Cubs Stuff: Svuem, Pitching, Levine, and Much More...

·         The Cubs picked Julio Borbon off of waivers and DFA Alberto Gonzalez who passed waivers and was sent to AAA Iowa.

·         The Cubs expect to make a corresponding move in the next week in order to add depth to their infield which consist of their starters and Cody Ransom.

·         There is a lot of talk of David Sappelt being sent back down to Iowa but since he is the only right handed bat they are hesitant to do so.

·         The Cubs are still expected to call up Ian Stewart in the next 7 days or so which would require another roster move.  There has been a lot of talk of Stewart losing starting time because of the good play by Luis Valbuena.

·         What would make the most sense is if the Cubs traded the hot hitting David DeJesus or veteran Alfonso Soriano.

·         Dale Sveum confirmed that when discussing player demotion he was not specifically talking about Rizzo or Castro but the whole team.

·         MLBTR has a good piece on Carlos Villanueva as a trade candidate which I say is swell but I also think he could be an extension candidate given the fact he has not been relied on as a starter throughout his career and the Cubs are in need for pitching.  Carlos is only 29 years old and I think could be a part of the building for the future.  Although if a team is willing to give up a nice prospect package (better than Maholm) for him then by all means trade him.

·         Sveum has put himself on the hot seat recently but has Theo’s backing.  Honestly firing him during the season makes no sense and if they are going to transition to someone else it is likely to be in the off-season.  Unless something drastic happens Sveum is going to be the manager the entire year.  Although at the end of the year I can see Jed and Theo take feelers around the league for a manager that maybe fits the next phase in their plans. (Hint: Mike Maddux).

·         I think at the deadline the Cubs are going to end up trading Carlos Villanueva, Scott Feldman, and Matt Garza out of the rotation while keeping Shark, Wood, and EJax.  Then I expect the Cubs to be big players on David Price and expect to slot Arodys Vizcaino into the rotation as well next season.  That would give them 5 solid starters plus acquiring the young talent from CarVill and Garza to either flip for Price or fill in the gaps for prospects gone in a potential David Price deal.

Here are some tidbits from Levine’s chat today-

·         Cubs are not going to fire Sveum.

·         An outfielder will be out when Stewart gets back to Chicago.

·         If the Cubs are prepared to trade Baez then they could get Stanton.  It would take more but it take at least him. (I trade Baez and others in a heartbeat for Stanton).

·         Any player 28 and younger fits the Cubs future plans.

Until Next Time… 

Quick Hits: Wrigley, Theo, Rizzo, Prospects, and more...

Quick Hits-

·         Some roster moves happened yesterday with Brent Lillibridge and Hisanori Takahashi DFA’d and the Cubs calling up Kevin Gregg and claiming Cody Ransom.  Jed described this as a numbers move which can be understood given Lillibridge and his struggles and Gregg having better stuff than Takasashi.

·         Kameron Loe is also now in the bullpen and has a nice solid debut for the Cubs.

·         Dolis was optioned to the minors, Steve Clevenger was placed on the DL, and the Cubs activated Darwin Barney off the DL.

·         Ian Stewart will be activated in the next week to 10 days.  Then it is likely that either Alberto Gonzalez or newly acquired Cody Ransom would be waived or sent down to AAA.

·         Matt Garza will begin his rehab in Kane County.  Reports are teams are still very much interested in Garza. He is on track to be back with the Cubs by mid-May.

·         The Cubs of course are going to look to acquire young impact talent for their veteran players if and when they start selling.  Some position players the Cubs will be keeping an eye on is Wil Meyers of the Rays, Anthony Rendon of the Nationals, Jurickson Profar and Mike Olt of the Rangers, Jedd Gyorko of the Padres, and Nick Castellanos of the Tigers, and Lonnie Chisenhall of the Indians.

·         I am also hearing whispers that if the Fish do make Stanton available they will “give up nearly anyone” for a shot at getting him at Wrigley.

·         Two fantastic articles from Cubs Den on Anthony Rizzo found here and the Cubs spending next off-season found here.

·         Two great pieces on the Wrigley Field renovation talk from Bleacher Nation found here and here.

·         Patrick Mooney has some great quotes from Theo found here.

·         How about this!  The Cubs most valuable trade piece right now by the numbers is…. Travis Wood!

Until Next Time….

Cubs Hit and Run: Batman, Wrigley, Barney, and More..

·         Jorge Soler got a 5 game suspension and a fine for his bat incident.  It seems the initial reports blew it up bigger than it actually was but it is still bad enough to get Soler a 5 game suspension.

·         Darwin Barney is playing in IowaSaturday through Monday and if everything goes well he will be activated off the DL Tuesday.

·         Garza continues to make strides by throwing off the mound this week but is still not expect to be in the rotation until mid May.

·         The more I see and hear about Logan Watkins the more I think he should be playing for the big league club.  The only problem is he has 0 games at 3^rd base in his minor league career and no indication that he is going to start taking grounders there in Iowa.

·         Brett at Bleacher Nation has another update on the Obsessive Wrigley Renovation found here.  It sounds like they are finally getting things done and making a genuine effort to include the things that concern the rooftops.  Moving back the exterior walls is genius but my one question is why don’t they just place the jumbotron across the street near the rooftops? It is very close to the location shown in the rooftops proposal found here? It should be also noted that I am coming around to the idea of having digital signage on the rooftops as well.  It looks pretty nice in the video but I also feel the Cubs should be the main one capitalizing on the advertising since the fans are there to see the product on the field and everything that entails by the Cubs not the rooftops.

·         A goats head was delivered to Tom Ricketts at Wrigley which is pretty crazy.  Following @NotTomRicketts on twitter during that time was freaking hilarious though.  Seriously, he is worth a follow.

Some Cubs chat with ESPN Chicago ()-

·         Steve Clevenger maybe the player that gets called down Tuesday when Barney is activated of the DL but Gonzalez is still possible.  Jesse does not think Lillibridge will go anywhere.

·         Jesse Rogers does not believe Ryan Sweeney will get called up.

·         No teams are interested in Marmol.

·         The Cubs will keep the best 5 pitchers in the rotation when Garza comes back.

·         Appel will be drafted by the Cubs with the number 2 pick if he is not taken first overall.

Until Next Time…

Cubs Hit and Run: Next up, Baez, and Schierholtz

Here is something not cool that may force my hand to change from blogger to another web based company for Hot Stove Cubbies content.  The new blogger app for my mobile phone does not let you link up to other websites that you are sourcing.  This makes it extremely hard to update all those who look to HSC with the latest info and rumors with links to great sites such as Bleacher Nation, CubsDen, and many others.  I will continue to search for a resolution but until then I will be posting the full URL to the site in which you will have to copy and paste into your browser.  Instead of the friendly “click on a link” that HSC has provided in the past.

I do apologize for the inconvenience and hope to get a resolution soon one way or another.

Now onto everything Cubs-

·         Seriously a fantastic read on the idea of trading Javier Baez found atCubsDen.  John makes some fantastic points about Baez but the only way I trade someone of his caliber is if the Cubs get a impact player in return like Stanton or Price or Trout.  Plain and simple.

·          I think the next 3 players to get the call up to the majors are Brett Jackson, Logan Watkins, and Ryan Sweeney.  I imagine we will see Watkins getting some time at 3^rd in Iowa very soon to prove his versatility.  Sweeney may end up in Chicago if Sappelt struggles continue and Brett Jackson will likely be up around the trade deadline when the Cubs trade Soriano or DeJesus or both.

·         Lots of talk that Alberto Gonzalez maybe staying with the club and Lillibridge getting the boot when Barney comes back next week.  Not sure how I feel about that.

·         Nate Schierholtz defense in RF and good Abs are proving to be a big surprise to many including myself.  But we should not be surprised because in 7 years he owns a .270 OBP .320 OBP while playing great defense. He sports a .989 fielding percentage with 26 assist and only 8 errors in 506 games.  If he is just average at the plate (which he currently is way above) while playing the great defense it is hard not to like this signing.

Until Next Time…

Cubs Hit and Run: Marmol. Reds, Wrigley, and the DH

· So the Cubs are 2-1 and that makes me happy. Just thought I would get that out there.
· Carlos Marmol is still the closer (which I understand why) despite having a 20.50 ERA but it he continues down this road he will lose his spot and all of his trade value.
· The Reds have lost Ryan Ludwick for at least 3 months to which I say the Reds should look at Soriano or DeJesus to replace him.
· Trading away Soriano or DeJesus at this point would have to make sense in the form of prospects. The Cubs are not going to give either away although the addition of Ryan Sweeney on a minor league deal does make it easier to trade one while Brett Jackson continues to get ABs in Iowa.
· It looks like the Wrigley Renovation deal is completed and will be announced before Monday’s home Opener at Wrigley.
· I exchanged emails with a scout friend of mine today who told me that Starlin Castro would be better suited moving from SS to 2b than SS to 3rd when Baez is ready for majors. He did add he can see Baez moving to 3rd but moving him away for SS would be a “shame” given the high ceiling he as in that part of his game.

Now the latest from Jesse Rogers-

· Scherholtz is more of a Theo type hitter and he looks like he will get more early playing time especially if his production continues.
· Brett Jackson will get called up for sure if he produces in AAA Iowa.
· Edwin Jackson is not likely to be traded unless someone gives up the farm.

The DH has been in the news and passionately discussed recently. So I want to say that I come out completely in favor of having the DH in the both leagues. Here is why-

· Having a DH protects your pitchers.
The last thing you want is your pitcher who is getting paid to pitch to get hurt while batting or running the bases. The pitcher does not get paid to hit; they get paid to pitch.

· Adding a DH brings bat the balance of power among the two leagues.
Right now in interleague play and the World Series the AL has a huge advantage in their ballpark. While teams in the AL have players like David Ortiz, Jim Thome, Travis Hafner, etc.. for their DH; teams in the NL get to put out utility players and 4th outfielders in that spot. The balance of power needs to be more equal and adding the DH to the NL does that.

· Balancing the “perks” of signing a player to a big contract favors having a DH.
Right now the NL is at a huge disadvantage because a team in the AL can hand out mega deals to the best hitters in the game regardless of defense and age. If a dynamic hitter in the American League can no longer play the field in year 3 of a 7 year deal it is not an issue because they can still plug that player in the DH spot. Where as in the NL you are stuck to either trading, releasing, benching, or letting the player play the field even though he is a defensive liability.

· Making the game more exciting.
So many pitchers get off the hook with the pitcher hitting. It is essentially a free spot for the opposing team when that pitcher comes up to bat. By adding an actual hitter to the lineup you have more big opportunities in a game which makes the game more exciting.


· Veterans/Hitters have more places to play and more options.
There is the potential of 15 more spots for aging veteran ball players or players that simply can hit but not play the field. Players like Jim Thome, Vladimir Guerrero, Carlos Lee, etc.. who are still free agents would likely be a part of the MLB right now if the DH existed in the National League. Not only that but players coming up through the minors (Dan Vogelbach) who are good hitters but maybe blocked by an All-Star at their position have more of an opportunity to stay with that team because of the DH option. Furthermore it would allow all players access to all 30 teams through free agency. Because lets be honest a player like Adam Dunn does not have 30 options for several reason but not having a DH in both leagues should not be one of them. Fact is Adam Dunn wanted to sign with the Cubs at a discounted when he was a free agent. It went even as far as hearing speculation that he may accept a one year deal to play for the Cubbies. But because the Cubs were so worried about his defense at 1st and did not have a spot in the outfield they passed on him. If the Cubs had the DH he would have been signed by the them. I have a feeling this is the not a rare occurrence either, we just don’t hear about it.

All in all I am not sure how you argue against the Designated Hitter at this point. The game basics are the same but baseball overall has dramatically changed over time. The average fan likes the long ball, 8 to 7 final scores, and offense overall. Hardcore and traditional fans do love the strategy and tidbits of the game which I respect (and do not discount) but most average fans do not understand that portion of the game. I have evolved on this issue and now firmly support the National League adopting the Designated Hitter.

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=chc

Cubs Hit and Run: Marmol, Roster, Bleacher Nation, and Levine Speaks

Here is the latest talk and much respect to one website in particular-

· After yesterday’s game Dale Sveum still says that Marmol is their closer. I agree he should remain the closer for mental and trade value reasons. If you demote Marmol in the first game of the season he may never get “it” back. He is a closer and closer’s by nature are a different kind of person. You just hope Marmol goes on one of his streaks to bring his trade value up.
· Brett at Bleacher Nation has done a tremendous job of updating everyone on the Wrigley Renovation process. This has been a huge undertaking and one frankly that I was not willing to take on. The amount of time and energy that Brett has put into it should be commended. You should check it out if you have not already. In fact he has a new update hot off the presses today here.
· Click this link found here and in the middle part of the page on the right side you can find the updated rosters of the Cubs minor league affiliates. Some good players at all levels but Daytona’s team is stacked!

Here is the latest from Levine-

· Levine speaks up for Marmol and says in a roundabout way it is best to have him stay as closer.
· The Cubs are going with Lillibridge and Gonzalez for the next two weeks while Barney is out.
· No reason to trade for David Price now on both ends. The Cubs are never going to trade Baez at this point and the Rays are trying to win a World Series and cannot do that without Price.
· Ricketts is making it seem they are willing to move from Wrigley Field but they won’t because that have too much invested in the current area.
· The Cubs are not going to trade Jeff Samardzija.
· Cubs lineup is better this year although run production will be a challenge.
· The Cubs will go after the best free agents available but they have to make sense and Cano may not make sense next year.
· No reason to trade a younger cost controlled lefty like James Russell.
· The Cubs tried trading for Lonnie Chisenhall and Mike Olt in the offseason but were unsuccessful.

Until Next Time…

Hot Stove Cubbies 2013 Chicago Cubs Player Stat Projections

It is that time of year to do my stat projections for the 2013 Chicago Cubs. It should be noted that I have listed only the 25 man roster in the past but since the Cubs some impact players starting on the DL I have included them (Matt Garza and Scott Baker). I have omitted Ian Stewart because I do not think he will play a game in a Cubs uniform this year and I did not include Brett Jackson because his call up status is in question.

I predict the Chicago Cubs to go 76-86 which is good for 4th place in the division ahead of the Brewers. Now let’s get down to the 2013 Hot Stove Cubbies Stat Projections for the Chicago Cubs.

Cubs Hit and Run: Injured Cubs, Trades, and The Plan

· The Tigers are looking for pen help and a platoon partner for LF so I ask again why not send them Marmol and Soriano for prospects or a deal headlined by Porcello?
· Edwin Jackson will start the Cubs home opener.
· Starlin Peralta has been sent back to Cubs camp. He was a Rule 5 draftee by the Dbacks.
· Garza it taking steps forward with no setbacks.
· The Cubs feel the presence of teams watching Soriano but no substantive talks have taken place says Nick Cafardo. He states the Phillies have interest.
· The Cubs reassigned Baez and Soler to minor league camp as expected but they could be back in no time. (not this year though).
· Now the information from my source that I put on twitter yesterday.
· The Cubs “planned on” dealing Garza before Opening Day for a package around a young prospect 3rd baseman.
· The signed Stewart as a back-up in case they were not able to trade Garza.
· The Cubs were shopping Garza to Texas, the Angels, the Tigers, and Dbacks.
· The Cubs had their eyes on Nick Castellanos of the Tigers, Mike Olt of the Rangers, and Mark Trumbo of the Angels.
· The Cubs liked the idea of Justin Upton but only wanted to trade Garza for him in which the Dbacks were not interested.
· Since Garza and Stewart went down with injuries it changed the route they wanted to travel before Opening Day.
· The Cubs signed several pitchers to ensure they had depth in the rotation so they could trade Garza before Opening Day.
· Now the Cubs are watching the transaction wire for a possible 3rd baseman to take the place of Stewart.
· Brent Lillibridge is fully expected to make the team.
- David Kaplan has a great piece on the Cubs moving out of Wrigley found here http://www.csnchicago.com/blog/kapman/rosemont-cubs-suburban-mayor-makes-his-pitch

- Scott Baker will be shut down after inflammation and soreness from his start on Sunday. He will be checked out then a plan will come after that.
- Ian Stewart will start the season on the DL because he cannot run.
- Just like my source said yesterday Brent Lillibridge will be a lock for the 25 man roster says Sveum.
- The Cubs officially signed Armando Rivero to a minor league contact.
- The Yankees could still be in on Soriano even after signing Brennan Boesch because they just released Matt Diaz.
- The Tigers are looking to trade Porcello for a reliever. Again why no Marmol?

Now the latest from Levine:

- Detroit has not been interest in Marmol.
- Neither Marmol or Soriano will be dealt before Opening Day. (BACKTRACKING LEVINE ALERT)
- Rusin is on the inside track of making the team.
- Baez will start in Daytona and quickly be moved up to AA Tenn.
- With injuries this spring the team will be looking to the waiver wire but a guy like Rusin could get a chance because how he has done this Spring.
- Clevenger is not likely to make the team.
- Sappelt will be the right-handed OF bat off the bench Levine speculates.
- The Cubs plan on having Stewart on the DL and not release him.
- Jackson will be called up by June or July.
- Cubs are still not interested in Lohse.

Until Next Time…

Cubs Hit and Run: Baez, Stewart, Vogelbach, and Injuries

· Looks like everyone is getting a whole lot healthier with Starlin Castro to be back to game action today. Ian Stewart and Brent Lillibridge will see game action off the bench on Thursday while Josh Vitters is expected to be back a few days after that.
· Many media outlets are reporting Dan Vogelbach is taking some grounders at 3rd this spring which is surprising. Vogelbach has trimmed down but it sounds like the Cubs are just doing their due diligence at seeing if he can handle the hot corner giving the black hole that is presently there without much depth in the minors.
· The likely hood of Ian Stewart making the team is still good baring a setback considering the amount he is owed and the lack of depth at the position.
· The Chicago Cubs front office told Carlos Marmol’s agent to expect to be traded this season (likely before the deadline).
· Garza could only miss the first two weeks of the season and make his 2013 debut against the Brewers on April 19th if everything goes as planned.
· Garza just started playing catch but they are really taking it easy to prevent any more setbacks.
· The Tigers want to trade either Smyly or Porcello before Opening Day because the front office does not view either one as a part of their bullpen. Both are battling for the 5th spot in the rotation. The Cubs have interest in both.
· In case you missed it the Cubs signed Armando Rivero from the DR.
· Scott Baker is getting closer to Cactus League action who is scheduled to start a minor league game then make his debut if all goes well after that start.
· The Cubs assigned Logan Watkins, Trey McNutt, Alberto Cabrera, Robert Whitenack, and Nick Struck to minor league camp.
· From most of the MLB mock drafts it looks like the Cubs will either take Appel or Manaea at #2.

Now the latest from Levine-

· Cubs like Stewart’s power potential which is why he will be around. Vitters will start in AAA.
· Javier Baez has looked great to Levine’s surprise.
· Szczur has more to learn this season but is a big season to prove he is a future ML.
· Cubs first pick will be a pitcher in the draft but may also be considering drafting a 3rd baseman.
· Garza will be ready by the end of April beginning of May.
· He really like Rusin and Rondon for the pen but not sure on Bowden.
· Dan Vogelbach could make it as a left fielder.
· WARNING! LEVINE BACKTRACKING… Market for Marmol has been strong but unless someone loses a closer or set-up guy he will stick around.
· Clevenger will likely not make.
· Cubs will get all their offense from Rizzo, Castro, and Soriano.
· Levine hearts Barney
· Yankees not interested in Soriano.
· Baez could be the exception to the rule on Abs in the minors. He could make the team in 2014.

Until Next Time….

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…