Here are some rumors and news from Day 2-
- The Cubs have an interest in former Nationals/Yankees/Marlins 1st baseman Nick Johnson. Johnson has a .401 OBP but has been plagued with injuries throughout this career. He has not complied over 140 games in a season since 2006 and is 33 years old. Having said that if Hendry goes cheap then Johnson would be a nice pickup. Although the Cubs might need to pick a platoon partner giving his injury woes.
- Jim Hendry and the Cubs are very interested in Kerry Wood at the right price. Rumors said Wood would like to come back to Chicago.
- Jim Hendry laid out the Cubs needs this off-season: Starting Pitcher, 1st baseman, and a reliever.
- Aram exercised his option as expected.
- Chris Archer will likely be added to the 40-man roster and may even break camp with the Cubs.
- Hendry and Quade view Colvin as an everyday player next season.
Until Next Time…
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Day One in the Books...
UPDATE- According to Bruce Levine Ryne Sandberg will not be apart of the Cubs in any capacity. Jim says it is Ryno's decision but the door is always open here. Bob Nightengale twitted that Ryne Sandberg even turned down the bench coaching position on Quade's staff. I honestly do not believe he was ever offered the bench coaching job and I think this is spinning for Hendry. Good Luck Ryno!
Another long delay and more news and notes to update you on-
- The Cubs hired Pat Listach as there bench coach. He is a good pickup for Quade’s staff because he too has been through the Cubs system and can appreciate what he has in front of him.
- The Cubs will decrease their payroll from the 144 million they started with last season. How much is the real question and we do not have that answer yet.
- The Cubs have been recently linked to Jayson Werth but I do not see a fit.
- Aramis Ramirez is expected to exercise his option soon.
- CubbieCrib asked if Adam Dunn is worth it and throws out other names that could fill 1st base for the Cubs.
- The Cubs will entertain Kerry Wood coming back to Chicago but will not get in a bidding war for him.
- CCO.com runs down some important dates (at the bottom of the page).
- Free agency starts Sunday at midnight.
- Chris Carpenter is looking good in fall ball hitting 3 digits on the gun out of the bullpen.
The Cubs Organizational meetings started yesterday and they are going to discuss the payroll, if they the afford a left-handed hitter, starting pitcher, and bench help; also Carlos Zambrano’s future with the Cubs, how to trade Fukudome, Adam Dunn, Cashner’s future in the pen or rotation, could Jackson and Archer join the Cubs out of ST, and much more over the next 4 days. Here is the latest out of the meetings after day one is in the books.
- Brett Jackson’s fall ball season is over. He has a bacterial infection in his right shin.
- Nady is not expected to be with the Cubs next season.
- Aramis has until Midnight Thursday to exercise his option, which he is expected to do.
- Pat Listach said he would love Adam Dunn in Chicago. He also expresses the defensive concerns but says Dunn wants to get better defensively and will work very hard to do so.
- The Cubs may have to get creative this winter to acquire the things they need which includes trading Fukudome and maybe Carlos Silva.
- The Cubs do have interest in trading for Adrian Gonzales according to Bruce Levine.
- The Cubs have several options via free agency if Adam Dunn is too expensive. They also have Tyler Colvin who would be the most cost effective.
- The Cubs have 125 million committed to next season with arbitration raises which does not leave much flexibility.
- The Cubs have a lot of interest in Brandon Webb and Jorge De La Rosa.
- The Cubs may listen to offers for Carlos Marmol but will only trade him if they can get a “large package that fill a lot of holes.”
Until Next Time…
Another long delay and more news and notes to update you on-
- The Cubs hired Pat Listach as there bench coach. He is a good pickup for Quade’s staff because he too has been through the Cubs system and can appreciate what he has in front of him.
- The Cubs will decrease their payroll from the 144 million they started with last season. How much is the real question and we do not have that answer yet.
- The Cubs have been recently linked to Jayson Werth but I do not see a fit.
- Aramis Ramirez is expected to exercise his option soon.
- CubbieCrib asked if Adam Dunn is worth it and throws out other names that could fill 1st base for the Cubs.
- The Cubs will entertain Kerry Wood coming back to Chicago but will not get in a bidding war for him.
- CCO.com runs down some important dates (at the bottom of the page).
- Free agency starts Sunday at midnight.
- Chris Carpenter is looking good in fall ball hitting 3 digits on the gun out of the bullpen.
The Cubs Organizational meetings started yesterday and they are going to discuss the payroll, if they the afford a left-handed hitter, starting pitcher, and bench help; also Carlos Zambrano’s future with the Cubs, how to trade Fukudome, Adam Dunn, Cashner’s future in the pen or rotation, could Jackson and Archer join the Cubs out of ST, and much more over the next 4 days. Here is the latest out of the meetings after day one is in the books.
- Brett Jackson’s fall ball season is over. He has a bacterial infection in his right shin.
- Nady is not expected to be with the Cubs next season.
- Aramis has until Midnight Thursday to exercise his option, which he is expected to do.
- Pat Listach said he would love Adam Dunn in Chicago. He also expresses the defensive concerns but says Dunn wants to get better defensively and will work very hard to do so.
- The Cubs may have to get creative this winter to acquire the things they need which includes trading Fukudome and maybe Carlos Silva.
- The Cubs do have interest in trading for Adrian Gonzales according to Bruce Levine.
- The Cubs have several options via free agency if Adam Dunn is too expensive. They also have Tyler Colvin who would be the most cost effective.
- The Cubs have 125 million committed to next season with arbitration raises which does not leave much flexibility.
- The Cubs have a lot of interest in Brandon Webb and Jorge De La Rosa.
- The Cubs may listen to offers for Carlos Marmol but will only trade him if they can get a “large package that fill a lot of holes.”
Until Next Time…
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
No to Ryno, No to Money, and Maybe a OH-NO Off-Season..
- Gray was sent to AAA Iowa and removed from the 40-man roster.
- Levine states Fukudome is very likely to be traded.
- Zambrano is likely to be shopped but unlike to be traded due to his no-trade clause.
- Levine also said the Cubs may not have enough money to sign free agents unless Hendry gets creative again this winter.
- Byrd says Orlando Hudson would be a great addition to the team as far as a leader in the clubhouse. I agree but Levine says DeWitt will be the starting 2nd baseman next season unless the find money to sign Hudson.
- The Yankees will likely outbid the Cubs for Kerry Wood this off-season.
- Brett Jackson, Jay Jackson, and Chris Archer will likely make it to the Bigs by late summer according to Bruce Levine.
- Jim Hendry’s biggest priority is Adam Dunn but Hendry can only sign him if he trades a big contract for next season.
- According to multiple reports and sources the Cubs are front runner to sign Adam Dunn.
- The Cubs will try very hard to trade Soriano.
- Ryne Sandberg will not have a place on the Chicago Cubs according to Bruce Levine, but management would like him to manage the Iowa Cubs again next season. Sandberg was told "that a coaching position would not be available at the Major League level" What a slap in the face, the Cubs should at least offer him the bench coaching position and let him determine whether he wants it or not!
- Ozzie Guillen said if his bench coach Joey Cora went elsewhere he would welcome Sandberg to the South Side to replace him. That would be hard for me to take.
- Pat Listach is likely to stay in Washington unless he gets a managerial job in the ML.
- Ken Macha is now the favorite to land the bench coaching position on Quade’s staff.
Until Next Time…
- Levine states Fukudome is very likely to be traded.
- Zambrano is likely to be shopped but unlike to be traded due to his no-trade clause.
- Levine also said the Cubs may not have enough money to sign free agents unless Hendry gets creative again this winter.
- Byrd says Orlando Hudson would be a great addition to the team as far as a leader in the clubhouse. I agree but Levine says DeWitt will be the starting 2nd baseman next season unless the find money to sign Hudson.
- The Yankees will likely outbid the Cubs for Kerry Wood this off-season.
- Brett Jackson, Jay Jackson, and Chris Archer will likely make it to the Bigs by late summer according to Bruce Levine.
- Jim Hendry’s biggest priority is Adam Dunn but Hendry can only sign him if he trades a big contract for next season.
- According to multiple reports and sources the Cubs are front runner to sign Adam Dunn.
- The Cubs will try very hard to trade Soriano.
- Ryne Sandberg will not have a place on the Chicago Cubs according to Bruce Levine, but management would like him to manage the Iowa Cubs again next season. Sandberg was told "that a coaching position would not be available at the Major League level" What a slap in the face, the Cubs should at least offer him the bench coaching position and let him determine whether he wants it or not!
- Ozzie Guillen said if his bench coach Joey Cora went elsewhere he would welcome Sandberg to the South Side to replace him. That would be hard for me to take.
- Pat Listach is likely to stay in Washington unless he gets a managerial job in the ML.
- Ken Macha is now the favorite to land the bench coaching position on Quade’s staff.
Until Next Time…
Monday, October 25, 2010
Dunn, Sandberg, and a Winning Move..
Here some nice tidbits…
- Matt Sosnick said last week on “The Baseball Shot” that he expects Adam Dunn to sign with the Cubs. He stated it will likely be a 3 year deal worth around 40million. I for one hope the Cubs sign Dunn and I am one of the few I am finding out. Dunn brings something to the table a lot of players cannot 35+ homers and 90+ RBI from the left side of the plate.
- Levine says the Dodgers and Diamondbacks are considering talking to Sandberg about positions in their organizations.
- Sandberg is likely to stay in Iowa if not offered a position in the ML. With all the changes in coaching this season it is likely he will find a bench coach or base coach position on a ML team. To be honest the Cubs need to offer Ryno the bench coaching position to at least show us fans they are trying to keep him here!
- Hak-Ju Lee will begin 2011 in AA and is still projected the shortstop of the future. If Lee makes it to the Show it will likely push Castro to 2nd or 3rd base. That gives you a good idea how good Lee is and how good of range and versatility they feel Castro has!
- There is a lot of debate whether the Cubs will go into this off-season looking to win or build for the next free agent class. The Cubs will definitely show their hand on who they have starting at 1st for them in 2011. If it is Adam Dunn or Carlos Pena then say goodbye to trying to get Pujols, Gonzo, or Fielder. If they go with a stopgap like Berkman, Overbay, LaRoche, etc... then they will be major players for the free agent class of 2012.
- Pat Listach is still the favorite to land the bench coaching position of Quade’s staff.
- Want to win next season? I offer this trade: Soriano, Jay Jackson, Josh Vitters, Tyler Colvin and a midlevel prospect for Chone Figgins and Ichiro Suzuki. The Money is close to the same with the Cubs contracts around 72 million and the M’s around 70 million. Both teams take on money while the Cubs are building for the now and the M’s are building for the future but have Soriano and Colvin to immediately help the big league club. Although trading Ichiro is unlikely there has been talk around the team regarding him and his trade value. Here is the lineup with those additions with adding Adam Dunn to the mix and trading Fukudome, a great mix of speed and power!
1.Ichiro Suzuki RF
2.Chone Figgins 2b
3.Aramis Ramirez 3b
4.Adam Dunn 1st
5.Marlon Byrd CF
6.Geovany Soto C
7.Starlin Castro SS
8.Brett Jackson LF
9.Pitcher
Until Next Time….
- Matt Sosnick said last week on “The Baseball Shot” that he expects Adam Dunn to sign with the Cubs. He stated it will likely be a 3 year deal worth around 40million. I for one hope the Cubs sign Dunn and I am one of the few I am finding out. Dunn brings something to the table a lot of players cannot 35+ homers and 90+ RBI from the left side of the plate.
- Levine says the Dodgers and Diamondbacks are considering talking to Sandberg about positions in their organizations.
- Sandberg is likely to stay in Iowa if not offered a position in the ML. With all the changes in coaching this season it is likely he will find a bench coach or base coach position on a ML team. To be honest the Cubs need to offer Ryno the bench coaching position to at least show us fans they are trying to keep him here!
- Hak-Ju Lee will begin 2011 in AA and is still projected the shortstop of the future. If Lee makes it to the Show it will likely push Castro to 2nd or 3rd base. That gives you a good idea how good Lee is and how good of range and versatility they feel Castro has!
- There is a lot of debate whether the Cubs will go into this off-season looking to win or build for the next free agent class. The Cubs will definitely show their hand on who they have starting at 1st for them in 2011. If it is Adam Dunn or Carlos Pena then say goodbye to trying to get Pujols, Gonzo, or Fielder. If they go with a stopgap like Berkman, Overbay, LaRoche, etc... then they will be major players for the free agent class of 2012.
- Pat Listach is still the favorite to land the bench coaching position of Quade’s staff.
- Want to win next season? I offer this trade: Soriano, Jay Jackson, Josh Vitters, Tyler Colvin and a midlevel prospect for Chone Figgins and Ichiro Suzuki. The Money is close to the same with the Cubs contracts around 72 million and the M’s around 70 million. Both teams take on money while the Cubs are building for the now and the M’s are building for the future but have Soriano and Colvin to immediately help the big league club. Although trading Ichiro is unlikely there has been talk around the team regarding him and his trade value. Here is the lineup with those additions with adding Adam Dunn to the mix and trading Fukudome, a great mix of speed and power!
1.Ichiro Suzuki RF
2.Chone Figgins 2b
3.Aramis Ramirez 3b
4.Adam Dunn 1st
5.Marlon Byrd CF
6.Geovany Soto C
7.Starlin Castro SS
8.Brett Jackson LF
9.Pitcher
Until Next Time….
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Quade, First Base, and More....
Here are some news and rumors from Levine and others…..
- Three different teams wanted to interview Mike Quade according to Jim Hendry. I would say that too if I wanted to make my hire look better than it really is.
- There are a lot of teams interested in Adam Dunn and he will likely seek more than 10 million a season for 3+ years, which maybe out of the Cubs price range.
- Jim Hendry will have to do some tinkering with the roster because his budget right now does not look very promising.
- According to some media outlets Quade was picked because the Cubs did not want to put Ryne in a losing situation. It is easier to fire Q than Ryno.
- Cashner is OK with either being a closer of the future or starter. The Cubs have not made a decision yet what to do with him.
- Quade says keeping Rothschild and Jaramillo on his coaching staff is a no brainer.
- Q would like to have his entire coaching staff in place by Novemeber 1st.
- Pat Listach and Ken Macha are rumored to be the leading candidates for the bench coach position.
- Rumors are going around that Ryno will be the new Blue Jays manager but if he does not land a manager job in the ML he will likely be asked to be on the Chicago Cubs coaching staff.
- Levine says Nady will not be back next season and he also says it was Tyler Colvin’s decision not to play first last season because he was not comfortable making the transition since the Cubs were still trying to win games.
- Levine is still lobbying for Orlando Hudson but says right now Blake DeWitt is the starting 2nd baseman.
- Carlos Silva is not creating much buzz on the trade market.
- The Cubs like Adam LaRoche, Lance Berkman, and Lyle Overbay as stopgap first baseman for next season.
- The Cubs really like Jorge de la Rosa but he will likely be out of the Cubs price range. He maybe looking for Ted Lilly money.
- If the Rangers make arbitration eligiable lefty C.J. Wilson available the Cubs will come running, the same goes with Zach Grienke.
- The Cubs may call the Giants regarding Mark DeRosa this offseason. They like his leadership, versatility, and maybe view him as there next starting 1st baseman or maybe a platoon partner with Tyler Colvin (if he plays first next season).
- The Cubs will not bid on Cliff Lee next season but do have interest in Carlos Lee to maybe play first base for them.
- The Cubs would like to trade Silva, Soriano, Fukudome, Grabow, and Zambrano but don’t know if they will find potential trade partners for them. Not to mention the Cubs are looking to shed salary and want there trade partner to take on a “vast majority” of the money owed to those players.
Until Next Time….
- Three different teams wanted to interview Mike Quade according to Jim Hendry. I would say that too if I wanted to make my hire look better than it really is.
- There are a lot of teams interested in Adam Dunn and he will likely seek more than 10 million a season for 3+ years, which maybe out of the Cubs price range.
- Jim Hendry will have to do some tinkering with the roster because his budget right now does not look very promising.
- According to some media outlets Quade was picked because the Cubs did not want to put Ryne in a losing situation. It is easier to fire Q than Ryno.
- Cashner is OK with either being a closer of the future or starter. The Cubs have not made a decision yet what to do with him.
- Quade says keeping Rothschild and Jaramillo on his coaching staff is a no brainer.
- Q would like to have his entire coaching staff in place by Novemeber 1st.
- Pat Listach and Ken Macha are rumored to be the leading candidates for the bench coach position.
- Rumors are going around that Ryno will be the new Blue Jays manager but if he does not land a manager job in the ML he will likely be asked to be on the Chicago Cubs coaching staff.
- Levine says Nady will not be back next season and he also says it was Tyler Colvin’s decision not to play first last season because he was not comfortable making the transition since the Cubs were still trying to win games.
- Levine is still lobbying for Orlando Hudson but says right now Blake DeWitt is the starting 2nd baseman.
- Carlos Silva is not creating much buzz on the trade market.
- The Cubs like Adam LaRoche, Lance Berkman, and Lyle Overbay as stopgap first baseman for next season.
- The Cubs really like Jorge de la Rosa but he will likely be out of the Cubs price range. He maybe looking for Ted Lilly money.
- If the Rangers make arbitration eligiable lefty C.J. Wilson available the Cubs will come running, the same goes with Zach Grienke.
- The Cubs may call the Giants regarding Mark DeRosa this offseason. They like his leadership, versatility, and maybe view him as there next starting 1st baseman or maybe a platoon partner with Tyler Colvin (if he plays first next season).
- The Cubs will not bid on Cliff Lee next season but do have interest in Carlos Lee to maybe play first base for them.
- The Cubs would like to trade Silva, Soriano, Fukudome, Grabow, and Zambrano but don’t know if they will find potential trade partners for them. Not to mention the Cubs are looking to shed salary and want there trade partner to take on a “vast majority” of the money owed to those players.
Until Next Time….
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Quade is the Guy... But the Right One?
The Cubs have officially announced they will have Mike Quade remain as manager for at least the next two seasons. Quade signed a two year deal with a team option for a third year. He spent 4 seasons as a third base coach for the Chicago Cubs and before that he spent 4 seasons with the Cubs minor league system including outfield coach and manager. Quade; an Illinois native, knows the Cubs very well and has paid his dues in the Cubs system which gained him leverage over the other candidates for the job. Mike; in his short term as Cubs manager’ gained respect from the players and management, notably Aramis Ramirez, Carlos Zambrano, Marlon Byrd, Ryan Dempster, Jim Hendry, and others. He has worked with young players in the minors and majors on fundamentals thus having the balance of working with veterans and rookies. If anything Quade is a safe pick and does have the all tangibles of a big league manager, whether that translates into success at the Major League level for a full season remains to be seen.
I also have various questions regarding the process on this situation. If they wanted Quade, why did they wait so long to hire him? Did Hendry actually endorse Quade and did Ricketts want Sandberg (if so, that is weak)? Is Hendry appointing Quade as manager a make or break move for him? What will happen to Sandberg? Who will be on Quade’s staff? All these are questions that need to be answered sooner or later.
I just want to say I feel it is a mistake naming a manager before the WS concludes. The main reason, Joe Girardi! Mike Quade would have still been there after the WS as would Ryne Sandberg because the Cubs did not grant any request for teams to talk to them. They would have still had them as there 2nd and 3rd options if Joe wanted to stay in the Bronx. The Cubs needed to take a gamble and wait to see if Joe would come back to Chicago. He has won everywhere he has gone, he labeled Chicago as his dream job, he is a Cubs fan, former Cubs player, and a fan favorite. Jim Hendry needed to wait for him because he would have hit a grand slam in having him as the Cubs next manager. I have to say the blunder of not waiting for Joe maybe right up there with signing Soriano to an 8-year deal or giving Milton Bradley a guaranteed 3 year deal.
I also want to say that I think it is a true mistake not giving fan favorite and Cubs icon Ryne Sandberg a shot at managing the Cubs. It is now likely that Ryne will manage elsewhere before Quade’s time is up in Chicago. So not only are the Cubs failing to bring back a Chicago staple in Girardi but they may lose one of the most beloved players in Cubs history. If you lose Quade so what! By not hiring Sandberg you are telling him to find work elsewhere because the Chicago Cubs do not want him.
I honestly feel this is a true mistake on Jim Hendry and Tom Ricketts part. Not waiting on Girardi and not giving Sandberg a shot maybe the worst move made by Jim Hendry while GM of the Cubs. This hire will likely define the entire Hendry Era as we know it and unfortunately for him it won’t be good.
To me a lot is going to depend on who Mike Quade brings in for his coaching staff and what Jim does this off-season. So far I am not in favor of the direction the team is heading. I do want to say I am willing to give Mike Quade a chance but to me if his first season does not result in a winning one it will be hard to look forward to the next season with him at the helm.
Until Next Time….
I also have various questions regarding the process on this situation. If they wanted Quade, why did they wait so long to hire him? Did Hendry actually endorse Quade and did Ricketts want Sandberg (if so, that is weak)? Is Hendry appointing Quade as manager a make or break move for him? What will happen to Sandberg? Who will be on Quade’s staff? All these are questions that need to be answered sooner or later.
I just want to say I feel it is a mistake naming a manager before the WS concludes. The main reason, Joe Girardi! Mike Quade would have still been there after the WS as would Ryne Sandberg because the Cubs did not grant any request for teams to talk to them. They would have still had them as there 2nd and 3rd options if Joe wanted to stay in the Bronx. The Cubs needed to take a gamble and wait to see if Joe would come back to Chicago. He has won everywhere he has gone, he labeled Chicago as his dream job, he is a Cubs fan, former Cubs player, and a fan favorite. Jim Hendry needed to wait for him because he would have hit a grand slam in having him as the Cubs next manager. I have to say the blunder of not waiting for Joe maybe right up there with signing Soriano to an 8-year deal or giving Milton Bradley a guaranteed 3 year deal.
I also want to say that I think it is a true mistake not giving fan favorite and Cubs icon Ryne Sandberg a shot at managing the Cubs. It is now likely that Ryne will manage elsewhere before Quade’s time is up in Chicago. So not only are the Cubs failing to bring back a Chicago staple in Girardi but they may lose one of the most beloved players in Cubs history. If you lose Quade so what! By not hiring Sandberg you are telling him to find work elsewhere because the Chicago Cubs do not want him.
I honestly feel this is a true mistake on Jim Hendry and Tom Ricketts part. Not waiting on Girardi and not giving Sandberg a shot maybe the worst move made by Jim Hendry while GM of the Cubs. This hire will likely define the entire Hendry Era as we know it and unfortunately for him it won’t be good.
To me a lot is going to depend on who Mike Quade brings in for his coaching staff and what Jim does this off-season. So far I am not in favor of the direction the team is heading. I do want to say I am willing to give Mike Quade a chance but to me if his first season does not result in a winning one it will be hard to look forward to the next season with him at the helm.
Until Next Time….
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Ricketts Talks....
According to Bruce Levine, Tom Ricketts as talked to Mike Quade, Ryne Sandberg, and Eric Wedge about the Cubs management vacancy. A decision could be made very soon according to sources but I think it is likely that it will last another week or so before an official announcement is made. According to the media there is actually "no known favorite" but it seems the flavor of the day is Eric Wedge who had his meeting with Ricketts today.
Carrie Muskat said today that Bob Melvin also met with Tom Ricketts. I do not expect him to be a legit canidate for the job. Jon Morosi said Don Wakamatsu is still in the running but it is unknown if he has meant with Ricketts. I have heard that Don is considered for a bench coach position if Wedge or Melvin get picked to manage the Cubs. I also heard if Sandberg is named manager he will bring in former Cubs and coaches on to his staff. Mark Grace? Glenn Allen Hill? Pat Listach?
Until Next Time....
Carrie Muskat said today that Bob Melvin also met with Tom Ricketts. I do not expect him to be a legit canidate for the job. Jon Morosi said Don Wakamatsu is still in the running but it is unknown if he has meant with Ricketts. I have heard that Don is considered for a bench coach position if Wedge or Melvin get picked to manage the Cubs. I also heard if Sandberg is named manager he will bring in former Cubs and coaches on to his staff. Mark Grace? Glenn Allen Hill? Pat Listach?
Until Next Time....
Monday, October 11, 2010
Quick Rumor for You.....
This rumor just came across the wire to me via email. All I have to say is interesting.....
Cubs get Carlos Lee
Astros get Fukudome, Grabow, and Silva
According to the emailer the Cubs would plan on playing Carlos Lee at 1st base where he logged 20 games this season. The Astros would love to be rid of his contract even if it means trading for bad contracts or eating a lot of his. Lee is owed 37 million over the next two season while Fukudome is owed 13.5 million next season, Grabow is owed 4.8 million, and Silva is owed 11.5 for 2011 with a $12M option with a $2M dollar buyout for 2012. So there is basically only a 6 million dollar difference in contracts. The benefits for the Cubs is that they rid themselves of three contracts for next season and they can fill the holes with young deserving players. The benefits for the Astros are they shed two years of Lee for one year of 3 bad contracts. So they will say a lot more money on the nice 2012 free agent class that includes Prince Fielder, Adrian Gonzales, and possibly Albert Pujols.
The emailer says if the Cubs make this deal they are hoping Lee will bounce back to his 2009 numbers where he posted a .300 average with a .343 OBP and drove in 102. If the Cubs can get that kind of production or close to it from Lee they will be in business in 2011. The emailer also said his numbers at Wrigley maybe the main reason why the Cubs want to trade for Lee. He has posted a .290 average with 20 bombs in 259 ABs on the northside.
If the Cubs were to go this route it would be different to say the least. There is one thing for sure you will hear more rumors and news like this as we get into the offseason.
Until Next Time......
Cubs get Carlos Lee
Astros get Fukudome, Grabow, and Silva
According to the emailer the Cubs would plan on playing Carlos Lee at 1st base where he logged 20 games this season. The Astros would love to be rid of his contract even if it means trading for bad contracts or eating a lot of his. Lee is owed 37 million over the next two season while Fukudome is owed 13.5 million next season, Grabow is owed 4.8 million, and Silva is owed 11.5 for 2011 with a $12M option with a $2M dollar buyout for 2012. So there is basically only a 6 million dollar difference in contracts. The benefits for the Cubs is that they rid themselves of three contracts for next season and they can fill the holes with young deserving players. The benefits for the Astros are they shed two years of Lee for one year of 3 bad contracts. So they will say a lot more money on the nice 2012 free agent class that includes Prince Fielder, Adrian Gonzales, and possibly Albert Pujols.
The emailer says if the Cubs make this deal they are hoping Lee will bounce back to his 2009 numbers where he posted a .300 average with a .343 OBP and drove in 102. If the Cubs can get that kind of production or close to it from Lee they will be in business in 2011. The emailer also said his numbers at Wrigley maybe the main reason why the Cubs want to trade for Lee. He has posted a .290 average with 20 bombs in 259 ABs on the northside.
If the Cubs were to go this route it would be different to say the least. There is one thing for sure you will hear more rumors and news like this as we get into the offseason.
Until Next Time......
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Cubs Shift Spending, Turn to Trade Market??
With the announcement that the Cubs are shifting more of there money to the draft this season and player development; not to mention the Ricketts announcing the smaller budget to spend for next season; the Cubs will likely turn to the trade market for a 1st baseman. The Cubs still consider Adam Dunn their number one priority this offseason but sources say he maybe too expensive and Hendry may not want to hand out a big contract again with the risk it blowing up in his face like Soriano, Fukudome, Bradley, and Zambrano. The Cubs have been rumored to be interested in low price free agents like LaRoche, Overbay, Wigginton, Nady, Huff, and Lance Berkman. The Cubs also like Carlos Pena but figure he could probably be out of their reach as well. Out of that group I think Huff and Berkman look like reasonable fits although I doubt Berkman would come to Chicago.
So..... with this said the Cubs could look to the trade market. Here is a list of players that could be available via trade. (No Adrian Gonzales or Prince Fielder rumors here)
James Loney- The Dodgers have been dangling his name out there the past three off season in order to get some high prized players. Since then his stock has decreased but he still has value. Loney hit .267 with 10 homers and 88 RBI last season. His numbers have decreased each of the last three seasons but you could see those numbers jump some going to hitter friendly Wrigley field. He is also only 26 years old and a good defensive lst baseman.
Kila Ka'aihue- The guy has raked in AAA and has done decent at the ML level. The Royals may make him available because of Butler at 1st or they could keep him and make Butler available. He again is only 26 years old, decent defensively, and has his best days in front of him. Definitely a guy you add to a young up and coming team.
Billy Butler- If the Royals want to keep Kila then ask for Butler. Butler has been a stud for the Royals hitting .318 with a .388 OBP, a decent defender, and good power hitter with his best days in front of him as well considering he is only 25 years old. He would come with a high prospect price though in the form of Hak-Ju Lee, Wellington Castillo, Jay Jackson, or Brett Jackson. Which I do not know if he would be worth that price.
Mike Napoli- A true power hitter with 26 bombs last season but older and not really an everyday player. Still could interest the Cubs.
Daric Barton- No one on the A's is ever off limits but he maybe as close as they come. A young up and coming good defensively 1st baseman who hits for OK power but has a tremendous eye.
Pablo Sandoval- Not likely to be available but the decrease in production could have the Giants at lease listen to offers for him. He is a true third baseman but has played first. Would do well in the power category at Wrigley and is a switch hitter. Not a bad option if you are Jim Hendry.
Luke Scott- The Cubs had interest when he was with the Astros and he has put up better numbers since then. He hit 27 homers this season while playing RF, LF, DH, and 1st. He would be very valuable to this Cubs team and cheap financially.
Todd Helton- Don't laugh the guy can still hit and could be a nice stop gap until the 1st baseman frenzy in 2012. He is owed 10 million over the next two seasons.
Nick Swisher- A great clubhouse guy who I have endorsed going to the Cubs for the past three season. He is post season tested, a switch hitter with power, who can play all three outfield positions and 1st. 20+ homeruns seasons since 2006!
Who do you like? For the future I like Kila, Butler, and Loney. For the present I like Swisher.
Until Next Time.....
So..... with this said the Cubs could look to the trade market. Here is a list of players that could be available via trade. (No Adrian Gonzales or Prince Fielder rumors here)
James Loney- The Dodgers have been dangling his name out there the past three off season in order to get some high prized players. Since then his stock has decreased but he still has value. Loney hit .267 with 10 homers and 88 RBI last season. His numbers have decreased each of the last three seasons but you could see those numbers jump some going to hitter friendly Wrigley field. He is also only 26 years old and a good defensive lst baseman.
Kila Ka'aihue- The guy has raked in AAA and has done decent at the ML level. The Royals may make him available because of Butler at 1st or they could keep him and make Butler available. He again is only 26 years old, decent defensively, and has his best days in front of him. Definitely a guy you add to a young up and coming team.
Billy Butler- If the Royals want to keep Kila then ask for Butler. Butler has been a stud for the Royals hitting .318 with a .388 OBP, a decent defender, and good power hitter with his best days in front of him as well considering he is only 25 years old. He would come with a high prospect price though in the form of Hak-Ju Lee, Wellington Castillo, Jay Jackson, or Brett Jackson. Which I do not know if he would be worth that price.
Mike Napoli- A true power hitter with 26 bombs last season but older and not really an everyday player. Still could interest the Cubs.
Daric Barton- No one on the A's is ever off limits but he maybe as close as they come. A young up and coming good defensively 1st baseman who hits for OK power but has a tremendous eye.
Pablo Sandoval- Not likely to be available but the decrease in production could have the Giants at lease listen to offers for him. He is a true third baseman but has played first. Would do well in the power category at Wrigley and is a switch hitter. Not a bad option if you are Jim Hendry.
Luke Scott- The Cubs had interest when he was with the Astros and he has put up better numbers since then. He hit 27 homers this season while playing RF, LF, DH, and 1st. He would be very valuable to this Cubs team and cheap financially.
Todd Helton- Don't laugh the guy can still hit and could be a nice stop gap until the 1st baseman frenzy in 2012. He is owed 10 million over the next two seasons.
Nick Swisher- A great clubhouse guy who I have endorsed going to the Cubs for the past three season. He is post season tested, a switch hitter with power, who can play all three outfield positions and 1st. 20+ homeruns seasons since 2006!
Who do you like? For the future I like Kila, Butler, and Loney. For the present I like Swisher.
Until Next Time.....
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Manager Rumors and more....
- Bruce Levine is reporting that the Cubs managerial search is in phase two. The Cubs only have three serious candidates that will speak to Tom Ricketts and they are Eric Wedge, Mike Quade, and Ryne Sandberg. I honestly cannot see why the Cubs are considering Eric Wedge for anything besides maybe a bench coach. He is not that good of a manager and if you go with anyone in that group you go with Quade or Sandberg because they have been apart of the Cubs for some time and deserve a shot.
- Here is one to file away in your rumor file! The Cubs are drawing out the interview process as long as they can and hope the Yankees fall out of contention early so they can try to interview Joe Girardi. The Cubs front office does not want to look like they are “waiting on Girardi” which is why they have been making the “interviews and phases” very public. This is also why it is taking the Cubs so long to make a decision and why the Cubs do not have a definite deadline for a manager to be named. So in all actuality Mike Quade, Ryne Sandberg, and Eric Wedge are all backup plans because if Girardi wants the job it is his.
- Sources say an unknown team has asked to interview Mike Quade, it is unsure whether the Cubs have granted that request or not.
- Doug Russell of WSSP tweeted that Bob Brenly is close to becoming the Brewers manager but the Brewers are denying that report stating they have not begun the interview process with anyone. Bob Brenly says he has nothing to say right now on the matter. Also sources say that if Brenly is announced the manager he would name Bob Melvin his bench coach. He was also interviewed for the Cubs manager position.
- Speaking of bench coaches, if the Cubs hire Mike Quade he may appoint Ken Macha as his bench coach. This would be a bad move by Quade because Macha has been under fire in Milwaukee for not relating to players, having no fire, and making constant baseball manager blunders. I think if Quade is hired he should name Pat Listach or Dave Martinez as his bench coach. Even though David Martinez stated he would interested in the Cubs manager position if he was asked.
- If Bob Brenly does go to Wrigley North then Dan Plesac would be the leading candidate to replace him. I say why not Mark Grace?!?!
- Jim Hendry also interviewed Don Wakamatsu but he was never a serious candidate but could find spot on the Cubs staff.
Until Next Time…
- Here is one to file away in your rumor file! The Cubs are drawing out the interview process as long as they can and hope the Yankees fall out of contention early so they can try to interview Joe Girardi. The Cubs front office does not want to look like they are “waiting on Girardi” which is why they have been making the “interviews and phases” very public. This is also why it is taking the Cubs so long to make a decision and why the Cubs do not have a definite deadline for a manager to be named. So in all actuality Mike Quade, Ryne Sandberg, and Eric Wedge are all backup plans because if Girardi wants the job it is his.
- Sources say an unknown team has asked to interview Mike Quade, it is unsure whether the Cubs have granted that request or not.
- Doug Russell of WSSP tweeted that Bob Brenly is close to becoming the Brewers manager but the Brewers are denying that report stating they have not begun the interview process with anyone. Bob Brenly says he has nothing to say right now on the matter. Also sources say that if Brenly is announced the manager he would name Bob Melvin his bench coach. He was also interviewed for the Cubs manager position.
- Speaking of bench coaches, if the Cubs hire Mike Quade he may appoint Ken Macha as his bench coach. This would be a bad move by Quade because Macha has been under fire in Milwaukee for not relating to players, having no fire, and making constant baseball manager blunders. I think if Quade is hired he should name Pat Listach or Dave Martinez as his bench coach. Even though David Martinez stated he would interested in the Cubs manager position if he was asked.
- If Bob Brenly does go to Wrigley North then Dan Plesac would be the leading candidate to replace him. I say why not Mark Grace?!?!
- Jim Hendry also interviewed Don Wakamatsu but he was never a serious candidate but could find spot on the Cubs staff.
Until Next Time…
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)