Cubs Searching for OF and Quick Hits...

Lou Pinella said on ESPN radio yesterday that Milton Bradley played his last game as a member of the Chicago Cubs. We already knew that but it was nice for Pinella to speak.

Hot Stove Cubbies quick hits:

The Cubs will be in the market for an outfielder and the Cubs are most interested in Bobby Abreu, Johnny Damon, and Vladimir Guerrero and Jermaine Dye, Mike Cameron, and Marlon Byrd as their plan B. I prefer Vladimir Guerrero over the other 5 because he can still drive in runs and hit for a good average.

The Mets are to be dangling IF Luis Castilla and pitcher Oliver Perez for Milton Bradley. If the Cubs do trade Bradley for Castilla they will have to pay about 8 million of his contract but the Perez for Bradley, it will be contract for contract.

The Cubs are also looking at free agency for a 2nd baseman but do find Mark Teahen and Brandon Phillips also very appealing. My guess Figgins, Derosa again and Scutaro will be on there list.

I will keep you posted.

Will the Cubs Pursue Yusei Kikuchi if he Chooses MLB...

Will the Cubs pursue Yusei Kikuchi who is an 18 year old left handed pitcher in high school, if he chooses to go the the MLB and instead of entering the draft in Japan. Kikuchi is projected to go number 1 overall on the Japan draft. He will be the first Japan player to bypass the Japan draft and sign with a MLB team.

Yusei Kikuchi is expected to have a decision between the MLB or Japan this week. His high school coach said Kikuchi is at a 50-50 choice of where to play.

Dittimier of MLB.com reports that 10 teams scouted him including the Cubs.

Kikuchi throws his fastball from the highs 80's to the low 90's and his breaking ball from the low 70's to the mid to upper 70's.

Here is a video of Yusei Kikuchi.

That would be a nice addition to the Cubs farm system that is bad but I think it is underrated.

I will keep you posted.

Rumors Keep on Rolling...

As the season comes to end, lets see the rumors:

Reports over the weekend indicated the Ricketts Family could take control of the team before the end of October, which is two or three weeks earlier than first thought. Dave Kaplan said his sources mentioned an October 26 date while Bruce Levine is hearing eleven days earlier October 15.

Phil Rodgers is hearing from both the Sox and Cubs officials that you may see a Carlos Zambrano for Jake Peavy.

Carlos Zambrano also mention he may retire next year if he puts up the same numbers he did this year, Zambrano said:

"It's been a disappointing season," he replied. "People say, 'Why can't you pitch like that all the time?' It's not all the time I feel like that.""Look, this is the only season I haven't won 16 or 18 or 14 games," he said. "If it happens again next season, two seasons in a row, I'll quit. Believe me, I'll quit. I just have to put this behind me

Don't look for pitcher Rich Harden to be back with the club next year because after the lost to the Ginats yesterday, Lou Pinella talk about the 2010 rotation. Lou Pinella went on saying:

"You look at our starting pitching here for next year," Piniella said. "You've got (Carlos) Zambrano, you've got (Ryan) Dempster, you've got (Randy) Wells, you've got (Ted) Lilly, you've got (Tom) Gorzelanny, and you've got (Jeff) Samardzija...And if this kid keeps improving, he'll be right in the mix. So we've got six nice arms."

For the last rumor that I heard so far, if the Cubs can not sign IF Chone Figgins or the numbers in money wise get out of hand the Cubs will go after 2B Olando Hudson as plan B.

If I hear any more I will keep you updated.

Teams Lining up for Bradley..

You might not believe this but Milton Bradley has a market with teams already know Rangers, Padres, Giants, Mets. Now 2 more teams add the list, the teams being the Rays and Blue Jays.

Yesterday I had trade proposals for the Giants and Padres.
Here is a Texas Rangers proposal that I did a couple days ago.
Here is a Mets Proposal that I did about a week ago.

Rays proposal:

Cubs get pat Burrell
Rays get Milton Bradley and some money to cross out the salary.
Verdict: Bruce Levine reported yesterday that the Rays are the frontrunner's to land Bradley and most likely would ship Burrell over for Bradley. I would not do that because Burrell is a DH and we already have a DH in Soriano and Burrell is having a miserable year. If Hendry does that he would have to ask for another player along with Burrell.

OR

Cubs get prospects
Rays get Milton Bradley and salary of Bradley's contract

Blue Jays proposal:

Cubs get Vernon Wells and salary to finish is contract
Blue Jays get Milton Bradley
Verdict: I would not do this because he is not really hitting and he still have more years on his contract and that will delay the Cubs for bringing up younger players.

OR

Cubs get prospects
Blue Jays get Milton Bradley and salary

Other Notes:

Congratulations to the Cardinals for clinching the NL Central yesterday by beating the Rockies yesterday.

Since the Cubs suspended (not officially) Milton Bradley, they are 6-1 and took the first 3 of 4 from the Giants.

I will keep you posted.

2 more Places Bradley Could End Up...

Yesterday GM Kevin Towers of the Padres mention that he will be interested in reacquiring outfielder Milton Bradley. Bradley who is having a miserable year will most likely be the first Cub to be trades. Towers said Bradley left on a good note and was playing good before he injured his knee. Towers also mention a couple day ago he will like to add a corner outfielder this offseason.

That was 1 of many teams that Bradley left on a good note.

It was reported today that the Giants could be in the mix for disgruntled outfielder Milton Bradley. In the same report he said you may see a Bradley for Rowand trade of bad contracts. After the season Bradley will will have 2 years and 21 million left on his contract while Rowand will have 3 years and 36 million on his contract.

Rowand who is having a bad season in a pitching friendly ball park will bring good out play in the defense and a clubhouse guy.

Giants Proposal:

Cubs get Aaron Rowand and salary that will off match the contracts
Giants get Milton Braldey
Verdict: If Hendry can get that trade I would do it but the thing I don't like is he has 1 more year than Bradley and the younger players in the minors will have to wait longer.

OR

Cubs get 2 prospects from the Giants farm system
Giants get Milton Bradley and most of his contract
Verdict: I think the Giants may do this because there RF Winn is getting old and they will barely pay any of Bradley's contract.

Padres Proposal:

Cubs get Brian Giles and a prospect
Padres get Milton Bradley and most of his contract
Verdict: I say no because Giles is old and he is having trouble this year, also he has a no trade cause which he will most likley veto to come to the Cubs.

OR

Cubs get 2 prospects from there farm system
Padres get Milton Bradley and most of his contract
Verdict: I will do that because that will restock there farm system and they need to give Bradley away from there clubhouse.

So far that is 3 teams that will have interest in Bradley this offseason, Rangers, and now Padres and Giants.

I will keep you posted.

Ownership Update and other notes...

Lets get updated on the ownership:

'The judge on Thursday authorized Tribune to enter into transactions to sell the team to the family of billionaire Joe Ricketts, founder of TD Ameritrade. The Ricketts family agreed to buy a 95 percent stake in the team and its Wrigley Field home for $845 million.

The deal also needs approval from Major League Baseball. Team owners are scheduled to meet in Chicago next month.

The Tribune plan calls for a separate bankruptcy filing by Chicago National League Ball Club, an affiliate not involved in the company's Chapter 11 case. The CNLBC bankruptcy should last only a few days but is needed to ensure that sale is free of all liens and claims, and that contracts can be assumed and assigned;, thanks to Carrie Muskat.

Other Notes:

Pitcher Rich Harden will be shut down for the rest of the season.

Lou Pinella already made a wish list for the offseason and wants a rbi guy to go with Ramirez and Lee. He also mention it does not matter if it is right handed or left handed.

I will keep you updated.

Milton Bradley Saga...

We all know Bradley was suspended and now here is the latest:

Milton Bradley's apology:

I chose Chicago as a free agent because I wanted to be part of finally bringing a championship to Chicago's fans. I expected to have a great season, and I am deeply disappointed by my performance and the team's struggles.

I played every game with everything that I had and wanted desperately to win. My frustration and disappointment boiled over, and I said and did certain things that I regret. In hindsight, I wish that I handled certain things differently, and I apologize for those things that did not work out for the better.

The air has been cleared, and we all want to move on and look forward to better days."

Jason Stark mentions the Cubs will likely try to move Milton Bradley for another problem player this offseason.

Ken Rosenthal states the Cubs have reached a resolution with Bradley. He'll be paid for the final two weeks of the season and, in turn, the MLBPA will not file a grievance.

Paul Sullivan reported that the Cubs have not file the suspension and so the MLBPA can not file a grievance against the Cubs. It is just an agreement between Bradley and the Cubs that he will not play the rest of the year.

I will keep you posted as if the saga continues.

Could Bradley go Back to Texas...

As a Cubs fan we all know Bradley won't be on the team next year after being suspended for the rest of the season. Some speculate he will be traded or outright release. Also he could be headed to the Rangers again, some speculate.

Bradley who is on contract for 2 more years is making 21 million over those years. Can we see a Bradley for Millwood trade, Buster Olney says we can.

Kevin Millwood vesting option just kick in on his last start and is making 12 million in 2010. He is 11-10 with a 3.79 era in the AL, if the Cubs got that for Bradley jump right on it.

Since Bradley has been suspended the Cubs are starting to hit, maybe he was a cancer in the dugout after all.

Proposed trade:
Rangers get: Milton Bradley and 9 million.
Cubs get: Kevin Millwood.

The contract will offset then and maybe throw minor leaguers in the trade.

Will we see that happen, I hope just to get Bradley gone. We just have to wait and see.

Roster Spaces and Much More...

The Cubs called up 2006 first round pick OF Tyler Colvin and to place him on the 40 man roster, the Cubs DFA Thomas Diamond. The Cubs trade for Diamond about a month ago and did not go well.

OF Reed Johnson was activated off the DL from the broken foot.

Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington said he would love to take Milton Bradley back but Olney reports that the Rangers would not welcome back with open hands.

Olney says the Cubs will likely have to eat a huge portion of Bradley's contract to move him, perhaps as much as 18-19 million.

The Padres are going to look for a corner outfielder in the offseason, will Bradley go back to the Padres.

Olney hears Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi will be fired by the end of the season and he also reports Cubs scouting director Tim Wilken could be a candidate to replace him.

Milton Bradley might file a grievance against the Cubs for his suspension.

I will keep you posted.

Bradley Played His last Game in Chicago and other Notes...

GM Jim Hendry suspended OF Milton Bradley for the remainder of the 2009 season for his comments he made to the media a couple days ago. That was most likely his last game a Cub.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post said could we see a trade in the offseason of OF Milton Bradley for P Oliver Perez and maybe an expanded deal of P Carlos Zambrano and IF Luis Castilla. If the Cubs do that, the Mets will have to give up more that just a 2-2 swap. If they can get a deal done it could be good.

Double A OF Tyler Colvin will be called up today to take OF Milton Bradley's spot and Pinella is expected to give him a good share of playing time. Colvin was the Cubs first round pick in 2006 and he is 24 batting .300 for the Smokies.

I will keep you posted.

Lou Pinella Lost this Season...

Where should I start, there is a lot:

1) Where was Baker when he was traded to the Cubs, oh I know rotting on the bench but Pinella has to play the lefty bum Mike Fontenot.

2) Milton Bradley was hitting close to .400 batting second and when the Cubs still have a chance he bats him 5th and had trouble getting on base and driving in runs.

3) Playing Alfonso Soriano even when he was injured and not playing younger guys like Fox and Hoffpauir who are healthy and will play as good as defense as Soriano could or even better.

4) When the Cubs will only 5.5 games out of the wild card and down by 1 run he brings in rookies who are nervous and had trouble throwing strikes and getting outs.

5) Kept going with Gregg as closer even when he was having trouble getting the last 3 outs of the game.

6) Only letting the starting pitchers pitch around 100 pitches even when they are pitching one hell of a game.

6) Letting the relief pitchers like Marshall and Gorzelanny only pitch 1 inning when they are long inning relief pitchers and are pitching good.

7) Moving Kosuke Fukudome out of the 1 whole even when he was getting on base and hitting in the .300's.

8) Doing that lefty against lefty and righty against righty thing that game back in haunt him because when he does that he brings in the wrong pitchers and the pitchers he brings in eventually gives up inherited runs.

9) I thought Pinella was known for when a guy hits the ball like Andres Blanco did going 3-4 the following day Pinella keeps the hot bat in the lineup but he put Theriot in the lineup the next day and got 2 strikeouts that day.

10) Having a different lineup everyday, I remember last year I knew the lineup before it was even announce and this year I can't guess and when I see it I can not remember it.

This is not in any specific order.

Thoughts?

Mark Derosa is Open to Returning to the North Side...

Mark Derosa talked to Gordon Wittnymer yesterday about a possible return to Chicago and Derosa said:

Derosa said he will listen (Cubs) who was shock and saddened by the traded to Cleveland.

The Cubs traded Derosa to the Indians for Jeff Stevens, John Gaub and another player on New Years Eve and then a couple months ago Derosa was traded to the Cubs rival Cardinals for RP Chris Ray.

The Cubs said they had to trade Derosa 5 million contract to sign Milton Bradley that has not work out and he might be on his way out this offseason. Right after the Cubs trade Derosa they signed a utility even man Aaron Miles who was supposed to be a Dersa type and has not even been close to that. This trade really hurt because they had no backup 3B when Aramis Ramirez went down for 50 games with a dislocated shoulder.

As of right now I say Mark Derosa is pretty much a plan C guy because he is getting up there in age being 35, he will probably come behind Chone Figgins and maybe Marco Scutaro.

So will we see Derosa back in Cubbie blue next year, we onlyhave to wait and see.

Quick Hits...

Update Friday: Harden said he will make at least 1 more star before the season ends.

Pitcher Rich Harden may miss the rest of the season due to coaches decision. Pinella said he will miss his next start in which Tom Gorzelanny will start in place for Harden and there is a pretty good chance he may miss his next start after that. Also Pinella said he will try to get Harden to pitch his schedule last start of the season.

Outfielder Milton Bradley left today's game with knee inflammation and pitcher Angel Guzman (triceps) is still not ready but could be ready at the end of the Cardinals series. He could be done for the remainder on the season (my opinion).

Pinella was asked if Ryan Theriot will be the leadoff man in 2010 and he hesitated by saying Theriot can hit 1st, 2nd and 8th in the lineup. Bruce Levine was another reporter who reported that the Cubs will be on a heavy pursuit for utility man Chone Figgins along with the White Sox, Angels and many other teams. Figgins is going to make money with all these teams after him.

Zambrano said yesterday he will not waive his not trade cause and will stay in the windy city next year.

Naples, Florida is trying to steal the Cubs from Mesa, Arizona. If the Cubs do no get a new stadium in Mesa they will be tempted to move to Florida or somewhere else in Arizona. The Cubs usually always draw the most attendance in Mesa and make the most money, I don't see why they won't get a new stadium. I say they get a new stadium and stay in Mesa because if they don't they won't be playing in Mesa in the near future.

I will keep you posted as always.

A Look at the 2010 Schedule...

The 2010 Schedule:

The Cubs open April 5th at Atlanta

The Cubs home opener is April 12th against the Brewers.

The Cubs start interleague play on May 21st at Texas.

The Cubs start the crosstown classic at Wrigley on June 11th.

The Cubs then have a 6 game homestand of interleague at Wrigley starting June 15th against Athletics for 3 then against the Angels and June 18th.

The Cubs finish interleague play on a 6 game road trip at the Mariners on June 22nd and they then finish the crosstown series on June 25th at the Cell.

Those are pretty much the important dates in the 2010 season.

Cubs Rumors...

Lou Pinella said 2010 will be his last time managing in the MLB.

The Could would like to OF Reed Johnson back at a reasonable price.

Zambrano on being shop in the offseason:

"Why, are you guys our general manager now?" he said. "I don't care. If the Cubs want to trade me, it's because they don't like me anymore. I have to move on. What else can I do? I just move on." Zambrano added he doesn't want to waive his no-trade rights, then left, saying: "That's enough."

The Cubs are expected to make a big push for a leadoff man and they are going to go strongly after Chone Figgins.

Wittenmyer and Sullivan both reject the report from ESPN's Bruce Levine yesterday saying the Cubs have begun extension talks with Grabow

I will keep you posted.

Bradley and Zambrano Could be Traded Part 2...

Carlos Zambrano and Milton Bradley proposed trades:

2 Teams that could call Jim Hendry about Big Z, Twins and Mets.

Mets get Carlos Zambrano
Cubs get Fernando Martinez and Dillon Gee

Twins get Carlos Zambrano (this is unlikely because Zambrano won't be able to hit)
Cubs get Denard Span, Daniel Valencia and Kevin Mulvey.

In both of these trades, the Cubs farm system will be stock up more and I would to both traded if offered.

2 teams that could call Jim Hendry about Milton Bradley, Angles and Rangers.

Angels get Milton Bradley and most of the money left on his contract if not all.
Cubs get Brandon Wood and Trevor Bell

Rangers get Milton Bradley and most of the money left on his contract if not all.
Cubs get Brandon Boggs, Tommy Hunter and Greg Golson

If Bradley is traded he will go to the AL to be a DH.

Other Notes:

The Cubs and RP John Grabow are talking about a 2 year extension.

Alfonso Soriano surgery went well today.

I will keep you posted.

Bradley and Zambrano Could be Traded...

Bruce Levine stated that the Cubs will most likely put Milton Bradley and Carlos Zambrano on the trade block and look to trade them this offseason. Bob Nightengale from USA Today said he could see a trade to the Texas Rangers while the Cubs pay most of his contract.

Ken Rosenthal mention a couple days ago that the Cubs could trade Carlos Zambrano.

If the Cubs do trade pitcher Carlos Zambrano they better not pay any of his contract and get good young players or major league ready players that are young, So if the Cubs do trade him and pay none of his contract, they will have money to pay for guys like Marco Scutaro or Chone Figgins.

If the Cubs do trade outfielder Milton Bradley they better get 2 good players in return if there going to pay most of his contract.

More top players that you wouldn't expect to be traded this offseason but could:

Ryan Theriot (Bad Defense)
Derrek Lee (Age)
Milton Bradley (Comments he has said)
Carlos Zambrano (Head Issues)

Tomorrow I will have what teams could be interested and some proposals:

Other Notes:

Alfonso Soriano will have season ending knee surgery this week.

I will keep you posted.

A Search for a Leadoff Man

Lou Pinella mention that in 2010 Alfonso Soriano will likely not lead off and bat in the 6th spot. Well this is just plain simple why Soriano is not leading off because he is getting old and he has bad knees.

Some options:

1) Chone Figgins is the likely choice because he can steal and the Cubs have been interested in him for a couple years.

2) Marco Scutaro is older but he can play good defense at SS and can get on base but the stealing is is not really there, he only has about 10 stolen bases this year. Then the Cubs can trade Theriot and stock about there farm system.

Both of those options will not hurt, they will only help the Cubs chances of winning.

A Look at the Offseason Part 2...

Announcers on Fox mention that the Cubs will be in the market for a SS and another outfielder. They want the SS to be good at fielding one that has bese stealing speed. They also will be looking a for a 2B and a RP.

Some names could be SS Marco Scutaro, IF Chone Figgins, IF Mark Derosa, 2B Akimori Iwaura, 2B Felipe Lopez, 2B Placido Polanco.

I would love the Cubs to add Scutaro to SS, Figgins to 2B, andou posted. try to get good MLB ready players or young players for Theriot.

I will keep you posted.

Quick Hits...

Reed Johnson season is most likely over with the broken foot.

The Cubs might call up OF So Taguchi for more outfield deaph.

Jon Heyman thinks that the Cubs might have interest in 40 year old relief pitcher Bill Wagner, when he come a free agent after the season.

I will keep you posted.

Jim Hendry Recent Trades...

The trades will be from the offseason and this year:

1) Cubs traded Jose Ascaino, Kevin Hart and a prospect for Jonh Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny of the Pirates
Verdict: I say the Cubs win by a pretty good amount because Gorzelanny and Grabow come in and get outs while Ascaino and Hart are struggling with the Pirates.

2) Cubs traded a prospect for Jeff Baker of the Rockies.
Verdict: I say the Cubs win big because Baker is hitting the crap out of the ball and the Rockies got a player who is 24 and only in Single A.

3) Cubs traded Ryan Freel for a PTBNL of the Royals.
Verdict: I say the Cubs win because the Cubs got a player in return when he was going to be release and the Royals eventually released Freel.

4) The Cubs traded Joey Gathright for Ryan Freel of the Orioles.
Verdict: The Cubs lose because Ryan Freel was traded to the Royals and they lost a good pinch runner off the bench.

5) The Cubs Traded Rich Hill for a PTBNL of the Orioles.
Verdict: As of right now the Cubs win because they at least got a player in return because Hill is done for the season and he would of been in Triple A.

6) The Cubs traded Michael Wuertz for Richie Robnett and Justin Sellers of the Athletics.
Verdict: I say the Cubs lose because Richie Robnett was released in the minor league and Wuertz is putting up pretty good numbers for the Athletics.

7) The Cubs traded Jason Marquis for Luis Vizcaino of the Rockies.
Verdict: The Cubs lose big because they lost a good hitting pitcher and Marquis is putting up pretty good numbers. Also the Cubs release Luis Vizcaino out of spring training.

8) The Cubs traded Felix Pie for Garrett Olson and Henry Williamson of the Orioles.
Verdict: I say the Cubs lose pretty good because Olsen was eventually traded and Pie is doing pretty good in the outfielder for the Orioles. Also he had good speed off the bench.

9) The Cubs trade Garrett Olsen and Ronny Cedeno for Aaron Heilman of the Mariners.
Verdict: I say the Cubs lose again because Heilman is not really helping the club and the other 2 might be better off the bench or in the bullpen. Also Heilman probably won't be back next season.

10) The Cubs traded Mark Derosa for Jeff Stevens, Chris Archer and John Gaub of the Indians.
Verdict: I say the Cubs won the trade from the Indians because they got 2 pitchers in Stevens and Gaub who are impressing in the minor leagues because the Indians trade Derosa to the Cardinals for just 1 player. All together I say the Cubs lost because Ramirez went down and they had no backup third baseman, that is where Derosa would of cam in and help the Cubs in a big way but they did get good young pitchers.

That were the trades over from the off season and this year.

Cubs Scouting Wei-Yin Chen..

The Cubs are scouting 24 year old pitcher Wei-Yin Chen in Asia. Scott Wilson the Cubs Asia Pacific scouting said he will write a report on him and send it to Jim Hendry.

An Al scout said if he does appear to play in the United States, about 15 teams will be interested.

Wei-Yin Chen 8-3 with a 1.45 era in 142.1 innings pitch in 2009. Yesterday was his last start of the season.

If he is that good, he may be a pitcher the Cubs should try and go after.

A Look at Minor League Players who Might get a Shot Next Year....

These will be from Single-Triple A:

Triple A:
P Jeff Stevens as a relief pitcher.
P Jeff Samardzija as a relief or starting pitcher.
P Justin Berg as a call up.
P Mitch Atkins as a call up.
P Esmailin Caridad as a starter or relief pitcher.
P John Gaub as a lefty relief pitcher
OF Sam Fuld as 4th OF.
OF Brad Snyder as 4th OF.
C Chris Robinson out of spring training or injury call up.
IF Bobby Scales as a call up.
IF Andres Blanco out of spring training.
IF/OF Micah Hoffpauir out of spring training.
IF/OF Jake Fox out of spring training.

Double A:
SS Starlin Castro as September call up.
P Andrew Cashner as September call up.
1B Blake lalli as September call up.
OF Tyler Colvin as September call up.
2B Nate Samson as September call up.

Single A:
OF Brett Jackson as September call up.
IF DJ LeMaheiu as September call up.
3B Josh Vitters as September call up.
LF Josh Harrison as September call up.
RF Kyle Burke as September call up.
P Christopher Carpenter as September call up.
P Christopher Archer as September call up.

These players have a chance to make the majors next year.

A Look at Who the Cubs Should Trade in the Offseason...

These are players that could be traded:

1) Aaron Heilman: He has not help the Cubs at all and should be on his way out of town,

Teams that could be interested: Giants, Mets, White Sox, Angels and other teams desperate for bullpen help.

2) Mike Fontenot: He has put up crappy numbers since he was inserted into the starting roll at second base.

Teams that could be interested: Mets, Giants, Dodgers, Mariners, Tigers, Indians.

3) Milton Bradley: He has put up a bad average but his OBP is close to .400 and that is hard to replace. The bas part is the Cubs will have to pay most of his contract.

Teams that could be interested: White Sox, Red Sox, Angels, Tigers, Marlins.

4) Jeff Baker: His stock has gone up as he continues to hit but I see Fontenot being traded before him.

Teams that could be interested: Any team that needs a bench player or a fill in until there starter comes back.

5) Jake Fox: He can hit but can't feld, I see DH.

Teams that could be interested: Any team that needs a DH.

Those are some names I can think of that may be traded and who might be interested.

If I was Jim Hendry, What I Would do After the Season...

After the season I will:

Let Reed Johnson, Kevin Gregg and Chad Fox walk.

Sign Rich Harden to 3 years 30 million, 10 million per year.
Sign John Grabow to 3 years 12 million, 4 million per year.

Free agents:
Sign Marco Scutaro to 3 years 18 million, 6 million per year.
Sign Jose Valverde to 3 years 18 million, 6 million per year.

Trade:
Mike Fontenot for prospects.
Aaron Heilman for prospects.

DFA:
Aaron Miles and take on his 2.7 million left on his contract.

Try to get rid of Soriano but wont happen and will be on 2010 team.

After all that, now the lineup:
1) Marco Scutaro SS
2) Milton Bradley RF
3) Derrek lee 1B
4) Aramis Ramirez 3B
5) Kosuke Fukudome CF
6) Alfonso Soriano LF
7) Geovany Soto C
8) Ryan Theriot 2B
9) Pitcher P

Starting Rotation:
1) Carlos Zambrano
2) Rich Harden
3) Ted Lilly
4) Ryan Dempster
5) Randy Wells

Bullpen: Closer-Jose Valverde
Set-up Carlos Marmol
7th Angel Guzman
7th or lefty specialist John Grabow
Long reliever Sean Marshall
Long reliever Jeff Stevens
Reliever Tom Gorzelanny

Bench:
Jake Fox 3B, LF
Koyie Hill C
Sam Fuld OF
Jeff Baker 2B, 3B
Micah Hoffpauir 1B, RF

That is what I will do, any thoughts.

Tomorrow I will have the steps into why I would do that and besides that who else would also be interested.

Quick Hits...

Heyman talked to 2 GMs and said the Cubs could deal Bradley. One said they would have to eat his entire contract. The other stated the Cubs would only have to take on half of it.

Alfonso Soriano is going to get surgery after the season and he said if we are out I will get it done before the season is over.

Derrek Lee had a baby boy named Dylan and that is why he missed the last 2 games.

2 players the Cubs are going to go after this season are Mark Teahen and Chone Figgins.

I will keep you posted.

Cubs Acquire Minor Leaguer Thomas Diamond

Today the Cubs acquire minor league righty Thomas Diamond from the Texas Rangers. In 2004 Diamond was the 10 overall pick in the draft and in 2007 had Tommy John Surgery. He has not been the same and has been struggling with his command since the injury. He will head to Triple A Iowa Cubs.

In 55.2 innings in the minors Diamond is 2-3 with a 4.20 era and has give up 55 hits, 44 walks and struck out 58 batters. Not to mention he is 26 years old. the Cubs can only hope he can get his stuff back and really help the ball club.

I will keep you posted.

John Grabow wants to Resign...

John Grabow told Gordon Wittnymer that he loves Chicago and the team and wants to resign with the them after the season.

Grabow is expected to be a Type A free agent after the season and if the Cubs offer him arbitration and he declines the Cubs will get 2 draft picks if he signs elsewhere.

I would offer him arbitration, 3-5 million and if he declines the Cubs will at least get 2 draft picks but if he accepts I will try to give him an extension for about 2 years and 7-10 million in those 2 years.

After all that I hope he resigns because since joining the Cubs in 16 innings has not give up a run.

Offseason Notes

Lets start the offseason early:

Chone Figgins is going to be on the top of there list in the offseason, to sign.

The Cubs are expected to offer arbitration to lefty reliever John Grabow but not to Kevin Gregg.

Jim Hendry likes the idea of signing P Rich harden to a contract of more than 1 year but he is going to see how he holds up for the rest of the season.

The Cubs are looking to add a lefty starter or go in house for the lefty starter.

More to come but remember it is still early.

September Call Ups and Recap of Last Posts...

The Cubs are expected to call up:

OF/1B Micah Hoffpauir
P Justin Berg
Activate IF Andres Blanco off 15 day DL
Activate P David patton off 15 day DL
P Jeff Samardzija
P Jeff Stevens
P Esmailin Caridad
IF Bobby Scales

None are unexpected but I would want to see OF Brad Snyder and P Jon Gaub get call up as well.

Recent posts if you missed:

*Why Chone figgins will help the Cubs.
*A look at closers the Cubs should look at.
*What relief pitchers the Cubs should look at.
*Should the Cubs pursue Marco Scutaro.
*Should the Cubs let Reed Johnson walk.
*Should the Cubs resign Rich Harden.

I will keep you updated.