Why Chone Figgins will Help the Cubs...

The Cubs are already said to be interested in signing Figgins this offseason:

Chone Figgins stats!

Positives: The Cubs will finally have that lead off man that can get on and steal a base. Figgins can play third, short, second and all 3 spots in the outfield. Figgins will most likely play second with Baker going into the utility roll.

Negatives: Figgins is in his 30's. He does not have a lot of power and will most likely not start off the game with a home run like Soriano use to do. The final thing I can think of is he makes a lot of errors in the field.

Verdict: Sign Figgins to a 3 year 24 million. If Jim Hendry wants to move Theriot to second then go after Scutaro but if he wants to keep Theriot at short then go after Figgins.

Lineup for 2010 with just adding Figgins in and not possible moves this off season:

1) Chone Figgins 2B
2) Milton Bradley RF
3) Derrek lee 1B
3) Aramis Ramirez 3B
5) Kosuke Fukudome CF
6) Alfonso Soriano LF
7) Geovany Soto C
8) Ryan Theriot SS
9) Pitcher P

Thoughts?

Other Notes: Rich Harden and Aaron Heilman are staying put and Harden will pitch tonight against the Astros.

A Look at Closers the Cubs Sould Look at...

Here are some that will be free agents following the season:

Rafael Soriano is a righty and has a 1-4 record with a 2.33 era in 58 innings pitch.
Fernando Rodney is a righty and has a 2-3 record with a 3.28 era in 57.2 innings pitch.
Jose Valverde is a righty and has a 2-2 record with a 2.14 era in 42 innings pitch.

Players I would rather in order:

Rafael Soriano he would be a good closer or set-up man.
Jose Valverde hes good but I hate his celebrations
Fernando Rodney because of his age but has a good fastball.

Signings: Soriano to a 3 year 15 million, Valverde to a 3 year 15 million, and Rodney to a 2 year 8 million.

Tomorrow I will take a look at why Chone Figgins wood be a good fit.

Thoughts?

What Relievers the Cubs Could Look at...

These are relievers that Jim Hendry could look at not closers:

Rafael Betancourt is a righty and has a 2-1 record with a 2.93 era in 43 innings pitch.
LaTroy Hawkins is a righty and has a 1-4 record with a 1.95 era in 50.2 innings pitch.
Brandon Lyon is a righty and has 6-4 record with a 3.05 era in 62 innings pitch.
Joe Beimel is a lefty and has a 1-5 record with a 3.59 era in 47.2 innings pitch.
John Grabow is a lefty and has a 3-0 record with a 2.81 era in 57.2 innings pitch.

Rating them in which I like are the best:

1) John Grabow because he can get outs as a lefty specialist and I think the Cubs will resign him.
2) Latroy Hawkins because he can throw strikes.
3) Rafel Betancourt because he is a good righty that will help.
Then the next pitchers come but I really don't think they will help the Cubs as much.

Signings: Grabow to 3 year 12 million. Hawkins to a 1 year 3 million, and Betancourt to a 2 year 8 million.

Thoughts?

Tomorrow I will have what closers the Cubs should look at.

Other Notes: Ken Rosenthal mention that Rich Harden to the Twins can definitely happen.

Should the Cubs Pursue Marco Scutaro...

If you were Jim hendry would you pursue SS Marco Scutaro?

Positives: Scutaro has a good glove, only making 4 errors in 120+ games this year. He bats close to .300 with decent power (10-15 home runs a season). The Cubs then could move Theriot to 2B and use Scutaro at SS (Theiot is not a good defender).

Negatives: The only negative thing I can think of is his age, Scutaro is 33 years old.

Verdict: I say sign Scutaro to a 3 year deal worth about 18 million and then move Theriot to 2B, Scutaro to SS, use Baker as utility man like Derosa type and then the gives Jim Hendry the chance to trade Fontenot.

Thoughts?

Tomorrow I will have what relief pitchers the Cubs should pursue in the offseason.

Other notes:

Both Rich Harden and Aaron Heilman were claimed on waivers yesterday.

Aaron Heilman was claimed by a NL team.

Bruce Levine is reporting the Twins are the team that claimed Rich Harden.

I seen a post that there could be 4 or 5 other Cubs players that have been claimed and Jim Hendry said he is willing to trade anybody.

More to come, I guarantee.

Should the Cubs let Reed Johnson Walk...

So would you sign Reed Johnson to be the 4th OF next year or let him walk?

Reed Johnson will be a free agent after the season and is recovering from a foot injury.

Positives: Johnson is a good defensive OF that can play all 3 outfield positions and is cheap. He is a good bunter and hits in the middle .250's.

Negatives: He is still not back from the broken foot injury and we don't know how he will act. Also he does not have a lot of power to come off the bench and hit a home run to tie or take the lead in a game.

Verdict: I say let him walk because the Cubs have a lefty in Sam Fuld who makes a good catch like everything he is out in the field and they also have a righty in Brad Snyder who has power and bats close to .300. Also if the Cubs do trade Soriano or Bradley they might go for another outfielder and that give about 4 more million to the other outfielder. I say let Sam Fuld be the 4th outfielder next year if Bradley is in right, Soriano in LF and Kosuke in CF.

Thoughts?

Tomorrow I will have, should the Cubs pursue Marco Scutaro.

Should the Cubs Resign Rich Harden...

So should the Cubs bring Rich Harden back next year?

Rich Hardens stats:

Positives: Harden is only 27 years old and is the youngest player in the up coming free agent class. Not to mention the only one younger than 30 years old. Harden is a strikeout pitcher that averages 1+ a inning and opponents are hitting well under .300 against him. Another good thing is Harden did go on the DL this year (not good) but not due to his arm, his back was the issue and he just went on the DL for precautionary reasons.

Negatives: Harden is injury prone, going on the DL about once a year with arm injuries and arm injuries are with you for the rest of your baseball career. He might want to much money in the off season because there were reports out of Chicago yesterday that he can get from 50-60 million after the season.

What they should do if they don't resign him: The Cubs should at least offer him arbitration, and if he declines, and a team picks him up, the Cubs will get 2 compensation picks as he will be a class A free agent. Another reason could be if they are afraid of his recent injuries, offer him a 2 year deal worth about 14 million. So if he does get injured he isn't making a lot of money and not on contract for a long time (unlike Soriano and Bradley).

Verdict: I say sign him to a 2 year deal worth 14 million like I said above, plus incentives and a club option for 9 million for the third season. Then if he likes playing for Chicago, he should sign that deal. I think Jim Hendry will be cautious of signing him to a long term contract because of his passing signings with players that are injury prone.

Incentives: 1 million for 30+ starts a season (first 2 seasons), 300K for 200+ strikeouts (first 2 seasons), 1 million for making it to the all-star (first 2 seasons) and 3 million for winning CY Award (all seasons). Third season incentives, 5 million for being in the top 3 of all pitching categories, 2.5 million for being in the top 3 in half of the pitching categories.

Thoughts?

A Look at the offseason...

David Kaplan reported on Sports Central that the Cubs won't resign Kevin Gregg. That is a no brainier.

The Sun-Times reported Rich Harden is in line for a 60 million contract while the Tribune reported the same but today Buster Olney does not believe Harden will make more than 20 million in free agency.

Kaplan and Wittnymer both say the Cubs would be able to trade OF Milton Bradley if they pay a most of his contract. Both did not name teams that could be interested. I have to agree with that.

I will have new posts about the off season right here in upcoming weeks.

Cubs News...

Jon Heyman is hearing Cubs manager Lou Pinella will not be fired this season.

Bruce levine states the only changes the new owners will make to Wrigley Field, is to add a big jumbo tram. That will cost between 20-35 million dollars.

I will keep you posted as the Cubs news is really slow.

Cubs are Getting Sued...

On August 23, 2007, there was a violent storm reaching 73mph winds. A 21 year old man went to get a sandwich and the winds were so bad he went to take shelter at Wriglville car wash and the wall of it collapsed and killed him.

The lawsuit will not hurt the Cubs financially.

Thanks to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Cub Rumors...

The Cubs ownership sale to the Cubs is finalized and just needs the MLB approval and bankruptcy approval.

Tom Gorzelanny will move to the bullpen and Esmalin Caridad will be sent to Triple A Iowa when Zambrano returns on Tuesday.

Lou Pinella is getting fed up with Soriano and hinted that he could get benched.

I will keep you posted.

Quick Hits...

MLB president Bob DuPuy confirmed to MLB.com's Barry Bloom that the Cubs should soon be sold to Tom Ricketts for about $900MM.

Chris De Luca of the Chicago Sun-Times believes the Cubs need Carlos Zambrano, even if he hasn't endeared himself to everyone.

I will keep you posted.

Zambrano Rehab Start and other notes...

Carlos Zambrano is pitching for the Peoria Chiefs today in a rehab start today.

First inning: 2 ground outs and a fly out.

Second inning: 2 strikeouts, single and a ground out.

Third inning: 2 strike outs, ground out, single, double.

Fourth inning: 3 fly outs.

Fifth inning: 2 ground outs, strikeout, single.

Total line of the day: 5 innings pitch, 4 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks and struck out 5.

Other notes:

The rainout Sunday against the Pirates will be made up on September 30th as a day night double hitter.

Jim Hendry told Gordon Wittnymer that he takes resonsibility for his team's frustrating season.

I will keep you posted.

NL Central Update...

The Brewers trade Bill Hall to the Mariners for minor league pitcher Ruben "Buddy" Flores. Hall was DFA by the Brewers last week.

The Cardinals sign 42 year old pitcher John Smoltz. Smoltz was DFA by the Red Sox about 2 weeks ago and either will be there 5th starter or pitch out of relief.

I will keep you posted.

Gregg not the Closer Anymore...

Breaking news: Pinella just announce a little bit ago Carlos Marmol will be the closer for the remainder of the 2009 season if he has no troubles.

Closer: Marmol
Set-up: Guzman
7th: Grabow
Lefty specialist: Marshall
Right long reliever: Heilman
Right long reliever: Caridad
Come in when up 5+ runs: Gregg

Lou Pinella announced at the end of the game, there are going to be changes to the end of the bullpen. Gregg blew his 6th save yesterday and now he is not the closer.

I will keep you posted.

Roster Move, Draft Picks...

The Cubs optioned P Justin Berg to triple A Iowa and activated P Ted Lilly from the 15 day DL.

Today is the deadline to sign draft picks and the Cubs still have 26 unsigned draft picks, 15 of the first 25 and 18 of the last 25.

If the Cubs sign a pick, I will have it right here.

Pinella, Zambrano, Game Postponed

Today's game against the Pirates was postponed due to rain, no makeup day announced.

Lou Pinella wants to return to the Cubs in 2010 and Jim Hendry says he has every intention of bringing him back if he wants to come back, Yahoo Sports.

Carlos Zambrano is set for a rehab start on Thursday.

I will keep you posted.

Lilly, Zambrano, Johnson, Ramirez Updates...

Ted Lilly is slated to start Monday at San Diego when he comes off the DL.

Carlos Zambrano is penciled in to come off the DL on Aug. 21 and start that day.

Johnson is healing slow and is still about 2 weeks away from returning off the DL.

Aramis Ramirez has a bad cold and is day-to-day and might play tomorrow.

I will keep you posted.

Cubs Sign Korean Player, Cubs Bats Come Alive...

The Cubs sign CF Kyung-min Na to 725K who was the fastest player in Korean High School.

The Cubs scored 17 runs against the Pirates today so far and the game is still going on. Derrek lee got his second 7 rbi game of the year and was taken out before he can try for 8.

I will keep you posted.

Zambrano, Lilly, Another Roster Move...

Ted Lilly is expected to come off the DL on Monday and pitch that day.

Carlos Zambrano is slated to pitch Tuesday and come off the DL.

The Cubs send down P Jeff Samardzija to Triple A Iowa and called up P Justin Berg.

The Cubs used Berg in the game today and that is the 9th rookie pitcher the Cubs have used this season.

I will keep you posted.

Ted Lilly's Rehab Start...

Ted Lilly will start for the Peoria Chiefs today and could come back next week:

First inning: 2 singles, strikeout, interference call, fly out.

Second inning: Fly out, reach on error, GIDP.

Third inning: 3 ground outs.

Fourth inning: 2 flyouts, pop out.

Fifth inning: Grounds out, lines out, strikeout.

I will have his next rehab start as he is expected to have.

Aramis Ramirez Injury Update, John Smoltz...

Aramis Ramirez got a corosome shot today in his arm and is looking to play on Thursday. If Ramirez does end of on the DL, I see Jim Hendry going out and looking for a 3B on the waivers to replace him for a while.

Hot Stove Cubbies reports that the Cubs have contacted the Red Sox about P John Smoltz and could trade Baker, Heilmam, Miles or a PTBNL and for Smoltz and use Smoltz in the bullpen.

Also the Cubs don't like Baker/Miles/Fontenot at 2B and Jim Hendry is looking for a 2B on waivers.

I will keep you posted.

Cubs are interested in John Smoltz, Another Roster Move...

Buster Olney reports the Cubs are 1 among teams interested in P John Smoltz. Smoltz was recently DFA by the Red Sox. When Smoltz is release I will see if I can sign him to a minor league deal and pitch out of the bullpen.

Aramis Ramirez is going to see teams doctors today as he is out again tonight.

The Cubs sent P Jeff Stevens back to Triple A Iowa again and called up P Esmailin Caridad from Triple A Iowa. Caridad was added to the Cubs 40 man roster and is wearing number 33.

I will keep you posted.

Injury Updates...

Aramis Ramirez is day-to-day with a sore right shoulder. He was out of the lineup for today's game.

Reed Johnson is still about 3 weeks away from returning from the broken foot.

Ted Lilly is making a strong recovery and is about 2 weeks away from returning.

Carlos Zambrano is only going to miss 2 starts and return in about 10 days

Andres Blanco and David Patton both have injuries which people think are made up and they don't have to be sent down.

Chad Foz is done for the season and possibly his career.

I will keep you posted as the injuries keep piling up.

Zambrano to DL, Minor League , Jim Hendry, Update...

Update 3:30: Carlos Zambrano place on DL officially, Jeff Stevens recalled.

Bruce Levine mentions on ESPN 1000 the Carlos Zambrano will be placed on the 15 day DL Saturday. Levine says the Cubs will likely recall Jeff Stevens from Triple A.

Zambrano flew back to Chicago to get a MRI on Chicago. If Zambrano is placed on the DL, that will be his second stint this year.

Jim Hendry had to say this:

We'll see," said Hendry. "If we find something that makes us better, we'll try.''

The Cubs trade minor league OF Jason Dubois to the Mets for a player to be name later. There could be another roster move coming for the Iowa Cubs, is someone being called up to Triple A.

I will keep you updated as who the Cubs call up.

Soto Activated

The Cubs activated C Geovany Soto from the 15 day DL and sent down 1B Micah Hoffpauir to Triple A Iowa.

Alex Rios was claimed by a unknown them and could it be the Cubs?

The teams I expected to maybe claim him are the Red Sox, Mets and Giants and have said it wasn't them and the team that claimed him is a contending team.

I say the Cubs trade Bradley for Rios and take on the rest of Rios contract. Rios is younger and faster. Also the Jays are trying to cut budget.

The Cubs ownership should approve because the first years the contract matches and the Rickett family should be in place.

I will keep you posted.

Soto Rehab Start, Waddell, other notes...

Geovany Soto played catcher and batted third for Double A.

First at-bat: Called out on Strikes

Second at-bat: Walked

Third at-bat: 2-run Home Run to Left Field

Fourth at-bat: Grounds out to third base.

Soto will return Friday, Thank you!!!

Minor league note: OF Brad Snyder is set to return off the DL.

Minor league note: The Cubs release P Jason Waddell for breaking team rules.

Jon Paul Morosi of Fox sports says Ramirez powers the Cubs atop the NL Central.

I will keep you posted.

Blanco to DL, Another Roster Move Coming, Soto Rehab Start... Update, Breaking News

Breaking News: B.J. Ryan requested and was granted his release today by the Chicago Cubs. Ryan felt "his velocity and sharpness would not get there"

Update 4:00: The Cubs activate Aaron Miles from the 15 day DL and sent down P Jeff Stevens to Triple A. Dumb move it should of been Samardzija matter what, that should of been the easiest move this year.

The Cubs are expected to make another roster move today by activating IF Aaron Miles. The Tribune is reporting the Cubs are going to send down OF Sam Fuld.

That makes no sense when you have 13 pitchers and Samardzida who cant throw strikes.

Yesterday the Cubs placed IF Andres Blanco on the 15 day DL with a left calf strain and activated new Cub Tom Gorzolanny.

Jon Heyman reported a couple days ago the Cubs might put a clam out for utility man Mark Teahen.

Soto catch and batted third for Double A:

First at-bat: Soto strikes out swinging.

Second at-bat: Soto Grounds out to the shortstop.

Third at-bat: Soto Homers on a flyball to LF.

BJ Ryan pitched 1 inning for Iowa Cubs giving up 1 walk and striking out 1. Ryan still has not given up a run.

I will keep you posted.

Soto, Gregg, Miles and other notes...

Geovany Soto may come back sooner than expected and catch for the Cubs tomorrow. Pinella said what is the difference from paying in the minor league or playing for us. Pinella wants to give Koyie Hill a day off who has caught more innings than any other catcher in 27 games for the NL. Cubs.com!

Manager Lou Pinella said Kevin Gregg is dealing with a tired arm and he is going to give him a couple days off. Marmol got the save yesterday but threw over 30 pitches to get 3 outs. The Cubs will probably be short 2 relief pitchers for tonight's game. If there is a save opportunity today, I say Angel Guzman will close it out and get the job done.

Carrie Muskat mentions Aaron Miles is starting to swing the bat and could rejoin the Cubs soon.

BJ Ryan pitched 1 inning for Iowa Cubs giving up 2 walks.

Tom Gorzolanny is making his Cubs debut for the Cubs tonight and I will have it right here of who gets sent down, the Cubs have 25 player on there roster right down. I hope it is Jeff Samardzija who shoes me nothing.

I will keep you posted.

Soto Rehab Start, Cubs could put Zambrano in Bullpen for Reds Series.

Goevany Soto catch and batted third for Doble A Tennessee Smokies.

First at-bat: Singled on a line drive to left field, also he drove in a run.

Second at-bat: Geovany Soto called out on strikes.

Third at-bat: Soto walks.

I will keep you posted if he rehabs tomorrow.

Lou Pinella said he might put Zambrano in the bullpen for the next couple of days until his start against the Rockies on Friday.

Manager Lou Piniella raised that possibility for the second consecutive night after another rough finish for a bullpen that has been worked hard lately - in large part because of Zambrano’s early exit Saturday because of lower- back stiffness.

”He’s got till Friday,” Piniella said of Zambrano’s anticipated fitness for his next scheduled start, ”unless we put him in the bullpen for a couple of days. We might need him there in Cincinnati.”

Said Zambrano, when told of Piniella’s comments: ”I’m not a reliever.” Chicago Sun-Times

I would imagine Pinella won't do this but it may not hurt if he goes to the bullpen for the first 2 games of the Reds series.

I will keep you posted and I will have Geovany Soto's rehab start for Tennessee Smokies later today or tomorrow.

Zambrano and Ramirez Injury Updates Soto Rehab Start for AZL Cubs, Ryan...

Carlos Zambrano left yesterdays game with a stiff back and said it was because of the hotel bed and should be ready to make his next start.

Aramis Ramirez also left yesterdays game and Pinella said he might play tonight.

Geovany Soto rehab for AZL Cubs yesterday going 1-3 with a double and 2 rbi with a strike out playing DH.

Soto will have a rehab start for Double A on Monday.

BJ Ryan pitched 1 inning yesterday for Iowa Cubs and stuck out 2 batters.

All together Ryan has pitched 3.2 innings giving up 2 walks and striking out 3 batters.

I will have all Ryan stats as he trys to make it back to the majors.

Tom Gorzolanny is scheduled for 3 starts for the Cubs until Ted Lilly returns from injury, says Lou Pinella, Chicago Sun-Times.

I will keep you posted on everything Cubs.

Cubs almost got Brian Roberts, other notes...

Hot Stove Cubbies reports that his source said the Cubs almost traded for 2B Brian Roberts of the O's. The Cubs would of sent Jeff Samardzija, Hak-Ju Lee, Jake Fox, Alex Maestri and Mike Fontenot with the Cubs getting speedster Brian Roberts, a minor leaguer and the O's would of payed 20 million of his contract. Samardzija would of waive his no trade cause, both GM's have agreed to the trade but Peter Angels veto the trade. I have no clue why, he should get yelled at for that.

Geovany Soto will rehab for Double A on Monday and is expected to return Wednesday.

Tom Gorzolanny was with the Cubs today throwing in a bullpen session and is expected to start Tuesday.

I will keep you posted.