The Search.....

- The Cubs will interview Don Wakamatsu for their manager position.

- Adam Dunn will be the Cubs top priority and a lot of sources expect the Cubs to offer him a multi-year deal.

- Zambrano is up to his old song and dance. He says after this contract he expects to retire to spend more time with his family.

- Tha M's have interest in interviewing Ryne Sandberg for their Manager vacancy. If I were Sandberg I would not step anywhere near Seattle.

- Some really good quotes from Ricketts-

"We have to have a manager who really understands ... the scrutiny you get and (must) be able to handle those periods in June when you lose three games in a row and people start talking about Year 103 of the curse. We have to someone who understands what they're getting into."

Ricketts said the team will be younger going forward and the new manager must be able to teach fundamentals as well. The Cubs are looking for their next manager to be with the organization "for a long time."

"I think we're going to bring in someone who has in their mind that this is their job and their position forever."

To me that says it can really only be 4 candidates for the job; Ryne Sandberg, Mike Quade, Joe Girardi, and maybe even Bob Brenly. Brenly has been named a candidate recently and said to get an interview in the near future. Bob Brenly has been an announcer for the Cubs 2004 and has been very insightful and critical of the Cubs during that time which points out the passion he has to manage again. I look at him as a viable canidate.

- Levine says the Cubs starting 2nd baseman this coming season will be Orlando Hudson. I would love to see O-dawg in Cubbie blue. His defense at 2nd is among the best in baseball and he is a switch hitter that can handle the bat. Ideal #2 hitter in the lineup but also could see him hitting leadoff or 7th. This move would place DeWitt as a super utility player and to back up Aram at 3rd which is his natural position. It would also likely place Baker in another uniform considering how inexpensive and good Darwin Barney is doing. Not to mention the Cubs could get Hudson for a one year deal worth 5 million or so.

- Bruce also thinks every player will be made available this winter except Starlin Castro. He says even Carlos Marmol and Tyler Colvin. Trading our young talent is not the way to build this ball club. The Cubs have done this in the past and it has not worked. I expect if Marmol and Colvin are available they should have a HUGE price tag to essentially make them unavailable.

- Levine also thinks Jay Jackson will break camp with the Cubs as their 5th starter. I can see that.

Until Next Time.....

Look for more frequent updates as we get closer to the World Series and into the off-season. It should be another fun one for the Cubs and here at Hot Stove Cubbies!!!

Quick Hits....

- Aramis Ramirez will be with the Cubs next season. Aram has said he will in fact exercise his option for next season.



- The Cubs will interview former D'backs manager Bob Melvin for the Manager opening. Fredi Gonzalez turned down an opportunity to interview with the Cubs. Fredi was rumored to be the top choice of Jim but not it seems he will be the next manager of the Braves.



- Quade will start many rookies against non-contending teams so management can take a look at players that could contribute next season.



- The Cubs may choose to hold onto Carlos Zambrano considering how he has pitched. In my opinion if they can get someone to take on most of his salary I say trade him.



- The Cubs may look at Padilla and Webb to add to the rotation next season.



- Darwin Barney looks like he will be on the big club next season. As does Welington Castillo as Geo's backup catcher.



Until Next Time.....

Finally an Update!

I want to apologize for the long delay in between updates but here is the latest-

- The Cubs will do all they can to lock up Adam Dunn this off-season to play first for the Cubs. Jim Hendry is said to have made Dunn his number 1 target.

- Don't think the impressive play of Blake DeWitt will hinder the Cubs upgrading at 2nd base for next season. The Cubs are deciding internally whether to keep DeWitt at 2nd base or have him a a super utility role and as the primary backups to 2nd and 3rd. Rumors are going around that they Cubs may try to trade for Brian Roberts, Brandon Phillips, Dan Uggla, or Ben Zobrist. There are also whispers that they could take another run at free agent Orlando Hudson or Omar Infante (who has a 2.5 million option for 2011).

- To make this an even better off-season it looks like management will take the approach I and so many others feel is the right way to go. The Cubs will keep there young core that includes Randy Wells, Carlos Marmol, Starlin Castro, Tyler Colvin, etc... and surround them with impact players like an Adam Dunn. They also will be looking to trade or out right release players who do not want to be in Chicago or do not fit the guidelines they are looking for. Which means players like Soriano, Grabow, Fukudome, Baker, and maybe even Zambrano will not be in Chicago Cubs blue next season in one way or another.

- Gordon Wittenmyer says that Fredi Gonzales has become the Cubs top candidate to fill the management job. He has some past with Hendry and could be a viable replacement but I do not see him as a top candidate by any means. I think regardless if the Cubs offer him the job he will be the next to manage the Braves. It has been speculated for some time now and there is no way he picks the Cubs over the Braves. I think it is Joe Girardi's job if he wants it, otherwise look at Ryne Sandberg to be the Cubs next manager.

- Jim has or is about to interview Pat Listach, Ryne Sandberg, Eric Wedge, Bob Brenly, Fredi Gonzales, Mike Quade, and rumored Joe Girardi. Jim would like to have his new manager hired before the organizational meetings which are after the World Series.

Until Next Time...

Quick Hits.....

- Jim Hendry has already interviewed one candidate for the manager position. Former big league manager Eric Wedge received a face to face interview with Jim Hendry over Weds. and spent all day Thursday together. Although I think Wedge is a decent manager, he does not fit what the Cubs need. The Cubs need a guy who is connected to Chicago in some way. I still think there should only be three candidates; Bob Brenly, Ryne Sandberg, and Bob Brenly.

- Joe Girardi does his best politician impression and side steps the Cubs manager vacancy and his interest in the job.

- Anyone who says Joe will not entertain the idea of becoming the Cubs next manager is crazy. He has a special place in his heart for the Chicago Cubs and that is something the Yankees can't offer.

Until Next Time...

Lou Pinella to Step Down...

Lou Pinella will step down as Cubs manager after today's game. Lou is stepping down because of his mother's failing health. Jim Hendry told Wittenmyer today that Mike Quade will take over for interm manager not Alan Trammel. He also said Quade will be interview for the full time job this off season but Alan Trammel will not get a chance to interview.

This tells me a couple of things. Jim Hendry has a short list of candidates and he is not willing to just hand over the job to someone in the organization. This also tells me that Ryne Sandberg is not his #1 choice because if he was then he would be managing the team after today.

To me there should be only 3 candidates the Cubs and Jim should consider. Bob Brenly, Ryne Sandberg, and Joe Girardi.

Until Next Time...

Cubs Chatter....

- Tyler Colvin has been taking grounders at first base. He played there in High School along with some in College so it is not totally new to him. He is expected to play some games there starting next week. The Cubs are seeing if he can handle the position because if he cannot then they will likely target a left-handed hitting 1st baseman this off season.

- Rosenthal says the Cubs will bring in at least one new starting pitcher regardless of what they do with Zambrano. Chatter says the Cubs still really like Ted Lilly (as do I). I also think they should look at Brandon Webb, Jake Westbrook, Carl Pavano, or Javier Vazquez. I am not going to even mention Cliff Lee because the Cubs cannot afford him.

- Rosenthal also said the Cubs number one need is a power bat for RF or 1st depending on where Tyler Colvin plays full time. At first base we have heard the Cubs have interest in Carlos Pena and Adam Dunn but they could also check out Lance Berkman, Aubrey Huff, or Lyle Overbay. None of the latter three impress me at all. As far as players for RF the Cubs #1 target should be Carl Crawford but he will cost a ton of money. Others the Cubs could take a run at is Johnny Damon, Adam Dunn (defense in RF would be scary), Rick Ankiel (not bad), or Brad Hawpe. Even though he is not left-handed, Jayson Werth would be a nice addition.

The Cubs could also trade for an outfielder or first baseman. They should call about Carlos Beltran, Jacoby Ellsbury, Luke Scott, Nick Swisher, Kila Ka'aihue, or Adam LaRoche. Those players maybe available via trade this winter. Two other players that will likely not move but the Cubs should check in on is James Loney and Justin Morneau. Dodger fan and management are growing tired of the lack of power from the hot corners and the Twins could look to cut some cost by getting rid of Morneau. The Twins are also worried about Justin's health so they could deal him while his stock is still high.

Until Next Time....

Lee Gone! More to Come? Notes....

UPDATE!- The Cubs have traded Derrek Lee to the Braves for three prospects. The Cubs are also saving some cash in the deal sending 1.7 million of the 3.4 million left on Lee's contract. The Cubs received a nice return for Derrek by nabbing right-handed pitchers Robinson Lopez, Tyrelle Harris, and southpaw Jeffrey Lorick.

Robinson Lopez is a 19 year old righty with a good curve ball and low 90's fastball. He ranks 16th best prospect in the Braves system.

Tyrelle Harris is a 23 year old righty was the Braves 19th round draft pick in 2009. He is a strike out pitcher and could contribute to the Cubs in a couple years.

Jeffrey Lorick is a good lefty pitcher at just 22 years old. He pitched in Class A ball and had a 2.32 ERA.

This was a much better return the Cubs got compared to what I thought they would. I commend Jim Hendry on this deal and I wish Lee the best.

- According to Bruce Levine the Cubs and Braves are discussing a trade that would send Derrek Lee to the Braves. David Kaplan also confirms this and says the Cubs are close to sending Derrek Lee to the Braves. The only that will hold this up some is the bulging disc in Lee’s neck that has held him out since Monday. Kaplan did say that the “trade is nearly done” though. Rosenthal says the deal “has legs” and Crasnick says they are “way along in the process.” Lee is expected to accept the trade. No word on who the Cubs would get in return but there is some speculation that it could be a PTBNL. One thing is for sure the Cubs will not get a good return for the struggling Lee.

- The rumor that the Braves were interested in Aramis Ramirez maybe still in play because they view him as a good replacement for Chipper Jones beyond this season. The Braves still need an upgrade at 3rd base if they do not shift Troy Glaus over there. Although there are other reports that state the Braves are not interested in any long term players like Chone Figgins or Aramis Ramirez.

- The Cubs are still looking to deal Fukudome, Baker, and Nady but no word on if they have been put on waivers yet. Same goes with Aramis Ramirez as well.

- The Cubs are unlikely to target an outfielder this off-season unless they trade two of Marlon Byrd, Soriano, and/or Fukudome. The Cubs are less likely to deal Byrd because of this leadership, smaller contract, and hustle. The Cubs would like to deal Soriano and Fukudome but may not find takers because of the amount of money owed and the production of each player. I am still hearing the Cubs want to get a big lefty bat for 1st base if they do not move Colvin or Aramis there, they want to upgrade there bullpen with solid relievers, and maybe add a veteran starter to the rotation especially if they trade a Zambrano and/or Silva.

- According to sources close to the Cubs, their main target this off-season will be Adam Dunn. Jim Hendry internally admits he made the mistake signing Milton Bradley over Adam Dunn two seasons ago when Dunn was lobbying the Cubs to sign him.

Until Next Time….

Fonty Out, Barney In... More to Come...

- Mike Fontenot is now a San Francisco Giant. He was traded to the Giants before Weds. game. The Cubs received a 22 year old speedster outfielder by the name of Evan Crawford. More on him here. The Cubs then called up Darwin Barney to take Mike Fontenot's spot on the team.

- Rumor has it that Xavier Nady is likely to be the next out the door with the possibility that Jeff Baker could follow. The Cubs will also try to deal Fukudome but that is less likely with the amount he is owed and he will look like a more attractive pick up this winter rather than now.

- Joe Girardi could be the guy according to reports. David Kaplan said he feels even more confident today than he did a week ago when asked about Joe Girardi becoming the Cubs next manager. He says those close to him say Joe views the Cubs job as his "dream job." He went to Cubs games with his Dad as a child, grew up a Cubs fan, born in Peoria, went to Northwestern, came up through the Cubs organization, and played as a Chicago Cub. All those signs point out the rumor maybe closer to truth than we think. Here are some quotes from Joe in the NY Daily News-

"I have a responsibility to this club and the guys in that room, and that's my concern. People can speculate all they want, but that's not my concern right now. I don't really think much about it."


"I love it here. I've loved my time here," Girardi said. "I put my kids in school here and they're enrolled to go to school here next fall. There's going to be talk - I grew up there, I grew up a Cubs fan, I went to Northwestern, I lived in Chicago. But my concern is right now."

Not an outright No or Yes.... He should be a politician.

Until Next Time...

Notes...

The Cubs have placed Derrek Lee on the bereavement list and Geovany Soto on the 15 day DL with shoulder issues. The Cubs have called up Micah Hoffpauir and Welington Castillo. I am surprised the Cubs have not called on Bryan LaHair to replace Lee.

- MLBTR.com has an interesting thought about a possible Mets/Cubs trade. The Cubs would receive Oliver Perez (12million), Carlos Beltran (18.5 million), and Luis Castillo (6 million) for Carlos Zambrano (36 million). There contracts are basically a wash and the other thing that would benefit the Cubs is the three players the Cubs would received would be in the last year of there contracts, which would free up money for the 2011 free agency class. While the Mets could subtract three overpaid players and fill those positions with internal or free agent players. Carlos Zambrano seems to need a change of scenery and the Mets could be getting an ace if he returns to form like many think he would if he left Chicago. The Cubs could then in turn start Beltran in RF, Castillo as an utility guy, and Perez as a starter or reliever. The Cubs could put Colvin at 1st or use him as there 4 outfielder but they need to trade Fukudome first. Right now it is just a thought but makes a ton of sense for both clubs.

- No word yet on who has been put on wiavers and if anyone has been claimed yet. I will keep you updated.



Until Next Time…

Quick Hits...

- Carlos Zambrano is expected to be moved back into the starting rotation on Monday against the Giants.

- The Cubs are expected to call up a slew of young players to see if they can contribute to the team next year. We have already seen the nice gem thrown by Thomas Diamond and a not too impressive performance by Casey Coleman (I am not worried though, I think this guy will be in our rotation sometime in the near future). Darwin Barney is the next player that will be called up according to sources. Other players that could make the jump before Sept. call ups are Brad Snyder, Welington Castillo, and Bryan LaHair.

- If the Cubs call up those players it is likely that Fontenot, Hill, Baker, and Nady could find themselves claimed off waivers or traded for a PTBNL once they clear waivers. Another option, which could happen for Derrek Lee, is the Cubs could place a player on the DL with an "injury."

- Just a reminder, a team can place ANY player on waivers. No matter if he is owed 1 million or 100 million, no-trade clause or not, etc...

- The Cubs could look at upgrading at the starting rotation, bullpen, and 1st base through free agency. You could see the Cubs sign Lilly again or Jake Westbrook for a starting pitcher, another intriguing name for a starter is Brandon Webb. The Cubs have interest in J.J. Putz and could bid for Kerry Wood's services once again. I am also hearing the Cubs want a big left handed bat for first base and will be targeting Carlos Pena and Adam Dunn. They could also look at a Aubrey Huff, Adam LaRoche, or Lance Berkman as second tier players if they loose out on Pena and Dunn.

Until Next Time....