Chicago Bound, Anthony and Bryan Together, and other Cubs Stuff

Here are some Cubs rumors, news, and notes the day before I head to Chicago for 3 days to watch the Cubs play the LA Fighting Matt Kemps. For those of you interested I will be in the bleachers on Friday and the upper deck on Saturday. I will also be doing live updates at the game via twitter and the entire time I am in Chicago. So make sure to follow me!

- What a difference a couple of days make! The Chicago cubs are talking internally on what to do to get Anthony Rizzo and Bryan LaHair in the same lineup when Rizzo gets called up. Sveum said “you’ve got to figure out some kind of way to get two power-hitting left-handed bats in the lineup.” LaHair sure does not mind the idea; ‘‘I wouldn’t even look at it as a position change for me,’’ said LaHair. ‘‘I’ve been playing the outfield my whole life. I’m very comfortable in the outfield. I mean, I want to be the first baseman, but if it helps for him to be at first, it is what it is.’’

- Don’t expect this change to happen overnight though. The management still wants to see Rizzo get about 100 more ABs before being even considered coming up to the majors. The same goes with Jackson. But if you start seeing LaHair taking practice in LF or RF then you know something is up.

- So no one seemed to notice that Brett Jackson has been playing some RF recently and that will increase the chatter of David DeJesus being on the trading block.

- The Cubs would love to deal Soriano to anyone right now because of young talent producing at the lower levels but talks are going nowhere.

- CubsDensays the Cubs next call up could be Adrian Cardenas and I totally agree. In fact I don’t know why Cardenas and Valbeuna have not been called up to replace Baker and DeWitt. Both are more valuable, younger, and producing better than DeWitt and Baker so why not bring them up.

- The Yankees have contacted Jed Hoyer about Garza but the two teams have just talked. There is a still a strong chance he signs and extension but the Yanks have some really intriguing prospects.

- The Angels do have mild interest in Marmol but the Cubs don’t want to trade him off with his value so low.

- Travis Wood or Randy Wells could be landing in the 5^th spot in the rotation if Volstad continues to struggle.

Until Next Time…

Concepcion, Rizzo, LaHair, and More...

Gerardo Concepcion was called up to Peoria in the past couple days and they did not waste time to see how he will fair. Concepcion was roughed up in this first start giving up 5 runs in the first inning but then calmed down to pitch another 4 innings. He gave up 8 hits, 5 ER, 1 homerun, 1 BB, and 2 K’s. I talked to a person at the game and he says he has a nice fastball and all his pitches have good movement but control will be an issue right now.

The Cubs front office is coming around to the idea of having both Rizzo and LaHair here in by summer time. One source said LaHair actually could see more time in the OF in the next couple of months to see how he does defensively. The Cubs are hoping he can handle one of the two corner spots and continue to hit because that will determine their moves by the deadline.

If and when the Cubs do bring up Rizzo and BJax they may have a lefty problem if they decide to have LaHair starting in LF (Soriano trade, released, or benched). 6 potential lefties in the lineup! Check it out-

1. Brett Jackson CF
2. David DeJesus RF
3. Starlin Castro SS
4. Anthony Rizzo 1^st
5. Bryan LaHair LF
6. Ian Stewart 3^rd
7. Steve Clevenger/Welington Castillo/Geovany Soto C
8. Darwin Barney 2b

• Wood will not be back this weekend when he is eligible to return from the DL.
• One source told me today that the Dodgers have been scouting Soriano for the past week (unfortunately he has not been on one of his famous hot streaks). MLBTR reported recently that Colletti could be looking to add another bat before July 31^st. The only way Soriano makes sense for the Dodgers is if the Cubs pick up a ton of money left on his contract and they are not sold on Juan Rivera starting in LF for them anymore.
• Carlos Marmol’s role as closer is secure for now.
• The Cubs may have an in house alternative to Marmol named James Russell who looked like he has the makings of a great reliever.
• The Cubs DFA Rodrigo Lopez and he cleared waivers and was sent to AAA Iowa for added depth.

Bowden the New Cub, Byrd and Lopez Gone, and More Notes..

The Cubs did trade Marlon Byrd to the Red Sox for Michael Bowden and a PTBNL.

The PTBNL will not be significant according to sources and will be determined in middle May. The Cubs have a list of 10 players to choose from and will likely select a pitcher from that list.

Michael Bowden will join the Chicago Cubs rotation today and Rodrigo Lopez was DFA to make room for Bowden.

Want to know more about Bowden? Check Bleacher Nation.

Bleacher Nation also has the info on the Tampa Bay Rays once again looking at Geovany Soto as a possible trade target. The Nation says Soto does have good trade value regardless of his start and I agree. If talks do progress I can see the Cubs targeting several players like Wade Davis (whom has been rumored before), EnnyRomero,Tim Beckahm, Felipe Rivero, and/or Drew Vettleson.

Starlin Castro is fine after getting hit in his elbow but he felt like his arm was broken at the time.

Cubs Den says the Cubs could target June for phase 2 of rebuilding and boy do I hope we see some drastic changes by then if we continue down the road we are on.

Sources tell me that Theo and Jed are both working hard to trade some pieces to open up opportunities for other players. One source says Soriano and Soto are two players they are discussing the most with other teams. But the moves don’t mean that the Cubs are giving up or they are ready to call up Rizzo or Jackson or even Castillo for that matter. It means player like Luis Valbuena, Adrian Cardenas, and/or David Sappelt could be brought up to Chicago given how they have played in Iowa. It also means (in the case of Soto) they could move for a veteran backstop for the remainder of this year and give the starting nod to Steve Clevenger to finish the season. This would leave Castillo in AAA to get regular at bats and see if Clevenger is the real deal. Some veterans that could be available via trade or free agency are Henry Blanco, Ramon Castro, Josh Bard, or Francisco Cervelli.

Until Next Time..

Cubs Making Moves...

The Chicago Cubs have made some moves and are about to make some more. Here is the latest-

• The Cubs have placed Ryan Dempster on the 15 day DL with a quad strain.  He is expected to miss his next two starts.
• In a corresponding move the Cubs have called up Tony Campana; not Randy Wells.
• According to CubsDen and BleacherNation the Cubs are close to dealing Marlon Byrd.
• Cubs Den was the first (at least I know of) to suggest the Cubs talking to the Red Sox about a Byrd trade.  They were the first to mention DFA man Michael Bowden as a possiable return.
• @ChiTribRogers says the Cubs will indeed get Michael Bowden and he will have a shot to stick in the Cubs pen.
• @sahadevsharma from Bruce Levine is saying the Cubs will get LH reliever and a minor league player. Which contradicts Rogers
• Phil Rogers say he thinks the Cubs will pay most of Byrd's salary.  I honestly do not see that happening but I have been surprised in the past.  Depending on the "other" minor league player will probably determine how much the Cubs will pay.
• Many sites including Bleacher Nation are saying the Cubs will not rush BJax to the big leagues and I do not blame them.  All I wanted to see is to see some movement of the Cubs part.  Now that is done I really don't mind seeing a combination of Campana, Mather, and Johnson in CF.
• No word on the other player coming to the Cubs or money sent to Boston.  Follow me on twitter @HotStoveCubbies for the latest news.

Until Next Time..

Cubs Rumors Are Moving On Up....

The Cubs could place a claim on another reliever giving their troubles in the pen. Rich Thompson was just designated for assignment. The 27 year old has pretty good stats if you don’t include this year. You can find them here.

Trade talk around Marlon Byrd has increased dramatically over the past few days with the Nationals and Red Sox the primary destinations. The main reason the Sox and Nats like him because he is a buy low guy. The Cubs started the season hoping Byrd would fetch a B level prospect at the deadline or sooner plus pay his entire salary but now his value has dumped down to the PTBNL category.

One baseball official told me that the Cubs are planning on claiming Michael Bowden regardless of Boston/Byrd trade talks.

There have been internal discussions among the Cubs front office about dealing Byrd now and calling up (not Jackson) but Campana or Sappelt because the way they have played at Iowa. They just don’t want to start BJax ML clock.

Bleacher Nation obsesses on the Wrigley Field Renovation Watch found here.

Cubs Den has the Cubs April draft preview.

Are the Cubs playing the veterans to increase their numbers to make the more valuable at the trade deadline? One of my Cub sources says you better believe it!

- Bleacher Nation says Z has no hard feelings towards the Cubs.

- Also more Wrigley Field renovation talk from BleacherNation.

- Cubs Den is looking at fixing the bullpenthrough trade or internal options.

- ESPN Chicago says Clevenger is playing like he wants to see the field more.

- According to sources the Cubs could start playing the long-term deal game that other teams have done with their impact players. Two names the Cubs maybe looking to lock up soon into long term deals are Starlin Castro and Matt Garza.

- The Cubs are enjoying being free from Carlos Zambrano according to the SunTimes.

- The Chicago Cubs may put a claim on switch-hitting former top prospect Josh Bell. He was designated for assignment yesterday by the O’s

- Bleacher Report has the top 30 worst clubhouse cancers in baseball. 5 former Cubs made the list of 31!

Here is the latest from Levine

- Levine keeps to his Hendry ties and says keep Soto in the game because he has experience and it is too soon into the season. Come on man! Clevenger has the hot bat, you play him.

- Levine says BJax will not be called up until mid-July. I think late May.

- Levine still feels Soto and Marmol have value. WHAT?

- Levine says he has not seen an Iowa Cubs team since late 1980’s when they had Grace, Palmeiro, Girardi, and Berryhill. I agree!

- Levine says besides Barney and Castro it is hard to envision any of the current 2012 25-man roster being in Chicago in 2014. He forgot Dolis and Clevenger as well.

- Bruce says don’t trade Vitters and 6 months ago I would disagree but now I say keep him.

- He says Garza is looking for at least 5 years 65-75 million. I can see that but I think Garza and the Cubs should agree on a 4 year deal worth 55 million with a $15M club option for the 5^th year.

- Bruce can see 25-30 SB out of Castro this season.

- Bruce says he can see the 2016 All-Star game coming to Chicago.

- Levine thinks Marmol will continue to be a dominate closer if he is handled properly. This coming from the guy that said if we traded Marmol we would lose 100 games. I think we may lose 100 games with him.

- Bruce says once Casto’s off the field problems are resolved they will begin talking a long term contract with him.

- Bruce thinks LaHair will not move positions for Rizzo but he will be traded. I disagree, I think he will find a spot in the OF short-term unless they are blown away in a trade.

Until Next Time…

Rumors Already Starting...

-  The Red Sox have contacted the Cubs about Marlon Byrd since it looks like Ellsbury is out until at least the All-Star break.  The Red Sox have been linked to Byrd since last season but that was before he took one off his face at Fenway.  The Red Sox have said they are "OK" with the players in house but we all know they are posturing.

-  Many people ask me (via twitter) why the Red Sox would not like to pick up Soriano to help with the offense in Boston.  Two big things are defense and money.  The Red Sox want a strong defender in the outfield and the Cubs would have to be willing to eat over 90% of Soriano contract without getting a good player in return (they will not do that).

-  Sveum made a call yesterday I agree with but of course he is getting pummeled for.  With runners in score position lat in the game and a lefty called to the mound Dale Sveum decided not to bring in Jeff Baker but let Ian Stewart bat.  Now keep in mind I have been very critical of Dale but this was the right call.  Baker has been great against lefties but I can argue that Stewart actually has been hitting the ball much better and you have to ride the hot bat (don't say anything to Mather).  This was a good call even though it did not work out.

-  So how long until the Carlos Marmol to Giants rumors start?  Well right now!  According to sources the Giants are discussing internally trade options to replace Brian Wilson who is done for the season with injury.  One of the many names that has been discussed is Carlos Marmol.

-  With Soto struggling expect to see Clevenger get more starts and at bats.

-  Put this in the interesting column.  A reader of mine (usually does not have many tips or rumors) says that he is hearing May 21st is the target day to call up Anthony Rizzo, Brett Jackson, and maybe even Josh Vitters.  He also says the Cubs will look to trade two outfielder between now and then as a corresponding move.  The idea is to put Jackson and LaHair in the outfield and Anthony Rizzo at first.  If Vitters is called up he lays out two scenarios both of which have Barney going to a bench role.  One has Vitters manning 3rd base with Stewart taking over 2nd and the other is having Vitters take over 2nd (which is hard to believe since he has not spent any time there).  I think if they called up Vitters they would put him in the outfield but that is just my opinion.  If he is correct you could see this lineup after May 21st. One that looks really good on paper!

1. Brett Jackson CF
2. Starlin Castro SS
3. Anthony Rizzo 1st
4. Bryan LaHair LF
5. Josh Vitters 3rd
6. Ian Stewart 2b
7. Steve Clevenger/Wellington Castillo/Geovany Soto C
8. David DeJesus RF
9. Pitcher

- Cubs Den says the Cubs and Red Sox could match up on a trade that would send recently DFA Michael Bowden to the Cubs for Byrd.  I really like that trade for many reasons including getting another more deserving OF called up, Byrd going to a team that actually wants him, clears the way to call up Jackson if they want, and get a reliever that Jed and Theo know.

Until Next Time...

5 Games In News and Notes...

I know it is only 5 games in but think the outfield needs changes. I think DeJesus and Byrd both removed in favor of LaHair in RF (I know the argument of bad defense but cannot do as bad as DeJesus has the first 5 games) and BJax in CF. This move would allow them to bring up Rizzo to play 1^st. Overall that is a better lineup than what they are trotting out now.

BleacherNation has the positives and negatives for claiming Brandon Allen.

Another change that needs to be made (yes I probably am over-reacting) is Clevenger playing more. I really like the guy.

Dave Bailers says Josh Vitters is really improving defensively at 3^rd base and swinging the bat well. That is great for Vitters and Cub fans because he does have a really good bat.

Saddenss fell over Hot Stove Cubbies when Brandon Phillips signed an extension with the Reds. The 6 year $72.5 million dollar cements the fact that I will never see Phillips play in a Cubs uniform which is truly unfortunate. I am a big Phillips fan because of the way he plays, great defense/bat, and of course he is hated by the Cards.

I would address the Ozzie Guillen thing but unfortunately if I addressed everything offensive and stupid that came out of his mouth I would have to change the title of the blog.

Sveum is really talking up Clevenger and my guess is he will get more at bats and starts as Soto struggles.

Levine’s latest-

• Levine says no one will trade for Soriano.
• Bruce says Marmol and Wood will be fine if not overused but has questions about the others.
• Levine says Samardzija will not be on an “innings count” this season.
• Bruce continues to say that Jackson and Rizzo will play at AAA unless there is an injury or trade. Primarily because they want them to develop and in BJax case not start his ML clock.
• Bruce says what we heard in the past that Byrd and DeJesus have long histories of success so they will get the playing time. When did Levine turn into Dusty Baker and Jim Hendry?? I say play the most deserving players.
• Bruce says other than Samardzija and Garza he does not see any of the pitchers in the rotation here in 3 years. I can go with that!
• Levine reminds us that Dempster is a 10 & 5 player which means he controls his destiny but stats he is likely to move onto a contender in the last year of his contract.
• Bruce says that Epstein and Co. will trade anyone if they think it could make the Cubs better in the next few years. They have no love connection to certain players unlike Hendry.
• Bruce is still saying the Cubs are going to need to trade Garza this deadline to get value for him. A year and a half of Garza is better than a guy in the final year of his contract.
• Nothing more on Soler.

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...