The Cubs will add a lefty starter to their list of types of players they want to acquire before the deadline. The Cubs are interested in getting both John Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny from the Pirates if Ted Lilly is gone for any time. They have discussed a potential deal that would send both pitchers to the Cubs for 4 minor league ball players. The Cubs also have interest in Freddy Sanchez but do not like OBP so they have not pulled the trigger. Things are getting interesting here.

- The Cubs have a short list of players they are looking for at 2nd base and they include Freddy Sanchez, Mark Teahen, and Chone Figgins.

- The Cubs will make trade for a reliever according to multiple reports.

- There is an "unfound rumor" that Jim Hendry has been in constant contact with the Nationals, Reds, Royals, and Pirates. No word on what the Cubs are eyeing besides previous rumors of Teahen, Phillips, Grabow, and Biemel.

Good and Bad News....

- The Cubs won today but they have lost Ted Lilly for a while. Lilly was pushed back from Saturday's start but is now expected to be put on the 15 day DL with shoulder soreness. Ryan Dempster is expected to be with the team next week so when he officially comes of the DL they will likely put Lilly on the DL. The Cubs just cannot stay healthy.

- The Cards traded for Holliday today and now it is time for Hendry to answer like he did last season when the Cubs added Harden after the Brewers added Sabathia. Hendry go get a big time bat!

More to come Cub Fans!

Carl Crawford Anyone? Cubs Could Tinker.. Trade Bradley...

- Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports says that the Rays could dangle Kazmir and Crawford to get player like Roy Halladay. Though he does stat that the Rays trading Carl is "close to zero." Lou wants an impact bat from the left side and Carl Crawford is not only that type of bat but he adds great defense and speed to the Cubs. I would throw the farm at the Rays for Crawford!



- Dave van Dyck at the Chicago Tribune said that the Cubs are looking to tinker rather than make a big splash at the deadline. "Mr. Negative" stated that the Cubs do not have the pieces or payroll room to add a big time player. He does speculate that the Cubs could add a backup catcher, a veteran outfielder like a Jim Edmonds, and get a reliever like Biemel or Sherrill. He does in fact add that Lou wants "a couple hitters" before the deadline. Either way with the Cards making a deal for Lugo and now in deep talks with the A's about Matt Holliday, the Cubs will need to make a move. The Cubs need a guy like Chone Figgins, Mark Teahen, a versatile guy like that to play 2nd base full time and also move around the diamond. They also need an impact bat like Crawford, Dunn, or even Luke Scott. The Cubs need more production from this lineup.



- The Cubs need to trade Milton Bradley. This guy came over with baggage and a good bat. Now he is just baggage. The only way the Cubs trade Milton Bradley is for a equally worst contract and a team thinking the change of scenery will turn the hit switch on Bradley. Here is a couple trade ideas I have for Bradley that involve acquiring a player with an equally bad contract.



1. Cubs get Vernon Wells and the Jays get Milton Bradley. With Wells making about 98 million over the next 5 years the Jays may have to throw some cash in to get this deal done. It is still a possibility though but not a great one.

2. Cubs get Juan Pierre and Dodgers get Milton Bradley. Would the Dodgers take another chance on Bradley? Would the Cubs take on Juan and his weak arm? I say yes to both. Bradley is needed in a part time role with his health concerns and Juan has been hitting like an everyday player. The Cubs could use a legitimate leadoff man and a guy to play CF. It would be a nice athletic outfield for the Cubs and the Dodgers could use Bradley as their 4th outfielder and insurance in case any of their outfielders go down. Pierre is owed 28.5 million due counting this year and the next two years and Bradley is making 30 million during that span, so money is a push. I like this deal for both teams!

3. Cubs get Johnny Damon or Hideki Matsui, Yankees get Bradley. Each Yankee player is in the last year of their contract and getting paid 13 million this season. So Bradley's 3 year 30 million for about 8 million due for the rest of the season for Matsui or Damon is not too fair. I bet if the Cubs included a young pitcher in the deal they could get it done.

4. Cubs get Gary Matthews Jr. for Milton Bradley. If we were swapping contracts and ability this is a match made in heaven. Bradley is owed 3 year 30 million including this season. Gary is owed 32 million over the same time. Not only do they have similar contracts but similar numbers. Bradley is hitting .242 with 6 homers and 22 RBI in 227 ABs. While Matthews is hitting .231 with 2 homers and 28 RBI in only 186 ABs. I honestly would do this trade to get a good clubhouse guy who is also a switch hitter and a better defender.

If the Cubs want to get Bradley out of Chicago those are the only deals that would benefit everyone involved and help with the salary room for both teams. Out of the 4 trade scenarios I think that trade 2 and 4 make the most sense and have the best chances of happening. I just think the Cubs need to cut their loses with Bradley because he has lost it.

- The Cubs received good news about Dempster and will return to the rotation in the middle of next week at the latest.

Til next time Cub fans!

Reds Series Will Be Scouted? Dempster Ready? Kirk a Cub!

- The Cubs will begin the scout the Reds this Friday when the come to take on the northsiders. According to sources the Cubs are scouting Brandon Phillips. Now the Reds are not actively looking to trade Phillips but may be listening to offers. The Cubs are looking for an everyday guy at 2nd that can swing the bat and Phillips fits the bill. Phillips this season is hitting .271 with 14 homers, 63 RBI, 14 SB, and a .336 OBP. He has about 17 million due to him in 2010 and 2011 with a club option for 12 million so the Reds may look for some salary relief and get younger. If the Cubs did get Phillips they would not only have a really good bat in the lineup but a great defensive 2nd baseman with crazy range. Keep an eye on this one because my feeling is this trade rumor has legs!

- Dempster felt great after he threw a simulated game Weds. He could pitch Sunday but that is pending an X-ray.

- Owasso pitcher Austin Kirk signed with the Cubs. You better watch this guy he has All-Star written all over him!

GO CUBS!

Cubs Have Payroll To Add.

- Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times chimes in today saying the Cubs have the payroll flexibility to add a "mid-level" player. Gordon suggest players such as George Sherrill and Chad Qualls. The Cubs could also look at a catcher to help Koyie Hill but Lou likes how Hill is doing behind the plate and have a good backup in Jake Fox.

The players I have heard that the Cubs are interested in is an upgrade at 2nd base and have been linked to Mark Teahen, Dan Uggla, and now Freddy Sanchez according to ML sources.

Either way look for the Cubs to make a move before July 31st.

- Bradley's 2011 option is vested with last nights plate appearance. Bummer!

- Carrie Muskat talked to Lou and he says he still wants a left-handed power bat. That must dig at Milton Bradley! The Cubs should make a move for Brad Hawpe, Adam Dunn, or a player with the caliber.

- According to ChicagoCubsOnline.com the Cubs are also interested in Joe Beimel and John Grabow. Either one would be a good addition to this pen but I still think the Cubs need a power lefty bat before they add pen help.

Stay Tuned.....

Wow What A Week! Updates!

Sorry for such a long delay right in the thick of things baseball wise. We finally closed on our house and have been moving/unpacking for the past week. I want to thank everyone for their comments and concerns (no Nick I, I do not need bail money lol).

Lets get to it!

- The Cubs inked BJ Ryan to a minor league deal. This is a great move for the Cubs because it allows them to be more balanced in the pen if he does in fact get his stuff back. Not to mention it is a very low risk, high reward move!

- The baseball General himself, Peter Gammons thinks like other teams "the Cubs will do something," he believes.

- The Cubs will not be in the Roy Halladay sweepstakes because they like their pitching depth and do not want to take on the money or give up the prospects for him. That could change if a one of their top of the rotation guy goes down.

- The Marlins may find themselves as sellers in the the next week depending on what the do. The Cubs are to be said looking for a big time bat that plays middle infield so no wonder why names like Hanley Ramirez, Dan Uggla, and Jorge Cantu appeal to the Cubs.

- Another player that has surfaced on the Cubs radar is Julio Lugo. The Cubs, Cardinals and Mets have shown some interest according to Steve Buckley of the Boston Herald. The Sox would have to pay the majority of this salary to get a deal done for the Cubs.

- The Cubs also really like George Sherrill but so does about 8 other teams.

- The Cubs signed SS DJ LeMahieu.

That is it for now Cub Fans!

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!!!!!