HSC Top 75 Free Agent Players with Team Predictions

Here are my top 75 free agents with predictions on what team they will land with.  Feel free to give me your predictions in the comment section.  I will be updating the list with the actual teams each player signed with throughout the offseason.

 

As always check Hot Stove Cubbies for the latest Cubs related rumors and news.  Don't forget to follow me on twitter @HotStoveCubbies.

 

1 Zack Grienke Angels

The Angels already freed up money so they could land the best pitcher on the market so why would they let him sign anywhere else. Answer, they won’t! Plus there is mutual interest.

2 Josh Hamilton Orioles

The Hamilton situation is going to be fun to watch to see if someone will break the bank with him or he will go back to the Rangers on a low year high dollar deal. Unfortunately for the Rangers the Orioles need Hamilton bad enough to offer him that deal. We have seen many players turn down the O’s because they are not contenders but now you may see more players want to go to Baltimore than the O’s want to sign. Good fit here.

3 Michael Bourn Nationals

The Nationals have been looking for an answer in CF for a long time now and have said they are willing to pay money for a true CF with leadoff potential and that person is Michael Bourn. You could argue that Shane Victorino, B.J. Upton, or Angel Pagan could end up here as well.

4 Anibal Sanchez Dodgers

The Dodgers have a knack of signing pitchers to big contracts whether they are worth it or not. I see them following that trend by signing Anibal Sanchez to a monster deal to follow behind Kershaw and in front of Billingsly.

5 B.J. Upton Braves

The Braves tried to trade for Upton several times in the past and now they can get their man. Although the Braves would like to keep Bourn they are not likely get him back which is why they get the next best thing in Upton. Although Bourn, Victorino, and Pagan could fit here as well.

6 Nick Swisher Rangers

What do the Rangers do with Hamilton? They add the versatile and great clubhouse guy Nick Swisher. Swisher is going to be a lot cheaper than Hamilton and honestly be more durable. A good pick up if they do not get Hamilton.

7 Edwin Jackson Blue Jays

Edwin Jackson will finally get a multi-year deal with the Blue Jays. The Jays want a dependable pitcher for their rotation and he fits the bill.

8 Dan Haren Red Sox

A lot of teams could use Haren (if not traded before Friday) but the Red Sox need him the most. The Sox need to make somewhat of a splash because they do not buy into rebuilding in Boston. Dan Haren makes a ton of sense given their pitching woes.

9 Hiroki Kuroda Yankees

He is either going to pitch for the Yankees, a west coast team, or retire. The Yankees need pitching and he did well for them and is a nice short term option. Makes sense for both parties.

10 Kyle Lohse Tigers

Here is a guy that is going to get paid more than he is worth and the Tigers are going to fall victim after losing Sanchez to the Dodgers they will panic. Lohse ends up rich on a good team while the Tigers fall victim to a bad buy.

11 Angel Pagan Phillies

The Giants want to sign Pagan but he may price himself out of their reach giving their spending restrictions so he finds a home with the Phillies. Upton, Victorino, and Bourn could fit here as well.

12 Shane Victorino Giants

The Giants are known for taking in scraps and making them legends into the playoffs. While Victorino is no scrap he does have to prove himself again this season after a down year. The Giants lose Pagan but gain Victorino. Once again Upton, Pagan, or Bourn could fit here.

13 David Ortiz Red Sox

No brainer. Already close on a deal.

14 Mike Napoli Rays

Not a huge market for Mike Napoli but the Rays or Astros could use him. The guy can play 1^st, C, or DH and fits the Tampa Bay mold. He will likely have to settle on the Rays if he wants to land with a contender.

15 Adam LaRoche Nationals

Mutual interest and a deal looks likely to get done.

16 Ryan Dempster Reds

Dempster wants to win a ring so non-contenders are out of the picture. He could still end up on the Southside of Chicago but reunited with Dusty Baker in a familiar winnable division in the Midwest makes a ton of sense to Dempster. Good match here.

17 Rafael Soriano Yankees

There is no one else I see paying him as much as the Yankees will. So he lands here.

18 Melky Cabrera Mets

Another really interesting watch this offseason with the PED scandal. His price will drop dramatically and so much so he may end up back in San Francisco but the Mets will swoop in and spend a little coin to help their aging bad outfield.

19 Shaun Marcum Twins

This is a typical Twins move. They need to acquire at least two pitchers and just like Carl Pavano made sense for them in the past so does Marcum. He is not going to break the bank but he is also not bad pitcher. Nice match-up.

20 Torii Hunter Cubs

Theo always has a surprising move up his sleeve and I see it being Torii Hunter. Hunter is looking for a contender where he can start and also get paid. The Cubs can offer two of the three with the bonus of Hunter performing and being moved at the trade deadline to a contender. The Cubs badly need a stop gap CFer and Hunter on a deal similar to DeJesus makes sense for both parties.

21 Russell Martin Yankees

Catching market is thin but so is the need. The Yankees like him and the feeling is mutual.

22 Cody Ross Red Sox

Already working toward an extension. They need help in the outfield.

23 Marco Scutaro Giants

The World Series and Playoff hero for the Giants gets a new deal to remain with the defending world champs.

24 Stephen Drew Red Sox

Another typical BoSox move is picking up a low radar SS stop gap. They have done it with Alex Gonzalez, Juilo Lugo, Marco Scutaro, Edgar Renteria, and Orlando Cabrera. So Drew makes a ton of sense her.

25 Joe Saunders Orioles

The O’s really like him and will likely be the team to out pay the rest to land him. The O’s have money to spend.

26 Ryan Ludwick Astros

The Astros need help until their young team is ready. Signing Ludwick could fill their DH as well as outfield. He will be the much needed power in their lineup.

27 Kevin Youkilis Cubs

Familiarity. If that was not the only reason how about a switch in leagues to rejuvenate his career? An opportunity to play 1^st or 3^rd every day, familiar city, and the opportunity to be shipped to a contending team after his numbers bounce back from switching leagues and going to a hitter friendly park. Also the Cubs have money to spend and I see they spending a portion of it on 3^rd base. A lot of things here add up for this not to happen.

28 Francisco Liriano Cubs

The Cubs buy low on a young Liriano and add a much need lefty partner for Travis Wood in the rotation. The switch in leagues could really boost Liriano’s numbers and he has stated how much he loves Chicago.

29 Carlos Villanueva Indians

The Indians are looking to boost their rotation without busting the bank which make Villanueva a good pick up and match with the Indians.

30 A.J. Pierzynski Rangers

The Rangers need to replace Napoli and they can do worse than A.J. He along with Swisher should make up the power numbers Hamilton provided them last season but with a better health record.

31 Joe Blanton Brewers

The Brewers need stable pitching and therefore they go for Blanton who normally is dependable as they come.

32 Brandon McCarthy Athletics

The marriage between him and the A’s is too strong to be force away with money.

33 Jason Grilli Brewers

He fits their need for bullpen help to a T.

34 Kyuji Fujikawa Red Sox

A former closer in Japan and the Red Sox do need pitching so adding him makes sense. The Red Sox have also taken gambles on Japanese pitchers as well.

35 Koji Uehara Angels

Very dominate pitcher who only requires a one year deal which fits the Angels perfectly with their already expensive roster.

36 Ryan Madson Tigers

The Tigers need to replace Valverde and will do so with a bit of a gamble in Madson. A one year deal he could be the under the radar closer the Tigers are looking for.

37 Joakim Soria Royals

He wants to remain and the Royals want to keep him. So yeah…

38 Joel Peralta Rays

High bullpen turnover in Tampa but Peralta is likely to stay and at a discounted rate because he loves the team so much.

39 Mariano Rivera Yankees

He will never leave and will not retire.

40 Ichiro Suzuki Reds

He is going to want to play for a contender according to several media outlets and the Reds seem like a good fit since their outfield seems open. Plus Dusty has always had an place in his heart for Ichiro.

41 Jeff Keppinger Marlins

The Marlins are not spending money this year but boy do they need infield help so signing Keppinger helps that some.

42 Mike Adams Cardinals

The Cards saw their bullpen falter some last season and adding a dominate set-up man in Adams makes a lot of sense.

43 Andy Pettitte Retire

I do not see Pettitte putting in another full year next season so he will officially retire.

44 Jose Valverde Phillies

The Phillies love picking up bullpen pitchers on the downside of their careers and Valverde is no different.

45 Jonathan Broxton Rangers

He will want to go to an contender and the Rangers could use him although in a set-up role.

46 Scott Baker Twins

Mutual interest and the Twins already know what Baker has to offer. Plus he is very affordable.

47 Sean Burnett Dodgers

The Dodgers need more pitching to be playoff stable so this makes plenty of sense for them.

48 Jeremy Guthrie Padres

The Padres love to bring in guys who once were good but not so much anymore and rejuvenate their career by pitching in spacious Petco. Guthrie seems like a great fit here on a one year deal.

49 Eric Chavez Phillies

The Phillies are looking for a 3^rd baseman and could look at the trade market but will sign Chavez as depth for them.

50 Jeremy Affeldt Nationals

The Nationals love their pitching and adding Affeldt to an already good bullpen helps that. They will overspend for Affeldt.

51 Carlos Pena Astros

The Astros are in the middle of a transition to the AL and need a DH so Pena is a no brainer considering his cost will be low and decent productions should be good for Houston.

52 Ty Wigginton Pirates

The Pirates could use some infield help and are likely looking for a premier bench person who can back up 3^rd. Wigginton is their man.

53 Placido Polanco White Sox

The White Sox will lose out on Youk so they will go with the next best thing on the market in Polanco. Also Rick Hahn has said they rather build from within instead of spending a lot on free agents.

54 Scott Rolen Retire

Rolen had a good run but has been plague with injuries the past few years. I expect him to retire.

55 Maicer Izturis Diamondbacks

The Dbacks are looking to trade for a 3^rd baseman/SS but just in case a deal does not happen they will sign Maicer Izturis as a backup plan.

56 Jonny Gomes Athletics

The A’s lock up their players that fit their system and Jonny Gomes does that.

57 Raul Ibanez Yankees

Ibanez is a postseason stud for the Yankees so they will sign him. Raul also loved his time in NY and wants to win a ring.

58 Nate McLouth Astros

McLouth saved his baseball career with the Orioles so he will cash in with the Astros so he can start somewhere.

59 Delmon Young Padres

The disgruntled Young is going to have a tough time finding work with a contender so he will likely head to San Diego.

60 Grady Sizemore Brewers

The Brewers will end up signing him with hopes he can come back from injury. Looking for outfield depth.

61 Andruw Jones Mets

The Mets like to pick up players who have recognized names. This is no different.

62 Travis Hafner Mariners

The Mariners need some power so they will sign Hafner who provides that at a low cost.

63 Luke Scott Royals

The Royals are taking in solid guys who many have gave up on. Scott is a good fit off the bench there.

64 Jim Thome Retire

Thome is done and will officially hang it up.

65 Erik Bedard Royals

Again the Royals are looking for a lot of cheap high ceiling starting pitching. They already landed Santana so Bedard seems like a good fit with him.

66 Dallas Braden Athletics

Braden has gone downhill sense his perfect game but has a special place in Oakland. They may get him for really cheap coming off injury.

67 Kevin Correia Astros

Astros will go the cheap route for pitching during the rebuild and Correia is a nice staple to have in the rotation.

68 Roy Oswalt Retire

Health problems finally have him hang it up.

69 Jonathan Sanchez Tigers

The Tigers will hope to add a lefty like Sanchez on a minor league deal hoping he figures it out.

70 Chien-Ming Wang Yankees

The Yankees will bring back Wang on a minor league deal hoping getting in pinstripes brings back what he lost.

71 Chris Young Mets

Young like NY and the Mets like Young. He also fits their payroll well.

72 Carlos Zambrano Cardinals

To be the ultimate competitor and to follow the steps of guys like DeRosa, Theriot, Wellemeyer, etc… Big Z will find his way back to the NL Central with the Red Birds.

73 Matt Capps Twins

Twins need pitching and both parties know each other.

74 Brett Meyers Cubs

The Cubs always seem to have a flex position on their team. Meyers has experience starting and closing which is a huge plus if you are Theo. He is cost effective and a good clubhouse guy. Fits the Cubs Way brand perfectly.

75 J.P. Howell Blue Jays

The Jays need more pitching and Howell can be had on a discount so they can get offense as well.

Until Next Time…

Thanks,

Update: Ervin Santana

If you followed me on twitter earlier today you know I reported the Cubs were in serious talks for Ervin Santana and a decision would happen today.  Well Ervin Santana is now a Kansas City Royal although I am told the Cubs were players for Santana but the Angels and Cubs could not decide on money or players involved. 

The Royals are giving up 27 year old pitcher Brandon Sisk; who is a non-prospect which is somewhat disappointing to me since the Cubs could have offered a similar piece but until the amount of money is released I will withhold judgement.

The Cubs could still be talking to the Angels about pitcher Dan Haren who is also being shopped and has a deadline on his option Friday.

Hot Stove... Bring it On!

• Ø First off it you want to know your important MLB dates head over to BleacherNation.
• Ø The Cubs have hired the top college coach for their Minor League Pitching Coordinator position. His name is Derek Johnson and he is the bee’s knees says Baseball America-

One of college baseball’s most respected and accomplished pitching coaches is leaving for a job in professional ball. Baseball America learned Sunday that Vanderbilt associate head coach Derek Johnson will become the Cubs’ minor league pitching coordinator.

Johnson, the 2010 Baseball America/ABCA Assistant Coach of the Year, deserves a great deal of credit for helping Tim Corbin build Vanderbilt into an elite program on the national level. Johnson joined the Vandy staff a year before Corbin was hired as head coach in 2002, and Corbin made the wise decision to keep him on the staff. In the last decade, Johnson has earned a glowing reputation among his peers and the scouting community for his ability to develop power arms, including David Price, Mike Minor, Sonny Gray, Jeremy Sowers and plenty of others.
“
He’s had as much impact on our program as anyone,” Corbin told BA in the fall of 2010. “I think what D.J. has done with these kids is far-reaching. He’s kept them healthy, he’s made each one of them better. You look at the kids, the pitchers specifically, that have come out of our program, being able to pitch at the next level—it goes without saying . . . We would not have our success without having him on our staff.”

• Ø The Angels are shopping Dan Haren and Ervin Santana before deciding on their options. They have three days to make a decision on those guys so if something happens it has to happen quickly. The Cubs have been linked to Ervin Santana more because of his age, price, and upside where as Haren is more expensive and older. The Cubs are ultimately going to look at these guys to fill their gap in the rotation but it is not known if that will be through trade or wait to see what the Angels do. Only time will tell.
• Ø More on this story from Mike DiGiovanna from the LA Times has a piece from Dipoto saying the team could exercise one or both options, trade one or both, or decline both options. All scenarios are in play. So at least he is not denying it.
• Ø Javier Baez may have ended his AFL season with a hurt left thumb. Good news is he should only miss about two weeks.
• Ø Barney got the Fielding Bible Award and is now up for a Gold Glove which will be announced tonight at 8 PM CT.
• Ø BleacherNation is where it is at! They have the latest on the possible breakup of the Cubs and WGN. If the breakup nets us as fans its own Cubs channel in 2014 having all 162 games and made available through all cable companies nation-wide then I say DO IT!
• Ø The Cubs are expected to re-engage the Braves about Randal Delgado among other pitchers given the Braves surplus of pitching.
• Ø A source told me do not be surprised if Brett Jackson and Josh Vitters are on a different team by Opening Day 2012. Both really don’t completely fit the mold of the Cubs new plan going forward.
• Ø The Rays and Cubs could be a good match up for a trade giving the Rays need for an offensive upgrade the Cubs starving for pitching. A source tells me the Cubs love the idea of trading for Jeremy Hellickson or Alex Cobb but the Rays would rather trade James Shields, Wade Davis, or Jeff Niemann.
• Ø In case you missed it the Cubs lost Volstad to the Royals (I now freaking love the Royals!). The Cubs outright Corpas, Mather, Parker, and Germano to Iowa. The Cubs also claimed 26 year old RHP Carlos Gutierrez from the Twins and in a corresponding move the Cubs DFA Anthony Recker.
• Ø Alberto Cabrera is going to be moved to the starting rotation which I think is a great move.
• Ø The Cubs could look at Placido Polanco as a stopgap at third for a couple years. Other names mentioned in the past are Kevin Youkilis and Scott Rolen (although Rolen may retire).
• Ø The Cubs are hoping to get a great deal on an outfielder who wants to start everyday and end up on a contender half way through the 2013 season which maybe a hard sell. The really like Cody Ross, Angel Pagan, and Shane Victorino but they maybe too expensive. A couple other possibilities are Tori Hunter and Ichiro Suzuki.

Until Next Time…

Alex Rodriguez: To Trade For or Not To Trade For...

...that is the question; isn't it?

 

This is a case for and against the Cubs trading for Alex Rodriguez. (Assuming ARod would accept a trade to the Cubs. In both cases let’s say he would.)
 

The argument against ARod:

The number one reason the Cubs should not try to trade for ARod is he is not worth the money. ARod is owed $114 over 5 years in which the Yankees are willing to pay 90 million of the 114 million dollars but is Alex worth 24 million over 5 years? On a contending team probably but on a rebuilding team like the Cubs? NO! There is more than just money that prevents the Cubs from trading for ARod. He is 37 years old and are the Cubs actually going to pay 4-5 million dollars to a guy when he is 40+ years old? No way, that is not the Theo way and not for a proven steroid user. Another thing going against this trade is the fact ARod seems to look after ARod more than anything else. He has been a bad example to younger players on the team and has been a clubhouse cancer in New York so why would the Cubs want to crack the foundation of the rebuilding by signing ARod? The fact is they wouldn’t. Another argument is having Arod start at 3^rd base for 5 year essentially blocks that position for younger infielders to come up. The Cubs do have Josh Vitters (who does not look like a starter but that could change), Javier Baez (who could move to 3^rd or push Castro there), Junior Lake, and also many other infielders that have yet to show promise or given the opportunity that could fill 3^rd in a couple years. The Cubs are better off giving a two year deal to a veteran 3^rd baseman rather than Alex Rodriguez. The Chicago Cubs are heading down a tough path of rebuilding and adding Alex Rodriguez contradicts a lot of what the front office has been telling us. Trading for him just does not make sense and that is without even looking at his numbers this season (122 games, .272 avg. .353 OBP 18 homers 57 RBI and 116 Ks). Alex Rodriguez to the Cubs? NO THANK YOU!
 

The argument for ARod:
 

Alex Rodriguez is an icon not only in baseball but in sports. He is one of the highest recognized players in sports and is a marketing teams dream come true which alone should have the Cubs interested. The questions everyone has been asking is “how do the Cubs sell high ticket prices, high food and drink prices, and reassured season ticket holders to keep their tickets during this hard road of rebuilding?” One part of the answer could be signing Alex Rodriguez. Alex Rodriguez could still find his way into the Hall of Fame regardless of the steroid stuff surrounding him and people will come to the ballpark, buy a Cubs ARod jersey, and see a losing ballclub just to see ARod because of that Hall of Fame status. People still love saying I saw a game when McGwire and Sosa battled for the HR record, others say I remember seeing Bonds during the season he broke the all time HR record set by Aaron, etc… and ARod is no different. Arod is 14 homers from passing Willie Mays with 660 and is 116 homers shy of surpassing Bonds on that list which is still possible and fans know that and will want to see it. Plain and simple ARod will put butts in the seats and that is enough to trade for him.
 

Another reason to trade for ARod is the fact he will only cost 4 to 6 million dollars a year over 5 years and the Cubs have no true 3^rd baseman in their system to block him. Would you turn down a player with HOF numbers at 4-6 million dollars a year over 5 years with the expectations he hits milestone homers and runs a line of .270 with 15-25 homers .350 OBP, that would feast on NL pitching, and not to mention a good glove at 3^rd? You would be crazy if you said no. I also do not buy the argument he is selfish and a bad clubhouse guy. He is under microscope in NY which skews the view of the person. Let’s face it the NY media make the Chicago media look like pussy cats. A change of scenery is need for ARod and getting him to Chicago would prove a win/win for everyone involved.
 

The Chicago Cubs have a black hole at 3^rd now that Aramis has left and need to fill it until they develop a player who can play good defense at 3^rd and hit for power. They are going to need time to do that. The Cubs are not going to be competitive for at least two more years so what is better than to have ARod on your team just in case you become competitive one of those years.
 

Another thing to think about is what if ARod proves he is healthy and is hitting like 2007-2008 ARod? Can you imagine anyone else’s trade value higher at the trade deadline than Alex Rodriguez at 4-6 million dollars a year on pace to hit .300+ 30+ homers and 100+ RBI? You can’t because there would not be one person with a higher value at that price. So whether ARod succeeds or fails; all Theo is gambling is 4-6 million and that is less than he paid Dempster, Maholm, Marmol, and many others as a risk/reward scenario. So the high reward is still there and if the Yankees come calling the Cubs need to listen.
 

After all this support how can you say you would pass up on Arod? Let’s say the Yankees call up Theo/Jed and say we will trade you Alex Rodriguez and pay 90 million of the 114 million left on his contract if you give us Josh Vitters. Would you blame Theo if he pulled the trigger on that trade? If you said yes then that maybe a reason why you don’t run the Cubs.
 

 

Conclusion:

That concludes the case for and against the Cubs trading for Alex Rodriguez and I am still on the fence about it. What say you? What would you do with everything considered above.

Until Next Time….

Who Will Replace Bob Brenly?

I first want to thank Bob Brenly for his 8 wonderful years in the Cubs broadcast booth.  His incredible knowledge with Len Kasper play by play skills made them a dynamic duo.  Good luck on future endeavors Mr. Brenly.  You are truly once of the best color commentators in baseball.

Now onto the future! Here is my list of 6 guys who I think would work well in the broadcast booth for the Cubs and also with Len Kasper.

6.  Todd Hollandsworth: A former Cub who says what is on his mind.  He has experience in the booth and has filled in for Brenly numerous times.  He has gotten better every year since he established himself on CSN pre and post game show. The thing that puts him on the bottom of this list is whether he can get excitable and exercise more than one tone in his voice.  He also tends to be rather dry.

5.  Doug Glanville:  Another former Cub and known to be the smartest man in baseball.  Doug is very intelligent and knows the game well especially from a Cubs perspective.  His experience with ESPN has put him on this list alone but just like Hollandsworth can he do the part and avoid being dry and boring.

4.  Eric Karros:  He is just great on TV and also a former Cub.  He is baseball smart and has on screen charisma that Doug and Todd seem to lack.  His experience on Baseball Tonight would be a huge plus but also his voice and actions seem to be suited well with Len Kasper.  You can do worse than Karros that is for sure.

3.  Mark Grace:  Another former Cub who is out with the Dbacks and maybe looking for another announcing job.  He has a problem with drinking while driving so that is a negative but he knows the Cubs and is good at what he does.  Gracie is loved by most Cubs fans and he is also really baseball smart.  His experience in the booth in Arizona is a huge plus and I feel he would work great with Len.  Without the baggage Grace would be number 1 or 2 on this list.

2.  Steve Stone:  The guy just knows baseball and is one of the best color commentators in sports alone. He has an obligation with the White Sox and confirms he wants to stay but friction between Hawk and him could result in a "change of heart." This is a different time, different team, and I think all things will be forgotten once Stoney gets in that seat next to Len Kasper.

1.  Rick Sutcliffe: He is the man for the job.  He is a former Cub and not to mention a genuine Cubs fan.  He has great charisma, he is flamboyant, and just good at what he does. Has ton of experience with ESPN and is very baseball smart.  Having him in the booth with Len would be a smooth transfer from Brenly.  The Cubs need to at least offer the job to him.

Honorable mention to Dan Plesac, David Kaplan, Kerry Wood, and Dave Campbell.  All 4 of them are good candidates for the job but the 6 I laid out above exceed these men for one reason or another.

Until Next Time....

Rumors in October!

Wow rumors in October!

 

· Dan Haren would be great to get on a 2 year deal but he is likely to get four on the open market.

· Two big trade chips for the Cubs over the winter are Barney and Soriano.

· Soriano is drawing interest from several teams including the Rays, Giants, Marlins, and Jays.

· Brett Jackson will start in Iowa next season unless something dramatic happens.

· Brandon McCarthy is a target for the Cubs but so it a dozen more mid-tier pitchers.

· A source told me that Ervin Santana is the Cubs top free agent target.

· Levine says the Cubs refused to trade Campana to the White Sox.

· Levine also says the Cubs could make a play for their own TV station in which I say go for it.

· The Cubs and Braves could match up in a trade involving a Braves pitcher and Darwin Barney plus other parts.

· Josh Vitters could be shopped aggressively this winter and Brett Jackson could also be a nice trade chip.

· Bleacher Nation says the Cubs could be waiting to see if Dave Magadan (current Red Sox hitting coach) becomes available before removing the interim tag from James Rowson.

· MLBTR says Shaun Marcum is a likely target for Marcum since he would required less than 3 years for under $10M a year.

· Bleacher Nation also says a name to watch out for is Jesse Litsch.

· The Cubs tried very hard to land both Jacob Turner and Nick Castellanos before and during the trade deadline before the Tigers made a trade with the Marlins. The Cubs did offer the Tigers a Garza package that included the Cubs getting Castellanos but was shut down after the Tigers reviewed some medicals said a source.

· The Cubs will try really hard to get a young 3^rd baseman via trade this offseason because of the glaring hole there. Five guys the Cubs will be targeting via trade are Castellanos, Chisenhall, Olt, Rendon, and Arenado. The Cubs need for a young impact 3^rd baseman is very apparent to the front office.

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….