- Still no report on whether or not the Red Sox have granted access to talk to Epstein. We likely will not hear anything until a decision has been made like accepting the position, turning it down, or the Red Sox denying the Cubs to talk to Epstein.
- Andrew Friedman works without a contract and can interview with any club at anytime without permission. He is currently the Cubs number 2 choice and up until recently he seemed entrenched in Tampa Bay.
- There have been reports that Ricketts may open the door to Epstein to a combination of President of Baseball Operations and GM.
- There is no way the Cubs will give compensation in the form of Castro to the Red Sox for Epstein. NO WAY that happens.
- I can see the Red Sox getting some compensation in the form of cash or a minor leaguer but not a top prospect or player like Castro or Brett Jackson.
- There is some talk out of Boston that fans are questioning if Epstein should even be back as Boston’s GM.
- Carlos Zambrano denies talking to Guillen about playing for him in Miami. OK Pinocchio!
- Buster Olney thinks Theo ends up with the Cubs.
- Another rumor out of the Chicago media is that Theo Epstein will require a higher payroll from Ricketts than the 2011 payroll to get things “turned around quicker.” Whether Ricketts meets those demands remains to be seen.
- I talked to one source that says Theo Epstein has all the leverage and Ricketts would make certain exceptions to land Theo but will not move on the Red Sox crazy rumored demands for compensation.
Until Next Time
Thursday, October 06, 2011
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
GM Rumors, Manager Talk, and Player Movement UPDATE!!!!
UPDATE! 5:28 PM CT-
According to multiple reports but first reported by Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe the Cubs have asked permission to interview Theo Epstein. More to come on this as it develops.
Here is the latest on the GM madness, splashed with a little manager and player talk-
- Gordon Edes talked to a source that says there is a 50-50 shot Epstein bolts for the Cubs job. I reported via twitter the same thing on Saturday from a very reliable source; maybe Gordon and I have the same source.
- Ricketts is remaining pretty quite on the GM search by design but did talk to Fox Business Network Monday and said there are a lot of good candidates out there and he is going to talk to a handful of them. Although he did not say who is in the handful.
- Reports are out that Billy Beane is no longer a candidate for the job.
- Some reports are saying Andrew Friedman and Brian Cashman are still possible but I am hearing both will stay put.
- It sounds like the Red Sox will not stand in the way of Epstein if he wants interview with any club.
- Two of the candidates that is rumored that Ricketts has interest in addition to Epstein is Rick Hahn and Ben Cherington.
- The Cubs also have interest in professional scouting director with the Braves John Coppolella.
- The Red Sox and White Sox have interest in Ryne Sandberg as their next manager.
- The Red Sox will ask for compensation for Epstein to leave for the Cubs. Probably at least two prospects.
- Guillen and Zambrano have talked about being together in Miami. Rumors are the Cubs are willing to pay Z in deferred payments for 2012 but the fish will be responsible for his option in 2013. Looks like a slam dunk deal to me, Randy Bush get it done!
- I talked to a source that says he puts Quade chances of coming back at 10%.
- I talked to another baseball exec that says he would be “shocked” if Sandberg does not end up on the north side of Chicago.
- Levine says Brett Jackson will battle for a starting spot in the outfield next season.
- Levine says the Cubs could take on a contract the size of what Fielder is worth but is wondering if they have enough money for everyone else.
- Levine thinks the Cubs can acquire some pitching from the Fish for Z.
- A source close to the Cubs says Ricketts is waiting to see what the Yankees and Rays do in the first round of the playoffs before he starts asking to interview already available candidates.
- Someone emailed me the two tier system Ricketts is using for this process. Tier one includes Cashman, Friedman, Epstein, Daniels and Beane. Tier two includes Hahn, Cherington, Coppolella, Kim Ng, and David Forst. This contradicts other reports I have heard especially most saying Cashman, Friedman, and Daniels not be interested and Beane dropping out of the Cubs GM race. It also names two people that have not gotten a ton of publicity and they are Assistant GM David Forst and baseball guru Kim Ng.
Be sure to check here with the most comprehensive Chicago Cubs rumors and news here on Hot Stove Cubbies. Also check me out on Twitter for the most up to date information on everything Cubs.
Until Next Time….
According to multiple reports but first reported by Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe the Cubs have asked permission to interview Theo Epstein. More to come on this as it develops.
Here is the latest on the GM madness, splashed with a little manager and player talk-
- Gordon Edes talked to a source that says there is a 50-50 shot Epstein bolts for the Cubs job. I reported via twitter the same thing on Saturday from a very reliable source; maybe Gordon and I have the same source.
- Ricketts is remaining pretty quite on the GM search by design but did talk to Fox Business Network Monday and said there are a lot of good candidates out there and he is going to talk to a handful of them. Although he did not say who is in the handful.
- Reports are out that Billy Beane is no longer a candidate for the job.
- Some reports are saying Andrew Friedman and Brian Cashman are still possible but I am hearing both will stay put.
- It sounds like the Red Sox will not stand in the way of Epstein if he wants interview with any club.
- Two of the candidates that is rumored that Ricketts has interest in addition to Epstein is Rick Hahn and Ben Cherington.
- The Cubs also have interest in professional scouting director with the Braves John Coppolella.
- The Red Sox and White Sox have interest in Ryne Sandberg as their next manager.
- The Red Sox will ask for compensation for Epstein to leave for the Cubs. Probably at least two prospects.
- Guillen and Zambrano have talked about being together in Miami. Rumors are the Cubs are willing to pay Z in deferred payments for 2012 but the fish will be responsible for his option in 2013. Looks like a slam dunk deal to me, Randy Bush get it done!
- I talked to a source that says he puts Quade chances of coming back at 10%.
- I talked to another baseball exec that says he would be “shocked” if Sandberg does not end up on the north side of Chicago.
- Levine says Brett Jackson will battle for a starting spot in the outfield next season.
- Levine says the Cubs could take on a contract the size of what Fielder is worth but is wondering if they have enough money for everyone else.
- Levine thinks the Cubs can acquire some pitching from the Fish for Z.
- A source close to the Cubs says Ricketts is waiting to see what the Yankees and Rays do in the first round of the playoffs before he starts asking to interview already available candidates.
- Someone emailed me the two tier system Ricketts is using for this process. Tier one includes Cashman, Friedman, Epstein, Daniels and Beane. Tier two includes Hahn, Cherington, Coppolella, Kim Ng, and David Forst. This contradicts other reports I have heard especially most saying Cashman, Friedman, and Daniels not be interested and Beane dropping out of the Cubs GM race. It also names two people that have not gotten a ton of publicity and they are Assistant GM David Forst and baseball guru Kim Ng.
Be sure to check here with the most comprehensive Chicago Cubs rumors and news here on Hot Stove Cubbies. Also check me out on Twitter for the most up to date information on everything Cubs.
Until Next Time….
Thursday, September 29, 2011
GM Talk, Payroll, and Ricketts Poker Face...
- Tom Ricketts said he wants to get a GM in quickly and sufficiently as possible but says it is a big decision and there is no point in rushing it.
- Ricketts has talked to a lot of industry veterans including owners to get their opinion.
- Ricketts is very optimistic about the Cubs future and says a one-year turn around is not out of the question.
- He says the payroll will likely not exceed this year’s amount but things could change. The payroll going into next season will be 57 million that does not include renewing contracts, arbitration, free agent signings, bonuses, options, and buyouts. Which means the Cubs will have at least 78 million to spend on those things in 2012.
- Mike Quade is confident he will be back and for the most part is happy how he managed. I am pretty sure he is the only one.
- The coaching staff is still very much up in the air.
- Randy Bush and Tom Ricketts may make the decision on what to do with Aramis Ramirez if a GM is not in place.
- Gordon Wittenmyer of the Sun-Times says that Ricketts maybe at least dwindling down the candidate list after talking to other baseball people.
- Wittenmyer also says Josh Byrnes is no longer a candidate for the position. Good move my Ricketts!
- In addition to that Gordon says A’s GM and numbers guru Billy Beane is no longer among the top candidates for the position. Which either means he is a fall back, tier two, or completely out of the running.
- Cubbiescrib.com has a good write up on this discussing Wittenmyers knowledge of the GM situation and applying it to the premise that a GM may already be in place. They state Ricketts fooled all of us by relieving Hendry and waiting weeks to tell everyone, he maybe putting on his poker face again.
- Cubbiecrib.com along with others like me believes the two top candidates for the position are Friedman and Epstein. Epstein can be contacted at any time while Friedman will be called on after his team exits playoffs at the earliest. Which is why no decisions have been made, but that is if you believe Ricketts does not have already someone basically in place.
- Going with the CubbieCrib premise if there is a person in place I can see it being a guy like Rick Hahn.
- There is also a conspiracy theory out there that states that Ricketts has checked with his remaining interested candidates to see if they would name Ryne Sandberg the Cubs new manager and that has been a deciding factor for him. This could explain why Beane went from a top tier to a lower tier guy recently.
- This also would coincide with the report that the Cubs and Ryne Sandberg with “reconcile” after the season concludes. Many have speculated that this means welcoming him back to the organization at any time or named manager or maybe to just make good with the Hall of Famer.
- There are many rumors that Ricketts is going to do his due diligence by asking to interview both Friedman and Epstein hoping they will accept but knowing they won’t. By each declining it looks like he “tried” to get the “top tier big splash GM” which in turn would make a guy like Rick Hahn or Ben Cherington look like a very nice consolation prize. When in all actuality he already has one of them secretly in place and has an informal agreement to make Ryne Sandberg the next manager as well.
Until Next Time…
- Ricketts has talked to a lot of industry veterans including owners to get their opinion.
- Ricketts is very optimistic about the Cubs future and says a one-year turn around is not out of the question.
- He says the payroll will likely not exceed this year’s amount but things could change. The payroll going into next season will be 57 million that does not include renewing contracts, arbitration, free agent signings, bonuses, options, and buyouts. Which means the Cubs will have at least 78 million to spend on those things in 2012.
- Mike Quade is confident he will be back and for the most part is happy how he managed. I am pretty sure he is the only one.
- The coaching staff is still very much up in the air.
- Randy Bush and Tom Ricketts may make the decision on what to do with Aramis Ramirez if a GM is not in place.
- Gordon Wittenmyer of the Sun-Times says that Ricketts maybe at least dwindling down the candidate list after talking to other baseball people.
- Wittenmyer also says Josh Byrnes is no longer a candidate for the position. Good move my Ricketts!
- In addition to that Gordon says A’s GM and numbers guru Billy Beane is no longer among the top candidates for the position. Which either means he is a fall back, tier two, or completely out of the running.
- Cubbiescrib.com has a good write up on this discussing Wittenmyers knowledge of the GM situation and applying it to the premise that a GM may already be in place. They state Ricketts fooled all of us by relieving Hendry and waiting weeks to tell everyone, he maybe putting on his poker face again.
- Cubbiecrib.com along with others like me believes the two top candidates for the position are Friedman and Epstein. Epstein can be contacted at any time while Friedman will be called on after his team exits playoffs at the earliest. Which is why no decisions have been made, but that is if you believe Ricketts does not have already someone basically in place.
- Going with the CubbieCrib premise if there is a person in place I can see it being a guy like Rick Hahn.
- There is also a conspiracy theory out there that states that Ricketts has checked with his remaining interested candidates to see if they would name Ryne Sandberg the Cubs new manager and that has been a deciding factor for him. This could explain why Beane went from a top tier to a lower tier guy recently.
- This also would coincide with the report that the Cubs and Ryne Sandberg with “reconcile” after the season concludes. Many have speculated that this means welcoming him back to the organization at any time or named manager or maybe to just make good with the Hall of Famer.
- There are many rumors that Ricketts is going to do his due diligence by asking to interview both Friedman and Epstein hoping they will accept but knowing they won’t. By each declining it looks like he “tried” to get the “top tier big splash GM” which in turn would make a guy like Rick Hahn or Ben Cherington look like a very nice consolation prize. When in all actuality he already has one of them secretly in place and has an informal agreement to make Ryne Sandberg the next manager as well.
Until Next Time…
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Cubs Notes: Z to Fish? Kenney Out? Dempster Staying? and more....
- Bruce Levine is stating that the Ozzie Guillen’s new team the Marlins may look to trade for Zambrano to bring buzz to their new ballpark. Carlos and Ozzie are really good friends and both have talked about being on the same team together more than once. Well from many reports and rumors I am hearing it could be a forgone conclusion that he ends up there.
- The Marlins are not only going to look at current Cub Zambrano but have interest in bring in long-time Cub and free agent 3rd baseman Aramis Ramirez.
- Dempster will likely start Weds. on deciding on whether to pick up his player option. The free agent market would likely bring Dempster a three year deal worth 40 million.
- Ricketts said it will ultimately be up to the new GM on the direction the Chicago Cubs will take this winter. He says whether that be a youth movement, adding a player here or there, or adding several impact players. Ricketts says the money will be there for the right situation and he will have a say but the new GM will have the majority of the responsibility on him for forming a team.
- I am hearing that Crane Kenney will not be President of the Chicago Cubs after the World Series concludes or sooner. I am hearing one of two things will happen with Kenney; 1) He will be fired and removed from the Cubs completely or 2) He will accept a newly created position for him that strictly involves the renovations, ticket sales, promotions, facilities, etc. thus making a void in the Cubs Team President position. I am then hearing one of two things could happen from that 1) The Cubs will hire a separate Baseball Operations Team President like a Pat Gillick or 2) To make the new GM position more attractive to guys like Friedman, Beane, Epstien, etc... The Cubs will combine the Baseball Operations Team President position with the GM position which would be a huge selling point for the Cubs.
- I am also hearing the Cubs have a better chance at getting Theo Epstien from the Red Sox if they do not make the playoffs.
- If the Cubs cannot trade Soriano he will likely be released according to Cubs execs.
- There is speculation that Marlon Byrd could be trade bait this winter given the weak CF market.
- Ryne Sandberg will likely be linked to the White Sox manager job and may even receive an interview.
- Matt Szczur will be on the 40 man roster next season because his contract says he has to or it becomes void. It is not out of the realm of possibility that he makes his Wrigley Field debut sometime in 2012.
- Cashner and Shark will be competing for spots in the rotation next season.
- If Quade is replaced; Bob Brenly could be a managerial candidate or at the very least offered a coaching position on the Cubs staff.
GM talk and rumors are expected to heat up the next week or two and Ricketts is said to want one in place before November. So for the latest Cubs rumors and news check HotStoveCubbies and follow me on twitter at @HotStoveCubbies; until next time….
- The Marlins are not only going to look at current Cub Zambrano but have interest in bring in long-time Cub and free agent 3rd baseman Aramis Ramirez.
- Dempster will likely start Weds. on deciding on whether to pick up his player option. The free agent market would likely bring Dempster a three year deal worth 40 million.
- Ricketts said it will ultimately be up to the new GM on the direction the Chicago Cubs will take this winter. He says whether that be a youth movement, adding a player here or there, or adding several impact players. Ricketts says the money will be there for the right situation and he will have a say but the new GM will have the majority of the responsibility on him for forming a team.
- I am hearing that Crane Kenney will not be President of the Chicago Cubs after the World Series concludes or sooner. I am hearing one of two things will happen with Kenney; 1) He will be fired and removed from the Cubs completely or 2) He will accept a newly created position for him that strictly involves the renovations, ticket sales, promotions, facilities, etc. thus making a void in the Cubs Team President position. I am then hearing one of two things could happen from that 1) The Cubs will hire a separate Baseball Operations Team President like a Pat Gillick or 2) To make the new GM position more attractive to guys like Friedman, Beane, Epstien, etc... The Cubs will combine the Baseball Operations Team President position with the GM position which would be a huge selling point for the Cubs.
- I am also hearing the Cubs have a better chance at getting Theo Epstien from the Red Sox if they do not make the playoffs.
- If the Cubs cannot trade Soriano he will likely be released according to Cubs execs.
- There is speculation that Marlon Byrd could be trade bait this winter given the weak CF market.
- Ryne Sandberg will likely be linked to the White Sox manager job and may even receive an interview.
- Matt Szczur will be on the 40 man roster next season because his contract says he has to or it becomes void. It is not out of the realm of possibility that he makes his Wrigley Field debut sometime in 2012.
- Cashner and Shark will be competing for spots in the rotation next season.
- If Quade is replaced; Bob Brenly could be a managerial candidate or at the very least offered a coaching position on the Cubs staff.
GM talk and rumors are expected to heat up the next week or two and Ricketts is said to want one in place before November. So for the latest Cubs rumors and news check HotStoveCubbies and follow me on twitter at @HotStoveCubbies; until next time….
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Cubs Offseason Rumors and News Starts....
- The Cubs may look very different in 2012 because the likelihood of Zambrano and Soriano being traded or released, Pena looking for a multi-year deal, and Aramis Ramirez wanting to test free agency.
- The Marlins maybe willing to offer Ramirez a 4 year deal worth 50+ million dollars according to sources. Cubs CANNOT compete with that!
- The Tigers, Twins, Rockies, Giants, Dodgers, Angels, Phillies, and Mariners all have some level of interest in Ramirez.
- Carlos Pena first choice is to remain with the Cubs but he said he also wants a multi-year deal which could force the Cubs to pass on Pena.
- Pena will likely not sign a contract until after Pujols and Fielder sign so he can see what the market is. This plays well for the Cubs because there is less of a chance the Cubs come up empty handed if he signs after Albert and Prince rather than before.
- If the Cubs lose out on all three big hitters then they could go with LaHair at 1st full-time or settle for lower tier guys like Michael Cuddyer or Derek Lee.
- Tom Ricketts could get creative in trying to lure guys like Epstien and Friedman by appointing them GM and a either President or VP of Baseball Operations for the Cubs as well which would be a step up for both Friedman and Epstien.
- Ricketts wants to focus of building a team within and does not necessarily want to spend all the money he has on big named free agents.
- Some more rumors are out saying Marlon Byrd will be dangled this offseason.
- Dempster coming back next season is not a slam dunk like everyone thought it was.
- There are grumblings from the Cubs clubhouse that some players will not return or may ask to be dealt if Quade remains manager.
Until Next Time...
- The Marlins maybe willing to offer Ramirez a 4 year deal worth 50+ million dollars according to sources. Cubs CANNOT compete with that!
- The Tigers, Twins, Rockies, Giants, Dodgers, Angels, Phillies, and Mariners all have some level of interest in Ramirez.
- Carlos Pena first choice is to remain with the Cubs but he said he also wants a multi-year deal which could force the Cubs to pass on Pena.
- Pena will likely not sign a contract until after Pujols and Fielder sign so he can see what the market is. This plays well for the Cubs because there is less of a chance the Cubs come up empty handed if he signs after Albert and Prince rather than before.
- If the Cubs lose out on all three big hitters then they could go with LaHair at 1st full-time or settle for lower tier guys like Michael Cuddyer or Derek Lee.
- Tom Ricketts could get creative in trying to lure guys like Epstien and Friedman by appointing them GM and a either President or VP of Baseball Operations for the Cubs as well which would be a step up for both Friedman and Epstien.
- Ricketts wants to focus of building a team within and does not necessarily want to spend all the money he has on big named free agents.
- Some more rumors are out saying Marlon Byrd will be dangled this offseason.
- Dempster coming back next season is not a slam dunk like everyone thought it was.
- There are grumblings from the Cubs clubhouse that some players will not return or may ask to be dealt if Quade remains manager.
Until Next Time...
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Cubs Note: GM Stuff, Pitching, and Hitting
- Walt Jocketty will not be the next Cubs GM according to sources. He is likely vying for an extension from the Reds.
- Tom Ricketts will not start contacting GMs until the first week in October.
- Ricketts will likely call on about 20+ GM candidates and have formal extensive interviews with 8-10 of them.
- Brian Cashman and Jon Daniels are not candidates for the Cubs GM job.
- Theo Epstein, Billy Beane, and Andrew Friedman have not denied interest in the job so they are still viable candidates.
- Tim Wilken did not receive an extension but will be back next season and is looking forward to it.
- Levine does not see LaHair as a possible replacement for Pena at first next season.
- Levine thinks the Cubs will trade for a left-handed starter this offseason and names JA Happ and John Danks as targets.
- A source of mine said the Cubs have extensively been scouting Zach Britton.
- Cashner will be stretched out this fall and likely come back to the Cubs as their 5th starter.
- Kerry Wood is done for the season and he said he either is going to re-sign with the Cubs or retire from baseball.
- The Phillies will likely add Ryne Sandberg to their coaching staff for next season according to Levine. I think he should be the Cubs manager next season.
- There are whispers out there that Crane Kenney will be out as Cubs President after the season. If that is the case then I see no reason not to have Pat Gillick as your next team President.
- If Crane Kenney is removed you could see a current baseball GM’s like Epstein, Beane, or Friedman take a promotion to become the Cubs new President.
Until Next Time…
- Tom Ricketts will not start contacting GMs until the first week in October.
- Ricketts will likely call on about 20+ GM candidates and have formal extensive interviews with 8-10 of them.
- Brian Cashman and Jon Daniels are not candidates for the Cubs GM job.
- Theo Epstein, Billy Beane, and Andrew Friedman have not denied interest in the job so they are still viable candidates.
- Tim Wilken did not receive an extension but will be back next season and is looking forward to it.
- Levine does not see LaHair as a possible replacement for Pena at first next season.
- Levine thinks the Cubs will trade for a left-handed starter this offseason and names JA Happ and John Danks as targets.
- A source of mine said the Cubs have extensively been scouting Zach Britton.
- Cashner will be stretched out this fall and likely come back to the Cubs as their 5th starter.
- Kerry Wood is done for the season and he said he either is going to re-sign with the Cubs or retire from baseball.
- The Phillies will likely add Ryne Sandberg to their coaching staff for next season according to Levine. I think he should be the Cubs manager next season.
- There are whispers out there that Crane Kenney will be out as Cubs President after the season. If that is the case then I see no reason not to have Pat Gillick as your next team President.
- If Crane Kenney is removed you could see a current baseball GM’s like Epstein, Beane, or Friedman take a promotion to become the Cubs new President.
Until Next Time…
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Cubs This and That...
Here is the latest on the Cubs front-
- Lance Berkman could be an option for 1st for the Cubs says a source to Tom Ricketts.
- Aramis Ramirez wants a multi-year deal. Here is what he said to Bruce Levine last night-
If I hit the marketplace I should end up with a two or three-year deal," Ramirez told Levine. "The reason is, there aren't a lot of third baseman available this offseason. But if [the Cubs] approach me, I'm sure we can get something done. But probably not for one year."
This is likely to be the next GM’s first decision and it will be a tough one. The Chicago Cubs do not have a viable option for 3rd base next season and the market looks really weak which makes trade value for 3rd baseman really high. One thing I would suggest is the Cubs exercise Ramirez 16M option for 2012 just to watch him decline it which means he forgoes the 2 million dollar buyout. If Ramirez accepts then you have him for another contract year and then you have guys like David Wright, Mark Reynolds, and Kevin Youkilis becoming free agents in 2012. If he declines then you don’t owe him anything. I really see it as a win/win for the Cubs to exercise the option.
- The Cubs are having internal discussions about moving Shark to the rotation. I hope they don’t do that again!
- The Cubs current front office has discussed possible replacements via trade for Ramirez if he does leave like David Wright, Alex Gordon, Mark Reynolds, and Ryan Roberts.
- Bruce Levine said the most likely candidate for GM next year is Rick Hahn.
- Levine says the Cubs will concentrate more on pitching rather than position players, honestly how do the Cubs not shell out a ton of cash for Fielder???
- Levine says the Cubs will have to think outside the box in trading for pitchers. He names J.A. Happ and John Danks as possible targets. Danks makes a ton of sense!
- Bruce would rather see the Cubs go after C.J. Wilson and trade for younger players than throw $25 million at Fielder. I think the Cubs should sign both Wilson and Fielder as two big pieces in moving forward.
- Levine says the Cubs budget next season will not exceed the $130M mark. That makes no sense because everyone (including Ricketts) compares the Cubs to the Yankees and Red Sox but having a payroll at $130M when the Yanks have a $207M payroll, Red Sox have a $163M payroll, and even the Phillies have a $165M payroll; the is no comparison. The Cubs need to spend up to $160M if they want to be compared to these teams. Otherwise they are comparing apples and oranges.
- By the way I know it has only been 8 games but LaHair is batting .500 with a .565 OBP with 4 doubles, 1 triple, and a homer. He is looking more and more like a late bloomer dare I say Jose Bautista.
Until Next Time…
- Lance Berkman could be an option for 1st for the Cubs says a source to Tom Ricketts.
- Aramis Ramirez wants a multi-year deal. Here is what he said to Bruce Levine last night-
If I hit the marketplace I should end up with a two or three-year deal," Ramirez told Levine. "The reason is, there aren't a lot of third baseman available this offseason. But if [the Cubs] approach me, I'm sure we can get something done. But probably not for one year."
This is likely to be the next GM’s first decision and it will be a tough one. The Chicago Cubs do not have a viable option for 3rd base next season and the market looks really weak which makes trade value for 3rd baseman really high. One thing I would suggest is the Cubs exercise Ramirez 16M option for 2012 just to watch him decline it which means he forgoes the 2 million dollar buyout. If Ramirez accepts then you have him for another contract year and then you have guys like David Wright, Mark Reynolds, and Kevin Youkilis becoming free agents in 2012. If he declines then you don’t owe him anything. I really see it as a win/win for the Cubs to exercise the option.
- The Cubs are having internal discussions about moving Shark to the rotation. I hope they don’t do that again!
- The Cubs current front office has discussed possible replacements via trade for Ramirez if he does leave like David Wright, Alex Gordon, Mark Reynolds, and Ryan Roberts.
- Bruce Levine said the most likely candidate for GM next year is Rick Hahn.
- Levine says the Cubs will concentrate more on pitching rather than position players, honestly how do the Cubs not shell out a ton of cash for Fielder???
- Levine says the Cubs will have to think outside the box in trading for pitchers. He names J.A. Happ and John Danks as possible targets. Danks makes a ton of sense!
- Bruce would rather see the Cubs go after C.J. Wilson and trade for younger players than throw $25 million at Fielder. I think the Cubs should sign both Wilson and Fielder as two big pieces in moving forward.
- Levine says the Cubs budget next season will not exceed the $130M mark. That makes no sense because everyone (including Ricketts) compares the Cubs to the Yankees and Red Sox but having a payroll at $130M when the Yanks have a $207M payroll, Red Sox have a $163M payroll, and even the Phillies have a $165M payroll; the is no comparison. The Cubs need to spend up to $160M if they want to be compared to these teams. Otherwise they are comparing apples and oranges.
- By the way I know it has only been 8 games but LaHair is batting .500 with a .565 OBP with 4 doubles, 1 triple, and a homer. He is looking more and more like a late bloomer dare I say Jose Bautista.
Until Next Time…
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
We are back... and with News and Rumors...
I finally have internet and here is the latest rumors, news, and notes….
- Tim Wilken is likely to get an extension in the coming weeks from Tom Ricketts. Tom recently extended Oneri Fleita 4 years to keep him from the Detroit Tigers. While I think it is a right decision to extend Wilken, Fleita is a head scratcher to me.
- Some media outlets think the decision to extend Oneri and possibly Wilken may make the GM job look less attractive. I agree with Oneri but signing Wilken to an extension should give the next GM excitement because he is the best in the game.
- Quade is still going to play veterans even though fans, media, and other want to see the young kids.
- Quade in my opinion is playing the last managerial job he will ever have.
- The move made with Fleita and possibly Wilken show some around baseball that Ricketts will hire a young assistant GM from another team.
- There is a ton of rumors that Ricketts is “strongly considering” Kim Ng who is a senior VP of Baseball Operation with MLB and a top GM candidate.
- So far the Cubs have brought up Bryan LaHair, Andrew Cashner, DJ LeMahieu, John Gaub, and Lou Montanez. Why Montanez I ask you?
- Brett Jackson will not be called up. He will play for team USA and likely play fall ball.
- Carlos Zambrano’s season is done and the team will likely trade him this winter.
- The White Sox and Cubs could swap bad contracts this off-season according to sources.
- Carlos Pena still remains a top 3 option for the Cubs to play 1st base next season.
- Prince Fielder and CJ Wilson are high on Ricketts list of players according to a source.
- Aramis Ramirez has a 16 million dollar club option for next season. If the Cubs decline it they pay a 2 million dollar payout. If they exercise and Aram rejects it he forgoes the payout and becomes a free agent. Many think the next GM and Aram will work out an extension. I think exercising his option is a win/win!
- Here are my odds on the rumored GM candidates actually becoming the Cubs GM.
Brian Cashman 1000-1
Andrew Friedman 750-1
Jon Daniels 750-1
Ned Colletti 500-1
Jerry DiPoto 400-1
Theo Epstien 250-1
Allard Baird 150-1
Thad Levine 100-1
Ben Cherington 75-1
Billy Beane 30-1
Josh Byrnes 25-1
Kim Ng 10-1
Rick Hahn 4-1
- I think ultimately it will be down to four with Beane, Byrnes, Ng, and Hahn. I think Rick Hahn lands the job and brings in Ryne Sandberg as his next manager.
Until Next Time…
- Tim Wilken is likely to get an extension in the coming weeks from Tom Ricketts. Tom recently extended Oneri Fleita 4 years to keep him from the Detroit Tigers. While I think it is a right decision to extend Wilken, Fleita is a head scratcher to me.
- Some media outlets think the decision to extend Oneri and possibly Wilken may make the GM job look less attractive. I agree with Oneri but signing Wilken to an extension should give the next GM excitement because he is the best in the game.
- Quade is still going to play veterans even though fans, media, and other want to see the young kids.
- Quade in my opinion is playing the last managerial job he will ever have.
- The move made with Fleita and possibly Wilken show some around baseball that Ricketts will hire a young assistant GM from another team.
- There is a ton of rumors that Ricketts is “strongly considering” Kim Ng who is a senior VP of Baseball Operation with MLB and a top GM candidate.
- So far the Cubs have brought up Bryan LaHair, Andrew Cashner, DJ LeMahieu, John Gaub, and Lou Montanez. Why Montanez I ask you?
- Brett Jackson will not be called up. He will play for team USA and likely play fall ball.
- Carlos Zambrano’s season is done and the team will likely trade him this winter.
- The White Sox and Cubs could swap bad contracts this off-season according to sources.
- Carlos Pena still remains a top 3 option for the Cubs to play 1st base next season.
- Prince Fielder and CJ Wilson are high on Ricketts list of players according to a source.
- Aramis Ramirez has a 16 million dollar club option for next season. If the Cubs decline it they pay a 2 million dollar payout. If they exercise and Aram rejects it he forgoes the payout and becomes a free agent. Many think the next GM and Aram will work out an extension. I think exercising his option is a win/win!
- Here are my odds on the rumored GM candidates actually becoming the Cubs GM.
Brian Cashman 1000-1
Andrew Friedman 750-1
Jon Daniels 750-1
Ned Colletti 500-1
Jerry DiPoto 400-1
Theo Epstien 250-1
Allard Baird 150-1
Thad Levine 100-1
Ben Cherington 75-1
Billy Beane 30-1
Josh Byrnes 25-1
Kim Ng 10-1
Rick Hahn 4-1
- I think ultimately it will be down to four with Beane, Byrnes, Ng, and Hahn. I think Rick Hahn lands the job and brings in Ryne Sandberg as his next manager.
Until Next Time…
Saturday, September 03, 2011
Update.....
I am having issues getting Internet here because we are considered new construction. Trust me this is hurting me more than it is hurting you! I am hoping to get Internet sometime this week but until then please check me out on twitter at HotStoveCubbies@twitter.com. Thanks to everyone for being so understanding.
Until Next Time...
Until Next Time...
Monday, August 22, 2011
An Update During a Crazy Time...
A rare blog post during a crazy move-
- So far the Cubs have several rumored candidates for GM in Josh Byrnes, Billy Beane, Brian Cashman, Rick Hahn, Theo Epstien, Ben Cherington, Andrew Friedman, Allard Baird, Jerry DiPoto, Ned Colletti, Jon Daniels, Thad Levine, and dark horse Greg Maddux.
- Ricketts said this will not be a quick process. He is looking for an experienced guy with a strong track record outside the organization. That pretty much rules out the Greg Maddux rumors.
- Jim Hendry could land with Kevin Towers in Arizona.
- Kenny Williams endorses Hahn by saying this- "I've made no secret about it, Rick Hahn is, to me, one of the most qualified men to assume the position moving forward," Williams said. "What Mr. Ricketts does is his own business. He's a guy that's had a lot of success in business and in his world, and his world over there is none of my business at this point in time. But if he called for a recommendation on Rick Hahn, I absolutely would give him my highest."
- I reported via twitter over the weekend that the only thing standing in the way of the Chicago Cubs landing Rick Hahn is the White Sox granting access to interview him and Rick wanting the job. Sounds like the first hurdle is crossed by the Denny Williams endorsement.
- Rumor has it if Hahn is announced the new GM he WILL hire Ryne Sandberg as the next manager of the Chicago Cubs.
- Andrew Friedman is getting endorsed by former players and current Cubs Matt Garza and Carlos Pena. It would be great to see what Friedman can do with a big market team considering we already know he is a wizard at player development and talent evaluations.
- The Cubs have reached out to Greg Maddux about remaining in the organization. The club also would like to retain some front office staff as well.
- Ricketts said specifically on Friday he is looking for a GM committed to player development, stronger analytical background, and a track record of success.
- The Cubs will likely ask to interview 15 current or up and coming GMs over the next couple months.
- The new GM will have the opportunity to bring in a new manager or keep Mike Quade around. I see Q’s job in serious jeopardy.
- Ramirez maybe having 2nd thoughts on whether to stay in Chicago. He will wait the naming of the new GM and then test the free agent market. But honestly it is not his decision until the Cubs decide whether or not to exercise his 16 million dollar option.
- If the Cubs do not sign Ramirez then the talent falls off dramatically via free agency. Michael Cuddyer (has played some third) and Edwin Encarnacion (has a club option) are the next tier down. While players like Greg Dobbs, Mark DeRosa, Eric Chavez, Miguel Tejada, and Jose Lopez fill out the rest of the list. Not too promising!
- If Aramis does leave the Cubs will likely look the trade route. There have been rumors in the past about the Cubs jumping all over David Wright if he is made available. Also Alex Gordon, Brandon Inge, Mark Reynolds, Chone Figgins, Scott Rolen, and Mark Teahen are also trade canidates. Brandon Phillips also maybe willing to move to 3rd to make him more converted on the free agent market.
- MLBTR took a look at possible ways to trade Zambrano. MLBTR does a good job! The most intriguing to me is Z for Dunn, Z for Burnett, and Z for Roberts. I would also be OK for the Teahen for Z or Zambrano for Figgins. How about Zambrano and Soriano for Dunn and Peavy?
- Dempster is now not a lock to come back next year either.
- Fielder could be the first prize landed by the new GM giving Ricketts comments about willing to spend on impact players while developing their own.
- While I have not endorsed a candidate for GM I have a short list in no particular order Andrew Friedman, Rick Hahn, Brian Cashman, and Billy Beane are most suitable to me. If you guarantee that Hahn brings in Ryne Sandberg then he is my number 1 choice!!!
As always make sure you follow HSCviatwitter especially the next few weeks! I will be updating the latest information and news as I hear it. After that I should be able to regularly update the parent site HotStoveCubbies! Thanks to all for you support and go CUBS!
Until Next Time....
- So far the Cubs have several rumored candidates for GM in Josh Byrnes, Billy Beane, Brian Cashman, Rick Hahn, Theo Epstien, Ben Cherington, Andrew Friedman, Allard Baird, Jerry DiPoto, Ned Colletti, Jon Daniels, Thad Levine, and dark horse Greg Maddux.
- Ricketts said this will not be a quick process. He is looking for an experienced guy with a strong track record outside the organization. That pretty much rules out the Greg Maddux rumors.
- Jim Hendry could land with Kevin Towers in Arizona.
- Kenny Williams endorses Hahn by saying this- "I've made no secret about it, Rick Hahn is, to me, one of the most qualified men to assume the position moving forward," Williams said. "What Mr. Ricketts does is his own business. He's a guy that's had a lot of success in business and in his world, and his world over there is none of my business at this point in time. But if he called for a recommendation on Rick Hahn, I absolutely would give him my highest."
- I reported via twitter over the weekend that the only thing standing in the way of the Chicago Cubs landing Rick Hahn is the White Sox granting access to interview him and Rick wanting the job. Sounds like the first hurdle is crossed by the Denny Williams endorsement.
- Rumor has it if Hahn is announced the new GM he WILL hire Ryne Sandberg as the next manager of the Chicago Cubs.
- Andrew Friedman is getting endorsed by former players and current Cubs Matt Garza and Carlos Pena. It would be great to see what Friedman can do with a big market team considering we already know he is a wizard at player development and talent evaluations.
- The Cubs have reached out to Greg Maddux about remaining in the organization. The club also would like to retain some front office staff as well.
- Ricketts said specifically on Friday he is looking for a GM committed to player development, stronger analytical background, and a track record of success.
- The Cubs will likely ask to interview 15 current or up and coming GMs over the next couple months.
- The new GM will have the opportunity to bring in a new manager or keep Mike Quade around. I see Q’s job in serious jeopardy.
- Ramirez maybe having 2nd thoughts on whether to stay in Chicago. He will wait the naming of the new GM and then test the free agent market. But honestly it is not his decision until the Cubs decide whether or not to exercise his 16 million dollar option.
- If the Cubs do not sign Ramirez then the talent falls off dramatically via free agency. Michael Cuddyer (has played some third) and Edwin Encarnacion (has a club option) are the next tier down. While players like Greg Dobbs, Mark DeRosa, Eric Chavez, Miguel Tejada, and Jose Lopez fill out the rest of the list. Not too promising!
- If Aramis does leave the Cubs will likely look the trade route. There have been rumors in the past about the Cubs jumping all over David Wright if he is made available. Also Alex Gordon, Brandon Inge, Mark Reynolds, Chone Figgins, Scott Rolen, and Mark Teahen are also trade canidates. Brandon Phillips also maybe willing to move to 3rd to make him more converted on the free agent market.
- MLBTR took a look at possible ways to trade Zambrano. MLBTR does a good job! The most intriguing to me is Z for Dunn, Z for Burnett, and Z for Roberts. I would also be OK for the Teahen for Z or Zambrano for Figgins. How about Zambrano and Soriano for Dunn and Peavy?
- Dempster is now not a lock to come back next year either.
- Fielder could be the first prize landed by the new GM giving Ricketts comments about willing to spend on impact players while developing their own.
- While I have not endorsed a candidate for GM I have a short list in no particular order Andrew Friedman, Rick Hahn, Brian Cashman, and Billy Beane are most suitable to me. If you guarantee that Hahn brings in Ryne Sandberg then he is my number 1 choice!!!
As always make sure you follow HSCviatwitter especially the next few weeks! I will be updating the latest information and news as I hear it. After that I should be able to regularly update the parent site HotStoveCubbies! Thanks to all for you support and go CUBS!
Until Next Time....
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