- We have heard that Vernon Wells for Milton Bradley was gaining steam but then Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune squashed that rumor by saying it has "no legs at all" and added the Cubs have not even talked about Wells.
It was hard to imagine a Wells for Bradley trade would have worked with all the money involved. I would still like to see them try to match up and maybe add more players to the deal to offset the money. How about Wells for Fukudome, Mile, and Bradley? It would only be a 46 million dollar difference then. The Jays then could throw in 20 million to get the deal done. So basically the Cubs would add 26 million over the next 5 seasons for Wells which would be a steal.
- Bruce Levine said "Milton Bradley for Pat Burrell has been on the table for three weeks." Burrell makes 9 million next season and Bradley makes 23 over the next two seasons. The only way I do this trade is if the Cubs pay only Burrell's salary and 7 million or less for Bradley's salary or they include Iwamura in the deal with no money exchanged.
- Ryan Dempster told the Chicago Tribune that the players would give Bradley another chance. Honestly if they did that is fine but I think this is just posturing to make him more valuable as trade bait. I just see no way he is in Cubbie blue next season.
- Here are some other trades to consider: Bradley for Juan Pierre, Bradley for Carlos Guillen, Bradley for Francisco Cordero or Aaron Harang or Bronson Arroyo. I still like Luis Castillo for Milton Bradley!
- Here is a great Q and A with new Owner Tom Ricketts.
That is it for now Cub Fans!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Levine Drops A Bomb!
WOW Bruce, it is only October and you drop this bomb!
- Bruce Levine said in his chat that that Cubs will not have the payroll to add big salaried players so Jim may have to go the trade route to improve the team and shed salary.
- He likes O-dawg in a one year deal if they cannot get Figgins.
- He said there is no way Bradley stays here but does not see the Cubs just giving him away but may swap bad contracts.
- Tom Ricketts has taken over the Cubs and the welcome home party for him will be in the form of a press conference at Wrigley on Friday.
- He does not see Lackey, Chapman, or any other big named pitcher to be signed for next season. They will only have the payroll right around 140 million next season, very similar to last season.
- Here come the Bomb! Levine first says in response to if Milton Bradley returns " Jim Hendry has been working on playing Bradley since the last quarter of the season. Tampa is still a very viable team, but keep your eye on Toronto, which has money problems and is dying to move outfielder Vernon Wells."
Then he says " The Cubs have talked to Toronto about different scenarios that may include players like Vernon Wells and Bradley"
Now Wells is due 98.5 million over the next 5 seasons, a lot like Soriano. Bradley is owed 23 million over the next two seasons bring the difference to 75 million. The Jays would have to pay at least half the amount to get a deal done. The Cubs just cannot afford to take on that much money so they would have to eat some or take on a player like Soriano (90 million left), Zambrano (74 million left), or Fukudome and Miles together (combined 28 million). The gold ideal situation for both teams would have the Cubs get Wells for Bradley with the Jays paying 50 million of Wells' contract and all of Bradley's. That would have the Jays saving 25 million total and the Cubs only spending the amount on a really good guy for CF.
Another great move would have the Cubs trading Zambrano and Bradley for Wells and Halladay straight up. The Cubs will be taking on only 15.75 million in contract money for a true Ace and really good defensive outfielder. I would love that deal but it would not happen because the Jays would want more talent and Z has a no trade clause that he may not waive to go to Toronto.
I like Bradley for Wells but only if the Jays pay a large portion of Vernon's contract.
I will keep you posted!
- Bruce Levine said in his chat that that Cubs will not have the payroll to add big salaried players so Jim may have to go the trade route to improve the team and shed salary.
- He likes O-dawg in a one year deal if they cannot get Figgins.
- He said there is no way Bradley stays here but does not see the Cubs just giving him away but may swap bad contracts.
- Tom Ricketts has taken over the Cubs and the welcome home party for him will be in the form of a press conference at Wrigley on Friday.
- He does not see Lackey, Chapman, or any other big named pitcher to be signed for next season. They will only have the payroll right around 140 million next season, very similar to last season.
- Here come the Bomb! Levine first says in response to if Milton Bradley returns " Jim Hendry has been working on playing Bradley since the last quarter of the season. Tampa is still a very viable team, but keep your eye on Toronto, which has money problems and is dying to move outfielder Vernon Wells."
Then he says " The Cubs have talked to Toronto about different scenarios that may include players like Vernon Wells and Bradley"
Now Wells is due 98.5 million over the next 5 seasons, a lot like Soriano. Bradley is owed 23 million over the next two seasons bring the difference to 75 million. The Jays would have to pay at least half the amount to get a deal done. The Cubs just cannot afford to take on that much money so they would have to eat some or take on a player like Soriano (90 million left), Zambrano (74 million left), or Fukudome and Miles together (combined 28 million). The gold ideal situation for both teams would have the Cubs get Wells for Bradley with the Jays paying 50 million of Wells' contract and all of Bradley's. That would have the Jays saving 25 million total and the Cubs only spending the amount on a really good guy for CF.
Another great move would have the Cubs trading Zambrano and Bradley for Wells and Halladay straight up. The Cubs will be taking on only 15.75 million in contract money for a true Ace and really good defensive outfielder. I would love that deal but it would not happen because the Jays would want more talent and Z has a no trade clause that he may not waive to go to Toronto.
I like Bradley for Wells but only if the Jays pay a large portion of Vernon's contract.
I will keep you posted!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Cubs Update.....
- The sale of the Chicago Cubs will be completed by the 30th of October where a press conference is expected at Wrigley Field.
- David Kaplan expressed that Milton Bradley will not be in a Cubs uniform next season. Hendry right now is just trying to to find "the right deal" and he is posturing by saying Milton is still a Cubs etc...etc....
- Jarmillo feels Soriano's problems are mechanical and has nothing to do with his eye sight or heavy bat.
- The possible destinations for Milton Bradley are Tampa, the Giants, Boston, or Seattle. There has also been talk about Toronto and San Diego as well.
- Jim Hendry is happy to have Tom Ricketts as their new owner. I think we all are Jim.
Til Next Time....
- David Kaplan expressed that Milton Bradley will not be in a Cubs uniform next season. Hendry right now is just trying to to find "the right deal" and he is posturing by saying Milton is still a Cubs etc...etc....
- Jarmillo feels Soriano's problems are mechanical and has nothing to do with his eye sight or heavy bat.
- The possible destinations for Milton Bradley are Tampa, the Giants, Boston, or Seattle. There has also been talk about Toronto and San Diego as well.
- Jim Hendry is happy to have Tom Ricketts as their new owner. I think we all are Jim.
Til Next Time....
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Cubs Like Chapman... Other Clubs Like Bradley?
- The Cubs are very interested in free agent lefty Aroldis Chapman. The Cubs do have competition for the 21 year old lefty though. The Yankees, Red Sox, White Sox, and Cardinals all have interest. Many say that Chapman will want a contract in the 40-60 million dollar range. I do not see the Cubs going that high.
- Bradley may have more suitors than we all thought. According to Ken Rosenthal at FoxSports.com "You would be shocked at the level of interest." The Cubs remain confident that they can trade Bradley without assuming the vast majority of the 21 million remaining on this contract in the next two years. In fact Tom Ricketts has set a limit on how much money the Cubs will include in a deal, one source said to Ken. The Cubs can take back a contract but pay only a fixed amount of cash. Tom has got this one right! No need to trade him for a bag of balls or release him especially since Jaramillo is on the north side. He could in fact fix Bradley's swing, but probably not his attitude. I am still in favor of Bradley being traded.
- MLBTR.COM has their annual "Offseason Outlook" for the Cubs so go check it out. He has the Cubs committed to 124.2 million before raises to Hill, Baker, Theriot, etc... Cotts, Heilman, and Fontenot are non-tender candidates. I only consider Cotts a non-tender, the rest can be trade bait.
I really disagree with Tim on the Bradley situation. There are clubhouse issues along with chemistry issues that are beyond repair. That ship has sailed. I like his idea of signing Billy Wagner and think it is wise to sign Grabow but think he is under estimating the payroll flexibility this offseason. The Cubs will have money to spend.
- Good article by Bruce Levine on Jaramillo. I really like this guy!
Til Next Time.....
- Bradley may have more suitors than we all thought. According to Ken Rosenthal at FoxSports.com "You would be shocked at the level of interest." The Cubs remain confident that they can trade Bradley without assuming the vast majority of the 21 million remaining on this contract in the next two years. In fact Tom Ricketts has set a limit on how much money the Cubs will include in a deal, one source said to Ken. The Cubs can take back a contract but pay only a fixed amount of cash. Tom has got this one right! No need to trade him for a bag of balls or release him especially since Jaramillo is on the north side. He could in fact fix Bradley's swing, but probably not his attitude. I am still in favor of Bradley being traded.
- MLBTR.COM has their annual "Offseason Outlook" for the Cubs so go check it out. He has the Cubs committed to 124.2 million before raises to Hill, Baker, Theriot, etc... Cotts, Heilman, and Fontenot are non-tender candidates. I only consider Cotts a non-tender, the rest can be trade bait.
I really disagree with Tim on the Bradley situation. There are clubhouse issues along with chemistry issues that are beyond repair. That ship has sailed. I like his idea of signing Billy Wagner and think it is wise to sign Grabow but think he is under estimating the payroll flexibility this offseason. The Cubs will have money to spend.
- Good article by Bruce Levine on Jaramillo. I really like this guy!
Til Next Time.....
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Jaramillo The Cubs New Hitting Coach...
According to David Kaplan and Bruce Levine the Cubs have signed Rudy Jaramillo to a 3 year deal worth 2.42 million. This will make him one of the highest paid hitting coaches in baseball. Rudy has had success with players such as A-Rod, Milton Bradley, Soriano, DeRosa, and many others. The Cubs are expected to make an announcement today.
All players interviewed has said he is the best in the game. This is a good start for the Cubs off season!
All players interviewed has said he is the best in the game. This is a good start for the Cubs off season!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Hawpe Off Block and Other Notes....
- Dan O'Dowd says the understands the value of Brad Hawpe on and off the field so they will not trade him unless they get a return like they did for Matt Holliday. So seeing Brad Hawpe in a Cubs uniform is not likely.
- Jon Heyman of SI is reporting that the Cubs will likely reach an agreement with Rudy Jaramillo for their hitting coach. Heyman speculates that the Cubs will sign him 800K a year for multiple years. He would be one of the highest paid hitting coaches in baseball. The Cubs hope he can help out with Soriano and Bradley (if he is not traded).
- The Yankees are contemplating on whether to bring back Damon or Matsui. but not both. While Bobby Abreu has turned down a 2 year 16 million dollar deal from the Angels. Both Abreu and Damon are targets for the Cubs.
- The Cubs want to extend Derrek Lee this offseason. It is rumored they would like to offer him a one or two year extension worth 10-13 million a season. I am for that. If the Cubs signed Lee to a one year deal worth 13 million he would be signed though the 2011 season then becoming a free agent. It just so happens Albert Pujols is a free agent after the 2011 season. Probably just coincidence but Pujols has said he does not want to discuss an extension yet and the Cubs payroll with no new contracts at the end of 2011 would be about 54 million. Without any big deals the Cubs could in fact make a run at Pujols considering they would have the money. I may be dreaming here.
That is it for today Cub fans...
- Jon Heyman of SI is reporting that the Cubs will likely reach an agreement with Rudy Jaramillo for their hitting coach. Heyman speculates that the Cubs will sign him 800K a year for multiple years. He would be one of the highest paid hitting coaches in baseball. The Cubs hope he can help out with Soriano and Bradley (if he is not traded).
- The Yankees are contemplating on whether to bring back Damon or Matsui. but not both. While Bobby Abreu has turned down a 2 year 16 million dollar deal from the Angels. Both Abreu and Damon are targets for the Cubs.
- The Cubs want to extend Derrek Lee this offseason. It is rumored they would like to offer him a one or two year extension worth 10-13 million a season. I am for that. If the Cubs signed Lee to a one year deal worth 13 million he would be signed though the 2011 season then becoming a free agent. It just so happens Albert Pujols is a free agent after the 2011 season. Probably just coincidence but Pujols has said he does not want to discuss an extension yet and the Cubs payroll with no new contracts at the end of 2011 would be about 54 million. Without any big deals the Cubs could in fact make a run at Pujols considering they would have the money. I may be dreaming here.
That is it for today Cub fans...
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Finally An Update....
Sorry guys for the long delay... Lots of stuff going on but here is the latest Cubs talk-
- The Cubs have released So Taguchi. No shock there.
- Neal Cotts wants to pitch next season whether or not the Cubs tender him.
- Carrie Muskat said yesterday that the Cubs have asked the Rangers for permission to talk to Rudy Jaramillo. The Cubs are likely to add him as their hitting coach. He is a perfect fit and it seems the Cubs are even willing to over pay for his services.
- The Cubs are discussing a deal with many teams regarding Milton Bradley but no deal appears imminent.
- Jon Heyman has the Cubs a possible landing spot for Billy Wagner.
- Don't Laugh but I have heard from a couple of sources that the Red Sox are one of the teams interested in Milton Bradley. In fact one said that the Sox wanted to make a run at him last season as insurance for J.D. Drew and the struggling David Ortiz but backed off when he wanted more than an one year deal. Would the Sox trade Dice-K and the 28 million left on his contract for troubled but talented outfielder Milton Bradley and the 21 million left on his contract?
I would say yes! The Red Sox have already considered trading Dice-K at the deadline this year and said they would entertain offers for him during the offseason. Dice-K has a no-trade clause but may be willing to waive it to go to a team like the Cubs. There would be a familiar face in Fukudome (which could also benefit the Cubs) and the Red Sox would also be saving 7 million by trading him for Bradley. They could then use that 7 million to re-sign Jason Bay, make a run at Matt Holliday, or another top tier free agent. All the while they would get a guy who has a lifetime .277 AVG and .371 OBP even after the awful season he had with the Cubs. Yes, the Red Sox may have some chemistry issues with Bradley but they put up with Manny for years didn't they?! Milton would provide the Sox with an everyday DH and spot starter in the outfield. They could evenuse him in a platoon role with Ortiz since Bradley smashes lefties. I see this as more of a win for the Sox than the Cubs.
On the Cubs end of the deal they do take on another big contract pitcher which is not to exciting. But with Dice-K in the NL Central I expect his numbers to look a lot better than his numbers in Boston. Even though his numbers in Boston were not that bad. Mats would fit in the rotation nicely whether he is a 3rd or 5th starter. Not to mention the Cubs would be getting rid of clubhouse cancer Milton Bradley and strengthening their rotation while doing it.
I honestly believe this is a realistic deal for both sides and Jim and Theo should read this idea and get it done.
More Later......
- The Cubs have released So Taguchi. No shock there.
- Neal Cotts wants to pitch next season whether or not the Cubs tender him.
- Carrie Muskat said yesterday that the Cubs have asked the Rangers for permission to talk to Rudy Jaramillo. The Cubs are likely to add him as their hitting coach. He is a perfect fit and it seems the Cubs are even willing to over pay for his services.
- The Cubs are discussing a deal with many teams regarding Milton Bradley but no deal appears imminent.
- Jon Heyman has the Cubs a possible landing spot for Billy Wagner.
- Don't Laugh but I have heard from a couple of sources that the Red Sox are one of the teams interested in Milton Bradley. In fact one said that the Sox wanted to make a run at him last season as insurance for J.D. Drew and the struggling David Ortiz but backed off when he wanted more than an one year deal. Would the Sox trade Dice-K and the 28 million left on his contract for troubled but talented outfielder Milton Bradley and the 21 million left on his contract?
I would say yes! The Red Sox have already considered trading Dice-K at the deadline this year and said they would entertain offers for him during the offseason. Dice-K has a no-trade clause but may be willing to waive it to go to a team like the Cubs. There would be a familiar face in Fukudome (which could also benefit the Cubs) and the Red Sox would also be saving 7 million by trading him for Bradley. They could then use that 7 million to re-sign Jason Bay, make a run at Matt Holliday, or another top tier free agent. All the while they would get a guy who has a lifetime .277 AVG and .371 OBP even after the awful season he had with the Cubs. Yes, the Red Sox may have some chemistry issues with Bradley but they put up with Manny for years didn't they?! Milton would provide the Sox with an everyday DH and spot starter in the outfield. They could evenuse him in a platoon role with Ortiz since Bradley smashes lefties. I see this as more of a win for the Sox than the Cubs.
On the Cubs end of the deal they do take on another big contract pitcher which is not to exciting. But with Dice-K in the NL Central I expect his numbers to look a lot better than his numbers in Boston. Even though his numbers in Boston were not that bad. Mats would fit in the rotation nicely whether he is a 3rd or 5th starter. Not to mention the Cubs would be getting rid of clubhouse cancer Milton Bradley and strengthening their rotation while doing it.
I honestly believe this is a realistic deal for both sides and Jim and Theo should read this idea and get it done.
More Later......
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Hudson Another Cubs Target.. Other Notes...
- Is there a free agent the Cubs are not interested in?!?! According to Ken Rosenthal at Foxsports.com Tim Hudson plans to officially join the free agent market. Hudson who is just coming off Tommy John Surgery went 2-1 with a 3.61 ERA in 7 starts that started Sept. 1st. Hudson has always been one of the top pitchers in the game winning 29 games and just losing 18 in the past three years while posting an ERA of 3.41 combined in those 3 seasons. Since he will be declining his option, he is giving up 12 million guaranteed for next season. A lot of baseball guys believe Hudson will get a 2 year deal worth 16 million and others think he will get 3 year deal around 30-35 million. One thing is for sure the Cubs are interested in Hudson. The news with Tim Hudson heading to the free agent market intrigued the Cubs so much they have made him one of their "top targets" this offseason according to someone close to the Cubs internal operations.
I would love to see Hudson on this team. Having a rotation of Zambrano, Lilly, Dempster, Hudson, and Wells would be so dominate!
- The Denverpost.com said Brad Hawpe could be a trade candidate given the cheap outfield talent of Carlos Gonzalez, Dexter Fowler, and Seth Smith. MLBTR.com said that the Cubs and Mets should have interest in Hawpe. Brad can opt out of this 10 million 2011 option if traded but I think if traded to the Cubs they may want to negotiate a new deal with him. He would be perfect in RF for the Cubs. The only question is do they have enough to land him?
- One SF Giant exec with veto power said we WOULD approve an Aaron Rowand for Milton Bradley trade probably because Rowand is owed 36 million and Bradley is owed 21 million. No trade is expected though because the team does not want to get him chemistry issues by trading for Bradley.
- Ricketts is due to take over the Cubs by late next week. The sale of the Cubs to the Ricketts Family was approved by Bankruptcy Court.
- Tom Ricketts and the rest of the Cubs' staff will have their first organizational meeting the first week of November to address the Cubs needs for next season. Word is the Cubs payroll will increase to 145-150 million next season. The Cubs current roster as it stands with no signing or arbitration is costing the Cubs 120 million. Which means with arbitration raises, new signing, and no subtraction of of money the Cubs will have nearly 25-30 million to spend in the 2010 offseason. That is a good amount.
- Reed Johnson returning to the Cubs is up in the air because of lingering back issues but both sides are confident they can work it out.
- Aaron Heilman is under Cubs control for next season and may be trade bait.
- The Cubs could sign Derrek Lee to an extension. Only adding on a year or two I assume.
Until Next Time......
I would love to see Hudson on this team. Having a rotation of Zambrano, Lilly, Dempster, Hudson, and Wells would be so dominate!
- The Denverpost.com said Brad Hawpe could be a trade candidate given the cheap outfield talent of Carlos Gonzalez, Dexter Fowler, and Seth Smith. MLBTR.com said that the Cubs and Mets should have interest in Hawpe. Brad can opt out of this 10 million 2011 option if traded but I think if traded to the Cubs they may want to negotiate a new deal with him. He would be perfect in RF for the Cubs. The only question is do they have enough to land him?
- One SF Giant exec with veto power said we WOULD approve an Aaron Rowand for Milton Bradley trade probably because Rowand is owed 36 million and Bradley is owed 21 million. No trade is expected though because the team does not want to get him chemistry issues by trading for Bradley.
- Ricketts is due to take over the Cubs by late next week. The sale of the Cubs to the Ricketts Family was approved by Bankruptcy Court.
- Tom Ricketts and the rest of the Cubs' staff will have their first organizational meeting the first week of November to address the Cubs needs for next season. Word is the Cubs payroll will increase to 145-150 million next season. The Cubs current roster as it stands with no signing or arbitration is costing the Cubs 120 million. Which means with arbitration raises, new signing, and no subtraction of of money the Cubs will have nearly 25-30 million to spend in the 2010 offseason. That is a good amount.
- Reed Johnson returning to the Cubs is up in the air because of lingering back issues but both sides are confident they can work it out.
- Aaron Heilman is under Cubs control for next season and may be trade bait.
- The Cubs could sign Derrek Lee to an extension. Only adding on a year or two I assume.
Until Next Time......
Monday, October 12, 2009
Damon a Target....
According to Mlbdailydish.com the Cubs are looking at Johnny Damon for CF next season. Damon, 36, is reportedly looking for a two year deal and the Cubs could offer him a 2 year 20 million dollar deal to have him in the Friendly Confines. The Cubs could then move Fukudome to RF and maybe even a platoon role with Johnson. Damon hit .282 with 24 Homers and 82 RBI while stealing 12 bases. He also posted a .370 OBP. He could fill the role as their lead off hitter or even a two hole hitter. Damon would be a great upgrade to this team. If the Cubs could get Damon and Figgins I would be thrilled!
Slow day today... More to Come....
Slow day today... More to Come....
Sunday, October 11, 2009
More on Bradley... Cubs Making Moves This Winter....
- Getting sick of Milton Bradley rumors??? We are too! That is why the Cubs will want to try to trade him as soon as possible, maybe right after the World Series, although that may be unlikely. The Cubs have set a self-imposed deadline of December 2nd to deal Bradley because they want to go into the winter meetings on Dec. 7th without him in Cubbie blue and addressing other needs.
-It should be noted that the Cubs could also look to see what the trade market is Jake Fox, Micah Hoffpauir, and Mike Fontenot. They also may just outright release Aaron Miles or trade him for another contract worth 2.7 million next season. How about Miles and Fontenot for Luis Castillo and his contract? Mets get 8 million in salary relief for the next 2 seasons. I bet they would do that.
- According to Yahoo's Tim Brown the Rays will only consider trading for Bradley if the Cubs eat most of his contract, that way the Rays could release him at any time and not take a financial hit. I am sorry the Cubs just won't do that unless you subtract Burrell and add Upton in the deal or keep Burrell and add Iwamura to the deal.
- This winter will be a busy one for Jim Hendry and new owner Tom Ricketts. The Cubs are reportedly looking at free agents and players via trade. The holes they would like to address one way or another as followed-
---Power hitting RBI guy for the outfield--- My guy- Brad Hawpe
---Good defensive, speedy, guy for 2nd base---My guy- Chone Figgins
---Maybe a veteran southpaw starter---My guy- Doug Davis
---Veteran for the bullpen--- Matt Herges
This is an good way to go about the offseason. You are making one trade and signing 3 free agents. With Hawpe making 7.5 million next season and a 10 million dollar option he is a steal for a guy who will hit .285 with 20+ homers and 80+ RBI. Figgins would be the Cubs big offseason price tag. He is likely to cost around 4 years 44 million but well worth it since the Cubs need a leadoff man. Doug Davis maybe the back of the rotation starter the Cubs have been looking for. He would likely cost the Cubs about 8 million a season which is not that bad. Matt Herges may come about 1 million for next season because of the flooded relief market. With these 4 players the Cubs will be adding about 25 million in payroll but could be subtracting money as well by getting rid of players like Bradley, Miles, Fonty, and others.
Here are my 2nd choices for the Cubs needs-
Power Hitter- Nick Swisher
2nd base- Orlando Hudson/Akinori Iwamura- It is a tie between the two.
Veteran Lefty- Randy Johnson/in house
Veteran Pen- Guillermo Mota/Kiko Calero
I would also like to add that the Cubs should sign Kelvim Escobar to a contract this offseason. He only pitched 5 innings this season because of arm problems but he is a very good pitcher with upside. He could basically go the route of Mark Prior and rehab until he thinks he is ready. Wouldn't you pay just a million to a guy that could help your team next season? The same guy that went 18-7 with a 3.40 ERA last season? I would!
One thing is for sure... This will be a fun offseason!
-It should be noted that the Cubs could also look to see what the trade market is Jake Fox, Micah Hoffpauir, and Mike Fontenot. They also may just outright release Aaron Miles or trade him for another contract worth 2.7 million next season. How about Miles and Fontenot for Luis Castillo and his contract? Mets get 8 million in salary relief for the next 2 seasons. I bet they would do that.
- According to Yahoo's Tim Brown the Rays will only consider trading for Bradley if the Cubs eat most of his contract, that way the Rays could release him at any time and not take a financial hit. I am sorry the Cubs just won't do that unless you subtract Burrell and add Upton in the deal or keep Burrell and add Iwamura to the deal.
- This winter will be a busy one for Jim Hendry and new owner Tom Ricketts. The Cubs are reportedly looking at free agents and players via trade. The holes they would like to address one way or another as followed-
---Power hitting RBI guy for the outfield--- My guy- Brad Hawpe
---Good defensive, speedy, guy for 2nd base---My guy- Chone Figgins
---Maybe a veteran southpaw starter---My guy- Doug Davis
---Veteran for the bullpen--- Matt Herges
This is an good way to go about the offseason. You are making one trade and signing 3 free agents. With Hawpe making 7.5 million next season and a 10 million dollar option he is a steal for a guy who will hit .285 with 20+ homers and 80+ RBI. Figgins would be the Cubs big offseason price tag. He is likely to cost around 4 years 44 million but well worth it since the Cubs need a leadoff man. Doug Davis maybe the back of the rotation starter the Cubs have been looking for. He would likely cost the Cubs about 8 million a season which is not that bad. Matt Herges may come about 1 million for next season because of the flooded relief market. With these 4 players the Cubs will be adding about 25 million in payroll but could be subtracting money as well by getting rid of players like Bradley, Miles, Fonty, and others.
Here are my 2nd choices for the Cubs needs-
Power Hitter- Nick Swisher
2nd base- Orlando Hudson/Akinori Iwamura- It is a tie between the two.
Veteran Lefty- Randy Johnson/in house
Veteran Pen- Guillermo Mota/Kiko Calero
I would also like to add that the Cubs should sign Kelvim Escobar to a contract this offseason. He only pitched 5 innings this season because of arm problems but he is a very good pitcher with upside. He could basically go the route of Mark Prior and rehab until he thinks he is ready. Wouldn't you pay just a million to a guy that could help your team next season? The same guy that went 18-7 with a 3.40 ERA last season? I would!
One thing is for sure... This will be a fun offseason!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)