Players Could be on the Move...

The Cubs are interested in adding a lefty reliever this season since Russell is the only one in the bullpen. Some recent names they have been interested in are Kasey Kiker, Dana Eveland, and Hong-Chih Kuo. I also would not count out free agent Mitch Stetter who played in MIL the past 4 years.

The Theo Epstein Compensation saga continues after Chris Carpenter having to have surgery to remove a bone spur in his elbow. Now sources are saying the Red Sox may want to revisit the talks because of Carpenter’s injury. GOOD LUCK! He passed a physical before the compensation was completed.

Casey Coleman will remain a starter in AAA Iowa.

Sveum said the most difficult decision he had to make was cutting Welington Castillo. I just heard Randy Wells shed a tear.

The Braves have interest in Marlon Byrd which has already been noted several times but they are also looking at “lesser available Cubs” according to David O’Brien. I am guessing maybe Jeff Baker, Ian Stewart, or Brett Jackson.

The Tampa Bay Rays have called about Marlon Byrd and Brett Jackson according to sources. Tampa Bay is looking for OF help for the injured Sam Fuld and BJ Upton. Both will start the season on the DL.

There is a ton of interest in Randy Wells from other teams but the Cubs are reluctant to give up a nice fill in starter incase of injury.

Lendy Castillo and Manny Corpas look like they have the best shot to make the pen.

Nothing new on Soler but things could change quickly.

The Cubs are more interested now in signing Garza to a long-tern contract rather than trading him. They like how he has been a team leader.

It sounds like Clevenger will get some good playing time by Sveum saying he will get him in at least three games a week and at least one start.

Until Next Time…

Roster Moves Made...And Trades???

- The Chicago Cubs completed their Theo Epstein Compensation by receiving 19 year old first base prospect Jair Bogaerts. You can find out more on the youngster here. Honestly it is a better piece than I thought we would have gotten.

- As expected the Cubs made a flurry of roster moves today by sending Randy Wells, Casey Coleman Travis Wood, Scott Maine, David Sappelt, and Welington Castillo to the minors. Non roster invitees sent to minor league camp were Blake Parker, Edgar Gonzalez, Matt Tolbert, and Blake Lalli.

- Randy Wells, Casey Coleman, and Scott Maine were big surprises for me. From these moves it looks like Rodrigo Lopez and Shawn Camp may have made the pen (another option is Corpas). Scott Maine not making the pen means the Cubs will only go with one lefty in their bullpen which is pretty interesting. I also thought either Randy Wells or Casey Coleman would make the team as a long reliever, but neither did.

- This also means Steve Clevenger gets the back-up catcher job so Castillo can catch everyday in Iowa.

- It also means that Lendy Castillo looks like he made the team.

- Jeff Samardzija landed the No. 3 spot in the rotation with Volstad nailing the #4.

- Randy Wells has been told he is the next man in for the rotation spot if there is an injury.

- The biggest non-move of today is OFer Tony Campana. I talked to my source today and he said that Theo and Jed are still working on a trade involving Marlon Byrd so they wanted to keep Campana in ML camp. If Byrd is traded that means that Campana would likely share time in CF with Reed Johnson. Again the Cubs do not want to start BJax ML clock so he will start in Iowa.

- So we know that Soriano exercised his no-trade to go to the O’s earlier this year but did you know he did the same thing with the M’s? According to my source he turned down a trade that would have sent him to the Mariners for Chone Figgins.

Until Next Time..

Do You Hear An Echo?? Tons of Rumors and Notes...

Some notes as we come to the end of ST-

• The Cubs have signed Shawn Camp to a Minor League deal which was linked to the release of lefty Trever Miller. Camp will have a week to prove he is worthy of a spot in the pen which is pretty much up for grabs except for Wood, Russell, and Marmol (maybe Dolis as well).
• Sveum says the Cubs will be better on defense this year which is not saying too much.
• Ryan Dempster is the Opening Day starter if you did not already know that.
• Gordon Wittenmyer is echoing what we said Sunday (found here) that the trade market is heating up for Marlon Byrd. Even going as far as labeling the Braves and Nationals which the former was discussed Sunday here and the latter in the past few months.
• Jon Heyman tweeted today that the Nats are one of several teams that have kicked the tires on Marlon Byrd who could be had at the right price. He also says CF’s are really valuable right now.
• I am hearing from my sources that there is a “better than 50%” chance Byrd gets traded. I am also hearing Sappelt or Campana would get Byrd’s spot not BJax because they do not want to start his ML clock yet.
• The Cubs tried to trade Soriano all year but were unsuccessful which is why they have turned their attention to Marlon Byrd.
• Another thing that a reader posed to me is this idea (if Byrd is traded) which I find interesting is that since Rizzo’s clock has already started he would be called up instead of another OF. This reader says Rizzo would take over at 1^st, LaHair would move to RF, and DeJesus would move to CF. Now Sveum wants better defense which decreased in this scenario but it does increase the offense. Interesting idea to say the least.
• Sveum is getting praise for his camp.
• Bleacher Nation talks about Nyjer Morgan loving cats.
• The Cubs brass will meet with the coaches after today’s game to make the final roster decisions. The big spots up for grabs are the number 3 & 4 starters, 2 bench spots, most of the bullpen, and back-up catcher.
• I think the Cubs will pick Volstad and Shark for the 3&4 starters, bench spots will go to Mather and DeWitt, bullpen will go Castillo, Dolis, Wells, and Maine; and the backup catcher will go to Clevenger.
• To counter what I said about the pen some sources believe Russell will be the only lefty in the pen.
• Cubs Den has a nice piece on the Cubs top 5 post 1980 teams.
• The Tribune has an article on the Cubs found here.

Here is the latest from Mr. Bruce Levine-

• Levine says Tony Campana will head to Iowa.
• Levine says Byrd will NOT be moved because of the Cubs lack of depth in the OF. SERIOUSLY! I think the Cubs have plenty of depth in the outfield with young players ready to produce if they are giving the chance.
• He says Brett Jackson and Anthony Rizzo will be in the starting lineup sometime this season.
• Bruce says a lot of teams have called on Wells which HSC has reported as well.
• Levine does not deny the interest from the Angels about Garza and the Braves/Nationals about Byrd which once again we broke on HSC.
• He believes Sappelt is a security blanket for the Cubs OF.
• He thinks Szczur will be in Double A most of the season and will not be called up this year. I would not be so quick to say that.
• Levine feels Stewart will do the best in the 5^th or 6^th hole in the lineup.
• Levine says Soto will be the biggest surprise this year and put up similar numbers when he won the Rookie of the Year in 2008. I hope he is right because that would be valuable trade bait.
• Cubs are concerned about Dolis delivery which could lead to an injury according to Levine.
• Bruce thinks Manny Corpas has a good shot to make the pen and I can definitely see that.

Until Next Time…

This Just in.... Trade Rumors....

-  The Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago Cubs have been rumored off and on about a trade that would send Geovany Soto to Tampa for Jeff Nieman or Wade Davis but the Cubs were not to high on either.  But now the recent success of Castillo, Clevenger, and the steady play of Geovany Soto has the Cubs and Rays back in talks.  A source told me that the Cubs are willing to trade Soto to Tampa but for prospects.  Another option he said that is being discussed is a Randy Wells and Geovany Soto for Wade Davis and Alex Colome.  This rumor is getting legs according to a separate source.

-  The Angels have been in contact with the Cubs about Matt Garza recently but the Cubs are currently trying to work out an extension with the ace.

-  The Reds are very much interested in Carlos Marmol and have contacted the Cubs but they are hesitant to trade Marmol because of bullpen concerns of their own.

-  The Braves have been in contact the Cubs about Blake DeWitt, Jeff Baker, and Marlon Byrd according to sources to help with their depth and injury woes. 

-  One source told me if the Cubs do not make any trades before Opening Day he will be "shocked" because all of the things they are working on.

Until Next Time...

HSC 2012 Chicago Cubs 25-man Roster Stat Projection

MAKE SURE TO CLICK ON EACH PICTURE TABLE TO GET A CLEAR IMAGE OF THE STAT PROJECTIONS. (A SPECIAL THANKS JAMES FOR THIS TIP!!!!)

All stat projections are subject to change because of roster moves such as trades or demotion, position relocation, or injury.

What is your stat projections for 2012??? Just comment below to start the lively conversation!

Until Next Time...

Indeed More Moves A Comin'

      - Marmol health scare was just that and the MRI showed no damage. He will be pitching in a game by Monday.

- Strasburg will get the Opening Day start for the Nationals against the Cubs.

- LaHair will make the team out of Spring Training unless he ends up on the DL with an injury.

- Hoyer said the Cubs are still open for business and the final two weeks could bring movement to the Cubs.

- Hoyer feels they have solid (if not crazy) rotation depth but things usually work themselves out.

- Jed says late spring deals heat up in the last 10 days or so and he had this to say- “wouldn’t be surprised if we made a move.”YAY MORE MOVES!

- So less than 24 hours after Hoyer saying things will heat up here comes the rumors-

1. The Angels are looking for rotation depth and have spoke to the Cubs about Randy Wells, Chris Volstad, and Casey Coleman according to sources.

2. The Red Sox are also looking for affordable rotation depth through a trade and are targeting Randy Wells.

3. The Red Sox may also be looking for a reliever so they can put Daniel Bard back in the rotation.

4. A source said ignore the Phillies statement of them “staying put” with what they have. They have been on the phone with several clubs including both Chicago teams about middle infield depth.

- Andy Sonnanstine was option to AAA Iowa.

- In case you were wondering the Cubs have no deal in place with Jorge Soler.

- It sounds like Dempster is lined up for the opening day starter but nothing is official yet.

- Ian Stewart will not be stopped or slowed by his wrist issue.

Until Next Time..

Roster Stuff and Levine Speaks...

ESPN Chicago thinks the back-up catcher position will go down to the wire. I think it has already been decided for the Cubs with Clevenger. He is left-handed, better polished, and is a traditional back up catcher. Castillo needs to play everyday so he needs to be either a starter in Chicago or in Iowa. Clevenger is the clear choice.

If you have not checked out The Cubs Reporter then you should ask why.

Everyone is talking about Travis Wood and his poor spring but I am still optimistic about what he can bring but it doesn’t mean he won’t enjoy his first game in an Iowa Cubs uni.

Dale Sveum sure likes his bench as it is taking shape.

Now some stuff from Bruce Levine-

· Levine suspects like most of us that the Phillies will be or already have called on Cubs about DeWitt. Levine does say he feels DeWitt is a more valuable than a marginal prospect. I disagree, because if he was so valuable then why did the Cubs put him on waivers?

· Levine says Junior Lake is about a year away from playing everyday in the majors. I can agree with that.

· Levine does not see Cubs management worried about LaHair.

· He feels Stewart will be the most improved player on the Cubs this year. I agree again!

· He sees Jay Jackson in AAA although he pitched well.

· Levine drops a BOMB and says the Cubs have been discussing trading Byrd and replacing him with Jackson. But then backs off and said it will likely happen in June or July.

· Levine has not heard anything on Soler but says the Cubs have a leg up on him.

· Levine believes if Marmol is traded the Cubs will lose 100 games and says the Cubs can’t trade away all their players because they have to keep fans interested. I completely disagree with the “losing 100 games” comment and I don’t think Marmol is one of those players people flock to see. Not to mention winning and putting a good product on the field will bring people to the ballpark more than individual players. His premise is flawed.

· Bruce thinks Shark will make the rotation and the Cubs will make Wells available in a deal with another team. I see Wells making the team or being traded now.

· He thinks Rodrigo Lopez will secure a spot in the pen. NO WAY!

Until Next Time…

Trades Brewing with Roster Shaping....

The Royals are searching for catching help with Salvador Perez’s left need operation and could call the Cubs about Geovany Soto. Geo is slated to make $4.3M next season which fits what the Royals can handle money wise. One thing that the Royals are stated to look for is a short term plan to replace Perez which does not fit for the Cubs or Soto unless KC declined to offer Soto arbitration next season or traded him.

Bleacher Nation said the Phillies could target Jeff Baker or Blake DeWitt as a replacement for Chase Utley who has reached a plateau in his rehab.

The Chicago Cubs were really close to having both Maddux brothers on the north side instead of Sveum and Co. according to the Sun Times before Mike eventually pulled out; or did he???

It looks like Samardzija is a lock to the make rotation while Volstad and Wells battle for the 5^th spot in the rotation.

Joe Mather’s surge in Spring Training could push the Cubs to trade Baker (maybe to the Phillies).

Ian Stewart is close to being back in the Cubs lineup everyday.

It sounds like Dolis is a favorite to land a spot in the pen which is expected since Shark will head to the rotation.

The Cubs are really happy with Rule 5 draft pick Lendy Castillo and he could even make the team out of Spring Training.

The Cubs really like Matt Harrison of the Rangers and tried to obtain him among others when the Rangers had interest in Garza. All that fell apart when Darvish signed with Texas but the Cubs interest in Harrison remains. Harrison is only 26 years and is not arbitration eligible until next Spring and will not become a free agent until 2015. See more on Harrison here.

Nothing like looking at my 25 man roster from March 5^th and now realizing how off I was! Now on March 19^th this is how I see the line-up, bench, rotation, and bullpen.

Lineup-

1. David DeJesus RF
2. Marlon Byrd CF
3. Starlin Castro SS
4. Bryan LaHair 1^st
5. Alfonso Soriano LF
6. Ian Stewart 3rd
7. Geovany Soto C
8. Darwin Barney 2b

Bench-

9. Steve Clevenger C
10. Jeff Baker IF/OF
11. Joe Mather IF/OF
12. Reed Johnson OF
13. Blake DeWitt IF/OF

Rotation-

14. Ryan Dempster
15. Matt Garza
16. Paul Maholm
17. Jeff Samardzija
18. Chris Volstad

Bullpen-

19. Carlos Marmol
20. Kerry Wood
21. Rafael Dolis
22. Lendy Castillo
23. James Russell
24. Trever Miller
25. Randy Wells

Unless something drastic happens this looks like your Chicago Cubs 25 man roster for Opening Day.

Until Next Time...

Green With Envy

Here is our post St. Patrick's Day update-

•  Castro talks about Junior Lake taking his spot at SS.
•  The Cubs claimed Frankie De La Cruz from the Brewers and he was placed on the 40 man roster. De La Cruz will report to Cubs camp right away and fight for a position in the Cubs bullpen.  You can find more on Frankie here.
•  I ask myself this question. Do the Cubs take a small gamble and sign recently released Dontrelle Willis to a minor league deal? I would not be opposed to it.
•  All Garza knows how to do is lead.
• Wood feels he can be durable this year but not 78 games durable.
• Garza thinks the Cubs are "Special". 
• The Chicago Tribune talks about the older outfielders fighting off the young pups trying to make it their job.
• So remember about a month ago we told you the Cubs  offered Cespedes a 7 year deal before he eventually signed with the A's for 4 years well we were close a according to the Chicago Sun Times and Cespedes.  I would have loved to have Cespedes on the team but only for the amount the Cubs offered or less.  I just do not know how you go 4 or 8 years on Cespedes with similar average annual salary.
• I am hearing from my sources that Soler could be gaining residency by the end of the month if not sooner.

Until Next Time...

Giving Some Up and Getting Some Back..

Jeff Globe of the Globe and Mail says the Jays are looking for a cost effective inning eater instead of an expensive top line pitcher. This explains why the Jays have been in contact with the Cubs about Wells and not Garza recently (which we reported Wednesday from our source).

It seems like Travis Wood is pitching himself to Iowa while Volstad and Shark are prepping for the rotation.

Lendy Castillo is not pitching well enough to keep on the 25 man roster which means he maybe offered back to the Phillies.

Ryan Flaherty is doing well this spring hitting .300 with a .364 OBP with a homer and 5 RBI in 20 Abs. The O’s obtained him in the Rule 5 draft and must keep him on their 25 man roster all year to keep him from going back to the Cubs. So why is he likely to be offered back to the Cubs??? Well, right now the roster looks pretty stacked at the positions he plays. They have Chris Davis, Wilson Betemit, Nick Johnson, and Mark Reynolds at the 1^st/3^rd. They also have JJ Hardy, Robert Andino, Brian Roberts and Ryan Adams for their middle infields. All 8 players are currently on the 25 man roster. Not to mention he is competing against some utility veterans on a Buck Showalter team (who favors Vets). To me it looks likely that Flaherty will be on his way back to the Cubs which would look like another good move made for the Theo and Company.

Sveum has a meeting with Marmol.

Sveum has been really aggressive on the base paths which is a welcome change.

The Cubs made some surprising roster cuts yesterday sending Josh Vitters, Junior Lake, Matt Szczur, Jeff Believeau, John Gaub, Alberto Cabrera, and Jason Jaramillo to minor league camp. The surprise is Believeau and Jaramillo because right now it says either Castillo or Clevenger will get the backup job while the Cubs favor the other lefties to Believeau which is curious because he has been pitcher pretty well.

Sveum says only Wood and Marmol are locks in the pen but has nice things to say about Mateo and Dolis.

The Cubs sent pitching prospect Aaron Kurcz to Boston to complete their end of the Theo acquisition. The Cubs still get their PTBNL. Not a great piece to Boston but a solid one. More than I thought the PTBNL would be.

The Cubs and Padres are likely to complete their compensation by the end of the month.

According to sources the Cubs are pushing to trade Soriano before Opening Day giving Brett Jackson’s recent success.

The Cubs would trade Byrd but like everything he brings on the field and off. Theo and Jed want the Opening Day outfield to be Jackson LF, Byrd CF, and DeJesus RF.

The Cubs have also take phone calls on Randy Wells. Two teams with rumored interest are the Jays and the Astros.

Until Next Time…