I finally have internet and here is the latest rumors, news, and notes….
- Tim Wilken is likely to get an extension in the coming weeks from Tom Ricketts. Tom recently extended Oneri Fleita 4 years to keep him from the Detroit Tigers. While I think it is a right decision to extend Wilken, Fleita is a head scratcher to me.
- Some media outlets think the decision to extend Oneri and possibly Wilken may make the GM job look less attractive. I agree with Oneri but signing Wilken to an extension should give the next GM excitement because he is the best in the game.
- Quade is still going to play veterans even though fans, media, and other want to see the young kids.
- Quade in my opinion is playing the last managerial job he will ever have.
- The move made with Fleita and possibly Wilken show some around baseball that Ricketts will hire a young assistant GM from another team.
- There is a ton of rumors that Ricketts is “strongly considering” Kim Ng who is a senior VP of Baseball Operation with MLB and a top GM candidate.
- So far the Cubs have brought up Bryan LaHair, Andrew Cashner, DJ LeMahieu, John Gaub, and Lou Montanez. Why Montanez I ask you?
- Brett Jackson will not be called up. He will play for team USA and likely play fall ball.
- Carlos Zambrano’s season is done and the team will likely trade him this winter.
- The White Sox and Cubs could swap bad contracts this off-season according to sources.
- Carlos Pena still remains a top 3 option for the Cubs to play 1st base next season.
- Prince Fielder and CJ Wilson are high on Ricketts list of players according to a source.
- Aramis Ramirez has a 16 million dollar club option for next season. If the Cubs decline it they pay a 2 million dollar payout. If they exercise and Aram rejects it he forgoes the payout and becomes a free agent. Many think the next GM and Aram will work out an extension. I think exercising his option is a win/win!
- Here are my odds on the rumored GM candidates actually becoming the Cubs GM.
Brian Cashman 1000-1
Andrew Friedman 750-1
Jon Daniels 750-1
Ned Colletti 500-1
Jerry DiPoto 400-1
Theo Epstien 250-1
Allard Baird 150-1
Thad Levine 100-1
Ben Cherington 75-1
Billy Beane 30-1
Josh Byrnes 25-1
Kim Ng 10-1
Rick Hahn 4-1
- I think ultimately it will be down to four with Beane, Byrnes, Ng, and Hahn. I think Rick Hahn lands the job and brings in Ryne Sandberg as his next manager.
Until Next Time…
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Saturday, September 03, 2011
Update.....
I am having issues getting Internet here because we are considered new construction. Trust me this is hurting me more than it is hurting you! I am hoping to get Internet sometime this week but until then please check me out on twitter at HotStoveCubbies@twitter.com. Thanks to everyone for being so understanding.
Until Next Time...
Until Next Time...
Monday, August 22, 2011
An Update During a Crazy Time...
A rare blog post during a crazy move-
- So far the Cubs have several rumored candidates for GM in Josh Byrnes, Billy Beane, Brian Cashman, Rick Hahn, Theo Epstien, Ben Cherington, Andrew Friedman, Allard Baird, Jerry DiPoto, Ned Colletti, Jon Daniels, Thad Levine, and dark horse Greg Maddux.
- Ricketts said this will not be a quick process. He is looking for an experienced guy with a strong track record outside the organization. That pretty much rules out the Greg Maddux rumors.
- Jim Hendry could land with Kevin Towers in Arizona.
- Kenny Williams endorses Hahn by saying this- "I've made no secret about it, Rick Hahn is, to me, one of the most qualified men to assume the position moving forward," Williams said. "What Mr. Ricketts does is his own business. He's a guy that's had a lot of success in business and in his world, and his world over there is none of my business at this point in time. But if he called for a recommendation on Rick Hahn, I absolutely would give him my highest."
- I reported via twitter over the weekend that the only thing standing in the way of the Chicago Cubs landing Rick Hahn is the White Sox granting access to interview him and Rick wanting the job. Sounds like the first hurdle is crossed by the Denny Williams endorsement.
- Rumor has it if Hahn is announced the new GM he WILL hire Ryne Sandberg as the next manager of the Chicago Cubs.
- Andrew Friedman is getting endorsed by former players and current Cubs Matt Garza and Carlos Pena. It would be great to see what Friedman can do with a big market team considering we already know he is a wizard at player development and talent evaluations.
- The Cubs have reached out to Greg Maddux about remaining in the organization. The club also would like to retain some front office staff as well.
- Ricketts said specifically on Friday he is looking for a GM committed to player development, stronger analytical background, and a track record of success.
- The Cubs will likely ask to interview 15 current or up and coming GMs over the next couple months.
- The new GM will have the opportunity to bring in a new manager or keep Mike Quade around. I see Q’s job in serious jeopardy.
- Ramirez maybe having 2nd thoughts on whether to stay in Chicago. He will wait the naming of the new GM and then test the free agent market. But honestly it is not his decision until the Cubs decide whether or not to exercise his 16 million dollar option.
- If the Cubs do not sign Ramirez then the talent falls off dramatically via free agency. Michael Cuddyer (has played some third) and Edwin Encarnacion (has a club option) are the next tier down. While players like Greg Dobbs, Mark DeRosa, Eric Chavez, Miguel Tejada, and Jose Lopez fill out the rest of the list. Not too promising!
- If Aramis does leave the Cubs will likely look the trade route. There have been rumors in the past about the Cubs jumping all over David Wright if he is made available. Also Alex Gordon, Brandon Inge, Mark Reynolds, Chone Figgins, Scott Rolen, and Mark Teahen are also trade canidates. Brandon Phillips also maybe willing to move to 3rd to make him more converted on the free agent market.
- MLBTR took a look at possible ways to trade Zambrano. MLBTR does a good job! The most intriguing to me is Z for Dunn, Z for Burnett, and Z for Roberts. I would also be OK for the Teahen for Z or Zambrano for Figgins. How about Zambrano and Soriano for Dunn and Peavy?
- Dempster is now not a lock to come back next year either.
- Fielder could be the first prize landed by the new GM giving Ricketts comments about willing to spend on impact players while developing their own.
- While I have not endorsed a candidate for GM I have a short list in no particular order Andrew Friedman, Rick Hahn, Brian Cashman, and Billy Beane are most suitable to me. If you guarantee that Hahn brings in Ryne Sandberg then he is my number 1 choice!!!
As always make sure you follow HSCviatwitter especially the next few weeks! I will be updating the latest information and news as I hear it. After that I should be able to regularly update the parent site HotStoveCubbies! Thanks to all for you support and go CUBS!
Until Next Time....
- So far the Cubs have several rumored candidates for GM in Josh Byrnes, Billy Beane, Brian Cashman, Rick Hahn, Theo Epstien, Ben Cherington, Andrew Friedman, Allard Baird, Jerry DiPoto, Ned Colletti, Jon Daniels, Thad Levine, and dark horse Greg Maddux.
- Ricketts said this will not be a quick process. He is looking for an experienced guy with a strong track record outside the organization. That pretty much rules out the Greg Maddux rumors.
- Jim Hendry could land with Kevin Towers in Arizona.
- Kenny Williams endorses Hahn by saying this- "I've made no secret about it, Rick Hahn is, to me, one of the most qualified men to assume the position moving forward," Williams said. "What Mr. Ricketts does is his own business. He's a guy that's had a lot of success in business and in his world, and his world over there is none of my business at this point in time. But if he called for a recommendation on Rick Hahn, I absolutely would give him my highest."
- I reported via twitter over the weekend that the only thing standing in the way of the Chicago Cubs landing Rick Hahn is the White Sox granting access to interview him and Rick wanting the job. Sounds like the first hurdle is crossed by the Denny Williams endorsement.
- Rumor has it if Hahn is announced the new GM he WILL hire Ryne Sandberg as the next manager of the Chicago Cubs.
- Andrew Friedman is getting endorsed by former players and current Cubs Matt Garza and Carlos Pena. It would be great to see what Friedman can do with a big market team considering we already know he is a wizard at player development and talent evaluations.
- The Cubs have reached out to Greg Maddux about remaining in the organization. The club also would like to retain some front office staff as well.
- Ricketts said specifically on Friday he is looking for a GM committed to player development, stronger analytical background, and a track record of success.
- The Cubs will likely ask to interview 15 current or up and coming GMs over the next couple months.
- The new GM will have the opportunity to bring in a new manager or keep Mike Quade around. I see Q’s job in serious jeopardy.
- Ramirez maybe having 2nd thoughts on whether to stay in Chicago. He will wait the naming of the new GM and then test the free agent market. But honestly it is not his decision until the Cubs decide whether or not to exercise his 16 million dollar option.
- If the Cubs do not sign Ramirez then the talent falls off dramatically via free agency. Michael Cuddyer (has played some third) and Edwin Encarnacion (has a club option) are the next tier down. While players like Greg Dobbs, Mark DeRosa, Eric Chavez, Miguel Tejada, and Jose Lopez fill out the rest of the list. Not too promising!
- If Aramis does leave the Cubs will likely look the trade route. There have been rumors in the past about the Cubs jumping all over David Wright if he is made available. Also Alex Gordon, Brandon Inge, Mark Reynolds, Chone Figgins, Scott Rolen, and Mark Teahen are also trade canidates. Brandon Phillips also maybe willing to move to 3rd to make him more converted on the free agent market.
- MLBTR took a look at possible ways to trade Zambrano. MLBTR does a good job! The most intriguing to me is Z for Dunn, Z for Burnett, and Z for Roberts. I would also be OK for the Teahen for Z or Zambrano for Figgins. How about Zambrano and Soriano for Dunn and Peavy?
- Dempster is now not a lock to come back next year either.
- Fielder could be the first prize landed by the new GM giving Ricketts comments about willing to spend on impact players while developing their own.
- While I have not endorsed a candidate for GM I have a short list in no particular order Andrew Friedman, Rick Hahn, Brian Cashman, and Billy Beane are most suitable to me. If you guarantee that Hahn brings in Ryne Sandberg then he is my number 1 choice!!!
As always make sure you follow HSCviatwitter especially the next few weeks! I will be updating the latest information and news as I hear it. After that I should be able to regularly update the parent site HotStoveCubbies! Thanks to all for you support and go CUBS!
Until Next Time....
Monday, August 15, 2011
Cubs Notes.... It is about time!
Here is the latest on the Chicago Cubs from a long layoff from HSC…
- So the Cubs are doing what they do best, exceeding expectations after they are ruled out of the playoffs.
- The Cubs are considering re-signing Carlos Pena but sources say they will court Pujols and Fielder first.
- Pena is very interested in re-signing with the Cubs and may even give them a discount. Pena is a good clubhouse guy, has a decent glove, and a great power hitter but Fielder is more of a move for the future rather than signing Pena.
- Carlos Zambrano might have thrown his last pitch for the Cubs or any team. The Cubs placed him on the restricted list after his tirade and ejection. He can’t have contact with the team for 30 days. Many speculate he will be dealt or released before the start of the 2012 season. Some close to Carlos said he may end up retiring to concentrate on other things and get his head together. CubbieCrib has the best information on this story.
- While I have always been a Zambrano fan and do think he is a great competitor and player; it is hard to come back from this. Being the Cubs you have to move on from him as much as it pains me to say. Watching Z leave the Cubs this way is hard to swallow and no way did I expect his to leave on these terms but it seems that is what will happen. I would like to point out that Carlos Zambrano’s actions have cemented his fate but by no means do I think they should define him as a player on the Chicago Cubs.
- Speaking of Z, the Dbacks just lost Jason Marquis for 4-6 weeks and have interest in Carlos Zambrano according to sources.
- Bob Nightengale came out with some interesting news; Hendry is likely to be retained. He said unless Ricketts changes his mind Hendry will remain GM for next season which is the final year of his contract. This likely means Quade will be retained but Crane Kenney will likely be replace with a guy like Pat Gillick or Brain Cashman. There are also rumors they could be grooming Maddux as the eventual successor to Hendry.
- If the Cubs retain Hendry that means no Sandberg in 2012 and from the news he might find himself on a major league coaching staff next season.
- It seems the Cubs have signed (officially or unofficially) all their draft picks except Shawon Duston Jr., Ricky Jacquez, and Taylor Dugas. The big two (Baez and Vogelbach) are expected to have an official announcement by the deadline.
- The Cubs would like to continue to bring in clubhouse guys and are targeting Nick Swisher as utility player for their bench. The Yankees hold an option on Swisher and has been a solid everyday player for them so it would be hard to say he would not find everyday work somewhere.
Please excuse the length between post but I am in moving mode so I will try to keep up on all things Cubs via twitter and will try to post on my blog as much as I can. Please hang in there and stay tuned.
Thanks!!!
Until Next Time...
- So the Cubs are doing what they do best, exceeding expectations after they are ruled out of the playoffs.
- The Cubs are considering re-signing Carlos Pena but sources say they will court Pujols and Fielder first.
- Pena is very interested in re-signing with the Cubs and may even give them a discount. Pena is a good clubhouse guy, has a decent glove, and a great power hitter but Fielder is more of a move for the future rather than signing Pena.
- Carlos Zambrano might have thrown his last pitch for the Cubs or any team. The Cubs placed him on the restricted list after his tirade and ejection. He can’t have contact with the team for 30 days. Many speculate he will be dealt or released before the start of the 2012 season. Some close to Carlos said he may end up retiring to concentrate on other things and get his head together. CubbieCrib has the best information on this story.
- While I have always been a Zambrano fan and do think he is a great competitor and player; it is hard to come back from this. Being the Cubs you have to move on from him as much as it pains me to say. Watching Z leave the Cubs this way is hard to swallow and no way did I expect his to leave on these terms but it seems that is what will happen. I would like to point out that Carlos Zambrano’s actions have cemented his fate but by no means do I think they should define him as a player on the Chicago Cubs.
- Speaking of Z, the Dbacks just lost Jason Marquis for 4-6 weeks and have interest in Carlos Zambrano according to sources.
- Bob Nightengale came out with some interesting news; Hendry is likely to be retained. He said unless Ricketts changes his mind Hendry will remain GM for next season which is the final year of his contract. This likely means Quade will be retained but Crane Kenney will likely be replace with a guy like Pat Gillick or Brain Cashman. There are also rumors they could be grooming Maddux as the eventual successor to Hendry.
- If the Cubs retain Hendry that means no Sandberg in 2012 and from the news he might find himself on a major league coaching staff next season.
- It seems the Cubs have signed (officially or unofficially) all their draft picks except Shawon Duston Jr., Ricky Jacquez, and Taylor Dugas. The big two (Baez and Vogelbach) are expected to have an official announcement by the deadline.
- The Cubs would like to continue to bring in clubhouse guys and are targeting Nick Swisher as utility player for their bench. The Yankees hold an option on Swisher and has been a solid everyday player for them so it would be hard to say he would not find everyday work somewhere.
Please excuse the length between post but I am in moving mode so I will try to keep up on all things Cubs via twitter and will try to post on my blog as much as I can. Please hang in there and stay tuned.
Thanks!!!
Until Next Time...
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
Big Market Team "Put Up Or Shut Up!"
Ricketts and Hendry have both gone on record stating you cannot re-build and start over as a big-market team. Hendry has gone as far as to compare the Cubs to the Red Sox and Yankees in respect to big market teams. Hendry also says the Cubs a just a few moves away from contending but if you are a big market team why don’t you make a ton of moves and win a World Series? It Hendry and Ricketts are going by what they are suggesting then I in turn say put your money where your mouth it!
The Yankees current payroll for 2011 is $207,047,964.00 and is expected to rise to $213,000,000.00 for 2012.
The Red Sox current payroll for 2011 is $163,822,475.00 and is expected to rise to $180,000,000.00 for 2012.
The Cubs current payroll is $134,000,000.00 and is unknown what to expect in 2012. We do know without arbitration, contract renewal, and trades the Cubs payroll would be 60 million for 2012.
The fact is the Cubs are under 29 million from the Red Sox payroll and 63 million from the Yankees payroll in 2011. Going into next season the Cubs would have a ton of ground to make up to stay a “big market team.” With certain contract renewals, extensions, and arbitration the Cubs payroll could be around 90 million and that is being generous. So if the Cubs want to remain in that category of a big market team and not rebuild they need to GO BIG or GO HOME!
So if I am Ricketts here is what I do to show the Cubs, their fans, the city of Chicago, and baseball in general; I spend money the right way and become a BIG MARKET TEAM! For argument sake lets say the Cubs start off with 70 million and have a projected payroll of 170-180 million for 2012. Leaving the Cubs to spend 100-110 million in 2012 on free agents, contract extensions, etc… Here is what I do.
1. Fire Hendry, Crane Kenney, and the entire coaching staff besides Rudy Jaramillo.
2. Hire Pat Gillick as President, Brian Cashman as GM, Mike Arbuckle as Assistant/Advisor to GM, and Greg Maddux as Assistant GM.
3. Hire Ryne Sandberg as Manager and let him assemble his own staff besides Jaramillo. Ryno suggested last season he would have asked Larry Bowa to be his bench coach.
4. Get the balls rolling on the “Cubs Network” and have it ready to debut by the offseason in 2013. That would bring more revenue, ads, sponsors, etc to afford the larger payroll and upgrades all around to the team, ballpark, and surrounding areas. Pretty much everything Cubs.
5. Cut, trade, non-tender, let leave via free agency, or send to the minors the following players Blake DeWitt, Koyie Hill, Randy Wells, Alfonso Soriano, John Grabow, Rodrigo Lopez, Ramon Ortiz, Jeff Smardzija, Carlos Pena, Aramis Ramirez, Reed Johnson, and Lou Montanez.
Free Agent Signings
1. Albert Pujols- 6 years 240 million with 7 year mutual option. I have his contract increase starting with 30 million and increasing each year until 2015 then it starts to decrease. Much like Arod’s contract does. I of course include perks, bonuses, benefits, etc to bring the contract close to 280 million. I am paying him more a year with this contract because I am not willing to pay 10 years 300 million. I also pay more a year because he is going to be starting at 3rd base for the Cubs!
2. Prince Fielder-7 years 180 million. I have Prince’s amount of his contract increasing each year. I actually have the same incentives, bonuses, and perks as Pujols. I draw up Fielders contract much like Mark Teixeira’s. If you are going to model someone might as well be the Yankees. I will start paying him 20 million in 2012.
3. CJ Wilson- 4 years 60 million. I pay him above the salary Dempster received from the Cubs when he was 31 but below the contract signed by Lackey and Beckett in Boston. This contract would be a straight across which means he will be paid 15 million a year for 4 years. Wilson would likely take his deal because it is over double what he is being paid this season.
4. Ryan Madson- 3 years 18 million. It will be hard to take him from the Phillies but for a guy that pitches out of the pen or rotation and be dominate I think you overpay at an average of 6 million a year.
5. Jason Isringhausen- 2 years 4 million. A nice increase from the 750K he is making his year and some security as well. He has almost regained his closer potential and is a nice veteran guy for your pen.
6. Greg Dobbs- 1 years 1.5 million. Another nice increase from the 600K he received. He would make an ideal utility guy from the left side.
7. Johnny Gomes- 2 year 3 million. Add power and attitude to the bench for Gomes.
8. Ivan Rodriguez- 2 years 5 million. Finally a catcher Soto can learn from and be a mentor to him. You cannot get a better backup catcher than Pudge and signing him to be a mentor and part-time catcher at 5 million over 2 years he will jump at that. Not to mention this season he has a 48% CS rater and it was 34% last year. Not bad for being 40!
Re-Sign Players
1. Jeff Baker- 2 years 3 million. Younger version of Mark DeRosa and you get what you see.
2. Kerry Wood- 2 years 8 million. End Wood’s career with the deal he should have had last season.
3. Ryan Dempster- 3 years 40 million. Opt out of deal and lands with 13 million over 3 years to end his career with the Cubs.
With all the free agent signings and current players resigning the Cubs would take on 97 million in new contracts for 2012. This does not take into account for non-tender, trading, or the releasing of players I listed above. Nor does it reflect the salary of management and coaches or salary arbitration. Here is what 97 million gets you in 2012, your lineup, bench, rotation, and bullpen.
Lineup-
Brett Jackson RF
Starlin Castro SS
Albert Pujols 3b
Prince Fielder 1st
Marlon Byrd CF
Tyler Colvin LF
Geovany Soto C
Darwin Barney 2B
The Cubs have a lineup that is finally balanced nicely with alternating L/R bats besides Soto and Barney. Not to mention the balancing of speed and power allows for the top of your order to create runs while the middle power them home. With Pujols and Fielder you have the scariest 3 and 4 hitters in baseball and maybe even top 10 all time. You also have a nice balance of youth and veterans that keeps you a big market team but still producing your own players. The thing I love about this lineup is over the next 6 years you will have the same corner infielders and over the next 5 you will have a young middle infield growing together. The same can be said for Jackson and Colvin. By the time Byrd is gone then Szczur could be ready and you put him in RF and slide Jackson in CF. I love this lineup but what is not to like?
Bench-
Ivan Rodriquez C
Jeff Baker IF/OF
Tony Campana OF
Johnny Gomes OF
Greg Dobbs IF
One of the Cubs major weaknesses this season is the bench. They did not have enough pop, speed, or versatility’; with this lineup the hit 2 of three. The Cubs add Gomes to help with the pop, Baker and Dobbs to help with versatility, Campana as a speed wizard on the bases, and Ivan Rodriquez is that nice backup that provides veteran leadership. This is going to be considered the best bench and most entertaining in baseball.
Rotation
Matt Garza
CJ Wilson
Ryan Dempster
Carlos Zambrano
Andrew Cashner
The Cubs add Wilson and re-sign Dempster strengthen their thin rotation. The top 3 in the rotation is very solid but Zambrano projected as a number 4 starter does not look bad when he post a 4.00 ERA and Casher is young and coming off injury so the 5th spot will help him keep down his innings. This will be a top 5 rotation in the NL in my opinion in 2012.
Pen-
Carlos Marmol C
Sean Marshall
Kerry Wood
Ryan Madson
Jason Isringhausen
James Russell
Ty’Relle Harris
The bullpen adds a ton of money to the payroll but it is needed because the Cubs need stability there especially with a weak depth in the minors. Add one former closer and one potential closer in Isringhausen and Madson makes this bullpen the envy of all of baseball. You add guys who have had success this season to them and you have a winner.
Conclusion---
If the Cubs want to be a BIG MARKET team the have to make BIG MARKET deals like the Yankees and Red Sox. It starts with Ricketts and he wants to be that TEAM then he needs to increase payroll, alter his vision, and show everyone the Cubs are for real. If Ricketts followed everything I laid out he would achieve that because I see this team winning 90+ games and making it to the playoffs and maybe World Series in 2012! But it is up to Ricketts… Are the Cubs a BIG MARKET TEAM or just pretending to be one?
Until Next Time…
The Yankees current payroll for 2011 is $207,047,964.00 and is expected to rise to $213,000,000.00 for 2012.
The Red Sox current payroll for 2011 is $163,822,475.00 and is expected to rise to $180,000,000.00 for 2012.
The Cubs current payroll is $134,000,000.00 and is unknown what to expect in 2012. We do know without arbitration, contract renewal, and trades the Cubs payroll would be 60 million for 2012.
The fact is the Cubs are under 29 million from the Red Sox payroll and 63 million from the Yankees payroll in 2011. Going into next season the Cubs would have a ton of ground to make up to stay a “big market team.” With certain contract renewals, extensions, and arbitration the Cubs payroll could be around 90 million and that is being generous. So if the Cubs want to remain in that category of a big market team and not rebuild they need to GO BIG or GO HOME!
So if I am Ricketts here is what I do to show the Cubs, their fans, the city of Chicago, and baseball in general; I spend money the right way and become a BIG MARKET TEAM! For argument sake lets say the Cubs start off with 70 million and have a projected payroll of 170-180 million for 2012. Leaving the Cubs to spend 100-110 million in 2012 on free agents, contract extensions, etc… Here is what I do.
1. Fire Hendry, Crane Kenney, and the entire coaching staff besides Rudy Jaramillo.
2. Hire Pat Gillick as President, Brian Cashman as GM, Mike Arbuckle as Assistant/Advisor to GM, and Greg Maddux as Assistant GM.
3. Hire Ryne Sandberg as Manager and let him assemble his own staff besides Jaramillo. Ryno suggested last season he would have asked Larry Bowa to be his bench coach.
4. Get the balls rolling on the “Cubs Network” and have it ready to debut by the offseason in 2013. That would bring more revenue, ads, sponsors, etc to afford the larger payroll and upgrades all around to the team, ballpark, and surrounding areas. Pretty much everything Cubs.
5. Cut, trade, non-tender, let leave via free agency, or send to the minors the following players Blake DeWitt, Koyie Hill, Randy Wells, Alfonso Soriano, John Grabow, Rodrigo Lopez, Ramon Ortiz, Jeff Smardzija, Carlos Pena, Aramis Ramirez, Reed Johnson, and Lou Montanez.
Free Agent Signings
1. Albert Pujols- 6 years 240 million with 7 year mutual option. I have his contract increase starting with 30 million and increasing each year until 2015 then it starts to decrease. Much like Arod’s contract does. I of course include perks, bonuses, benefits, etc to bring the contract close to 280 million. I am paying him more a year with this contract because I am not willing to pay 10 years 300 million. I also pay more a year because he is going to be starting at 3rd base for the Cubs!
2. Prince Fielder-7 years 180 million. I have Prince’s amount of his contract increasing each year. I actually have the same incentives, bonuses, and perks as Pujols. I draw up Fielders contract much like Mark Teixeira’s. If you are going to model someone might as well be the Yankees. I will start paying him 20 million in 2012.
3. CJ Wilson- 4 years 60 million. I pay him above the salary Dempster received from the Cubs when he was 31 but below the contract signed by Lackey and Beckett in Boston. This contract would be a straight across which means he will be paid 15 million a year for 4 years. Wilson would likely take his deal because it is over double what he is being paid this season.
4. Ryan Madson- 3 years 18 million. It will be hard to take him from the Phillies but for a guy that pitches out of the pen or rotation and be dominate I think you overpay at an average of 6 million a year.
5. Jason Isringhausen- 2 years 4 million. A nice increase from the 750K he is making his year and some security as well. He has almost regained his closer potential and is a nice veteran guy for your pen.
6. Greg Dobbs- 1 years 1.5 million. Another nice increase from the 600K he received. He would make an ideal utility guy from the left side.
7. Johnny Gomes- 2 year 3 million. Add power and attitude to the bench for Gomes.
8. Ivan Rodriguez- 2 years 5 million. Finally a catcher Soto can learn from and be a mentor to him. You cannot get a better backup catcher than Pudge and signing him to be a mentor and part-time catcher at 5 million over 2 years he will jump at that. Not to mention this season he has a 48% CS rater and it was 34% last year. Not bad for being 40!
Re-Sign Players
1. Jeff Baker- 2 years 3 million. Younger version of Mark DeRosa and you get what you see.
2. Kerry Wood- 2 years 8 million. End Wood’s career with the deal he should have had last season.
3. Ryan Dempster- 3 years 40 million. Opt out of deal and lands with 13 million over 3 years to end his career with the Cubs.
With all the free agent signings and current players resigning the Cubs would take on 97 million in new contracts for 2012. This does not take into account for non-tender, trading, or the releasing of players I listed above. Nor does it reflect the salary of management and coaches or salary arbitration. Here is what 97 million gets you in 2012, your lineup, bench, rotation, and bullpen.
Lineup-
Brett Jackson RF
Starlin Castro SS
Albert Pujols 3b
Prince Fielder 1st
Marlon Byrd CF
Tyler Colvin LF
Geovany Soto C
Darwin Barney 2B
The Cubs have a lineup that is finally balanced nicely with alternating L/R bats besides Soto and Barney. Not to mention the balancing of speed and power allows for the top of your order to create runs while the middle power them home. With Pujols and Fielder you have the scariest 3 and 4 hitters in baseball and maybe even top 10 all time. You also have a nice balance of youth and veterans that keeps you a big market team but still producing your own players. The thing I love about this lineup is over the next 6 years you will have the same corner infielders and over the next 5 you will have a young middle infield growing together. The same can be said for Jackson and Colvin. By the time Byrd is gone then Szczur could be ready and you put him in RF and slide Jackson in CF. I love this lineup but what is not to like?
Bench-
Ivan Rodriquez C
Jeff Baker IF/OF
Tony Campana OF
Johnny Gomes OF
Greg Dobbs IF
One of the Cubs major weaknesses this season is the bench. They did not have enough pop, speed, or versatility’; with this lineup the hit 2 of three. The Cubs add Gomes to help with the pop, Baker and Dobbs to help with versatility, Campana as a speed wizard on the bases, and Ivan Rodriquez is that nice backup that provides veteran leadership. This is going to be considered the best bench and most entertaining in baseball.
Rotation
Matt Garza
CJ Wilson
Ryan Dempster
Carlos Zambrano
Andrew Cashner
The Cubs add Wilson and re-sign Dempster strengthen their thin rotation. The top 3 in the rotation is very solid but Zambrano projected as a number 4 starter does not look bad when he post a 4.00 ERA and Casher is young and coming off injury so the 5th spot will help him keep down his innings. This will be a top 5 rotation in the NL in my opinion in 2012.
Pen-
Carlos Marmol C
Sean Marshall
Kerry Wood
Ryan Madson
Jason Isringhausen
James Russell
Ty’Relle Harris
The bullpen adds a ton of money to the payroll but it is needed because the Cubs need stability there especially with a weak depth in the minors. Add one former closer and one potential closer in Isringhausen and Madson makes this bullpen the envy of all of baseball. You add guys who have had success this season to them and you have a winner.
Conclusion---
If the Cubs want to be a BIG MARKET team the have to make BIG MARKET deals like the Yankees and Red Sox. It starts with Ricketts and he wants to be that TEAM then he needs to increase payroll, alter his vision, and show everyone the Cubs are for real. If Ricketts followed everything I laid out he would achieve that because I see this team winning 90+ games and making it to the playoffs and maybe World Series in 2012! But it is up to Ricketts… Are the Cubs a BIG MARKET TEAM or just pretending to be one?
Until Next Time…
Levine's Latest and Other Cubs Notes...
Let’s check out Levine’s latest and other rumors-
- Levine stated the Cubs could put Soto on waivers to try to obtain pitching prospects since they think Castillo or Clevenger is ready for the Show. This would go against what Hendry implied at the deadline saying he will not trade anyone that will help next season.
- The Cubs could also place Koyie Hill on waivers and just let him go for salary relief.
- Quade is worried about his job so that is why he is torn between playing youth or veterans. He should be worried because unless something big happens he and Hendry should be gone!
- Levine also implied that Hendry’s hands maybe tied with his job, Quade’s job, and Kenney’s job all in jeopardy. Ricketts said he would address the team after the season but he maybe better served letting all of them go now!
- Sources say Zambrano could be claimed by the Yankees or White Sox once put on waivers.
- Soriano is unlikely to be claimed according to those same sources.
- Levine says Rick Hahn could be a viable GM replacement if Hendry is asked to leave. He said he has learned a lot from Kenny Williams and is considered the #1 GM prospect in baseball. He is from the Chicago area and grew up a Cubs fan.
- Greg Maddux is not a candidate for the GM job if Hendry leaves according to sources.
- If Ryne Sandberg is the Cubs next manager he could bring the band back together. Sandberg could bring in Jody Davis, Rick Sutcliffe, Larry Bowa, Lloyd McClendon, and/or Greg Maddux on his coaching staff in some capacity. Although Maddux is not likely to accept because he wants to spend more time with his family. Sandberg has said when he was in the running for manager that he wanted to bring in the Cubs family because of how unique the franchise actually is. Sandberg knew bringing in guys that understood what it is to be the Cubs is very important in coaching and running a team hence why he wants to bring former Cubs on his staff. It is also rumored that Sandberg had interest in bring in Bob Brenly as his bench coach.
Until Next Time..
- Levine stated the Cubs could put Soto on waivers to try to obtain pitching prospects since they think Castillo or Clevenger is ready for the Show. This would go against what Hendry implied at the deadline saying he will not trade anyone that will help next season.
- The Cubs could also place Koyie Hill on waivers and just let him go for salary relief.
- Quade is worried about his job so that is why he is torn between playing youth or veterans. He should be worried because unless something big happens he and Hendry should be gone!
- Levine also implied that Hendry’s hands maybe tied with his job, Quade’s job, and Kenney’s job all in jeopardy. Ricketts said he would address the team after the season but he maybe better served letting all of them go now!
- Sources say Zambrano could be claimed by the Yankees or White Sox once put on waivers.
- Soriano is unlikely to be claimed according to those same sources.
- Levine says Rick Hahn could be a viable GM replacement if Hendry is asked to leave. He said he has learned a lot from Kenny Williams and is considered the #1 GM prospect in baseball. He is from the Chicago area and grew up a Cubs fan.
- Greg Maddux is not a candidate for the GM job if Hendry leaves according to sources.
- If Ryne Sandberg is the Cubs next manager he could bring the band back together. Sandberg could bring in Jody Davis, Rick Sutcliffe, Larry Bowa, Lloyd McClendon, and/or Greg Maddux on his coaching staff in some capacity. Although Maddux is not likely to accept because he wants to spend more time with his family. Sandberg has said when he was in the running for manager that he wanted to bring in the Cubs family because of how unique the franchise actually is. Sandberg knew bringing in guys that understood what it is to be the Cubs is very important in coaching and running a team hence why he wants to bring former Cubs on his staff. It is also rumored that Sandberg had interest in bring in Bob Brenly as his bench coach.
Until Next Time..
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Somethings Never Change
That is the motto of the Chicago Cubs "Somethings Never Change." We just heard in the past 24 hours that there is no interest in the players the Cubs are willing to trade like Soriano, Zambrano, and Grabow. We also heard that the Cubs have no interest in trading impending free agent Carlos Pena and veteran outfielder Marlon Byrd which is somewhat of a shock.
In all honesty; I am a bubbling kettle right now because of the comments from our GM Jim Hendry. Comments like "I am not going to trade anyone who can help next season" "We are only a couple of moves away from competing" and my favorite "As a big market club you cannot rebuild." In this post I will show you how idiotic and ridiculous these comments are.
First up is "I am not going to trade anyone who can help next season."
-- I will give Hendry credit for this one it would be stupid to trade players like Starlin Castro, Darwin Barney, Matt Garza, Chris Carpenter, etc.. but those are not the only players Jimbo is talking about. He labels Jeff Baker, Blake DeWitt, Randy Wells, etc.. in this group? I am sorry there are dozens of Bakers, DeWitts, etc. out there right now not playing or in the minors. No reason to keep them when you can obtain prospects for anyone of them and give younger players a shot at the ML.
Next a Hendry staple "We are only a couple of moves away from competing."
--This is also true if the couple of moves are firing Hendry and Kenney and hiring competent management but he is not talking about that is he? This has been a Hendry saying since the beginning to make it sound like he knows what he is doing. The fact is he does not and is just trying to divert the problems away from him and on others.
Finally; "As a big market club you cannot rebuild."
--Seriously, no matter how bad, not even 20+ games under .500, you don't change what you are doing? First off big market teams do not end up 20+ games under .500. The premise of his argument is completely flawed! Lets look at the Red Sox and Yankees; the two biggest markets ahead of the Cubs. The last time either one of them ended the season 10 games under .500 was the Yankees in 1992 and the Red Sox in 1966! The fact is big market teams rarely are this bad and because of that his statement should result in his firing alone because he just does not get it!
To me Hendry really signed over the team when he decided not to trade the players he should have traded. Their is only a couple of reason to not trade Pena and only one of them is legitimate.
1. The Cubs are planning on extending Pena. If they do this they are already waiving the white flag on Pujols and Fielder. No excuse to extend them without courting Pena!
2. No player in minors to fill in this year for 1st or next season. Tyler Colvin and there is a guy named LaHair in AAA that is hitting .330 with 29 homers and 79 RBI. One of those guys is a nice stopgap for the rest of this season. Why the Cubs are so concerned about going into next season without a 1st baseman is beyond me. They did it last season! Even if they miss out of Fielder, Pujols, and Pena does not come back there is still guys out there on the market that can fill 1st like Nick Swisher, Lance Berkman, Micheal Cuddyer, Casey Kotchman, or even the power hitting Wily Mo Pena. I can even argue that the Cubs should sign Cuddyer regardless if they retain Pena or not! Not to mention there is a thing called the trade market. This excuse is pathetic and so are the people using it.
3. They are looking to keep Pena in their good graces and make it look like their is interest in resigning him. I can kind of understand the logic but everyone knows this is a business!
4. The Cubs were not getting enough value for him. I call BS on this, the Pirates were offering at least one top 20 prospect, one mid level, and paying half his salary.
5. The Cubs rather land a supplementary pick from him by offering arbitration and him signing elsewhere. Really gutsy call and not a good move for the Cubs.
6. Ricketts put a stop on having Hendry make any moves because he won't be making the moves this off season. This is rumored and if true I have no problem with what they did. In addition to this the rumor states Ricketts told Hendry to place all high priced vets on waivers in August and hope someone claims them. All Ricketts is looking for is salary relief for players like Z, Soriano, Grabow, Pena, etc... If this in fact is what happened I commend Ricketts for finally stepping up and smacking out into the seats.
Other Notes...
- The Cubs are expected to put a claim on Wandy Rodriguez and the Astros are expected to seek just salary relief in return so they will let him go without player compensation. The Cubs could finally have another solid lefty in the rotation.
- The Cubs are expected to place nearly every player on waivers except the "youngsters."
- The Rangers called on Marmol and offered Chris Davis, Robbie Erlin, and Cody Buckel but the Cubs said no. Hard to turn down that trade offer.
- Ricketts really likes the idea of Brian Cashman being the next manager of the Chicago Cubs. Ricketts could pull the trigger on a new GM and manager before a new team President. A source very close to Tom Ricketts said "he finally wants a couple of his guys in here."
Until Next Time....
In all honesty; I am a bubbling kettle right now because of the comments from our GM Jim Hendry. Comments like "I am not going to trade anyone who can help next season" "We are only a couple of moves away from competing" and my favorite "As a big market club you cannot rebuild." In this post I will show you how idiotic and ridiculous these comments are.
First up is "I am not going to trade anyone who can help next season."
-- I will give Hendry credit for this one it would be stupid to trade players like Starlin Castro, Darwin Barney, Matt Garza, Chris Carpenter, etc.. but those are not the only players Jimbo is talking about. He labels Jeff Baker, Blake DeWitt, Randy Wells, etc.. in this group? I am sorry there are dozens of Bakers, DeWitts, etc. out there right now not playing or in the minors. No reason to keep them when you can obtain prospects for anyone of them and give younger players a shot at the ML.
Next a Hendry staple "We are only a couple of moves away from competing."
--This is also true if the couple of moves are firing Hendry and Kenney and hiring competent management but he is not talking about that is he? This has been a Hendry saying since the beginning to make it sound like he knows what he is doing. The fact is he does not and is just trying to divert the problems away from him and on others.
Finally; "As a big market club you cannot rebuild."
--Seriously, no matter how bad, not even 20+ games under .500, you don't change what you are doing? First off big market teams do not end up 20+ games under .500. The premise of his argument is completely flawed! Lets look at the Red Sox and Yankees; the two biggest markets ahead of the Cubs. The last time either one of them ended the season 10 games under .500 was the Yankees in 1992 and the Red Sox in 1966! The fact is big market teams rarely are this bad and because of that his statement should result in his firing alone because he just does not get it!
To me Hendry really signed over the team when he decided not to trade the players he should have traded. Their is only a couple of reason to not trade Pena and only one of them is legitimate.
1. The Cubs are planning on extending Pena. If they do this they are already waiving the white flag on Pujols and Fielder. No excuse to extend them without courting Pena!
2. No player in minors to fill in this year for 1st or next season. Tyler Colvin and there is a guy named LaHair in AAA that is hitting .330 with 29 homers and 79 RBI. One of those guys is a nice stopgap for the rest of this season. Why the Cubs are so concerned about going into next season without a 1st baseman is beyond me. They did it last season! Even if they miss out of Fielder, Pujols, and Pena does not come back there is still guys out there on the market that can fill 1st like Nick Swisher, Lance Berkman, Micheal Cuddyer, Casey Kotchman, or even the power hitting Wily Mo Pena. I can even argue that the Cubs should sign Cuddyer regardless if they retain Pena or not! Not to mention there is a thing called the trade market. This excuse is pathetic and so are the people using it.
3. They are looking to keep Pena in their good graces and make it look like their is interest in resigning him. I can kind of understand the logic but everyone knows this is a business!
4. The Cubs were not getting enough value for him. I call BS on this, the Pirates were offering at least one top 20 prospect, one mid level, and paying half his salary.
5. The Cubs rather land a supplementary pick from him by offering arbitration and him signing elsewhere. Really gutsy call and not a good move for the Cubs.
6. Ricketts put a stop on having Hendry make any moves because he won't be making the moves this off season. This is rumored and if true I have no problem with what they did. In addition to this the rumor states Ricketts told Hendry to place all high priced vets on waivers in August and hope someone claims them. All Ricketts is looking for is salary relief for players like Z, Soriano, Grabow, Pena, etc... If this in fact is what happened I commend Ricketts for finally stepping up and smacking out into the seats.
Other Notes...
- The Cubs are expected to put a claim on Wandy Rodriguez and the Astros are expected to seek just salary relief in return so they will let him go without player compensation. The Cubs could finally have another solid lefty in the rotation.
- The Cubs are expected to place nearly every player on waivers except the "youngsters."
- The Rangers called on Marmol and offered Chris Davis, Robbie Erlin, and Cody Buckel but the Cubs said no. Hard to turn down that trade offer.
- Ricketts really likes the idea of Brian Cashman being the next manager of the Chicago Cubs. Ricketts could pull the trigger on a new GM and manager before a new team President. A source very close to Tom Ricketts said "he finally wants a couple of his guys in here."
Until Next Time....
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Fukudome Trade Details and My Take...
The Chicago Cubs traded Kosuke Fukudome to the Cleveland Indians for prospect pitcher Carlton Smith and OF Abner Abreu. The Cubs will reportedly pay 3.9 million of the 4.6 million left on Fukudome’s contract. In a corresponding move the Cubs have recalled Tyler Colvin to Chicago.
The Cubs have been rumored to have a deal in place with the Indians for a week now but the Indians wanted to see what Beltran and Rasmus were doing before they pulled the trigger. The Cubs were also given two choices in the deal; to pay the majority of the contract and receive their pick of two players off a list given to them by the Indians or to pay none of the contract and take a PTBNL in the deal. The Cubs made the right decision.
Carlton Smith is a 25 year old righty who has pitched both in the bullpen and rotation. Smith has 7 minor league seasons under his belt and has never spent time in the majors. In those 7 seasons he has a 36-28 record with a 4.21 ERA. He has pitched a total of 535 innings, gave up 532 hits, and struck out 347. He by no means is a guy who will miss a lot of bats but could be projected to join the bullpen for the Cubs sometime this season.
Abner Abreu is considered the prize in the deal according to scouts. Even though Abreu is projected as an outfielder he is more of an athlete having played OF, SS, 2B, and 3rd in his young minor league career. Abreu is only 21 years old and needs some polishing before he becomes anything too special. In 5 seasons he traveled from rookie ball to high A ball before his 21st birthday. In 5 seasons he has hit .267 with 38 homers 42 SB and a .311 OBP. He has a very high ceiling and could be something really special by the time he is 25.
In the end the Cubs got exactly what they wanted in a trade for Fukudome; SOMETHING! The market for Fukudome was petty weak and I was even hearing teams like the Brewers wanted the Cubs to pay most of his contract and get a PTBNL in return so all in all this was a good move for Jim Hendry. Fukudome has been a solid baseball player for the Cubs. He has played stellar defense in RF, showed what it is like to have plate discipline, and played hard all the time. The fact is Fukudome is not worth the contract he signed and this should be a learning experience for the Cubs and all of baseball that stats don’t always translate. I am just glad the Cubs got two solid young guys for a guy with only 13 RBIs this season. In the end I give this trade a B. What do you think?
Until Next Time…
The Cubs have been rumored to have a deal in place with the Indians for a week now but the Indians wanted to see what Beltran and Rasmus were doing before they pulled the trigger. The Cubs were also given two choices in the deal; to pay the majority of the contract and receive their pick of two players off a list given to them by the Indians or to pay none of the contract and take a PTBNL in the deal. The Cubs made the right decision.
Carlton Smith is a 25 year old righty who has pitched both in the bullpen and rotation. Smith has 7 minor league seasons under his belt and has never spent time in the majors. In those 7 seasons he has a 36-28 record with a 4.21 ERA. He has pitched a total of 535 innings, gave up 532 hits, and struck out 347. He by no means is a guy who will miss a lot of bats but could be projected to join the bullpen for the Cubs sometime this season.
Abner Abreu is considered the prize in the deal according to scouts. Even though Abreu is projected as an outfielder he is more of an athlete having played OF, SS, 2B, and 3rd in his young minor league career. Abreu is only 21 years old and needs some polishing before he becomes anything too special. In 5 seasons he traveled from rookie ball to high A ball before his 21st birthday. In 5 seasons he has hit .267 with 38 homers 42 SB and a .311 OBP. He has a very high ceiling and could be something really special by the time he is 25.
In the end the Cubs got exactly what they wanted in a trade for Fukudome; SOMETHING! The market for Fukudome was petty weak and I was even hearing teams like the Brewers wanted the Cubs to pay most of his contract and get a PTBNL in return so all in all this was a good move for Jim Hendry. Fukudome has been a solid baseball player for the Cubs. He has played stellar defense in RF, showed what it is like to have plate discipline, and played hard all the time. The fact is Fukudome is not worth the contract he signed and this should be a learning experience for the Cubs and all of baseball that stats don’t always translate. I am just glad the Cubs got two solid young guys for a guy with only 13 RBIs this season. In the end I give this trade a B. What do you think?
Until Next Time…
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Rumoring Around...
A lot of these were updated on my twitter so those of you who follow me this is old news-
- Carlos Pena’s trade talk is severely exaggerated according to sources. Even though the Pirates seem like the front runners to land him.
- The Cubs are close to trading Fukduome according to sources and Bruce Levine. The Indians remain a likely destination with the Brewers and two other teams in the mix.
- The Cubs number one target is off-season is Prince Fielder regardless of “other talk.” Carlos Pena is plan B because Pujols is likely to stay in St. Louis according to sources.
- The first outfielder to be brought to the ML after one is traded is not Brett Jackson but Tyler Colvin. In my opinion they need to bring Jackson up first.
- The Cubs called on James Shields before he was pulled off the trade market by the Rays.
- A source close to Tom Ricketts said he will “evaluate the entire baseball operation that is the Chicago Cubs.” This is including the affiliates of the Cubs as well. The source also said “he is not afraid to make drastic changes if he feels it benefits the Cubs, the fans, and the city of Chicago.” A lot can be speculated from this; anything from Stadium renovations, to a fire sale, to many coaching changes, to anything really.
Until Next Time..
- Carlos Pena’s trade talk is severely exaggerated according to sources. Even though the Pirates seem like the front runners to land him.
- The Cubs are close to trading Fukduome according to sources and Bruce Levine. The Indians remain a likely destination with the Brewers and two other teams in the mix.
- The Cubs number one target is off-season is Prince Fielder regardless of “other talk.” Carlos Pena is plan B because Pujols is likely to stay in St. Louis according to sources.
- The first outfielder to be brought to the ML after one is traded is not Brett Jackson but Tyler Colvin. In my opinion they need to bring Jackson up first.
- The Cubs called on James Shields before he was pulled off the trade market by the Rays.
- A source close to Tom Ricketts said he will “evaluate the entire baseball operation that is the Chicago Cubs.” This is including the affiliates of the Cubs as well. The source also said “he is not afraid to make drastic changes if he feels it benefits the Cubs, the fans, and the city of Chicago.” A lot can be speculated from this; anything from Stadium renovations, to a fire sale, to many coaching changes, to anything really.
Until Next Time..
Monday, July 25, 2011
Cubs Rumors- Pena, Dbacks, Prospects, Fukudome, and Soriano
Fukudome is drawing interest from 4 teams. Levine listed the Indians as one and I am hearing the Brewers might be one of the four as well.
- The Yankees are willing to take Soriano and half his contract from the Cubs but they want Marmol to come with him. That scenario is unlikely according to a Cubs source.
- Kevin Slowey is on the Cubs radar even though they are sellers. Slowey has been very good for the Twins even though he is not a strike out machine many consider him a nice #3/#4 starter in the NL. He is 39-21 in his career with 488 IP and a 4.43 ERA. He does pitch to contact but does not walk guys. Would be a very nice addition to the Cubs staff.
- Rob Biertempfel from the Pittsburgh Tribune said the Pirates are in on Carlos Pena.
- A tweet from Jon Heyman says Carlos Pena “will almost surely be moved” and said the Dbacks “could be in play there.” We at HSC said weeks ago that the Dbacks had interest in Pena, Ramirez, and Wood. Since then we have learned that Ramirez and Wood will remain with the Cubs at least until the end of the season. Wood is expected to sign an extension while Ramirez could hammer out a deal as well.
- A source of mine chimed in and said the Cubs are actively scouting the entire Dbacks farm system. Most notably left-hander Wade Miley, 3B Ryan Wheeler, 3B/1B Matthew Davidson, 1B/3B Bobby Borchering, and RHP Charles Brewer.
- That same source of mine told also told me the Cubs would consider trading anyone except the “impactful youth” for the Pirates young OF Starling Marte, LHP Rudy Owens, or LHP Jeff Locke. He said the Cubs would in fact entertain dealing Marmol, Marshall, or even Garza if they get two of those players. The Cubs of course really value is Jameson Taillon as well but he is not going anywhere.
- Marshall is not available for anyone according to team officials.
- John Grabow is likely to be dealt this week.
- Alex Presley’s thumb injury increases the need for an outfielder tweets Ken Rosenthal. This confirms some rumors through my sources that the Pirates have called the Cubs on Fukudome, Johnson, Colvin, Byrd, and even Soriano.
- Another source said the Pirates will likely show they are “all in” before the deadline by making some big splashes via trade. A big splash for the Pirates would be acquiring an impact hitter like Beltran, Pence, and some can argue Soriano.
- Teams have called on Geovany Soto but the asking price is “higher than Beltran” said one baseball official.
- The Shark has been gaining trade interest and the Cubs are entertaining the idea of trading him (if he will finally accept one).
Make sure you follow me on Twitter to get the most up to date rumors and news regarding your Chicago Cubs before the deadline!!!! You can get information first at HotStoveCubbiesOnTwitter!
- The Yankees are willing to take Soriano and half his contract from the Cubs but they want Marmol to come with him. That scenario is unlikely according to a Cubs source.
- Kevin Slowey is on the Cubs radar even though they are sellers. Slowey has been very good for the Twins even though he is not a strike out machine many consider him a nice #3/#4 starter in the NL. He is 39-21 in his career with 488 IP and a 4.43 ERA. He does pitch to contact but does not walk guys. Would be a very nice addition to the Cubs staff.
- Rob Biertempfel from the Pittsburgh Tribune said the Pirates are in on Carlos Pena.
- A tweet from Jon Heyman says Carlos Pena “will almost surely be moved” and said the Dbacks “could be in play there.” We at HSC said weeks ago that the Dbacks had interest in Pena, Ramirez, and Wood. Since then we have learned that Ramirez and Wood will remain with the Cubs at least until the end of the season. Wood is expected to sign an extension while Ramirez could hammer out a deal as well.
- A source of mine chimed in and said the Cubs are actively scouting the entire Dbacks farm system. Most notably left-hander Wade Miley, 3B Ryan Wheeler, 3B/1B Matthew Davidson, 1B/3B Bobby Borchering, and RHP Charles Brewer.
- That same source of mine told also told me the Cubs would consider trading anyone except the “impactful youth” for the Pirates young OF Starling Marte, LHP Rudy Owens, or LHP Jeff Locke. He said the Cubs would in fact entertain dealing Marmol, Marshall, or even Garza if they get two of those players. The Cubs of course really value is Jameson Taillon as well but he is not going anywhere.
- Marshall is not available for anyone according to team officials.
- John Grabow is likely to be dealt this week.
- Alex Presley’s thumb injury increases the need for an outfielder tweets Ken Rosenthal. This confirms some rumors through my sources that the Pirates have called the Cubs on Fukudome, Johnson, Colvin, Byrd, and even Soriano.
- Another source said the Pirates will likely show they are “all in” before the deadline by making some big splashes via trade. A big splash for the Pirates would be acquiring an impact hitter like Beltran, Pence, and some can argue Soriano.
- Teams have called on Geovany Soto but the asking price is “higher than Beltran” said one baseball official.
- The Shark has been gaining trade interest and the Cubs are entertaining the idea of trading him (if he will finally accept one).
Make sure you follow me on Twitter to get the most up to date rumors and news regarding your Chicago Cubs before the deadline!!!! You can get information first at HotStoveCubbiesOnTwitter!
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