Cubs Rumor Bag: Its full but of what I don't know...

UPDATE: Sources say Dempster will consider trades to other teams than the Dodgers.

UPDATE #2:  The Cubs are willing to absorb all but $2M of Soriano's contract if they can get the right player in return.

UPDATE #3: The Cubs, Red Sox, and another team have been talking about a trade revolving around Carl Crawford, Alfonso Soriano, and Ryan Dempster a source tells me.

Finally heard from one of my sources today and here is what he had to say-

“The Dodgers and Cubs have almost hit a point of no return in Dempster talks because neither team is moving from their asking price. It now seems the Dodgers have left talks with the Cubs to move onto pitchers that can be controlled beyond this year, mainly James Shields. They view Shields as a better pitcher than Dempster and better cost effective for what they have to give up in prospects. In fact the Dodgers interest in Ryan Dempster was initially low but then became intense once he turned down the Braves offer. The reason being is it was known Dempster turned down the Braves offer because he preferred the Dodgers. The Dodgers believed they could get Dempster for a lot less than what the Braves were offering thus why they are not moving off their asking price. Theo and Jed meanwhile are content with waiting this out rather than giving into LA’s offers for Dempster. The front office has told Dempster they have tired and even tried to compromise with the Dodgers to get a deal done but it is not going to happen ( Me: I am guessing the compromise is moving from players such as Zach Lee to a Webster package to straight up for Webster). So now that ball is in Dempster court. The Cubs and Braves still have the framework for a deal and the Cubs also have other teams very interested in Dempster. But after all this the front office has made it clear to Ryan Dempster that they want to trade him.”

• That is a lot to take in but makes sense. I hope the Cubs start making some moves since the trade deadline is 5 days away.
• One of those teams that are interested in Dempster just may have revealed itself. GM Ben Cherington says the Red Sox see a chance take the Wild Card spot and will go for it now. He is looking to upgrade the rotation and bullpen he says.
• The White Sox have interest in Dempster but there is not much of a farm system on the south side of town.
• The O’s are looking at Bryan LaHair and have been scouting the Cubs system.
• A source recently told me the big hold up on moves is the Cubs and several other teams are trying to complete a multi-team trade that would involve several big pieces from the Cubs going elsewhere. This is something David Kaplan suggested on twitter yesterday as well.
• Jae-Hoon Ha had a scary moment when he went in head first into a concrete wall yesterday going after a flyball. He was removed off the field on a stretcher in bad shape. Our prayers are with him.
• Phil Rogers said today the Rays badly need Soriano and hopes he heads there to open up a spot for Brett Jackson.
• He also has an absurd trade that would send Alfonso Sorian, Bryan LaHair, Geovany Soto, and $22 M for Luke Scott or Carlos Pena, Chris Archer, Tim Beckham, and two or three prospects. WHAT????
• Rogers says that the Braves could still end up with Dempster and Garza could end up in LA especially if Greinke goes to Texas.
• The Giants and Cubs are in deep talks for Carlos Marmol a source tells me. This goes along with recent talk that the Giants want to acquire a pitcher with closing experience beyond this year. They have also been linked to Chris Perez.
• The Braves are still in on Ryan Dempster and could be the fall back plan for the Cubs if they cannot work something out with the Dodgers. The Braves fall back plan now seems to be Dempster if they cannot get Zack Greinke.
• Trade interest for Garza is gone since learning he will not pitch before the deadline because of fluid build up on his tricep.
• The Cubs have discussed trading Bryan LaHair or Alfonso Soriano along with Dempster in a deal with the Dodgers according to Danny Knobler.
• Latest update has the Braves cooling on Grienke and starting to go back to Dempster.

Doug Padilla does a chat today so let’s take a look at the highlights-

• Dempster is a better fit for a NL club but a cross town match up could work.
• The closer the Cubs get to the deadline the better deal they will receive.
• He thinks Garza is the best pitcher on the block even with a sore arm.
• Dempster could still agree to be traded to ATL.
• Garza’s arm complicates things but he still could be dealt to a team like Texas.
• Soriano is looking like a long shot to get traded.
• Vitters needs to get better defensively before getting the call up to the majors.
• The Cubs are focusing in on deals involving Dempster and Garza.
• Not a lot of LaHair chatter which is surprising.
• There is a chance Marmol is traded.
• Soto has a good possibility of being dealt.
• Valbuena is a place holder for third.
• There is a slim chance the Cubs stand pat at the deadline.

Cubs Rumor Bag: Rumors and not all about Dempster

Here are some quick hits from a day filled with talk and no action for the Cubs-

• Randy Wells is done for the year because he is having elbow surgery.
• Garza will pitch a side session on Friday and if everything goes well he will pitch Monday’s game.
• Buster Olney is reporting the Cubs are hoping Dempster changes his mind about Atlanta.
• Morosi says the Dempster deal with the Dodgers is not dead but the Cubs are upset because they lost all leverage.
• The Cubs are prepared to hold onto Dempster if they do not get the deal they want. They will then offer him a qualifying offer to hope to obtain a draft pick after the first round.
• Olney says the Dodgers are confident they can get a deal done for Dempster.
• The Braves GM says a deal for Dempster is not dead and they have not ruled him out. It is just unlikely and noted some parameters expired already.
• Soriano seems like he maybe the first piece to leave the Cubs. He is getting interest from the Bucs, Indians, and Rays.
• The Cubs were interested in acquiring Nate Eovaldi in a Dempster or Garza trade but they went away when he was traded for Hanley Ramirez.
• Cole Hamels gives the Cubs a boost by signing an extension with the Phillies. One less piece on the board.
• A package around Allen Webster could be coming the Cubs way if they deal Dempster to the Dodgers.
• The Braves are very interested in Zach Greinke but so is a lot of teams and his price is higher than Garza and Dempster.
• The Pirates are now unlikely to land Paul Maholm since the Buccos traded for Wandy Rodriguez.
• Stat guru Cliff Lippert makes a nice prediction that I agree with on twitter. He says Dempster approves trade today because he won’t have to face the Chicago media during next homestand. Cliff confidence level is at 46%. I just don’t know if he will be traded to the Dodgers or Braves.
• The Rays recently DFA Matsui… Could they be working a deal for Soriano?
• Several Cubs maybe dealt after the deadline like Reed Johnson, Carlos Marmol, Geovany Soto, Jeff Baker, and Shawn Camp sources tell me.
• Many execs feel the Jays or the Rangers will land Josh Johnson which would be cool I guess.
• The Angels have interest in Matt Garza but won’t pull a trigger until they see how he pitches next.

Until Next Time..

Cubs Rumor Bag: Other Cubs, The Future, and Dempster... UPDATES!

YOU WANT THE LATEST UPDATES??  Hard to compete with BleacherNation on obsessive Ryan Dempster rumors so here you go. Who likes Dempster Updates??? Bleacher Nation and I do!!!!

 

 Matt Garza has went home to be with his wife who is expecting the next couple days.  He is likely not to start until Monday.

Ken Rosenthal is reporting a dagger of a story about Dempster vetoing a trade to Atlanta because he still wants sent to the Dodgers. I want to say if this is true it makes me physically sick that the Cubs could have got Delgado for Dempster and instead have lost all negotiating power and will end up with two low level prospects from the Dodgers. Again; if this is true, having Dempster tell everyone he will do whatever benefits the Cubs because they have been good to him sounds more like BS to me.

The O’s have talked to the Cubs about Bryan LaHair but it has not gone beyond that stage.

The Rangers have now emerged as front runners for Garza according my source. The same source says with Lewis going down the Rangers maybe willing to deal Olt and/or Perez now.

The Dodgers remain interested in Garza and the Dodgers are willing to deal Zach Lee for him. The Cubs will not deal Garza until Dempster is off the table.

Sveum said the Cubs trading all of Dempster, Garza, Maholm is not going to happen. He says it is very impossible odds.

The talk of the Cubs rotation being “killed” if Dempster, Garza, and Maholm being traded is really quite crazy. These “people” saying this obviously do not know what a trade is. See if you trade someone like Dempster you get a player back like maybe Delgado. Then that player is inserted into their spot in the rotation. And since the Cubs are prioritizing pitching I doubt their rotation will be “killed.” For example lets say Garza is traded for a package around Martin Perez, Dempster for Delgado, and Maholm for not sure. You would then have a rotation of Shark, Wood, Delgado, Perez, and Germano/or an AAA pitcher. So no killing taking place here.

BleacherNation looks at the anatomy of a “Broken” Trade found here.

I had one source tell me that Christian Bethancourt could be coming along with Delgado in a Dempster trade. To that I say WOW OH WOW! I am assuming the Cubs would give up a piece as well then?

Jorge Soler hit a homer two days ago and Almora hit one last night. Future looking bright for the Cubbies. CubsDen has a video of Almora bomb here.

Vogelbach has been dong well lately so he was promoted to Boise.

Dempster has thanked fans via twitter saying “Nothing official to report. You will be the 1^st to know. Thnx to all my fans for the support #RD46” I take that as a good sign of a deal happening. But I am usually optimistic.

Garza is unlikely to start on Friday and will likely be pushed back a day or two to rest that arm. The Cubs are taking a gamble on him bouncing back and pitching well in his last start before the trade deadline.

The Rays still seem interested in Soriano.

Levine’s Latest-

• In a deal for Garza and Barney the Cubs wanted Smyly, Castallanos, and Turner. What the Marlins got for Sanchez and Infante would have not been enough for the Cubs.
• The Cubs could have Coleman, Lopez, or Rusin fill in for departing cub pitching.
• You need Garza to start and throw 100 pitches to get full value out of him before the deadline.
• Levine only reports on what he knows, unlike some people. Hey Bruce when your done talking can you come down off that pedestal please?
• Delgado for Dempster is the only specifics Levine knows but assumes money will be exchanged.
• The Angels were scouting Soto last week and he still could be traded.
• He thinks Reed Johnson and Jeff Baker will be moved but are better off holding onto LaHair. We agree on this but if the Cubs get a nice package for LaHair it will be hard to say no.
• Levine does not understand Sveum using the word fabrication since everyone knows the deal of Dempster for Delgado was on the table.
• Dempster was upset at the barrage of media reports before he had accepted a trade. I can understand that.
• There have been no takers on Marmol or Soriano although there was interest last week on Soriano but teams don’t want to pay any of his contract.
• Theo wants a number one prospect for Garza plus a least two other prospects.
• The Dodgers are still in on Dempster and could take him away from the Braves.
• Kansas City Royals and the Pittsburg Pirates both have interest in Paul Maholm.
• If the Cubs get Delgado he will pitch in the ML.
• Dempster has the right to change his mind but did say there were a few teams he would consider never agreed to be traded to.
• The Cubs are not interested in Hanley Ramirez or any player like him.

Until Next Time…

Ryan Dempster Traded to Braves?!?! UPDATE... Umm Not Yet?

UPDATE!- According to numerous media outlets including David Kaplan and Ryan Dempster himself saying no deal is in place. I am hoping his is just a formality but if this in fact does not go through it is the worst case of media jumping on a band wagon I have ever seen.

UPDATE 2!- Sources tell David Kaplan that the hold up is Ryan Dempster’s approval. He says it has not been given yet and leads to speculation that an extension is coming from the Braves to Dempster. It is unlikely that Demspter would veto the trade.

UPDATE 3!- This does not look good. Joe Sheehan says via twitter the Braves have vacated the Dempter trade.

UPDATE 4!- Joe Sheehan has jokes saying his tweet about the Braves pulling out was a joke but also saying the deal is not completed. This makes more sense.

UPDATE 5!- Dempster walked into the Cubs clubhouse today getting dressed in a Cubs uniform. He is still officially a Chicago Cub.

UPDATE NOW- Cubs and Braves have an agreement but the Dempster twitter comment suggested 10/5 veto rights may come into play.

The Chicago Cubs have traded Ryan Dempster and Cash to the Atlanta Braves for Randall Delgado. Randall Delgado is a 22 year old righty who was ranked the 41^stbest prospect in the majors going into this season. He has 24 career starts where he has a record of 5-10 with a 3.98 ERA. Delgado has 56 free passes to his 91 K’s over the 126 innings he has pitched. The Cubs will be giving up 12 starts for Ryan Dempster for a 22 year old pitcher with major league experience that will not be arbitration eligible until 2015 and a free agent until 2018.

This is the definition of a slam dunk for Theo and Co. and should only raise the value of pitchers like Matt Garza and Paul Maholm.

More news and notes….

• The A’s have joined the race for Matt Garza and have a healthy robust farm system. Guys like Granier, Gray, Cole, Peacock, Straily, and Griffin should interest the Cubs.
• If the A’s dealt for Garza it is your typical Billy Beane move considering if he does not make the playoffs this year or next he can deal Garza to replenish his system since he will have him beyond this season.
• The Cubs have not completely shut out the Dodgers because according to Jim Bowden the Dodgers and Cubs are discussing a deal that would send Zach Lee to the Cubs for Garza. Of course more would come the Cubs way but he would headline the deal.
• Sources tell me the Cubs want Zach Lee plus 3 other top 12 prospects for Garza from the Dodgers or Zach Lee, a major league pitcher (Nathan Eovaldi?), and a top 10 prospect.
• The Cubs are still taking calls on about half their 25 man roster and even some prospects according to sources.
• Sounds like Garza will not hit the DL or even miss a start

Cubs Rumor Bag: Garza, Dempster, Soto, Maholm, and More... UPDATE!!!!!

UPDATE!-

• The Cubs have acquired 29 year old right Justin Germano (stats here) for cash considerations from the Red Sox.  Casey Coleman was scratched in case Germano could not make it to St. Louis and Jairo Asensio was DFA. This to me smells like a trade brewing even though Ryan Dempster himself has said nothing is imminent as of game time.
• Germano is expected to start Friday.
• Bleacher Nation said his source told him a Dempster deal is close and he has two offers on the table from NL clubs
• The Cubs made a BIG signing today inking 22 year old Dominican pitcher Juan Carlos Paniagua to a 1.5M dollar deal. He has a fastball that his 98 MPH but stays in the low to mid 90's and a nasty slider.
 

Here is the most recent Cub news-

• The Cards have emerged as serious suitors for Dempster. They have Shelby Miller and Oscar Taveras but they are likely untouchable. Some other interesting pitching prospects are 24 year old Joe Kelly, 22 year old Anthony Ferrara, 22 year old Ryan Sherriff, and 23 Kyle Hald. Some position player prospects that could be a good fit are 2^nd baseman Kolton Wong and IF Starlin Rodriguez.
• David Kaplan says the Cubs are currently in negotiations with the Dodgers regarding a trade for Ryan Dempster.
• The Tigers have said Dempster price is too high and may turn to pitchers Wandy Rodriguez and Jason Vargas. (That is good news if you are the Cubs because you should ask for a lot, limited compromise)
• The Rays have discussed four players with the Cubs including Geovany Soto, Shawn Camp, Alfonso Soriano, and Carlos Marmol sources tell me.
• Patrick Mooney has a good article on the state of the Cubs going into free agency next season found here.
• Cubsden says the Cubs may not be focused on just pitching but the best overall prospect in a trade.
• I talked to a source who told me that the Cubs are requiring Turner for Dempster in a deal but also want more.
• That same source also told me that the Royals are emerging as one of the top suitors for Matt Garza. The Royals who likely would not make Wil Meyers available still could offer up Jake Odorizzi, Kelvin Herrera, or Mike Montgomery (who has struggled this season).
• Another source says the Royals would give up Wil Meyers plus some mid-level prospects for Matt Garza if they have a window to sign him to an extension.
• BleacherNation has the latest on Theo Epstein doing some talking.
• Maholm is being scouted by “more than 5 teams” thanks to my insider at the game today. He says the Nationals and Cards have their top scouts present.

Until Next Time…

Cubs Rumor Bag: Levine Speaks and is Everyone Getting Traded?

First Bruce Levine had is chat yesterday so lets check in-

• The only way the Cubs playoff chances exist is if the continue to win and keep Dempster and Garza.
• Levine believes Garza, Hamels, Dempster, and Greinke will be traded before the deadline. I think Hamels and Greinke stay put.
• Vitters would be a nice trade chip if they acquired a 3^rd baseman via trade.
• Levine feels the Cubs may not get a better prospect than Baez in a Dempster deal.
• The Cubs can get two good pitching prospects for Dempster though.
• Castellanos will likely not be in a deal for Dempster but Garza maybe.
• The Cubs want three top prospects for Garza and will be in the ML in 2-3 years.
• Cubs are not going to trade for Greinke or Hamels. DUH
• Cubs are not trying to trade Barney but will listen to offers.
• Cubs are not in on Upton.
• Cubs are not sure the Vitters is the future at 3^rd.
• Levine says it is doubtful Vitters, Jackson, and Lake get the call up the 2^nd half of the season. But out of the group Vitters is the closest. I think if LaHair, Soriano, or DeJesus is traded you will see Jackson get the call. I also think if Barney is traded you could see Vitters get a call. Very unlikely on Lake.
• Baez is ahead of Soler at this point but that can change when he gets assigned to possible Peoria.
• Cubs do not have the prospects to land Justin Upton.

Other News, Rumors, and Notes-

• Olney says the Tigers are the most active when it comes to adding pitching.
• Reports are the Tigers would trade Turner, Brantly, Rondon, and Crosby but not Castellanos.
• The Sun-Times says Dempster will be traded before his start on Friday.
• The Tigers and Braves sound the new front runners for Ryan Dempster because the Braves maybe willing to offer Juilo Teheran for him.
• The Braves also have interest in Matt Garza.
• Other names that have been leaked from the Braves organization that could be dealt are Andrelton Simmons, Zeke Spruill, Christian Bethancourt, and Arodys Vizcanio.
• I would love if the Cubs could land Arodys Vizcanio and Christian Bethancourt for Dempster but that is asking for a lot.
• Cubs can get a draft pick in a trade according to BleacherNation.
• The Nationals like Dempster but not his asking price.
• The Nationals also like Maholm because he is cheaper than Dempster and could be a nice innings eater for them.
• The Rangers would love to add Matt Garza to their rotation according to USA today.

Until Next Time…

Cubs Rumor Bag: BOY, IS IT FULL

• Heyman says there are no good reasons teams, especially AL, shouldn't be lining up for Soriano because of the production this year.
• The Yankees feel Garza and Dempster are not upgrades to what they currently have on the team.
• The Tigers are still wanting Barney with Dempster or Garza but the Cubs still want Castellanos and Turner so nothing has been progressing.
• The Cubs are not trying to trade LaHair but they are listening to offers.
• Soto has some trade value but not a lot.  Still a fit for the Rays.
• Padilla adds some thoughts on Dempster to the Dodgers and does not think the Cubs could get Zach Lee.
• Marmol trade value is still low but could improve once the deadline approaches.
• Buster Olney reported yesterday the Red Sox are aggressive in their pursuit for Ryan Dempster and the Cubs are going through the process with Dempster.
• Olney also says the Red Sox maybe relectant to make a trade with Theo because he knows that farm system so well.
• Rosenthal chimes in and says the Cubs are exchanging names with a number of teams about Dempster.  He goes on to list the Dodgers, Tigers, Red Sox, and Braves.
• To shoot down Olney, WEEI is saying the Red Sox are not in on Dempster because how Morales and Cook have been pitching.
• The Nationals are also in on Ryan Dempster and.... Geovany Soto??? Make it happen!
• Dempster would welcome signing with the Cubs again next season even if traded.
• Rosenthal said the Cubs wanted a package similar to what the A's got for Gio Gonzalez this offseason and may want the same now.  That is about right.
• Here is an interesting name in the Matt Garza sweepstakes...THE ROYALS.
• Mr. Rogers (Phil) says the Cubs are in the "final stages" of putting a Dempster deal together and list the finalist as Red Sox, Dodgers, Tigers, and Braves.  Out of those I would prefer the Braves because I want the Tigers to land Garza and Barney.
• Via Twitter (I love Twitter) Joel Sherman say execs are saying Dempster will the be first big peice traded and will lead to other trades which is why they are making a strong push to do so.
• Joel Sherman also adds there is a 50/50 chance Garza will be dealt by the deadline.
• The Jays are pursing Garza hard but silently according to sources.
• The Indians maybe a sleeper for Garza or Dempster because they are looking for a front line starter and an outfielder bat.  Soriano still intrigues them as well.
• Cliff says via twitter that Levine reported via radio that the Rangers are in on Garza.  I love that idea about as well as I love the Jays looking at Garza.  If the Cubs could get Mike Olt, Martin Perez, or Jurickson Profar in a deal for Garza I may just break into tears.
• Heyman is adding some last minute news.  The Cubs already have begun naming their price for Dempster and other teams have not gone that far with other starters.  GREAT NEWS!
• Kaplan and others keep on saying Dempster will be traded by his next start which is Friday.

Be sure to follow me on twitter @HotStoveCubbies!

Until Next Time...

Rumors Gone Wild...

• Bruce Levine feels the Cubs should hang onto Soriano because of his numbers this year and he is a good influence on younger players.  I think if you have a taker for Soriano you deal him.
• The Cubs locked up their first 20 picks in the draft.
• It really does not matter the Cubs have won 11 of their last 15 because they are still in last place and Hoyer said they are sellers.
• Many say yesterday's start for Dempster is his last.  More than 10 teams have interest in the veteran starter.
• The Cubs may go for quality over quantity for Dempster.  In fact I am hearing the Cubs may just want one top prospect for Dempster.  Maybe like a Zach Lee for Ryan Dempster type deal.
• Buster Olney said via twitter that the Cubs are going to push the Dempster talks in next week, partly to clear decks for Garza talks later.  (Man I love how this front office works)
• The Pirates are one of the ten teams with a ton of interest in Ryan Dempster and Matt Garza.  I love the Pirates system and would love to deal either one to get some pieces from their farm system.
• The Rangers are unwilling to deal Mike Olt, Jurickson Profar, or Martin Perez for a rental player but are willing to deal one for a player under control for more than one year or willing to sign an extension before a trade is completed.
• There are mixed reports about the trade interest in Soriano.  One source is saying interest in minimal at best while another says there are two AL and one NL team interested in trading for the aging outfielder.
• George Ofman says the Tiger prefer Garza over Dempster.
• Ofman also says the Cubs have two offers on the table for Ryan Dempster.
• Ofman suggest two players from the Dodgers that do not impress me LHP Chris Withrow and RHP Garrett Gould.
• He also says the Tigers deal for Dempster could include a young lefty which it could be Andy Oliver, Casey Crosby, or Adam Wilk.  I would take any of those three but there would still have to be more IMO.
• The White Sox and Cubs are talking about a Reed Johnson deal which I reported via twitter yesterday.  A low level minor league player may head the Cubs way.
• To add to the Reed Johnson trade speculation I am hearing the Cubs could be targeting a low A ball player or more established AAA player. I am hearing Jared Mitchell, Charles Leesman, Gregory Infante, or Andre Rienzo could come the Cubs way from the southsiders.
• The White Sox and Yankees like Ryan Dempster but only the Yankees can put together a deal for him because the Sox do not have the talent Jed and Theo are looking for unless they want to include Sale in a deal.
• Ofman chimes in again saying a Tigers deal for Dempster could include Barney.  I am hearing if the Tigers do deal for Dempster or Garza; Barney will likely be included.
• It looks more and more likely that the Tigers will end up trading for Garza with all the smoke I am seeing and I am leaning toward a deal that has Garza, Barney, and Vitters going to Detroit for Castellanos, Turner, and a prospect or two.
• As of right now I see Dempster and LaHair going to the Dodgers. Soriano and Soto going to the Rays. Garza, Barney, and Vitters going to the Tigers. Maholm to the Pirates or Cards. Baker to the Nationals. Reed Johnson and Shawn Camp to the White Sox.
• Soriano would accept a trade to the Rays but has not been asked yet according to a person close to Alfonso.
• Dempster and Garza will likely not be traded by themselves.
• Tigers cannot obtain both Dempster and Garza according to Ofman.  Boy would I like to see them try.  How about Garza, Dempster, Barney, and Vitters for Castellanos, Turner, Rondon, Andy Oliver, Casey Crosby, Tyler Clark, Brian Flynn, and Daniel Bennett? Sounds good to me.
• A source told me do not be surprised if Brett Jackson is included in a trade involving a piece like Barney, Dempster, LaHair, or Graza.
• I am still hearing the Cubs could end up dealing up to 10 players on their 25 man roster.

Until Next Time...

A Blockbuster Trade Could be in the Works!

So a lot of things are coming together right now with reports/rumors from other sites and my sources citing similar things.  I usually do not dedicate one post to one trade rumor but this is a big one.  First the reports I am hearing-

• Source #1: The Cubs are looking to link Bryan LaHair in a trade with Dempster or Garza to get more valuable prospects in return.
• From Cubs Den: (Updated 4:25 pm) Jayson Stark tweeted the following, "Execs of 2 teams who spoke to Cubs this week say they're mentioning Bryan LaHair's name regularly in trade talks. Since 5/15: .220/.278/.341". LaHair's biggest value right now is as a LH power bat who is cost controlled for the next several years. LaHair would be a relatively low risk to a team because he can still provide value off the bench and could serve as a stopgap 1B or OF for a team in need of some punch. LaHair's future with the Cubs is limited because of the presence of Anthony Rizzo and the probability that he won't be able to play OF long term.
•  Source #2: The Tigers have been scouting the Cubs over the past month on days where neither Garza or Dempster started. 
• Source #1: (1 hour later) The Cubs have talked to the Tigers about acquiring not only Garza but also Darwin Barney and Bryan LaHair.
• Source #3: The Cubs can land Nick Castellanos and other prospects with a Garza package but have to include either Josh Vitters or Junior Lake in the deal plus more player.  Such as Darwin Barney.

Evaluation:

Now take into account that all theses sources have contacted me via email in the past 24 hours and the way I have this listed above is the order in which I heard the information.  Now I also want to note that Source #2 and #3 have been right or partially right more times than not.  In fact one tipped me off to the Cubs acquiring Adrian Cardenas and the other has been right with the Soriano signing years ago, Jason Marquis signing, Cubs interest in Justin Upton (first reported), and many other tidbits here and there.  The first source has given me stuff here and there but nothing concrete but he is also a new source in the past year and a half.

Now looking at this as a whole I can see a blockbuster trade in the works.  If all this information is correct and combined it with Tiger/Cub rumors recently here is what I see.  The Tigers have had the weakest production out of RF in the majors; similar to what the White Sox had at 3rd base before Youk came along. That is why Bryan LaHair is a fit because he can not only play RF but 1st and DH and is under control for many years to come for a small price (hard to find a power bat at that price).  The Tigers also are only willing to give up Nick Castellanos if they can work out an extension with Grienke or Hamels before hand because they want the pitcher beyond this year.  Garza has been a target of theirs, is AL tested, and is under control for the rest of this season and next year so to me he looks more likely to land in Detroit than Cole or Grienke.  The Tigers are also looking for a young middle infielder to help them through the rest of this year, hopefully the playoffs and into next season. He also must have good defensive skills and be cost effective.  That is where Darwin Barney comes in.  Now the kicker could be dealing one of our 3rd base prospects with these players to get a package around Nick Castellanos.  The Tigers are not going to give up a ton of prospects without getting one in return which is why replacing Nick Castellanos with Vitters or Lake would soften the blow to the farm.

So here is the blockbuster deal I see from all of this-

Cubs get Nick Castellanos, Jacob Turner (Cubs really like him but no where in this post does it say the Cubs have discussed him), and a couple of prospects not in the top Tigers top 10.  Maybe like two or three of Adam Wilk, Alex Burgos, Josue Carreno, Kyle Ryan, Eugenio Suarez or Matt Hoffman.

Tigers get Matt Garza, Darwin Barney, Bryan LaHair, and either Junior Lake or Josh Vitters.

This has all the makings of a big move in the right direction for the Cubs for the future and the Tigers for the now with a little taste of the future.  If the Cubs and Tigers pulled off this trade to me it would be a win/win for both clubs.

Again this is me just reading the tea leaves of what I am hearing from sources and reading at other sites.  The Cubs could be talking several different trades with numerous different players involved.  Jacob Turner may not even be involved in this deal but previous talks this offseason make me think he is.  Whether something like this happens only time will tell.

Until Next Time....

Cubs Rumor Bag: Dempster, Garza, Barney, Soriano, Soto, and Much More...

Tony La Russa sucks something big. Not putting in LaHair after taking out Votto in favor of a 3^rd baseman in Freese playing 1^st; seriously dude! Then the kicker is not playing Castro until the last few innings. This guy needs to go back to rambling and stumbling on tape to the cops and saying his ABCZDF8 rather being anywhere near a baseball diamond. I feel better now!

The Cubs and White Sox will not play 6 games anymore. Interleague play will go to a more balanced format that will have the Cubs and Sox play 4 total games’ home and home.

10 teams scouted Dempster yesterday according to sources including the Dodgers, Braves, Indians, Red Sox, Angels, Yankees, and more…

Jon Heyman chimes in today with some Cubs chatter saying the Dodgers and Cubs are discussing possible trades that would send either Ryan Dempster or Matt Garza to LA. He says the Dodgers are the favorite to land Demspter while they have also had conversations about Garza. (Nothing really new just reaffirming what we already know).

The Cubs could have interest in Justin Upton but not at the price the Dbacks are asking for. You remember when I said a while back the Cubs and Dbacks were discussing Upton. Well if not here you go.

The Indians, Pirates, Rays, Nationals, and several other teams are battling to get Josh Willingham, Justin Upton, and/or Carlos Quentin. The teams that don’t land or want to pay the bounty for those 3 will likely end up with Soriano. We have heard the Indians, Pirates, and Rays as the most serious suitors for Soriano.

The Rays could pull off a Soto and Soriano package according to a source.

The Indians are very interested in Dempster but may not have the prospects the Cubs want.

The Dodgers would like to get Garza or Dempster plus LaHair and may end up paying big for that package.

BleacherNation has an interesting take on the Red Sox/Cubs trade involving Ryan Sweeney.

If the Angels cannot land Greinke or Hamels they would turn their attention to Garza or Dempster. Talk has the Angels willing to trade players such as Mark Trumbo, Jordan Walden, Jean Segura, Garrett Richards, and/or John Hellweg for starting pitching.

The Cubs would be willing to trade Barney and Garza to Detroit if the Cubs can get a package headlined with Nick Castellanos, Jacob Turner, and at least 3 other solid prospects. If the Cubs received Castellanos then one of Josh Vitters or Junior Lake could become trade bait.

The Latest from Levine-

• It will take another outing or two before Dempster gets moved.
• Good chance Maholm gets traded as well as Johnson and Baker.
• Garza will be traded this year and will bring back the most prospects.
• Garza is less attractive as a trade candidate next season.
• No way Jamie Moyer comes back to the Cubs.
• Cubs would like to develop Samardzija and have him around for years.
• Campana is average outfielder with below average arm and still cannot hit with consistency. That is why he is not playing.
• The Cubs pay roll could be down over $30M next season and be under $90M.
• Baez could be in AA by next season but does not know if he will be a SS or 3^rd baseman.
• The White Sox could be interested in Reed Johnson.
• The only way the Cubs trade Barney is for a young 2^nd base prospect back in a deal.
• If a team is willing to overpay for LaHair he will be traded. (Like the Dodgers?)
• Dodgers are the front-runners for Dempster but the Braves and Indians may give up a better package.
• Unless the Dbacks are interested in Garza the Cubs can’t get Upton.
• Almora will play in short season rookie ball and Soler could start in Class A.
• Again Levine does not see Soriano being traded. He says the Cubs will have to watch him play here or release him because of the $50M left on his contract. (Just want to say Levine could not be more WRONG on this. The guy’s main source is Casey Coleman for goodness sake.)
• Nate Jones, Beckham, and Molina would not get the White Sox Barney and Dempster.

Until Next Time…