- Paul Sullivan is looking at the Milton Bradley situation and sees the Rangers as favorites to land him. Even though the Mets seem to be in the mix with Omar Minaya even admitting to talking to Jim about Bradley and likely including Luis Castillo in a deal. The Rays are also still very much in the mix as well.
- Sullivan says the Cubs are in no hurry to sign Lee to an extension.
- Harden still really likes Chicago and will continue dialogue with them even though it is unlikely he will return.
- The Reds are looking to cut payroll next season because of ticket sales. So the Reds will look to trade away their expensive players to cut payroll and bring in some inexpensive players to fill out the roster. So players likely to be moved are Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, and Brandon Phillips. The Cubs are currently looking to upgrade at the 2nd base position and could go into talks for Phillips who was also centered around trade conversations last season. If the Cubs could get Phillips it would be a great chip for next years ball club and beyond.
- Bruce Levine has some notes today-
---- Jim has been trying to trade Bradley since Sept.
---- Mike Cameron is plan D for the Cubs.
---- The Cubs will look at the non-tender list in Decemebr before making a move for another outfielder.
---- The Cubs have some interest in Mike Gonzalez for the pen.
---- The Cubs do not like Dan Uggla because they want better defensive 2nd baseman.
---- He does not mind a trade involving Luis Castillo
---- The Cubs will probably only eat around 5 million of Bradleys contract.
---- Jim hopes to have a couple deals done by Dec. 7th.
- According to many sources the Giants and Blue Jays will not trade for Bradley.
Til Next Time.....
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
More on the Hot Stove....
- According to reports the Cubs are intersted in Marlon Byrd. Byrd, a free agent, is coming off a career year and will be reunited with his hitting coach from Texas if signed by the Cubs. Byrd wants a multiyear deal which I just do not see happening. Hendry really likes Byrd but I think they should consider a guy like Johnny Damon or even Mike Cameron before Byrd who has only had one decent year since has been in the majors.
- The Cubs are said to want to deal Bradley before the GM meeting end. There is also talk that Bradley maybe willing to redo his contract to get a deal done.
- The Cubs have turned up the heat on talks with other clubs about Milton Bradley. Jim has been in talks with the Giants, Rangers, Mets, and Rays recently. I do like the idea of Castillo coming to the Cubs.
Until Next Time.....
- The Cubs are said to want to deal Bradley before the GM meeting end. There is also talk that Bradley maybe willing to redo his contract to get a deal done.
- The Cubs have turned up the heat on talks with other clubs about Milton Bradley. Jim has been in talks with the Giants, Rangers, Mets, and Rays recently. I do like the idea of Castillo coming to the Cubs.
Until Next Time.....
Hot Stove Action....UPDATE....
UPDATE 12:45 PM-
- Bruce Levine has the latest in his blog today on Milton Bradley. He says the Rangers are in the thick of things and Milton could be heading back to Texas for Kevin Millwood if a deal is struck. He also says the Rays and Jim Hendry worked beyond midnight last night discussing a deal that would send Pat Burrell to the Cubs for Bradley which we have all heard before. The sticking point in all these deals is how much of Milton's contract will the Cubs have to pay.
- Jim says they are not necessarily looking to add a middle infielder because of how Ryan Theriot did last season and he expects Miles and Fontenot to have back bounce seasons, more posturing.
- MLBDailyDish says the Cubs could be players on Roy Halladay. Interesting......
The first day of the meetings are in the books so lets see what is going on...
- Kevin Gregg filed for free agency leaving only Chad Fox and John Grabow left to file. Rich Harden and Reed Johnson have filed and rumor has it that they will be with new teams next season. Fox could retire and Grabow and the Cubs are working on an extension.
- According to sources the Cubs have a formal trade offer from the Rays that would send Pat Burrell to the Cubs for Milton Bradley but the sticking point is the Rays want the Cubs to pick up almost all of Bradley's 2011 salary which is half the contract. The Cubs do not want to do that right now. How about Cubs get Castillo, Rays get Bradley, Mets get Overbay, and Jays get Burrell? Just a thought.
- Rosenthal said the Cubs have discussed the framework for a deal with the Blue Jays and Mets involving Milton Bradley. Ken calls this a long shot but the deal would involve Bradley going to the Jays, Lyle Overbay going to the Mets, and Luis Castillo going to the Cubs. Rosenthal's source says this has "some legs, but not much" while Sullivan is reporting Toronto "wants no part of Milton Bradley. Meanwhile Hendry said they have not given up on Bradley even though we know that is just posturing.
There is an update however from Bruce Levine says the report by Ken Rosenthal has "some validity to it" and also says there is no question the Mets and Cubs have addressed a trade that would involve Castillo to the Cubs for Milton Bradley. This report by Levine was made after the update by Sullivan.
I will keep you up on this one!
- Joel Sherman of the NY Post is reporting the Rangers would consider dealing for Bradley but the Cubs would have to eat a big chunk of his contract which reports out of Chicago say that in unlikely. Could the Cubs trade Millwood for Bradley? I would do that! Or how about getting the Rangers involved in the three way with the Mets?
- Rich Harden wants to return to the Cubs and his agent is likely to meet with Jim Hendry soon. The only way I retain Harden is for under 7 million a year.
- The Cubs are expected to sign lefty reliever John Grabow to a two year deal with an option for 2012.
- Zambrano's agent says there has been no talk about waiving his no-trade clause.
- The Cubs want Fukudome back in RF, so they will be looking for a guy to man CF. We have heard Rowand, Pods, Davis, Cameron, etc....
- On XM radio with Lee Hamilton the Cubs have talked to the Rangers about a Bradon McCarthy for Milton Bradley trade. I would do that trade.
- The Cubs will not be releasing Bradley by any means.
- Levine says Jim is working hard to move Bradley and want him gone during the GM meetings.
- Bruce Miles says that Hendry has had "talks with three or four other teams about Bradley in the last 12 or 13 days, but nothing is close"
- ESPN threw out the idea of an Bobby Jenks for Milton Bradley trade. Done deal for me!
- Bruce Miles says the Cubs are not fit for Chone Figgins. I am guessing a money issue.
- The Cubs are interested in getting a middle infielder but only for a one or two year deal because of the emergence of Starlin Castro.
- On the middle infielder note, here is a list of players the Cubs are interested in via trade or free agency-
Luis Castillo
Placido Polanco- only for an one year incentive deal
Orlando Hudson- same as Polanco
Mark DeRosa
Orlando Cabrera
Miguel Tejada
Day one in the books, day two here we come!
- Bruce Levine has the latest in his blog today on Milton Bradley. He says the Rangers are in the thick of things and Milton could be heading back to Texas for Kevin Millwood if a deal is struck. He also says the Rays and Jim Hendry worked beyond midnight last night discussing a deal that would send Pat Burrell to the Cubs for Bradley which we have all heard before. The sticking point in all these deals is how much of Milton's contract will the Cubs have to pay.
- Jim says they are not necessarily looking to add a middle infielder because of how Ryan Theriot did last season and he expects Miles and Fontenot to have back bounce seasons, more posturing.
- MLBDailyDish says the Cubs could be players on Roy Halladay. Interesting......
The first day of the meetings are in the books so lets see what is going on...
- Kevin Gregg filed for free agency leaving only Chad Fox and John Grabow left to file. Rich Harden and Reed Johnson have filed and rumor has it that they will be with new teams next season. Fox could retire and Grabow and the Cubs are working on an extension.
- According to sources the Cubs have a formal trade offer from the Rays that would send Pat Burrell to the Cubs for Milton Bradley but the sticking point is the Rays want the Cubs to pick up almost all of Bradley's 2011 salary which is half the contract. The Cubs do not want to do that right now. How about Cubs get Castillo, Rays get Bradley, Mets get Overbay, and Jays get Burrell? Just a thought.
- Rosenthal said the Cubs have discussed the framework for a deal with the Blue Jays and Mets involving Milton Bradley. Ken calls this a long shot but the deal would involve Bradley going to the Jays, Lyle Overbay going to the Mets, and Luis Castillo going to the Cubs. Rosenthal's source says this has "some legs, but not much" while Sullivan is reporting Toronto "wants no part of Milton Bradley. Meanwhile Hendry said they have not given up on Bradley even though we know that is just posturing.
There is an update however from Bruce Levine says the report by Ken Rosenthal has "some validity to it" and also says there is no question the Mets and Cubs have addressed a trade that would involve Castillo to the Cubs for Milton Bradley. This report by Levine was made after the update by Sullivan.
I will keep you up on this one!
- Joel Sherman of the NY Post is reporting the Rangers would consider dealing for Bradley but the Cubs would have to eat a big chunk of his contract which reports out of Chicago say that in unlikely. Could the Cubs trade Millwood for Bradley? I would do that! Or how about getting the Rangers involved in the three way with the Mets?
- Rich Harden wants to return to the Cubs and his agent is likely to meet with Jim Hendry soon. The only way I retain Harden is for under 7 million a year.
- The Cubs are expected to sign lefty reliever John Grabow to a two year deal with an option for 2012.
- Zambrano's agent says there has been no talk about waiving his no-trade clause.
- The Cubs want Fukudome back in RF, so they will be looking for a guy to man CF. We have heard Rowand, Pods, Davis, Cameron, etc....
- On XM radio with Lee Hamilton the Cubs have talked to the Rangers about a Bradon McCarthy for Milton Bradley trade. I would do that trade.
- The Cubs will not be releasing Bradley by any means.
- Levine says Jim is working hard to move Bradley and want him gone during the GM meetings.
- Bruce Miles says that Hendry has had "talks with three or four other teams about Bradley in the last 12 or 13 days, but nothing is close"
- ESPN threw out the idea of an Bobby Jenks for Milton Bradley trade. Done deal for me!
- Bruce Miles says the Cubs are not fit for Chone Figgins. I am guessing a money issue.
- The Cubs are interested in getting a middle infielder but only for a one or two year deal because of the emergence of Starlin Castro.
- On the middle infielder note, here is a list of players the Cubs are interested in via trade or free agency-
Luis Castillo
Placido Polanco- only for an one year incentive deal
Orlando Hudson- same as Polanco
Mark DeRosa
Orlando Cabrera
Miguel Tejada
Day one in the books, day two here we come!
Monday, November 09, 2009
Cubs Notes From Meetings....
- Jon Heyman of SI.com said that the Cubs are among the teams interested in Matt Holliday or Jason Bay. I just do not see them being able to afford either one.
- Gordon Wittenmyer of the Sun Times said today "at least three more teams have contracted the Cubs about Milton Bradley. He also stated that the Cubs will be more involved in trades rather than free agency.
- Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune runs down the Cubs offseason needs. He has listed finding a leadoff hitter, center fielder, and possiable middle infielder. He names Chone Figgins, Aaron Rowand, Marco Scutaro, and Miguel Tejada as possible acquisitions. But he states all this needs to be done after they trade Milton Bradley.
- Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune says the Cubs will bolster their bullpen through trades. He also says the Cubs could be looking to fill a couple vacancies in their Opening Day rotation with Rich Harden expected to leave and Ted Lilly's health in question. I think the Cubs should sign Brett Myers to a two year deal and have him work the rotation until Lilly comes back then put him in the pen. I also think they should sign Noah Lowry to a one year deal. He is coming off injury and can be had for cheap but has the upside to be a solid #2 or #3 lefty starter.
- Big trade bait this offseason consist of Roy Halladay, Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Bobby Jenks, Dan Uggla, and of course Milton Bradley. If Crawford come available the Cubs NEED to get him!
- MLBTR has their top 50 free agents and where they might go listed. Only player listed going to the Cubs is Billy Wagner. I think the Cubs have to get a leadoff guy so a guy like Figgins is a must, but MLBTR has him re-signing with the Angels.
- According to a report for Baseball Prospectus the Cubs are shopping Geovany Soto. I do not think the is a very accurate rumor. The Cubs saw what Soto did in 2008 and I do not think they would give up on him and sell low after one season. Soto would not return quality players because of his down year and Koyie Hill is not a starter. I have a feeling he will bounce back and this report is absolutely false.
- In the same BP report they said that the Cubs may listen to offers on Carlos Zambrano but would have to be overwhelmed to deal him. The Yankees are looking for a starter through free agency or a trade according to many reports out of New York. With Zambrano being owed 74 million across the next 4 years a team like the Yankees could pursue him via trade. I think a very good trade money wise and talent wise would be Robinson Cano (48 million) and Nick Swisher (26 million) for Carlos Zambrano. If I were the Cubs I would even throw in a player like Ryan Theriot, Milton Bradley, Aaron Heilman, Jake Fox, Sean Marshall, or even Samardzija along with Zambrano to get that deal done. It would give the Cubs switch hitter with power, not to mention a good clubhouse guy in Swisher for RF. It would also give them their 2nd baseman for many years to come, who just so happens to be the best in the game.
As far as the obstacles that have to overcome to make this trade happen, there really is not that many. Zambrano does have a no trade clause but has reported he would waive it to go to New York or Boston if the Cubs wanted to trade him. Money is not an issue because Cano and Swisher contracts combined to exactly equal Carlos Zambrano's contract (if the Cubs included another player then the money situation would be uneven but there are ways around that). Would the Yankees even deal Swisher and Cano, I say yes because chances are Zambrano would do well in the NY and I know Yankee fans and personal would drool over the rotation of Sabathia, Burnett, and Zambrano as their top three starters. The Yankees then could fill the void at 2nd by pursing Chone Figgins, Polanco, Hudson, or many of the other talented 2nd baseman in the free agent maket. The Cubs in turn could look to the market for inexpensive pitching or a top of the rotation pitcher because they basically filled two needs the offseason in one trade without spending any money doing so. There is a lot of talented pitching out there for the Cubs to choose from so that should not be a problem at all. Just sounds good to me!
This is just a thought and not a rumor. But it looks really good on paper!
More to come as the Hot Stove get HOT!
- Gordon Wittenmyer of the Sun Times said today "at least three more teams have contracted the Cubs about Milton Bradley. He also stated that the Cubs will be more involved in trades rather than free agency.
- Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune runs down the Cubs offseason needs. He has listed finding a leadoff hitter, center fielder, and possiable middle infielder. He names Chone Figgins, Aaron Rowand, Marco Scutaro, and Miguel Tejada as possible acquisitions. But he states all this needs to be done after they trade Milton Bradley.
- Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune says the Cubs will bolster their bullpen through trades. He also says the Cubs could be looking to fill a couple vacancies in their Opening Day rotation with Rich Harden expected to leave and Ted Lilly's health in question. I think the Cubs should sign Brett Myers to a two year deal and have him work the rotation until Lilly comes back then put him in the pen. I also think they should sign Noah Lowry to a one year deal. He is coming off injury and can be had for cheap but has the upside to be a solid #2 or #3 lefty starter.
- Big trade bait this offseason consist of Roy Halladay, Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Bobby Jenks, Dan Uggla, and of course Milton Bradley. If Crawford come available the Cubs NEED to get him!
- MLBTR has their top 50 free agents and where they might go listed. Only player listed going to the Cubs is Billy Wagner. I think the Cubs have to get a leadoff guy so a guy like Figgins is a must, but MLBTR has him re-signing with the Angels.
- According to a report for Baseball Prospectus the Cubs are shopping Geovany Soto. I do not think the is a very accurate rumor. The Cubs saw what Soto did in 2008 and I do not think they would give up on him and sell low after one season. Soto would not return quality players because of his down year and Koyie Hill is not a starter. I have a feeling he will bounce back and this report is absolutely false.
- In the same BP report they said that the Cubs may listen to offers on Carlos Zambrano but would have to be overwhelmed to deal him. The Yankees are looking for a starter through free agency or a trade according to many reports out of New York. With Zambrano being owed 74 million across the next 4 years a team like the Yankees could pursue him via trade. I think a very good trade money wise and talent wise would be Robinson Cano (48 million) and Nick Swisher (26 million) for Carlos Zambrano. If I were the Cubs I would even throw in a player like Ryan Theriot, Milton Bradley, Aaron Heilman, Jake Fox, Sean Marshall, or even Samardzija along with Zambrano to get that deal done. It would give the Cubs switch hitter with power, not to mention a good clubhouse guy in Swisher for RF. It would also give them their 2nd baseman for many years to come, who just so happens to be the best in the game.
As far as the obstacles that have to overcome to make this trade happen, there really is not that many. Zambrano does have a no trade clause but has reported he would waive it to go to New York or Boston if the Cubs wanted to trade him. Money is not an issue because Cano and Swisher contracts combined to exactly equal Carlos Zambrano's contract (if the Cubs included another player then the money situation would be uneven but there are ways around that). Would the Yankees even deal Swisher and Cano, I say yes because chances are Zambrano would do well in the NY and I know Yankee fans and personal would drool over the rotation of Sabathia, Burnett, and Zambrano as their top three starters. The Yankees then could fill the void at 2nd by pursing Chone Figgins, Polanco, Hudson, or many of the other talented 2nd baseman in the free agent maket. The Cubs in turn could look to the market for inexpensive pitching or a top of the rotation pitcher because they basically filled two needs the offseason in one trade without spending any money doing so. There is a lot of talented pitching out there for the Cubs to choose from so that should not be a problem at all. Just sounds good to me!
This is just a thought and not a rumor. But it looks really good on paper!
More to come as the Hot Stove get HOT!
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Levine's Latest.....
- Now that the Brewers have Carlos Gomez it seems like Mike Cameron may come to the Cubs even though he is a backup plan if they do not acquire a young left handed guy for CF. We have heard the names Rajai Davis (even though he is a righty), Scott Podsednik, and some others.
- Bruce says Bradley will be traded in the next 30-45 days. I say he is traded in the next week at the GM meetings for either Pat Burrell, Gary Matthews, or Aaron Rowand.
- Many think Chone Figgins will sign with the Cubs. I think he will has well.
- The Cubs want back Reed Johnson but not for the 2 years 6 million he wants. I do not blame them.
- Bruce thinks Starlin Castro will be the Cubs starting shortstop around the All-Star break and also thinks John Gaub could win a pen spot.
- Bruce also think the Cubs should sign Orlando Cabrera to a one year deal. Not sure if I like that idea.
Til Next Time.....
- Bruce says Bradley will be traded in the next 30-45 days. I say he is traded in the next week at the GM meetings for either Pat Burrell, Gary Matthews, or Aaron Rowand.
- Many think Chone Figgins will sign with the Cubs. I think he will has well.
- The Cubs want back Reed Johnson but not for the 2 years 6 million he wants. I do not blame them.
- Bruce thinks Starlin Castro will be the Cubs starting shortstop around the All-Star break and also thinks John Gaub could win a pen spot.
- Bruce also think the Cubs should sign Orlando Cabrera to a one year deal. Not sure if I like that idea.
Til Next Time.....
Friday, November 06, 2009
More Hot Stove Action....
- The White Sox have officially acquired Mark Teahen and it is unlikely he is traded again this offseason.
- Brett Myers will not be offered a contract by the Phillies according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. The Cubs have some interest in Myers, especially with Ted Lilly's health up in the air.
- J.J. Hardy was traded to the Twins today and there goes another player the Cubs had interest in.
- Whether the Cubs sign Reed Johnson mainly depends on what they get for Bradley in a trade, if they trade him.
- Rich Harden and Reed Johnson filed for free agency today but Jim is still in contact with them and their agents.
- Hey folks, I think Starlin Castro may be the real deal!
- According to MLB Daily Dish, the Cubs could have interest in Scott Podsednik. I only see him as a 4th outfielder.
That is it for today.....
- Brett Myers will not be offered a contract by the Phillies according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. The Cubs have some interest in Myers, especially with Ted Lilly's health up in the air.
- J.J. Hardy was traded to the Twins today and there goes another player the Cubs had interest in.
- Whether the Cubs sign Reed Johnson mainly depends on what they get for Bradley in a trade, if they trade him.
- Rich Harden and Reed Johnson filed for free agency today but Jim is still in contact with them and their agents.
- Hey folks, I think Starlin Castro may be the real deal!
- According to MLB Daily Dish, the Cubs could have interest in Scott Podsednik. I only see him as a 4th outfielder.
That is it for today.....
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Lilly Out, Another Target Traded, and Other Talk....
- There is a rumored trade that has been going back and fourth on whether it is true. The report earlier today is that the White Sox traded Chris Getz and Josh Fields for Mark Teahen. Teahen was on the short list of players the Cubs have been watching via the trade market. More on this as it becomes available.
- The Red Sox also acquired a guy the Cubs had an eye on last season and was rumored as an inexpenisve replacement for Milton Bradley, Jeremy Hermida. The Sox got him for pitchers Jose Alvarez and Hunter Jones. Interesting move for the Sox.
- Ted Lilly underwent arthoscopy surgery yesterday which surprised us all. Jim Hendry has said he does not see the Cubs adding pitching depth because Lilly should be throwing around April with no set backs. Jim, learn your lesson, nothing goes as plan. Lilly will start the season on the 15 day DL according to reports. Regardless what Jim says other media outlets are reporting the Cubs will look to add pitching depth, some even saying a top of the rotation starter, maybe even resigning Rich Harden. Let's look at some affordable options for the Cubs-
Erik Bedard- Coming off an injury, maybe a cheap deal but not a guarantee he won't hit the DL with Lilly.
Doug Davis- Ideal inning eating lefty, should rank right up there.
Justin Duchescherer- Maybe to expensive but could go in the pen once Lilly comes back.
Randy Johnson- Cubs had interest last season, would like to see him here for a 3 million a year.
Noah Lowry- Will come cheap with big upside.
Brett Myers- Phillies will probably re-sign him but I would love him on the Cubs. Could work in the pen as well.
Vicente Padilla- Good option.
Ben Sheets- If he does not break the bank, he should be at the top of the list.
Brad Penny- Another guy who could come cheap.
John Smoltz- Would love to sign him!
Randy Wolf- May come too expensive but would be ideal.
The Cubs have also entertained the idea of trading Milton Bradley to the Rangers for Kevin Millwood. That would be a done deal in my book!
- The Cub Reported has what they think will happen with the Cubs in the coming weeks. They note that Heilman maybe traded to the Giants with Bradley for Rowand. I would also do that deal in a second! They also mention that depending on Milton Bradley will determine whether the Cubs bring back Reed Johnson. They do mention Rajai Davis as an available outfielder who is eligible for salary arbitration as a "Super Two." He would come cheaper than the Reed Johnson salary which would be around 3 million a year. Here is Rajai Davis stats. At only 30 years old and posting 41 SB last season he could be a very valuable 4th outfielder for the Cubs. I like the Davis idea.
The GM meeting start Monday in Chicago, so expect the Hot Stove to get really HOT!
- The Red Sox also acquired a guy the Cubs had an eye on last season and was rumored as an inexpenisve replacement for Milton Bradley, Jeremy Hermida. The Sox got him for pitchers Jose Alvarez and Hunter Jones. Interesting move for the Sox.
- Ted Lilly underwent arthoscopy surgery yesterday which surprised us all. Jim Hendry has said he does not see the Cubs adding pitching depth because Lilly should be throwing around April with no set backs. Jim, learn your lesson, nothing goes as plan. Lilly will start the season on the 15 day DL according to reports. Regardless what Jim says other media outlets are reporting the Cubs will look to add pitching depth, some even saying a top of the rotation starter, maybe even resigning Rich Harden. Let's look at some affordable options for the Cubs-
Erik Bedard- Coming off an injury, maybe a cheap deal but not a guarantee he won't hit the DL with Lilly.
Doug Davis- Ideal inning eating lefty, should rank right up there.
Justin Duchescherer- Maybe to expensive but could go in the pen once Lilly comes back.
Randy Johnson- Cubs had interest last season, would like to see him here for a 3 million a year.
Noah Lowry- Will come cheap with big upside.
Brett Myers- Phillies will probably re-sign him but I would love him on the Cubs. Could work in the pen as well.
Vicente Padilla- Good option.
Ben Sheets- If he does not break the bank, he should be at the top of the list.
Brad Penny- Another guy who could come cheap.
John Smoltz- Would love to sign him!
Randy Wolf- May come too expensive but would be ideal.
The Cubs have also entertained the idea of trading Milton Bradley to the Rangers for Kevin Millwood. That would be a done deal in my book!
- The Cub Reported has what they think will happen with the Cubs in the coming weeks. They note that Heilman maybe traded to the Giants with Bradley for Rowand. I would also do that deal in a second! They also mention that depending on Milton Bradley will determine whether the Cubs bring back Reed Johnson. They do mention Rajai Davis as an available outfielder who is eligible for salary arbitration as a "Super Two." He would come cheaper than the Reed Johnson salary which would be around 3 million a year. Here is Rajai Davis stats. At only 30 years old and posting 41 SB last season he could be a very valuable 4th outfielder for the Cubs. I like the Davis idea.
The GM meeting start Monday in Chicago, so expect the Hot Stove to get really HOT!
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Iwamura to Pirates Then Cubs?
I am hearing that the Cubs still have interest in acquiring recently traded infielder Akinori Iwamura. Iwamura was traded to the Bucs for reliever Jesse Chavez. Iwamura would be one of the Pirates highest paid players at almost 5 million due next season.
The Cubs were to have reported interest in Iwamura recently and even talks about a package deal of Iwamura and Burrell for Bradley was rumored. I am now hearing that Jim Hendry could be in contact with the Pirates about Iwamura and maybe even Ryan Doumit who is another high price player on the Pirates. But what would the Cubs give up? You guessed it, Milton Bradley.
Bradley is owed 23 million over the next two seasons and Doumit and Iwamura are owed 13 million over the next two seasons combined. That is not including the two club options on Ryan's contact. The Cubs of course would have to fork over some cash to get the deal done and maybe include a player like Mike Fontenot or a minor league arm but I can see this as a possibility.
Doumit has primarily been a catcher his career but has logged innings in RF and 1st as well. He is a very good athlete and it would not be any different from running Hoffpauir or Fox in RF. Iwamura would be used either as a expensive utility player or an affordable starting 2nd baseman. Here is Doumit's career stats and Iwamura's career stats.
Pittsburg would be ideal for Milton. It would be a low pressure rebuilding team surrounded by young talent that he could mentor. The Pirates would get a guy that could in fact be the vocal leader of the team and Bradley would have the chance to stick it to the Cubs during the next two seasons.
If anything this rumor is very interesting. Lets see if it has legs!
The Cubs were to have reported interest in Iwamura recently and even talks about a package deal of Iwamura and Burrell for Bradley was rumored. I am now hearing that Jim Hendry could be in contact with the Pirates about Iwamura and maybe even Ryan Doumit who is another high price player on the Pirates. But what would the Cubs give up? You guessed it, Milton Bradley.
Bradley is owed 23 million over the next two seasons and Doumit and Iwamura are owed 13 million over the next two seasons combined. That is not including the two club options on Ryan's contact. The Cubs of course would have to fork over some cash to get the deal done and maybe include a player like Mike Fontenot or a minor league arm but I can see this as a possibility.
Doumit has primarily been a catcher his career but has logged innings in RF and 1st as well. He is a very good athlete and it would not be any different from running Hoffpauir or Fox in RF. Iwamura would be used either as a expensive utility player or an affordable starting 2nd baseman. Here is Doumit's career stats and Iwamura's career stats.
Pittsburg would be ideal for Milton. It would be a low pressure rebuilding team surrounded by young talent that he could mentor. The Pirates would get a guy that could in fact be the vocal leader of the team and Bradley would have the chance to stick it to the Cubs during the next two seasons.
If anything this rumor is very interesting. Lets see if it has legs!
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Bradley, Hendry, and Ricketts.....
- Sullivan mentions today that the Cubs could trade Milton Bradley to the Rays for Iwamura and Burrell. I have been saying that for a while! If Hendry can pull that off, I say do it!
- Hendry says he does not believe his job is in jeopardy and is just working towards building a strong team for 2010.
- The Cubs are working on signing John Grabow to a multi-year deal worth right around 7 million.
- The Cubs would also like to sign a speedy leadoff hitter. Figgins seems the logical fit even though I think Iwamura could fill the role if they traded for him.
- The Cubs do not want to get in a bidding war for Chapman so they are likely to search for pitching depth elsewhere.
- The Cubs are looking for another "Rich Harden" type player for next season. They want a guy the can buy low and have tons of upside. Players like Eric Bedard, Noah Lowry, and Ben Sheets could fit the bill.
- One Cubs exec says if Mark Teahen or JJ Hardy are non-tendered expect the Cubs to be "serious players" for one if not both players.
- Tom Ricketts has stated that he want the Cubs payroll to remain in the top 3 in baseball. That is some great news Cub fans!
Til Next Time!
- Hendry says he does not believe his job is in jeopardy and is just working towards building a strong team for 2010.
- The Cubs are working on signing John Grabow to a multi-year deal worth right around 7 million.
- The Cubs would also like to sign a speedy leadoff hitter. Figgins seems the logical fit even though I think Iwamura could fill the role if they traded for him.
- The Cubs do not want to get in a bidding war for Chapman so they are likely to search for pitching depth elsewhere.
- The Cubs are looking for another "Rich Harden" type player for next season. They want a guy the can buy low and have tons of upside. Players like Eric Bedard, Noah Lowry, and Ben Sheets could fit the bill.
- One Cubs exec says if Mark Teahen or JJ Hardy are non-tendered expect the Cubs to be "serious players" for one if not both players.
- Tom Ricketts has stated that he want the Cubs payroll to remain in the top 3 in baseball. That is some great news Cub fans!
Til Next Time!
Sunday, November 01, 2009
This and That....
- There has been a lot of media outlets that have said that the Cubs are interested in trading Milton Bradley for Gary Matthews Jr. Although Matthews numbers have decreased since going to the Angels, he still plays really good defense, is a switch hitter, and is owed 23 million over the next two years which is very similar to Bradley. One good thing for the Cubs is that Matthews would be reunited with hitting coach Jaramillo, someone who made him an impact bat in Texas. The question is will the Angels want to add a bad news player like Bradley. I know personally I would do the deal.
- Buster Onley rattled off some places that Bradley could be going and for the player the Cubs would get.
Carlos Silva and the M's- No Way!
Derek Lowe and the Braves- Yes Please!
Gary Matthews Jr. and the Angels- Sure!
Carlos Lee and the Astros- OMG YES!
Zito or Rowand and the Giants- Rowand Yes, Zito NO WAY!
Oliver Perez and the Mets- Nope.
Dontrelle Willis and the Tigers- Sure.
Scott Linebrink and the White Sox- Sure.
Pat Burrell and the Rays- Yep
- Another name being thrown out there is Bradley for Kerry Wood. I would love to welcome Woody back. There is also talk around Eric Byrnes and the Yankees Nick Swisher. I would not mind seeing any of those either.
- The Cubs have some interest in new free agent Noah Lowry according to league sources. He was recently removed from the 40 man roster so he has became an unrestricted free agent. His agent said Noah is completely healthy and throwing three days a week on his normal off season program without any restrictions. The Cubs have talked to the Giants in the past about deals involving Noah so there is know interest there. He should be an inexpensive pick up for the Cubs since he has not appeared in a game since August of 2007 due to arm injuries. Lowry's people believe the Giants misdiagnosed and mistreated his injury but is fine now. If the Cubs did sign Noah he would compete for the 5th spot in the rotation against Shark, Marshall, and Gorzalanny.
That is it for now Cub Fans!
- Buster Onley rattled off some places that Bradley could be going and for the player the Cubs would get.
Carlos Silva and the M's- No Way!
Derek Lowe and the Braves- Yes Please!
Gary Matthews Jr. and the Angels- Sure!
Carlos Lee and the Astros- OMG YES!
Zito or Rowand and the Giants- Rowand Yes, Zito NO WAY!
Oliver Perez and the Mets- Nope.
Dontrelle Willis and the Tigers- Sure.
Scott Linebrink and the White Sox- Sure.
Pat Burrell and the Rays- Yep
- Another name being thrown out there is Bradley for Kerry Wood. I would love to welcome Woody back. There is also talk around Eric Byrnes and the Yankees Nick Swisher. I would not mind seeing any of those either.
- The Cubs have some interest in new free agent Noah Lowry according to league sources. He was recently removed from the 40 man roster so he has became an unrestricted free agent. His agent said Noah is completely healthy and throwing three days a week on his normal off season program without any restrictions. The Cubs have talked to the Giants in the past about deals involving Noah so there is know interest there. He should be an inexpensive pick up for the Cubs since he has not appeared in a game since August of 2007 due to arm injuries. Lowry's people believe the Giants misdiagnosed and mistreated his injury but is fine now. If the Cubs did sign Noah he would compete for the 5th spot in the rotation against Shark, Marshall, and Gorzalanny.
That is it for now Cub Fans!
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