Jim Hendry to be on Chicago Tribune Live!

Jim Hendry and Sweet Lou will be on Chicago Tribune Live tonight at 5:30 cst. You can submit your questions and they could get read on the air. I have already submitted like 10 and hope he can answer some of my questions becuase I know some of you have the same questions. Here is the link to submit you questions to Jim-

http://chicago.comcastsportsnet.com/CTL.asp

Ask him the questions your wondering. Such as-

With the Mets close to aquiring Santana and Dbacks upgrading there rotation with Haren are you looking to get a calibur pitcher such as them through a trade before opening day??

There are rumors going around that you are prepared to trade Felix Pie and/or Rich Hill. Are these are at all true? Or are they considered "untouchable"??

Those are a few I asked. So send him you questions and hopefully we will get some answers.

Cubs should look at Alex Rios.

This according to MLBRUMORS-

Jays May Trade Rios?: The Blue Jays have tried to trade Alex Rios all off season and might continue to do so this off season. Rios could probably land a lot more at the trade deadline, especially if he is hitting well, and it would allow the Blue Jays to avoid giving him big money. The Blue Jays have pretty good pitching and if they are able to trade Rios to a team like the Padres midseason, they could probably get several prospects that could help towards the future.


Rios would be a great fit in a Cubs uniform especially if they trade Pie in a deal. Rios is sloted as a right fielder but he can play decent CF. He has played 36 games in CF since 2004. He would be more ideal in the lineup rather than he would be in the field. I feel he is worth taking a step backwards in fielding to take 3 steps forward in improving our lineup. The other option is having him play right field and moving Fukudome to CF. I dont nessassarly agree with that but you have to do what you think that will improve the team the most.

Rios hit .297 with 24 homers and 85 RBI. He stole 17 bases last year which is consistant the past 3 years. He posted a .354 OBP last year and has a career OBP .338 which isnt that bad. He is set to be a free agent after the season with having already 3.130 of ML service.

I think the Cubs could land him for some decent prospects but for who I dont know.

Crane Kenney on ESPN 1000 yesterday.

Here is the link to some good info from Crane Kenney, Chairman of the Cubs. Its the Podcast for 1/28.

http://stations.espn.go.com/stations/espnradio1000/sectional?id=wspodcasts

It is about 15 mins long and has some great info on the selling of Wrigley, trades, and other tidbits.

The best thing out of the interview happen right around 12 mins into the interview. He says that rather than deplete the farm system for Johan Santana. Jim has 2 fair trades out there right now on some "high profile guys" who will help this team a lot and not ever 5th day like a pitcher would. He also says he can see the deal getting done soon! That's a pretty bold statement and its good news!

Here is a list of players that I can see the Cubs getting-

Brian Roberts- Has been linked to the Cubs for months, would be a huge asset.

Chone Figgins- Also has been linked to the Cubs, it would be huge pick up. A utility guy who has speed and can play everyday. He could man CF, 2b, or SS on our team.

Khalil Greene- Possibly a deal that involves Murton and has been rumored for a week or two.

Marlon Byrd- Not a high profile name but still a decent pick up.

Orlando Hudson- Another name that has been floating around but have not heard anything lately.

Those are the only 5 names I could come up with unless Jim has something else up his sleeve to surprise us. ( Carl Crawford???) We can only dream! Did I miss anyone else that you the readers feel might be a high profile player we are after that's not a pitcher??

Two out of those 5 that I would love to get in a deal is Chone Figgins and Khalil Greene. That would be really complete the lineup and you can use Theriot as a super utility guy and keep Derosa at 2b and make Pie expendable in one of these deals or maybe for pitching( assuming they use Figgins in CF). Check out this lineup!

Soriano LF
Figgins CF
Lee 1st
Aram 3b
Fukudome RF
Greene SS
Derosa 2b
Soto C

All I got to say is WOW!

Bedard traded to the M's. Roberts next??

Update 7:52 on 1-27-08- I am hearing now that the O's will be pushing to trade Roberts soon so they can go into ST with there young team. They are in full rebuilding mode and have been in recent contact with the Cubs. I am hearing a three way trade is in the works that will send Marlon Byrd and Brian Roberts to the Cubs with Texas getting Murton and Marshall and the O's getting Gallagher, Cedeno, Colvin, and Armando Galrraga. This is just what I am hearing. Seems like we are giving up a lot for those two players but getting Roberts and Byrd really help the Cubs.

The O's have traded Bedard to the Mariners for Adam Jones and other prospects. Officials now say that the O's will push hard to trade Roberts before the end of the month. They want to get the best package available for him but wont trade him if they dont feel they get the best deal. It is also said the recent talks with the Cubs could really heat up and there demand for players like Pie may change with the acquisition of Adam Jones. It will be interested on what happens next week. At least we wont hear anymore " Bedard to Cubs" rumors.

Bedard and Roberts to Cub won't DIE!

According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe he still believes that the Cubs are not out of the race for both Bedard and Roberts. He says that sources are telling him that Bedard and Roberts could become northsiders in a deal that would send the O's the Cubs farm system. I honestly believe the Cubs are done with the O's ridiculous demands. I see no reason to give up guys like Hill and Pie along with guys like Veal, Gallagher and Colvin among others for Bedard and Roberts. Giving up Hill would be a big mistake and I don't see Hendry doing that. Sources also say they see Bedard being traded within the week but doesn't mention Roberts being delt. My wishful, unlikely thinking would be for the Cubs to get Byrd, Bedard, and Roberts without giving up Pie or Hill but that would never ever happen!

Nick also notes that Towers really wants to get his hands on Murton. I say give us Greene and we will throw in Gallagher and Cedeno.

Trade Coming Soon??

There is a very interesting development happening in Texas that could effect the Cubs. The Rangers DFA Armando Galrraga to clear a roster spot for Jennings . Rangers fans and columist are shocked at the idea of designating him for assignment. They figured that it would either be Robinson Tejeda, Nelson Cruz or Botts that gets cut. A lot of people are speculating including me that this means that he will be traded within the allotted 10 days and more than likely to the Cubs in a Murton/Byrd deal. Armando is a 25 year old righty who went 0-0 with a 6.23 era in 3 games in the ML last season. In his career in the minors he had a 25-35 record with 4.13 era in 116 games in which he started 98 of them. He had a whip of 1.32. Here is some comments from some outraged Texas fans-

WHAT THE FFFFFFFF?? DFA Galarraga and keep Scooter Feldman? What naked pictures do Feldman and Tejada have of Hicks and JD together? This is REDICULOUS. There is no way we would have traded Galarraga for Jennings, IS THERE? I guess we just did huh? This is messed up unless there is already a trade out there!!!!1

his numbers weren't spectacular last season and that a good thing in this case. so hopefully he'll clear waivers. hell shelton did. but i also would have let go of feldman, tejeda, or cruz to keep galarraga.

Guys... this is such a stupid move, I can draw only one conclusion from this. Galarraga is the add-on in a Marlon Byrd for Matt Murton trade. JD needed to make that 40 man move, so he DFA'd Galarrga.
At least, that's what I hope the case is. If it's not, and we did just DFA a decent pitcher over Feldman, Tejeda, and Nelson Cruz... then I'm with you guys, I'm gonna be livid. 'Cause there ain't no way he'll clear waivers.

I can't believe that the Rangers would DFA Galarraga unless they plan to trade him. I don't see him passing through waivers to the Rangers have something up there sleeve. I would not be surprised if the Cubs, O's, and Rangers have a three way deal that would send Roberts and Byrd to the Cubs with the O's and Rangers getting prospects that include Murton, Gallagher, Galarraga, Veal, Cedeno, Marshall, Epatt, Colvin, etc. Look for a trade in the next 10 days with something happening sooner than later.

Jim not done making moves yet!

Jim Hendry told the Tribune he is not done with his roster. He is looking for some final touches and Lou seems to think if they do make a move it will be for a outfielder( likely to platoon with Pie and fill in at the other two spots). We have heard the names of Marlon Byrd, Kenny Lofton, and Chone Figgins. One name that I see mentioned Shannon Stewart. That would be an interesting pick up because he hasn't played much CF in the past 3 years. The ideal situation would to get Figgins but he will cost a lot of players that frankly we don't have. It seems Lofton and Byrd are the likely suitors. Lofton can be a great speedy guy off the bench that could fill in at all three OF positions and mentor Pie but he is left handed. Byrd provides the same as Lofton but right handed bat and better defensive skills. Byrd would likely cost Murton and a pitching prospect( I hope not Gallagher). Byrd would be a nice addition even though his numbers are unlikely to be duplicated from his career season last year.

Though Lou says that he says he sees the Cubs making a move for an outfielder don't count out Khalil Greene. The Padres are looking for a corner outfielder and like Matt Murton. Greene was offered a extension but turned it down because he wants to play on the east coast or a hitter friendly park. A deal would likely include Cedeno and a pitching prospect along with Murton for Greene. Greene would provide offense and a good glove at SS. It would also allow Theriot to take over the super utility role and strengthen the bench. His stats are very misleading.


CAREER AT PETCO-
.228 BA with 27 homers, 136 RBI, .288 OBP, 227 K's in 980 AB.

CAREER AWAY
.280 BA with 47 homers, 157 RBI, .335 OBP, 194 K's in 1028 AB.

That what we call a drastic home/away split. I am all for getting Greene with a deal that would include Murton, Cedeno, and Gallagher. He would be going to a hitter friendly park. Provide a great glove at SS and a nice bat in the 6th or 7th spot in the lineup. When is the last time we had a legitimate SS that hit 15 homers out of the 6th or 7th spot in the lineup? The only concern I have is he seems somewhat fragile but you can live with the risk because you have Theriot ready to fill in if needed. Lets hope something happen before pitchers and catchers meet in 20 days.

Cubs like Khalil Greene?

The Cubs join the Angels, O's, and Cards in the pursuit of Greene. Greene recently turned down an extension with the Pads because he wants to either play on the east coast or in a hitter friendly park ( Wrigley). The Pads are looking to trade him for a young corner outfielder. The Padres really like Matt Murton and Reggie Willits. I can see the Cubs trying to land him instead of Roberts. Greene provides power and a good glove and would be an upgrade over Theriot. The Cubs could also flip Greene to the O's to get Roberts but I don't see that happening. The Pads would likely want Cedeno or Eric Patterson along with a pitching prospect and Murton. I also wouldn't mind a three way deal with the Angels and somehow us getting Figgins but that is kind of far fetched.

In other notes the Cubs have avoided arbitration with Weurtz signing him to a one year deal worth 860,000 bucks.

O's and Cubs trade heating up AGAIN! 3 way trade?? More updates!

MLBTR has some good info today!

Ken Rosenthal's Latest- The Padres are targeting Matt Murton for left field, a notion that gels with Kevin Towers' stated quest to acquire a corner outfielder via trade. Plus, Towers gets along well with Cubs GM Jim Hendry. Not sure how the teams would match up, unless things expand to include Khalil Greene. The Cubs would have to be sure they don't need Murton for other deals or because of other deals though.


Rosenthal agrees with the recent rumor that the Orioles will decide whether to trade Erik Bedard and Brian Roberts by month's end. He notes that Cubs starter Jason Marquis actually does have trade value, and could be part of a package for Roberts. Other teams are interested in him too - go figure. Innings are innings I guess.

Now Marquis in a deal for Roberts and Bedard seems wise. I like that idea a lot instead of dealing Hill. If the Cubs can pull off a Greene for Murton and a couple of other players would be ideal. He would be sick in the lineup considering his splits. Away from Petco he hit .300!

UPDATE, 1-21-08 at 6:39pm: According to Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald, "informed insiders say no renewed talks are underway" for a Cubs/Orioles blockbuster. Miles does believe Hendry is shopping Murton and interested in Byrd.

Seems Bruce and Phil have different sources. Also it is rumored that the Padres are going strong for Matt Murton. I can see Murton going to either the Pads, Indians( who also have interest in him) and the Rangers ( would want him in the Marlon Byrd deal). I think the Cubs should just stick with Derosa at 2b unless they will trade Roberts without giving up Pie or Hill. If the Cubs decide they want to strengthen the middle infield, how about Peralta or Greene?? Trade Murton and other players( Gallagher, Marshall, Cedeno, etc) for an upgrade at SS. Peralta should would look great in the lineup!

FROM 1-21-08 at 3:09pm:
Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune insists that Orioles owner Peter Angelos did shoot down some kind of Erik Bedard/Brian Roberts to the Cubs blockbuster last week. Furthermore, Rogers' source says the talks are now back on.

Rogers speculates that "frustration and gamesmanship" might be why Lou Piniella and Jim Hendry recently denied the blockbuster rumor. Hendry was quoted as saying "that certainly hasn't been a path we've been on."

Rogers also has sources saying the Cubs may have to give up Matt Murton and one or two other players to get Marlon Byrd from Texas (perhaps Sean Gallagher). He speculates that a three-team deal with the Rangers and Orioles to net the Cubs Bedard, Roberts, and Byrd is a possibility. Felix Pie would have to be in that mix, and note that Roch Kubatko said yesterday that the Cubs "would be willing to part with Rich Hill" to get Bedard and Roberts.

Through all of this Rogers says it's a "very highly placed source" and that he trusts the source. It's hard for me to really evaluate this stuff until we get more clarity.

I can actually see the Cubs finally getting this done especially if Texas gets involved( maybe they can float some prospects so we don't have to give up Hill). I still don't think the Cubs should give up Hill in any deal. Bedard will be a free agent at the end of the season and its likely he will want a big payday which the Cubs may not give him. Plus Hill is close to being just as good or better than Bedard. I would be willing to give up Pie and Colvin in the deal but not Hill, unless we got Millwood along with Bedard, Roberts, and Byrd. Come on Jim don't trade Hill.

9 player trade not accurate?? Cubs lose out on Affeldt.

Now we have heard from Jim Hendry. He says the rumor that would have sent Bedard and Roberts to Chicago for 7 prospects is "not accurate." Roch Kubatko says that "it now appears the Cubs would be willing to part with Rich Hill" if they could get Roberts and Bedard. But I don't see that happening considering the can get a lot more players if they deal them separately. I also feel that Hendry wouldn't trade Hill for Bedard because they are basically the same pitcher only Bedard has more experience and becomes a free agent next season. Doesn't make sense to me.

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In other notes the Reds signed Jeremy Affeldt to a one year 3 million dollar contract. They beat out the Cubs, Astros, Mets, and Mariners. The Cubs were looking at him as a possible swing man or long relief but decided to focus on the outfield and middle infield rather than Affeldt who has control problems. I see no need to sign another reliever, we are pretty tough in the pen.