Quade, First Base, and More....

Here are some news and rumors from Levine and others…..


- Three different teams wanted to interview Mike Quade according to Jim Hendry. I would say that too if I wanted to make my hire look better than it really is.

- There are a lot of teams interested in Adam Dunn and he will likely seek more than 10 million a season for 3+ years, which maybe out of the Cubs price range.

- Jim Hendry will have to do some tinkering with the roster because his budget right now does not look very promising.

- According to some media outlets Quade was picked because the Cubs did not want to put Ryne in a losing situation. It is easier to fire Q than Ryno.

- Cashner is OK with either being a closer of the future or starter. The Cubs have not made a decision yet what to do with him.

- Quade says keeping Rothschild and Jaramillo on his coaching staff is a no brainer.

- Q would like to have his entire coaching staff in place by Novemeber 1st.

- Pat Listach and Ken Macha are rumored to be the leading candidates for the bench coach position.

- Rumors are going around that Ryno will be the new Blue Jays manager but if he does not land a manager job in the ML he will likely be asked to be on the Chicago Cubs coaching staff.

- Levine says Nady will not be back next season and he also says it was Tyler Colvin’s decision not to play first last season because he was not comfortable making the transition since the Cubs were still trying to win games.

- Levine is still lobbying for Orlando Hudson but says right now Blake DeWitt is the starting 2nd baseman.

- Carlos Silva is not creating much buzz on the trade market.

- The Cubs like Adam LaRoche, Lance Berkman, and Lyle Overbay as stopgap first baseman for next season.

- The Cubs really like Jorge de la Rosa but he will likely be out of the Cubs price range. He maybe looking for Ted Lilly money.

- If the Rangers make arbitration eligiable lefty C.J. Wilson available the Cubs will come running, the same goes with Zach Grienke.

- The Cubs may call the Giants regarding Mark DeRosa this offseason. They like his leadership, versatility, and maybe view him as there next starting 1st baseman or maybe a platoon partner with Tyler Colvin (if he plays first next season).

- The Cubs will not bid on Cliff Lee next season but do have interest in Carlos Lee to maybe play first base for them.

- The Cubs would like to trade Silva, Soriano, Fukudome, Grabow, and Zambrano but don’t know if they will find potential trade partners for them. Not to mention the Cubs are looking to shed salary and want there trade partner to take on a “vast majority” of the money owed to those players.

Until Next Time….

Quade is the Guy... But the Right One?

The Cubs have officially announced they will have Mike Quade remain as manager for at least the next two seasons. Quade signed a two year deal with a team option for a third year. He spent 4 seasons as a third base coach for the Chicago Cubs and before that he spent 4 seasons with the Cubs minor league system including outfield coach and manager. Quade; an Illinois native, knows the Cubs very well and has paid his dues in the Cubs system which gained him leverage over the other candidates for the job. Mike; in his short term as Cubs manager’ gained respect from the players and management, notably Aramis Ramirez, Carlos Zambrano, Marlon Byrd, Ryan Dempster, Jim Hendry, and others. He has worked with young players in the minors and majors on fundamentals thus having the balance of working with veterans and rookies. If anything Quade is a safe pick and does have the all tangibles of a big league manager, whether that translates into success at the Major League level for a full season remains to be seen.

I also have various questions regarding the process on this situation. If they wanted Quade, why did they wait so long to hire him? Did Hendry actually endorse Quade and did Ricketts want Sandberg (if so, that is weak)? Is Hendry appointing Quade as manager a make or break move for him? What will happen to Sandberg? Who will be on Quade’s staff? All these are questions that need to be answered sooner or later.

I just want to say I feel it is a mistake naming a manager before the WS concludes. The main reason, Joe Girardi! Mike Quade would have still been there after the WS as would Ryne Sandberg because the Cubs did not grant any request for teams to talk to them. They would have still had them as there 2nd and 3rd options if Joe wanted to stay in the Bronx. The Cubs needed to take a gamble and wait to see if Joe would come back to Chicago. He has won everywhere he has gone, he labeled Chicago as his dream job, he is a Cubs fan, former Cubs player, and a fan favorite. Jim Hendry needed to wait for him because he would have hit a grand slam in having him as the Cubs next manager. I have to say the blunder of not waiting for Joe maybe right up there with signing Soriano to an 8-year deal or giving Milton Bradley a guaranteed 3 year deal.

I also want to say that I think it is a true mistake not giving fan favorite and Cubs icon Ryne Sandberg a shot at managing the Cubs. It is now likely that Ryne will manage elsewhere before Quade’s time is up in Chicago. So not only are the Cubs failing to bring back a Chicago staple in Girardi but they may lose one of the most beloved players in Cubs history. If you lose Quade so what! By not hiring Sandberg you are telling him to find work elsewhere because the Chicago Cubs do not want him.

I honestly feel this is a true mistake on Jim Hendry and Tom Ricketts part. Not waiting on Girardi and not giving Sandberg a shot maybe the worst move made by Jim Hendry while GM of the Cubs. This hire will likely define the entire Hendry Era as we know it and unfortunately for him it won’t be good.

To me a lot is going to depend on who Mike Quade brings in for his coaching staff and what Jim does this off-season. So far I am not in favor of the direction the team is heading. I do want to say I am willing to give Mike Quade a chance but to me if his first season does not result in a winning one it will be hard to look forward to the next season with him at the helm.

Until Next Time….

Ricketts Talks....

According to Bruce Levine, Tom Ricketts as talked to Mike Quade, Ryne Sandberg, and Eric Wedge about the Cubs management vacancy. A decision could be made very soon according to sources but I think it is likely that it will last another week or so before an official announcement is made. According to the media there is actually "no known favorite" but it seems the flavor of the day is Eric Wedge who had his meeting with Ricketts today.

Carrie Muskat said today that Bob Melvin also met with Tom Ricketts. I do not expect him to be a legit canidate for the job. Jon Morosi said Don Wakamatsu is still in the running but it is unknown if he has meant with Ricketts. I have heard that Don is considered for a bench coach position if Wedge or Melvin get picked to manage the Cubs. I also heard if Sandberg is named manager he will bring in former Cubs and coaches on to his staff. Mark Grace? Glenn Allen Hill? Pat Listach?

Until Next Time....

Quick Rumor for You.....

This rumor just came across the wire to me via email. All I have to say is interesting.....

Cubs get Carlos Lee
Astros get Fukudome, Grabow, and Silva

According to the emailer the Cubs would plan on playing Carlos Lee at 1st base where he logged 20 games this season. The Astros would love to be rid of his contract even if it means trading for bad contracts or eating a lot of his. Lee is owed 37 million over the next two season while Fukudome is owed 13.5 million next season, Grabow is owed 4.8 million, and Silva is owed 11.5 for 2011 with a $12M option with a $2M dollar buyout for 2012. So there is basically only a 6 million dollar difference in contracts. The benefits for the Cubs is that they rid themselves of three contracts for next season and they can fill the holes with young deserving players. The benefits for the Astros are they shed two years of Lee for one year of 3 bad contracts. So they will say a lot more money on the nice 2012 free agent class that includes Prince Fielder, Adrian Gonzales, and possibly Albert Pujols.

The emailer says if the Cubs make this deal they are hoping Lee will bounce back to his 2009 numbers where he posted a .300 average with a .343 OBP and drove in 102. If the Cubs can get that kind of production or close to it from Lee they will be in business in 2011. The emailer also said his numbers at Wrigley maybe the main reason why the Cubs want to trade for Lee. He has posted a .290 average with 20 bombs in 259 ABs on the northside.

If the Cubs were to go this route it would be different to say the least. There is one thing for sure you will hear more rumors and news like this as we get into the offseason.

Until Next Time......

Cubs Shift Spending, Turn to Trade Market??

With the announcement that the Cubs are shifting more of there money to the draft this season and player development; not to mention the Ricketts announcing the smaller budget to spend for next season; the Cubs will likely turn to the trade market for a 1st baseman. The Cubs still consider Adam Dunn their number one priority this offseason but sources say he maybe too expensive and Hendry may not want to hand out a big contract again with the risk it blowing up in his face like Soriano, Fukudome, Bradley, and Zambrano. The Cubs have been rumored to be interested in low price free agents like LaRoche, Overbay, Wigginton, Nady, Huff, and Lance Berkman. The Cubs also like Carlos Pena but figure he could probably be out of their reach as well. Out of that group I think Huff and Berkman look like reasonable fits although I doubt Berkman would come to Chicago.

So..... with this said the Cubs could look to the trade market. Here is a list of players that could be available via trade. (No Adrian Gonzales or Prince Fielder rumors here)

James Loney- The Dodgers have been dangling his name out there the past three off season in order to get some high prized players. Since then his stock has decreased but he still has value. Loney hit .267 with 10 homers and 88 RBI last season. His numbers have decreased each of the last three seasons but you could see those numbers jump some going to hitter friendly Wrigley field. He is also only 26 years old and a good defensive lst baseman.

Kila Ka'aihue- The guy has raked in AAA and has done decent at the ML level. The Royals may make him available because of Butler at 1st or they could keep him and make Butler available. He again is only 26 years old, decent defensively, and has his best days in front of him. Definitely a guy you add to a young up and coming team.


Billy Butler- If the Royals want to keep Kila then ask for Butler. Butler has been a stud for the Royals hitting .318 with a .388 OBP, a decent defender, and good power hitter with his best days in front of him as well considering he is only 25 years old. He would come with a high prospect price though in the form of Hak-Ju Lee, Wellington Castillo, Jay Jackson, or Brett Jackson. Which I do not know if he would be worth that price.


Mike Napoli- A true power hitter with 26 bombs last season but older and not really an everyday player. Still could interest the Cubs.


Daric Barton- No one on the A's is ever off limits but he maybe as close as they come. A young up and coming good defensively 1st baseman who hits for OK power but has a tremendous eye.

Pablo Sandoval- Not likely to be available but the decrease in production could have the Giants at lease listen to offers for him. He is a true third baseman but has played first. Would do well in the power category at Wrigley and is a switch hitter. Not a bad option if you are Jim Hendry.

Luke Scott- The Cubs had interest when he was with the Astros and he has put up better numbers since then. He hit 27 homers this season while playing RF, LF, DH, and 1st. He would be very valuable to this Cubs team and cheap financially.

Todd Helton- Don't laugh the guy can still hit and could be a nice stop gap until the 1st baseman frenzy in 2012. He is owed 10 million over the next two seasons.

Nick Swisher- A great clubhouse guy who I have endorsed going to the Cubs for the past three season. He is post season tested, a switch hitter with power, who can play all three outfield positions and 1st. 20+ homeruns seasons since 2006!

Who do you like? For the future I like Kila, Butler, and Loney. For the present I like Swisher.

Until Next Time.....

Manager Rumors and more....

- Bruce Levine is reporting that the Cubs managerial search is in phase two. The Cubs only have three serious candidates that will speak to Tom Ricketts and they are Eric Wedge, Mike Quade, and Ryne Sandberg. I honestly cannot see why the Cubs are considering Eric Wedge for anything besides maybe a bench coach. He is not that good of a manager and if you go with anyone in that group you go with Quade or Sandberg because they have been apart of the Cubs for some time and deserve a shot.



- Here is one to file away in your rumor file! The Cubs are drawing out the interview process as long as they can and hope the Yankees fall out of contention early so they can try to interview Joe Girardi. The Cubs front office does not want to look like they are “waiting on Girardi” which is why they have been making the “interviews and phases” very public. This is also why it is taking the Cubs so long to make a decision and why the Cubs do not have a definite deadline for a manager to be named. So in all actuality Mike Quade, Ryne Sandberg, and Eric Wedge are all backup plans because if Girardi wants the job it is his.



- Sources say an unknown team has asked to interview Mike Quade, it is unsure whether the Cubs have granted that request or not.



- Doug Russell of WSSP tweeted that Bob Brenly is close to becoming the Brewers manager but the Brewers are denying that report stating they have not begun the interview process with anyone. Bob Brenly says he has nothing to say right now on the matter. Also sources say that if Brenly is announced the manager he would name Bob Melvin his bench coach. He was also interviewed for the Cubs manager position.



- Speaking of bench coaches, if the Cubs hire Mike Quade he may appoint Ken Macha as his bench coach. This would be a bad move by Quade because Macha has been under fire in Milwaukee for not relating to players, having no fire, and making constant baseball manager blunders. I think if Quade is hired he should name Pat Listach or Dave Martinez as his bench coach. Even though David Martinez stated he would interested in the Cubs manager position if he was asked.



- If Bob Brenly does go to Wrigley North then Dan Plesac would be the leading candidate to replace him. I say why not Mark Grace?!?!



- Jim Hendry also interviewed Don Wakamatsu but he was never a serious candidate but could find spot on the Cubs staff.



Until Next Time…

Cubs Rumors.....

- Bruce Levine says the biggest name coming to the Cubs will be Adam Dunn and the biggest name leaving will be Kosuke Fukudome.

- Quade looks to be the favorite to land the Cubs manager job according to many sources. One thing is for sure is that Ryne Sandberg will not be the bench coach if he is named manager.

- Levine expects Jim to announce the Cubs next manager toward the end of October.

- Adam LaRoche is one of the few first baseman the Cubs are looking at if they lose out on Adam Dunn and Carlos Pena.

- Scrap the Mark Reynolds chatter, Levine said there is no interest in the slugger.

- Bruce also said the Cubs may move Colvin to first base and go after a left-handed hitting RF but not Crawford because he may end up just like Soriano. If the Cubs did go that route they would likely go the trade route because of the lack of power hitters in the 2011 free agent class.

- The Cubs will not trade for Adrian Gonzales this coming season, but could sign him when he becomes a free agent.

- Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Zambrano will be with the Cubs in 2011 according to Jim Hendry.

Until Next Time...

3rd Base Swap Meet!

We heard earlier this week that the Red Sox are extremely interested in acquiring Aramis Ramirez. The Cubs are also at least listening to offers for Ramirez among other players. Aramis is expected to pick up his 14.6 million dollar player option for next season which included a 16 million dollar club option for 2012 and a 2 million dollar buyout. So he will come with a pretty high price tag, one the Cubs might have to pony some money on.

Also if the Cubs did trade Aramis Ramirez they would have a glaring hole at the hot corner with no one in house to replace. This brings up the latest rumors circling the web, the Cubs interest in Mark Reynolds. The D'backs are looking to get cheaper, younger, and more fundamentally sound in the field and at the plate. Kevin Towers wants to bring in small ball to Arizona, something he also preached in San Diego. The rumor is the club is looking to deal players like Stephen Drew and Mark Reynolds for young prospects.

Now, Jim Hendry and Kevin Towers have a good working relationship which is a bonus but the fact of the matter is they will have to get three teams involved which I have a feeling this is where this rumors spawned from. Here is what we are hearing.....

Cubs get Mark Reynolds
Dbacks get Jacoby Ellsbury
Red Sox get Aramis Ramirez

I can see why this would be a legit rumor. The Cubs will get a younger, more powerful, and better defensive 3rd baseman, the Red Sox will hope that Aramis Ramirez will have a bounce back year and player pepper with the Green Monster at Fenway, and the Dbacks would be getting a good defensive leadoff hitter that already joins one of the most exciting young outfielders in the game with Justin Upton. This would also possibly allow the Dbacks to trade Chris Young for some good pitching or exciting young infielders.

The hang up with have to be Aramis Ramirez no-trade clause but he would likely waive that to go to Boston where they would contend next season. Aramis could also enjoy some time in the DH role to keep him healthy the whole year. The only other hang up would be money. Jacoby is owed basically nothing and will receive his first year of Arbitration next season. But Reynolds is owed 13 million over the next two season and has a 11 million club option with a 500K buyout for 2013. Aramis is owed 14.6 million next season with a 16 million option or 2 million dollar buyout for 2012. So money will have to exchange hands. I could see the Cubs taking on the 7 million dollar owed to Mike Cameron for next season to balance out the money some but I have a feeling the teams will all have to pay a portion of the contracts that exchange hands.

It will be cool to see if this rumor gains steam because honestly I can say I like the deal for all teams involved.

I will keep you updated!

Here We Go.......

Sorry the updates have been few and far between but lets get caught up!

- Xavier Nady could be apart of the 2011 Cubs if he signs a similar deal to this year.

- Tom Ricketts has not made any decision regarding next year’s payroll but thinks it will be slightly lower than this season. Which means the Cubs could spend upwards to 40 million on next year alone.

- Mitch Atkins was DFA.

- The Cubs have really like how Mike Quade has handled the ball club but he would be a tough sell for fans if he is the Cubs next manager.

- There is not timetable on hiring a new manager according to Jim Hendry. But he would like to get something done shortly after the World Series if not sooner.

- Bob Brenly withdrew his name from the Cubs manager consideration stating it is not a fit for him personally or professionally at this time.

- The Cubs are scouting Victor Martinez, Adam Dunn, and Carlos Pena for their first base vacancy. They are also said Xavier Nady and Tyler Colvin could be in the mix. It is said that Dunn is the number one with Carlos Pena a close 2nd. The Nationals reportedly are NOT going to offer Dunn an extension but offer Pena that money instead.

- Bruce Levine stated once again that Orlando Hudson will be the Cubs starting 2nd baseman next season.

- Bruce also said the Cubs could trade Marmol, maybe to the Yankees for Chamberlain, Gardner, and Montero? I would do that in a second!

- Josh Vitters’ work ethic is being questioned by media and scouts around baseball.

- Brett Jackson will likely take the same route as Starlin Castro did to the big leagues next season.

- Levine says Hoffpauir days with the Cubs are likely over.

- The Cubs may hold onto Koyie Hill because they do not see Castillo as ML ready yet. That is so much BS!

- Carlos Zambrano seems to have found his pitching groove and will likely stay with the Cubs unless the team trading for him takes on at least half his contract and gives up players as well.

- The Mets may try to trade players like Reyes and Wright while there stock is high. The Cubs will have interest in both Wright and Reyes. The Cubs were interested years ago about trading for Reyes and having him play 2nd base so I am assuming there is still interest. The Cubs, just like any team, would prepare for a bidding war for David Wright. They would likely play him at his nature position of 3rd base and put the injury prone Aramis Ramirez at 1st. I would not be shocked to see the Cubs offer up Cashner, Marmol, Brett Jackson, Hak-Ju Lee, or Jay Jackson in a package for Wright.

- The manager position will likely be between three candidates; Joe Girardi, Ryne Sandberg, and Mike Quade.

- Regardless of what Ozzie says he is not a candidate for the Cubs job.

- Kerry Wood could find himself back in a Cubs uniform next season. The Cubs are looking for a veteran presence out of the bullpen. Not to mention insurance in case the Cubs trade Marmol over the winter.

- The Cubs may have some suitors for Fukudome next season but only if they pay most of his contract or take a bad one in return.

- CubbieCrib takes a look at the payroll situation for next season and I hope the Cubs follow what they laid out. I think adding Adam Dunn (14M), Orlando Hudson (5M), Kerry Wood (6M), and Brandon Webb, Justin Duchscherer, or Vicente Padilla (8M) would really round out and make this team very competitive next season. With these additions it would likely place the payroll around 133 million for next season before arbitration raises and other players non-tendered or traded.

Until Next Time…..

The Search.....

- The Cubs will interview Don Wakamatsu for their manager position.

- Adam Dunn will be the Cubs top priority and a lot of sources expect the Cubs to offer him a multi-year deal.

- Zambrano is up to his old song and dance. He says after this contract he expects to retire to spend more time with his family.

- Tha M's have interest in interviewing Ryne Sandberg for their Manager vacancy. If I were Sandberg I would not step anywhere near Seattle.

- Some really good quotes from Ricketts-

"We have to have a manager who really understands ... the scrutiny you get and (must) be able to handle those periods in June when you lose three games in a row and people start talking about Year 103 of the curse. We have to someone who understands what they're getting into."

Ricketts said the team will be younger going forward and the new manager must be able to teach fundamentals as well. The Cubs are looking for their next manager to be with the organization "for a long time."

"I think we're going to bring in someone who has in their mind that this is their job and their position forever."

To me that says it can really only be 4 candidates for the job; Ryne Sandberg, Mike Quade, Joe Girardi, and maybe even Bob Brenly. Brenly has been named a candidate recently and said to get an interview in the near future. Bob Brenly has been an announcer for the Cubs 2004 and has been very insightful and critical of the Cubs during that time which points out the passion he has to manage again. I look at him as a viable canidate.

- Levine says the Cubs starting 2nd baseman this coming season will be Orlando Hudson. I would love to see O-dawg in Cubbie blue. His defense at 2nd is among the best in baseball and he is a switch hitter that can handle the bat. Ideal #2 hitter in the lineup but also could see him hitting leadoff or 7th. This move would place DeWitt as a super utility player and to back up Aram at 3rd which is his natural position. It would also likely place Baker in another uniform considering how inexpensive and good Darwin Barney is doing. Not to mention the Cubs could get Hudson for a one year deal worth 5 million or so.

- Bruce also thinks every player will be made available this winter except Starlin Castro. He says even Carlos Marmol and Tyler Colvin. Trading our young talent is not the way to build this ball club. The Cubs have done this in the past and it has not worked. I expect if Marmol and Colvin are available they should have a HUGE price tag to essentially make them unavailable.

- Levine also thinks Jay Jackson will break camp with the Cubs as their 5th starter. I can see that.

Until Next Time.....

Look for more frequent updates as we get closer to the World Series and into the off-season. It should be another fun one for the Cubs and here at Hot Stove Cubbies!!!