- Dempster gets the Opening Day nod.
- Garza and Zambrano will pitch the first Spring Training game against the A's Sunday.
- Colvin will start a few games at first this Spring.
- Wellemeyer will be looked at as a starter or reliever.
- Kerry Wood and Aramis Ramirez look and feel good.
- Ricketts talks Pujols and the Cubs at CubbieCrib.com.
- The Cubs are posing themselves well for a Pujols run. One exec believes the Cubs will start the bidding at 7 years 200 million.
- The Cubs will be winners even if they do not sign Pujols, as long as he elects free agency. If Pujols becomes a free agent one of three things will happen in which all will benefit the Cubs. He signs a long and expensive deal with the Cards forcing them to cut corners in other areas like pitching, he signs with the Cubs and they steal a future HOFer from their rivals, or he signs elsewhere which gets him out of the NL Central and away from torturing the Cubs. It is a win-win situation for the CUbs.
Until Next Time...
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Cubs News and Notes....
Sorry for the delay, lets get caught up-
- Carlos Marmol signed a really good team friendly deal this week. He signed a 3 year 20 million dollar deal that includes a partial NTC and is back loaded. Marmol will make 3.2 million in 2011, 7 million in 2012, and 9.8 in 2013. This buys out 2 arbitration years and his first year of free agency. A good move on both the Cubs and Marmol.
- The Cubs acquired Robert Coello from the Red Sox for minor league infielder Tony Thomas. Coello was DFA and the Cubs snatched him up. Coello has great numbers in AAA; a 3.86 ERA with 130 K's which lead the league. His 10+ K/9 and 3 BB/9 is pretty good. If anything he is good insurance in case a pitcher goes down with an injury.
- Keith Moreland is Pat Hughes new color commenter. Although he will never replace Ron Santo he is a good fit for Pat Hughes. Moreland signed a three year deal with the Cubs Radio Network, WGN.
- Carlos Silva thinks he should be giving a spot in the rotation but Q says he will have to battle for the final two spots. I don't know how you give Silva the spot over the youth competing for it.
- With the Cards insulting contract offer of around 19-21 million over 6 years and the window to sign the best player in baseball now closed; I, along with CubbieCrib.com, thinks the Cubs have a legitimate shot at signing Pujols. In fact sources along with major media outlets are saying the Cubs may start the bidding at 8 year 240 million while others think a 10 year deal worth 275 million is in order for the Cubs. I think the Cubs should offer Pujols more money a year for less years. If I were the Cubs I do not go beyond 8 years and that is even pushing it. 5-7 years paying Pujols over 30 million a year seems logical for the best player in baseball at the age of "32."
- CC Sabathia may opt out of his deal with the Yankees after next season. If the Cubs fail to nab Pujols they could sign Fielder or Gonzalez along with Sabathia to bring good noise to Chicago.
Until Next Time...
- Carlos Marmol signed a really good team friendly deal this week. He signed a 3 year 20 million dollar deal that includes a partial NTC and is back loaded. Marmol will make 3.2 million in 2011, 7 million in 2012, and 9.8 in 2013. This buys out 2 arbitration years and his first year of free agency. A good move on both the Cubs and Marmol.
- The Cubs acquired Robert Coello from the Red Sox for minor league infielder Tony Thomas. Coello was DFA and the Cubs snatched him up. Coello has great numbers in AAA; a 3.86 ERA with 130 K's which lead the league. His 10+ K/9 and 3 BB/9 is pretty good. If anything he is good insurance in case a pitcher goes down with an injury.
- Keith Moreland is Pat Hughes new color commenter. Although he will never replace Ron Santo he is a good fit for Pat Hughes. Moreland signed a three year deal with the Cubs Radio Network, WGN.
- Carlos Silva thinks he should be giving a spot in the rotation but Q says he will have to battle for the final two spots. I don't know how you give Silva the spot over the youth competing for it.
- With the Cards insulting contract offer of around 19-21 million over 6 years and the window to sign the best player in baseball now closed; I, along with CubbieCrib.com, thinks the Cubs have a legitimate shot at signing Pujols. In fact sources along with major media outlets are saying the Cubs may start the bidding at 8 year 240 million while others think a 10 year deal worth 275 million is in order for the Cubs. I think the Cubs should offer Pujols more money a year for less years. If I were the Cubs I do not go beyond 8 years and that is even pushing it. 5-7 years paying Pujols over 30 million a year seems logical for the best player in baseball at the age of "32."
- CC Sabathia may opt out of his deal with the Yankees after next season. If the Cubs fail to nab Pujols they could sign Fielder or Gonzalez along with Sabathia to bring good noise to Chicago.
Until Next Time...
Monday, February 14, 2011
Courting the King
There have been rumors, links, tweets, and various other forms of information that has been leaked out about Albert Pujols and the Cards. I for one think the Cards will pony up the money (more than they want to spend) to keep Albert in St. Louis for many years to come. Another thing I am sure of is teams like the Cubs, Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, etc are going to tempt Pujols this coming off-season with large offers. Do I think Albert Pujols is worth being paid like the best player in baseball? Sure! Do I think he is worth 10 years 300 million? No way!
Pujols is the best player in baseball. He is everything you want in a baseball player! But he is not worth the report of 10 year 300 million and if the Cubs signed him to that deal I would rip it apart. Not because of the amount but because of the years. Albert Pujols will be 32 years old at the time of his new contract and paying him around 30 million a year for ages 40, 41, and 42 is just irresponsible. The Cubs should learn from there Soriano problem and not sign a player to a ten year deal unless they are in the same sentence as the elite players of the game and under 30 years old. You can even argue that players like Prince Fielder or Adrian Gonzalez deserve a ten year deal before Pujols (of course they don’t deserve the money like he will get per year).
So what do I think the Cubs should offer him? Well it more complicated than straight numbers. I would offer Pujols three contract options and here they are.
Option 1= 5 year deal worth 225 million with a full NTC and a 10 million dollar signing bonus. Perks that include donations from the Cubs to the Pujols Family Foundation throughout the entire contract, and large bonuses for MVP, NLCS MVP, WS MVP, Sliver Slugger, Gold Glove, and All-Star appearances. 10 million dollar bonus for breaking into top 10 all time homeruns. Also relocation and housing paid for Pujols and his family by the Cubs. 4 best available season tickets for the length of this contract and suites for home games as well. I can see this deal actually reaching close to the 300 million he is seeking for only 5 years.
******I know what you all are thinking, 45 million a year plus perks! I am crazy! Not really… If you are the Cubs you hope he signs this contract. What is better 30 million over 10 years where at least 3 years will be a worn down Pujols or pay him 45 million a year until he is 37? The Cubs are more likely to get Pujols like numbers until he is 37 rather than getting those through the age of 42. Also with this deal you don’t have to worry about trading a potential HOFer at the age of 39+ with 30 million dollars a year left on his contract. Plus if Pujols performs at level close to what he is performing at the end of this contract he may be in for another good payday. Not to mention the price of players will receive will increase. To me Pujols is worth the money not the years.
Option 2= 5 year deal with mutual options for 2017 and 2018 that could bring the deal worth 260 million. Similar perks to Option 1 but will less money attached to each perk
*****While the money overall is more and he gets more years. Pujols will be loosing about 8 million per year. The good thing for the Cubs and Pujols is the mutual option gives them both the option to walk away from the contract or continue on. The average year amount here is 37 million.
Option 3= 6 year deal with player option for 2018 that could bring the deal worth 240 million. Similar perks to Option 1 but less money per perk than Option 2.
*****This is even less money but Pujols gets guaranteed 7 years if he wants it. He has the option to walk away from his final year of the deal which he might choose if he puts up big numbers. He can also look at it as a security blanket if he starts declining at the end of the deal. This will average 34 million a year over the lifetime of the contract which is a far cry from Option 1.
These are the three contract options I give to Pujols when and if he becomes a free agent. All three deals have extreme risk and reward potential attached to it. All three have benefits and downfalls for both Pujols and the Cubs. It all comes down to Albert and whether he wants to come to Chicago and if $ per year mean more or years. I think the Cubs would jump for joy if he chose Option 1 but I can see Pujols and his agent looking at Option 2 as the best overall fit.
What do you think? What would you offer him?
Until Next Time…
Pujols is the best player in baseball. He is everything you want in a baseball player! But he is not worth the report of 10 year 300 million and if the Cubs signed him to that deal I would rip it apart. Not because of the amount but because of the years. Albert Pujols will be 32 years old at the time of his new contract and paying him around 30 million a year for ages 40, 41, and 42 is just irresponsible. The Cubs should learn from there Soriano problem and not sign a player to a ten year deal unless they are in the same sentence as the elite players of the game and under 30 years old. You can even argue that players like Prince Fielder or Adrian Gonzalez deserve a ten year deal before Pujols (of course they don’t deserve the money like he will get per year).
So what do I think the Cubs should offer him? Well it more complicated than straight numbers. I would offer Pujols three contract options and here they are.
Option 1= 5 year deal worth 225 million with a full NTC and a 10 million dollar signing bonus. Perks that include donations from the Cubs to the Pujols Family Foundation throughout the entire contract, and large bonuses for MVP, NLCS MVP, WS MVP, Sliver Slugger, Gold Glove, and All-Star appearances. 10 million dollar bonus for breaking into top 10 all time homeruns. Also relocation and housing paid for Pujols and his family by the Cubs. 4 best available season tickets for the length of this contract and suites for home games as well. I can see this deal actually reaching close to the 300 million he is seeking for only 5 years.
******I know what you all are thinking, 45 million a year plus perks! I am crazy! Not really… If you are the Cubs you hope he signs this contract. What is better 30 million over 10 years where at least 3 years will be a worn down Pujols or pay him 45 million a year until he is 37? The Cubs are more likely to get Pujols like numbers until he is 37 rather than getting those through the age of 42. Also with this deal you don’t have to worry about trading a potential HOFer at the age of 39+ with 30 million dollars a year left on his contract. Plus if Pujols performs at level close to what he is performing at the end of this contract he may be in for another good payday. Not to mention the price of players will receive will increase. To me Pujols is worth the money not the years.
Option 2= 5 year deal with mutual options for 2017 and 2018 that could bring the deal worth 260 million. Similar perks to Option 1 but will less money attached to each perk
*****While the money overall is more and he gets more years. Pujols will be loosing about 8 million per year. The good thing for the Cubs and Pujols is the mutual option gives them both the option to walk away from the contract or continue on. The average year amount here is 37 million.
Option 3= 6 year deal with player option for 2018 that could bring the deal worth 240 million. Similar perks to Option 1 but less money per perk than Option 2.
*****This is even less money but Pujols gets guaranteed 7 years if he wants it. He has the option to walk away from his final year of the deal which he might choose if he puts up big numbers. He can also look at it as a security blanket if he starts declining at the end of the deal. This will average 34 million a year over the lifetime of the contract which is a far cry from Option 1.
These are the three contract options I give to Pujols when and if he becomes a free agent. All three deals have extreme risk and reward potential attached to it. All three have benefits and downfalls for both Pujols and the Cubs. It all comes down to Albert and whether he wants to come to Chicago and if $ per year mean more or years. I think the Cubs would jump for joy if he chose Option 1 but I can see Pujols and his agent looking at Option 2 as the best overall fit.
What do you think? What would you offer him?
Until Next Time…
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Spring is Here!!!!
- The Cubs are not expected to go to arbitration on the 15th because they are close on both a multi-year deal.
- Angel Guzman is not ready to pitch yet but could be back in May.
- The Cubs expect Soto, Pena, and Aramis to carry the load this season.
- The Cubs are going to need more production from Soriano to be sucessful.
- Q is not affraid to sit anyone if they are not producing.
- The Cubs must pick between Augie Ojeda or Darwin Barney. They also will have a good battle between Reed Johnson and Fernando Perez.
- Andrew Cashner could be a lock for a spot in the rotation.
- The Cubs expect Brett Jackson to take the same route as Starlin Castro this season.
- The Cubs expect to announce on they have reached a deal with Carlos Marmol Monday. It is likely a mult-year deal.
- Colvin will see some time at 1st base this Spring Training.
- Here is the latest on the Albert Pujols drama.
Until Next Time...
- Angel Guzman is not ready to pitch yet but could be back in May.
- The Cubs expect Soto, Pena, and Aramis to carry the load this season.
- The Cubs are going to need more production from Soriano to be sucessful.
- Q is not affraid to sit anyone if they are not producing.
- The Cubs must pick between Augie Ojeda or Darwin Barney. They also will have a good battle between Reed Johnson and Fernando Perez.
- Andrew Cashner could be a lock for a spot in the rotation.
- The Cubs expect Brett Jackson to take the same route as Starlin Castro this season.
- The Cubs expect to announce on they have reached a deal with Carlos Marmol Monday. It is likely a mult-year deal.
- Colvin will see some time at 1st base this Spring Training.
- Here is the latest on the Albert Pujols drama.
Until Next Time...
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Cubs Should Look at Young Trade with Rangers...
The Cubs could benefit from the Rangers misfortunes with Michael Young. The Rangers find themselves in a similar situation the Cubs had with Milton Bradley (just not as bad). If you have not heard about the Young/Rangers drama you can find all the details on MLBTR. The Rangers want to trade him but don’t want to pay his entire salary which they may be forced to do. The other option is taking on another bad salary which brings an opportunity for the Cubs.
Since Michael Young can play 3rd, SS, and 2nd base he may be a great fit for the Cubs because he would start at 2nd base for them this year and provide insurance for 3rd base if Aram goes down with injury or leaves after this season. One thing Young does bring is a good bat, he hit .284 with 21 homers and 91 RBI last season which makes the Rangers want a good bat in return if they end up paying any amount of Young’s salary.
After saying all of this I think the Cubs and Rangers match up well in a trade. I think the Cubs should send Alfonso Soriano, Randy Wells, and a PTBNL to the Rangers for Michael Young, Chris Davis and Darren O’Day. The money is really not close because Soriano is owed 72 million and Young is only owed 48 million so I think the Cubs would have to pay at least 16-18 million over the span of the contract or pay the final year of his deal which is 18 million.
Looking at this from the Rangers side they don’t lose the production by trading Young they actually may gain some from Soriano. Soriano had some great years in Texas and would likely accept a trade back there considering they are more likely to contend in the weak AL East than the Cubs are in the NL Central. Not to mention he is more of a true DH than Young or anyone else on their team. The Rangers also gain Randy Wells, who is coming off a bad year but had a good first year with the Cubs. He does have an option left so he could be insurance for their thin rotation and bullpen. Texas would also receive a PTBNL.
From the Cubs stand-point I am sure they would be chomping at the bit to get this deal done. The Cubs shed most of Soriano’s awful contract; they open a spot in the outfield for Brett Jackson; who would also serve as their legitimate leadoff hitter. They would have a good offensive and defensive outfield for the first time in a long time. They also get Young who is a good hitter and can play 3 infield positions. He would be an upgrade at 2nd base over everyone in the Cubs system and provide insurance for 3rd. The Cubs also get a really good and young lefty in Darren O’Day which makes them looking like the stand-out bullpen in the NL. Chris Davis is not a throw in either. He provides left-handed pop off the bench and a valuable young player that could fill the starting role at 1st in 2012 if he does really well in 2011.
This is something the Cubs and Rangers should look at (at least from where I stand). This is not a trade rumor; it is just a suggestion for both clubs. What do you guys think?
Until Next Time…
Since Michael Young can play 3rd, SS, and 2nd base he may be a great fit for the Cubs because he would start at 2nd base for them this year and provide insurance for 3rd base if Aram goes down with injury or leaves after this season. One thing Young does bring is a good bat, he hit .284 with 21 homers and 91 RBI last season which makes the Rangers want a good bat in return if they end up paying any amount of Young’s salary.
After saying all of this I think the Cubs and Rangers match up well in a trade. I think the Cubs should send Alfonso Soriano, Randy Wells, and a PTBNL to the Rangers for Michael Young, Chris Davis and Darren O’Day. The money is really not close because Soriano is owed 72 million and Young is only owed 48 million so I think the Cubs would have to pay at least 16-18 million over the span of the contract or pay the final year of his deal which is 18 million.
Looking at this from the Rangers side they don’t lose the production by trading Young they actually may gain some from Soriano. Soriano had some great years in Texas and would likely accept a trade back there considering they are more likely to contend in the weak AL East than the Cubs are in the NL Central. Not to mention he is more of a true DH than Young or anyone else on their team. The Rangers also gain Randy Wells, who is coming off a bad year but had a good first year with the Cubs. He does have an option left so he could be insurance for their thin rotation and bullpen. Texas would also receive a PTBNL.
From the Cubs stand-point I am sure they would be chomping at the bit to get this deal done. The Cubs shed most of Soriano’s awful contract; they open a spot in the outfield for Brett Jackson; who would also serve as their legitimate leadoff hitter. They would have a good offensive and defensive outfield for the first time in a long time. They also get Young who is a good hitter and can play 3 infield positions. He would be an upgrade at 2nd base over everyone in the Cubs system and provide insurance for 3rd. The Cubs also get a really good and young lefty in Darren O’Day which makes them looking like the stand-out bullpen in the NL. Chris Davis is not a throw in either. He provides left-handed pop off the bench and a valuable young player that could fill the starting role at 1st in 2012 if he does really well in 2011.
This is something the Cubs and Rangers should look at (at least from where I stand). This is not a trade rumor; it is just a suggestion for both clubs. What do you guys think?
Until Next Time…
Friday, February 04, 2011
Two NL Central Teams, One Trade....
It is very rare that two NL Central teams ever pair up for a blockbuster trade without one team overpaying the other. An exception is when the Cubs matched up with the Pirates which sent Bobby Hill among others to the Pirates for Aramis Ramirez and Kenny Lofton. But even then the Cubs did not full realize the impact the trade would have on both teams; both positive and negative. Here is one trade I think would benefit both teams involved for the now and in the future but if only Albert Pujols signs an extension with the Cards.
Cubs get Scott Rolen, Brandon Phillips, and Yonder Alonso.
Reds get Aramis Ramirez, Blake DeWitt, Marlon Byrd, and Josh Vitters
The money is close (Cubs taking on at lease 26.5 million and the Reds taking on at least 28.5 million) depending on what the Cubs do with Philips option and what the Reds do with Aram's option. Another variable in this trade is Aramis and Rolen's no-trade clauses. I have heard rumblings that Aram would waive his no-trade to go to a contending team while Rolen I have no knowledge of.
Looking at if from the Cubs side they remove 2 million dollars and thee players out of their starting lineup and their 4th best prospect in the system. What they receive is an all-star gold glove 3rd baseman with pop left in his bat in Scott Rolen. Rolen had a good season batting .285 with 20 homers and 83 RBI. Rolen is usually constant minus the HR totals. He is a career .284 hitter with a .369 OBP, and .968 fielding % which is .012% higher than Adrain Beltre! You also get a veteran leader.
They also get Brandon Phillips, a gold glove 2nd baseman which they have not had in a long time. He also can steal a base (16 steals last season) and hit for power (no less than 17 homers since 2006). Not to mention he is a genuine Cards hater! An infield with Rolen, Castro, Phillips, Pena, and Soto looks pretty good offensively but even better defensively!
Yonder Alonso is known as a "blocked prospect" and will try to make the Reds squad as a backup 1st/OF. He has had his share of injuries but broke out this season hitting .290 with a .362 OBP, 13 SB, 15 homers, and 36 doubles in AA/AAA at the age of 23! Of course acquiring him means Pujols signed an extension with the Red Birds.
Cincinnati gets a "healthy" Aramis Ramirez who could have a breakout season in a possible contract year. Not to mention his glove is good and younger than Rolen. Playing most of his games at GAB could boost his home runs past 40!
They also get DeWitt who provides just enough at 2nd base and could platoon with one of their young middle infielders. DeWitt could have the possibility to hit 12+ homer and hit .280 with the Reds. Marlon Byrd would provide the Reds with a true leader and CF. He is an immediate upgrade over all their outfielder except Jay Bruce.
The Reds also get a prospect to replace Yonder in Josh Vitters. Vitters is being groomed either a 1st baseman or 3rd baseman. He could provide the Reds with insurance in case they don't pick up Aram's option for 2012.
The other factors for both teams are this. The Reds are getting younger by trading both Rolen and Phillips. They are getting more power with Aram and a prospect that could be on par with Yonder with the bat and glove but would not be blocked since he plays third.
The Cubs would be getting veteran leaders in Phillips and Rolen, both have Gold Gloves, both have solid bats, and both make this team overall better. The other thing this trade provides is a starting job for Brett Jackson in CF and finally address the Cubs leadoff needs. Yonder provides the Cubs with a young, left-handed power hitting first baseman for years to come and can get another full year in AAA until Pena leaves either at the trade deadline or at the end of the year.
This trade makes sense for both teams in my opinion but a lot of thing would have to fit for this trade to happen. Of course if Albert becomes a free agent this trade does not happen unless you subtract Vitters and Yonder in which case a Rolen, Castro, Phillips, Pujols, and Soto infield looks pretty nasty.
Until Next Time...
Cubs get Scott Rolen, Brandon Phillips, and Yonder Alonso.
Reds get Aramis Ramirez, Blake DeWitt, Marlon Byrd, and Josh Vitters
The money is close (Cubs taking on at lease 26.5 million and the Reds taking on at least 28.5 million) depending on what the Cubs do with Philips option and what the Reds do with Aram's option. Another variable in this trade is Aramis and Rolen's no-trade clauses. I have heard rumblings that Aram would waive his no-trade to go to a contending team while Rolen I have no knowledge of.
Looking at if from the Cubs side they remove 2 million dollars and thee players out of their starting lineup and their 4th best prospect in the system. What they receive is an all-star gold glove 3rd baseman with pop left in his bat in Scott Rolen. Rolen had a good season batting .285 with 20 homers and 83 RBI. Rolen is usually constant minus the HR totals. He is a career .284 hitter with a .369 OBP, and .968 fielding % which is .012% higher than Adrain Beltre! You also get a veteran leader.
They also get Brandon Phillips, a gold glove 2nd baseman which they have not had in a long time. He also can steal a base (16 steals last season) and hit for power (no less than 17 homers since 2006). Not to mention he is a genuine Cards hater! An infield with Rolen, Castro, Phillips, Pena, and Soto looks pretty good offensively but even better defensively!
Yonder Alonso is known as a "blocked prospect" and will try to make the Reds squad as a backup 1st/OF. He has had his share of injuries but broke out this season hitting .290 with a .362 OBP, 13 SB, 15 homers, and 36 doubles in AA/AAA at the age of 23! Of course acquiring him means Pujols signed an extension with the Red Birds.
Cincinnati gets a "healthy" Aramis Ramirez who could have a breakout season in a possible contract year. Not to mention his glove is good and younger than Rolen. Playing most of his games at GAB could boost his home runs past 40!
They also get DeWitt who provides just enough at 2nd base and could platoon with one of their young middle infielders. DeWitt could have the possibility to hit 12+ homer and hit .280 with the Reds. Marlon Byrd would provide the Reds with a true leader and CF. He is an immediate upgrade over all their outfielder except Jay Bruce.
The Reds also get a prospect to replace Yonder in Josh Vitters. Vitters is being groomed either a 1st baseman or 3rd baseman. He could provide the Reds with insurance in case they don't pick up Aram's option for 2012.
The other factors for both teams are this. The Reds are getting younger by trading both Rolen and Phillips. They are getting more power with Aram and a prospect that could be on par with Yonder with the bat and glove but would not be blocked since he plays third.
The Cubs would be getting veteran leaders in Phillips and Rolen, both have Gold Gloves, both have solid bats, and both make this team overall better. The other thing this trade provides is a starting job for Brett Jackson in CF and finally address the Cubs leadoff needs. Yonder provides the Cubs with a young, left-handed power hitting first baseman for years to come and can get another full year in AAA until Pena leaves either at the trade deadline or at the end of the year.
This trade makes sense for both teams in my opinion but a lot of thing would have to fit for this trade to happen. Of course if Albert becomes a free agent this trade does not happen unless you subtract Vitters and Yonder in which case a Rolen, Castro, Phillips, Pujols, and Soto infield looks pretty nasty.
Until Next Time...
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Thank You!
I want to thank everyone for their responses to the latest blog entry, although some of them still bad comments, I like to everyone a voice. One thing I would like to mention is that I have nailed a few rumors since I started this site in 2006. I actually nailed the Alfonso Soriano signing 8 minutes before Fox Sports and 14 minutes before ESPN.com made their breaking announcement. I was one of the first to announce the Cubs were going to sign Jason Marquis two weeks before it was even announced thanks to the same source. I was one of the first to express the Cubs deep interest in Jim Edmonds before he signed. There are some others here and there. Go ahead and check the archive!
I will not deny that I have had my share of misses and rumors that were shot down immediately by media that obviously has more credentials than me. But that is what you get when you are rumor site. 90% of rumors never come true so obviously I have missed the mark many times. I will tell you that I do not make up rumors, I get my rumors from the radio, other sites and blogs, and via the small group of sources I actually have.
I will continue to work hard on making this blog better and try to post more often like some of you have suggested. The tough thing is balancing a family, my work, and my blog. My blog is one that usually suffers out of the three. I am still looking to add a contributor and going through the overwhelming responses I have had to "the ad" so I will keep you updated.
I want to thank everyone again from the bottom of my heart for what you bring to this blog. Less than a month until the Cubs first ST game and I leave you with these two things.
- Yes, I do realize I put "Jeff" Jackson (it is supposed to be Jay) on the previous post just proving that even the best minds and writers in baseball make mistakes.
- Many execs do believe Albert Pujols will sign an extension with the Cards but if he does not sign an extension by ST one exec believes the Cubs are in the "best position" to sign him. Thanks to MLBTR for this!
Until Next Time..
I will not deny that I have had my share of misses and rumors that were shot down immediately by media that obviously has more credentials than me. But that is what you get when you are rumor site. 90% of rumors never come true so obviously I have missed the mark many times. I will tell you that I do not make up rumors, I get my rumors from the radio, other sites and blogs, and via the small group of sources I actually have.
I will continue to work hard on making this blog better and try to post more often like some of you have suggested. The tough thing is balancing a family, my work, and my blog. My blog is one that usually suffers out of the three. I am still looking to add a contributor and going through the overwhelming responses I have had to "the ad" so I will keep you updated.
I want to thank everyone again from the bottom of my heart for what you bring to this blog. Less than a month until the Cubs first ST game and I leave you with these two things.
- Yes, I do realize I put "Jeff" Jackson (it is supposed to be Jay) on the previous post just proving that even the best minds and writers in baseball make mistakes.
- Many execs do believe Albert Pujols will sign an extension with the Cards but if he does not sign an extension by ST one exec believes the Cubs are in the "best position" to sign him. Thanks to MLBTR for this!
Until Next Time..
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Levine Latest....
- The Cubs are not close to signing Orlando Cabrera.
- Levine says Jeff Jackson should be a surprise in ST.
- The Cubs are still very much interested in signing Garza and Marmol to an extension.
- The Cubs will only pay money to Reed Johnson, Wellemeyer, and Looper if they make the team out of ST, otherwise they cost the Cubs nothing.
- He sees Dempster as the opening day starter.
- Brett Jackson has good upside and Levines sees him being the CF/leadoff guy of the future.
- McNutt could be apart of the big league club this season.
This to all my blog haters-
If you hate this site so much why do you continue to read and post everyday under "anonymous?" Is it really because you wish you had a site like this or it angers you that you cannot break rumors? Or is it simply because you cannot stand anyone to do something they love so you have to try to discourage and destroy it?
Here is what I have to say to you. Thank you for reading my post and posting comments. Whether it is bad or good publicity, at least my site is getting noticed. :)
I do want to thank everyone out there that has read this site, posted to this site, and let others know about my blog. It is greatly appreciated. God Bless you!
Until Next Time...
- Levine says Jeff Jackson should be a surprise in ST.
- The Cubs are still very much interested in signing Garza and Marmol to an extension.
- The Cubs will only pay money to Reed Johnson, Wellemeyer, and Looper if they make the team out of ST, otherwise they cost the Cubs nothing.
- He sees Dempster as the opening day starter.
- Brett Jackson has good upside and Levines sees him being the CF/leadoff guy of the future.
- McNutt could be apart of the big league club this season.
This to all my blog haters-
If you hate this site so much why do you continue to read and post everyday under "anonymous?" Is it really because you wish you had a site like this or it angers you that you cannot break rumors? Or is it simply because you cannot stand anyone to do something they love so you have to try to discourage and destroy it?
Here is what I have to say to you. Thank you for reading my post and posting comments. Whether it is bad or good publicity, at least my site is getting noticed. :)
I do want to thank everyone out there that has read this site, posted to this site, and let others know about my blog. It is greatly appreciated. God Bless you!
Until Next Time...
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Cubs Sign 4
- The Chicago Cubs sign Augie Ojeda and Braden Looper to minor league deals today. Ojeda broke into the Majors with the Cubs in 2000, he will now find himself battling for a spot at the age of 36. Looper could be a very valuable asset to the Cubs. The guy does not walk to many and keeps the ball down which is perfect for Wrigley. He will likely have to wait until an injury pushes a player out of the pen or rotation to get a shot pitching for the parent club. Both guys are good back-ups in case of injury.
- The Cubs sign two really good young Cuban players. Outfielder Ruby Silva signed for $1.2M and will start in A ball this year. He bats left-handed and can play all three outfield positions and even some middle infield. He is a plus runner with a plus arm but needs work in the batters box. The Cubs also sign catcher Yaniel Cabezas for 500K. He is a catch and throw catcher and scouts compare him to a young Yadier Molina. He could become a valuable defensive backup for the Cubs even if his bat does not develop.
- Here is the Cubs ST non-roster Invites-
Pitchers
Chris Carpenter
Angel Guzman
Jay Jackson
Braden Looper
Trey McNutt
Scott Rice
Todd Wellemeyer
Catchers
Steve Clevenger
Chris Robinson
Infielders
Matt Camp
Bryan LaHair
Scott Moore
Augie Ojeda
Bobby Scales
Marquez Smith
Josh Vitters
Outfielders
James Adduci
Brett Jackson
Reed Johnson
Luis Montanez
Brad Snyder
Until Next Time...
- The Cubs sign two really good young Cuban players. Outfielder Ruby Silva signed for $1.2M and will start in A ball this year. He bats left-handed and can play all three outfield positions and even some middle infield. He is a plus runner with a plus arm but needs work in the batters box. The Cubs also sign catcher Yaniel Cabezas for 500K. He is a catch and throw catcher and scouts compare him to a young Yadier Molina. He could become a valuable defensive backup for the Cubs even if his bat does not develop.
- Here is the Cubs ST non-roster Invites-
Pitchers
Chris Carpenter
Angel Guzman
Jay Jackson
Braden Looper
Trey McNutt
Scott Rice
Todd Wellemeyer
Catchers
Steve Clevenger
Chris Robinson
Infielders
Matt Camp
Bryan LaHair
Scott Moore
Augie Ojeda
Bobby Scales
Marquez Smith
Josh Vitters
Outfielders
James Adduci
Brett Jackson
Reed Johnson
Luis Montanez
Brad Snyder
Until Next Time...
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Wellemeyer Back and Levine Notes...
- Todd Wellemeyer signed a non-guaranteed minor league deal worth $800,000 along with $400,000 in incentives. The last time Wellemeyer was effective was with the Cards but struggled last season posting a 3-5 record and a 5.68 ERA with the Giants.
- Fukudome could be traded but only if the Cubs eat 7 million of his contract.
- Levine expects the Cubs to sign Garza and Marmol to 3 year contracts.
- Levine said the Angels were never serious on Soriano but did not deny there was talks or interest from both parties.
- Levine says Jay and Brett Jackson have legitimate chances or getting called up this season. I say also look at Trey McNutt. He has some filthy stuff!
- According to my source and hinted by Levine, the Cubs are looking to sign a veteran back-up SS to come off the bench. Orlando Cabrera is a guy the Cubs are interested in but they have also been linked to Cristian Guzman, Willy Aybar, Juilo Lugo, and Felipe Lopez.
Until Next Time...
- Fukudome could be traded but only if the Cubs eat 7 million of his contract.
- Levine expects the Cubs to sign Garza and Marmol to 3 year contracts.
- Levine said the Angels were never serious on Soriano but did not deny there was talks or interest from both parties.
- Levine says Jay and Brett Jackson have legitimate chances or getting called up this season. I say also look at Trey McNutt. He has some filthy stuff!
- According to my source and hinted by Levine, the Cubs are looking to sign a veteran back-up SS to come off the bench. Orlando Cabrera is a guy the Cubs are interested in but they have also been linked to Cristian Guzman, Willy Aybar, Juilo Lugo, and Felipe Lopez.
Until Next Time...
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