Cubs Rumor Bag: Promotions and More...

UPDATE:  Not sure if Soriano has cleared waivers  (I would put money on it he has) but the Pirates, Rays, and A's have interest in him.  Out of those the Rays seem like the best fit.

Not much but something…

· In case you lived under a rock for the past few days you already know the Cubs called up Brett Jackson and Josh Vitters.

· BJax will get about 80%-90% of the starts in CF while Vitters will be a part of a platoon with Valbeuna at 3^rd.

· The Cubs sent Jeff Baker to the Tigers for two PTBNL. I know what you are thinking… The Cubs got two players for Baker! AMAZING!

· The Cubs still expect to trade Soriano this month which is why I think they brought up Jackson to see what they have.

· Do you guys remember about a month or two ago when every major media outlet said that Vitters and Jackson will only be called up in Sept. but maybe not at all. Well I do as well. Levine preached and preached how he knew this front office would work and once again… WRONG. http://cubsrumorsandnews.blogspot.com/2012/07/cubs-rumor-bag-levine-speaks-and-is.html

· It is unsure who will start on Tuesday but I think either Chris Rusin or Lendy Castillo will get the nod.

· If the Cubs deal Soriano it is possible they could end up trotting out LaHair to LF along with Mather or maybe even someone in AAA for the rest of the season. But as far as next season I expect the Cubs to make a move much like they did with Maholm and DeJesus. Bring in a right handed hitting guy on a cheap one or two year deal to play outfield and hopefully this player plays well enough to net prospects at the deadline. Some guys that could fit a Theo type player are Ryan Ludwick, Scott Hariston, Jonny Gomes, Angel Pagan, Cody Ross, or Tori Hunter. Another guy that could fit but would be on the more expensive side would be Nick Swisher but he maybe worth the money gamble for his clubhouse presences, leadership, and talent.

Until Next Time…

The Aftermath and Beyond...

A much needed break is not officially up so we go onto the aftermath of trade season.

• Dude; seriously! If you want a nice in depth look on how the Cubs did this deadline look no further than Cubs Den. Check out the link here.
• Matt Garza will not start until next Tuesday and also welcomed a baby girl named Summer into their lives. It has been a busy time for the Garza’s.
• Gerardo Concepcion has mono and has been out for a month. Not a fun thing to go through.
• Alberto Cabrera was just called up and boy does he look unhittable in his first start.
• Levine says (among others including Sveum) that Brett Jackson and Josh Vitters will likely be called up later this month and will play everyday.
• So sources tell me that when the trades of Soto, Johnson, and Maholm were in process a trade that would have sent Soriano and Dempster to LA was about completed. This is why Brett Jackson was removed from the game in Iowa because he was getting the call to replace Soriano on the roster.
• Dempster officially said he did not block a trade to anyone but asked Theo and Jed to take more time to work with the Dodgers.
• Jaye Chapman was sent to Iowa, Jacob Brigham was sent to Tennessee, Arodys Vizcanio will remain on the DL, and Christian Villanueva and Kyle Hendricks will be assigned to Daytona.
• Our most disappointing pitcher besides Randy Wells; Chris Volstad has been called up and start.
• Hoyer and Sveum are meeting today to discuss the team’s direction and plan going forward. This will likely include the calling up of Brett Jackson and Josh Vitters.
• Theo and Jed talked so Brett from BleacherNation has the most notable quotes from the front office found here.

The waiver process has started and you can find the rules from MLBTR here. It is expected for every player pretty much on every team to be placed on waivers whether to trade that player or find out interest on that player. Here are Cub players I think that will be put on waivers and the ending result of that waiver claim. I am not going to include players like Castro and Rizzo.

Shawn Camp: Claimed then traded.

Besides yesterday’s bad game Camp has been solid and is owed low money. The relievers that are cheap usually get claimed and I expect the same for Shawn Camp.

Manuel Corpas: Claimed then traded

Same goes with Corpas as Camp. He also has closing experience and could be a nice fit for the playoff push.

Matt Garza: Claimed and then pulled back

The Cubs are not going to get great value for Garza until the winter. Unless a dramatic injury happens to a pitcher on a playoff team but the likeliness of him passing to a team like that is slim to none. This is why he will be placed on waivers and pulled back and then either be extended or traded this winter.

Carlos Marmol: Claimed and released to claimed team.

Marmol is owed about $10M over the rest of this season and next. He has been pitching well as of late and I think a team will take a gamble on Marmol and the Cubs will end up letting the claiming team take him for just financial relief with no player in return.

James Russell: Claimed and pulled back.

Russell will be claimed but his value to the Cubs is higher than the value to other teams. He will definitely be claimed for the same reasons as Camp and Corpas but then will be pulled back.

Jeff Baker: Claimed and traded.

Baker can be used on just about any playoff team looking to give their everyday regulars time off and also to beef up their bench. The Cubs will get value for Baker and not just financial relief.

Luis Valbuena: Clear waivers and not dealt.

Valbuena is cheaper and younger than Jeff Baker but is weaker with the bat and glove. Teams are not going to waste a spot on the roster for Valbeuna so he will stay on ours.

Adrian Cardenas: Clear waivers and not dealt.

See Luis Valbeuna.

Tony Campana: Claimed and pulled back.

Every team could use a Tony Campana on their team. His speed and low money value makes him certain to be claimed. He is still young and the Cubs are going to hold onto him.

Darwin Barney: Claimed and pulled back.

You know why!

Bryan LaHair: Claimed and pulled back.

LaHair is cheap and can play OF and 1^st so he will get claimed and the Cubs will simply put him through waivers to see what team is interested in him.

David DeJesus: Claimed and pulled back.

The Cubs need to have some veteran leadership on the team and DeJesus provides that. The Reds would be drooling over DeJesus as would several other teams looking for outfield help. The Cubs need him as a staple in the outfield and leader in the clubhouse. He is staying.

Joe Mather: Clear waivers and pulled back.

He can play all over the field and is a good bat for the bench but I just see him passing through waivers on nothing more than a hunch.

Alfonso Soriano: Clear waivers and traded.

He is the only guy on the team that I think will clear waivers and then be traded. He is owed a ton of money so if he is claimed then the Cubs would just let the claiming team be completely responsible for the $38M left on his contract but that is not going to happen. Soriano has interest from several teams including the Tigers, Dodgers, Rays, Indians, Pirates, and Giants so I think he gets dealt for a decent prospect with the Cubs paying 90-95% of his salary. The Cubs have a chance to catch lightning in a bottle with Soriano numbers, improved defense, and teams looking for a bat down the stretch. This is the time for him to go and I am really confident is seeing it happen.

No Updates Here....

There will be no updates here until after the trade deadline has passed.  Please follow me on twitter @HotStoveCubbies for the latest rumors and trades.

Cubs Rumor Bag: Its full but of what I don't know...

UPDATE: Sources say Dempster will consider trades to other teams than the Dodgers.

UPDATE #2:  The Cubs are willing to absorb all but $2M of Soriano's contract if they can get the right player in return.

UPDATE #3: The Cubs, Red Sox, and another team have been talking about a trade revolving around Carl Crawford, Alfonso Soriano, and Ryan Dempster a source tells me.

Finally heard from one of my sources today and here is what he had to say-

“The Dodgers and Cubs have almost hit a point of no return in Dempster talks because neither team is moving from their asking price. It now seems the Dodgers have left talks with the Cubs to move onto pitchers that can be controlled beyond this year, mainly James Shields. They view Shields as a better pitcher than Dempster and better cost effective for what they have to give up in prospects. In fact the Dodgers interest in Ryan Dempster was initially low but then became intense once he turned down the Braves offer. The reason being is it was known Dempster turned down the Braves offer because he preferred the Dodgers. The Dodgers believed they could get Dempster for a lot less than what the Braves were offering thus why they are not moving off their asking price. Theo and Jed meanwhile are content with waiting this out rather than giving into LA’s offers for Dempster. The front office has told Dempster they have tired and even tried to compromise with the Dodgers to get a deal done but it is not going to happen ( Me: I am guessing the compromise is moving from players such as Zach Lee to a Webster package to straight up for Webster). So now that ball is in Dempster court. The Cubs and Braves still have the framework for a deal and the Cubs also have other teams very interested in Dempster. But after all this the front office has made it clear to Ryan Dempster that they want to trade him.”

• That is a lot to take in but makes sense. I hope the Cubs start making some moves since the trade deadline is 5 days away.
• One of those teams that are interested in Dempster just may have revealed itself. GM Ben Cherington says the Red Sox see a chance take the Wild Card spot and will go for it now. He is looking to upgrade the rotation and bullpen he says.
• The White Sox have interest in Dempster but there is not much of a farm system on the south side of town.
• The O’s are looking at Bryan LaHair and have been scouting the Cubs system.
• A source recently told me the big hold up on moves is the Cubs and several other teams are trying to complete a multi-team trade that would involve several big pieces from the Cubs going elsewhere. This is something David Kaplan suggested on twitter yesterday as well.
• Jae-Hoon Ha had a scary moment when he went in head first into a concrete wall yesterday going after a flyball. He was removed off the field on a stretcher in bad shape. Our prayers are with him.
• Phil Rogers said today the Rays badly need Soriano and hopes he heads there to open up a spot for Brett Jackson.
• He also has an absurd trade that would send Alfonso Sorian, Bryan LaHair, Geovany Soto, and $22 M for Luke Scott or Carlos Pena, Chris Archer, Tim Beckham, and two or three prospects. WHAT????
• Rogers says that the Braves could still end up with Dempster and Garza could end up in LA especially if Greinke goes to Texas.
• The Giants and Cubs are in deep talks for Carlos Marmol a source tells me. This goes along with recent talk that the Giants want to acquire a pitcher with closing experience beyond this year. They have also been linked to Chris Perez.
• The Braves are still in on Ryan Dempster and could be the fall back plan for the Cubs if they cannot work something out with the Dodgers. The Braves fall back plan now seems to be Dempster if they cannot get Zack Greinke.
• Trade interest for Garza is gone since learning he will not pitch before the deadline because of fluid build up on his tricep.
• The Cubs have discussed trading Bryan LaHair or Alfonso Soriano along with Dempster in a deal with the Dodgers according to Danny Knobler.
• Latest update has the Braves cooling on Grienke and starting to go back to Dempster.

Doug Padilla does a chat today so let’s take a look at the highlights-

• Dempster is a better fit for a NL club but a cross town match up could work.
• The closer the Cubs get to the deadline the better deal they will receive.
• He thinks Garza is the best pitcher on the block even with a sore arm.
• Dempster could still agree to be traded to ATL.
• Garza’s arm complicates things but he still could be dealt to a team like Texas.
• Soriano is looking like a long shot to get traded.
• Vitters needs to get better defensively before getting the call up to the majors.
• The Cubs are focusing in on deals involving Dempster and Garza.
• Not a lot of LaHair chatter which is surprising.
• There is a chance Marmol is traded.
• Soto has a good possibility of being dealt.
• Valbuena is a place holder for third.
• There is a slim chance the Cubs stand pat at the deadline.

Cubs Rumor Bag: Rumors and not all about Dempster

Here are some quick hits from a day filled with talk and no action for the Cubs-

• Randy Wells is done for the year because he is having elbow surgery.
• Garza will pitch a side session on Friday and if everything goes well he will pitch Monday’s game.
• Buster Olney is reporting the Cubs are hoping Dempster changes his mind about Atlanta.
• Morosi says the Dempster deal with the Dodgers is not dead but the Cubs are upset because they lost all leverage.
• The Cubs are prepared to hold onto Dempster if they do not get the deal they want. They will then offer him a qualifying offer to hope to obtain a draft pick after the first round.
• Olney says the Dodgers are confident they can get a deal done for Dempster.
• The Braves GM says a deal for Dempster is not dead and they have not ruled him out. It is just unlikely and noted some parameters expired already.
• Soriano seems like he maybe the first piece to leave the Cubs. He is getting interest from the Bucs, Indians, and Rays.
• The Cubs were interested in acquiring Nate Eovaldi in a Dempster or Garza trade but they went away when he was traded for Hanley Ramirez.
• Cole Hamels gives the Cubs a boost by signing an extension with the Phillies. One less piece on the board.
• A package around Allen Webster could be coming the Cubs way if they deal Dempster to the Dodgers.
• The Braves are very interested in Zach Greinke but so is a lot of teams and his price is higher than Garza and Dempster.
• The Pirates are now unlikely to land Paul Maholm since the Buccos traded for Wandy Rodriguez.
• Stat guru Cliff Lippert makes a nice prediction that I agree with on twitter. He says Dempster approves trade today because he won’t have to face the Chicago media during next homestand. Cliff confidence level is at 46%. I just don’t know if he will be traded to the Dodgers or Braves.
• The Rays recently DFA Matsui… Could they be working a deal for Soriano?
• Several Cubs maybe dealt after the deadline like Reed Johnson, Carlos Marmol, Geovany Soto, Jeff Baker, and Shawn Camp sources tell me.
• Many execs feel the Jays or the Rangers will land Josh Johnson which would be cool I guess.
• The Angels have interest in Matt Garza but won’t pull a trigger until they see how he pitches next.

Until Next Time..

Cubs Rumor Bag: Other Cubs, The Future, and Dempster... UPDATES!

YOU WANT THE LATEST UPDATES??  Hard to compete with BleacherNation on obsessive Ryan Dempster rumors so here you go. Who likes Dempster Updates??? Bleacher Nation and I do!!!!

 

 Matt Garza has went home to be with his wife who is expecting the next couple days.  He is likely not to start until Monday.

Ken Rosenthal is reporting a dagger of a story about Dempster vetoing a trade to Atlanta because he still wants sent to the Dodgers. I want to say if this is true it makes me physically sick that the Cubs could have got Delgado for Dempster and instead have lost all negotiating power and will end up with two low level prospects from the Dodgers. Again; if this is true, having Dempster tell everyone he will do whatever benefits the Cubs because they have been good to him sounds more like BS to me.

The O’s have talked to the Cubs about Bryan LaHair but it has not gone beyond that stage.

The Rangers have now emerged as front runners for Garza according my source. The same source says with Lewis going down the Rangers maybe willing to deal Olt and/or Perez now.

The Dodgers remain interested in Garza and the Dodgers are willing to deal Zach Lee for him. The Cubs will not deal Garza until Dempster is off the table.

Sveum said the Cubs trading all of Dempster, Garza, Maholm is not going to happen. He says it is very impossible odds.

The talk of the Cubs rotation being “killed” if Dempster, Garza, and Maholm being traded is really quite crazy. These “people” saying this obviously do not know what a trade is. See if you trade someone like Dempster you get a player back like maybe Delgado. Then that player is inserted into their spot in the rotation. And since the Cubs are prioritizing pitching I doubt their rotation will be “killed.” For example lets say Garza is traded for a package around Martin Perez, Dempster for Delgado, and Maholm for not sure. You would then have a rotation of Shark, Wood, Delgado, Perez, and Germano/or an AAA pitcher. So no killing taking place here.

BleacherNation looks at the anatomy of a “Broken” Trade found here.

I had one source tell me that Christian Bethancourt could be coming along with Delgado in a Dempster trade. To that I say WOW OH WOW! I am assuming the Cubs would give up a piece as well then?

Jorge Soler hit a homer two days ago and Almora hit one last night. Future looking bright for the Cubbies. CubsDen has a video of Almora bomb here.

Vogelbach has been dong well lately so he was promoted to Boise.

Dempster has thanked fans via twitter saying “Nothing official to report. You will be the 1^st to know. Thnx to all my fans for the support #RD46” I take that as a good sign of a deal happening. But I am usually optimistic.

Garza is unlikely to start on Friday and will likely be pushed back a day or two to rest that arm. The Cubs are taking a gamble on him bouncing back and pitching well in his last start before the trade deadline.

The Rays still seem interested in Soriano.

Levine’s Latest-

• In a deal for Garza and Barney the Cubs wanted Smyly, Castallanos, and Turner. What the Marlins got for Sanchez and Infante would have not been enough for the Cubs.
• The Cubs could have Coleman, Lopez, or Rusin fill in for departing cub pitching.
• You need Garza to start and throw 100 pitches to get full value out of him before the deadline.
• Levine only reports on what he knows, unlike some people. Hey Bruce when your done talking can you come down off that pedestal please?
• Delgado for Dempster is the only specifics Levine knows but assumes money will be exchanged.
• The Angels were scouting Soto last week and he still could be traded.
• He thinks Reed Johnson and Jeff Baker will be moved but are better off holding onto LaHair. We agree on this but if the Cubs get a nice package for LaHair it will be hard to say no.
• Levine does not understand Sveum using the word fabrication since everyone knows the deal of Dempster for Delgado was on the table.
• Dempster was upset at the barrage of media reports before he had accepted a trade. I can understand that.
• There have been no takers on Marmol or Soriano although there was interest last week on Soriano but teams don’t want to pay any of his contract.
• Theo wants a number one prospect for Garza plus a least two other prospects.
• The Dodgers are still in on Dempster and could take him away from the Braves.
• Kansas City Royals and the Pittsburg Pirates both have interest in Paul Maholm.
• If the Cubs get Delgado he will pitch in the ML.
• Dempster has the right to change his mind but did say there were a few teams he would consider never agreed to be traded to.
• The Cubs are not interested in Hanley Ramirez or any player like him.

Until Next Time…

Ryan Dempster Traded to Braves?!?! UPDATE... Umm Not Yet?

UPDATE!- According to numerous media outlets including David Kaplan and Ryan Dempster himself saying no deal is in place. I am hoping his is just a formality but if this in fact does not go through it is the worst case of media jumping on a band wagon I have ever seen.

UPDATE 2!- Sources tell David Kaplan that the hold up is Ryan Dempster’s approval. He says it has not been given yet and leads to speculation that an extension is coming from the Braves to Dempster. It is unlikely that Demspter would veto the trade.

UPDATE 3!- This does not look good. Joe Sheehan says via twitter the Braves have vacated the Dempter trade.

UPDATE 4!- Joe Sheehan has jokes saying his tweet about the Braves pulling out was a joke but also saying the deal is not completed. This makes more sense.

UPDATE 5!- Dempster walked into the Cubs clubhouse today getting dressed in a Cubs uniform. He is still officially a Chicago Cub.

UPDATE NOW- Cubs and Braves have an agreement but the Dempster twitter comment suggested 10/5 veto rights may come into play.

The Chicago Cubs have traded Ryan Dempster and Cash to the Atlanta Braves for Randall Delgado. Randall Delgado is a 22 year old righty who was ranked the 41^stbest prospect in the majors going into this season. He has 24 career starts where he has a record of 5-10 with a 3.98 ERA. Delgado has 56 free passes to his 91 K’s over the 126 innings he has pitched. The Cubs will be giving up 12 starts for Ryan Dempster for a 22 year old pitcher with major league experience that will not be arbitration eligible until 2015 and a free agent until 2018.

This is the definition of a slam dunk for Theo and Co. and should only raise the value of pitchers like Matt Garza and Paul Maholm.

More news and notes….

• The A’s have joined the race for Matt Garza and have a healthy robust farm system. Guys like Granier, Gray, Cole, Peacock, Straily, and Griffin should interest the Cubs.
• If the A’s dealt for Garza it is your typical Billy Beane move considering if he does not make the playoffs this year or next he can deal Garza to replenish his system since he will have him beyond this season.
• The Cubs have not completely shut out the Dodgers because according to Jim Bowden the Dodgers and Cubs are discussing a deal that would send Zach Lee to the Cubs for Garza. Of course more would come the Cubs way but he would headline the deal.
• Sources tell me the Cubs want Zach Lee plus 3 other top 12 prospects for Garza from the Dodgers or Zach Lee, a major league pitcher (Nathan Eovaldi?), and a top 10 prospect.
• The Cubs are still taking calls on about half their 25 man roster and even some prospects according to sources.
• Sounds like Garza will not hit the DL or even miss a start

Cubs Rumor Bag: Garza, Dempster, Soto, Maholm, and More... UPDATE!!!!!

UPDATE!-

• The Cubs have acquired 29 year old right Justin Germano (stats here) for cash considerations from the Red Sox.  Casey Coleman was scratched in case Germano could not make it to St. Louis and Jairo Asensio was DFA. This to me smells like a trade brewing even though Ryan Dempster himself has said nothing is imminent as of game time.
• Germano is expected to start Friday.
• Bleacher Nation said his source told him a Dempster deal is close and he has two offers on the table from NL clubs
• The Cubs made a BIG signing today inking 22 year old Dominican pitcher Juan Carlos Paniagua to a 1.5M dollar deal. He has a fastball that his 98 MPH but stays in the low to mid 90's and a nasty slider.
 

Here is the most recent Cub news-

• The Cards have emerged as serious suitors for Dempster. They have Shelby Miller and Oscar Taveras but they are likely untouchable. Some other interesting pitching prospects are 24 year old Joe Kelly, 22 year old Anthony Ferrara, 22 year old Ryan Sherriff, and 23 Kyle Hald. Some position player prospects that could be a good fit are 2^nd baseman Kolton Wong and IF Starlin Rodriguez.
• David Kaplan says the Cubs are currently in negotiations with the Dodgers regarding a trade for Ryan Dempster.
• The Tigers have said Dempster price is too high and may turn to pitchers Wandy Rodriguez and Jason Vargas. (That is good news if you are the Cubs because you should ask for a lot, limited compromise)
• The Rays have discussed four players with the Cubs including Geovany Soto, Shawn Camp, Alfonso Soriano, and Carlos Marmol sources tell me.
• Patrick Mooney has a good article on the state of the Cubs going into free agency next season found here.
• Cubsden says the Cubs may not be focused on just pitching but the best overall prospect in a trade.
• I talked to a source who told me that the Cubs are requiring Turner for Dempster in a deal but also want more.
• That same source also told me that the Royals are emerging as one of the top suitors for Matt Garza. The Royals who likely would not make Wil Meyers available still could offer up Jake Odorizzi, Kelvin Herrera, or Mike Montgomery (who has struggled this season).
• Another source says the Royals would give up Wil Meyers plus some mid-level prospects for Matt Garza if they have a window to sign him to an extension.
• BleacherNation has the latest on Theo Epstein doing some talking.
• Maholm is being scouted by “more than 5 teams” thanks to my insider at the game today. He says the Nationals and Cards have their top scouts present.

Until Next Time…

Cubs Rumor Bag: Levine Speaks and is Everyone Getting Traded?

First Bruce Levine had is chat yesterday so lets check in-

• The only way the Cubs playoff chances exist is if the continue to win and keep Dempster and Garza.
• Levine believes Garza, Hamels, Dempster, and Greinke will be traded before the deadline. I think Hamels and Greinke stay put.
• Vitters would be a nice trade chip if they acquired a 3^rd baseman via trade.
• Levine feels the Cubs may not get a better prospect than Baez in a Dempster deal.
• The Cubs can get two good pitching prospects for Dempster though.
• Castellanos will likely not be in a deal for Dempster but Garza maybe.
• The Cubs want three top prospects for Garza and will be in the ML in 2-3 years.
• Cubs are not going to trade for Greinke or Hamels. DUH
• Cubs are not trying to trade Barney but will listen to offers.
• Cubs are not in on Upton.
• Cubs are not sure the Vitters is the future at 3^rd.
• Levine says it is doubtful Vitters, Jackson, and Lake get the call up the 2^nd half of the season. But out of the group Vitters is the closest. I think if LaHair, Soriano, or DeJesus is traded you will see Jackson get the call. I also think if Barney is traded you could see Vitters get a call. Very unlikely on Lake.
• Baez is ahead of Soler at this point but that can change when he gets assigned to possible Peoria.
• Cubs do not have the prospects to land Justin Upton.

Other News, Rumors, and Notes-

• Olney says the Tigers are the most active when it comes to adding pitching.
• Reports are the Tigers would trade Turner, Brantly, Rondon, and Crosby but not Castellanos.
• The Sun-Times says Dempster will be traded before his start on Friday.
• The Tigers and Braves sound the new front runners for Ryan Dempster because the Braves maybe willing to offer Juilo Teheran for him.
• The Braves also have interest in Matt Garza.
• Other names that have been leaked from the Braves organization that could be dealt are Andrelton Simmons, Zeke Spruill, Christian Bethancourt, and Arodys Vizcanio.
• I would love if the Cubs could land Arodys Vizcanio and Christian Bethancourt for Dempster but that is asking for a lot.
• Cubs can get a draft pick in a trade according to BleacherNation.
• The Nationals like Dempster but not his asking price.
• The Nationals also like Maholm because he is cheaper than Dempster and could be a nice innings eater for them.
• The Rangers would love to add Matt Garza to their rotation according to USA today.

Until Next Time…

Cubs Rumor Bag: BOY, IS IT FULL

• Heyman says there are no good reasons teams, especially AL, shouldn't be lining up for Soriano because of the production this year.
• The Yankees feel Garza and Dempster are not upgrades to what they currently have on the team.
• The Tigers are still wanting Barney with Dempster or Garza but the Cubs still want Castellanos and Turner so nothing has been progressing.
• The Cubs are not trying to trade LaHair but they are listening to offers.
• Soto has some trade value but not a lot.  Still a fit for the Rays.
• Padilla adds some thoughts on Dempster to the Dodgers and does not think the Cubs could get Zach Lee.
• Marmol trade value is still low but could improve once the deadline approaches.
• Buster Olney reported yesterday the Red Sox are aggressive in their pursuit for Ryan Dempster and the Cubs are going through the process with Dempster.
• Olney also says the Red Sox maybe relectant to make a trade with Theo because he knows that farm system so well.
• Rosenthal chimes in and says the Cubs are exchanging names with a number of teams about Dempster.  He goes on to list the Dodgers, Tigers, Red Sox, and Braves.
• To shoot down Olney, WEEI is saying the Red Sox are not in on Dempster because how Morales and Cook have been pitching.
• The Nationals are also in on Ryan Dempster and.... Geovany Soto??? Make it happen!
• Dempster would welcome signing with the Cubs again next season even if traded.
• Rosenthal said the Cubs wanted a package similar to what the A's got for Gio Gonzalez this offseason and may want the same now.  That is about right.
• Here is an interesting name in the Matt Garza sweepstakes...THE ROYALS.
• Mr. Rogers (Phil) says the Cubs are in the "final stages" of putting a Dempster deal together and list the finalist as Red Sox, Dodgers, Tigers, and Braves.  Out of those I would prefer the Braves because I want the Tigers to land Garza and Barney.
• Via Twitter (I love Twitter) Joel Sherman say execs are saying Dempster will the be first big peice traded and will lead to other trades which is why they are making a strong push to do so.
• Joel Sherman also adds there is a 50/50 chance Garza will be dealt by the deadline.
• The Jays are pursing Garza hard but silently according to sources.
• The Indians maybe a sleeper for Garza or Dempster because they are looking for a front line starter and an outfielder bat.  Soriano still intrigues them as well.
• Cliff says via twitter that Levine reported via radio that the Rangers are in on Garza.  I love that idea about as well as I love the Jays looking at Garza.  If the Cubs could get Mike Olt, Martin Perez, or Jurickson Profar in a deal for Garza I may just break into tears.
• Heyman is adding some last minute news.  The Cubs already have begun naming their price for Dempster and other teams have not gone that far with other starters.  GREAT NEWS!
• Kaplan and others keep on saying Dempster will be traded by his next start which is Friday.

Be sure to follow me on twitter @HotStoveCubbies!

Until Next Time...