Hawpe Off Block and Other Notes....

- Dan O'Dowd says the understands the value of Brad Hawpe on and off the field so they will not trade him unless they get a return like they did for Matt Holliday. So seeing Brad Hawpe in a Cubs uniform is not likely.

- Jon Heyman of SI is reporting that the Cubs will likely reach an agreement with Rudy Jaramillo for their hitting coach. Heyman speculates that the Cubs will sign him 800K a year for multiple years. He would be one of the highest paid hitting coaches in baseball. The Cubs hope he can help out with Soriano and Bradley (if he is not traded).

- The Yankees are contemplating on whether to bring back Damon or Matsui. but not both. While Bobby Abreu has turned down a 2 year 16 million dollar deal from the Angels. Both Abreu and Damon are targets for the Cubs.

- The Cubs want to extend Derrek Lee this offseason. It is rumored they would like to offer him a one or two year extension worth 10-13 million a season. I am for that. If the Cubs signed Lee to a one year deal worth 13 million he would be signed though the 2011 season then becoming a free agent. It just so happens Albert Pujols is a free agent after the 2011 season. Probably just coincidence but Pujols has said he does not want to discuss an extension yet and the Cubs payroll with no new contracts at the end of 2011 would be about 54 million. Without any big deals the Cubs could in fact make a run at Pujols considering they would have the money. I may be dreaming here.

That is it for today Cub fans...

Finally An Update....

Sorry guys for the long delay... Lots of stuff going on but here is the latest Cubs talk-

- The Cubs have released So Taguchi. No shock there.

- Neal Cotts wants to pitch next season whether or not the Cubs tender him.

- Carrie Muskat said yesterday that the Cubs have asked the Rangers for permission to talk to Rudy Jaramillo. The Cubs are likely to add him as their hitting coach. He is a perfect fit and it seems the Cubs are even willing to over pay for his services.

- The Cubs are discussing a deal with many teams regarding Milton Bradley but no deal appears imminent.

- Jon Heyman has the Cubs a possible landing spot for Billy Wagner.

- Don't Laugh but I have heard from a couple of sources that the Red Sox are one of the teams interested in Milton Bradley. In fact one said that the Sox wanted to make a run at him last season as insurance for J.D. Drew and the struggling David Ortiz but backed off when he wanted more than an one year deal. Would the Sox trade Dice-K and the 28 million left on his contract for troubled but talented outfielder Milton Bradley and the 21 million left on his contract?

I would say yes! The Red Sox have already considered trading Dice-K at the deadline this year and said they would entertain offers for him during the offseason. Dice-K has a no-trade clause but may be willing to waive it to go to a team like the Cubs. There would be a familiar face in Fukudome (which could also benefit the Cubs) and the Red Sox would also be saving 7 million by trading him for Bradley. They could then use that 7 million to re-sign Jason Bay, make a run at Matt Holliday, or another top tier free agent. All the while they would get a guy who has a lifetime .277 AVG and .371 OBP even after the awful season he had with the Cubs. Yes, the Red Sox may have some chemistry issues with Bradley but they put up with Manny for years didn't they?! Milton would provide the Sox with an everyday DH and spot starter in the outfield. They could evenuse him in a platoon role with Ortiz since Bradley smashes lefties. I see this as more of a win for the Sox than the Cubs.

On the Cubs end of the deal they do take on another big contract pitcher which is not to exciting. But with Dice-K in the NL Central I expect his numbers to look a lot better than his numbers in Boston. Even though his numbers in Boston were not that bad. Mats would fit in the rotation nicely whether he is a 3rd or 5th starter. Not to mention the Cubs would be getting rid of clubhouse cancer Milton Bradley and strengthening their rotation while doing it.

I honestly believe this is a realistic deal for both sides and Jim and Theo should read this idea and get it done.

More Later......

Hudson Another Cubs Target.. Other Notes...

- Is there a free agent the Cubs are not interested in?!?! According to Ken Rosenthal at Foxsports.com Tim Hudson plans to officially join the free agent market. Hudson who is just coming off Tommy John Surgery went 2-1 with a 3.61 ERA in 7 starts that started Sept. 1st. Hudson has always been one of the top pitchers in the game winning 29 games and just losing 18 in the past three years while posting an ERA of 3.41 combined in those 3 seasons. Since he will be declining his option, he is giving up 12 million guaranteed for next season. A lot of baseball guys believe Hudson will get a 2 year deal worth 16 million and others think he will get 3 year deal around 30-35 million. One thing is for sure the Cubs are interested in Hudson. The news with Tim Hudson heading to the free agent market intrigued the Cubs so much they have made him one of their "top targets" this offseason according to someone close to the Cubs internal operations.

I would love to see Hudson on this team. Having a rotation of Zambrano, Lilly, Dempster, Hudson, and Wells would be so dominate!

- The Denverpost.com said Brad Hawpe could be a trade candidate given the cheap outfield talent of Carlos Gonzalez, Dexter Fowler, and Seth Smith. MLBTR.com said that the Cubs and Mets should have interest in Hawpe. Brad can opt out of this 10 million 2011 option if traded but I think if traded to the Cubs they may want to negotiate a new deal with him. He would be perfect in RF for the Cubs. The only question is do they have enough to land him?

- One SF Giant exec with veto power said we WOULD approve an Aaron Rowand for Milton Bradley trade probably because Rowand is owed 36 million and Bradley is owed 21 million. No trade is expected though because the team does not want to get him chemistry issues by trading for Bradley.

- Ricketts is due to take over the Cubs by late next week. The sale of the Cubs to the Ricketts Family was approved by Bankruptcy Court.

- Tom Ricketts and the rest of the Cubs' staff will have their first organizational meeting the first week of November to address the Cubs needs for next season. Word is the Cubs payroll will increase to 145-150 million next season. The Cubs current roster as it stands with no signing or arbitration is costing the Cubs 120 million. Which means with arbitration raises, new signing, and no subtraction of of money the Cubs will have nearly 25-30 million to spend in the 2010 offseason. That is a good amount.

- Reed Johnson returning to the Cubs is up in the air because of lingering back issues but both sides are confident they can work it out.

- Aaron Heilman is under Cubs control for next season and may be trade bait.

- The Cubs could sign Derrek Lee to an extension. Only adding on a year or two I assume.

Until Next Time......

Damon a Target....

According to Mlbdailydish.com the Cubs are looking at Johnny Damon for CF next season. Damon, 36, is reportedly looking for a two year deal and the Cubs could offer him a 2 year 20 million dollar deal to have him in the Friendly Confines. The Cubs could then move Fukudome to RF and maybe even a platoon role with Johnson. Damon hit .282 with 24 Homers and 82 RBI while stealing 12 bases. He also posted a .370 OBP. He could fill the role as their lead off hitter or even a two hole hitter. Damon would be a great upgrade to this team. If the Cubs could get Damon and Figgins I would be thrilled!

Slow day today... More to Come....

More on Bradley... Cubs Making Moves This Winter....

- Getting sick of Milton Bradley rumors??? We are too! That is why the Cubs will want to try to trade him as soon as possible, maybe right after the World Series, although that may be unlikely. The Cubs have set a self-imposed deadline of December 2nd to deal Bradley because they want to go into the winter meetings on Dec. 7th without him in Cubbie blue and addressing other needs.

-It should be noted that the Cubs could also look to see what the trade market is Jake Fox, Micah Hoffpauir, and Mike Fontenot. They also may just outright release Aaron Miles or trade him for another contract worth 2.7 million next season. How about Miles and Fontenot for Luis Castillo and his contract? Mets get 8 million in salary relief for the next 2 seasons. I bet they would do that.

- According to Yahoo's Tim Brown the Rays will only consider trading for Bradley if the Cubs eat most of his contract, that way the Rays could release him at any time and not take a financial hit. I am sorry the Cubs just won't do that unless you subtract Burrell and add Upton in the deal or keep Burrell and add Iwamura to the deal.

- This winter will be a busy one for Jim Hendry and new owner Tom Ricketts. The Cubs are reportedly looking at free agents and players via trade. The holes they would like to address one way or another as followed-

---Power hitting RBI guy for the outfield--- My guy- Brad Hawpe
---Good defensive, speedy, guy for 2nd base---My guy- Chone Figgins
---Maybe a veteran southpaw starter---My guy- Doug Davis
---Veteran for the bullpen--- Matt Herges

This is an good way to go about the offseason. You are making one trade and signing 3 free agents. With Hawpe making 7.5 million next season and a 10 million dollar option he is a steal for a guy who will hit .285 with 20+ homers and 80+ RBI. Figgins would be the Cubs big offseason price tag. He is likely to cost around 4 years 44 million but well worth it since the Cubs need a leadoff man. Doug Davis maybe the back of the rotation starter the Cubs have been looking for. He would likely cost the Cubs about 8 million a season which is not that bad. Matt Herges may come about 1 million for next season because of the flooded relief market. With these 4 players the Cubs will be adding about 25 million in payroll but could be subtracting money as well by getting rid of players like Bradley, Miles, Fonty, and others.

Here are my 2nd choices for the Cubs needs-
Power Hitter- Nick Swisher
2nd base- Orlando Hudson/Akinori Iwamura- It is a tie between the two.
Veteran Lefty- Randy Johnson/in house
Veteran Pen- Guillermo Mota/Kiko Calero

I would also like to add that the Cubs should sign Kelvim Escobar to a contract this offseason. He only pitched 5 innings this season because of arm problems but he is a very good pitcher with upside. He could basically go the route of Mark Prior and rehab until he thinks he is ready. Wouldn't you pay just a million to a guy that could help your team next season? The same guy that went 18-7 with a 3.40 ERA last season? I would!

One thing is for sure... This will be a fun offseason!

Bradley to Rays? Granderson Anyone?

Update2- The Cubs have now found another possible destination for Milton Bradley. According to sources the Mariners have interest in the troubled outfielder and have several expensive player they would like to deal as well. The rumor is the Mariners are willing to take on Bradley and his contract if the Cubs take Kenji Johjima, Carlos Silva, Bill Hall, or Ian Snell and what is left on their contract. Johjima is owed 16 million over the next two years, Silva is owed 23 million over the next 2 years with a mutual option of 12 million for 2012, Hall is owed 8.4 million next season and has a club option for 9.25 million for 2011, and Ian Snell is owed 4.25 million next season with club options of 6.75 million in 2011 and 9.25 million in 2012.

The Cubs already have enough guys like Silva so he is out of the question. Same goes with Kenji because we already have two decent catchers. That leaves Bill Hall who has played some outfield and infield and has some value but not that much and could just be a pretty expensive utility guy. I honestly would trade Hall for Bradley though.

Ian Snell for Milton Bradley?? I would do in a heartbeat! Yes, his trade value and numbers are down but I think going to the Cubs will actually benefit Snell especially when he plays the Pirates. Snell had the makings of a number one or two pitcher in the Majors when he stopped throwing his fastball for strikes. I think Larry Rothchild could turn this young man around and he would be a really good bottom of the rotation guy for the Cubs next year. The Cubs need to pull off this deal!

More as this develops....

Update- Buster Onley of ESPN says it is a long shot that the Rays and Cubs get a deal done that would send Bradley to Flordia and Burrell to Chicago.

I just do not see how this is a "long shot." Two troubled outfielders that want out of their teams. Not too much of a long shot Buster.

- The Sun-Times is reporting that the Cubs are urging the Rays to make a fast deal for Milton Bradley. Probably to get the problem out the door sooner than later. Bradley is owed 21 million over the next two years and the Rays have an unwanted outfielder named Pat Burrell who is owed 7 million that they are willing to trade. The Rays would require the Cubs to pay almost the difference in contracts to get a deal done. I think the Cubs should talk about acquiring another player in the deal to make it happen rather than forking over more money.

They could include higher priced guys like James Shields or Willy Aybar in the deal to offset the money but they are not likely to deal either one of those guys. They could in fact pick up the 4.25 million dollar option on Iwamura then trade him to the Cubs along with Burrell to offset the cash some. That deal would really benefit the Cubs and I could see the Cubs sending 6+ million in cash along with a minor leaguer to get that deal done.

The Cubs could also wait and look at the Padres and Jays as partners but it is unlikely spot since the GM positions are still up in the air.

- The Detriot News says that the Tigers should shop Granderson for some middle infield, relief pitcher, and maybe a replacement outfielder. The Cubs could use Granderson who can steal 20+ basese, hit 20+ homers, and drive in 60+ RBI out of the leadoff spot. This could also give the Cubs an opportunity once again to dump Milton Bradley who is owed 21 million while Granderson is owed 37 million over the next four years at the age of 28. The Cubs could send them Bradley and Shark for Granderson. I think the Cubs should at least give Detroit a call about Granderson, he is a superstar in the making.

Til Next Time....

We Are Talking Cubs.....

- MLB.com reports that MLB clubs unanimously approve the Cubs transfer to Tom Ricketts. Ricketts will take over the day to day operations when the sale is closed at the end of the month. Glad this is basically over.

- Could Milton Bradley stay with the Cubs? Carrie Muskat talked to Jim Hendry and he left it open by saying-

"You deal with the cards you have now"

- I reported on Saturday that the Cubs could demote or get rid of hitting coach Von Joshua and look at maybe Ryne Sandberg as a possible replacement. The AP said the same thing Sunday night but also says that Jim Hendry would not name anyone as possible replacement for Von. I would be thrilled if Sandberg was the hitting coach!

- Lou said that Ryne Sandberg will be in the mix to succeed him as manager. I would also love to see that as well.

- The Tribune and the Sun-times run down some offseason moves for the Cubs.
====Both think it is Jim Hendry's top priority is to unload Bradley and do not think there is any chance he is brought back. The Tribune believes the Cubs could trade Bradley for a bad contract run producer. I would not mind a guy like Eric Byrnes or Aaron Rowand, either one would be ideal for the Cubs.
==== Grabow is looking for a three year deal and the Cubs are likely to give it to him. I like Grabow and he should be the start of a better bullpen next season.
==== The Tribune thinks that Fonty and Foxy are trade candidates.... It is hard to believe that Mike Fontenot has any trade value and I think the Cubs would be foolish to get rid of Jake Fox considering how good of a hitter he is. The only way I trade him is for equal value or a part of a mega deal that gets a power hitting RF, CF, or 2nd baseman. Otherwise, NO WAY!
==== Both see Zambrano with the Cubs next season.
==== The Cubs could go with Sam Fuld instead of Reed Johnson next season. Not sure how I feel about that.

- Bruce Levine has some Cub news-
==== He believes the Cubs will have their fifth starter be a combination of Marshall and Shark. I on the other hand believe they should go with Tom Gorzelanny or sign a veteran lefty. Doug Davis tops my list for pitchers.
==== He believes Esmailin Caridad maybe the late inning call guy they need. He deserves to be on the 25 man roster to start next season. He has nasty stuff and only walked 3 batters in 14 outings and striking out 17.
==== He thinks the catchers will be the same next season. No argument here, Soto will bounce back.
==== He believes Chone Figgins is the answer for 2nd base next season giving his high OBP, Avg, and SB. I think he should be the Cubs top priority this offseason as well.
==== He talks about trading Milton Bradley for Pat Burrell. Still not sold on that one even though Burrell is a decent hitter and has a career OBP of .363 but age maybe catching up to him.
==== He says Miles and Fontenot need to go and the Cubs need a stronger bench. He says Baker will be back and a move in the right direction. I think Baker, Reed Johnson, Jake Fox, Andres Blanco, and Koyie Hill are a good start of the bench. Levine mentions Orlando Cabrera as a short term stop gap. I do not agree with that.

- If the Cubs are serious about adding a good, low cost bench guy they should look at Jamey Carroll, Craig Counsell, or John McDonald. Or get an expensive one and sign Mark DeRosa!

- The Cubs are not only looking at the free agent market for a replacement for Milton Bradley, they are looking at trades as well. Four player that they have circled according to some Cub officials are Adam Dunn, Nick Swisher, B.J. Upton, and Brad Hawpe. These players are the Cubs top trade targets this offseason. The Cubs almost got Swisher before they signed Fukudome, Adam Dunn was willing to take a discounted deal to come to the Cubs before they signed Milton Bradley, Brad Hawpe is the Cubs dream right fielder posting a .384 OBP while hitting 20+homers and drive in 80+ RBI every year, and Upton would provide a cheap, talented, high reward guy they can get for below market value.

I think the Cubs are right on having these four players be their top trade candidates. Hawpe looks the most attractive out of the four followed by Dunn, Swisher, and Upton.

That is it for tonight Cub Fans.... Look for live chats to return this offseason!

Some News From the Hot Stove....

Here is the latest from the Hot Stove...

- The Cubs had 3 million fans enter Wrigley this season. It is the 6th consecutive year this has happened.

- Rogers from the Chicago Tribune runs down his list to get a power bat for next season. He list some guys that are free agents and some that could be acquired in a trade. He names off some names we already have heard like Bobby Abreu and Adam Dunn but also names off guys like Tejada, Sheffield, Hawpe, Chris Young, and Ankiel that suprised me. If the Cubs can get Hawpe that would be the best fit for the Cubs along with Bobby Abreu. I also really like Adam Dunn and I am very surprised he does not mention Vlad or Damon.

- The Rangers and Royals have expressed they have no interest in Bradley. The Mets, Padres, Rays, and Giants are front runners to land Milton.

- The Chicago Sun Times talked to Ryno and he said his ideal job is to manage the Cubs. He is in line to become Lou's replacement at the end of next season many say. I would not be surprised if he manages the Iowa Cubs next season.

- The Cubs have a lot of interest in B.J. Upton if he is in fact shopped this winter. One baseball executive calls him a perfect fit for Wrigley Field and the Cubs. Nightengale says he is likely to be dealt.

- Zambrano said he will be back next season.

- Ted Lilly wants the Cubs to retain Reed Johnson and bring back Mark DeRosa. I agree with both moves but only if DeRosa is in a platoon roll in RF or a utility guy. There are too many good guys in the 2nd base market to have the Cubs go right after DeRosa. Chone Figgins, Iwamura, Hudson, and Polanco are all listed before Mark for guys to fill the 2nd base role next season.

- The Cubs might not offer arbitration to Harden. I think they would be stupid not too. The worst that can happen is he accepts and we get him for about 9 million next season.

- Muskat of MLB.com says the Cubs are in preliminary discussion with John Grabow about staying a Cub for next season. Grabow wants to stay and is confident a deal gets done. Harden also wants to stay but the Cubs may not want him back because of his injury woes.

- The Cubs plan on keeping "most of" their coaching staff including Larry Rothchild. The one coach they might not retain is Von Joshua. There is talk he may be sent to AAA and there is also talk that Ryno may be offered the hitting coach job or someone in AAA is offered the job and Sandberg moves up to AAA. I will keep you updated.

That is it for now Cub Fans!

Bradey Gone Per Piniella.... Other Rumors...

- No surprise here but still blog worthy. Lou said today on ESPN radio that Milton Bradley will not play another game for the Cubs. Lou suggested he will spend his last two years of his contract playing for someone else. Lou even said "now we try to find somebody else," and "I know Jim will work very hard at it."

- The teams interested in Bradley are the Rays, Giants, Padres, Mets, and Rangers. With the Rangers the most unlikely out of the list.

- The Mets are said to be dangling Luis Castillo or Oliver Perez to get Bradley on their team. The only way the Mets trade Castillo for Bradley is if the Cubs pay 8 million of Bradley's contract to offset the difference. Although they would do an even swap of Perez for Bradley but the Cubs are not fond of that deal.

- If hard throwing 18 year old lefty Yusei Kikuchi chooses MLB over Japan ball the Cubs will be right there to offer him a contract. They were over there earlier this year scouting him and like what they saw.

- Thinking outside the box??? Milton Bradley for Ryan Doumit? Bradley for Harang? Arroyo? Bradley for Magglio Ordonez? Jermey Bonderman? Carlos Guillen? Dontrelle Willis? Milton for Nick Swisher?

Could any of those happen? The contract money is close in all the deals. Could the Cubs find a match in any of those trades? I like the Milton for Swisher and Bradley for Guillen or Willis.

- The Cubs are leaning toward signing a bat for the outfield rather than trading for one. They have Bobby Abreu, Johnny Damon, and Vladimir Guerrero at the top of their wish list with Jermaine Dye, Mike Cameron, and Marlon Byrd as their plan B.

- The Cubs are also looking at free agency for a 2nd baseman but do find Mark Teahen and Brandon Phillips also very appealing. Both are rumored to be available this winter via trade.

Until Next Time.....

Cubs Rumors.....

- Heyman says that the Padres are one of the rare teams interested in Milton Bradley and says the Rangers are a long shot to land him.

- The Chicago Cubs are not interested in re-signing fragile starter Rich Harden according to Paul Sullivan. Lou likes the depth the Cubs have right now with Zambrano, Dempster, Wells, Lilly, and a one of Gorzelanny, Marshall, or Samardzija.

- Lou also does not expect many changes this offseason. He would like to see about 5 different moves. I would like to see Bradley and Miles traded, add a bullpen guy, acquire a good 2nd baseman, get a guy for LF or CF, and sign Doug Davis.

- Ricketts should take full control of the Cubs between October 15th and the 30th.

- There is a lot of life to the Burrell for Bradley trade rumor. I might do that trade if it is just a contract swap.

- There are more rumors turning up that the Giants and Cubs could switch outfielders and contracts. The Cubs would acquire Rowand for Bradley. Rowand and Johnson are good friends and he would love to see Aaron come to the northside. If the Cubs did acquire Rowand they would also keep Johnson and may look for a lefty utility guy as the 5th outfielder which means Hoffpauir or Fox could start in Iowa next season.

That is it for now Cub fans....