Kuroda intrest Cubs! Cubs should sign Lofton.

Thanks to MLBTR-

Cubs, Mariners Interested In Hiroki Kuroda

The Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan had some information regarding Japanese starter Hiroki Kuroda in his column yesterday. Apparently the Cubs and Mariners are leading the pack for his services, should he choose to opt out of his contract. According to Sullivan, Kuroda signed a four-year, $10.4MM deal with the Hiroshima Carps last winter. He would have no problems getting three years, $12MM over here.

Kuroda, a 32 year-old righty, won the Central League ERA title in '06 with a 1.85 mark. That ballooned to 3.56 this year as the command master saw his home run and hit rates rise. Kuroda could be very successful in the NL Central. If my guess on his price tag is correct, he could be one of few free agent bargains this winter.

This would be a good move for the Cubs considering they don't have a very strong rotation which showed up in the playoffs. Lou has said he wants another starting pitcher and this guy would really help the rotation. He would be a solid #5 starter and decent #4. Adding him to the rotation of Z, Lilly, and Hill and let Marquis, Marshall, Prior, Hart, and Gallagher fight for the 5th spot in the rotation would be ideal. Here is a link to his stats-

http://www.japaneseballplayers.com/en/player.php?id=hkuroda

and here is some video of him-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cekkzbHot_I

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Regardless what the Cubs do this off season in my opinion they need Kenny Lofton. With Pie not being ready to hit ML pitching and Jones good defense but ok hitting and no RF why not sign Lofton. This guy is clutch in the playoffs and with RISP. He is familiar with Wrigley, good clubhouse guy, and adds some speed to your lineup. Lou said he wants get some players in the club who can manufacture runs and do things the right way. Lofton would be one of those guys. Here a link to his stats-

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/playerStats?categoryId=85057

Career .299 hitter, 10 homers a year, .372 OBP, low SO and good BB. Why not get this guy???? Its a no brainer at 6 million a year.

Hot Rumors Starting Already for the Cubbies

It seems the rumor mill is heating up once again and here is some rumors and notes for you all-

- It seem that Lou doesn't want Arod, at least for the money Boras wants. Lou likes the team chemisty and doesn't want to add tension in the club house with a guy who will be making 300million over the next 10 seasons.

- The Yanks seem to be shopping Damon around and the Cubs are really interested. The Yanks want to get rid of Damon and a portion of his contract to make room for Melkey to take the full time reigns in CF. Damon is owed 13 million a year over the 08 and 09. Damon does have a partial no trade clause but was intrested to come to the cubs at the end of the 05 season so that shouldn't be a problem. The Yanks need pitching and have thrown around names like Santana and Willis but may not want to give up some of there young talent. The Cubs could part with Marshall or Marquis along with Epatt to get this deal done. The Yanks need a solid inning eating starter so Marquis along with Epatt or a midlevel prospect could get Damon. The Yanks are expected to swallow about 5+ million of the remaining 26 million left on his contract which would be a push money wise. The Cubs could also shop Dempster as a starter or reliever to the Yanks which wouldn't be a bad trade either. The word is the Cubs don't think Pie is ready for ML pitchers and could let him hit .330 in AAA again or trade him while his value is still decent.

-The Cubs are considering picking up Trachsel's 4.75 million dollar option next year. Either to fill the 5th spot in the rotation or as a trading chip this offseason. Either way its not the worst idea in the world.

- The Cubs have also discussed internally about Santana. He would come as a hefty price. He would more than likely cost Epatt, Hill, and Pie. Which is very fair in my opinion then the cubs can fill the gap in CF with a big FA like Jones, Hunter, or Rowand. Or the can fill the gap with Jones who did a good job in CF and find a RF via trade or FA. IF money is an object, why not sign Lofton. I love that guy!!!!!

Cubs could have intrest in Nioka.

Tomohiro Nioka, 1999 Yomiuri Giants No. 2 draft pick

Becomes free agent in: Four seasons and 21 days.

Credentials: The 27-year-old shortstop brushed aside criticism that he lacked stamina and power as he not only became the sole Giant to play in all 140 games in the 2003 season, but eclipsed career highs with a .300 average, 172 hits and 29 homers.

He is a dark horse whom few consider would make the jump to the majors because he has never went public with his desire to play outside of Japan, but recently voiced his interest by saying ''I'd most definitely consider playing in the major leagues.''

He also revealed that he has never been in better shape and is ''still nowhere near the peak'' after undergoing surgery to remove bone chips from a fractured left wrist in the summer of 2001 for his only major injury since making his pro debut.

His mental toughness is also an attraction as he is known to be a clutch hitter who connected for a walkoff homer to secure the Giants' Central League championship in 2000 and hit a grand slam in the Japan Series two years later to be named the MVP.

This guy seem pretty good. Now do I think he will duplicate his numbers over here, probably not. He is a very solid shortstop and is a clutch hitter. The Cubs have been scouting Japanball and have be interested in players such as Nioka, Fukadome, Hitoki Iwase, and Kazumi Saito. Here is the link to some career stats for Nioka-

http://www.japanesebaseball.com/players/player.jsp?PlayerID=1072

I love the OBP of .346, and a decent glove having not more than 12 errors a season in his first 6 years in JapanBall. He has decent power numbers hitting 16,25,20 homers the past 3 years. He is a Righty and doesn't require a posting fee. Could be a good addition to this team, would rather go after Fukadome and Iwase hard tho.

Steve Stone wants place in Cubs Organization but not GM.

Great Article of the Tribune-

Steve Stone has confirmed his interest in becoming a significant voice in a new Cubs ownership group but said he would not want the duties or title of general manager."Probably from about a year ago, I have said to everyone who has asked me: I don't want to be a general manager," Stone said Thursday. "I have no desire to be a general manager of a baseball team. Not the Chicago Cubs, not any of them. If any team asked me to be the general manager, I would definitively turn them down. It's a job for a very energetic fellow."

Stone, 60, was described in a Thursday Tribune story as the Cubs' probable next general manager if Chicago financier Lou Weisbach and his group land the team.They are one of at least four groups known to have an interest. Stone and Weisbach are longtime friends, and while Stone said he would be happy to serve the group in an advisory role, running the team is more than he cares to do."It's a 12-months-a-year job where you have to spend that in the same city," Stone said. "My wife is an attorney; she lives in Arizona. We live six months in Arizona and six months in Chicago. And our home is in Arizona. So for me, that ship [to be a general manager] has sailed.

"Stone believes he could have significant input in a team's decision-making process without the title of a top executive."The role would be determined later, but I'll tell you what it won't be: The role will not be like a president, a chief executive officer, a chief operating officer or a general manager or an assistant to the general manager."

Although Stone and Weisbach are friends of long standing, Stone said he was listening to overtures from other parties seeking the Cubs as well."I have made sure to be absolutely … probably fanatical to not be aligned with any one group, which I am not," he said. "I have talked to a lot of different people, but that's as far as it has gone. The message I have tried to impart to them is that I have something to offer. And if your group were to get [the Cubs], I would love to be a part of it. I am not in Lou's group." Stone apparently wants to be a "free agent" adviser for whichever group lands the Cubs.

"If you're looking at a free agent of the magnitude of Alex Rodriguez … a guy to turn around your team … I'm one of the guys who can help in a number of ways," Stone said. "But I am not the Alex Rodriguez of free agents."

IMPORTANT DATES

For all you interested Cots has all the important dates for this coming off season. Here is the link-

http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2003/01/important-transaction-dates_03.html

Crazy Cub Rumors and Thoughts.

Thanks to MLBTR-

Crazy Cubs Speculation
My apologies in advance for those who think this site is a little too Cubs-centric. The Needs and Luxuries post was my fault, but it's only natural for all of the local writers to speculate on ways to improve the club for 2008.

I know some of the Cubs fans who frequent MLBTR take some abuse for off-the-wall speculation. Jacque Jones for someone of value, for example. But honestly, the published newspaper speculation isn't any better.

Barry Rozner takes his knee-jerk shots at Aramis Ramirez, who was awful in the three-game set against Arizona. According to Rozner, A-Rod is a "better guy, better fielder, and better hitter." That's why the newly signed Ramirez should be dealt to make room for him.
Jeff Vorva wants to sign A-Rod for shortstop, move Theriot to second base, move Mark DeRosa to right field, and sign Torii Hunter for center field. That's message-board type stuff. And I say again, Theriot's not a starter.

Paul Sullivan wants to trade Jason Marquis. Sure, that would be nice. But come on - the Cubs got exactly what everyone expected in Marquis' first year, maybe even a little better. If Marquis is over 5.00 for the next two years, that should come as no surprise. Sullivan would also like to sign Aaron Rowand off a career year, blocking the Cubs' best prospect for around $55-60MM.

Gordon Wittenmyer wants Ryan Theriot leading off, though he was one of the few regular Cubs with an OBP worse than Soriano. Wittenmyer expects the Cubs to cut Mark Prior loose rather than gamble $3MM on him.

Phil Rogers notes Kerry Wood's resurgence as a reliever. If the Cubs want to keep him, it'll cost more than a million or two this time.

As far as these rumors I agree that Wood will cost more money than this year and I think the cubs will really push hard for Arod. BUT as far as Theriot leading off, that's not going to happen. As far as Prior being cut loose, that's not going to happen. Come on Marquis being traded??? Not going to happen. A signing of another outfielder like Rowand or Hunter could happen but not likely since there CF and the cubs need a RFer.

And to Barry Rozner... YOU ARE DUMB!!!!!!!! Yes Arod is better than Aram but why do you have to trade Aram to get Arod???? YOU DONT IDIOT!!!! First off ARAM HAS A NO TRADE CLAUSE.... DO YOUR HOMEWORK BARRY!!! 2ND Aram is a good person and player why call out him when it was the team effort???? 3RD dont call out Aramis, he is not the reason why the cubs lost, no one hit well in the 3 games.. Y call out Aram???? do you have a beef with him??? HEY BARRY THE NEXT TIME YOU RIGHT A COLUMN, THINK ABOUT THE SHIT YOU WRITE BEFORE YOU PUT IT DOWN BECAUSE IT MAKES NO SENSE...CUB HATER!!!!!

Cubs notes, rumors, ideas and my thoughts.

First off I want to say that I was wrong about the cubs yesterday. I thought maybe Rich Hill and the cubs could turn it around yesterday but that didn't happen. I do want to congratulated the cubs on a good season tho! The cubs exceeded all expectations by going worst to first in the NL, making the playoffs were remarkable to say the least. This team at times last year looked dead in the water, yet the cubs were resilient in there efforts and propelled them to there first playoff birth since 2003. This team is very special, with all the additions last year and multiyear contracts that were signed this club every year will be in the race. Just imagine your big dogs such as Lee, Sori, Z, and Aram will be together thru at least 2010. There is no reason to think this team will get better and compete for the Central every year. So keep your head up fans and cubbies you have nothing to be ashamed of!

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Rumors seem to be starting already for the cubs so lets have a look at them-

-The cubs are expected to non-tender Craig Monroe during the offseason. This is not a surprising move considering the depth in the OF we have and considering he was left off the playoff roster. In my honest opinion, I think you offer him arbitration because he would be a good powerful right handed bat off the bench for the cubs next year and he would be a good cheap option. But thats just my 2 cents worth.

- The cubs maybe in the position to bring in another catcher for next year in case Blanco's injury woes continue. With Soto's good power and decent job behind the plate he is expected to have the starting job for next year but it wont be handed to him. Expect the Cubs not to sign and Lo Duca or Pudge but maybe a move affordable defensive backstop. Expect Torrealba's name to come up alot in the offseason. He is decent both at the plate and behind it, he is young, and would be a good addition to this team. Here is a link to his numbers-
http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=150275

- Jones name has already come up on trade rumors. This poor guy, I don't know how he deals with it. With Pie expected to have the starting CF job next year you might see a platoon in RF with Jones and Murton. But it seem the Cubs still might trade Jones but who knows.

- The cubs will try to hold onto Wood next year but it looks like they will have competition considering he thru 96 mph last night and could be getting big bucks on the open market. Still look for the cubs to hold onto Wood.

- Floyd is looking to retire, even if he doesn't don't expect the cubs to resign him.

- Trachsel and Kendall are expected to be non-tendered by the cubs but look for Prior to be back with the team next year at about a 4 mil arbitration settlement.

-The cubs are expected to exercise Ward's club option. Its only 1.2 million which is not bad for the best lefthanded pinch hitter in MLB. Scott Eyre has a player option but is unlikely he exercises it and expect Ohman to be traded in the off season

-Ryan Dempster is signed through 2008, but has said he would like to come back as a starter. The Cubs already have Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly, Jason Marquis and Rich Hill penciled into the rotation for '08, and rookie Kevin Hart is expected to get a shot in spring training. Carlos Marmol is supposed to be the closer of the future, but Dempster stands in the way unless he joins the rotation or is traded. Don't expect Dumpster to be with the team next year.

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LOOKING AHEAD-

The Cubs are expected to make some moves next season but with the majority of the team coming back alot of move aren't necessary. The cubs will need an upgrade in RF and possibly SS if they feel Theriot and Cedeno cant handle the everyday responsibilities. Names that are already rumored are Renteria, Tejeda, Eckstien(pointless), and of course Arod. If the cubs do trade for Renteria or Tejeda it will cost Marshall, Patterson, or even one of our other young starters like Veal, Gallahger or Hart. As for RF there are alot of option the cubs can do.. They can stick with a combination of Jones, Murton and Pie in CF and RF or they can move Pie to RF and trade or sign a big named CF or leave Pie in CF and get a RFer. I expect the cubs to go after another big name next year. They will be players in Arod if he does opt out and if not him watch for them to make a play of Tejeda or a decent RF like Fukadome.

Don't expect the Cubs to sign any more starters. With there young talent they can fill out there 5th starter in house. They may some reliever but again they may address the needs in house or thru trades.

Either way this will be another fun off season for the Cubs!

If you want to see my offseason to do list its under the date Saturday Septemeber 8th under Chicago Cubs needs next year and payroll.

PREDICTION: Cubs to win game 3!

With the Chicago Cubs dropping the first 2 games in Arizona and having an uphill climb to advancing to the NLCS there is concern both in the clubhouse and with fans. The Cubs are heading back to the Friendly Confines where the hope there bats and pitching get on the same page. To look at the glass half full, the Cubs will have a loaded Wrigley Field with there own fans behind them and cheering them on. Wrigley Field the past month have been like a playoff atmosphere and the cubs have played well at home and I expect no different. The Cubs will have inexperienced Rich Hill on the mound against an aging changing speeds experienced pitcher in Hernandez. With inexperience you have 2 things that can happen... 1. You could blow up and let the pressure get to you and hand the series over to the Dbacks or... 2. You have tremendous sucess, take advantage of the tense Dbacks in an elimination game and force a game 4 with Z taking the mound. I think Hill with dominate and give the win to the Cubs.

The Cubs will not only win they will do it with the long ball, good pitching, and great defense. This will be the turn around game for the Cubs( it will have to be!!!) and bring that Cubbie Swagger we seen the last 2 months of the season. Expect Rammy, Sori, Lee, and Floyd to have big games and expect Hill to have a dominating playoff performance. I expect and predict the Cubs to win this game and I also expect and predict them to win the game on Sunday forcing a game five. Who knows what happens after that!

The Cubs need that Swagger back and I think it comes to them Saturday when there in front of there fans at the Friendly Confines.

GO CUBS GO!!!!!

Cubs Playoff Roser Set.

Some surprises, some no brainers here is the roster


Infield:
Lee
Theriot
DeRosa
Fontenot
Cedeno
Ward
Ramirez

Outfield:
Floyd
Murton
Soriano
Pie
Jones

Catchers:
Soto
Kendall

Pitchers:
Z
Lilly
Hill
Marquis
Eyre
Marmol
Hart
Howry
Wuertz
Wood
Dempster

Blanco, Marshall, Trachsel, Monroe and Ohman left off roster. The surprise to me is Monroe, he smashes lefties and he is good in the clubhouse and has post season experience. I would have picked him over Font or even Murton in my opinion. He has more power than Murton and better defense and a cannon for an arm. Another surprise is having Marshall left off the roster. If the cubs make it past the Dbacks you might see them both on the next roster in the NLCS. Lou has a good lineup, lets just hope he doesn't put dempster in a close game and god help us if he decides to have him close.

Cubs will face Dbacks

CINCINNATI -- The Cubs are headed west.
The Cubs will open the National League Division Series on Wednesday against the NL West winners, the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Carlos Zambrano (18-13, 3.95 ERA) will start Game 1 for the Cubs against Arizona's Brandon Webb (18-10, 3.01 ERA), with Ted Lilly (15-8, 3.86 ERA) going in Game 2 on Thursday. The best-of-five series will shift to Wrigley Field for Game 3 on Oct. 6 and Game 4, if necessary, on Oct. 7.
The Cubs entered Sunday's regular-season finale not knowing who they would be playing because of the complicated Wild Card scenarios. All they had to do was wait and see if the Phillies lost, or the Mets lost or the San Diego Padres won. If one of those three things happened, the Cubs were headed to Arizona. The Florida Marlins obliged, and beat the Mets, 8-1.
This is the Cubs' first trip to the postseason since they won the division in 2003. That team was five outs away from reaching the World Series, when the Marlins rallied to take the NL Championship Series.
This is a new team, with a new look and new manager Lou Piniella.
"We've got as good a chance as anybody else," Piniella said. "We're going to have to pitch well, and we're going to have to get some timely hitting. We're built for the short term as well as the long term.
"We've got a veteran team here, basically, and we've got some pitchers in the rotation who can keep you in ballgames, and we have a strong bullpen to close things out," he said. "Really, what it amounts to is how well we hit."