Picking the Cubs Off-Season Targets

The Chicago Cubs have 5 specific areas they need to address before next season. Those areas are Starting Pitching, Bullpen, Bench, CF or RF, 3^rd base. Here are 26 players the Cubs should look at via free agency with the hopes of signing 7 of them. I will break down why the Cubs should target those specific players and my picks. These players are not in any specific order and all players follow Theo’s way of doing things (No Josh Hamilton, BJ Upton, or Grienke here).

Starting Pitching: Possibly the biggest need for the Cubs and could become a bigger need if they deal Garza. But for now we are assuming the Cubs will hold onto Garza and look to add two starters via free agency.

1. Joe Blanton- Not the sexiest name but he does get the job done. Blanton is known as a work horse that eclipsed 175 innings every year since 2005 except for in 2011. He owns a career 4.37 ERA, is a decent strikeout pitcher, only 32 years old, and he is going to be Paul Maholm affordable with the robust amount of starting pitching available in 2013. This is a good Theo guy.

2. Kevin Correia- Much like Joe Blanton; Correia is not a known name but he is a solid pitcher. Not the work horse Blanton is but could come at a cheaper price. Also just 32 years old he owns a 4.54 ERA in 10 seasons. He is going to be very affordable so he does have that going.

3. Scott Feldman- More of household name is Feldman for his work in the playoffs (good and bad). Feldman is only 29 years old but has not been as consistent as Blanton and Correia. Feldman has an option of $9.2 million but it is likely to be declined. Feldman has been in the tough AL west his entire career so a move to the NL could be good for him. The cost of him is going to be interesting but I do not think he will be out of the Cubs reach.

4. Francisco Liriano- This guys is the definition for low risk/high reward. Liriano was once the ace of the Twins staff and apart of the solid 1-2 combo with Johan Santana but those days have faded. Liriano still owns a respectable 4.40 ERA over 7 seasons and his recent troubles make Liriano maybe the most affordable out of the bunch. The move from AL to NL could bolster his numbers and he definitely follows the “Theo Way” mold.

5. Shaun Marcum- He will cost the Cubs more money than they may want to spend but he does have good numbers with a 3.76 ERA of 7 season and will turn 31 going into 2013. He maybe too expensive but he is a player they should be targeting.

6. Ervin Santana- Another guys who could break the Cubs bank depending on the market but a target never less. Santana also has spent his career in the AL west so a move to the NL could help his numbers as well. Only 29 years old he could end up the steal for a team like the Cubs. Santana has a career 4.33 ERA in 8 seasons and has pitched 200+ innings in 4 of them. Why would the Cubs want Santana? Well take a look at his interleague stats. 26 games started, 166 IP, 149 SO, 12-8, and with a 3.85 ERA. Those are pretty good stats.

7. Joe Saunders- A 31 year old lefty who just pitches well in both leagues. He owns a 4.15 ERA over 8 seasons is has been close to 200+ innings pitched since 2008. He is also going to be a little more pricey than Feldman or Liriano but cheaper than Santana and Marcum.

8. Carlos Villenueva- This is a guy the Cubs could sneak under the radar and nab. Carlos will be 29 years old in November and owns a 4.16 ERA in 7 seasons. He has pitched both out of the pen and in the rotation so he has that going for him as well. He has plus pitches and is known to strike out a few guys with 571 SO in 657 innings.

Bullpen- The Chicago Cubs need some stability in their bullpen and I feel adding two established inexpensive players to their pen would make them better now and pay off by the deadline as well.

1. Brett Myers- 32 year old Brett Meyers is still proving he can pitch and would be a welcome addition to the Cubs pen. He is a guy with closer and starter experience and sports a 4.20 ERA in 11 seasons. In 2012 he netted a 3-8 record with a 3.31 ERA and 19 saves. He is going to cost but the money toward a guy like Myers would pay off.

2. Ryan Madson- He never got off the ground because of arm troubles with the Reds but in 2011 he had a 4-2 record 2.37 ERA. The Reds are likely to buyout his contract and with Madson coming off an injury he could be a low cost/high reward player for the Cubs.

3. Matt Capps- He is only 29 years old and has closing experience in both leagues. He could provide the Cubs with good stability for a low cost.

4. Ramon Ramirez- Pitched with Boston back in 2009-2010 and owns a career 3.32 ERA. A guy with some closing experience and would be dirt cheap and only 30 years old.

5. Mark Lowe- Another good pitcher at 29 years old. He has a 3.94 ERA in 7 seasons all spent in the AL West.

6. JP Howell- Has a 4.42 ERA with the Royals and Rays but had a 3.04 ERA in 55 games for the Rays this season. He is only 29 years old and should be considered a major target for the Cubs.

7. Sean Burnett- This guy has been nothing but consistent with a 3.58 ERA over 6 seasons in the National league. This season with the Nationals he had a 2.38 ERA in 70 games.

Bench- The Cubs do not need a lot of help off the bench with their farm full of ML bench players but they do need more versatile players.

1. Mark DeRosa- We all know him and love him but now on the downslide of his career the Cubs maybe able to nab on a one year deal or even a minor league contract.

2. Ty Wiggington- He hit .235 this year with 11 homers and a .314 OBP with the Phils. He would be more expensive but would provide the Cubs with good power and versatility off the bench.

3. Jeff Keppinger- A guy every team would want to have to fill in or come off their bench is the 33 year old Jeff Keppinger. In 2012 with the Rays he hit .325 with a .367 OBP 9 homers in 418 Abs. He will come with a price but it will be money well spent. The Cubs need a guy who can backup SS but Keppinger does more than that. He has played RF, LF, 3^rd, SS, 2^nd, and 1^st so he is a guy the Cubs will target.

CF or RF: Theo announced today that he expects Brett Jackson to start in Iowa which means the Cubs could go with in house options of Sappelt or Campana to fill in for RF or CF but they are still going to need more. Theo and Jed will be looking for an athletic outfield so no Carlos Lee or Jonny Gomes but must be a guy not looking for a multi-year deal like an Upton or Victorino.

1. Ryan Ludwick- He can only play the corner spots but he provides the Cubs with some right handed pop. He is 34 years old and will likely be extremely cost effective for a guy who hit .275 with 26 homers 80 RBI and a .346 OBP. He should be a fall back option.

2. Angel Pagan- He knows Wrigley well and is only 31 years old so he has that going for him. He is going to cost more money than Ludwick but could look for a similar deal to what DeJesus got. He hit .288 with a .338 OBP with 15 triples, 8 homers, and 29 SB.

3. Cody Ross- He would be my pick but unfortunately it seems the Red Sox are working out an extension for him to keep him in Boston for the next couple years.

4. Ichiro Suzuki- 39 year old Suzuki is finally free from Seattle and hit NY running by hitting .322 with a .340 OBP 5 homers and 14 SB in 67 games. A true leadoff hitter is something the Cubs need and he would provide the Cubs with great defense in the OF. Whether he would come to Chicago is another story.

5. Tori Hunter- Can a 37 year old Tori Hunter still handle the OF on a regular basis? I think so. Since Tori is at the end of his career I expect he would want a two year deal similar to what DeJesus got. I expect the Cubs to oblige since he hit .313 with a .365 OBP 16 homers and played a 134 games in the outfield.

6. Grady Sizemore- Grady is 30 years old, a 2 time gold glove winner, and 3 time All-Star but has not played since 2011 and has not played a full season since 2008. So he would be a low risk/high reward player. He made 5 million last season and is likely to not even see half of that in 2013. He could be a nice gamble for the Cubs.

3^rd Base: The Cubs need a solid 3^rd baseman for the next 2 or 3 years; period!

1. Scott Rolen: Now 37 years old and on the downslide his career Rolen is not as coveted as he once was. The Cubs could easily get him for minimal money and years loaded with incentives. Rolen has been struggling with injury but he will not be asked to play every day with Valbuena on the squad. He hit .245 with a .318 OBP and 8 homers. He is still very solid defensively and exactly what the Cubs are looking for.

2. Kevin Youkilis: This seems like a sure thing to me. Kevin has a good relationship with Jed and Theo and the Cubs are in need for a 3^rd baseman for the next couple years. Youkilis may want to go to a contender but it will be hard to find one unless it is with the White Sox. Youk is rumored to be looking for a 2 year deal totaling around 15-18 million dollars which might be a little more than they want to spend. Youk hit .235 with a .336 OBP in 122 games this past season while belting 19 homers. The change to the NL could really help Youk revive his career and he could be a part of a contending team when the Cubs deal him at the deadline.

If the Cubs were to address all their need through free agency (which I don’t expect) I think they would add 7 players out of the 26 listed. Here are the players I would chose following Theo’s way of doing things-

Starting Pitching: Ervin Santana and Francisco Liriano

Bullpen: Brett Myers and JP Howell

Bench: Jeff Keppinger

CF/RF: Tori Hunter

3^rd base: Kevin Youkilis

Here is what I feel the 25-man roster would look like for the Cubs:

Lineup

• DeJesus CF
• Barney 2b
• Rizzo 1st
• Hunter RF
• Castro SS
• Youkilis 3^rd
• Soriano LF
• Castillo C

Rotation

• Garza
• Samardzija
• T. Wood
• E. Santana
•  Liriano

Bullpen

• Marmol
• Myers
• Howell
• Russell
• Chapman
• Dolis
• Cabrera

Bench

• Clevenger
• Keppinger
• Valbuena
• Sappelt
• Campana

Not a bad team for rebuilding.

Until Next Time….

 

2012 Chicago Cubs: Final Thoughts and Predictions

The End of the 2012 Chicago Cubs: Final Thoughts and Predictions

 The Chicago Cubs are still playing but there season might as well be over.  Cubs record sitting at 56-87, 30.5 games back of the leading Reds, 19 games back from the wildcard, and officially eliminated from the playoffs.  That is not to say the Cubs cannot do something positive over the next few weeks before the season officially came to an end.  We can see more development from their younger players in the next couple weeks, audition players to earn a spot next year, show case players for trades this offseason, etc…  While many will go back to rehash the season I will not, I will look forward to next year.  But before I do I will like to hand out the 5 awards to 5 players.  Starting with…

 

Cubs MVP Award:  Alfonso Soriano

You could argue that Ryan Dempster, Paul Maholm, Anthony Rizzo, Starlin Castro, or even Darwin Barney should win this award but Soriano gets the nod from me.  A guy that not only is currently hitting .260 with 29 homers and 96 RBI, but who could actually make a case for a gold glove this season.  He not only did everything the coaching staff and management has asked (besides being traded to the Giants) but he has improved in his defense and proved to be a great leader in the clubhouse.

Cubs Hustle Award: Darwin Barney

Darwin Barney is the definition of Hustle!  The guy not only gives the Cubs 110% everyday he is doing it on a team that currently has 87 loses.  That says something about his makeup and drive.  This season I saw Barney turn singles into doubles, sacrifice his body on defense, and make plays that no other 2^nd baseman should make all because of hustle.  This was the easiest award to give out.

Cubs Pitcher of the Year Award:  Jeff Samardzija

This could be up for debate because of the job Maholm and Dempster did but Shark just proved he may grow into the ace of this staff.  Compiling a 9-13 record on a bad team with a 3.81 ERA is not easy.  He had 180 SO in 174 innings and looked down right dominate at times.  Nice to have him going into next season.

 

Cubs Impact Player of the Year Award: Anthony Rizzo

Rizzo stepped onto the scene with a boom and actually resulted in the Cubs making a little bit of a run half way through the year.  Rizzo’s impact on the Cubs will not be fully appreciated until next season and even beyond.  It is not every day you get a player of Anthony Rizzo caliber, at his age, unblocked, and on a rebuilding team.  His level of play impacts how management works this offseason and how the Cubs look going into next season.  He is truly an impact player.

Cubs “26^th man” of the Year Award: Tony Campana

This award goes to the guy that did everything right but just not enough to play every day and is known as the up and down guy.  This award goes to scrappy Tony Campana because while notching 81 games with the Cubs he only had 168 Abs and was sent up, sent down, started for Chicago, and went deep on the bench.  You never heard him complain and he took advantage of all his opportunities by scoring game winning runs to impacting the game with his speed.  Every team needs a “26 man” and I am glad Tony is ours.

 

That does it for the award and now comes the 10 bold predictions for next season-

1.       The Cubs will be in the playoff race for most of the year.

2.       Anthony Rizzo will be in the MVP talk next season.

3.       Matt Garza will be traded before Opening Day.

4.       The Cubs will add three starting pitchers next season via trade or free agency.

5.       The Cubs will resign Ian Stewart but will decline arbitration before doing so.

6.       Alfonso Soriano will start the year with the Cubs but will not finish with them.

7.       Brett Jackson will start the year in Chicago while Vitters will get traded.

8.       Baez will start seeing time at 3^rd best next season in the minors.

9.       The Cubs will either decrease ticket prices next season or they will stay the same.  No increase next season.

10.   The Cubs will finish next year in third place with a record of 80-82.

 

That does it for this year’s Hot Stove Cubbies Blog.  Of course I will break any major news as it comes but for now I will be taking some time off from HSC.  I will be updating any Cubs news year around on Twitter @HotStoveCubbies and also update links to any posts from my blog on Twitter as well.  So make sure to give me a follow on Twitter and look for the latest breaking Cubs stuff there.  As for HSC blog we will see you after the playoffs.

UNTIL NEXT TIME!!!!

The Integrity of America's Pastime and the Dishonesty of Steriods

               Baseball is America’s pastime, something that is pure and hardly unchanging, which could be seen as a blessing or a curse.  The recent outbreak of players in both the minor and major leagues abusing substances banned by baseball has sparked a recent idea or a plan that should be embraced by everyone in baseball; the AIC Plan (Accountability, Integrity, and Creditability Plan).  It is a simple solution to a growing problem, holding everyone accountable while bringing integrity and creditability back to baseball!

                Currently, if a player gets caught using a substance banned by MLB he gets suspended for 50 games, which to me is a good start but the punishment does not go far enough!  The parties that seem to be getting off free and clear are the teams these cheaters are playing for.  Sure, the team does get hurt by losing that player but even if it is a superstar player it still does not seem like an adequate punishment.

                Why punish the team, you ask? Why punish them for a cheating player? Well, what are these  teams doing to insure they are holding up the integrity of the game?  In other words, are they doing anything to make sure these players are not cheating?  The answer is NO.  The drug test is put out by MLB, the suspensions are put out by MLB, and all the responsibility has been laid on MLB and the player.  All the while the team sits there with their hands dirty.  Each player is with their organization for 8 months or more out of the year and spends most of the days with players, coaches, trainers, etc., and you are telling me they don’t have any idea their players are possibly taking something they should not be taking?  If you believe that, then I got some swamp land to sell you!  Whether they know or don’t know if a player is abusing the fact is the teams themselves are not doing anything to prevent it.  MLB needs to take a page out of the NCAA’s playbook.  In the NCAA they do investigations on teams, players, coaches, etc.  The teams themselves also do an investigation if a player or coach is caught doing something they should not have been doing by the NCAA because the team could be penalized as well (i.e. Penn St., Michigan, Miami, etc.). But if a team catches its own player the punishment handed down by the NCAA is usually less severe. While this is not a perfect system I feel the guidelines could be used to improve the MLB illegal drug policy.

                Do you still need more reasoning why to penalize a team for a player doping?  Here’s a scenario to think about- Player A is a superstar.  His merchandise is the highest selling, he is the face of the franchise, the guy that puts butts in the seats, and just an iconic figure for that team.  With this player on the team, the team is gaining revenue hand over fist between merchandise sales, promotions, and of course, ticket sales.  Then the unthinkable happens and Player A gets busted for PEDs and is suspended for 50 games.  Those next 50 games will most definitely hurt the team but what about the previous games he played while on PEDs? The team made a TON of money on those games and probably won more games than they would have lost with him not on the team.  So what does the team do?  They just replace him on the roster with another player and go on about their business.  No punishment is handed down to this team except losing their superstar for the next 50 games.  No money is really lost except for maybe those other figures decreasing a little over the next 50 games or so.  But let’s not kid ourselves, the benefits the team acquired from him playing juiced is much more than the aftermath of him getting busted doing something illegal.  Not only that, but he gets to come back and play if the suspension happened early enough in the year.

 

                So what is the answer?  What are the details of the policy to make sure everyone is held accountable at every level?  I think the 3 strike rule for players is a good starting point with the first strike being 50 games, second strike 100 games, and the third strike a lifetime ban from baseball.  I also think each player should be fined 15% of their total salary for the year caught doping and that money should be donated evenly to the Taylor Hooton Foundation for Fighting Steroid Abuse, D.A.R.E, and B.A.D. (Baseball Against Drugs).   

                As for the team, the first thing they need to implement is a page taken from the NCAA.  Not only should MLB as a whole do testing but each team should be responsible to use their resources to hire an independent drug testing organizations approved by MLB.  By having both MLB and each team test its players the frequency of testing will increase which would decrease the odds of a player getting away with abusing drugs. 

Now as far as team punishment, it’s broken into two categories: Team Positive Test (TPT) and Major League Baseball Positive Test (MLBPT). 

TPT- All positive drug tests found by way of TPT will be omitted from punishment handed down from MLB to each individual team but the doping player’s punishment still falls under the 3 strike rule.  This is known as the “integrity rule”.  It allows a team to place judgment on a player and be held responsible by losing the player for X amount of games but MLB not pass punishment to the team because of the integrity shown.  

MLBPT- In the case that MLB finds a positive drug test from one of the team’s player and the corresponding team does not, a punishment will be handed down to the player under the 3 strike rule.  As for the team, they will be given the punishment of losing that player for X amount of games and the team will not be able to fill the doping player’s spot on the roster.  This means if Player A is a starting outfielder the ML team will only be able to carry 24 men on their active roster instead of the normal 25 for the amount of games he is suspended.  The same rule applies to all minor league affiliations.  For example: if Player A gets caught a second time for PEDs under MLBPT, Player A’s team will only be able to carry 24 players on their active roster.  If a life-time ban happens then the team is required to carry a 24 man roster for a full season.  The punishment for teams does not stop there.  If a team is hit with 3 or more positive tests found by MLB and not found by the team in a 5 year period they will be banned from the playoffs the year the third infraction occurred.  One stipulation is if the team does not make it to the playoffs the season the infraction occurred then it would carry over to the following season.  If the infraction happens during the offseason it will also take place the up and coming season.  Each team will also be fined a million dollars per doping player and that money will be spread out across MLB charities.  This punishment is only if the 3 positive tests come from the guilty team’s 40 man roster.  The guidelines apply to the other players off the 40 man roster but the punishment is different.  If a team is hit with 3 or more positive test from players not on the 40 man roster over a 5 year period then they will be fined five hundred thousand dollars per player and are banned from the First Year Player Draft for the following season. 

On a side note- Players, Teams, and MLB are subject to the appeal process. In extreme cases not settled through that process the subject will be put through a legal process.  Players, Teams, and MLB are not able to challenge or reduce the punishment handed down but are allowed to challenge the drug test.  All rules, regulations, and punishments are not subject to the appeal or legal process.

It’s time for this unchanging institute to take a step forward for the betterment of the sport.  There are so many players doing the right thing and not making it because roided players are taking their spots.  Those players are cheaters and ruining the integrity of the game but they are not the only guilty party.  The ML teams that make stacks and stacks of cash off of these players get to keep that money even though it’s dirty.  The team has no incentive to clean up baseball because there isn’t a devastating enough consequence, the player barely has any incentive to stop doping because that is how he made it and how he made his millions.  One of the main reasons baseball is becoming less and less relevant is because there is no incentive to improve it.  With the plan I outlined it brings accountability and credibility back to baseball.  The AIC plan is the way to bring back baseball to its former glory.  With that said, I leave you with these two quotes.

“Anything that harms the integrity of the game is terrible. We always thought we were immune to drugs in baseball, but we know that's not true anymore. “  Harmon Killebrew

“Baseball is an allegorical play about America, a poetic, complex, and subtle play of courage, fear, good luck, mistakes, patience about fate, and sober self-esteem.”  Saul Steinberg

Cubs Rumor Bag: Moves, Theo, Barney, and Levine

· The Cubs claimed Alex Hinshaw off of waivers from the Padres Sunday. You can see his stats here. In a corresponding move the Cubs transferred Arodys Vizcanio to the 60 day DL.

· The Cubs will call up lefty Chris Rusin to pitch tonight in his ML debut. A corresponding move has not been announced but Jeff Beliveau or Adrian Cardenas could be sent back down to Iowa.

· The Cubs deal with Starlin Castro will likely not be announced for another week or two but the meat of the deal has been leaked. A 7 year $60M deal with an option for an 8^th year. Great deal for both sides.

· Is Darwin Barney a stopgap or long term guy. The boys at Cubs den give you that to chew on.

· BleacherNation looks at Theo’s possible impact on Boston’s issues.

· Four inexpensive veteran type free agent pitchers the Cubs are looking at next season are Scott Baker, Kevin Correia, Chien-Ming Wang, and Chris Young.

· The Cubs and Angels have been recently talking about Carlos Marmol a source tells me.

· The Cubs are relocating their A ball affiliate from Peoria to Kane County. The move will bring the Cubs lower level prospects closer to Chicago.

Bruce Levine Speaks-

· Soriano looks unlikely to be dealt even if the Cubs eat 28-30 million dollars of his contract.

· Any possible deals for Soriano were vetoed by Soriano. Back to the he said she said stuff again.

· The Cubs plan is to be a great organization for 12-15 years rather than being entertaining/competitive now. They have a short 5 year plan in place.

· Jamie Quirk is working extra time with Clevenger and Castillo.

· Dale Sveum job looks safe for next year and maybe a year after that but the coaching staff is not guaranteed and must prove they belong in the Cubs long-term plans.

· Castro extension is a good deal for both parties.

· The Mets could be a trading partner for Marmol.

· The Cubs will go out and get a couple of veteran starters next year to round out the rotation.

· It is possible the Cubs could start Jackson back in Iowa next season. Same goes with Vitters.

Until Next Time…

The Cubs Sites Got It Going On....

A usual quiet month has turned into busy news for the Cubs.

• · If you want the most information and back stories on the front office moves then check out the Cubs Rumor Bible know as Bleacher Nation.
• · The Cubs made another signing for “depth” inking Horacio Ramirez to a minor league deal.
• · David Kaplan released some good news for Cub fans everywhere yesterday saying he spoke to two industry sources that stated to him the Cubs are working on a long-term deal with all star SS Starlin Castro. He said the deal could be 6 or more years in length which would buy out all arbitration years and at least two years of free agency. It is likely that Castro could get something around what Andrew McCutchen received which was 6 years $51.5M but don’t expect an Evan Longoria type deal of 6 years $17.5M.
• · Starlin Castro’s agent Paul Kinzer said the two parties are in discussion for a long-term deal and would likely have something done by the end of the season. He did say any release of specifics though; are premature.
• · Jorge Soler has miss a couple games with a sore hand but the extent of the injury is not known.
• · There is a fantastic write up by a guy I follow on twitter; Sahadev Sharma. So check it out and get a little excited.
• · Also check out Cubs Den where John Arguello and Tom Loxas battle it out on 5 Cub related questions.

Until Next Time…

Cubs Rumor Bag: Soriano, Pitching, Levine, and More..

It’s that time of year where it is getting harder and harder to watch baseball and keep up with bleak Cubs rumors and news but here we go.

• · The Cubs may start limiting Jeff Samardzija innings because he is now at 140 and a very important part of the Cubs future.
• · Dale Sveum believes Darwin Barney should get a gold glove and I agree 100%.
• · The Cubs recalled Michael Bowden from Iowa and sent Brooks Raley back to Iowa. Raley will be able to be called up before the 10 day requirement because of the 26^th man rule for the double header on Saturday. Crafty thinking by the front office.
• · The Cubs hired a new Scouting Director Jaron Madison from the Padres and they also promoted Tim Wilken to Special Assistant to President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein.
• · Still no word on if Soriano has been placed or cleared waivers but there is still some interest in him.
• · Sveum had a interesting quote saying Castro is a 6^th or 7^th hitter in a good lineup. But the fact is in this lineup he is an ideal #2 hitter.
• · The Cubs signed Seth McClung to a minor league deal because Casey Coleman has shoulder pain.
• · It is very likely that the Cubs non-tender Ian Stewart and then sign him to a one year deal with a lower salary than what he would get from arbitration. There is a rumor circling he would accept a one year deal worth about $1.5M to stay with the Cubs.
• · Carlos Marmol has yet to be placed on waivers but he could be very soon.
• · Junior Lake could be one of the players called up to the majors in September which would be great because I think he is a better option at 3^rd than Vitters.
• · CubsDen takes a look at the players who could get the nod at 3rd for 2013.
• · To fill out the Cubs rotation next season they could turn to players like Francisco Liriano, Jonathan Sanchez, Chien-Ming Wang, Jeff Francis, Scott Baker, or Eric Bedard. Guys (on the younger side) they can buy low on with a one year deal with option and sell high on to bring in prospects. Much like they did with Maholm this year.

Bruce Levine chats…

• · There is too much upside to trade Castro.
• · Levine feels BJax should not play every day.
• · Until Castro takes more walks he will not be able to take the next step. Experience is the key.
• · Rumors are circling around Soriano and Marmol but nothing substantiated.
• · Baez seems to be on a quicker track to the big leagues and Levine thinks him and Soler will both be in the Arizona fall league in Ocotber.
• · The hope is within two years Baez, Soler, and Almora will be in the big leagues.
• · The Cubs seem committed to Castillo and Clevenger at backstop.
• · The Cubs are likely to add to their pitching staff with veterans on one year deals with team friendly options.
• · Darwin Barney should be on the Gold Glove hunt but he feels Brandon Phillips will win because he is the sexier name.
• · Vitters will get a shot to win the starting job at 3^rd base next Spring.
• · The Cubs should hold onto Soriano because the new regime is getting the best out of the 36 year old outfielder.

Until Next Time…

Cubs Rumor Bag: Soriano, A Source, and Levine Speaks

 -

 -  - Matt Garza will be officially put on the DL today and the Cubs will call up lefty Brooks Raley today to take his spot.

- - Garza stress reaction is serious and the Cubs are not sure he will be back this season.

- - Jed Hoyer expects Garza to be a part of the Cubs in 2013 even if he does not pitch in 2012,

- - As of last Friday Soriano indicated he had not been placed on waivers.

- - Soriano said there is a 50/50 chance he is traded this offseason but likes Chicago and will only leave for a contender in a desirable city to him.

- - The Cubs are going to ride out the ups and downs of the young players in the ML Sveum said (which goes along with the FO). This is a dramatic change from Quade and Jim Hendry.

Talked to one of my sources recently through email and he had some nice tidbits to offer me-

- - Don’t be surprised if younger prospects in the system at a deep position are traded to provide more depth in other areas in this off-season and next. He names players like Junior Lake, Dan Vogelbach, Trey McNutt, Matt Szczur, and Logan Watkins.

- - Movement throughout the Cubs system from now until this next season will be significant and could see players like Lake and Szczur jump to AAA Iowa. Even players like Vogelbach, Baez, and Soler could see a promotion to AA before the start of next season.

- - The most telling thing for the direction of the Cubs and their players will the September call ups. If the Cubs decide to call up guys like Szczur or Lake to the big leagues it means one of two things. They want to see if they can contribute at the big league level as early as next season or they are auditioning those players for trades with other clubs for their top prospects.

Levine had his chat so lets check in-

- - Castro has gone cold with this bat because people are taking advantage of his aggressiveness.

- - LaHair could look at other options this offseason including moving to Japan.

- - No inning cap for Shark but they could skip some starts for him.

- - No one will put a claim on Soriano but he could help a lot of teams.

- - The Cubs backstops both need work but they are considered the future right now.

- - Cubs are not afraid of trading one of their young players for other needs within the Cubs organization. (Something my sources said above)

- - The Cubs best chance to deal Garza now is in the offseason.

- - Soler and Almora could see Peoria the last few weeks of the season.

Until Next Time…