HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM HOT STOVE CUBBIES!!!!
I just want to wish you all my readers and posters a Happy New Year. I really hope 2011 brings everyone hope, excitement, and happiness. I just hope for the Cubs this year is not a "wait til next year" season.
I do want to take this time also to thank all my readers and posters of this site. It just would not have been the same without you. I have been running the blog by myself since 2006 and I have been loving every minute of it. Recently I have been lacking in the post department because of work and family. I am currently running through some things that could make this site more up to date and give more to you the reader. Which is why I am contemplating bring on some contributors to help me with HSC. Just a reminder I do not make any money off this site so contributing here does not earn you dough but could earn you recognition on message boards, other blogs, websites, and even mainstream media. So if you are interested in contributing send me a comment.
I will continue to evolve this blog as changes and demands change. I will do whatever I can do to make this a better place for everyone who visits this site. I again what to thank you all for making this site so successful and being a Cubs fan so much fun (even when it is hard).
Thank you and God Bless!
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Winter Break for Us and the Cubs..
We are back from a long break so lets get caught up-
- The Rangers signed Brandon Webb to a one-year deal worth 3 million with incentives that could push it beyond 10 million for 2011.
- The Cubs continue to talk to the Rays about Garza but the Rays are still deciding on whether to hold onto him or trade him.
- The Cubs have checked in on Fausto Carmona but the Indians want at least two top prospects so that is about as far as talks got.
- The Daily Herald has a great article on Ron Santo and his last days here.
- The Cubs may go into ST with the pitching they have but Jim is still looking to make deals.
- Hak-Ju Lee could be called up in the middle of next season if he follows in Castro’s footsteps.
Until Next Time
- The Rangers signed Brandon Webb to a one-year deal worth 3 million with incentives that could push it beyond 10 million for 2011.
- The Cubs continue to talk to the Rays about Garza but the Rays are still deciding on whether to hold onto him or trade him.
- The Cubs have checked in on Fausto Carmona but the Indians want at least two top prospects so that is about as far as talks got.
- The Daily Herald has a great article on Ron Santo and his last days here.
- The Cubs may go into ST with the pitching they have but Jim is still looking to make deals.
- Hak-Ju Lee could be called up in the middle of next season if he follows in Castro’s footsteps.
Until Next Time
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Webbing Together the Rumors...
Here is the latest on Brandon Webb-
- The Cubs remain interested in Brandon Webb according to sources but it appears the Rangers have the inside track maybe offering more money.
- Today we heard Brandon Webb will make a decision but now we are hearing that is not even true.
- We also heard he is nearing agreement with the Rangers but that was shot down as well.
- I am hearing the Cubs will not go beyond 6 million a year including incentives with an option for 2012. The Rangers may go 6-8 million a year plus incentives and an option for 2012. Maybe overpaying for a guy coming off shoulder surgery.
- I am less optimistic about Webb becoming a Cub than I was two weeks ago. I bet he signs with the Rangers because they will overpay to get him.
Here are the latest non-Webb rumors-
- ESPN Chicago says Jim Hendry needs to pull the trigger on a top of the rotation pitcher if they want to compete in the central. They name Matt Garza and Fausto Carmona. This is the first time we have heard Carmona’s name and could be a good option for the Cubs but they would likely battle the Yankees and Rangers stellar farm system.
- Many teams have called the Cubs about Robinson Chirinos and Hak-Ju Lee. Chirinos I view as a trading chip while Lee I view as being with the Chicago Cubs in 2012.
- WGN signed Pat Hughes to a 5 year extension. It is much deserved because he is one of the best in the game.
- Matt Garza will likely not be traded until the deadline according to reports.
- The Cubs are still shopping Gorzelanny and Fukudome, maybe even as a package. The Mets and Tigers remain interested in Tom while there are little to no interest in Kosuke.
- The roster is standing at 41 so a roster move is expected very soon.
Until next Time….
- The Cubs remain interested in Brandon Webb according to sources but it appears the Rangers have the inside track maybe offering more money.
- Today we heard Brandon Webb will make a decision but now we are hearing that is not even true.
- We also heard he is nearing agreement with the Rangers but that was shot down as well.
- I am hearing the Cubs will not go beyond 6 million a year including incentives with an option for 2012. The Rangers may go 6-8 million a year plus incentives and an option for 2012. Maybe overpaying for a guy coming off shoulder surgery.
- I am less optimistic about Webb becoming a Cub than I was two weeks ago. I bet he signs with the Rangers because they will overpay to get him.
Here are the latest non-Webb rumors-
- ESPN Chicago says Jim Hendry needs to pull the trigger on a top of the rotation pitcher if they want to compete in the central. They name Matt Garza and Fausto Carmona. This is the first time we have heard Carmona’s name and could be a good option for the Cubs but they would likely battle the Yankees and Rangers stellar farm system.
- Many teams have called the Cubs about Robinson Chirinos and Hak-Ju Lee. Chirinos I view as a trading chip while Lee I view as being with the Chicago Cubs in 2012.
- WGN signed Pat Hughes to a 5 year extension. It is much deserved because he is one of the best in the game.
- Matt Garza will likely not be traded until the deadline according to reports.
- The Cubs are still shopping Gorzelanny and Fukudome, maybe even as a package. The Mets and Tigers remain interested in Tom while there are little to no interest in Kosuke.
- The roster is standing at 41 so a roster move is expected very soon.
Until next Time….
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Aces over Cubs and other notes...
- The Brewers made another bold move this offseason sending Alcides Escobar, Lorenzo Cain, Jermey Jeffress, and Jake Odorizzi to the Royals for Zach Grienke. The Brewers have really made their rotation solid this offseason adding Marcum and now Grienke. Add them to Narveson, Gallardo, and Wolf and you have a really good rotation.
- With the Yankees, Nationals, and Rangers again missing out on another Ace expect them to up the pursuit of Matt Garza who is apparently not available now (just posturing). Clubs could also try to trade for Jeremy Guthrie but he is not in the same league as Grienke, Garza, and Lee. This hurts the Cubs because now their chance of landing an Ace is slim to none because a team will have to overpay for whoever they land. Something the Cubs will not do and I do not blame them.
- The Cubs are still in on Brandon Webb but are in no rush signing him. Bruce Levine calls him a project and may need time to be in game shape. I disagree, I think Brandon Webb will be ready by ST and this is the Cubs trying to drive down the price of Webb. They better stop fooling around because I can see the Nationals signing Webb very soon if the Cubs do not.
- Jim is shopping Gorzelanny and Fukudome aggressively. The Tigers and Mets really like Gorzelanny but not trade appears to be close. Fukudome on the other hand maybe tougher to trade.
- By now you have heard that rumored Fukudome for Rowand trade. It does not make any sense for the Cubs because they would be taking on two more years of bad money and only giving up one. Not a good trade for the Cubs which is why it was killed before it even got off the ground.
- With the signing of Kerry Wood it pushes Andrew Cashner to a chance to win a spot in the rotation.
- The Cubs would like to trade either Gorzelanny or Wells before the season starts. If they trade one away look for the Cubs to sign Webb soon after.
- Carlos Pena was paid a $2 million signing bonus, which went on the 2010 books. Pena will be paid $3 million in 2011 with the remaining $5 million paid in January of 2012 ... only $3 million of his $10 million contract will be counted on the 2011 payroll according to Bruce Levine. Pena is on my list for stand up guys.
- The Cubs may release Carlos Silva before the season starts if they cannot trade him.
Until Next Time..
- With the Yankees, Nationals, and Rangers again missing out on another Ace expect them to up the pursuit of Matt Garza who is apparently not available now (just posturing). Clubs could also try to trade for Jeremy Guthrie but he is not in the same league as Grienke, Garza, and Lee. This hurts the Cubs because now their chance of landing an Ace is slim to none because a team will have to overpay for whoever they land. Something the Cubs will not do and I do not blame them.
- The Cubs are still in on Brandon Webb but are in no rush signing him. Bruce Levine calls him a project and may need time to be in game shape. I disagree, I think Brandon Webb will be ready by ST and this is the Cubs trying to drive down the price of Webb. They better stop fooling around because I can see the Nationals signing Webb very soon if the Cubs do not.
- Jim is shopping Gorzelanny and Fukudome aggressively. The Tigers and Mets really like Gorzelanny but not trade appears to be close. Fukudome on the other hand maybe tougher to trade.
- By now you have heard that rumored Fukudome for Rowand trade. It does not make any sense for the Cubs because they would be taking on two more years of bad money and only giving up one. Not a good trade for the Cubs which is why it was killed before it even got off the ground.
- With the signing of Kerry Wood it pushes Andrew Cashner to a chance to win a spot in the rotation.
- The Cubs would like to trade either Gorzelanny or Wells before the season starts. If they trade one away look for the Cubs to sign Webb soon after.
- Carlos Pena was paid a $2 million signing bonus, which went on the 2010 books. Pena will be paid $3 million in 2011 with the remaining $5 million paid in January of 2012 ... only $3 million of his $10 million contract will be counted on the 2011 payroll according to Bruce Levine. Pena is on my list for stand up guys.
- The Cubs may release Carlos Silva before the season starts if they cannot trade him.
Until Next Time..
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Wood is Back and Other Cubs Notes....
- Kerry Wood signed a one year deal worth 1.5 million to come back to the Chicago Cubs. He turned down a multi-year offer from the Yankees and a one-year deal worth 3.5 million to pitch for the White Sox. What a class act Kerry Wood is and I want to say welcome home Kerry. The Cubs are expected to make a roster move before the signing is official on Friday.
- With the addition of Wood it gives the Cubs flexibility to turn Andrew Cashner into a starter. I think Cashner would excel in both relief and in the rotation.
- Rumors are running wild about the Yankees targeting Carlos Zambrano alot of it is media sparked stating that Zambrano might want to reunited with pitching coach Larry Rothchild in NY. Barry Praver, Z's agent, says the Cubs have not asked Zambrano about a trade and Z has not asked to be traded. A deal is unlikely according to my sources.
- Ken Rosenthal says the Cubs have enough prospects to put together a package for Matt Garza. He did say that Tom Gorzelanny, Randy Wells, and/or Carlos Silva would have to be traded.
- The Cubs are looking to trade Fukudome but will not just give him away.
- The Cubs still would like to sign Brandon Webb, if they do that they will likely trade Gorzelanny or Randy Wells.
- Rumors of the Cubs being interested in Joe Blanton are unfounded.
- Bryan LaHair and Brad Snyder got ST invites.
- The Cubs still have luke warm interest in trading for Darren O'Day and Chris Davis but the Rangers are waiting to see if those pieces are need to land a guy like Matt Garza.
- The Cubs checked in with the Twins about Francisco Liriano, the Angels about Jered Weaver, the O's about Jeremy Guthrie, and the Dodgers about Clayton Kershaw according to sources but talks did not go too far. One of the sources says the Cubs could re-start talks with the O's about Guthrie if they do not add Garza or Webb.
Until Next Time....
- With the addition of Wood it gives the Cubs flexibility to turn Andrew Cashner into a starter. I think Cashner would excel in both relief and in the rotation.
- Rumors are running wild about the Yankees targeting Carlos Zambrano alot of it is media sparked stating that Zambrano might want to reunited with pitching coach Larry Rothchild in NY. Barry Praver, Z's agent, says the Cubs have not asked Zambrano about a trade and Z has not asked to be traded. A deal is unlikely according to my sources.
- Ken Rosenthal says the Cubs have enough prospects to put together a package for Matt Garza. He did say that Tom Gorzelanny, Randy Wells, and/or Carlos Silva would have to be traded.
- The Cubs are looking to trade Fukudome but will not just give him away.
- The Cubs still would like to sign Brandon Webb, if they do that they will likely trade Gorzelanny or Randy Wells.
- Rumors of the Cubs being interested in Joe Blanton are unfounded.
- Bryan LaHair and Brad Snyder got ST invites.
- The Cubs still have luke warm interest in trading for Darren O'Day and Chris Davis but the Rangers are waiting to see if those pieces are need to land a guy like Matt Garza.
- The Cubs checked in with the Twins about Francisco Liriano, the Angels about Jered Weaver, the O's about Jeremy Guthrie, and the Dodgers about Clayton Kershaw according to sources but talks did not go too far. One of the sources says the Cubs could re-start talks with the O's about Guthrie if they do not add Garza or Webb.
Until Next Time....
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Rumors Rounding out the Week.
- The Cubs are still very interested in trading for Matt Garza. The Rays said they are not pushed to trade Garza but will save at least 6 million by trading him now rather than the deadline.
- A Garza trade will likely include 4 prospects that are close to ML ready that are not in their arbitration years. Robinson Chirinos, Hak-Ju Lee, DJ LeMahieu, Brandon Guyer, Jay Jackson, Chris Carpenter, Trey McNutt, and/or Josh Vitters could be apart of a package for Matt Garza.
- Players that won't be included in a Garza deal are Chris Archer, Starlin Castro, Tyler Colvin, Brett Jackson, and Andrew Casher. They are untouchable according to Hendry.
- According to multiple reports Brandon Webb is the Cubs top target and he is expected to meet with the Cubs this week. His decision is expected to be made before Christmas with the Cubs and Nationals the top landing places for the former Cy Young award winner.
- Sources say if the Cubs sign Webb they will likely still try to land Garza because Webb does not cost players just money. If the Cubs do trade for Garza and sign Webb that means Gorzelanny has already been traded or will be soon traded after those transactions are completed.
- One source says do not be surprised if the Cubs make a flurry of moves before Pitchers and Catchers report. He says "it is not impossible to think that the Cubs could trade for Garza, sign Webb, and complete the long rumored trade with Texas that would net them Darren O'Day and Chris Davis to the Cubs." If that happens without giving up Colvin, Cashner, Castro, Brett Jackson, or Chris Archer then I would give Hendry an A this off-season.
- The Cubs are still interested in trading for Jason Frasor. Please do not make this move!
Until Next Time....
- A Garza trade will likely include 4 prospects that are close to ML ready that are not in their arbitration years. Robinson Chirinos, Hak-Ju Lee, DJ LeMahieu, Brandon Guyer, Jay Jackson, Chris Carpenter, Trey McNutt, and/or Josh Vitters could be apart of a package for Matt Garza.
- Players that won't be included in a Garza deal are Chris Archer, Starlin Castro, Tyler Colvin, Brett Jackson, and Andrew Casher. They are untouchable according to Hendry.
- According to multiple reports Brandon Webb is the Cubs top target and he is expected to meet with the Cubs this week. His decision is expected to be made before Christmas with the Cubs and Nationals the top landing places for the former Cy Young award winner.
- Sources say if the Cubs sign Webb they will likely still try to land Garza because Webb does not cost players just money. If the Cubs do trade for Garza and sign Webb that means Gorzelanny has already been traded or will be soon traded after those transactions are completed.
- One source says do not be surprised if the Cubs make a flurry of moves before Pitchers and Catchers report. He says "it is not impossible to think that the Cubs could trade for Garza, sign Webb, and complete the long rumored trade with Texas that would net them Darren O'Day and Chris Davis to the Cubs." If that happens without giving up Colvin, Cashner, Castro, Brett Jackson, or Chris Archer then I would give Hendry an A this off-season.
- The Cubs are still interested in trading for Jason Frasor. Please do not make this move!
Until Next Time....
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Pena, Gorzelanny, Webb, Davis, and more....
Here are some notes from Day 3 at the Winter Meetings-
- The Cubs have officially sign Carlos Pena to a one-year deal worth 10 million dollars. Some of the money will be deferred. I must be going against the grain here but I think it is a good deal for the Cubs. The money maybe a little steep but I think the move from the AL East to the NL Central along with going to a hitter friendly ballpark will increase his numbers. Not to mention Rudy Jaramillo might be able to really help his swing. I expect Pena to hit around a .250 avg with 35 homers and 100 RBI next season. Looking at the market, if he puts up those numbers next season then he will be worth over 10 million a year for his next contract.
- Bruce Levine says the Cubs are interested in Ray’s pitcher Matt Garza. The Rays are indeed shopping to reduce payroll and gain prospects in the process. He is owed a pay raise from the 3.35 million he made last season. Levine does not say what the Rays are asking for but the rumor is the price is somewhat high at the moment. If the Cubs traded for Matt Garza he would be under team control through the 2013 season.
- The Cubs are aggressively shopping Gorzelanny and the Tigers are dangling Armando Galarraga in a trade for him.
- The Cubs called on Greinke but they are looking for a mid-level rotation type guy according to Jon Heyman.
- The Cubs may still try to swing a deal for Chris Davis and Darren O’Day. Rangers are still awaiting word from the Cubs.
- A source of mine says don’t rule out the Cubs getting a third team involved to acquire Matt Garza. The source said a deal that would send Garza to Chicago could send Gorzelanny to Detroit and prospects from both to Tampa.
- The Giants are looking for a “6th pitcher” in their rotation, basically a swing guy. Another Source says the Cubs could send Jeff Baker and Tom Gorzelanny to the Giants for Mark DeRosa and a midlevel prospect. DeRosa would assume the usual utility role for the Cubs. Money is close to being even in the deal. He did say a trade like this would mean the trade with Texas would not take place.
- If the Cubs trade Gorzelanny and do not receive a pitcher in return; look for them to acquire at least two pitchers, either via trade, free agency, or both.
- The Cubs might be close to acquiring Brandon Webb on a one-year incentive laden deal with a mutual option for the following year according to my source.
- It is very possible the Cubs could make a deal for Garza, then trade away Gorzelanny, and then sign Brandon Webb. Not necessarily in that order. That would be a nice rotation! Zambrano, Dempster, Garza, Webb, and a battle for the 5th spot.
- Now that Cubs have acquired their power hitting lefty they will push hard to trade Fukudome so they can give the full time gig to Tyler Colvin in RF.
- The Cubs could attach Fukudome to Gorzelanny in a trade to get him out of Chicago. We saw a similar thing happen when the Cubs traded Aaron Miles and Jake Fox to the A’s.
Until Next Time…
- The Cubs have officially sign Carlos Pena to a one-year deal worth 10 million dollars. Some of the money will be deferred. I must be going against the grain here but I think it is a good deal for the Cubs. The money maybe a little steep but I think the move from the AL East to the NL Central along with going to a hitter friendly ballpark will increase his numbers. Not to mention Rudy Jaramillo might be able to really help his swing. I expect Pena to hit around a .250 avg with 35 homers and 100 RBI next season. Looking at the market, if he puts up those numbers next season then he will be worth over 10 million a year for his next contract.
- Bruce Levine says the Cubs are interested in Ray’s pitcher Matt Garza. The Rays are indeed shopping to reduce payroll and gain prospects in the process. He is owed a pay raise from the 3.35 million he made last season. Levine does not say what the Rays are asking for but the rumor is the price is somewhat high at the moment. If the Cubs traded for Matt Garza he would be under team control through the 2013 season.
- The Cubs are aggressively shopping Gorzelanny and the Tigers are dangling Armando Galarraga in a trade for him.
- The Cubs called on Greinke but they are looking for a mid-level rotation type guy according to Jon Heyman.
- The Cubs may still try to swing a deal for Chris Davis and Darren O’Day. Rangers are still awaiting word from the Cubs.
- A source of mine says don’t rule out the Cubs getting a third team involved to acquire Matt Garza. The source said a deal that would send Garza to Chicago could send Gorzelanny to Detroit and prospects from both to Tampa.
- The Giants are looking for a “6th pitcher” in their rotation, basically a swing guy. Another Source says the Cubs could send Jeff Baker and Tom Gorzelanny to the Giants for Mark DeRosa and a midlevel prospect. DeRosa would assume the usual utility role for the Cubs. Money is close to being even in the deal. He did say a trade like this would mean the trade with Texas would not take place.
- If the Cubs trade Gorzelanny and do not receive a pitcher in return; look for them to acquire at least two pitchers, either via trade, free agency, or both.
- The Cubs might be close to acquiring Brandon Webb on a one-year incentive laden deal with a mutual option for the following year according to my source.
- It is very possible the Cubs could make a deal for Garza, then trade away Gorzelanny, and then sign Brandon Webb. Not necessarily in that order. That would be a nice rotation! Zambrano, Dempster, Garza, Webb, and a battle for the 5th spot.
- Now that Cubs have acquired their power hitting lefty they will push hard to trade Fukudome so they can give the full time gig to Tyler Colvin in RF.
- The Cubs could attach Fukudome to Gorzelanny in a trade to get him out of Chicago. We saw a similar thing happen when the Cubs traded Aaron Miles and Jake Fox to the A’s.
Until Next Time…
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Pena A Cub?
First reported by Bruce Levine and confirmed by many others the Cubs and Carlos Pena have agreed on a 2 to 3 year deal loaded with incentives. No word on how this will affect the potential Rangers/Cubs trade but we should hear something officially announced by tomorrow.
Rumors Running Wild!
Day 2 of the Winter Meetings were anything but boring-
- The Cubs are actively shopping Tom Gorzelanny. They are looking to shed salary and gain prospects in the process. Gorzelanny is gaining interest from the Tigers.
- The Cubs appeared close to making a deal with Adam LaRoche when Carlos Pena stepped back into the picture. There was talk Adam was close to signing with the Cubs but those talks were silent, while Scott Boras and Jim had their 2nd meeting regarding the powerful Mr. Pena.
- The Cubs and Rangers appear to have a trade in place that would send Chris Davis and Darren O'Day to Chicago for Robinson Chirinos and pitching prospect Rafael Dolis. The word is the Rangers are just waiting for the Cubs to approve the trade.
Until Next Time...
- The Cubs are actively shopping Tom Gorzelanny. They are looking to shed salary and gain prospects in the process. Gorzelanny is gaining interest from the Tigers.
- The Cubs appeared close to making a deal with Adam LaRoche when Carlos Pena stepped back into the picture. There was talk Adam was close to signing with the Cubs but those talks were silent, while Scott Boras and Jim had their 2nd meeting regarding the powerful Mr. Pena.
- The Cubs and Rangers appear to have a trade in place that would send Chris Davis and Darren O'Day to Chicago for Robinson Chirinos and pitching prospect Rafael Dolis. The word is the Rangers are just waiting for the Cubs to approve the trade.
Until Next Time...
Monday, December 06, 2010
Winter Meeting Day 1.
Winter Meetings day one is like a first date, a lot of talk but no action.
- Rumors sparked that the Cubs talked to the Dodgers about a potential James Loney deal but that was quickly shot down by a source close to the Dodgers saying he is not available.
- Mark Riggins was named the Cubs pitching coach today as expected.
- The Cubs are looking to trade Fukudome but only if they can get the acquiring team to take on half his salary.
- Sources say the Cubs offered Cashner and Colvin in a deal for Adrian Gonzalez but not Castro.
- The Cubs are still waiting for Carlos Pena's asking price to come down but that won't stop Hendry from meeting with Boras about Pena soon according to Carrie Muskat
- The Cubs offered Lance Berkman a one year deal worth 8 million in deffered payments but he chose to sign with the Cards for the same amount to play LF.
- The Cubs are very much in on Brandon Webb but are getting good competition from the Nationals. He could sign this week with one or the other.
- The Cubs like Yonder Alonso from the Reds but he is unlikely to get moved within the division.
- The Red Sox are now looking to add a complementary outfielder rather than a guy like Carl Crawford. Sources say the Cubs and Red Sox have had talks regarding a possiable Mike Cameron/Fukuodme swap or a Scutaro/Fukudome trade. Both Sox players make half the salary of Fukudome so a straight swap could happen. Cameron would be a good 4th outfielder and platoon guy with Colvin while Scutaro would be the Cubs starting 2nd baseman.
- Jim Hendry has had talks with the Royals about both Billy Butler and Kila Ka'aihue. He has also spoken with the Astros about Carlos Lee and the Yankees Nick Swisher. With Swisher and Lee it is likely contract like Fukudome, Zambrano, Ramirez, or Silva would have to go the other way unless the Yanks or Stros kicked in some cash.
Until Next Time..
- Rumors sparked that the Cubs talked to the Dodgers about a potential James Loney deal but that was quickly shot down by a source close to the Dodgers saying he is not available.
- Mark Riggins was named the Cubs pitching coach today as expected.
- The Cubs are looking to trade Fukudome but only if they can get the acquiring team to take on half his salary.
- Sources say the Cubs offered Cashner and Colvin in a deal for Adrian Gonzalez but not Castro.
- The Cubs are still waiting for Carlos Pena's asking price to come down but that won't stop Hendry from meeting with Boras about Pena soon according to Carrie Muskat
- The Cubs offered Lance Berkman a one year deal worth 8 million in deffered payments but he chose to sign with the Cards for the same amount to play LF.
- The Cubs are very much in on Brandon Webb but are getting good competition from the Nationals. He could sign this week with one or the other.
- The Cubs like Yonder Alonso from the Reds but he is unlikely to get moved within the division.
- The Red Sox are now looking to add a complementary outfielder rather than a guy like Carl Crawford. Sources say the Cubs and Red Sox have had talks regarding a possiable Mike Cameron/Fukuodme swap or a Scutaro/Fukudome trade. Both Sox players make half the salary of Fukudome so a straight swap could happen. Cameron would be a good 4th outfielder and platoon guy with Colvin while Scutaro would be the Cubs starting 2nd baseman.
- Jim Hendry has had talks with the Royals about both Billy Butler and Kila Ka'aihue. He has also spoken with the Astros about Carlos Lee and the Yankees Nick Swisher. With Swisher and Lee it is likely contract like Fukudome, Zambrano, Ramirez, or Silva would have to go the other way unless the Yanks or Stros kicked in some cash.
Until Next Time..
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