Cubs Notes: Baker Signs, Liriano Might, Levine's Latest, and More...

- So the Cubs signed Scott Baker to a one year $5.5M deal with $1.5M in incentives. This is a typical risk/reward move by the front office and I expect the Cubs to sign or trade for 2 more pitchers this offseason.

- More talk is heating up around the Cubs and Francisco Liriano sources tell me.

- I am also told the Cubs front office has been in constant contact with the agents of Brandon McCarthy, Shaun Marcum, Scott Feldman, and Dallas Braden.

- The Cubs are looking at starting pitching right now while having position players more on the back burner.

- The Cubs are expected to make a “flurry” of moves between now and the winter meetings a source told me.

- The Jays/Marlins trade was a big win for both clubs because it filled a need for both. The Jays want to be contenders next season so this “all in move” was necessary. The Marlins got their stadium so they did not need their overpriced players anymore so they sent them on their way. What this means for the Cubs is the Jays are no longer looking for pitching and the Marlins could be open for business on all their remaining players. Although Stanton does not seem like a guy on the move.

- Matt Garza is going to get another scan on the injured elbow this week so they can plan out the next few months. Everything points to him pitching in the Spring.

- Torii Hunter signed a 2 year deal with the Tigers worth $26M! I like Torii but not that much.

- If the Cubs are able to trade DeJesus and/or Soriano soon and save money they could actually ink someone like B.J. Upton to a 5 year deal.

Bruce Levine had a chat today so here we go-

- Don’t expect to sign Bourn or any top flight CF this season. They could go with a Campana/Sappelt platoon. (I am not exactly too thrilled with that answer)

- The Cubs will trade Marmol and maybe for a 3^rd baseman because they feel secure at 1^st, 2^nd, and SS.

- Scott Baker looks like he will start to pitch in March and be ready to mid-April.

- Levine says the Cubs do not have a legit 3^rd baseman for the future. He says they are looking for a more finished product like Castellanos and Chisenhall. (I agree with you Bruce 100%).

- It does not sound like Ian Stewart is an answer at third.

- The Cubs will listen for trades on Barney but really like him at 2^nd.

- The Cubs were close to dealing Garza at the deadline and nothing has changed. The Cubs opened up his side sessions to teams. (I am hearing they will do the same in the next couple months.

- McCarthy would love to come back to Chicago.

- Levine shames Miami and I totally agree with him. A disgraceful owner and team in Florida.

- The Indians like the Cubs young players and to get Chisenhall it would cost Vitters and another young player. (Bruce, I would do that in a heartbeat).

- Baez will be 100% by spring training.

- A lot of talk around Liriano from a deal on the table reported by Jim Bowden and another report stating the Cubs have offered him a two year deal. Nothing concrete on Levine’s end though.

- Vogelbach will spend the year in High A or Double A next season. (He could also be trade bait).

- Chavez and McGehee are just part-time players for the Cubs.

Until Next Time..

Cubs Talk: Liriano, Ryu, DBacks, Indians, and more....

Ø A report by Jim Bowden and back up by sources and several other media outlets saying the Cubs have made an offer to lefty Francisco Liriano. This is a move I have been wanting and anticipating going back to last season. Liriano is the definition on a buy low sell high guy. He has the stuff to be a great #2 pitcher if he bounces back. Money or years have not been released but assuming nothing crazy happens this is a solid pick up for the Cubs.

Ø Another lefty making guidelines is Korean lefty Hyun-jin Ryu. Bid were due at 4 pm CST yesterday and it is confirmed that the Cubs did bid along with at least the Dodgers, Red Sox, and Rangers. Ryu must go though the posting process and his current team the Hanwha Eagles have until the 15^th to accept the posting fee. After that the team who won the bid will have window negotiate a contract which usually takes a few days.

Ø The most recent report is the Hanwha Eagles have been informed of the high bidder but have not accepted yet and no word on what team won the bid. We should find out by sometime tonight who won the bid.

Ø The Cubs could have interest in Justin Upton but it would likely cost them Starlin Castro so that won’t happen.

Ø The Dbacks are also dangling 21 year old righty Trevor Bauer. Although the Cubs are not likely to have the available pieces to make a move for him he is still an interesting target.

Ø A new name to the Cubs trade talk is 26 year old Carlos Santana who just signed a 5 year $21M deal with the Indians in 2012. The Indians are looking for young controllable players. They could have interest in Brett Jackson, Dan Vogelbach, Junior Lake, Josh Vitters, and others. Once again the Indians and Cubs match up well in just about any trade.

Ø The Cubs are pushing to re-sign their only free agent Shawn Camp.

Ø The Blue Jays signed former Cubs Justin Germano to a minor league contract.

Ø Patrick Mooney said the Cubs are interested in Kevin Youkilis but expect him to go beyond their price range and he would like to sign with a contender. The White Sox, Phillies, and Indians have all shown interest.

Ø John Lannan name has come up in trade talk although he is also a non-tender candidate.

Ø The Cubs are not a fit for Mark Reynolds for their 3^rd base vacancy.

Ø Darwin Barney is getting a ton of trade interest from teams looking for both a SS and 2^nd baseman. The Tigers have shown the most interest.

Ø The Cubs are looking to lock up Shark to a multi-year deal to be one of their core players going forward.

Ø John Arguello from CubsDen says the Padres and Cubs could meet up in a trade. He names Clayton Richard (meh) and Casey Kelly (oh yeah) as targets. He also mentions Barney as a player that could interest San Diego.

Until Next Time…

Len's Partner, Free Agency, and Trade Talk...

Ø The finalist for the Cubs color job are Dan Plesac, Eric Karros, Rick Sutcliffe, Todd Hollandsworth, and Gary Matthews. Immediately I notice no Steve Stone, John Kruk, or Doug Glanville which is unfortunate because I believe all three would have been solid guys in the booth with Len. The person I would pick is Rick Sutcliffe.

Ø The Cubs have strong interest in Korean lefty Hyn-jin Ryu and have even paid for data on him from the Korean baseball organization. Ryu is 25 and has been extremely effective in Korea with a fastball in the low 90s. He will be part of the posting process and it is unclear what price he will cost.

Ø The Cubs are not afraid to spend money but doing so effectively. Buying on low number of year contracts in which they can possibly flip at the deadline, buying and trading for young players that are or before arbitration eligible, and various things like that. In other words no Grienke or Hamilton but the Cubs will be active in the Marcum/Hunter/Larine etc… class.

Ø The Cubs could lose and gain prospect in the Rule 5 draft looking for diamonds in the rough once again.

Ø The Cubs and Red Sox have talked about a Alfredo Aceves trade which is interesting since they may be looking at him as a starter.

Ø Jon Heyman projects possible contracts for some free agent players and Bleacher Nation runs them down here. The players and their contracts Brett listed don’t seem to be deals the Cubs would hand out besides maybe McCarthy, Marcum, and Baker. Brett and I disagree on Sanchez because I do not think the Cubs should commit what they have projected for him in pay. Too expensive and too many years in my opinion at age 29.

Ø A source told me the Cubs and Indians have had the most dialogue regarding trades. The Cubs have interest in several of their players including Lonnie Chisenhall, Justin Masterson, Shin-Soo Choo, Michael Brantley, Zach McAllister, and David Huff. If the Cubs can get Chisenhall, McAllister, and Brantley I would be pretty stoked given their age and upside. Of course the Cubs would have to give up some valuable pieces of their own including a Brett Jackson, Josh Vitters, and other young talent like that. No word on who the Indians have interest in.

 

 

Until Next Time…

Talk Happens when the GMs Meet

· Jon Heyman is reporting the Rays Jeremy Hellickson is drawing more trade interest than any other member of the Tampa Bay rotation. One of those teams is the Cubs as I reported back on October 31^st (see here). As I stated before the Rays and Cubs match up well as trading partners.

· So already two free agents signings (David Ortiz and Joel Peralta) and I have nailed them both in my “HSC Top 75 Free Agents with Team Predictions” found here.

· Torii Hunter is just looking for a 2-3 year deal and is willing to consider non-contenders in order to start every day. Again a really good match for the Cubs.

· The GM meetings are happening Tuesday so expect a lot of trade and free agent chatter to start. It is usually a lot of talk with not too much action but it is a good place to lay the foundation for trades during the winter meetings.

· Jed Hoyer says the Cubs would like to add a good defender to the outfield, can play all three spots.

· I am hearing rumblings that the Cubs maybe willing to sign a big money outfielder as long as it does not interfere with their vision for the future. Maybe Bourn, Upton, Swisher, Victorino, and Pagan are all possible targets for the Cubs after all.

· The Cubs could still bring in Haren but won’t likely bring him in on a multi-year deal.

· There is numerous teams interested in Marmol including the Yankees and given what happened with the Angels he will be gone by opening day. They will not have him pitch for a team that does not want him.

· Levine talks about Casey McGehee as a possible fit for 3^rd???? What? No way Bruce… No way!

· Do not think the Cubs are just looking to trade Soriano. They are also getting feelers on DeJesus as well.

· The Cubs may actively push Darwin Barney into a trade package for a legit young third baseman sources tells me. The Tigers have had the most interest in Barney and they have young stud Castellanos available so there could be a match there.

· If you were the Cubs/Red Sox GM would you trade Garza and Brett Jackson for Jacoby Ellsbury and Daniel Bard? I would if I could work out an extension for Ellsbury first. Discuss among yourselves.

· Want to refresh yourself on the what HSC picked for the Cubs off-season targets. You can here. Now Ervin Santana is off the board; I now think the Cubs should sign Shaun Marcum or Scott Feldman to add with Francisco Liriano.

Until Next Time…

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….