Cubs Rumor Bag: Moves, Theo, Barney, and Levine

· The Cubs claimed Alex Hinshaw off of waivers from the Padres Sunday. You can see his stats here. In a corresponding move the Cubs transferred Arodys Vizcanio to the 60 day DL.

· The Cubs will call up lefty Chris Rusin to pitch tonight in his ML debut. A corresponding move has not been announced but Jeff Beliveau or Adrian Cardenas could be sent back down to Iowa.

· The Cubs deal with Starlin Castro will likely not be announced for another week or two but the meat of the deal has been leaked. A 7 year $60M deal with an option for an 8^th year. Great deal for both sides.

· Is Darwin Barney a stopgap or long term guy. The boys at Cubs den give you that to chew on.

· BleacherNation looks at Theo’s possible impact on Boston’s issues.

· Four inexpensive veteran type free agent pitchers the Cubs are looking at next season are Scott Baker, Kevin Correia, Chien-Ming Wang, and Chris Young.

· The Cubs and Angels have been recently talking about Carlos Marmol a source tells me.

· The Cubs are relocating their A ball affiliate from Peoria to Kane County. The move will bring the Cubs lower level prospects closer to Chicago.

Bruce Levine Speaks-

· Soriano looks unlikely to be dealt even if the Cubs eat 28-30 million dollars of his contract.

· Any possible deals for Soriano were vetoed by Soriano. Back to the he said she said stuff again.

· The Cubs plan is to be a great organization for 12-15 years rather than being entertaining/competitive now. They have a short 5 year plan in place.

· Jamie Quirk is working extra time with Clevenger and Castillo.

· Dale Sveum job looks safe for next year and maybe a year after that but the coaching staff is not guaranteed and must prove they belong in the Cubs long-term plans.

· Castro extension is a good deal for both parties.

· The Mets could be a trading partner for Marmol.

· The Cubs will go out and get a couple of veteran starters next year to round out the rotation.

· It is possible the Cubs could start Jackson back in Iowa next season. Same goes with Vitters.

Until Next Time…

The Cubs Sites Got It Going On....

A usual quiet month has turned into busy news for the Cubs.

• · If you want the most information and back stories on the front office moves then check out the Cubs Rumor Bible know as Bleacher Nation.
• · The Cubs made another signing for “depth” inking Horacio Ramirez to a minor league deal.
• · David Kaplan released some good news for Cub fans everywhere yesterday saying he spoke to two industry sources that stated to him the Cubs are working on a long-term deal with all star SS Starlin Castro. He said the deal could be 6 or more years in length which would buy out all arbitration years and at least two years of free agency. It is likely that Castro could get something around what Andrew McCutchen received which was 6 years $51.5M but don’t expect an Evan Longoria type deal of 6 years $17.5M.
• · Starlin Castro’s agent Paul Kinzer said the two parties are in discussion for a long-term deal and would likely have something done by the end of the season. He did say any release of specifics though; are premature.
• · Jorge Soler has miss a couple games with a sore hand but the extent of the injury is not known.
• · There is a fantastic write up by a guy I follow on twitter; Sahadev Sharma. So check it out and get a little excited.
• · Also check out Cubs Den where John Arguello and Tom Loxas battle it out on 5 Cub related questions.

Until Next Time…

Cubs Rumor Bag: Soriano, Pitching, Levine, and More..

It’s that time of year where it is getting harder and harder to watch baseball and keep up with bleak Cubs rumors and news but here we go.

• · The Cubs may start limiting Jeff Samardzija innings because he is now at 140 and a very important part of the Cubs future.
• · Dale Sveum believes Darwin Barney should get a gold glove and I agree 100%.
• · The Cubs recalled Michael Bowden from Iowa and sent Brooks Raley back to Iowa. Raley will be able to be called up before the 10 day requirement because of the 26^th man rule for the double header on Saturday. Crafty thinking by the front office.
• · The Cubs hired a new Scouting Director Jaron Madison from the Padres and they also promoted Tim Wilken to Special Assistant to President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein.
• · Still no word on if Soriano has been placed or cleared waivers but there is still some interest in him.
• · Sveum had a interesting quote saying Castro is a 6^th or 7^th hitter in a good lineup. But the fact is in this lineup he is an ideal #2 hitter.
• · The Cubs signed Seth McClung to a minor league deal because Casey Coleman has shoulder pain.
• · It is very likely that the Cubs non-tender Ian Stewart and then sign him to a one year deal with a lower salary than what he would get from arbitration. There is a rumor circling he would accept a one year deal worth about $1.5M to stay with the Cubs.
• · Carlos Marmol has yet to be placed on waivers but he could be very soon.
• · Junior Lake could be one of the players called up to the majors in September which would be great because I think he is a better option at 3^rd than Vitters.
• · CubsDen takes a look at the players who could get the nod at 3rd for 2013.
• · To fill out the Cubs rotation next season they could turn to players like Francisco Liriano, Jonathan Sanchez, Chien-Ming Wang, Jeff Francis, Scott Baker, or Eric Bedard. Guys (on the younger side) they can buy low on with a one year deal with option and sell high on to bring in prospects. Much like they did with Maholm this year.

Bruce Levine chats…

• · There is too much upside to trade Castro.
• · Levine feels BJax should not play every day.
• · Until Castro takes more walks he will not be able to take the next step. Experience is the key.
• · Rumors are circling around Soriano and Marmol but nothing substantiated.
• · Baez seems to be on a quicker track to the big leagues and Levine thinks him and Soler will both be in the Arizona fall league in Ocotber.
• · The hope is within two years Baez, Soler, and Almora will be in the big leagues.
• · The Cubs seem committed to Castillo and Clevenger at backstop.
• · The Cubs are likely to add to their pitching staff with veterans on one year deals with team friendly options.
• · Darwin Barney should be on the Gold Glove hunt but he feels Brandon Phillips will win because he is the sexier name.
• · Vitters will get a shot to win the starting job at 3^rd base next Spring.
• · The Cubs should hold onto Soriano because the new regime is getting the best out of the 36 year old outfielder.

Until Next Time…

Cubs Rumor Bag: Soriano, A Source, and Levine Speaks

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 -  - Matt Garza will be officially put on the DL today and the Cubs will call up lefty Brooks Raley today to take his spot.

- - Garza stress reaction is serious and the Cubs are not sure he will be back this season.

- - Jed Hoyer expects Garza to be a part of the Cubs in 2013 even if he does not pitch in 2012,

- - As of last Friday Soriano indicated he had not been placed on waivers.

- - Soriano said there is a 50/50 chance he is traded this offseason but likes Chicago and will only leave for a contender in a desirable city to him.

- - The Cubs are going to ride out the ups and downs of the young players in the ML Sveum said (which goes along with the FO). This is a dramatic change from Quade and Jim Hendry.

Talked to one of my sources recently through email and he had some nice tidbits to offer me-

- - Don’t be surprised if younger prospects in the system at a deep position are traded to provide more depth in other areas in this off-season and next. He names players like Junior Lake, Dan Vogelbach, Trey McNutt, Matt Szczur, and Logan Watkins.

- - Movement throughout the Cubs system from now until this next season will be significant and could see players like Lake and Szczur jump to AAA Iowa. Even players like Vogelbach, Baez, and Soler could see a promotion to AA before the start of next season.

- - The most telling thing for the direction of the Cubs and their players will the September call ups. If the Cubs decide to call up guys like Szczur or Lake to the big leagues it means one of two things. They want to see if they can contribute at the big league level as early as next season or they are auditioning those players for trades with other clubs for their top prospects.

Levine had his chat so lets check in-

- - Castro has gone cold with this bat because people are taking advantage of his aggressiveness.

- - LaHair could look at other options this offseason including moving to Japan.

- - No inning cap for Shark but they could skip some starts for him.

- - No one will put a claim on Soriano but he could help a lot of teams.

- - The Cubs backstops both need work but they are considered the future right now.

- - Cubs are not afraid of trading one of their young players for other needs within the Cubs organization. (Something my sources said above)

- - The Cubs best chance to deal Garza now is in the offseason.

- - Soler and Almora could see Peoria the last few weeks of the season.

Until Next Time…

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…