Cubs Hit and Run: Marmol, Prospects, SP, and More.....

- Matt Garza looks like he could miss most of April with his lat issue and is expected to start the season on the DL.

- Scott Baker is progressing well but the Cubs are not going to push him and he is likely to start the season on the DL as well.

- The Cubs have renewed contracts with their 21 pre-arbitration players.

- I asked a old-time scout friend of mine to compare Dan Vogelbach, Jorge Soler, and Javier Baez to players of the past (which he was reluctant to do) and he said Vogelbach reminds him of a young Mo Vaughn, Jorge Soler reminds him Gary Sheffield especially because of his bat speed, and he says Javier Baez is tough to judge because he can turn into so many different players. He did say the three players he sees when he looks at Baez is Barry Larkin, Miguel Tejada, and Dave Concepcion. Pretty excitable comparisons to say the least for all three players.

- It looks like Carlos Villanueva will start the season in the rotation with Garza being down with injury.

- Sveum likes Vogelbach; saying the looks like a guy who can just hit, he is more patient than most guys his age, and he has good bat speed.

- There was a barrage of reports yesterday about Carlos Marmol being on the move… eventually. Bruce Levine started the talk with him saying several teams are taking a look at acquiring Carlos Marmol and naming the Tigers are one of the teams.

- The other teams he did not mention but the Rangers and Angels have also been “in” Marmol this season. Both also have a need for a reliever.

- It should be noted that Marmol has the power to veto a trade to four West Coast teams but has already approved a trade to go to the Angels before the Haren trade fell apart.

- Phil Rogers chimes in and says that Rick Porcello would be a possible target for the Cubs in Marmol talks. He also speculates that Soriano could be involved in those same trade talks. To me a Porcello and mid-range prospect or two for Soriano and Marmol with the Tigers pickup all of Marmol’s contract and the Cubs paying all but $10M of Soriano’s contract sounds pretty good.

- Injured Cub Ian Stewart took batting and fielding practice along with jogging yesterday but Sveum does not seem as positive about Stewart making the team saying he is a big question mark and stating how good Valbuena is doing. All in all I see Stewart making the team unless there is a setback.

- Jeff Samardzija gets the Opening Day nod.

- If the Tigers add Soriano, their outfield would be jammed packed which means one of outfielders could be on the move (maybe even to the Cubs). Those outfielders could be Avisail Garcia, Quentin Berry, Brennan Boesch, or Andy Dirks. I suppose I would take Avisail Garcia out of the group considering his age, he is right-handed, and decent success in the minors. Plus he has options and would not take a spot on the 25 man roster.

- Many media members decided to poo-poo Levine’s report including Wittenmyer who says there is nothing to the reports of trade interest for Marmol especially with the Tigers. He goes on to bury Levine by saying the Cubs do not expect to move him until the deadline this summer. Not only that but Paul Sullivan says the Tigers have not discussed a Marmol deal either. So someone is very wrong and very right here.

- The Cubs are not interested in Kyle Lohse and they should not be.

- The Cubs are scouting Scott Kazmir who is on a minor league deal with the Indians. Kazmir recently pitched 3 innings gave up 3 hits and struck out 5. Not sure why a scout would be there unless they are scouting another player on the Indians.

- Starlin Castro is hopeful to return this weekend to game action after straining his left hamstring.

Here is the latest from Levine-

- The Cubs would be interested in a trade with Tigers but he could see them going after Castellenos rather than Porcello.
- Cubs want Castillo to catch 110-120 games but he sees Navarro getting more playing time than a traditional backup.
- No on Kyle Lohse
- The Cubs are hoping that Junior Lake and Brett Jackson have a strong first three months at Iowa so they can get a mid-season call up.
- Yankees are not interested in Soriano and the Cubs are hesitant to move him because they need protection for Castro and Rizzo.
- There are no locks for pen regardless of players being out of options.
- Levine things Junior Lake will be the starting 3B for the Cubs in two years.
- Sappelt and McDonald will battle for the 5th spot in the outfield.
- Brett Jackson looks good this spring.
- Cubs not interested in veteran pitching at this point. They want to develop their own.
- Kane County could see Soler and Almora start there this season.
- David DeJesus is a July trade candidate.
- Fujikawa will be the closer by April because he is convinced Marmol is traded by Opening Day. We actually agree on this.

Until Next Time…

Cubs Hit And Run: Soriano, Garza, Cubs Sites, more...

-First off mad props to Bleacher Nation for their write up on possible changes with the Cubs logo, uniform, and jumbotron. It is a must read.
-Likewise can be said about John Arguello at Cubs Den. He has a couple good pieces on Junior Lake and Theo not settling. Please read both.
-There is a rumor out there by a person on twitter named @NYSportsPodcast saying a source of his is saying the Yankees have started talks with the Cubs about Alfonso Soriano. I have not heard anything and other major Cubs sites are currently silent. As with all rumors I will try to keep you updated.
-Ian Stewart is a week away from starting to hit again which is really hurting his chances of making the team.
Dontrelle Willis is pain free and throwing again in minor league camp. Wish nothing but the best for Mr. Willis.
Starlin Castro’s tight hamstring will only keep him out a couple games.
-Carlos Marmol is the closer unless traded.
-The person who would benefit the most from a Soriano trade is not Brett Jackson but David Sappelt because the Cubs really like what he brings to the team and is not a “prospect” anymore. He is expected to already make the team but Soriano leaving could open up a starting spot in the outfield.
-Matt Garza threw yesterday for the first time since hurting his left lat. He felt good but says he is not going to rush anything. Sveum expects the pitcher to be ready by Opening Day.
-Robinson Cano received an offer from the Yankees that is described as significant but not something he would likely jump at. Unlike many others in the media I believe the Cubs will be players for Cano because offense at 2nd base is at a premium and when it becomes available you pursue it.

Levine’s Latest-

-Soriano has not been traded because the -Cubs want someone to protect Castro and Rizzo.
-Baez is two years away from the big leagues.
-Cubs will trade Marmol by Opening Day.
2014-2015 will be the Cubs year to sign big free agents.
-The Cubs are likely to draft a power arm with their #2 pick in the draft this year.

Until Next Time…

Cubs Hit and Run: Spring Training Rumors and Notes

The Cubs traded Tony Campana to the Diamondbacks for Erick Leal and Jesus Castillo both teenage right-handed pitchers. I follow the same surprise as most that the Cubs actually got value back from Campana who is a borderline 25^th man on the roster.

Matt Garza has a mild strain in his lat and will be rested for about a week then amp up his pitching after that. It is good news according to Jed Hoyer and it is too early to tell if this impacts his 1^ststart of the season.

Baseball prospectus released its top 100 prospect list in which Javier Baez comes in at 17, Almora at 21, Soler, at 29, Vogelbach at 87, Vizcanio at 88, and Candelario at 99.

Baseball America also posted their top 100 list which includes 4 Cubs. Javier Baez (16), Albert Almora (33), Jorge Soler (34), and Arodys Vizcanio (83).

So Soriano does not want to be traded but if the Cubs struggle he would be open to a trade giving a lot of factors but most importantly his age. Soriano says he and his agent have had talks with the Cubs FO and stated he gave them a list of 6 or 7 teams in the East or Central Leagues he would accept a trade to. Jed Hoyer also confirmed this report.

I think I can figure out the 6 or 7 teams based on this preference. I think the Yankees, Red Sox, White Sox, and Tigers are no brainers here. I think Texas could be in there as well given his familiarity. The other two I think could be the Phillies and Mets but that is a shot in the dark there.

Levine had his chat thing so let’s check it out.

• Demand will determine the market for Matt Garza.
• Navarro could make his way to starting if Castillo struggles.
• No change Baez or Soler are a September call up this year.
• If Levine had to pick where Garza ends up he would pick the Rangers or Blue Jays.
• Jackson will start in AAA unless there is an injury.
• If Stewart fails this year they will turn to Valbuena or Vitters to replace him.
• Angels could revisit a Marmol trade with Madson injury.
• Garza needs to prove healthy before any contract demands are made. Bruce throws around $15-$20M a year for him.
• The front office will have to consider trading position players for pitching or else they will end up like the Royals.
• The best 5 starters will be there opening day regardless.
• Cubs are happy with their bullpen but could trade for a guy like Brian Wilson if they trade Marmol.
• Concepcion is missing but will start in high A.
• Samardzija impressed him the most this Spring.
• No word on Dontrelle Willis this spring.
• No chance Soler ends up with the Chicago Cubs this year.
• Baez will make it to the big leagues first out of the top prospects.
• Junior Lake looks impressive but his destination on the field is either LF or 3^rd because he is too big for SS or 2b.
• Soriano could be traded by Opening Day.
• Cubs do not look like a .500 team this year.
• Stewart or Valbuena will get the starting job at 3^rd this season.

Until Next Time…

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…