Kosuke Fukudome, Breaking News, Cuts

Breaking News: According to the Chicago Sun Times, Kevin Gregg was name closer today.

According to Carrie Muskat, Right-handed pitchers Kevin Hart and Randy Wells were optioned to Triple-A Iowa. Catcher Mark Johnson, infielders Andres Blanco and Esteban German and So Taguchi were assigned to the Minor League camp.

I think if Fukudome does not live up to his contract in the first few months he will be traded. I don't think he will be sent down because of his contract and he won't show other teams of what he does in the majors if they want to trade for him. Teams that could be interested at the deadline or before the deadline. I will also say what they would give up and what the Cubs might like.

Toronto Blue Jays: If they are trying to shed money, 1 option can be Vermon Wells he is making 12.5 million next year and 21 million the next 3 years. Wells is a 1 year younger than Kosuke, hits better and has average defense. If Ii had to pick, I will pick Kosuke any day. Wells contract is so big and the Blue Jays don't get a big crowd, they might want to do a 1 for 1 and that way they save a lot of money.

White Sox: They were already to have interest in Kosuke when they both were trying to get him before the season last year. They also were to have interest this offseason and were said to offer Nick Swisher for Kosuke straight up. Hendry said no and can I blame him Kosuke had better numbers that Swisher last year. I don't see anyone that would interest me.

Kansas City Royals: Jose Guillen maybe because the contract are the same and his contract is up after this year and most likely wants to go to a contending team. The Cubs would be fine with the expiring contract of Guillen because they can go after Matt Holliday, he would be cheaper than like 3 years ago because of the economy.

Los Angeles Angels: Hot Stove Cubbies had a good post on going after Gary Matthews Jr. Matthews already made it public that he wants more playing time. The contracts are pretty much the same and he would get more playing time in Chicago. He would play more than Reed Johnson because Matthews is lefty and Pinella likes a more balance lineup.

Oakland Athletics: They might be interested if they can't sign Holliday to an extension and maybe might offer Holliday if the package is right. Kosuke will still have 2 more years on his contract. It will be easier to sign Holliday to an extension because the Cubs are in a week division and will make the playoffs. Holliday probably wants to win the world series and the time has come for the Cubs. We can then move Bradley to center, Soriano in left and Holliday in right. Then Lou Pinella picks Johnson or Gathright as the 4th outfielder.

Seattle Mariners: They were already to have interest in Kosuke and were said to offer Bedard, Johjima, or Washburn. If I had to pick from them I would of pick Bedard and just hope he stays healthy.

San Francisco Giants: They could offer Aaron Rowand, he has the same money left on contract, same stats. I will take Kosuke first because he is a lefty and has more seed than Rowand. Rowand has 1 more year on his contract than Kosuke and the Cubs probably don't want that because they are both the same stats and might want to go out and fine something else.

Of all the trades I said I will rate the ones on the best :

1) Toronto Blue Jays
2) Oakland Athletics
3) Los Angeles Angels
4) Kansas City Royals
5) Seattle Mariners
6) San Francisco Giants
7) Chicago White Sox

That is what teams that could be interested and what the Cubs might want.

Spring Training Recap:

The Cubs lost to the Cleveland Indians 7-5.

These players will make the team for sure.

Alfonso Soriano went 0 for 5 with a strikeout.
Ryan Theriot went 2 for 2 with a single, double and 2 walks.
Derek Lee went 1 for 3 with a single.
Micah Hoffpauir went 0 for 2 with a strikeout.
Milton Bradley went 1 for 4 with a homerun and 3 rbi's and a strikeout.
Aramis Ramirez went 2 for 4 with a single and a double.
Mike Fontenot went 0 for 3.
Reed Johnson went 1 for 1 with a single and 2 rbi's.
Geovany Soto went 0 for 3.
Joey Gathright went 3 for 4 with 2 singles and a double.
Pitchers:
Ted Lilly pitch 5 innings and gave up 7 hits 4 runs, 2 walks and 8 strikeouts.

Notables:
Koyie Hill went 0 for 1.
Chad Gaudin pitch 2 innings and gave up 3 hits, 3 runs, 1 walk and 1 strikeout.
David Patton pitch 1 inning and struck out 2.

I will keep you posted.