Hendry and Lou Will Need a Lefthanded Bat

According to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune and Chris De Luca of the Sun Times, both stated that the Cubs are looking to add a lefty to their lineup. De Luca thinks that Brian Roberts and Raul Ibanez would be the guys Hendry goes after.

The Cubs would more than likely have to put a lefty bat in RF or CF considering pretty much every position is covered. Right field is hard to play at Wrigley and a guy like Ibanez might not handle it too well. There has also been talk about Milton Bradley but that is the same situation. What the Cubs should do is not worry about defense in RF and just get Adam Dunn. Sure he will strike out a ton and not hit for average but he will hit 40+ homers and have an OBP over .375. He will drive in 90+ and would be the ideal middle of the lineup type guy! Another player I would strongly consider is Brian Giles, he has a 9 million dollar club option for next season with a 3 million dollar buy out. It is unknown whether the Padres will exercise his option or not. Either way he might be a good fit for RF, he has really good defense and a good bat. He is a lifetime .294 hitter and has a lifetime OBP of .404. His power numbers have decreased over the years but that may contribute to playing at Petco and switching to Wrigley may make him a 20+ homerun hitter again. He could be a very valuable option to this team and the ideal #2 hitter in the lineup.

Another player that could be a great fit for RF is Bobby Abreu. Bobby is getting up there in age but he can still play defense well and really swing the bat. He is a lifetime .300 hitter, with a lifetime OBP of .405, so very similar to Giles but better power numbers. He would look great in RF at Wrigley and also in the #2 hole!

The Cubs could also go the trade route and try to pick up some guys like Chone Figgins, Brian Roberts, Reggie Willits, etc but I think free agency is the key.

My ideal situation- but unlikely-

1.Sign Dempster
2. Sign Wood
3. Exercise Blanco's option
4. Sign Abreu
5. Trade Soriano to someone for salary relief and young players
6. Sign Furcal
7. Trade Lee and Cedeno for Matt Cain
8. Sign Dunn
9. Trade Marquis for salary relief

1. Furcal SS
2. Abreu RF
3. Aram 3b
4. Dunn LF
5. Soto C
6. Hoffpauier 1b
7. Derosa 2b
8. Fukudome/Johnson CF


Blanco C
Font IF
Theriot IF
Johnson/Fukudome OF
Pie OF

1. Zambrano
2. Dempster
3. Harden
4. Cain
5. Lilly

Wood CL
Marmol
Samardzija
Marshall
Cotts
Gaudin
Guzman or Weurtz

I know, only in my dreams! A balanced lineup, lots of power, good speed at the top of the lineup, and really good pitching adding Cain to that rotation. If the Cubs traded Lee, Marquis, and Soriano and the teams they traded to took responsibility for their contracts for just next season, it would take 39 million off the books for 09. They could then use that 39 million a distribute it across Abreu, Dunn, and Furcal signings. It is not going to happen but it is my wish list!

More on Peavy, some Hendry Plans, and Prior Ready?!?

- It seems that Jake Peavy will require a full no trade clause from the team acquiring him if traded this year. That could be a deal breaker for a lot of teams. Axelrod said he would not be surprised if Peavy stays put. It could be another "Brian Roberts ordeal".

- According to MLB.com Carrie Muskat interview with Hendry, Jim seems more likely to sign Dempster to a contract rather that Wood. I can see him doing that considering he does have a lot of arms in the pen and there could a more inexpensive options like Springer or Cruz to fill the set up roll and Marmol to close. Hendry does not know if Jimmy Ballgame will retire this year but seems confident that Pie will make the team out of spring training. A Reed Johnson/Felix Pie platoon maybe?? Lets hope Pie improves!

- Interesting note, Mark Prior said he is likely to opt for free agency this season. He says his arm and shoulder are feeling great and should be ready for the start of the 09 season. I say Jim trys to sign him to a incentive laden deal and see if he is healthy and ready to make his come back. Something like 1 year 1 million dollar contract( similar from what he got from the Padres) with about 6 million in incentives( like IP, ERA, Starts, etc). He is so good IF he is healthy, and that is a big IF! But still he maybe worth a shot, we gave Wood one, lets give him one!

Hendry, Lowe, Peavy, and more....

- Jim Hendry signed a 4 year deal with the Cubs today. I am glad to get that out of the way! Now he will concentrate on resigning Kerry Wood and Ryan Dempster, along with aquiring a big left handed bat, and other moves that may include trading Lee and acquiring Peavy.

- Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe names off a dozen teams that are interested in Derek Lowe, even though the BoSox are his prefered destination, the Cubs are one of the teams interested in the sinker ball pitcher.

- It seems the Cards have already dropped out of the Peavy race according to MLBTR. I think it is because he is too expensive and they do not have the prospects to get the ace.

- According to http://elismlbrumors.blogspot.com/ the Cubs are interested in Russ Springer. He is a veteran pitcher that would take place of Bobby Howry as the set up man. He went 2-1 with a 2.32 ERA in 70 games. He would not likely cost too much and could be a nice addition to the pen. Elis also throw the names Juan Cruz and starter Nate Robertson. I would not mind Cruz but do not see the value in Robertson.

Updated Rumors on Peavy and Manny in Cubs uniform?? Doubtful.

More news on the Peavy circus-

- Kevin Towers has now said that they want young controllable pitching and middle infielders package with together to get Peavy. There is no mention for a CF though I think Felix Pie could intrigue them. The reason they want middle infield help is so they can package Greene in with Peavy. Since Towers want middle infield help the Cubs could throw out some names like Cedeno, Font, Bobby Scales or even Theriot along with Pie and 2-3 good pitchers young pitchers. It is also stated that the Astros do not match up well considering Towers desire for young pitching. No word on what the Cubs could offer or if they have talked about a potential deal but it is still early and Peavy will not be dealt by tomorrow.

-Here is a great and interesting read on Manny and the Cubs possibility-

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-081018-manny-ramirez-chicago-cubs-rogers,0,6958510.column

Rumor Wonderland

Here is some rumors and news from today-

-Lets start off with some Peavy news. Peavy would need "a lot of convincing" to go to an AL team. Sorry Yankees. Houston has reportedly made a call to the Padres about Peavy but none of the organizations have talked players or deals, just media speculation. Buster Onley thinks Peavy will be dealt in the "weeks ahead." I think he will get dealt by December 1st. Some other good news on the Peavy front is the Padres have stated that they want 2 young pitchers and a MLB near ready CF to patrol large Petco Field. The reason this is good news is the Cubs have several good young pitchers( Sean Marshall, Angel Guzman, Jeff Samardzija, Randy Wells, Donald Veal, Jose Ceda, Kevin Hart, Rich Hill, just to name a few). The Cubs also have several young speedy outfielders that would be ideal for Petco( Felix Pie, Sam Fuld, Andres Torres, Josh Kroeger , and Tyler Colvin). So the Cubs have the goods that the Padres are looking for. I would start off by offering them Kevin Hart, Rich Hill, and Felix Pie and hope they bite!

- It seems the Jim Hendry 3 year extension is very close according to Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald and Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times. Good for the Cubs and Hendry!

- MLBTR has their "Offseason Outlook: Chicago Cubs" post on their site today. I suggest you check it out!

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/10/offseason-ou-11.html

See how it compares to mine-

http://cubsrumorsandnews.blogspot.com/2008/10/how-do-you-improve-this-team.html

Jim Hendry to Get Extension Soon???

According to Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune and Bruce Levine the Cubs are working on a 3 to 4 year contract for Jim Hendry. The Cubs recently declined to give the Mariners permission to interview Hendry which is a very good sign. Jim deserves the extension and I hope he is here for 3 to 4 more years!

More on Peavy and Lee.

-Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune says Peavy would prefer to stay in the National League and wants to play for a winning ball club. Jake's agent Barry Axelrod mentioned Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, LA, and St. Louis as cities that fit for Jake and his family. The Angels also intrigue Peavy but the AL still remains a longshot to land him. Since it Houston and St. Louis are in the mix for Jake then expect the Cubs to become even bigger players for the Ace. The last thing the Cubs need is for the Astros or the Cards to get their hands on the hard throwing righty. So the Cubs are guaranteed to get involved in trade talks in my opinion considering he would help round out the rotation and the idea of him on the a NL central ballclub besides the Cubs is scary.

- Len Kasper was on the score yesterday and he said he does not expect the Cubs to trade Lee nor does he think the Cubs got swept the past 2 years because of him. I do agree it is not completely the gold glove first baseman fault it was the entire team. I do think a trade for Lee will not happen but it is still a possible and it does help you have a guy named Micah Hoffpauier who destroyed the pitchers in AAA and did well in MLB in his short time there. So a trade of Lee could be handled a little bit easier now than lets say last year. Kasper also said he thinks Jim will be quiet this offseason with little changes to the team. This I do not agree with, we already hear names like Peavy, Dunn, Furcal, etc...and he thinks Jim will be quiet?!?! I doubt that Len!

Could Cubs land Peavy??

According to numerous sites including MLBTR, the Padres are listening to offers for Jake Peavy. Peavy has a no trade clause but is willing to waive it to go to another NL club. Peavy does not like the idea of pitching in the AL, nor should he want to with those hitter friendly parks and big hitters in the lineup. Jake's agent said that some AL teams could interest Peavy and that he has not completly ruled the AL out.

The Cubs are interested in adding another quality arm to this rotation. We have already heard C.C.'s name along with Cain, so you know they will have interest in the Padres ace. According to Buster Onley, the Padres could attach Khalil Greene to help with their salary relief. The Cubs are rumored to be one of the teams that have already inquired on Peavy,which is a good sign. Expect talks to heat up quickly because Onley believes the deal should get done even before the winter meeting begin, which would be out of the ordinary for a MLB offseason.

I honestly believe the Cubs will be big players for Peavy even if they attach Greene on the deal. The Cubs could always flip Greene somehwere else like the Giants or another team in need for a shortstop. Although I think the Cubs would have to give up quantiy of players rather than quality to get this done. The Cubs do not have a "top prospect" in their system so they may have to include guys like Cedeno, Pie, Veal, and Marshall to get the ball even rolling.

Expect the rumors of the Cubs interest in Peavy to increase in the next 2 to 3 weeks as team meetings are wrapped up and the playoffs draw to a close. Should be another fun offseason for the Cubs!

Levine with some good rumors.

Levine chips in with some new and already heard rumors. So here they are-

- He expects the Cubs to have great interest in Orlando Hudson. Hudson is the ideal #2 hitter in the lineup. A switch hitter with some pop that is a career .282 hitter with a career .346 OBP. The Cubs will have a lot of competition for the 2nd baseman, so that could be a challenge.

- Levine also said the Cubs would demand Sanchez or Cain for Lee. He thinks Lee would waive his no trade clause for a California based team. We already went over this yesterday.

- The only way the Cubs would sign Adam Dunn is if Lee is traded. Which means he would be playing first base for the Cubs.

- The Cubs will be in the hunt for Brian Roberts and Chone Figgins this offseason if made available. It has been known that Lou would prefer Figgins. Which I agree with.

- He also thinks the Cubs will make a run at Furcal. I think Theriot does a good job at SS but if the Cubs can't land Roberts or Figgins, Furcal would be near the next best thing.

Team meetings begin the 19th so we should really feel the heat of the hot stove soon after that!

Lee to get traded?? A lot of things would have to happen!

There has been a lot of trade talk surrounding the Cubs, especially gold glove first baseman Derrek Lee. Derrek Lee's power numbers have decrease quite a bit over the past 2 seasons but still put up good solid above average numbers for a first baseman. He also will give you great defense at first base. But in order for Lee to get traded a lot of things have to happen, here is just some of them-

1. Lee would have to waive his no-trade clause in his contract. This is not a give in and it is rumored that Lee would only accept a trade to a westcoast team. But even then it is not a give in if you find a match on the westcoast.

2.The Cubs would need a replacement ready to go at 1st base. The Cubs could go in house with a first baseman but they could lose average, defense, and steady productivity from the 1st base position. They could get a first baseman in return in a trade for Lee but that would not make sense. The logical idea would have the Cubs go with Micah Hoffpauir or Mark Derosa at first base. If they move Derosa to 1st they could go after speedy 2nd baseman Brian Roberts, or let Font play the entire season at 2b, or sign a 2nd baseman like Orlando Hudson or Mark Grudzielanek. So there is options there. The Cubs could also go after a free agent 1st baseman. Some of the more expensive guys are like Jason Giambi, Carlos Delgado, and Mark Teixeira, which I am all for Teixeira but I do not see that happening, way too pricey. Some of the more affordable guys are like Sean Casey, Kevin Millar, Tony Clark, and Nomar Garciaparra will give you less productivity and OK defense but could be serviceable. I like Nomar out of this group because if he gets hurt you have Hoffpauir as a back up and you could even platoon them at first. Either way the Cubs have many options to choose from.

3. The Cubs will have to get good value for him in return. MLBTR says the Giant really like Lee but Chicago will not give him up unless a guy like Sanchez or Cain is in the deal. I am not a fan of Sanchez but throw Cain in a deal for Lee it would hard to say no to. Cain is a young hard throwing righty who is only 24 years old and only going to get better. Low ERA and high strike outs. My kind of guy. Other players that the Cubs would consider trading Lee for are Jake Peavy( although the Padres do not have a spot for Lee), Chad Billingsly( the Dodgers already have a good first baseman in Loney), Justin Duchscherer, Jared Weaver/Ervin Santana and Reggie Willits/Chone Figgins, or Ichiro Suzuki( who is rumored to be made available this off season). Erik Bedard is an option too.

A very interesting situation to watch is the Ichiro situation. The Cubs along with may teams would have interest in the speedy outfielder but unlike the a lot of teams the Cubs need him the most. A guy who can play all three outfield spots, killer defense, great arm, lead-off man, that steals a lot of bases. I think the Cubs have the goods to land them him too. If they offer a package that included Lee, Pie, Veal, Marshall etc should get some talks rolling. Keep an eye on this.

4. The Cubs would have to be sure that they can get a trade done for Lee before they ask him to waive his no trade clause. The chemistry of a team is a fragile thing and you do not want to upset that especially since Lee is the captain of this team, that is the last thing you need!


So as you can see the Cubs would have to go through a lot of hoops to trade Lee which makes me think he will start the year as a Chicago Cub. But there is still the possibility he is traded if the Cubs conquer these 4 steps!