Cubs sign Fujikawa, Soriano Trade Talk, & More Trade Chatter!!!!

• The Cubs have signed Kyuji Fujikawa to a 2 year deal with an option for the 3rd.  Ken Rosenthal broke the story and said the Cubs are expected to make Fujikawa their closer. The Cubs committed $9.5M over 2 years for Fujikawa with a $5.5M team option for a 3rd year.  Interesting move for the Cubs and they needed good bullpen help.  This deal looks really good on the surface.
• Jon Morosi says the Cubs will meet with teams over the winter meetings to trade Soriano.  Soriano is looking more attractive of late after the deals that have been handed to outfielders this season. 
• The Cubs are expecting to pay more money toward Soriano's contract to get a better prospect in return.  The Phillies, Rays, and Braves have shown the most interest in Soriano.
• The Jays are looking for a starting pitcher and are shopping one of their catchers.  So I say what about a Garza package for a d'Arnaud package?
• Sources tell me the Cubs are expected to make a lot of changes over the winter meetings.  The names Soriano, Barney, and Marmol have all surface recently.
• The signing of Fujikawa allows the Cubs to move Marmol to the set up role or trade him.
• Could the Cubs be trading Soriano to make room for Bourn and another OF trade target?  That is the talk that is heating up right now.
• Two players the Cubs have been the most aggressive in trade talks are Wil Myers and Nick Castellanos a source tells me.  The front office views them as "game changers."

Until Next Time...

Some GOOD Late Night Cubs Notes...

• Matt Garza, James Russell, Luis Valbuena, and Jeff Samardzija have all been tendered contracts.  While Ian Stewart, Jaye Chapman, and Zach Putnam have been non-tendered. I am not surprised on any of these moves and it should be noted the Cubs are expected to try to negotiate a contract with Stewart even though they let him go today.  The Cubs just did not want to pay him the $2.5M next year given his production and health concerns.  There others maybe brought back on minor league contracts but not on the 40 man roster.
• Bruce Levine from ESPN is reporting a source told him that the Chicago Cubs have spoken to Michael Bourn's agent.  Couple of things to remember is Bourn's agent is Boras and he is known to leak stuff like this.  Also the Cubs make contact with a lot of free agents.  Also Boras represents more than just Bourn which means the Cubs could have contacted Boras about another player or coach.  Not Bourn.  Having said all that if you still need convincing that Bourn is not an "ideal" or "smart" target is he is wanting a $100M+ contract which the Cubs will not do.  He does not fit the age "requirements" of the front office.  Not to mention I do not see Theo making another Crawford type mistake.  Bourn does not seem likely.
• One more tidbit on Bourn.  If the market for CF has dropped as much as the media said it has that could work in the Cubs favor if they are legitimately interesting in him. If the Cubs can get a 3 year deal worth $50M I say pull the trigger but that is not going to happen.
• There is a rumor out there stating the Cubs have some interest in Josh Hamilton as well which I say is pretty bogus.  The only way he ends up in a Cubs uniform is if he signs a 3-4 year deal which is not likely since the Rangers offering a similar deal that Hamilton turned down and the Orioles ready to pony up big cash and years to get him.
• I am already hearing reports of the Cubs having some level of interest in outfielder Ryan Sweeney, pitcher Anthony Carter, outfielder Derrick Robinson, reliever Peter Moylan, and starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens.  All have been non-tendered before today's deadline.
• If the reports of Brian Wilson looking for an incentive laden one year deal to prove himself is true.  The Cubs need to jump all over that.  No word if there is interest in him yet but I expect chatter to start with him and the Cubs very soon.
• Another pitcher the Cubs could look at is John Lannan.
• I am hearing from a source the Cubs have minimal to no interest in Mark Reynolds.
• Casey Coleman cleared waivers and will report to AAA Iowa.
• Fujikawa is nearing a decision and it seems he is leaning toward the Angels.  The Cubs were considered a front runner as well but recent talk indicates the Angels have an edge over the Cubs.
• The Cubs have some interest in bringing in Grady Sizemore on a minor league deal.

Until Next Time....

Cubs Sign Scott Feldman, Levine Speaks, & Other Tidbits

• The Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement with right-handed pitcher Scott Feldman on a one year deal worth 6 million dollars.  The soon to be 30 year old Feldman holds a 4.81 career ERA over 8 major league seasons all with Texas.  So the signing on the surface does not look like a good move but lets dig deeper.  His average K's is 7 per 9 innings while his base on balls are only 2 which says he is a solid pitcher.  He also has played in the better league in a tough division his entire career.  He also was moved to the pen and rotation and back several times which is not good for a pitchers confidence.  Feldman is also traditionally a ground ball pitcher which will be great at Wrigley.  All in all this is a good move and I would not be surprised if truly breaks out this year with the Cubs.
• So the Cubs rotation looks set for next season. Or does it?  A source tells me the Cubs are still looking at all pitchers available on the free agent and trade markets.  The Cubs are still very much interested in Brandon McCarthy, Francisco Liriano, and Shaun Marcum. 
• The Royals are looking to deal Wil Myers for a veteran top of the rotation pitcher and have looked at James Shields and Jon Lester.  I hope Theo is seeing this because the Cubs have a pitcher named Matt Garza who is as good as they both are and I am sure the Cubs would even include more than him for Myers.  Myers is a can't miss prospect and one the Cubs could go all out for if the Royals are dangling him.
• The Reds are ready to move Chapman to the rotation since they are close to signing Broxton to a deal.  This will likely force the Reds to trade one of their starters.  26 year old Homer Bailey, 25 year old Mike Leake, 24 year old Mat Latos, 26 year old Johny Cueto, or 35 year old Bronson Arroyo could be on their way out.  All could interest the Cubs in one way or another.
• So Olney said the Cubs, Rays, and Dbacks were the most interested in Keppinger before he broke his fibula.  Regardless on the injury Keppinger should still interest the Cubs and he could now be a much cheaper option for them.  I should also state that if they signed Jeff he would likely be a bench player or be in the mix for 3rd base next season.
• Cubs name Rob Deer assistant pitching coach for next season. 

Bruce Levine Speaks-

• The Cubs are not done adding pitching according to Levine. 
• The Cubs are not afraid to add more payroll through the winter.
• Levine does not understand trading Castro for Stanton and neither do I.
• WGN, Comcast, and Crane Kenney will make the decision on the TV color guy but nothing is imminent.
• Levine chiming in on Myers!  Garza is perfect for the Royals and Wil Myers might be of interest to the Cubs.
• 2012 is when the Cubs may start signing big free agents.
• Feldman should benefit for the move to the NL.
• Bruce not sure if Marcum is still on the Cubs radar.
• You can always find spot for young impact players.
• The Cubs have to make a decision on non-tenders Friday and Stewart maybe one of them not tendered.
• The Cubs will part with Marmol for other pitching talent.
•  Lake needs 500 ABs in AAA before he makes the jump to the majors.
• The Cubs would have to trade young talent to get Chisenhall.
• Chone Figgins does not fit with the Cubs.
• Soriano will be in LF with DeJesus in right.
• The Cubs maybe willing to deal their young catcher if the price is right.

Until Next Time...

Happy Thanksgiving From Hot Stove Cubbies

I just want to thank each and every one of you that make Hot Stove Cubbies even relevant.  This blog all started back on November 9th of 2006 and has been growing ever since. Since last year I have gained just under 900 followers on twitter, have been mentioned on the radio several times, have had 250,000 unique page views in the past year, and close to a million hits since December of last year.  Not bad for just one man doing something he loves.  Without readers, posters, tweeters, and die hard Cub fans like yourselves this site would have not been possible.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart and.....

GO CUBS!

Not The Only Cubs Move Today....

The Cubs finally made their roster moves to protect the youngsters they did not want to lose in the Rule 5 draft. They put 2nd baseman Logan Watkins, 3rd baseman Christian Villanueva, pitching prospect Trey McNutt, and high upside pitcher Robert Whitenack all on the 40 man.  Which all wre hoped for and somewhat expected to have a spot on the roster.

In the corresponding moves the Cubs did trade Brigham for Loux opening up one spot on the 40 man roster. They also designated Bryan LaHair for assignment (who is expected to continue his baseball career in Japan) and waived pitcher Carlos Gutierrez who then cleared waivers and was sent to Iowa.

One thing that I am surprised with is Nick Struck being left off the 40 man and Steve Clevenger being left on. But it should be noted Struck could end up not being picked, he could still be traded, and if he does get picked he has to remain on the other team’s roster for the whole year or else he gets offered back.

It should also be noted that the Cubs may in fact still waive, trade, or DFA players on the 40 man roster. This deadline was just to protect those prospects eligible for the Rule 5 draft.

Until Next Time...

Barret Loux for Jake Brigham

The Cubs finally made a move today by trading Jake Brigham to Texas (oddly enough Texas traded him to the Cubs for Soto) for Barret Loux.  The trade removes Brigham from the 40 man roster and the Cubs add the 20th best prospect in the Rangers system in Loux (he will not be on the 40 man).  The now 23 year old pitcher was the Diamondbacks 1st round pick, 6th overall, in the 2010 draft.  Loux is projected as a back of the rotation starter in the big leagues and has some nice numbers in the minors. Two seasons in high A and AA he compiled a 22-6 record with a 3.62 ERA in 236 innings pitched.  He struck out 227 in his two season while walking only 75.

This is both a now and future move with the Cubs. The now part of the move is clearing up a spot on the 40 man roster and the future move is because Cubs also believe Loux could figure into the back end of the rotation if he continues his successful numbers with the Cubs minor league affiliates.

Cubs Notes: A Big Trade, Signings, Rumored Trades, and More....

-       UPDATE:  FROM THE INFAMOUS BRUCE LEVINE via TWITTER-

        Chicago Cubs are not presently in discussions to move any of their young players .

b

 

 

The Cubs are courting top Japanese reliever Kyuji Fujikawa who visited Wrigley on Saturday. He is a 32 year old closer who throws in the mid 90’s and has a sub 2.00 ERA. Definitely a guy that will be highly sought after in the free agent market. Because he is a FA he does not go through the posting process.

- The Cubs have interest in Rick Porcello according to George Ofman via twitter but he is also getting attention from various other teams.

- The Cubs have re-signed Shawn Camp to a one year $1.35M deal with 200K in incentives.

- The Cubs continue to eye Lonnie Chisenhall and Nick Castellanos to fill their hole at 3^rd for the future.

- Doug Glanville and Dan Pleasc will not be the next Cubs announcer but Jim Deshales has moved into the finalist round.

- The Cubs are really trying hard to move Carlos Marmol.

- The deadline to protect players from the rule 5 draft is tomorrow so each team is expect to make a flurry of moves to protect those players including the Cubs who roster stands at 39 players.

- Bruce Levine hinted on Saturday there is a big trade on the horizon with the Cubs involving young players. Let the speculation start on which team and players because he did not hint to those things. The teams/players that could be involved are the Indians with Masterson, Santana, Chisenhall, Brantley, etc; the Padres with Gyorko and Kelly, the Jays with prospects, and Detroit with Castellanos and Porcello. Either way I expect Bruce is right reading the tea leafs from Theo, Jed, and “leaked” information.

- The Cubs have signed catcher Dioner Navarro to a major league deal worth $1.75M. He will likely serve as primary backup to Welington Castillo. This also could spell out the end of Clevenger in one way or another.

Until Next Time…

Cubs Notes: Baker Signs, Liriano Might, Levine's Latest, and More...

- So the Cubs signed Scott Baker to a one year $5.5M deal with $1.5M in incentives. This is a typical risk/reward move by the front office and I expect the Cubs to sign or trade for 2 more pitchers this offseason.

- More talk is heating up around the Cubs and Francisco Liriano sources tell me.

- I am also told the Cubs front office has been in constant contact with the agents of Brandon McCarthy, Shaun Marcum, Scott Feldman, and Dallas Braden.

- The Cubs are looking at starting pitching right now while having position players more on the back burner.

- The Cubs are expected to make a “flurry” of moves between now and the winter meetings a source told me.

- The Jays/Marlins trade was a big win for both clubs because it filled a need for both. The Jays want to be contenders next season so this “all in move” was necessary. The Marlins got their stadium so they did not need their overpriced players anymore so they sent them on their way. What this means for the Cubs is the Jays are no longer looking for pitching and the Marlins could be open for business on all their remaining players. Although Stanton does not seem like a guy on the move.

- Matt Garza is going to get another scan on the injured elbow this week so they can plan out the next few months. Everything points to him pitching in the Spring.

- Torii Hunter signed a 2 year deal with the Tigers worth $26M! I like Torii but not that much.

- If the Cubs are able to trade DeJesus and/or Soriano soon and save money they could actually ink someone like B.J. Upton to a 5 year deal.

Bruce Levine had a chat today so here we go-

- Don’t expect to sign Bourn or any top flight CF this season. They could go with a Campana/Sappelt platoon. (I am not exactly too thrilled with that answer)

- The Cubs will trade Marmol and maybe for a 3^rd baseman because they feel secure at 1^st, 2^nd, and SS.

- Scott Baker looks like he will start to pitch in March and be ready to mid-April.

- Levine says the Cubs do not have a legit 3^rd baseman for the future. He says they are looking for a more finished product like Castellanos and Chisenhall. (I agree with you Bruce 100%).

- It does not sound like Ian Stewart is an answer at third.

- The Cubs will listen for trades on Barney but really like him at 2^nd.

- The Cubs were close to dealing Garza at the deadline and nothing has changed. The Cubs opened up his side sessions to teams. (I am hearing they will do the same in the next couple months.

- McCarthy would love to come back to Chicago.

- Levine shames Miami and I totally agree with him. A disgraceful owner and team in Florida.

- The Indians like the Cubs young players and to get Chisenhall it would cost Vitters and another young player. (Bruce, I would do that in a heartbeat).

- Baez will be 100% by spring training.

- A lot of talk around Liriano from a deal on the table reported by Jim Bowden and another report stating the Cubs have offered him a two year deal. Nothing concrete on Levine’s end though.

- Vogelbach will spend the year in High A or Double A next season. (He could also be trade bait).

- Chavez and McGehee are just part-time players for the Cubs.

Until Next Time..

Cubs Talk: Liriano, Ryu, DBacks, Indians, and more....

Ø A report by Jim Bowden and back up by sources and several other media outlets saying the Cubs have made an offer to lefty Francisco Liriano. This is a move I have been wanting and anticipating going back to last season. Liriano is the definition on a buy low sell high guy. He has the stuff to be a great #2 pitcher if he bounces back. Money or years have not been released but assuming nothing crazy happens this is a solid pick up for the Cubs.

Ø Another lefty making guidelines is Korean lefty Hyun-jin Ryu. Bid were due at 4 pm CST yesterday and it is confirmed that the Cubs did bid along with at least the Dodgers, Red Sox, and Rangers. Ryu must go though the posting process and his current team the Hanwha Eagles have until the 15^th to accept the posting fee. After that the team who won the bid will have window negotiate a contract which usually takes a few days.

Ø The most recent report is the Hanwha Eagles have been informed of the high bidder but have not accepted yet and no word on what team won the bid. We should find out by sometime tonight who won the bid.

Ø The Cubs could have interest in Justin Upton but it would likely cost them Starlin Castro so that won’t happen.

Ø The Dbacks are also dangling 21 year old righty Trevor Bauer. Although the Cubs are not likely to have the available pieces to make a move for him he is still an interesting target.

Ø A new name to the Cubs trade talk is 26 year old Carlos Santana who just signed a 5 year $21M deal with the Indians in 2012. The Indians are looking for young controllable players. They could have interest in Brett Jackson, Dan Vogelbach, Junior Lake, Josh Vitters, and others. Once again the Indians and Cubs match up well in just about any trade.

Ø The Cubs are pushing to re-sign their only free agent Shawn Camp.

Ø The Blue Jays signed former Cubs Justin Germano to a minor league contract.

Ø Patrick Mooney said the Cubs are interested in Kevin Youkilis but expect him to go beyond their price range and he would like to sign with a contender. The White Sox, Phillies, and Indians have all shown interest.

Ø John Lannan name has come up in trade talk although he is also a non-tender candidate.

Ø The Cubs are not a fit for Mark Reynolds for their 3^rd base vacancy.

Ø Darwin Barney is getting a ton of trade interest from teams looking for both a SS and 2^nd baseman. The Tigers have shown the most interest.

Ø The Cubs are looking to lock up Shark to a multi-year deal to be one of their core players going forward.

Ø John Arguello from CubsDen says the Padres and Cubs could meet up in a trade. He names Clayton Richard (meh) and Casey Kelly (oh yeah) as targets. He also mentions Barney as a player that could interest San Diego.

Until Next Time…

Len's Partner, Free Agency, and Trade Talk...

Ø The finalist for the Cubs color job are Dan Plesac, Eric Karros, Rick Sutcliffe, Todd Hollandsworth, and Gary Matthews. Immediately I notice no Steve Stone, John Kruk, or Doug Glanville which is unfortunate because I believe all three would have been solid guys in the booth with Len. The person I would pick is Rick Sutcliffe.

Ø The Cubs have strong interest in Korean lefty Hyn-jin Ryu and have even paid for data on him from the Korean baseball organization. Ryu is 25 and has been extremely effective in Korea with a fastball in the low 90s. He will be part of the posting process and it is unclear what price he will cost.

Ø The Cubs are not afraid to spend money but doing so effectively. Buying on low number of year contracts in which they can possibly flip at the deadline, buying and trading for young players that are or before arbitration eligible, and various things like that. In other words no Grienke or Hamilton but the Cubs will be active in the Marcum/Hunter/Larine etc… class.

Ø The Cubs could lose and gain prospect in the Rule 5 draft looking for diamonds in the rough once again.

Ø The Cubs and Red Sox have talked about a Alfredo Aceves trade which is interesting since they may be looking at him as a starter.

Ø Jon Heyman projects possible contracts for some free agent players and Bleacher Nation runs them down here. The players and their contracts Brett listed don’t seem to be deals the Cubs would hand out besides maybe McCarthy, Marcum, and Baker. Brett and I disagree on Sanchez because I do not think the Cubs should commit what they have projected for him in pay. Too expensive and too many years in my opinion at age 29.

Ø A source told me the Cubs and Indians have had the most dialogue regarding trades. The Cubs have interest in several of their players including Lonnie Chisenhall, Justin Masterson, Shin-Soo Choo, Michael Brantley, Zach McAllister, and David Huff. If the Cubs can get Chisenhall, McAllister, and Brantley I would be pretty stoked given their age and upside. Of course the Cubs would have to give up some valuable pieces of their own including a Brett Jackson, Josh Vitters, and other young talent like that. No word on who the Indians have interest in.

 

 

Until Next Time…