Cubs Re-Sign Stewart and More...

• The Chicago Cubs have re-signed Ian Stewart on a non-guaranteed one year deal worth $2M including incentives.  The Cubs could terminate his contract during Spring Training without take a financial hit.
• Ian Stewart is the starting 3rd baseman but the Cubs would like to bring in a right-handed bench guy who can back him up says Gordon Wittenmyer.
• Another move will have to be made once the other recent signings and acquisitions are final because the roster is now at 41.
• Some right-handed bench players that can back up 3rd and fit with the Cubs are Hiroyuki Nakajima, Placido Polanco, Casey McGehee, Ty Wigginton, Yuniesky Betancourt, Ryan Raburn, Freddy Sanchez, Alex Gonzalez, Chone Figgins, Brandon Inge, and Jose Lopez.
• Out of the group above I really lke Polanco, Wigginton, Sanchez, and Inge.
• The Cubs will have a press conference for Kyuji Fujikawa tomarrow.
• The Cubs are waiting out the outfield free agent class to see who is the last guy standing looking for a short-term deal and it is very smart. Especially with Bourn, Hamilton, Ross, and Swisher still available and only a handful a teams left.  Not to mention trade candidates like Upton and Soriano out there as well.  Cubs are poised to get a deal on the last man standing.
• The Phillies are still very much interested in Soriano even after the trade for Revere.

Until Next Time....

The Last Day Of Winter Meetings... Hey Some Moves!

· The Cubs lost 4 players to the MLB Rule 5 Draft today. They lost OF Michael Burgess, P Starlin Peralta, INF Matt Cerda, and P Alvido Jimenez. None really hurt too bad but Peralta had the most upside but he may not stick with the Dbacks. What the Cubs could have lost and what they did lose is a big win for the Cubs.

· The Cubs did not partake in the AAA portion of the Rule 5 Draft.

· The Cubs took 24 year old pitcher Hector Rondon. He has had two elbow surgeries so there is considerable risk there but he has bounced back well. Toward the end of last season he was hitting 98 MPH on the radar and in winter league he is sporting a 3.71 ERA with 5 BB 10 H 11K in 17 innings. Scouts seem to really like him and he is a nice pick up for the Cubs.

· It seems like Jason Grilli will sign with the Pirates on a two year deal. Which means a Farnsworth/Cubs reunion is still possible!

· The Cubs are not in on Ryan Dempster and all the reunion contract talks are overblown.

· The Cubs did sign Nate Schierholtz to a one year $2.25M with incentives. It seems Schierholtz maybe the starting RF for the Cubs or he could platoon or this could be a precursor to a bigger signing or trade. Lots of “ORS” in play.

· I do not really care for the Schierholtz signing although the money and time is a good value. I just see Nate as only a 4^th or 5^th outfielder and if that is all he is on this team than it is a great deal. I can even say if he is a possible platoon with Sappelt or maybe a guy like Delmon Young then it seems OK. But if he is “the guy” for RF I just do not like it. See Schierholtz statshere and make sure to check out his splits for last season. He did well against righties so he has that going for him.

· With the Cubs interested in Grilli I am surprised to hear them not at least linked to Koji Uehara since he only signed a one year deal with the BoSox.

· The Phillies and Twins made a solid baseball trade today that was great for both teams. The Twins get Vance Worley and Trevor May while the Phillies get a controllable speedy CFer in Ben Revere. Just a great trade for both clubs.

· The Royals have some financial issues so they may be looking for a starter via trade where a team can take on that cash. Reports state they are not in on Anibal Sanchez because of money he wants. Reports also say that the Rays want Wil Myers plus more for James Shields which is like WHOA! So they Royals may wait until Spring to find a starter which benefits the Cubs since they could audition Garza in the Spring. I am still all for a Wil Myers for Matt Garza trade with the Cubs picking up most of the money.

Until Next Time…

Cubs Winter Meetings Run Down

The Chicago Cubs talk has been loud and frequent but actions have been bleak. This is a complete run down of rumors and news (in order of oldest to newest the best I can) so far during the winter meetings Cub style-

• The Rangers could move Derek Holland which would interest the Cubs.
• The Yankees could be interested in a Soriano reunion given ARod's injury woes.
• The Cubs are interested in Jeff Kepinger but not at the 3 year 15M price tag. Yankees look the most aggressive. (Signed with the White Sox)
• The Braves, Rays, Yankees, Red Sox, and Phillies are have varying levels of interest in Soriano.
• The Cubs front office has been up front with Marmol and Soriano on trying to move them. They all are working closely to get something done.
• The Cubs will not just give up Marmol or Soriano but will take on most of the salary for a better prospects in return.
• A mystery team is in on Anibal Sanchez and rumors are circulation it could be the Cubs.
• The Cubs are very much interested in Jason Grilli. (Will make a decision tonight likely)
• Jim Deshaies is the new Color Broadcaster in the Cubs TV booth.
• The Cubs had no interest in Angel Pagan.
• The Cubs are looking for either a RF or CF. There has been conflicting reports whether DeJesus will play RF or CF.
• The Cubs could bring back Ian Stewart but also could look at Polanco and Chavez. (Chavez signed with the Dbacks)
• The Cubs will add a player through the Rule 5 draft.
• The Cubs have shown good interest in Jair Jurrjens who was non-tendered by the Braves.
• The Cubs do not have the talent they want to give up for Stanton.
• Cubs Den had a nice idea of signing Hiroyki Nakajima to play 3rd.
• I followed up with Dee Gordon as a possible fit for 3rd but before I found out his asking price is "insane."
• A number of free agents have shown interest in signing with the Cubs regardless of wins and losses.
• The Cubs had interest in Yunel Escobar to play 3rd before he was traded to the Rays.
• Nate McLouth could be a nice stopgap for the Cubs outfield and there is talk around him. ( He signed with the O's)
• The Red Sox could package Lackey and Ellsbury together in a trade then go after Hamilton. This would provide financial flexibility for the Red Sox and the deal should interest the Cubs.
• The Cubs have close 0% chance of signing Dempster who is looking for a 3 year deal.
• The Phillies remain desperate for OF help and have been linked to Soriano for days now.
• The Cubs have interest in Phil Hughes who the Yankees are shopping. Last season there was a Dempster for Hughes rumor so it seems the front office really likes Hughes.
• The Rangers are entertaining the thought of trading Olt but only for a premier player. It would take a lot for the Cubs to trade for him but they are interested.
• Cubs still are being linked to Michael Bourn but have also been linked to Dexter Fowler, Peter Bourjos, and CoCo Crisp.
• The Cubs were in on Shane Victorino until the bidding got ridiculous a source tells me.
• Ryan Sweeney remains on the Cubs radar for OF help.
• The Cubs were never really in on Dan Haren even before he signed with the Nationals.
• The Cubs should have interest in Scott Kazmir who has been throwing mid 90s in winter ball and gaining interest from many teams.
• Carrie Muskat alludes the Cubs are talking to teams about RF then mentions Shin-Soo Choo.
• The Rays are looking to move one of their starters pitchers, Shields, Hellickson, Cobb, Niemann, Davis, or Price. The Cubs have obvious interest in all the names listed.
• The Cubs may or may not have interest in Curtis Granderson depending on who you follow on twitter.
• The Cubs do like John Lannan but will not get in a bidding war for him.
• Jason Grilli remains a strong target for the Cubs.
• Bruce Levine speaks and hits us with possible trade of Garza for Myers but says it has never been discussed. You know I have discussed that on twitter a lot recently.
• Unless something dramatic changes the Angels are not in on Carlos Marmol.
• Mark Reynolds has been on the Cubs watch list according to Jon Heyman.
• The Dbacks are looking to trade either Kubel or Parra but it is unknown of the asking price. The Cubs really like Parra because of his stellar defense and offensive upside. Kubel does not seem like a good fit.
• The Phillies are putting Vance Worley and Trevor May out there to lure a OF bat. If the front office can land either one for Soriano it would be an amazing deal for the Cubs. Having said that it is not likely to happen.
• The Cubs are considering Yuniesky Betancourt for 3rd base says Carrie Muskat. OMG NO!
• The Cubs are not planning on using Bowden in the rotation even though they are stretching him out in winter league.
• Marmol is the Cubs closer says Hoyer and Sveum… until he is traded. I added that last part.
• The Dodgers OF Alfredo Silverio could be a guy they look at with their 2^nd overall pick in the Rule 5 draft.
• There could be a Farnsworth and Cubs reunion to which I say YES!!! Just for pure entertainment value, YES!
• Levine has a good piece on Soriano and Marmol found here.
• Already looking ahead to next year I am. If the Cubs pull a Nationals and sign a player (like Jason Werth) before they are ready to compete they should do it next season. Some players that would fit that mold for the Cubs are Robinson Cano, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester, Tim Lincecum, James Shields, and/or Josh Johnson. A lot of talent out there next season to make a move like that.
• Patrick Mooney has a great piece on Brett Jackson and the direction of the Cubs outfield found here.
• Cubs Den says the Cubs will have to overpay for Ellsbury which they will not do.
• Joel Sherman says the Indians are leading in on Jason Bay with the M’s 2^nd and the Cubs on the periphery to sign him. He is nearing a decision says Tim Brown.
• Olney says the Cubs are not a fit for Ellsbury. He says the Red Sox are looking for young pitching in return.
• Jason Grilli is close to a deal but does not say to who. Thanks to MLBTR.
• The Twins made an offer to Liriano which impacts the Cubs less than it would several weeks ago.
• So Youkilis has several offers and is looking them over. I wonder if the Cubs at least made an offer?
• 5 teams have interest in Hannahan and the Cubs have been mentioned as a possible suitor but nothing more.

Until Next Time…

Cubs sign Fujikawa, Soriano Trade Talk, & More Trade Chatter!!!!

• The Cubs have signed Kyuji Fujikawa to a 2 year deal with an option for the 3rd.  Ken Rosenthal broke the story and said the Cubs are expected to make Fujikawa their closer. The Cubs committed $9.5M over 2 years for Fujikawa with a $5.5M team option for a 3rd year.  Interesting move for the Cubs and they needed good bullpen help.  This deal looks really good on the surface.
• Jon Morosi says the Cubs will meet with teams over the winter meetings to trade Soriano.  Soriano is looking more attractive of late after the deals that have been handed to outfielders this season. 
• The Cubs are expecting to pay more money toward Soriano's contract to get a better prospect in return.  The Phillies, Rays, and Braves have shown the most interest in Soriano.
• The Jays are looking for a starting pitcher and are shopping one of their catchers.  So I say what about a Garza package for a d'Arnaud package?
• Sources tell me the Cubs are expected to make a lot of changes over the winter meetings.  The names Soriano, Barney, and Marmol have all surface recently.
• The signing of Fujikawa allows the Cubs to move Marmol to the set up role or trade him.
• Could the Cubs be trading Soriano to make room for Bourn and another OF trade target?  That is the talk that is heating up right now.
• Two players the Cubs have been the most aggressive in trade talks are Wil Myers and Nick Castellanos a source tells me.  The front office views them as "game changers."

Until Next Time...

Some GOOD Late Night Cubs Notes...

• Matt Garza, James Russell, Luis Valbuena, and Jeff Samardzija have all been tendered contracts.  While Ian Stewart, Jaye Chapman, and Zach Putnam have been non-tendered. I am not surprised on any of these moves and it should be noted the Cubs are expected to try to negotiate a contract with Stewart even though they let him go today.  The Cubs just did not want to pay him the $2.5M next year given his production and health concerns.  There others maybe brought back on minor league contracts but not on the 40 man roster.
• Bruce Levine from ESPN is reporting a source told him that the Chicago Cubs have spoken to Michael Bourn's agent.  Couple of things to remember is Bourn's agent is Boras and he is known to leak stuff like this.  Also the Cubs make contact with a lot of free agents.  Also Boras represents more than just Bourn which means the Cubs could have contacted Boras about another player or coach.  Not Bourn.  Having said all that if you still need convincing that Bourn is not an "ideal" or "smart" target is he is wanting a $100M+ contract which the Cubs will not do.  He does not fit the age "requirements" of the front office.  Not to mention I do not see Theo making another Crawford type mistake.  Bourn does not seem likely.
• One more tidbit on Bourn.  If the market for CF has dropped as much as the media said it has that could work in the Cubs favor if they are legitimately interesting in him. If the Cubs can get a 3 year deal worth $50M I say pull the trigger but that is not going to happen.
• There is a rumor out there stating the Cubs have some interest in Josh Hamilton as well which I say is pretty bogus.  The only way he ends up in a Cubs uniform is if he signs a 3-4 year deal which is not likely since the Rangers offering a similar deal that Hamilton turned down and the Orioles ready to pony up big cash and years to get him.
• I am already hearing reports of the Cubs having some level of interest in outfielder Ryan Sweeney, pitcher Anthony Carter, outfielder Derrick Robinson, reliever Peter Moylan, and starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens.  All have been non-tendered before today's deadline.
• If the reports of Brian Wilson looking for an incentive laden one year deal to prove himself is true.  The Cubs need to jump all over that.  No word if there is interest in him yet but I expect chatter to start with him and the Cubs very soon.
• Another pitcher the Cubs could look at is John Lannan.
• I am hearing from a source the Cubs have minimal to no interest in Mark Reynolds.
• Casey Coleman cleared waivers and will report to AAA Iowa.
• Fujikawa is nearing a decision and it seems he is leaning toward the Angels.  The Cubs were considered a front runner as well but recent talk indicates the Angels have an edge over the Cubs.
• The Cubs have some interest in bringing in Grady Sizemore on a minor league deal.

Until Next Time....

Cubs Sign Scott Feldman, Levine Speaks, & Other Tidbits

• The Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement with right-handed pitcher Scott Feldman on a one year deal worth 6 million dollars.  The soon to be 30 year old Feldman holds a 4.81 career ERA over 8 major league seasons all with Texas.  So the signing on the surface does not look like a good move but lets dig deeper.  His average K's is 7 per 9 innings while his base on balls are only 2 which says he is a solid pitcher.  He also has played in the better league in a tough division his entire career.  He also was moved to the pen and rotation and back several times which is not good for a pitchers confidence.  Feldman is also traditionally a ground ball pitcher which will be great at Wrigley.  All in all this is a good move and I would not be surprised if truly breaks out this year with the Cubs.
• So the Cubs rotation looks set for next season. Or does it?  A source tells me the Cubs are still looking at all pitchers available on the free agent and trade markets.  The Cubs are still very much interested in Brandon McCarthy, Francisco Liriano, and Shaun Marcum. 
• The Royals are looking to deal Wil Myers for a veteran top of the rotation pitcher and have looked at James Shields and Jon Lester.  I hope Theo is seeing this because the Cubs have a pitcher named Matt Garza who is as good as they both are and I am sure the Cubs would even include more than him for Myers.  Myers is a can't miss prospect and one the Cubs could go all out for if the Royals are dangling him.
• The Reds are ready to move Chapman to the rotation since they are close to signing Broxton to a deal.  This will likely force the Reds to trade one of their starters.  26 year old Homer Bailey, 25 year old Mike Leake, 24 year old Mat Latos, 26 year old Johny Cueto, or 35 year old Bronson Arroyo could be on their way out.  All could interest the Cubs in one way or another.
• So Olney said the Cubs, Rays, and Dbacks were the most interested in Keppinger before he broke his fibula.  Regardless on the injury Keppinger should still interest the Cubs and he could now be a much cheaper option for them.  I should also state that if they signed Jeff he would likely be a bench player or be in the mix for 3rd base next season.
• Cubs name Rob Deer assistant pitching coach for next season. 

Bruce Levine Speaks-

• The Cubs are not done adding pitching according to Levine. 
• The Cubs are not afraid to add more payroll through the winter.
• Levine does not understand trading Castro for Stanton and neither do I.
• WGN, Comcast, and Crane Kenney will make the decision on the TV color guy but nothing is imminent.
• Levine chiming in on Myers!  Garza is perfect for the Royals and Wil Myers might be of interest to the Cubs.
• 2012 is when the Cubs may start signing big free agents.
• Feldman should benefit for the move to the NL.
• Bruce not sure if Marcum is still on the Cubs radar.
• You can always find spot for young impact players.
• The Cubs have to make a decision on non-tenders Friday and Stewart maybe one of them not tendered.
• The Cubs will part with Marmol for other pitching talent.
•  Lake needs 500 ABs in AAA before he makes the jump to the majors.
• The Cubs would have to trade young talent to get Chisenhall.
• Chone Figgins does not fit with the Cubs.
• Soriano will be in LF with DeJesus in right.
• The Cubs maybe willing to deal their young catcher if the price is right.

Until Next Time...

Happy Thanksgiving From Hot Stove Cubbies

I just want to thank each and every one of you that make Hot Stove Cubbies even relevant.  This blog all started back on November 9th of 2006 and has been growing ever since. Since last year I have gained just under 900 followers on twitter, have been mentioned on the radio several times, have had 250,000 unique page views in the past year, and close to a million hits since December of last year.  Not bad for just one man doing something he loves.  Without readers, posters, tweeters, and die hard Cub fans like yourselves this site would have not been possible.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart and.....

GO CUBS!

Not The Only Cubs Move Today....

The Cubs finally made their roster moves to protect the youngsters they did not want to lose in the Rule 5 draft. They put 2nd baseman Logan Watkins, 3rd baseman Christian Villanueva, pitching prospect Trey McNutt, and high upside pitcher Robert Whitenack all on the 40 man.  Which all wre hoped for and somewhat expected to have a spot on the roster.

In the corresponding moves the Cubs did trade Brigham for Loux opening up one spot on the 40 man roster. They also designated Bryan LaHair for assignment (who is expected to continue his baseball career in Japan) and waived pitcher Carlos Gutierrez who then cleared waivers and was sent to Iowa.

One thing that I am surprised with is Nick Struck being left off the 40 man and Steve Clevenger being left on. But it should be noted Struck could end up not being picked, he could still be traded, and if he does get picked he has to remain on the other team’s roster for the whole year or else he gets offered back.

It should also be noted that the Cubs may in fact still waive, trade, or DFA players on the 40 man roster. This deadline was just to protect those prospects eligible for the Rule 5 draft.

Until Next Time...

Barret Loux for Jake Brigham

The Cubs finally made a move today by trading Jake Brigham to Texas (oddly enough Texas traded him to the Cubs for Soto) for Barret Loux.  The trade removes Brigham from the 40 man roster and the Cubs add the 20th best prospect in the Rangers system in Loux (he will not be on the 40 man).  The now 23 year old pitcher was the Diamondbacks 1st round pick, 6th overall, in the 2010 draft.  Loux is projected as a back of the rotation starter in the big leagues and has some nice numbers in the minors. Two seasons in high A and AA he compiled a 22-6 record with a 3.62 ERA in 236 innings pitched.  He struck out 227 in his two season while walking only 75.

This is both a now and future move with the Cubs. The now part of the move is clearing up a spot on the 40 man roster and the future move is because Cubs also believe Loux could figure into the back end of the rotation if he continues his successful numbers with the Cubs minor league affiliates.

Cubs Notes: A Big Trade, Signings, Rumored Trades, and More....

-       UPDATE:  FROM THE INFAMOUS BRUCE LEVINE via TWITTER-

        Chicago Cubs are not presently in discussions to move any of their young players .

b

 

 

The Cubs are courting top Japanese reliever Kyuji Fujikawa who visited Wrigley on Saturday. He is a 32 year old closer who throws in the mid 90’s and has a sub 2.00 ERA. Definitely a guy that will be highly sought after in the free agent market. Because he is a FA he does not go through the posting process.

- The Cubs have interest in Rick Porcello according to George Ofman via twitter but he is also getting attention from various other teams.

- The Cubs have re-signed Shawn Camp to a one year $1.35M deal with 200K in incentives.

- The Cubs continue to eye Lonnie Chisenhall and Nick Castellanos to fill their hole at 3^rd for the future.

- Doug Glanville and Dan Pleasc will not be the next Cubs announcer but Jim Deshales has moved into the finalist round.

- The Cubs are really trying hard to move Carlos Marmol.

- The deadline to protect players from the rule 5 draft is tomorrow so each team is expect to make a flurry of moves to protect those players including the Cubs who roster stands at 39 players.

- Bruce Levine hinted on Saturday there is a big trade on the horizon with the Cubs involving young players. Let the speculation start on which team and players because he did not hint to those things. The teams/players that could be involved are the Indians with Masterson, Santana, Chisenhall, Brantley, etc; the Padres with Gyorko and Kelly, the Jays with prospects, and Detroit with Castellanos and Porcello. Either way I expect Bruce is right reading the tea leafs from Theo, Jed, and “leaked” information.

- The Cubs have signed catcher Dioner Navarro to a major league deal worth $1.75M. He will likely serve as primary backup to Welington Castillo. This also could spell out the end of Clevenger in one way or another.

Until Next Time…