A Three Way to be Made...IMO

The Chicago Cubs are always looking under Theo and Co. to make a deal which is why this off-season has been so much fun. They have failed to deal the unmovable contract of Soriano but also have been unsuccessful in moving players like Marlon Byrd and Matt Garza (who is in line for a possible extension). Those two pieces are very valuable to not only the Cubs but other teams which could make the Cubs a very popular team at the trade deadline or before.

So when thinking of team that could use Garza and Byrd along with looking at other teams trade rumors I came across these nice tidbits. John Lannan has requested a trade after being demoted to AAA. Lannan name should sound familiar because the Cubs and Nationals recently talked about a Byrd/Lannan swap but the Nats wanted a top 20 prospect from the Cubs which was the tipping point. Now that Nationals seem a little more willing to make a deal and those talks are being revisited. But one hold up with that is the Cubs amount of starting pitchers and it is likely Lannan would be in the same position on the Cubs unless the Cubs dealt one of their starters or put Lannan in the pen.

Enter in the Yankees; who have been forced to put Pineda on the DL. So they are now going into the season with a less than “Yankee” rotation. So I would imagine the Yanks would love to add a person with success in the AL East like Matt Garza.

So after taking all this into account I suggest this 3-team trade between the Yankees, Cubs, and Nationals.

Yankees get Matt Garza and Trey McNutt

Nationals get Marlon Byrd and Cash

Cubs get John Lannan, Manny Banuelos, Mason Williams, Dante Bichette Jr., and Dellin Betances.

The Yankees get a guy to fill in the #2 spot in the rotation behind Sabathia in Matt Garza. Not only do they get him for this season but next season as well which means he is more than just a rental player. The Yankees also get a nice pitching prospect with him in Trey McNutt. McNutt is traded to the Yankees in order to get better quality prospects back the Cubs way. This move also lets Pineda get some more starts in AAA to work out his pitching woes.

The Nationals trade their disgruntled lefty John Lannan for a guy that plays the game the right way. The move would allow the Nationals to keep Harper in the minors for another full season and also move Bernadina to LF and let Mark DeRosa do what he is good at and that is coming off the bench.

The Cubs get their bounty even if they have to give up 3 good players to get it. The Cubs get John Lannan that could slide right into the vacant spot left by Matt Garza. The 4 from the Yankees will not be with the Chicago Cubs right away but most will be there sooner rather than later.

Manny Banuelos is a lefty ACE in the making and has spent time in every level at the ripe age of 20! He is labeled as the 29^th best prospect in baseball before this season. You can see more of his impressive stats here.

Mason Williams has all the tools to be a Jacoby Ellsbury/Curtis Granderson type player which is would be very exciting for Cub fans to see a Szczur, Williams, and Jackson outfield. Mason Williams is the 85^th best prospect in baseball and the 19 year old showed his promise in low A ball last year hitting .349 AVG with a .395 OBP with 3 homers, 31 RBI, and 28 SB. He also had 8 assist in just 129 chances!

Dante Bichette Jr. is the guy I would be most excited about. The son of Dante Bichette he can sure play ball! Bichette at the age of 18 hit .335 with a .440 OBP along with 4 homers and 48 RBI in 54 games! The guy has the makings of an All-star at 3^rd base in the future.

Finally we have Dellin Betances who could be a future #2/3 starter of potential closer. Rated the 63^rd best prospect in baseball he would likely complement Banuelos well in the rotation for Chicago. If you don’t think this guy is the real deal check out his numbers found here.

With this trade I think you could see this eventual lineup for the Chicago Cubs-

1. Brett Jackson RF
2. Mason Williams CF
3. Starlin Castro SS
4. Anthony Rizzo 1st
5. Matt Szczur LF
6. Dante Bichette Jr. 3b
7. Javier Baez or Ronald Torreyes 2b
8. Welington Castillo C

1. Manny Banuelos
2. Dellin Betances
3. Gerardo Concepcion
4. Dillon Maples
5. Dae-Eun Rhee

Until Next Time….

On the Eve of Cubdom!

- The Cubs have claimed Luis Valbuena off of waivers today adding him to the 40-man and 25 man roster.

-  The corresponding move was Frankie De La Cruz outrighted to AAA.

-  There maybe more moves coming but nothing to report as of yet.

- The Daytona Cubs have released their Opening Day Roster.

- The Tennessee Smokies have also released their Opening Day Roster.

- We are still waiting on the Iowa Cubs roster which could change with all the trade talk.

- Numerous teams are still in talks with the Chicago Cubs involving Marlon Byrd.

- The police are still investigating the sexual assault allegations against Starlin Castro.

- Sveum has been a little down on Lendy Castillo recently so the bullpen is still up in the air but Rodrigo Lopez, Shawn Camp, Manny Corpas and Lendy Castillo are still in the running.

- LaHair has some back issues but the Cubs do not expect to start him on the DL but that could change if he is not 100% today.

- Darwin Barney will be the Cubs two hole hitter this year.

- The Cubs continue to look for left-handed help in the bullpen according to Levine.

- Levine says Garza is looking for a 5 year deal around $65M. Seems about right.

- Levine feels Shark will win more games than Peavy

- Cubs love Vitters bat but if Stewart struggles you will not see Vitters as the first to be called up because of his glove.

- Levine says LaHair has the shortest leash in the starting 8.

- Dave McKay has been working with Soriano’s D.

- The Cubs are planning to go with 11 pitchers to start the season and 14 position players

Until Next Time..

MLB Predictions

With Wednesday being the official Opening Day (who counts that game between the A's and M's) here are my MLB predictions.

DIVISION AND PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

American League

AL West

1. LA Angels- 100-62
2. Texas Rangers- 88-74
3. Oakland A's- 72-90
4. Seattle Mariners- 64-98

AL Central

1. Detroit Tigers- 94-68
2. Kansas City Royals- 84-78
3. Minnesota Twins- 82-80
4. Cleveland Indians- 73-89
5. Chicago White Sox- 66-96

AL East

1. New York Yankees- 92-70
2. Boston Red Sox- 90-72
3. Tampa Bay Rays- 86-76
4. Toronto Blue Jays- 80-82
5. Baltimore Orioles- 58-104

Playoff Breakdown:
AL East: LA Angels 100-62
AL Central: Detroit Tigers 94-68
AL East: New York Yankees: 92-70
Wild Card #1: Boston Red Sox 90-72
Wild Card #2: Texas Rangers 88-74

The Texas Rangers defeat the Boston Red Sox
The LA Angels defeat the Boston Red Sox
The Detroit Tigers defeat the NY Yankees

The LA Angels defeat the Detroit Tigers

American League Champions: LA Angels


National League

NL West

1. LA Dodgers- 89-73
2. San Francisco Giants- 85-77
3. Arizona Diamondbacks- 82-80
4. Colorado Rockies- 71-91
5. San Diego Padres- 65- 97

NL Central

1. Cincinnati Reds- 90-72
2. St. Louis Cardinals- 83-79
3. Milwaukee Brewers- 79-83
4. Chicago Cubs- 75-87
5. Pittsburgh Pirates- 68-94
6. Houston Astros- 52-110

NL East

1. Philadelphia Phillies- 99-63
2. Atlanta Braves- 86-76
3. Miami Marlins- 83-79
4. Washington Nationals- 82-80
5. New York Mets- 65-97

Playoff Breakdown:
NL West: LA Dodgers 89-73
NL Central: Cincinnati Reds 90-72
NL East: Philadelphia Phillies 99-63
Wild Card #1: Atlanta Braves 86-76
Wild Card #2: San Francisco Giants 85-77

The Atlanta Braves defeat the San Francisco Giants
The Philadelphia Phillies defeat the Atlanta Braves
The LA Dodgers defeat the Cincinnati Reds

The Philadelphia Phillies defeat the LA Dodgers

NL Champion: Philadelphia Phillies

World Series: Philadelphia Phillies defeat the LA Angels

American League Awards-

Manager of the Year: Mike Scioscia
AL Rookie of the Year: Matt Moore
Comeback Player of the Year: Kendry Morales
Hank Aaron Award: Albert Pujols
Cy Young Award: Justin Verlander
MVP: Albert Pujols

National League Awards-

Manager of the Year: Charlie Manuel
NL Rookie of the Year: Yonder Alonso
Comeback Player of the Year: Adam Wainwright
Hank Aaron Award: Joey Votto
Cy Young Award: Roy Halladay
MVP: Matt Kemp

Until Next Time...

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…