The Cubs have several issues and needs this offseason and one of them is to get a guy to play 2nd base and to either turn around Milton Bradley or trade him. There are many problems with these issues, the Cubs will have a hard time trading Milton Bradley and the 21 million left on this contract and the 2nd base market is good but could get very expensive. The Cubs could kill 2 birds with one stone by trading Milton Bradley to the Mets for Luis Castillo.
The Mets are already talking about trading Castillo this offseason and signing Orlando Hudson. The Mets would be taking Bradley's attitude and some money but I would expect the Cubs to pay some of Bradley's contract to get him out of Chicago. The Mets would fill the void of Gary Sheffield in the outfield with Milton and be able to split time between Francouer and Tatis in the corners if they resign Tatis.
The Cubs would get a really good 2nd baseman who hits for average, steals bases, and has a really good OBP that would make Cub fans not miss Bradley at all. The Cubs could then turn to the outfield market which had some really good bargains last season. They could still go sign Chone Figgins or trade for Mark Teahen or Carl Crawford (I WISH!) and have them play right or sign a free agent. The Cubs could go the cheap route and sign guys like Andruw Jones, Scott Podsednik, Marlon Byrd, Eric Hinske, or Randy Winn. They could also get in bidding wars for Jason Bay, Matt Holliday, or Johnny Damon. I think the Cubs should go after free agents Bobby Abreu, Vladimir Guerrero, Hideki Matsui, or Jermaine Dye who will be the in the middle money market and will not break the Cubs bank.
If the Mets would in fact do this trade then the Cubs could get a good guy to leadoff guy (career .293 hitter with a .364 OBP) or 2 hole hitter (.304 hitter a .382 OBP) in Castillo. I would drool over a getting Castillo and Abreu next season or even Dye. The Cubs would not only have better hitters in the lineup but better defenders and a higher team OBP.
My lineup-
1. Castillo 2b
2. Fukudome CF
3. Lee 1st
4. Abreu RF
5. Aram 3b
6. Soriano LF
7. Soto C
8. Theriot SS
9. Pitcher
I love that lineup with speed, power, and OBP. Get it done Hendry!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Friday, September 04, 2009
Cubs Notes....
- The Cubs have acquired former 10th overall pick Thomas Diamond off of waivers from the Rangers. Diamond who had command issues since coming off Tommy John Surgery in 2007 but will look to rebound in a Cubs uniform. He has posted a 31-17 record with a 4.01 ERA in 5 minor leagues season. Diamond will will start in AAA Iowa.
- Heyman talked to 2 GMs and said the Cubs could deal Bradley. One said they would have to eat his entire contract. The other stated the Cubs would only have to take on half of it. I am going back and forth on if we should trade him. It is hard to trade away a guy who has put up good numbers besides this season and how are they going to get something good in return for him while replacing his .394 OBP???
- The Cubs will again try to acquire Teahen and a speedy leadoff guy. I would be happy with Teahen and Figgins!
- Heyman talked to 2 GMs and said the Cubs could deal Bradley. One said they would have to eat his entire contract. The other stated the Cubs would only have to take on half of it. I am going back and forth on if we should trade him. It is hard to trade away a guy who has put up good numbers besides this season and how are they going to get something good in return for him while replacing his .394 OBP???
- The Cubs will again try to acquire Teahen and a speedy leadoff guy. I would be happy with Teahen and Figgins!
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Let The Off Season Rumors Begin....
Not even two days into September and the Cubs already have some off season rumors. Lets check them out.
- A lot of moves were made yesterday just none involving the Cubs but some that could benefit them. The Rays got Sean Rodriguez in the Kazmir trade and it look like they will go with Rodriguez, Bartlett, and Zobrist for 2010. This leaves out the more expensive Iwamura who has a 250K buyout in which the Rays might chose over his 4.25 million dollar option. The Cubs are looking for an everyday, defensive, speedy, high OBP, switch hitting or lefty for 2nd baseman for next season. Akinori fits the bill well. He has did really well this season especially after spending some time on the DL. He is hitting .309 with 1 homer, 18 RBI, and 8 stolen bases in just 162 plate appearances. He has played above average defense as well. He could be a more affordable option than Chone Figgins for the Cubs next season. Watch for his name to be linked to the Cubs all winter long.
- Hendry has not commented on re-signing Harden but may be open to the idea. It is very likely that the Cubs offer Harden arbitration if he in fact stays healthy through out September. That way they could just get Harden for one year if he excepts arbitration or if he signs elsewhere the the Cubs would get two draft picks for him. It is a win-win for the Cubs.
- Looks like the Cubs will offer John Grabow arbitration but do not expect Heilman or Gregg to get offers.
- September call-ups were today and the Cubs called up Micah Hoffpauir, Justin Berg, Andres Blanco, David Patton, Shark, Jeff Stevens, Caridad, and Scales. No Snyder or Gaub which is a shock to me.
- The Cubs have 4 out of 5 spots in the rotation already figured out for next season.
Zambrano
Lilly
Dempster
Wells
????
The Cubs are going to look at adding a nice lefty to the rotation or could go in house with Gruz Zo. Some pitchers they could target are Randy Johnson, Andy Pettitte, Randy Wolf, and even Jarrod Washburn.
Their first pick should be fixing there bullpen!
That is it for now Cub Fans.
- A lot of moves were made yesterday just none involving the Cubs but some that could benefit them. The Rays got Sean Rodriguez in the Kazmir trade and it look like they will go with Rodriguez, Bartlett, and Zobrist for 2010. This leaves out the more expensive Iwamura who has a 250K buyout in which the Rays might chose over his 4.25 million dollar option. The Cubs are looking for an everyday, defensive, speedy, high OBP, switch hitting or lefty for 2nd baseman for next season. Akinori fits the bill well. He has did really well this season especially after spending some time on the DL. He is hitting .309 with 1 homer, 18 RBI, and 8 stolen bases in just 162 plate appearances. He has played above average defense as well. He could be a more affordable option than Chone Figgins for the Cubs next season. Watch for his name to be linked to the Cubs all winter long.
- Hendry has not commented on re-signing Harden but may be open to the idea. It is very likely that the Cubs offer Harden arbitration if he in fact stays healthy through out September. That way they could just get Harden for one year if he excepts arbitration or if he signs elsewhere the the Cubs would get two draft picks for him. It is a win-win for the Cubs.
- Looks like the Cubs will offer John Grabow arbitration but do not expect Heilman or Gregg to get offers.
- September call-ups were today and the Cubs called up Micah Hoffpauir, Justin Berg, Andres Blanco, David Patton, Shark, Jeff Stevens, Caridad, and Scales. No Snyder or Gaub which is a shock to me.
- The Cubs have 4 out of 5 spots in the rotation already figured out for next season.
Zambrano
Lilly
Dempster
Wells
????
The Cubs are going to look at adding a nice lefty to the rotation or could go in house with Gruz Zo. Some pitchers they could target are Randy Johnson, Andy Pettitte, Randy Wolf, and even Jarrod Washburn.
Their first pick should be fixing there bullpen!
That is it for now Cub Fans.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Harden May Get Dealt...
- According to Phil Rogers at the Chicago Tribune the deal that would send Harden to the Twins may go down on Monday. The Cubs are not in a must move Harden situation but the Twins have some good young talent the Cubs could use. The Twins are only 4.5 games out of first and could really use Harden so I say the move has a 60% chance of being completed.
- The StarTribune.com has doubts that a deal could be completed by tomorrow stating the Twins wish to have a window to negotiate a long term deal with Harden. This is not a deal breaker though saying that if they lose Harden and offer him arbitaration they would get two draft picks if he signs with another team.
Time is running out so tomorrow should be interesting!
In other news......
* Soriano had an MRI on his knee and looks fine. He will get a shot and be out for a couple more games.
* Aram will not need off season shoulder surgery.
* The Cubs and Giants are still taking about a deal surrounding Heilman.
* Jeff Bakers X-rays on his hand came back negative.
* The Cubs have put 3 other players on waivers that were claimed then pulled back according to some Cub officials.
* Chone Figgins will be the Cubs top position player target for next season according to sources. They view him as an everyday player that will likely start at 2nd base or shortstop while leading off for them next season.
* The Cubs may release or trade Miles next season along with Bradley. The prefer to get an upgrade at 2nd base and like Jeff Baker in the middle infield backup role.
Til Next Time Cub Fans!
- The StarTribune.com has doubts that a deal could be completed by tomorrow stating the Twins wish to have a window to negotiate a long term deal with Harden. This is not a deal breaker though saying that if they lose Harden and offer him arbitaration they would get two draft picks if he signs with another team.
Time is running out so tomorrow should be interesting!
In other news......
* Soriano had an MRI on his knee and looks fine. He will get a shot and be out for a couple more games.
* Aram will not need off season shoulder surgery.
* The Cubs and Giants are still taking about a deal surrounding Heilman.
* Jeff Bakers X-rays on his hand came back negative.
* The Cubs have put 3 other players on waivers that were claimed then pulled back according to some Cub officials.
* Chone Figgins will be the Cubs top position player target for next season according to sources. They view him as an everyday player that will likely start at 2nd base or shortstop while leading off for them next season.
* The Cubs may release or trade Miles next season along with Bradley. The prefer to get an upgrade at 2nd base and like Jeff Baker in the middle infield backup role.
Til Next Time Cub Fans!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Heilman and Harden Claimed... UPDATE! UPDATE2!
- According to Bruce Levine the Twins claimed Harden and the Giants claimed Heilman. The teams have until noon on Monday to get a deal done. Harden will likely require one or two top prospects and Heilman may get a minor league player in return. More on this as it becomes available.
-UPDATE-9:20pm- Bruce Levine has the latest in double H claim. He stats that "An American League source with knowledge of the process indicated the Twins may be the team that claimed Harden." If this is true the Cubs could make out pretty well considering the Twins farm system. I would do a Denard Span for Harden in a heartbeat but I may be wishing upon a star. There are also reports that the Marlins are the team that claimed Harden, so who knows.
- According to Rosenthal at Foxsports.com the Cubs had Harden and Heilman both claimed off of waivers today. Ken stats that Heilman was claimed by a National League team and Harden was claimed by an unknown team but most likely did not make it past the National League. Ken names off the Giants, Rockies, and Dodgers as potential landing spots. The Cubs have until Monday to work out a deal with the club, let them go as a salary dump, or pull them back. The Cubs could just offer Harden arbitration and lose him to the market next season and still get two high draft picks for him since he is a type A free agent. Since they have really nothing to lose they will likely ask a bundle for Harden. Heilman on the other hand may get pulled back because he is likely not to command as much in return.
My thought is that the Rockies claimed Harden and the Giants claimed Heilman.
- Bradley has made no friends and will likely be traded, released, or DFA this off season. Get this punk out of here.
-UPDATE-9:20pm- Bruce Levine has the latest in double H claim. He stats that "An American League source with knowledge of the process indicated the Twins may be the team that claimed Harden." If this is true the Cubs could make out pretty well considering the Twins farm system. I would do a Denard Span for Harden in a heartbeat but I may be wishing upon a star. There are also reports that the Marlins are the team that claimed Harden, so who knows.
- According to Rosenthal at Foxsports.com the Cubs had Harden and Heilman both claimed off of waivers today. Ken stats that Heilman was claimed by a National League team and Harden was claimed by an unknown team but most likely did not make it past the National League. Ken names off the Giants, Rockies, and Dodgers as potential landing spots. The Cubs have until Monday to work out a deal with the club, let them go as a salary dump, or pull them back. The Cubs could just offer Harden arbitration and lose him to the market next season and still get two high draft picks for him since he is a type A free agent. Since they have really nothing to lose they will likely ask a bundle for Harden. Heilman on the other hand may get pulled back because he is likely not to command as much in return.
My thought is that the Rockies claimed Harden and the Giants claimed Heilman.
- Bradley has made no friends and will likely be traded, released, or DFA this off season. Get this punk out of here.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Offseason Talk..
- Kaplan said the Cubs will not re-sign Kevin Gregg in the off season which is not a surprise.
- Kaplan and Wittenmyer say that Bradley should and can be traded this off season. They said the Cubs will have to pay a portion of his contract but it is a move that has to be done. Especially after these comments he made. He is owed 21 million over the next two years.
- There is also talk that Harden may not be retained which is not a surprise either. He is a very fragile pitcher much like Mark Prior and the Cubs do not need to lock up major money in a player like that. They already have Soriano and Z for that. There is talk that Harden will get a 20-60 million dollar contract next season. I rather go with a serviceable inning eating back of the rotation pitcher or with youth before Harden. I would still offer him arbitration though.
- Kaplan and Wittenmyer say that Bradley should and can be traded this off season. They said the Cubs will have to pay a portion of his contract but it is a move that has to be done. Especially after these comments he made. He is owed 21 million over the next two years.
- There is also talk that Harden may not be retained which is not a surprise either. He is a very fragile pitcher much like Mark Prior and the Cubs do not need to lock up major money in a player like that. They already have Soriano and Z for that. There is talk that Harden will get a 20-60 million dollar contract next season. I rather go with a serviceable inning eating back of the rotation pitcher or with youth before Harden. I would still offer him arbitration though.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Cubs Notes...
With the Ricketts Family completing the deal for the Cubs more rumors and notes have came out about the team, Lou, and Jimbo. Lets take a look-
- Gordon Wittenmyer talked to Aramis Ramirez who said "I hope he stays... He's done his job" in regards to Jim Hendry.
- He also said that Sweet Lou intends to manage the Cubs next season, which is the final year of his contract. Lou says the sale of the Cubs is a good reason to stay. I agree with him.
- Looks like Lou has had enough of Soriano. He is in the dog house and got benched today.
- Sam Fuld is a human highlight reel and should stay on this team this year and the next couple years. What an all out kind of guy!
- Gordon Wittenmyer talked to Aramis Ramirez who said "I hope he stays... He's done his job" in regards to Jim Hendry.
- He also said that Sweet Lou intends to manage the Cubs next season, which is the final year of his contract. Lou says the sale of the Cubs is a good reason to stay. I agree with him.
- Looks like Lou has had enough of Soriano. He is in the dog house and got benched today.
- Sam Fuld is a human highlight reel and should stay on this team this year and the next couple years. What an all out kind of guy!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Tribune Sells Cubs and Wrigley..
The Tribune Company finally sold the Cubs to Ricketts family. This process started two and a half years ago and was slowed by many things including the Tribune claiming bankruptcy. The Rickets family bought the Cubs, Wrigley Field, and 25% of Comcast Sports Net for nearly 845 million dollars. Major League Baseball needs to approve the transaction but that will not be an issue.
Thank goodness this is almost over!
Thank goodness this is almost over!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Hendry and Lou News... Other stuff...
- Cubs GM Jim Hendry takes responsibility for the team's disappointing season.
- Jon Heyman of SI.com says there is not way Lou is fired after picking his 4 million dollar option for next season. I tend to agree with him.
- Scott Miller of CBS Sports says that Lou may not decide to manage next season but if he quits then he will not manage anywhere else.
- ESPN.com's Jayson Stark talked to a scout that said Billy Wagner could help any team. He was placed on waivers on the 19th. The Cubs should claim Wagner and just pay his salary. Lets be honest, the Cubs need pen help and if the want to make a run they need to make a move now.
- A quote from Jim Hendry- "There has to be a sense of urgency" talking about the Chicago Cubs.
- Jon Heyman of SI.com says there is not way Lou is fired after picking his 4 million dollar option for next season. I tend to agree with him.
- Scott Miller of CBS Sports says that Lou may not decide to manage next season but if he quits then he will not manage anywhere else.
- ESPN.com's Jayson Stark talked to a scout that said Billy Wagner could help any team. He was placed on waivers on the 19th. The Cubs should claim Wagner and just pay his salary. Lets be honest, the Cubs need pen help and if the want to make a run they need to make a move now.
- A quote from Jim Hendry- "There has to be a sense of urgency" talking about the Chicago Cubs.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Gregg Closer No More....
- It is about time and maybe too late. Pinella just announce that Kevin Gregg is no longer the closer and that the job now belongs to Carlos Marmol (who has been just as inconsistent). Lou also said that the pen roles will be altered some. I think the Cubs need to revamp this pen some this year and sign 2 or 3 relievers next season. I think the Cubs need to call up John Gaub. He is the closer the Cubs need right now.
- It maybe getting two late for the Cubs. They are 6 games out and looking up at a Cardinals team that is not only pitching well but hitting very well. A lot of the Cubs' woes can be blamed on injuries but the rest has to fall on the coaching staff and Jim Hendry for compiling this team of individuals and not teammates. If the Cubs lose anymore I think it is time to clean house, starting with Rothchild and Lou.
Lets Hope for a Turn Around Cub Fans!
- It maybe getting two late for the Cubs. They are 6 games out and looking up at a Cardinals team that is not only pitching well but hitting very well. A lot of the Cubs' woes can be blamed on injuries but the rest has to fall on the coaching staff and Jim Hendry for compiling this team of individuals and not teammates. If the Cubs lose anymore I think it is time to clean house, starting with Rothchild and Lou.
Lets Hope for a Turn Around Cub Fans!
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