Post Valentine's Day Cubs Talk

HAPPY POST VALENTINE’S DAY!

· The Angels and Cubs have had recent trade discussions about a “few players” as source tells me. Not knowing the players I think it could be Garza and/or Marmol considering they have had interest in both previously.

· Jeff Samardzija is not interested in a long-term deal yet. But he was offered one last fall to the tune of 5 years.

· Here is a great write up on Javier Baez onBleacherNation by Sahdev Sharma who I suggest following on twitter as well.

· Casey Coleman will be working his way back but only as a reliever.

· Travis Wood is looking a lot better than he did than last year at this time.

· As of right now it seems the rotation will be Matt Garza, Jeff Samardzija, Edwin Jackson, Scott Feldman and Travis Wood.

· The Cubs are going to “baby” Scott Baker who is coming back from arm issues.

· Carlos Villanueva will be pitching out of the bullpen as a long reliever/spot starter.

· Matt Garza is looking more impressive than he was last year at this time.

· While Jeff Samardzija looks in playoff form.

· A trend we see that gives the Cubs a leg up on signing free agents can be summed up in this Scott Hairston quote”There was a lot of interest early on, but I don’t think there was enough interest to make anything happen. Interest is a word that can be described in many ways. The Cubs had real interest and they made things happen. I was happy to have both New York teams want me there, but when it came down to it, the Cubs wanted me the most, and that’s why I’m here.”

· Early interest has really benefited the Cubs this off-season.

· Welington Castillo will be the starter behind the plate with Dioner Navarro as his backup.

· The Cubs will give Hairston, Castillo, and others a look at first since the Cubs do not have a true back-up on the roster.

· It seems early on that Brent Lillibridge has the inside track for a bench spot on this team. He has played every position on the field except catcher and pitcher.

· In case you missed it Tony Campana was DFA assignment and looks like he could be traded within the 10 day time period otherwise he will be claimed off waivers by someone.

· Speaking of Campana he was claimed by the White Sox in August off of waivers but pulled by after a trade was not reached.

· It is unlikely the Cubs make a move for a back-up first baseman but it is not impossible.

· Brett Jackson has no plans to start in Iowa this season, he is determined to make the Cubs roster.

· I think the Cubs should beef up their minor league system with some vets by inking Grady Sizemore and Freddy Sanchez to minor league deals.

· Kyle Lohse does not make sense for the Cubs according to everyone.

· The Cubs adding more night games this season seems in jeopardy.

· Brett Lillibridge sounds like could get spot starts and lead off against lefties.

· Do not count out David Sappelt starting many games for the Cubs this season. The Cubs front office loves his attitude, defense, and bat.

· The Cubs are still likely to make a move or two before Opening Day.

· Please check out the FANTASTIC write up on aSoriano-for-Stubbs trade on Cubs Den. I would be all for that trade!

Quick Bruce Levine Hits-

· Garza will get a lot more on the open market than Jackson. DUH!

· Someone will trade for Campana soon.

· Angels could be interested in Marmol if Madson’s injury is bad enough.

· Return on Marmol would be a very good younger player.

· Brett Jackson will not be traded.

· He sees Garza on the Blue Jays or Rangers by August 1^st this season.

Until Next Time…

Cubs Hits: Pitchers and Catchers Report Edition

• Every pitcher and catcher was basically already in camp before today while many position players have reported as well.
• Alfonso Soriano rumors are increasing yet again and this time circling around the Yankees.  A few days ago Hal Steinbrenner said in order for the Yankees to be a championship calibre team they need another right-handed bat.  The Yankees have a heavy left-handed outfield and their recently signed DH Hafner is a lefty so there is a clear need for a bat like Soriano. The Yankees know Soriano quite well having played for them for years.  The Yankees had interested in Scott Hairston before the Cubs signed him so trading for Soriano makes a ton of sense since the Cubs are likely to pay all but 10 million over 2 years.
• The Yankees farm system is not great but is is pretty decent so a trade between the teams just makes sense.
• Besides the Yankees; the Rays, Orioles, and Rangers are the other teams that have interest in Soriano.
• Marmol should be reporting to Spring Training by Monday.
• If Opening Day was today then DeJesus would start in CF, Soriano in LF, and Schierholtz/Hairston platoon in RF.
• Kyuji Fujikawa wants to make it tough on the Cubs about naming a closer.
• Junior Lake could make the team as a super utility infielder if he impresses this Spring.
• Brett Jackson swing has improved dramatically but the Cubs want to see the trend continue into ST games.

Until Next Time...

Cubs Hits: Earlier this Week

News has been slow so in turn the post have not been as frequent. But there is the latest-

• Lendy Castillo cleared waivers and is not being sent to Iowa.
• Cub killer Chris Carpenter is unlikely to pitch this year or maybe ever again.
• The talk about Bourn and the Cubs has gone quite especially with the Mets pushing for him. But talk about a 4/$40 for him I WANT the Cubs to get involved.
• MLB.com has put together their top 20 prospect list which is topped by Baez, Almora, Soler, Jackson, and Vizcaino. Find the rest of the list here.
• Carlos Marmol is expected to report to Spring Training with any issues.
• Sources say the Cubs would like to make a move or two during Spring Training and I am guess maybe Soriano and Garza?
• The Cubs do have interest in the Rays Dane De La Rosa who was DFA yesterday to make room for Luke Scott. Dane De La Rosa is 30 years old with only 12 innings pitched in the big leagues but his minor numbers are not bad. Found here.

Here is the latest from Levine-

• Marmol for Porcello has not been discussed. Just rumored but that could change when ST starts.
• Garza is ahead of schedule more than he was last year at this time.
• Campana is a good 25^th man on roster in the majors.
• If healthy Stewart will be the starter at 3^rd.
• The Cubs are not interested in putting Travis Wood in the pen but something has to give.
• Marmol will get traded by opening day because of the trade value he has.
• Scott Hairston could take grounders at 1^st during ST to back up Rizzo.
• The Cubs will look to get young pitching and some left-handed relief for Marmol.
• Cubs are not sure if they would give Mark Prior a deal but the door is not shut. Could be a minor league deal.
• Baker make take longer to be ready so there are 6 pitchers for 5 spots.
• Bruce thinks they overpaid for Edwin Jackson which is crazy talk.

Until Next Time…

Cubs Hit and Run: Soriano, Prospects, & More...

• The Cubs deal with Hairston looks better than it originally did (still not a big fan of the deal) with a 2 year deal worth $5M with a million in incentives.
• You can expect the Rangers to join the group of teams interested in Soriano if Nelson Cruz serves any suspension time due to being linked to PEDs through the Miami report that has Arod in a lot of trouble.
• The Cubs have 3 top 50 prospect in baseball according to MLB.com with Javier Baez landing at #16, Albert Almora at #39, and Jorge Soler at #42. This is a huge jump for the Cubs considering their farm system has jumped up into the top 10 in all of baseball. The future is exciting for the Cubs and their fans.
• There could be a ton of organizational movement for all three future stars next season according to scouts.
• Bleacher Nation has a great store of sabermetric’s star Tom Tango who now exclusively consults for the Cubs. Find the story here.

Until Next Time….

Cubs Hit and Run: Cubs Sign Hairston, OF market, & Other Players on the Move..

The Cubs have signed Scott Hairston to a two year deal that could reach $6M with incentives. The Cubs were looking for a right-handed hitting outfielder but this is not what I would have thought. Yes he smashed left-handed pitching (.867 OPS against lefties) and he can play all three outfield spots but I really do not care for the signing. I feel the Cubs had the prospects to land a young impact everyday OF through trade and instead we settled on Hairston.

One good thing is Bruce Levine adds he is likely the 4^th/5^th outfielder.

It also sounds like the Cubs willdo a mix and match platoon with RF and CF with Hairston/Schierholtz and Hairston/DeJesus as of right now.

Rumors should start up fast about Soriano and DeJesus being traded since the Cubs have a lot of OF depth now and their roster sitting at 42 unofficially.

The Cubs 40 man roster unofficially stands at 42 with the unofficial additions of Scott Hairston and Carlos Villanueva so some moves have to be made soon.

The most disappointing part of this is that David Sappelt or Tony Campana are the most likely to start in Iowa (or end up on another team) next season since the Cubs do not need to carry 6 OF. I honestly think Sappelt deserved a shot for his defense and how well he played at the end of last season for Chicago.

The biggest non-Cub news today is the Braves landing Justin Upton and Chris Johnson for Randall Delgado, Martin Prado, Zeke Spruill, Brandon Drury, and Nick Ahmed. First off the Cubs could have beaten this deal but it seems the Dbacks really wanted Prado in which the Cubs do not have a “Prado” type player on their team they would be willing to give up. Honestly the Braves are scary good now on paper but the game is not played on paper. They should be a really fun team to watch. To me once again the Diamondbacks got hosed in a trade and it did not involve the Cubs which saddens me.

Reports out now say the Dbacks are dangling recently required Nick Ahmed for Rick Porcello which would knock off another guy the Cubs have been interested in.

The Cubs have interest in Chris Carpenter who was DFA by the Red Sox. Carpenter was the compensation for the hiring of Theo Epstein.

The Mets and Rangers are the top landing spot for Michael Bourn now according to many sources. The Cubs had interest but did not want to give up a draft pick.

The Rays signed Kyle Farnsworth to a 1 year $3M deal. I am hearing the Cubs made an offer to Farnsworth but it was not close to the deal he got from the Rays.

The Mets signed Shaun Marcum to a one-year deal pending a physical which is no guarantee. The Cubs had interest from Marcum but just like Haren they were scared of his medicals.

Bleacher Nation has the Cubs Spring Training Broadcast Schedule found here.

Until Next Time…

Cubs Hit and Run: Convention, Stewart, Pitching and More...

• If you did not go to the Cubs Convention like me then you were checking Bleacher Nation a lot. One of the most notable pieces is on the Obsessive Wrigley Renovation Watch found here. I love the upgrade ideas along with keeping the integrity of the ballpark.
• Brett Jackson says what everyone wants to hear which is he has every intention of making the big league team and he has no intention of going to Iowa.
• BJax swing has changed dramatically according to the few that have seen it up close including Dale Sveum. It mirrors a lot of what Rizzo approach/stance is at the plate is.
• The announcement of the Carlos Villanueva signing should happen this week with a corresponding 40 man roster move quickly before or after the announcement.
• So Ian Stewart talked to Carrie Muskat and Ian said he is 100% healthy for the first time since 2010. It would be wonderful if the Cubs could catch lightning in a bottle with Stewart. His defense is really good and worth having on this team but if his bat comes around like it was before his injury; WATCH OUT. If Stewart can bat .260 with a .320 OBP and 20 homers next season I call that a win!
• The Cubs are still being tossed around as a landing spot for Michael Bourn but as the days go by I think it is less likely he will be making his way to the north-side.
• The Phillies signed Delmon Young so I ask why they picked him over Soriano? Hmmm...
• The Diamondbacks and Cubs discussed Justin Upton according to Bruce Levine but the Cubs walked away when Castro got brought up. Cannot blame them there.
• The Cubs have the possibility of a 7 man rotation if no other moves get made with Shark, Garza, Jackson, Baker, Feldman, Wood, and Villanueva. Now to me it is likely to go to a 6 man with Travis Wood likely to be moved to the bullpen. So the next logically thing is Matt Garza being traded in Spring Training. Especially with reports of a possible contact extension being on hold indefinitely, which is an understanding by both sides. There are 5 places I can see Garza landing as of right now and they are with the Red Sox, Rangers, Yankees, Angels, and Indians.
• Indians and Yankees are my wild cards because the Indians have spent some money this winter and need an upgrade to their rotation. Not to mention they have a player that Cubs would love to have in Lonnie Chisenhall. The Yankees on the other had have decent pitching depth but never count them out when talking about a prominent player on the move. Not sure what the Yankees would give up for Garza.
• The place that makes the most sense is the Rangers for Garza considering they have a want and need to make a splash and have shopped Olt who is a guy that would interest the Cubs. I think Matt goes to the Rangers for a package of 4+ prospects that include Olt and Martin Perez or Buckle.
• The Cubs could have some interest in 24 year old pitcher Sam Dyson who was DFA by the Blue Jays to make room for Mark DeRosa. Dyson was a 4^th round pick in the 2010 MLB draft. See his stats here.

Now onto the latest with Bruce Levine-

• Matt Garza will be the Opening Day starter as long as he logs enough ST innings.
• There is rumors that the Phillies and Cubs are still talking about Soriano but he then says they are still rumors.
• The Cubs and Phillies have not talked since the Ben Revere trade.
• Vogelbach is more than a couple years from the big leagues so worrying about a position now is not an issue.
• The Cubs are not interested in giving up as draft pick for Bourn at this point unless he give the Cubs a heck of a deal.
• If the Tigers liked the Cubs relievers then a deal for Rick Porcello could work.
• Valbuena and Stewart will battle for 3^rd. Neither one has a lock on the position.
• There is nothing Brett Jackson can do in Spring Training to change the FO mind about keeping him in Chicago. I CANNOT DISAGREE MORE.
• Bruce thinks Garza stays put and proves he is healthy then the Cubs sign him to an extension. I do not thing that will happen either because he will be traded before Opening Day.
• He thinks Marmol is gone first and I think it will be Garza.

Until Next Time…

Trade Talk, Levine, and More...

Matt Garza is gaining interest as we get to closer to Spring Training. The teams the most interested in him are the Red Sox and Rangers although other teams are likely to emerge once he is prove healthy.

Rick Porcello is making the rounds on the rumor wire again. It is known that the Tigers want a late inning reliever, outfielder, or SS for Porcello. The Cubs have all three in Carlos Marmol, Soriano or DeJesus, and one of Darwin Barney or Junior Lake.

The Cubs like Porcello but maybe looking to deal Garza before making a move on Porcello a source tells me.

The Cubs front office is still looking to make this team better and have been monitoring the trade market as well as the free agent market. The name Michael Bourn has shown up in my inbox recently and like it or not he could wind up playing CF for the Cubs next season.

Another source tells me that the Cubs maybe prefer to deal for Smyly instead of Porcello which the Tigers are less incline to do.

Two other guys that have not been on the rumor wire that could become available sometime this season are the Rockies Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki. Both guys could interest the Cubs along with pretty much every other team in baseball. Rockies are pitching starved.

Cubs avoided arbitration with Luis Valbuena on a one year deal.

The Cubs want a significant piece in a trade for Soriano according to Epstein.

Bruce Levine did his chat thing so here is that-

• Bruce says the Cubs would love to get 3^rd baseman Mike Olt or Lonnie Chisenhall but their trade attempts have come up empty so far.
• The Cubs could net a 3^rd baseman in a deal for Matt Garza.
• A source in Arizona told Bruce it would take a player like Castro to get Upton but also notes Baez.
• Bruce confirms what we all have known and that the Cubs and Dbacks have talked about a possible trade.
• The Cubs are looking to trade Marmol before getting another bullpen arm.
• Brian Wilson could interest the Cubs on a good value deal but he seems ticketed for the Mets.
• If BJax can solve his K issue he could bat anywhere 1-5.
• Soler needs at least a year in a half in the minors with 500 Abs in AAA. He thinks he will be up quickly.
• Only surprises at the Cubs convention would be Soriano or Marmol traded.
• Top spring stories with the Cubs will be Samardzija growth and Garza’s health.

Until Next Time…

3 Team Trade in the Works...

A nice rumor that originated from MASN’s Roch Kubatko and big kudos to MLB Daily Dish for tweeting out the story and having a write up so soon indicates the Cubs are involved in a 3 team trade. The rumor trade would involve the Tigers Rick Porcello and the Orioles JJ Hardy. Here is what I know so far according to reports and my sources.

• The Cubs have been linked to Rick Porcello for some time now especially when the Tigers were able to lock up Anibal Sanchez. So the interest is there.
• The Tigers have been linked to many players on the Cubs but most recently Carlos Marmol and Alfonso Soriano.
• The Tigers feel like they can get a deal done with just the Cubs involving Porcello but DET would really like to land SS J.J. Hardy in that deal.
• The Orioles have two needs the Cubs could provide which is a middle of the lineup hitter and pitching. Both of which the Cubs have been shopping in Soriano and the Cubs currently have a 7 man rotation so they could include pitching in the deal.
• The gist of the deal according to Kubatko is the Cubs getting Porcello, the Tigers getting Hardy, and the Orioles getting pitching (unknown what kind of pitching).
• It should be also noted that the Tigers were in on Darwin Barney earlier this offseason but maybe the Cubs are less incline of dealing Barney than we previously thought which would lead to involving another team like the Orioles and their SS JJ Hardy.
• One of my sources have indicated talks have been taking place between all three teams involving the Cubs netting Rick Porcello. He goes onto to say that Travis Wood and Junior Lake could be a part of the deal.
• Another source chimed in shortly after saying talks have also taken place but are in the very early stages so nothing is close. Soriano, Marmol, and others could still be in play as well as a traditional two team deal involving the Cubs and Tigers.
• The first source goes onto say the Cubs are looking to trade for Porcello so they can make one of their other starters (Garza or Samardzija I am guessing) available for trade during Spring Training for a package of young players that can help them now and in the future.

After all that is said and done I believe the Cubs are working hard to trade for Porcello in order to trade Garza or Shark to a team that has a young impact player like Stanton in Miami, Upton in Arizona, or Carlos Gonzalez in Colorado. They also could end up trading Garza to the Rangers for Mike Olt, Martin Perez, and more; which seems very likely as well. If the Cubs are able to obtain Rick Porcello without killing the current team and then trade Garza or Samardzija for one of the players (or a package from Texas) listed it would be a huge win for the Cubs and the front office.

Until Next Time….

Cubs Hits: Front Office Speaks, Signings, and More...

There is a lot to get caught up on so here go-

• First off Bleacher Nation is rocking it with two original pieces that are must reads found here and here.
• Matt Garza offseason workout is going well and looks like he will be ready by Opening Day.
• The Orioles have interest in Carlos Marmol and could look to get young pitching in return.
• Edwin Jackson was officially made a Cub which is neat.
• The Cubs have re-signed pitchers Jaye Chapman and Zach Putnam to minor league deals with invites to ST.
• The Cubs have signed Dontrelle Willis to a minor league contract.
• Jed Hoyer did some speaking-

• You have to sign free agents that fit your scheme when they are available he said. Something a lot of us fans have been saying which is why you see them going after guys like Sanchez and signing a guy like Jackson.
• The Cubs went after both Edwin Jackson and Anibal Sanchez because they wanted them both. He even said that he and Sveum met with Jackson while Ricketts and Epstein met with Sanchez at around the same time.
• Through the grapevine I heard this from a follower that Hoyer on MLBN Radio said he is looking to add to the outfield but specifically CF. He also said they are considering position players on similar deals to what Edwin Jackson got. That to me screams Michael Bourn and to me that is exciting. I have been beating the Bourn drum for a while now.
• Right now Nate Schierholtz is a platoon partner/starter in RF with DeJesus in CF and Soriano in left although a lot can change that.

• Theo also did some talking-

• The Cubs front office is more comfortable and looking to improve the team now that they know their strengths and weakness.
• He echos what Hoyer says about getting players when they are available not necessarily when you are ready to compete.
• There are free agents worth surrendering a first round pick if the contract makes sense.

• Bruce Levine held a chat Thursday so here is some of that-

• Levine likes the Edwin Jackson move.
• The Soriano to Phillies rumors is old.
• Castillo and Navarro will be the catching tandem.
• If the Cubs can find suitors for Marmol and Soriano they will be traded.
• Marmol and prospects could be traded to the Tigers for Procello he says.
• Trading for Upton is just a rumor and they do not have the inventory to trade for a would be superstar. I disagree.
• The Cubs are not in a position to acquire Stanton. I disagree because if they offer a package around Samardzija and Baez the fish would look at that deal.
• The Cubs would consider trading Garza to the Rangers for Olt and a young pitcher or two. I sure hope so.
• Brett Jackson is the closest to making the big league roster with his change approach and swing at the plate.

Until Next Time…

Cubs: The Next 5 Moves

So I already had one post recently in which I laid out what the Cubs should do next found here. But here is another route giving the recent rumors circling around.

1. Trade for Giancarlo Stanton or Justin Upton.

I get the distinct feeling that the Cubs are working on something big and Upton or Stanton could be that something. I feel when the Cubs have shot at getting a young star with ML experience that is cost effective they jump at that chance to get him even if it means overpaying some. Now rumors have linked the Cubs (along with many other teams) to both young stars you have to believe the Cubs will do anything in their power to get one of these player because it is a trade opportunity of a lifetime. The Cubs are at a disadvantage because teams like the Rangers, Blue Jays, and Braves are stacked with great young prospects but whether those teams are willing to trade them is another story. If I am a part of the front office I have no problem building a package around Javier Baez or even Jeff Samardzija for Stanton. I would even consider trading both for Stanton. Now Justin Upton is a different story. I am not sure I would include either one in a deal for Upton but if it came down to dealing one I would be fine with it. What I am trying to say is Stanton value is much higher than Upton’s. Regardless this is a move the Cubs need to make and would actually shorten the rebuilding process by getting better now and in the future.

       2. Trade Matt Garza and Carlos Marmol to the Rangers for Mike Olt, Martin Perez, and 2 other prospects.

We all saw what the Royals gave up for Wade David and James Shields and I believe the Cubs can get something similar for Matt Garza and Carlos Marmol. The Rangers have been the most aggressive in the past for Matt Garza (even when Garza was injured at the deadline they were still interested). The Rangers are looking to upgrade their rotation and looking for a solid set-up guy with closing experience. Enter in Matt Garza and Carlos Marmol. Both would fulfill the Rangers need and the Cubs would get their need filled by acquiring a top left-handed prospect with Perez and a power hitting young natural 3^rd baseman with Olt. The Cubs would also get two mid-level prospects to help re-stock the roster after trading young talent away for Stanton or Upton.

       3. Sign Michael Bourn.

I am going to continue to bang this drum even though I am in the minority. Here is what I wrote back on the 22^nd of December.

The price of Bourn continues to fall as the market gets smaller and smaller. The Cubs have already shown wiliness to sign a big contract to a younger player in Edwin Jackson. A really big need for the Cubs is a CF with good defense and speed. He provides that. I do not think the Cubs should overpay for Bourn but a 4-5 year deal worth $60M-$72M makes sense to me. This would allow the Cubs to keep DeJesus in RF or even trade him. If they traded him they could go with Schierholtz and Sapplet platoon in RF. Either way the Cubs outfield defense would be one of the best in the league.

Now in this current scenario the Cubs would obtain a new RF with Stanton or Upton in which Sappelt and Schierholtz would likely be apart the Cubs bench. Adding Bourn to the top of this lineup automatically makes this team better and at the cost above why would you not sign Bourn who could be a part of a young exciting group moving toward the ultimate goal of a championship.

      4. Trade Alfonso Soriano somewhere.

Just like I laid out in the my first post the Cubs should deal Soriano to another team. Rumors suggest the Braves, Phillies, Rays, and Yankees all could be the most active for Soriano’s services but the Phillies seem like a logical fit to me. The Cubs should obtain a minor leaguer or two to restock the farm.

 

5. Sign another reliever.

The Cubs need another reliever after dealing Marmol. I think signing a reliever with late inning experience like JP Howell, Kyle Farnsworth, Matt Capps, Brian Wilson, Brett Myers, Jose Valverde, Todd Coffey, Jason Frasor, Francisco Cordero, Francisco Rodriguez, etc… would fill that need. There is plenty of choices and I feel the Cubs only need one.

After all is said and done this is what I see being the Cubs 25 man roster (I know even before ST).

1. Michael Bourn CF
2. Starlin Castro SS
3. Anthony Rizzo 1^st
4. Giancarlo Stanton or Justin Upton RF
5. Mike Olt 3b
6. David DeJesus LF
7. Welington Castillo C
8. Darwin Barney 2b

With Samardzija-

1. Jeff Samardzija
2. Edwin Jackson
3. Scott Feldman
4. Martin Perez
5. Scott Baker

Without Samardzija

1. Edwin Jackson
2. Martin Perez
3. Scott Feldman
4. Travis Wood
5. Scott Baker

Bench-

David Sapplet

Nate Schierholtz

Luis Valbuena

Ian Stewart

Dioneer Navarro

Bullpen

K. Fujikawa CL

Brian Wilson

Camp

Russell

Rondon

Dolis
(T. Wood to pen if Shark stays and take out either Rondon or Dolis)

Honestly with that lineup and rotation I can see the Cubs being sleepers in 2013 and contenders in 2014-2015.

Until Next Time….