Let’s get caught up on some rumors and news…
- The Cubs and Yankees are still talking about a Phil Hughes/Ryan Dempster swap but money is the hang up right now and the Yankees maybe asking for another prospect in return.
- The Cubs are currently farther apart with Matt Garza in arbitration than recently thought. Garza wants $12.5M in arbitration and the Cubs want to pay him $7.95M. With those figures you can bet Garza will lose the case if it goes to arbitration.
- Many feel this is Garza’s way of putting his mark on wanting off the rebuilding Cubs squad. The Cubs will not benefit from seeing his per year price go up.
- The Cubs are going hard after another Cuban not name Soler or Cespedes. The Cubs have been really active in International players recently and have serious interest in 18 year old lefty Gerardo Concepcion. We first heard his name 2 months ago but nothing has came of him since now because he is about to gain residency thus becoming a free agent.
- I talked to three different sources that say the Cubs are likely to sign 2 of the three Cuban player (those players include Soler, Cespedes, and Concepcion).
- The Cubs officially signed Jason Jaramillo and Rodrigo Lopez to minor league deal with invites to ST.
- A recent rumor bouncing around the web is that Soriano actually turned down a trade to the O’s. If that is true then what a shame.
- Here is something of interest that I heard from a source. The Cards have offered Prince Fielder a 6 year deal? I have not been able to confirm from other sources but I thought I would pass it along.
- The Tigers may still have some small interest in Marlon Byrd or Alfonso Soriano. I really do not see then going after the two especially with Matsui and Vlad still on the FA market.
- Teams interested in Matt Garza have reproached the Cubs according to Bleacher Nation.
- If the Cubs trade Soriano or Byrd they could trade or sign an outfielder instead of calling up Jackson.
- Sean Marshall says he would like to come back to the Cubs after the season when he is a FA.
- The Cubs have signed utility player Alfredo Amezaga to a minor league deal.
- The Cubs are expected to announce their list of non-roster invites to big league camp.
- In case you missed it the Cubs avoided arbitration with 6 players this week signing Jeff Baker at $1.375M, Blake DeWitt at $1.1M, and Geovany Soto to $4.3 M; Ian Stewart to $2.3755 M, Chris Volstad $2.655 M, and Randy Wells $2.705 M.
- The Cubs are still interested in bringing in a veteran utility infielder like Omar Vizquel, Bill Hall, and Alex Cora.
- The Cubs could also trade for a more established 2nd baseman. Theo and Co. are not exactly sold on Darwin Barney starting at 2nd next season. A cheap trade option would be Orlando Hudson.
- The Cubs have not and will not move off of their asking price of Jacob Turner and Nick Castellanos from the Tigers for Garza. A source told me Turner and Castellanos for Garza has been on the table for a week.
Until Next Time..
Friday, January 20, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
A Rumor Here... A Rumor There
- Wrigley Field is rolling out some changes which you can see here for the 2012 season. I really like the addition without compromising the integrity of the ballpark. I watched what Theo and Co. did to Fenway and I cannot say enough great things about what he did there. If the same thing is done here Cubs fans can be nothing but happy.
- Jason McLeod said the players facilities are a challenge at Wrigley which is obvious. I heard from a really good source that the Cubs Brass including Tom Ricketts have met with architectural designers with the idea of adding player facilities below Wrigley Field itself. This would be a huge undertaking but the source had this encouraging thing to say "The plans they are rolling out and talking about will revolutionize the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field, and MLB in general. Players will want to play here even more, Coaches will want to coach here, and the Chicago Cubs will be looked at as the place to go in MLB."
- Another surprise thing said in CubsCon was the idea of Tommy John rebounding pitcher Robert Whitenack may break ST with the Cubs.
- The Cubs are willing to trade Matt Garza for Jacob Turner and Nick Castellanos straight up says a source. In fact that trade is still being discussed and the Cubs have not backed off that asking price and probably won't.
- According to George Ofman the Cubs are more pressed to trade Garza then others may be reporting.
- In already a great off-season if the Cubs can somehow trade unload Soriano, trade Byrd to get some young minor leaguers back, and trade Garza for Jacob Turner and Nick Castellanos it would be the best off-season in my life-time.
- The Cubs are prepared to make "great" offers to both Jorge Soler and Yoenis Cespedes but are more "in" on Soler because of the Marlins rumored offer for Cespedes could be in the 6 year range around $50M+. If I am the Cubs and I am going to challenge that deal I better be right on how good he is going to be and hope he does not end up like a Kei Igawa or Wily Mo Pena.
- Oh in case you did not know. Prince Fielder is not going to happen! I expect him to sign a 6+
year deal worth over $175M with the Nationals.
- So as I am finishing up here a tidbit comes across my inbox that says the Cubs and Yankees are discussing a Ryan Dempster for Phil Hughes swap with the Cubs paying part of Dempster's contract. This would be another move for the future if it in fact happens; not to mention a wonderful move for the Cubs. You can find the 25 year old Hughes stats here.
Until Next Time...
- Jason McLeod said the players facilities are a challenge at Wrigley which is obvious. I heard from a really good source that the Cubs Brass including Tom Ricketts have met with architectural designers with the idea of adding player facilities below Wrigley Field itself. This would be a huge undertaking but the source had this encouraging thing to say "The plans they are rolling out and talking about will revolutionize the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field, and MLB in general. Players will want to play here even more, Coaches will want to coach here, and the Chicago Cubs will be looked at as the place to go in MLB."
- Another surprise thing said in CubsCon was the idea of Tommy John rebounding pitcher Robert Whitenack may break ST with the Cubs.
- The Cubs are willing to trade Matt Garza for Jacob Turner and Nick Castellanos straight up says a source. In fact that trade is still being discussed and the Cubs have not backed off that asking price and probably won't.
- According to George Ofman the Cubs are more pressed to trade Garza then others may be reporting.
- In already a great off-season if the Cubs can somehow trade unload Soriano, trade Byrd to get some young minor leaguers back, and trade Garza for Jacob Turner and Nick Castellanos it would be the best off-season in my life-time.
- The Cubs are prepared to make "great" offers to both Jorge Soler and Yoenis Cespedes but are more "in" on Soler because of the Marlins rumored offer for Cespedes could be in the 6 year range around $50M+. If I am the Cubs and I am going to challenge that deal I better be right on how good he is going to be and hope he does not end up like a Kei Igawa or Wily Mo Pena.
- Oh in case you did not know. Prince Fielder is not going to happen! I expect him to sign a 6+
year deal worth over $175M with the Nationals.
- So as I am finishing up here a tidbit comes across my inbox that says the Cubs and Yankees are discussing a Ryan Dempster for Phil Hughes swap with the Cubs paying part of Dempster's contract. This would be another move for the future if it in fact happens; not to mention a wonderful move for the Cubs. You can find the 25 year old Hughes stats here.
Until Next Time...
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Cubs Quick Hits
- The Cubs have signed Kerry Wood to a one-year deal worth $3M and a option for 2013 of $3M.
- Soriano said he would accept a trade out of Chicago but only to a contender and the place has to fit him and his family well.
- The Yankees are looking for a power bat DH and rumors are circling about a possible AJ Burnett/Alfonso Soriano trade. On the surface the trade makes since because AJ will make $33M over the next two years and Soriano will make $54M over the next 3 so offsetting the money could be a hurdle though. Soriano is comfortable in New York having played there and the Yankees are undoubtedly contenders. This would look like a typical Cubs move but we cannot forget Theo is in charge now not Jim Hendry. Hendry would make this deal for sure but I am not so sure on Theo because it does not follow the direction they are heading.
- Not sure if the Montero/Pineda effects Garza trade value in a good or bad way but it does take the Yanks out of the equation. Several good things that comes out of it is the Tigers, Blue Jays, Rangers (if unable to sign Darvish), and Red Sox are likely to step up their efforts on Garza to make a corresponding splash. One thing that may affect Garza's value is the price of Pineda may have brought it down depending on the other teams involved.
- The Red Sox recently have been the most aggressive in conversations with the Cubs according to sources. I just don't see how the Sox have enough quality prospects to add Garza.
- I believe in the Tigers prospects so much I would trade Garza, Vitters, and McNutt for Turner, Nick Castellanos, and Drew Smyly.
Until Next Time...
- Soriano said he would accept a trade out of Chicago but only to a contender and the place has to fit him and his family well.
- The Yankees are looking for a power bat DH and rumors are circling about a possible AJ Burnett/Alfonso Soriano trade. On the surface the trade makes since because AJ will make $33M over the next two years and Soriano will make $54M over the next 3 so offsetting the money could be a hurdle though. Soriano is comfortable in New York having played there and the Yankees are undoubtedly contenders. This would look like a typical Cubs move but we cannot forget Theo is in charge now not Jim Hendry. Hendry would make this deal for sure but I am not so sure on Theo because it does not follow the direction they are heading.
- Not sure if the Montero/Pineda effects Garza trade value in a good or bad way but it does take the Yanks out of the equation. Several good things that comes out of it is the Tigers, Blue Jays, Rangers (if unable to sign Darvish), and Red Sox are likely to step up their efforts on Garza to make a corresponding splash. One thing that may affect Garza's value is the price of Pineda may have brought it down depending on the other teams involved.
- The Red Sox recently have been the most aggressive in conversations with the Cubs according to sources. I just don't see how the Sox have enough quality prospects to add Garza.
- I believe in the Tigers prospects so much I would trade Garza, Vitters, and McNutt for Turner, Nick Castellanos, and Drew Smyly.
Until Next Time...
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Cubs Rumors and News- Wood, Soler, Garza, Marmol, Soriano, and more...
- The Cubs have agreed to sign Kerry Wood to a one year deal with an option for 2013. This is just a feel good move for the Cubs especially with David Kaplan and others saying Wood was as good as gone a few days ago. Welcome back Kerry!
- The Cubs made two international signings that I may have missed. They inking 19 year old outfielder Yasiel Balaguert for 400K and pitcher Carlos Martinez, 20, for 250K. Both will be players to keep and eye on but will not impact the team until years down the road unless the surprise.
- The Cubs are watching the Cespedes and Soler situation very carefully. Cespedes price seems to be coming down which can really benefit the Cubs but a source recently told me they actually prefer Jorge Soler because his cost will be lower than Cespedes, he is much younger (19), and will be placed in the minors. Cespedes is likely to ink a ML deal where as Soler could end up with a deal much like Samadizja did and start in the minors.
-Here is a quote from Theo Epstein (via Bleachernation.com) on Matt Garza which says a lot-
“I’m hoping to talk to [Garza] this weekend [at the Cubs Convention],” Epstein said. “I’ve kept his representatives updated every step. But let’s downplay this. This is really more what has happened in the media than what has happened in reality. There was no attempt to shop him. This is not an everyday endeavor for us.
“As we do with all of our players, we weigh all of our options. Really I think very highly of Matt Garza. I think he’s a top-of-the-rotation guy, and I’m looking forward to him being on the mound for us this season. But we are being transparent about the fact that sometimes it makes sense to weigh your options and see if you can put yourself in a better position for the long haul.
“It makes sense for the organization to turn short-term assets into long-term assets. You can do that like we did with Sean. For one year with Sean Marshall we get five years of Travis Wood. But there is another way to do it. You can also find a contract extension that makes sense for both parties and create long-term impact that way.
“You hate to talk about it because you hate to have the player read about it, but we also want to be transparent as we try to set the organization up for the long haul.”
-The Cubs waived recently required Jeff Bianchi to make room for newly acquired Paul Maholm.
-Some Cubs officials are resigned to the fact Soriano will be in LF on Opening Day because Theo does not want to pay as much of his contract as previously thought.
-Two clubs that have some interest in Soriano are the O’s and Mariners but will wait until the FA market decreases before doing too much talking. There is a ton of cheap DH/OF types there.
-According to a source Theo had several calls on Carlos Marmol earlier this off-season but waited on pulling the trigger to get a better package. Since then the market for closers has dropped off significantly from Papelbon getting 4 years $50M to Ryan Madson getting 1 year $8.5M. So his value went from rumors such as Marmol for Morales or a Marmol package for Matt Harrison to non-existent and teams wanting the Cubs to pick up money on the deal. So it is likely the Cubs will hold onto Marmol until at least the deadline.
-The Cubs have talked to numerous teams about Marlon Byrd but want to trade Soriano instead. Both could be out the door by Opening Day.
-Nick Castellanos remains the sticking point in the Garza to Tigers trade talks. The Cubs want Castellanos and Turner plus two other young low level prospects.
-A very reliable source of mine said do not be surprised if the Cubs include a Josh Vitters and/or Trey McNutt in a Garza deal to get more/better prospects coming back to them. A perfect example would be Garza, Vitters, and McNutt for Jacob Turner, Nick Castellanos, Drew Smyly, Jay Voss, and fill in prospect/minor leaguer.
-On Twitter yesterday I guess correctly on the landing spot of Fernando Martinez, with the Astros.
Until Next Time....
- The Cubs made two international signings that I may have missed. They inking 19 year old outfielder Yasiel Balaguert for 400K and pitcher Carlos Martinez, 20, for 250K. Both will be players to keep and eye on but will not impact the team until years down the road unless the surprise.
- The Cubs are watching the Cespedes and Soler situation very carefully. Cespedes price seems to be coming down which can really benefit the Cubs but a source recently told me they actually prefer Jorge Soler because his cost will be lower than Cespedes, he is much younger (19), and will be placed in the minors. Cespedes is likely to ink a ML deal where as Soler could end up with a deal much like Samadizja did and start in the minors.
-Here is a quote from Theo Epstein (via Bleachernation.com) on Matt Garza which says a lot-
“I’m hoping to talk to [Garza] this weekend [at the Cubs Convention],” Epstein said. “I’ve kept his representatives updated every step. But let’s downplay this. This is really more what has happened in the media than what has happened in reality. There was no attempt to shop him. This is not an everyday endeavor for us.
“As we do with all of our players, we weigh all of our options. Really I think very highly of Matt Garza. I think he’s a top-of-the-rotation guy, and I’m looking forward to him being on the mound for us this season. But we are being transparent about the fact that sometimes it makes sense to weigh your options and see if you can put yourself in a better position for the long haul.
“It makes sense for the organization to turn short-term assets into long-term assets. You can do that like we did with Sean. For one year with Sean Marshall we get five years of Travis Wood. But there is another way to do it. You can also find a contract extension that makes sense for both parties and create long-term impact that way.
“You hate to talk about it because you hate to have the player read about it, but we also want to be transparent as we try to set the organization up for the long haul.”
-The Cubs waived recently required Jeff Bianchi to make room for newly acquired Paul Maholm.
-Some Cubs officials are resigned to the fact Soriano will be in LF on Opening Day because Theo does not want to pay as much of his contract as previously thought.
-Two clubs that have some interest in Soriano are the O’s and Mariners but will wait until the FA market decreases before doing too much talking. There is a ton of cheap DH/OF types there.
-According to a source Theo had several calls on Carlos Marmol earlier this off-season but waited on pulling the trigger to get a better package. Since then the market for closers has dropped off significantly from Papelbon getting 4 years $50M to Ryan Madson getting 1 year $8.5M. So his value went from rumors such as Marmol for Morales or a Marmol package for Matt Harrison to non-existent and teams wanting the Cubs to pick up money on the deal. So it is likely the Cubs will hold onto Marmol until at least the deadline.
-The Cubs have talked to numerous teams about Marlon Byrd but want to trade Soriano instead. Both could be out the door by Opening Day.
-Nick Castellanos remains the sticking point in the Garza to Tigers trade talks. The Cubs want Castellanos and Turner plus two other young low level prospects.
-A very reliable source of mine said do not be surprised if the Cubs include a Josh Vitters and/or Trey McNutt in a Garza deal to get more/better prospects coming back to them. A perfect example would be Garza, Vitters, and McNutt for Jacob Turner, Nick Castellanos, Drew Smyly, Jay Voss, and fill in prospect/minor leaguer.
-On Twitter yesterday I guess correctly on the landing spot of Fernando Martinez, with the Astros.
Until Next Time....
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Maholm, 40-Man, Wood, Hoyer, Garza, and More..
-The Chicago Cubs have come to terns with left-hander Paul Maholm on a one year deal worth $4.25M and an option for 2013 at $6.5M with a 500K buyout. This is an exceptional deal giving the fact most media outlets including myself thought the Cubs would offer a guaranteed two year deal worth something in the teen range. This is a great deal for the Cubbies.
-Because of this move the Cubs roster now is at 41 so a roster move must be made. Some guys that could be dealt, DFA, or released are Maine, Gaub, Coleman, or Mateo.
-Kerry Wood coming back to the Cubs is now looking less likely. On CSN he sounded like a guy that is ready to move on by saying great things about the Cubs and Chicago but said it around the saying “that will never change” which means someone maybe moving on.
-Earlier reports suggest Theo wants Wood on a 1 year deal worth about 2 million while Wood wants a 1 year deal worth market value which is 5 million or so. I hope in the end whether it is a million or 5 million he ends up on the north side of Chicago.
-Jed Hoyer still hopes to sign Kerry Wood and knows how much he means to the fan base.
-Jed says he offer Wood a substantial raise to the $1.5M he signed last year.
-Hoyer said he will prepare Shark as a starter but will be still open to sending him back to the bullpen depending on moves they do and don’t make between now and Opening Day.
-Hoyer said the Maholm signing is not a precursor to any other move. Did anyone expect him to say something different?
-Theo and Jed are in the same boat as the fans wanting to get a deal done with Kerry Wood to bring him back to Chicago for next year and beyond.
-David Kaplan shook the twitter world yesterday saying the Cubs and Tigers talks about Matt Garza progressing and later stated he means talks are past the preliminary stages which to me are is not a big rumor. A preliminary stage to me would be conversations after expressing interest.
-Rumors are circulating that the Cubs want both Jacob Turner and Nick Castellanos in a trade for Garza. It is unlikely that will happen unless Theo is a miracle worker.
-I sent a tweet out yesterday purposing a trade that would send Matt Garza, Geovany Soto, and Carlos Marmol to the Yankees for Jesus Montero, Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances, and Dante Bichette Jr. To me that would be ideal for both teams but the Yanks would have to go over the luxury tax to get that done. Something they are hesitant about.
-The Cubs are interested in bring back Rodrigo Lopez on a minor league deal. Theo and Co. were hell bent on adding depth to the rotation this year.
-According to Brett at Bleacher Nation talks between the Cubs and Tigers are progressing well but nothing is imminent.
-I am hearing the Rangers may come in to try to trade for Garza if they cannot sign Darvish. Rangers have a great farm system and the Cubs could ask for guys like LHP Martin Perez, 3rd Mel Olt, RHP Neil Ramirez, CF Leonys Martin, etc. The Cubs could also ask for young big league talent for Texas like Alexi Ogando or Matt Harrison.
-If the Rangers do not sign Darvish then I think the Yankees, Tigers, Rangers, and Jays are the only matches for the Cubs in a Garza trade. Other teams are either in the same division, do not need Garza or not in contention, or do not have the farm to acquire him. Yes I excluded the Red Sox from that list because they do not have the players the Yanks, Tigers, Rangers, and Jays have. So they are about as likely as the Astros acquiring Garza.
Until Next Time
-Because of this move the Cubs roster now is at 41 so a roster move must be made. Some guys that could be dealt, DFA, or released are Maine, Gaub, Coleman, or Mateo.
-Kerry Wood coming back to the Cubs is now looking less likely. On CSN he sounded like a guy that is ready to move on by saying great things about the Cubs and Chicago but said it around the saying “that will never change” which means someone maybe moving on.
-Earlier reports suggest Theo wants Wood on a 1 year deal worth about 2 million while Wood wants a 1 year deal worth market value which is 5 million or so. I hope in the end whether it is a million or 5 million he ends up on the north side of Chicago.
-Jed Hoyer still hopes to sign Kerry Wood and knows how much he means to the fan base.
-Jed says he offer Wood a substantial raise to the $1.5M he signed last year.
-Hoyer said he will prepare Shark as a starter but will be still open to sending him back to the bullpen depending on moves they do and don’t make between now and Opening Day.
-Hoyer said the Maholm signing is not a precursor to any other move. Did anyone expect him to say something different?
-Theo and Jed are in the same boat as the fans wanting to get a deal done with Kerry Wood to bring him back to Chicago for next year and beyond.
-David Kaplan shook the twitter world yesterday saying the Cubs and Tigers talks about Matt Garza progressing and later stated he means talks are past the preliminary stages which to me are is not a big rumor. A preliminary stage to me would be conversations after expressing interest.
-Rumors are circulating that the Cubs want both Jacob Turner and Nick Castellanos in a trade for Garza. It is unlikely that will happen unless Theo is a miracle worker.
-I sent a tweet out yesterday purposing a trade that would send Matt Garza, Geovany Soto, and Carlos Marmol to the Yankees for Jesus Montero, Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances, and Dante Bichette Jr. To me that would be ideal for both teams but the Yanks would have to go over the luxury tax to get that done. Something they are hesitant about.
-The Cubs are interested in bring back Rodrigo Lopez on a minor league deal. Theo and Co. were hell bent on adding depth to the rotation this year.
-According to Brett at Bleacher Nation talks between the Cubs and Tigers are progressing well but nothing is imminent.
-I am hearing the Rangers may come in to try to trade for Garza if they cannot sign Darvish. Rangers have a great farm system and the Cubs could ask for guys like LHP Martin Perez, 3rd Mel Olt, RHP Neil Ramirez, CF Leonys Martin, etc. The Cubs could also ask for young big league talent for Texas like Alexi Ogando or Matt Harrison.
-If the Rangers do not sign Darvish then I think the Yankees, Tigers, Rangers, and Jays are the only matches for the Cubs in a Garza trade. Other teams are either in the same division, do not need Garza or not in contention, or do not have the farm to acquire him. Yes I excluded the Red Sox from that list because they do not have the players the Yanks, Tigers, Rangers, and Jays have. So they are about as likely as the Astros acquiring Garza.
Until Next Time
Friday, January 06, 2012
Rizzo/Cashner Trade, Soriano, BRob, DLee, Wood, and More....
The Chicago Cubs made another big move today acquiring Anthony Rizzo and Zach Cates for Andrew Cashner and Kyung-Min Na. I will look at what the Cubs gave up, what the Cubs are getting, and what I think about the trade.
First let’s take a look at what the Cubs gave up. Andrew Cashner is no doubt going to be a top pitcher either in the rotation or out of the pen if he can stay healthy. At only 25 years old and a fastball that sits in mid 90’s he looks really good. The one big thing wrong with Cashner is he is a young power pitcher who relies on throwing his pitches hard which would not be an issue if he had flawless mechanics which has been problem. Earlier this year it was discussed that his form caused his issues with his rotator cuff that landed him on the DL. This is something that has to be fixed so he can stay healthy but one thing we have learned from the Cubs is that altering mechanics can be a big issue and cause you to be less effective. But there is no doubts the Padres are getting a good; possibly great, pitcher in Casher. The Cubs also gave up outfielder Kyng-Min Na (more info here) who is also a prospect in the Cubs system but is expendable because of the amount of OF minor leaguers in the Cubs system.
The only thing the Cubs got is a 22 year old first baseman (Anthony Rizzo info HERE) who hits from the left side and hit .331 with a .404 OBP 26 homers 101 RBI and 7 SB in 413 PA last season; THAT’S ALL! Rizzo is now the Cubs future first baseman for at least the next decade you would think. Rizzo was drafted under Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer, and Jason McLeod so the interest was definitely there and why Rizzo cost the Cubs Cashner and Na. The Cubs also got a 22 year old right-handed pitcher named Zach Cates (more info found here). Cates was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2010 MLB Amateur Draft so there is obvious interest from McLeod and Hoyer to reacquire him. In Cates first year in the minors he started 25 games, had a 4.73 ERA, with 111 Ks in 118 IP. While his numbers are not bad they are not good either but being 22 years old he has a ton of time to develop in the Cubs system.
Now looking at the trade I see this as a huge win for the Cubs and the Padres. This is another case where both teams are benefiting and taking a “gamble” (and I use that loosely) on younger players. The Padres have been working hard to acquire young pitching and the Cubs have been looking for their first baseman of the future which both helped out each other with their needs. I love this trade and applaud the Cubs brass for making it!
Now taking that into consideration here are some news and notes addressing the aftermath of the trade (plus other rumors and notes)-
-According to Carrie Muskat Hoyer says Bryan LaHair will be the starter at 1st next season and Rizzo will start the season in AAA.
-Jed Hoyer says the Cubs are willing to go through some growing pains with young players. I really like that idea.
-Because of this trade and the news following the Cubs maybe looking for a backup at first. They have been linked to Derrek Lee, Jorge Cantu, and Connor Jackson.
-Twitter blew up with the rumor of Soriano going to Baltimore for Brian Roberts being discussed. This trade makes sense for both teams but it is not a Theo type move. I think Theo would rather get a young player and pay almost Soriano’s entire contract than pay half his contract and acquire a guy like Roberts. At least that is what I see.
-The Cashner/Rizzo trade signifies the end to the Prince Fielder talk (thank God) and now the talks will heat up involving Marmol, Garza, Byrd, and Dempster.
-According to reports the Cubs and Kerry Wood are nearing completion on a one-year deal.
-The Red Sox and Cubs have been talking about a Marlon Byrd trade which makes a ton of sense for both teams. The Cubs will look for a low level minor leaguer and salary relief.
-The Cubs are still very interested in Paul Maholm.
-The Cubs have interest in Omar Vizquel and Jack Wilson according to sources.
-The Cubs signed Edgar Gonzalez and Joe Mather to minor league deals.
Until Next Time…
First let’s take a look at what the Cubs gave up. Andrew Cashner is no doubt going to be a top pitcher either in the rotation or out of the pen if he can stay healthy. At only 25 years old and a fastball that sits in mid 90’s he looks really good. The one big thing wrong with Cashner is he is a young power pitcher who relies on throwing his pitches hard which would not be an issue if he had flawless mechanics which has been problem. Earlier this year it was discussed that his form caused his issues with his rotator cuff that landed him on the DL. This is something that has to be fixed so he can stay healthy but one thing we have learned from the Cubs is that altering mechanics can be a big issue and cause you to be less effective. But there is no doubts the Padres are getting a good; possibly great, pitcher in Casher. The Cubs also gave up outfielder Kyng-Min Na (more info here) who is also a prospect in the Cubs system but is expendable because of the amount of OF minor leaguers in the Cubs system.
The only thing the Cubs got is a 22 year old first baseman (Anthony Rizzo info HERE) who hits from the left side and hit .331 with a .404 OBP 26 homers 101 RBI and 7 SB in 413 PA last season; THAT’S ALL! Rizzo is now the Cubs future first baseman for at least the next decade you would think. Rizzo was drafted under Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer, and Jason McLeod so the interest was definitely there and why Rizzo cost the Cubs Cashner and Na. The Cubs also got a 22 year old right-handed pitcher named Zach Cates (more info found here). Cates was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2010 MLB Amateur Draft so there is obvious interest from McLeod and Hoyer to reacquire him. In Cates first year in the minors he started 25 games, had a 4.73 ERA, with 111 Ks in 118 IP. While his numbers are not bad they are not good either but being 22 years old he has a ton of time to develop in the Cubs system.
Now looking at the trade I see this as a huge win for the Cubs and the Padres. This is another case where both teams are benefiting and taking a “gamble” (and I use that loosely) on younger players. The Padres have been working hard to acquire young pitching and the Cubs have been looking for their first baseman of the future which both helped out each other with their needs. I love this trade and applaud the Cubs brass for making it!
Now taking that into consideration here are some news and notes addressing the aftermath of the trade (plus other rumors and notes)-
-According to Carrie Muskat Hoyer says Bryan LaHair will be the starter at 1st next season and Rizzo will start the season in AAA.
-Jed Hoyer says the Cubs are willing to go through some growing pains with young players. I really like that idea.
-Because of this trade and the news following the Cubs maybe looking for a backup at first. They have been linked to Derrek Lee, Jorge Cantu, and Connor Jackson.
-Twitter blew up with the rumor of Soriano going to Baltimore for Brian Roberts being discussed. This trade makes sense for both teams but it is not a Theo type move. I think Theo would rather get a young player and pay almost Soriano’s entire contract than pay half his contract and acquire a guy like Roberts. At least that is what I see.
-The Cashner/Rizzo trade signifies the end to the Prince Fielder talk (thank God) and now the talks will heat up involving Marmol, Garza, Byrd, and Dempster.
-According to reports the Cubs and Kerry Wood are nearing completion on a one-year deal.
-The Red Sox and Cubs have been talking about a Marlon Byrd trade which makes a ton of sense for both teams. The Cubs will look for a low level minor leaguer and salary relief.
-The Cubs are still very interested in Paul Maholm.
-The Cubs have interest in Omar Vizquel and Jack Wilson according to sources.
-The Cubs signed Edgar Gonzalez and Joe Mather to minor league deals.
Until Next Time…
Thursday, January 05, 2012
What Does the Z/Volstad Trade Mean?
Last night the Cubs traded Carlos Zambrano for Chris Volstad which seems like a normal move but it means much more than just what is on the surface. Carlos Zambrano has been one of my favorite players to watch the past years because of his fire and passion and lets face it his theatrics. But until recently I chalked those things up to being just him and showing fire (now I know there are issues there). So when I heard the news last night about the trade it immediately go my attention and caused me to ponder the direction of the Cubs and what this move means below the surface.
First I want to give the details and my take on the deal. The Cubs sent Zambrano to the Miami Marlins for Chris Volstad. The Cubs are also paying $15.5M of the $18M left on Big Z contract. The Cubs are responsible for the arbitration case of Chris Volstad in which he is expected to make $2.6M so the deal is not really saving the Cubs any cash unless Z obtains his vesting option for 2013 which includes placing first or second in CY Young voting and being healthy at the end of 2012. If he does obtain that then he will be paid $19.25M for 2013.
So we already know about Zambrano so let’s take a look at Chris Volstad. Volstad is a 25 year old right handed pitcher who was 16th overall pick in the 2005 draft. Volstad stands at a tall 6 foot 8 230lbs but by no means is a power/K pitcher. Volstad has a career 32-39 record in 4 ML seasons; he has not pitched over 175 innings but has made at least 29 starts the past 3 years. Volstad is prone to giving up the homer but does not walk too many guys. He is a nice young option for the back-end of the rotation. He actually reminds me of a young Jeff Weaver.
The trade in its self on the surface looks like a standard salary dump and taking on a player that does not have a further career in Miami but I think it goes much deeper than that. The Cubs are going in the right direction by selling on guys that are not going to help them this year or the next few years. They have traded Sean Marshall with incredible value, they are dangling their star pitcher (Garza) but will not “settle” on a mediocre package for him, and now they have traded a headache not to mention a overpriced pitcher for a young 25 year old that best years still maybe ahead of him. The Cubs completed the Z/Volstad trade by not losing any cash or taking on another bad contract which is a nice change. This trade signifies much like the Marshall deal details the direction Epstein and Co. are going. They are cutting the fat that is the Chicago Cubs and replacing it with athletic players and youth with high ceilings. They are adding good clubhouse guys, leaders, and young prospects. They are cutting cash and not jeopardizing the future; not to mention brings in their guys. Yes they have done some moves that look questionable on the surface but now all the moves together they make sense on a whole. David DeJesus and Reed Johnson are both “baseball players” in every sense of the word, good leaders, and athletic. Trading Tyler Colvin and DJ for Stewart is sending two prospects that they feel did not fit the mold of the new movement and acquire a guy that had a down year but high ceiling that could bounce back and have a great year. Trading 1 year of Sean Marshall for a young, cheap, left-handed starter in Travis Wood, two potential solid ML player prospects, and not to mention saving money. Most of all trading a headache in the Cubs system named Zambrano for a 25 year old righty who is a solid back of the rotation starter for the Cubs this year and maybe beyond. The Cubs direction is simple and straight forward; get younger, get more athletic, cut salary, cut players that don’t fit the mold or won’t contribute down the line, get the highest trade value possible for those players, get a nice supporting cast, add leadership to the clubhouse, and build on that foundation never loosing site of the main objective.
Because of this direction the Cubs trade talk about Marlon Byrd should increase as well as Garza, Marmol, Wells, Soriano, Dempster, Baker, DeWitt, Soto, and others. Am I saying all of those players will be traded by Opening Day probably not but I have faith in Theo that he will try and not settle on an average return for any of them (with maybe exception of Soriano who is now gaining interest for 3 AL clubs according to George Ofman). Theo, Jed, and the Cubs now have a clear direction and I now can say it is about time. Cub fans you can finally get excited about the direction of your team because you have the Theo formula; the winning formula.
Until Next Time….
First I want to give the details and my take on the deal. The Cubs sent Zambrano to the Miami Marlins for Chris Volstad. The Cubs are also paying $15.5M of the $18M left on Big Z contract. The Cubs are responsible for the arbitration case of Chris Volstad in which he is expected to make $2.6M so the deal is not really saving the Cubs any cash unless Z obtains his vesting option for 2013 which includes placing first or second in CY Young voting and being healthy at the end of 2012. If he does obtain that then he will be paid $19.25M for 2013.
So we already know about Zambrano so let’s take a look at Chris Volstad. Volstad is a 25 year old right handed pitcher who was 16th overall pick in the 2005 draft. Volstad stands at a tall 6 foot 8 230lbs but by no means is a power/K pitcher. Volstad has a career 32-39 record in 4 ML seasons; he has not pitched over 175 innings but has made at least 29 starts the past 3 years. Volstad is prone to giving up the homer but does not walk too many guys. He is a nice young option for the back-end of the rotation. He actually reminds me of a young Jeff Weaver.
The trade in its self on the surface looks like a standard salary dump and taking on a player that does not have a further career in Miami but I think it goes much deeper than that. The Cubs are going in the right direction by selling on guys that are not going to help them this year or the next few years. They have traded Sean Marshall with incredible value, they are dangling their star pitcher (Garza) but will not “settle” on a mediocre package for him, and now they have traded a headache not to mention a overpriced pitcher for a young 25 year old that best years still maybe ahead of him. The Cubs completed the Z/Volstad trade by not losing any cash or taking on another bad contract which is a nice change. This trade signifies much like the Marshall deal details the direction Epstein and Co. are going. They are cutting the fat that is the Chicago Cubs and replacing it with athletic players and youth with high ceilings. They are adding good clubhouse guys, leaders, and young prospects. They are cutting cash and not jeopardizing the future; not to mention brings in their guys. Yes they have done some moves that look questionable on the surface but now all the moves together they make sense on a whole. David DeJesus and Reed Johnson are both “baseball players” in every sense of the word, good leaders, and athletic. Trading Tyler Colvin and DJ for Stewart is sending two prospects that they feel did not fit the mold of the new movement and acquire a guy that had a down year but high ceiling that could bounce back and have a great year. Trading 1 year of Sean Marshall for a young, cheap, left-handed starter in Travis Wood, two potential solid ML player prospects, and not to mention saving money. Most of all trading a headache in the Cubs system named Zambrano for a 25 year old righty who is a solid back of the rotation starter for the Cubs this year and maybe beyond. The Cubs direction is simple and straight forward; get younger, get more athletic, cut salary, cut players that don’t fit the mold or won’t contribute down the line, get the highest trade value possible for those players, get a nice supporting cast, add leadership to the clubhouse, and build on that foundation never loosing site of the main objective.
Because of this direction the Cubs trade talk about Marlon Byrd should increase as well as Garza, Marmol, Wells, Soriano, Dempster, Baker, DeWitt, Soto, and others. Am I saying all of those players will be traded by Opening Day probably not but I have faith in Theo that he will try and not settle on an average return for any of them (with maybe exception of Soriano who is now gaining interest for 3 AL clubs according to George Ofman). Theo, Jed, and the Cubs now have a clear direction and I now can say it is about time. Cub fans you can finally get excited about the direction of your team because you have the Theo formula; the winning formula.
Until Next Time….
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
Cubs Rumors and News Slowing Down... UPDATE- Now Z to Miami Thats News!
UPDATE 7:12 PM-
Levine was right; the Cubs have sent Carlos Zambrano to the Marlins for 25 year old righty Chris Volstad. The Cubs will pay all but $2.5M of his contract and Volstad is expected to make 2.6 so the Cubs are really not saving any money just headaches which could mean more. I wish Z the best in Miami and say what you will I still will call Big Z one of my favorite Cubs to watch.
More on this in a later post.
Cubs talk has been slow but here are some tidbits-
-The Jays and Yankees are out of the Garza sweepstakes according to sources. I really find that hard to believe and think it is a ploy to have the Cubs drop their asking price which they won’t do.
-The Cubs are asking the Jays for 2 top pitching prospects and 3 position prospects for Garza. -The Cubs did ask for Brett Lawrie but got immediately shut down.
-The Cubs are asking the Yankees two of Jesus Montero, Eduardo Nunez, Hector Noesi, Dellin Betance, and Manny Banuelos in a package for Gaza. The Cubs also want two more pieces that are not included in that list.
-The Nationals are stepping up their pursuit on Fielder according to numerous reports. Fielder, Boras, and the Nats President met yesterday to discuss things. There is a lot of smoke around this front and it should be noted that the Nationals overpaid for Werth and they will likely do the same for Fielder.
-Some reports suggest the Nationals will guarantee 7 years with an option for the 8th to get Fielder to Washington.
-Reed Johnson officially signed with the Cubs on a one-year $1.5M deal. Nice to have Johnson back in Cubbie blue for next season.
-The Cubs lost out on CoCo Crisp than goodness! Crisp got an above market deal from the A’s that equals about half of Beltran’s contract. I have to be honest if the A’s are paying Crisp that much then they should not complain about money issues because they have done it to themselves.
-It seems the Tigers are the biggest player for Garza right now but the Cubs will be patient because they don’t have to trade Garza.
-There has been talk about a possible extension of Matt Garza but numbers have not been leaked.
-Bruce Levine says Detroit’s top OF prospect Avisail Garcia might be a piece the Cubs look for Garza as well as Turner.
-There are some teams that have mild interest in Soriano but are willing to wait because the longer Sori stays on the Cubs the more salary the Cubs are willing to pay.
-Levine still feels Z will be out of Chicago by Opening Day and he will end up with Ozzie in Miami.
-Bruce adds Atlanta to the list of teams that like Marlon Byrd. Other teams interested are Washington and Boston.
-The Rangers do have interest in Garza but only if they can deal Harrison.
-Levine thinks Manny Corpas will have a role with the team next season.
-Levine thinks Wood and the Cubs have a deal in place but are waiting on other moves before announcing it.
-He thinks the Cubs are still in on Fielder.
-Levine thinks the Cubs are not going to trade Marmol before Opening Day.
-He says the Cubs will add more infield depth to help with Barney at 2nd and Castro at SS.
-The Cubs are still very much in on Cespedes and Soler even with the logjam in the outfield right now.
Until Next Time…
Levine was right; the Cubs have sent Carlos Zambrano to the Marlins for 25 year old righty Chris Volstad. The Cubs will pay all but $2.5M of his contract and Volstad is expected to make 2.6 so the Cubs are really not saving any money just headaches which could mean more. I wish Z the best in Miami and say what you will I still will call Big Z one of my favorite Cubs to watch.
More on this in a later post.
Cubs talk has been slow but here are some tidbits-
-The Jays and Yankees are out of the Garza sweepstakes according to sources. I really find that hard to believe and think it is a ploy to have the Cubs drop their asking price which they won’t do.
-The Cubs are asking the Jays for 2 top pitching prospects and 3 position prospects for Garza. -The Cubs did ask for Brett Lawrie but got immediately shut down.
-The Cubs are asking the Yankees two of Jesus Montero, Eduardo Nunez, Hector Noesi, Dellin Betance, and Manny Banuelos in a package for Gaza. The Cubs also want two more pieces that are not included in that list.
-The Nationals are stepping up their pursuit on Fielder according to numerous reports. Fielder, Boras, and the Nats President met yesterday to discuss things. There is a lot of smoke around this front and it should be noted that the Nationals overpaid for Werth and they will likely do the same for Fielder.
-Some reports suggest the Nationals will guarantee 7 years with an option for the 8th to get Fielder to Washington.
-Reed Johnson officially signed with the Cubs on a one-year $1.5M deal. Nice to have Johnson back in Cubbie blue for next season.
-The Cubs lost out on CoCo Crisp than goodness! Crisp got an above market deal from the A’s that equals about half of Beltran’s contract. I have to be honest if the A’s are paying Crisp that much then they should not complain about money issues because they have done it to themselves.
-It seems the Tigers are the biggest player for Garza right now but the Cubs will be patient because they don’t have to trade Garza.
-There has been talk about a possible extension of Matt Garza but numbers have not been leaked.
-Bruce Levine says Detroit’s top OF prospect Avisail Garcia might be a piece the Cubs look for Garza as well as Turner.
-There are some teams that have mild interest in Soriano but are willing to wait because the longer Sori stays on the Cubs the more salary the Cubs are willing to pay.
-Levine still feels Z will be out of Chicago by Opening Day and he will end up with Ozzie in Miami.
-Bruce adds Atlanta to the list of teams that like Marlon Byrd. Other teams interested are Washington and Boston.
-The Rangers do have interest in Garza but only if they can deal Harrison.
-Levine thinks Manny Corpas will have a role with the team next season.
-Levine thinks Wood and the Cubs have a deal in place but are waiting on other moves before announcing it.
-He thinks the Cubs are still in on Fielder.
-Levine thinks the Cubs are not going to trade Marmol before Opening Day.
-He says the Cubs will add more infield depth to help with Barney at 2nd and Castro at SS.
-The Cubs are still very much in on Cespedes and Soler even with the logjam in the outfield right now.
Until Next Time…
Sunday, January 01, 2012
The New Year Cubs Post
Here are the rumor rundowns since the last post. There are some old but some new so lets get started-
- The Cubs were talking to the Blue Jays, Yankees, and Red Sox about Matt Garza earlier in the week but that has changed because the Marlins and Tigers have joined the pursuit.
- Scott Boras is trying sell Prince Fielder hard because rumors came out this week that Boras does not like the offers for Prince so far and Fielder my have to take a 3 year deal. This made Boras pretty angry and said it takes more than 3 to get Prince.
- The Cubs remain interested in Fielder but are also looking at younger, cheaper options for 1st base.
- Like it or not the Cubs may just go with in house option Brian LaHair at 1st next season as a stop gap. LaHair has 15 homers and is batting .271 in Winter league.
- If the Cubs do go with LaHair they would likely sign another 1st baseman to complement (not platoon) LaHair. Some names that have been talked about are Derrek Lee, Jorge Cantu, and Connor Jackson.
- Bleacher Nation says the Cubs have talked to numerous teams about a Matt Garza trade and he puts the chances on him getting dealt at 90%. I think that is a bit high because there is still a thought he could sign an extension.
- The Cubs offered Sean Marshall a contract extension before he was dealtto the Reds but said there was no guarantee he would not be moved in July.
- The three teams most active on the Garza front right now are the Tigers, Marlins, and Blue Jays in that order. MLBTR says the Tigers are willing to trade Turner in a package which would be an amazing get for the Cubs.
- The Blue Jays and Tigers have the best chance to land Garza because they have the prospects the Cubs seek for him. The Red Sox and Marlins are lacking on both.
- Trade talks between the Rangers and Cubs are increasing involving Carlos Marmol. The Rangers were in on Andrew Bailey before the Red Sox traded for him. Right now the sticking point is the Cubs want Matt Harrison and the Rangers are reluctant to give him up in a deal for Marmol.
- Some names of prospects on the Jays the Cubs like are Noah Syndergaard, Justin Nicolino, Daniel Norris, and Deck McGuire.
- A report last week indicated that Cubs want Jacob Turner, Andy Oliver, and 2 position prospects for Garza. If the Cubs could pull that trade off it would be amazing.
- The Blue Jays, Yankees, Red Sox, Marlins, Dbacks, and Mariners all have interest in trading for Ryan Dempster according to sources.
- The Blue Jays and Dbacks are amping up their pursuit more now on Dempster. The Jays like the idea of Dempster because he will cost less in prospects.
- MLB Rumor Central on twitter is reporting that Marlon Byrd is gaining interest from Washington and Boston.
- A source told me that Garza, Byrd, Z, and Dempster are the most likely to be traded by Opening Day. He also tells me that Soriano is more likely to get released than traded because of how bleak the market is for him.
- Jim Bowden says the best possible fits for Garza are Toronto, Boston, Detroit, Texas, and New York in that order. I respectively disagree I think it goes Detroit, Toronto, Miami, Boston, New York, and Texas.
- Cubs signed Cuban prospects Yasiel Balaguert and Carlos Martinez. You can find more on that here. Both are great pick ups for the Cubs.
- The Cubs still remain interested in 1st baseman Anthony Rizzo, Kendry Morales, Mark Trumbo, Gaby Sanchez, and Mitch Moreland via trade.
- Buster Olney said the Cubs have been talking to numerous teams about Garza but nothing is imminent. Rosenthal says the Marlins have serious interest in Matt Garza and the Cubs really like Christian Yelich but the Marlins are dangling Matt Domiguez, Gaby Sanchez, Chris Coghlan, and Jose Ceda. No thanks Miami I will stick with talent like Jacob Turner for Detroit.
- The Cubs have some mild interest in Kyle Blanks according to sources. He is the next trade candidate in San Diego. A DeWitt for Blanks trade makes sense for both teams.
Until Next Time..
- The Cubs were talking to the Blue Jays, Yankees, and Red Sox about Matt Garza earlier in the week but that has changed because the Marlins and Tigers have joined the pursuit.
- Scott Boras is trying sell Prince Fielder hard because rumors came out this week that Boras does not like the offers for Prince so far and Fielder my have to take a 3 year deal. This made Boras pretty angry and said it takes more than 3 to get Prince.
- The Cubs remain interested in Fielder but are also looking at younger, cheaper options for 1st base.
- Like it or not the Cubs may just go with in house option Brian LaHair at 1st next season as a stop gap. LaHair has 15 homers and is batting .271 in Winter league.
- If the Cubs do go with LaHair they would likely sign another 1st baseman to complement (not platoon) LaHair. Some names that have been talked about are Derrek Lee, Jorge Cantu, and Connor Jackson.
- Bleacher Nation says the Cubs have talked to numerous teams about a Matt Garza trade and he puts the chances on him getting dealt at 90%. I think that is a bit high because there is still a thought he could sign an extension.
- The Cubs offered Sean Marshall a contract extension before he was dealtto the Reds but said there was no guarantee he would not be moved in July.
- The three teams most active on the Garza front right now are the Tigers, Marlins, and Blue Jays in that order. MLBTR says the Tigers are willing to trade Turner in a package which would be an amazing get for the Cubs.
- The Blue Jays and Tigers have the best chance to land Garza because they have the prospects the Cubs seek for him. The Red Sox and Marlins are lacking on both.
- Trade talks between the Rangers and Cubs are increasing involving Carlos Marmol. The Rangers were in on Andrew Bailey before the Red Sox traded for him. Right now the sticking point is the Cubs want Matt Harrison and the Rangers are reluctant to give him up in a deal for Marmol.
- Some names of prospects on the Jays the Cubs like are Noah Syndergaard, Justin Nicolino, Daniel Norris, and Deck McGuire.
- A report last week indicated that Cubs want Jacob Turner, Andy Oliver, and 2 position prospects for Garza. If the Cubs could pull that trade off it would be amazing.
- The Blue Jays, Yankees, Red Sox, Marlins, Dbacks, and Mariners all have interest in trading for Ryan Dempster according to sources.
- The Blue Jays and Dbacks are amping up their pursuit more now on Dempster. The Jays like the idea of Dempster because he will cost less in prospects.
- MLB Rumor Central on twitter is reporting that Marlon Byrd is gaining interest from Washington and Boston.
- A source told me that Garza, Byrd, Z, and Dempster are the most likely to be traded by Opening Day. He also tells me that Soriano is more likely to get released than traded because of how bleak the market is for him.
- Jim Bowden says the best possible fits for Garza are Toronto, Boston, Detroit, Texas, and New York in that order. I respectively disagree I think it goes Detroit, Toronto, Miami, Boston, New York, and Texas.
- Cubs signed Cuban prospects Yasiel Balaguert and Carlos Martinez. You can find more on that here. Both are great pick ups for the Cubs.
- The Cubs still remain interested in 1st baseman Anthony Rizzo, Kendry Morales, Mark Trumbo, Gaby Sanchez, and Mitch Moreland via trade.
- Buster Olney said the Cubs have been talking to numerous teams about Garza but nothing is imminent. Rosenthal says the Marlins have serious interest in Matt Garza and the Cubs really like Christian Yelich but the Marlins are dangling Matt Domiguez, Gaby Sanchez, Chris Coghlan, and Jose Ceda. No thanks Miami I will stick with talent like Jacob Turner for Detroit.
- The Cubs have some mild interest in Kyle Blanks according to sources. He is the next trade candidate in San Diego. A DeWitt for Blanks trade makes sense for both teams.
Until Next Time..
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Minor Signings, Moves Impacting Moves, Levine Notes, and Much More...
- The Cubs have signed Andy Sonnastine and Manny Corpas to minor league split deals. Both are decent signings and a low risk/high reward move for the Cubs.
- The Cubs signed Jason Jaramillo to a minor league contract. He will likely battle the two young guns for Soto's backup. This could be a sign the Cubs are no longer interested in signing Jason Varitek. Or they could deal Soto and still sign Varitek because I doubt Jason takes a minor league deal.
- To confirm the thought on BleacherNation the Cubs are in advanced talks with many teams about Garza. I am hearing the Red Sox and Jays are two of them.
- I put a Garza trade before Opening Day at 60% because of how the talks have increased.
- In that same post at BleacherNation Brett has a juicy tidbit about Ryan Dempster saying if the Cubs truly wanted to move him and it was a good trade then he would consider waving his NTC.
- I can see the Cubs having interest in Kyle Drabek of the Jays if Gaza is moved but he will not be the centerpiece of the deal.
- Four prospects the Cubs would have some interest in if Garza is traded to the Jays are Jake Marisnick, Justin Nicolino , Travis d’Arnaud , and/or Noah Syndergaard.
- JimBowdenESPNxm on Twitter says the Cubs along with the Rays, Indians, and Cubs are looking at trading for Mark Trumbo or Anthony Rizzo.
Here is the latest from Bruce Levine
- His response to why Byrd is still in Chicago telling. He says because the Cubs have not signed CoCo Crisp yet or traded for a young CF from the Jays. Then adds in Byrd will be gone. I get three things from this 1) He knows something 2) He is reading the signs 3) He is trying to sell his site and chat more. I think it is a combination of all three.
- Levine states he is one of the few that think the Cubs have a shot at Fielder. He goes on by saying the Cubs have had continuous "intense" talks with Scott Boras.
- Levine stats the obvious that the Cubs are entertaining trading Garza to add younger pitching to the minor or major league level. He also name drops Kyle Drabek and Deck McGuire.
- Levine names CF prospects Anthony Gose and Jake Marisnick as two guys that the Cubs could obtain for Garza from the Jays.
- He thinks that Soto will be the catcher next season but not the future catcher; making Geo trade bait.
- Bruce thinks the Cubs will make a run at Rizzo but is not sure if the Padres and Cubs match up well trade wise. The Padres are looking for young cheap pitching.
- Levine thinks the Cubs need to sign Castro to an extension. I totally agree and I would go 6+ years.
- Levine says there is zero chance the Jays would give up Lawrie and I agree.
- Bryan LaHair maybe a stop gap for the Cubs next season according to Bruce.
- BleacherNation once again has a great write up on the Cuban outfielders Yoenis Cespedes and Jorge Soler. Because of the thought that Soler could sign in the summer and Cespedes will sign this month I would not count out the Cubs signing both this season. Both fit the direction the Cubs are heading.
Until Next Time…
- The Cubs signed Jason Jaramillo to a minor league contract. He will likely battle the two young guns for Soto's backup. This could be a sign the Cubs are no longer interested in signing Jason Varitek. Or they could deal Soto and still sign Varitek because I doubt Jason takes a minor league deal.
- To confirm the thought on BleacherNation the Cubs are in advanced talks with many teams about Garza. I am hearing the Red Sox and Jays are two of them.
- I put a Garza trade before Opening Day at 60% because of how the talks have increased.
- In that same post at BleacherNation Brett has a juicy tidbit about Ryan Dempster saying if the Cubs truly wanted to move him and it was a good trade then he would consider waving his NTC.
- I can see the Cubs having interest in Kyle Drabek of the Jays if Gaza is moved but he will not be the centerpiece of the deal.
- Four prospects the Cubs would have some interest in if Garza is traded to the Jays are Jake Marisnick, Justin Nicolino , Travis d’Arnaud , and/or Noah Syndergaard.
- JimBowdenESPNxm on Twitter says the Cubs along with the Rays, Indians, and Cubs are looking at trading for Mark Trumbo or Anthony Rizzo.
Here is the latest from Bruce Levine
- His response to why Byrd is still in Chicago telling. He says because the Cubs have not signed CoCo Crisp yet or traded for a young CF from the Jays. Then adds in Byrd will be gone. I get three things from this 1) He knows something 2) He is reading the signs 3) He is trying to sell his site and chat more. I think it is a combination of all three.
- Levine states he is one of the few that think the Cubs have a shot at Fielder. He goes on by saying the Cubs have had continuous "intense" talks with Scott Boras.
- Levine stats the obvious that the Cubs are entertaining trading Garza to add younger pitching to the minor or major league level. He also name drops Kyle Drabek and Deck McGuire.
- Levine names CF prospects Anthony Gose and Jake Marisnick as two guys that the Cubs could obtain for Garza from the Jays.
- He thinks that Soto will be the catcher next season but not the future catcher; making Geo trade bait.
- Bruce thinks the Cubs will make a run at Rizzo but is not sure if the Padres and Cubs match up well trade wise. The Padres are looking for young cheap pitching.
- Levine thinks the Cubs need to sign Castro to an extension. I totally agree and I would go 6+ years.
- Levine says there is zero chance the Jays would give up Lawrie and I agree.
- Bryan LaHair maybe a stop gap for the Cubs next season according to Bruce.
- BleacherNation once again has a great write up on the Cuban outfielders Yoenis Cespedes and Jorge Soler. Because of the thought that Soler could sign in the summer and Cespedes will sign this month I would not count out the Cubs signing both this season. Both fit the direction the Cubs are heading.
Until Next Time…
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