Bradley for Wells, Who Knows...

Lets get caught up on the Bradley sags again:

The Toronto Sun reported today that the Cubs are talking to the Blue Jays about a Bradley for Wells trade.

"It's early on, but we think this one has some legs," said one Cubs official. "But they aren't the only team we are talking with."

But shortly after that was published the Sun-Times reported that this has no legs and the Cubs have not discussed bringing Wells to the North side according to a Cubs official.

Wells who is owe 5 years and 107 million on his contract and Bradley is owe 2 years and 21 million.

I would only do that if the Cubs can trade Bradley and Soriano for Wells and Overbay.

With that being said the Cubs will only have to pay a million more, with the Blue Jays taking on 111 million in the deal and the Cubs taking on 112 million but that won't happen.

Buster Olney reported that the Cubs could bring a bad contract back in return for Bradley which we already knew and he said if Wells does get trade for Bradley it will be a shocker and he also names other players that have bad contracts, that could be traded and they are Carlos Silva, Derek Lowe, Gary Matthews Jr., Barry Zito, Aaron Rowand, Oliver Perez, and Dontrelle Willis.

On that list, I like Lowe, Zito, Rowand and Willis but not any of the others.

I will keep you posted.

MLB.com Chat with Tom Ricketts...

This is from Cubs.com:

I will point out the main points that I thought:

1) Tom Ricketts heading will be the chairman of the team.

2) He will try and be at almost every game in the stands.

3) He said the payroll will be about the same in 2010.

4) He will keep the same coaching staff and front office.

5) He said the Cubs will win the world series.

6) He will not purchase any other team, so just the Cubs. (good thing)

I will have another post later.

The Latest Bruce Levine Rumors...

Here is the latest from his blog on ESPNChicago.com:

1) The ticket prices are expected to rise a little bit from last year.

1) My take: I am not really surprise because it raises every year and the new owner wants to change it how he will like it.

2) Hendry has been working on trades with Tampa, Toronto and "three to four other clubs with players with big contracts they would like to move."

2) My take: I think Bradley will be traded to the Rays or Toronto more than any other team but depending on who the other teams are.

3) The Blue Jays have been talking to teams about Vernon Wells and his big contract.

3) My take: The Cubs will be in on trading for Vernon Wells at some point.

4) The Blue Jays will look to trade ace Roy Halladay at some point this offseason and it is unknown if the Cubs will be interested.

4) My take: I don't think the Cubs will be interested because Tom Ricketts wants the minor league to be there #1 priority and he will cosy a lot of prospects.

Bruce Miles says he does not want the Cubs to go after Angels OF Gary Matthews Jr. who wants out of Los Angeles.

My take: Well is the Cubs have a offer on the table for Burrell, they should put a offer on the table for Matthews who I would like better.

I will keep you posted.

Notes from Bruce Levine Chat Yesterday...

Bruce had his chat yesterday that he has on every Tuesday and here are some interesting notes from him:

1) Tom Ricketts is planning on the minor league system to be there number 1 priority.

2) He also mention that his sources say the budget will be right around 140 million like last year.

3) He again mention Bradley will be gone, with the Rays still being a good landing spot. Also Toronto is still a good spot who are trying to trade Vernon Wells who still have 5 years and 107 million left on his contract.

4) The Cubs could pursue 2B Olando Hudson or SS Olando Cabrera on a 1 year deal.

My thought on what he said:

1) Mr. Ricketts did fly to Boston and will like to build a farm system like them. I would love the Cubs to finally have a good farm system.

2) There have been 2 budgets thrown around, De Luca said it will be around 143 million, XM radio said 150 million and what Levine said. I think the Cubs will add 1 player for around 8 million on a 1 year deal or 2 players for 4 million on 1 year deal.

3) I would love the Cubs to trade Bradley and Soriano for Wells because Wells is younger, better defender and I think he has a better chance for better year than Soriano.

4) I would love the Cubs to sign SS Olando Cabrera on a 1 year 4-6 million and move Theriot to SS and that should give Starlin Castro another year in the minors.

I will update next week on Levine's chat.

Cubs Could Move to Florida for Spring Training but it's Unlikely...

Within a week ago we have heard that people in Florida wanted the Cubs to move down there to play there spring training. As of right now it looks like the Cubs will stay in Mesa.

While a Collier County, Fla., group may well be serious in its effort to lure the Cubs away from Mesa, Ariz., the chances of the Cubs leaving the greater Phoenix area in the foreseeable future appear to be slim to none, based on the logistical headaches already driving major league teams away from Florida, the Cubs’ centerpiece position in Arizona’s Cactus League and common sense.

The Cubs are using a looming deadline for opting out of their contract with Mesa to court other offers while seeking upgrades to their existing HoHoKam Stadium and Fitch Park facilities to bring them more in line with newer, grander facilities in the Phoenix area such as the one shared by the White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers in Glendale.

Cubs officials have met with groups proposing relocations to both Collier County and Gila River Indian Community in Arizona, but Mesa mayor Scott Smith is betting a 50-year relationship with the Cubs and statewide support that the Cubs aren’t going anywhere.

”We view this as a regional issue, not simply Mesa,” Smith said. ”We’ve got support across the board, from city officials, regional officials and state officials. Obviously, we have to make sure we do what we need to do to successfully keep the Cubs.

”I’m confident we’ll be able to come up with a package that will be very difficult for them to turn down. It’s all here. They have the best chance to succeed here, and Arizona will give its best to provide them with that opportunity.” Chicago Sun-Times!

Well that is good because a lot and I mean a lot of people will be sad if the Cubs move to Florida because they love when the Cubs play in Mesa for Spring Training. Mesa in expected to give the Cubs a new facility for them to stay and that is only what the Cubs want.

I will keep you posted.

Milton Bradley Update...

Since the disappointing Cubs season came to a end we have heard all about Milton Bradley be a goner. Since that time teams have been added and subtracted from being interested in Bradley.

So lets get caught up on the Bradley Saga:

Teams that have said to be interested are the Mets, Blue Jays, Padres, Red Sox, Seattle, Rangers, Royals, Giants, Rays and Tigers.

Mets: Appear to not be interested according to Jon Heyman.

Blue Jays: May still be interested but we don't know because they were interested when GM JP Ricciardi was still in but now he is out.

Padres: Another one that still could be in but we don't know because that was when GM Towers was in but he is now out too. The Sun-Times said there is still interest in Bradley with Towers out as GM.

Red Sox: I have an unofficial source that is usually correct which is Hot Stove Cubbies but can't say it is a reliable source. There was another baseball analyst that said the Red Sox could be interested but I can't find it.

Seattle: They are expected to be interested by offsetting a bad contract according to Hot Stove Cubbies, remember not an official source. This is another one that had a reliable source but I can't find it.

Rangers: They are appear to be out according to TR Sullivan.

Royals: They also appear to be out according to the Kansas City Post.

Giants: They appear to still be in according to an executive of the Giants organization. They will accept a trade of Bradley for Rowand but do not want his clubhouse presence.

Rays: They appear to be in but the Rays want the Cubs to pay most of his contract that offsets Pat Burrell's contract. Bruce Levine says this is the logical place for Bradley to end up.

Tigers: No one knows if they will be interested because during the season there GM says there is no interest but Rob Neyer said they could work out a trade Bradley for Bonderman.

Lets see whats left:

Teams still interested for sure: The Rays, Giants and Padres.

Teams that might still be interested: The Red Sox, Mariners (Both unofficial sources but appear to be interested), Tigers, and the Blue Jays.

Teams that do not appear to be interested: The Mets, Rangers and Royals.

So where will Bradley end up? I will keep you posted.

Winter Leagues Update...

If you want complete coverage of all players in the winter leagues, click here!

What I take out from the stats:

Best player: 19 year old Starlin Castro who has a batting average of .433 in 30 at-bats. There have been reports that you may see this youngster in the 2010 roster.

Worse player: John Gaub who is 1-0 with a era of 18.00 in 3 games. He was having a good year for Triple A Iowa after coming over in the Mark Derosa trade.

Most surprise player: Jeff Samardzija who is 1-0 with a era of 1.38. I think he is the surprise player because he was not really doing anything for the major league Cubs.

Most Disappointed: Andres Blanco has a batting average of .277 in 47 at-bats. He is not the best hitter but I would of thought he would still hit better than he is.

I will keep you posted on the Winter Leagues.

Cubs Sale Expected to be Completed by Next Week...

Bruce Levine reported yesterday the Cubs sale will be completed by next week according to his sources.

"The plan is for the Ricketts family to meet with the media and team advisers by next Friday. At that time, it's assumed Ricketts also will unveil his plans for the future."

The 2 and a half long wait to sell the Cubs by Sam Zell, finally could be completed by next t week,

Earlier in the month, both Bruce Levine and David Kaplan reported that the Cubs sale will be completed by the end of the month and they were pretty much right on it.

Last week David Kaplan said on Chicago Tribune live that the Rickett family first order on business is to trade Milton Bradley, then maybe add another outfielder. Thanks to everything Cubs for that info.

Also yesterday the Cubs outrighted utility player Bobby Scales back to the minors, The Cubs 40 man roster, now stands at 38.

Before Bobby Scales made his MLB debut on May 5th he first played 11 years in the minors.

Scales will no doubt get a non-roster invitation to spring training in 2010.

I don't think Scales will be on the Cubs 25 man roster out of spring training but eventually will play for the Cubs in 2010.

I will keep you posted.

Cubs Scouting Aroldis Chapman... Update 1? Update 2?

Update 4:17: The Mets are interested in Chapman but won't offer a deal in the range of 40-60 million. The Yankees will eventually meet him and the Orioles also want to meet Chapman.

Update 1:27: The Blue Jays is another team that has interest in Chapman.

Chapman is scheduled to visit the Cardinals on Monday and the Red Sox on Wednesday.

Yetserday MLBTR posted a article saying the Cubs are 1 of a few teams interested in Cuban Defector Aroldis Chapman. Chapman is a 21 year old lefty who threw a ball 102MPH on the radar. I can tell you this, you don't see a lefty throw close to 100MPH in the MLB.

It is reported that he may be looking for a deal in the 40-60 million deal range.

Other teams that are said to be interested are the Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals, White Sox and Orioles. The Orioles said they are not going to try and outbid for Chapman.

I see the Yankees signing him because they will give him that money because they are made of money.

Chapman is in America going to teams that are interested in him instead of them coming to Cuba.

In my own opinion the Cubs will not sign him because of the money they will have to give to him.

I will keep you posted.

Milton Bradley Trade Gaining Steam...

Ken Rosenthal reported yesterday that multiple teams have contacted the Cubs about outfielder Milton Bradley. On source told Rosenthal that "you would be shock at the level of interest".

Rosenthal also reported that the Cubs feel they can trade Bradley without eating majority of Bradley's 2 years and 21 million contract.

Rosenthal stated that new soon to be owner Tom Ricketts has set a limit for how much money the Cubs will include in the deal. The Cubs can take on a bad contract but only pay a certain amount of cash.

Teasm that have bad contracts and might be willing to trade for Bradley:

Rays for Pat Burrell
Giants for Aaron Rowand
Red Sox for Dice K
Braves for Derek Lowe (won't happen)
Dodgers for Juan Pierre
Padres for Brian Giles
Blue Jays for Vernon Wells
Tigers for Jeremy Bonderman or Dontrell Willis

That is some names and there teams that have bad contracts. The teams that I see matching up are the Rays, Giants, Blue Jays and Tigers.

I see a trade about 1-2 weeks after the world series with the Cubs paying 13-15 million of his contract for 1 or 2 prospects. I really can't see a bad contract coming to Chicago because the Cubs really don't match up.

I will keep you posted.

Rudy Jaramillo Expected to be Cubs New Hitting Coach Today... Update 1? Update 2?

Update 6:20: The Cubs have officially sign hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo to the contract of 3 years and 2.4 million. Jim Hendry said in a statement:

"The addition of Rudy to our franchise is a strong statement from our new owners, the Ricketts family, and we thank them for allowing us to move quickly to fill this important role with the best in the business."

Update 1:50: Carrie Muskat is reporting via twitter the Cubs officially sign hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo and there will be a news conference at Wrigley Field later.

Rudy Jaramillo and his wife flew to Chicago yesterday for the signing.

Yesterday David Kaplan reported that the Cubs will announce the signing of hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo on Wednesday.

Also Bruce Levine reported the same thing by saying his sources say it is a 3 year deal worth 2.4 million.

By doing the math Jaramillo is pretty much making 800,000 a year.

Bruce Levine also says that Jaramillo is expected to be the second highest paid coach besides managers, behind Dave Duncan who made 850,000 last season and now is a free agent this year.

At least the Cubs got a new hitting coach and now can worry about trading Milton Bradley then working on the team for next year.

I will update as soon as the deal is finalized.

Cubs Closing in on Rudy Jaramillo...

The Cubs might make a big splash already before the offseason begins, within a week by signing top hitting coach Rudy Jaramilla, according to Bruce levine.

Also according to Bruce Levine the Cubs have begun negotiations with Jaramill0 and is expected to be the highest paid hitting coach around 750,000 (Bruce Levine thought)-800,000 (Jon Heyman's thought) on a multi year contract.

Jon Heyman writes that the Cubs are in serious negotiations with Jaramillo and is expected to be the Cubs hitting coach. The Cubs are hoping Jaramillo can help Soriano get his swing back like how he taught him when he was a Texas.

Other teams that are interested are the Astos, Indians, Mets and Giants.

I think the Cubs sign Jaramillo to a 3 year contract worth 775,000 a year next week.

I will keep you posted as this keeps getting more steam.

Could we see SS Starlin Castro on the 2010 Roster...

Carrie Muskat writes a good article:

Starlin Castro who is 19 years old and is currently playing for Ryne Sandberg's the Tennessee Smokies. Castro was signed on October 6th in 2007 and was playing for Daytona Cubs.

Starlin Castro stats:

Starting in 2009 Castro played with Daytona Cubs and batted .302 with 3 HR, 34 RBI and 22 SB in 96 games and 358 at-bats.

Later in the season he was called up to Tennessee Smokies and batted .288 with 0 HR, 14 RBI, and 6 SB in 31 games and 111 at-bats.

As of right now Castro is playing for the Mesa Solar Sox and started on fire batting .500 with 0 HR, 3 RBI and 1 SB in 4 games and 14 at-bats.

I think Castro will get a spring invite to show what he has and will eventually need more time in the minors to mature and play better defense and also better plate discipline. The Cubs could move Theriot to 2B and put Castro at SS. Here is a look at the Cubs roster if no moves happen but there will be moves via trade and free agency and I will also have if I think they will be on the 2010 roster.

C Geovany Soto (2010)
C Koyie Hill (minors)
1B Derrek Lee (2010)
1B/OF Micah Hoffpauir (2010)
2B Mike Fontenot (traded)
utility Jeff Baker (2010)
SS Ryan Theriot (2010)
3B Aramis Ramirez (2010)
3B/OF Jake Fox (traded)
OF Alfonso Soriano (2010)
OF Kosuke Fukudome (2010)
OF Milton Bradley (traded)
OF Reed Johnson (free agency)
utility Aaron Miles (release-DFA)
SP Carlos Zambrano (2010)
SP Ted Lilly (2010)
SP Ryan Dempster (2010)
SP Randy Wells (2010)
SP Rich Harden (free agency)
Closer Carlos Marmol (2010)
RP John Grabow (2010)
RP Aaron Heilman (traded)
RP Kevin Gregg (free agency)
RP Sean Marshall (traded)
RP Tom Gorzelanny (2010)
RP Angel Guzman (2010)

On my list there are 26 players with 1 player in the minors in 2010, 5 players will get traded, 3 players leave due to free agency and 1 player gets release-DFA, so to my count that in 9 players that was on the 2009 team that will not be on the 2010 team in my opinion. That does not count trades or pickups Jim Hendry makes in the offseason. After all that and there are roster spots open, Casto could make the team if he has a good spring training and good winter ball.

As always I will keep you posted on everything Cubs.

Could Billy Wagner be on the Cubs List...

So could we see 38 year old closer-relief pitcher Billy Wagner on the Cubs radar, Jon Heyman thinks he could be in Cubbie blue next year.

Wagner was traded from the Mets to the Red Sox during the waiver period in August for 2 players in return.

Wagner went 1-1 with a 1.72 era in 15.2 innings with giving up 3 earned runs. Pretty much the whole entire 2009 season Wagner was on the DL with arm injuries.

If I am Jim Hendry I would only sign Billy Wagner to a 1 year contract worth 1-2 million because he is old and the Cubs need to start giving there youngsters playing time like John Gaub and Jay Jackson who are right now in Triple A Iowa.

Would this happen probably not because he could find more money else where and a team will give him more money.

I will keep you posted.

Cubs release So Taguchi and Sorianon, Fox Activated off DL...

Yesterday the Cubs release 39 year old outfielder So Taguchi. Taguchi who was signed to a minor league deal and a invite to spring training in the offseason played the whole year for Triple A Iowa Cubs but on September 16th he was called up to take the spot of Soriano on the roster who was put on the DL 2 days earlier.

In 2009 Taguchi played 6 games and batted .273 with 3 hits and 0 HR or RBI in 11 at-bats for the Cubs.

This move is a no brainier because the Cubs want to get younger and before the season ended the Cubs said they will not bring back So Taguchi. However before the season ended Taguchi said he still wants to play at least 1 more year in the majors.

In other news the Cubs activated outfielder Alfonso Soriano and Chad Fox off the 15 day DL on October 14th.

Chad Fox went on the DL with arm problems on May 5th and nevered return to action. Chad Fox is a free agent and not likely to return.

Alfonso Soriano went on the DL with knee problems on September 14th and nevered returned to action. Soriano got knee surgery about a week later and will be back in LF to start the 2010 season.

I will keep you posted as the front office awaits the offseason.

Cubs are about to Sign Rudy Jaramillo... Update?

Update 6:18: The Cubs just ask the Rangers for permission to talk to there hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo.

According to Jon Heyman via twitter the Cubs are in contact with hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo and it is believed that he will take the job with Cubs. A couple days ago Jaramillo decline a 1 year offer from the Rangers and will explore free agency. Jaramillo becomes a free agent on October 31st and the Cubs can not sign him until that day. It was believe that a lot of teams will be interested in Jaramillo but he wants to go to a team that can win it all and that will be the Cubs.

Now here is mire from David Kaplan: "GM Jim Hendry has been super aggressive since Jaramillo made it known that he would be leaving the Rangers and most baseball executives expect Jaramillo to choose the Cubs. Look for the Cubs to land him and to sign him to a multi-year deal worth at least $750,000 per season, which would make him the highest paid hitting coach in the game."

That will be a good move and already a big splash before the offseason started. There will be way more rumors and other notes in a bout a month.

I will keep you posted.

Brad Hawpe a Good Fit...

Reports coming out of Colorado over the week indicate outfielder Brad Hawpe will most likely be traded because he has no spot on the team. Colorado wants to get younger and also play younger and Hawpe is the odd man out.

Hawpe is 30 years old and is making 7.5 million in 2010 with a 10 million club option in 2011. He batted .285 with 23 HR and 86 rbi in 145 games in 2009.

On MLBtraderumors Tim Dierkes had a weekly chat that he has every week and was ask the question if Brad Hawpe is traded will is his likely destination and Tim said probably the Cubs. That is 1 more person that thinks if Hawpe is traded, he will be a Chicago Cub.

Things will have to happen first, Milton Bradley will have to be traded in order for Hawpe to have a position in RF and Tom Ricketts will have to give the OK to take on Hawpes contract.

Earlier in the month of late September and Early October the Cubs wanted to move Kosuke Fukudome back to RF and look for a CF via free agency or via trade. So if the Cubs do make the trade Hawper that will not be able to happe.

The Cubs will have to probably give up 3-4 decent prospects or major league ready ball players in exchange for Brad Hawpe.

I will keep you posted.

Rudy Jaramillo a Good Fit... Update

Update 4:43: Paul Sullivan mention today that Rudy Jaramillo is expected to be a candidate for the open spot as Cubs coaching staff. Jaramillo had some influence on current Cubs players such as Alfonso Soriano and probably soon to be gone Milton Bradley.

Rudy Jaramillo is probably a good fit to become the Cubs next hitting coach because he he was the hitting coach for the Rangers for many years and look at the Rangers. The Rangers were probably the best hitting team in 2009 and even in 2008.

Over the years Jaramillohas help good players such as as Sammy Sosa, Juan Gonzalez and Ivan Rodriguez, and he was an influence on Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell as well.

Also he has help ex Ranger and now Yankee Mark Texieria, Josh Hamilton and his comeback from drugs, and current Rangers Michael Young and Ian Kinsler better hitters.

Today the Rangers offer a 1 year deal for Jaramillo to stay in Texas and he decline and now he will explore free agency. Other teams that might interested are the Rays (fired hitting coach last month) and the Indians (fired there whole coaching staff at the end of the 2009 season).

If I am Jim Hendry I will offer Rudy Jaramillo a 3 year deal and what ever hitting coaches make now.

Phil Rodgers said if Jim Hendry does find a way to sign Jaramillo it will be the best thing since the Derrek Lee trade.

We just have to wait and see.

Bradley to Giants Could Happen but Probably Won't...

Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News talked to a Giant executive who has veto power to approve on a trade and he ask if he will approve a Aaron Rowand for Milton Bradley trade and he said yes he would. Andrew Baggarly does not see the trade to happen because he does not think Giants will screw up the teams chemistry with Bradley in the dugout-clubhouse.

Bradley who is making 21 million over the next 2 years is 31 years old and batted .257 with 12 HR and 40 rbi but had a .378 OBP in 2009.

Aaron Rowand who is making 36 million over the next 3 years is 32 years old and batted .261 with 15 HR and 64 rbi in 2009.

If I was Jim Hendry I don't know if I would do that because Rowand has 1 more year on his contract than Bradley and that delays 1 more year to play the youngsters in the minors. All at least Rowand is a CF that they want, a rbi man which Pinella wants and a pretty good defender that the Cubs want.

I will keep you posted as the offseason is about a month away.

Could John Lackey be on the Cubs Radar...

Phil Rodgers of the Chicago Tribune says it will be a nice addition for the Cubs but thinks they have to many long term contracts to bid for him. He also mentions that if Lackey has good starts in the playoffs, he could make good money on the open market.

John Lackey would be a nice addition to the already strong starting rotation. He could be the Cubs 2 starter, with the rotation like this Zambrano, Dempster, Lilly, Dempster and Wells to close it out. I put Lilly in the middle because he is the only lefty.

I say don't over bid for Lackey and just offer him a maxium deal of 3 years and 24 million, 8 million per year. Well I do know that won't be enough but you can try and who knows maybe he wants to play in Chicago and will accept the deal.

I will keep you posted as we await the offseason.

More Hot Stove Cubbies Notes...

The Cubs reportedly set a deadline of December 2nd to trade Milton Bradley. My guess is if the date passes the Cubs will probably release him and pay the rest of his contract.

The holes the Cubs would like to address in free agency are a RBI man, 2B, veteran pitcher and relief pitcher.

I think the Cubs won't give up top or many prospects in a trade and I will do realistic options.

RBI Man: my pick-Vladimir Guerrero, cheap, and sign him to a 1-2 years worth about 4-6 million a year.
2B: Olando Hudson or Placido Polanco, I would love to have Figgins but he will command way to much money and these 2 players are good and will command way less, sign 1 of them for a 2 years worth about 3-5 million a year.
Veteran Pitcher: Erik Bedard, cheaper and has potential, sign to a 2 year contract worth 5-7 million a year.
Relief Pitcher: Juan Ricon, cheaper than other relievers, sign to a 1-2 year contract worth about 2-4 million a year.

I will keep you posted as we all await the offseason.

Bradley to Seattle, Quite Possible...

Hot Stove Cubbies says he heard from Cubs officials that the Mariners like Milton Bradley.

The Seattle Mariners want to offset a bad contract and trading for a player like Bradley who still can produce is the best option. Players on the Mariners that have bad contracts and the Mariners will like to get rid of are Kenji Johjima, Carlos Silva, Bill Hall and Ian Snell.

Look at the players:

C Kenji Johjima has 2 years and 16 million left on his contract. Johjima is 33 years old and batted .247 with 9 HR and 22 rbi in 71 games.

SP Carlos Silva has 2 years and 23 million left on his contract. Silva is 30 years old and went 1-3 with a era of 8.60 in 30.1 innings.

IF Bill Hall has 1 year and 8.4 million and a club option worth 9.25 million left on his contract. Hall is 30 years old and batted .201 with 8 HR and 36 rbi in 110 games.

SP Ian Snell has 1 year and 4.25 million left on his contract. Snell is 28 years old and went 7-10 with a era of 4.84 in 145 innings.

My take on those players with the best in order:

Ian Snell: He is young and will be better as the Cubs 5th starter than Stark. His stats were with Pittsburgh mostly and will improve by a lot as a Cub.

Bill Hall: I think he would be good insurance is Aram goes down again and he can play all over. Also I think he will improve.

Johjima: He is older and has had injury problems. Also he really doesn't put up good stats.

Silva: To me he is an older version of the Stark, gives up hits and runs. I would start the Stark over him.

According to Jordon at the Cubs Corner, he ask Chris De Luca via email if the Cubs would have interest in 28 year old outfielder and he said yes. He would be a good CF and leadoff man but his bat is OK but he does have power. If you have a chance to go after Upton or Granderson I preferred Upton because younger and they will require the same in return and they are alike in a lot of ways.

I will keep you posted.

Gordon Wittenmyer, If I was Jim Hendry....

Here is an article of what Wittenmyer said if he was Jim Hendry:

1) Don't let Milton Bradley disrupt the offseason by not trading him until the winter meetings. Trade him as soon as possible.

My take: As every Cubs fan knows,Bradley will be gone right after the world series probably to the Rays for Pat Burrell or with both teams adding player in.

2) Make sure the outfielder you pick up can catch the ball unlike Alfonso Soriano.

My take: Well if the Cubs get Burrell that will not be an outfielder that plays good defense but they might as well go after ancient OF Mike Cameron.

3) Sign Chone Figgins to be your leadoff man.

My take: I would love the Cubs get Chone Figgins but don't overpay him and you might have to get a leadoff man via trade and sign a cheaper 2B like Olando Hudson.

4) Don't sign free agents to long term contracts so you can get your youngsters playing time in the MLB.

My take: I agree 100% with him, I want to see the youngsters in the farm system can do. I think Figgins will ask for a 4 year contract that will not help

5) If someone calla you about Carlos Zambrano talk to them.

My take: Well you have to answer the phone but if it is a great deal ask Big Z to waive his no trade cause but I think he will rebound in 2010.

That is Cordon Wittenymer's take and what I think of it.

Milton Bradley to Rays Looking More and More Possible...

Chris De Luce of the Sun-Times writes:

He writes that Milton Bradley to the Rays has a good chance of happening. The Cubs trade outfielder Milton Bradley to the Rays and the Rays trade outfielder Pat Burrell to the Cubs with the cancellation of contracts. The Cubs will have give the Rays from 5-11 million of Milton Bradley's contract.

2 other teams that were interested in Bradley were the Blue Jays and the Padres but they fired there GM a couple weeks ago. So will they still be interested, maybe but probably not.

The Cubs want to try and trade Bradley sooner than later because of right now the Rays are the only team serious about him and if they lose interest Bradley might still be in Cubbie blue next year. The good thing is the Rays want to trade Burrell and the only way that could happen is in a trade for Bradley.

I ask Chris De Luca via email about the Cubs trying to add outfielder BJ Upton in the deal and he said no the Rays right now just want to trade Burrell. I also ask him if the Cubs will pursue Upton if put on the trading block this winter and said he has not heard anything about Upton yet.

I will keep you posted.

Cubs Looking at Outfielders Via Trade...

Here are 4 names that Hot Stove Cubbies give us: This is in know particular order.

1) Brad Hawpe: He will be the rbi man that Pinella wants in the middle of the lineup to go with Lee and Ramirez. He might be harder to get because his team is in the playoffs and he might not even be on the trading block this winter. He will also cost more in prospects.

2) BJ Upton: We already heard the Cubs have scouted him but if he is put up this winter the Cubs will pursue him. He brings speed and will play CF and batting first. I like him because he is cheap and the Cubs don't have to throw money at Figgins and could go the cheaper route by signing Hudson.

3) Adam Dunn: A lot of Cubs fans like him but I'm not one because he strikes out to much but he would be the rbi man Pinella wants also. Also it would be a joke out there watching him field in RF.

4) Nick Swisher: To me everything is average for him like BA, HR and rbi's. He can play OK defense but RF at Wrigley could be tricky.

OK maybe that is the order I would like the Cubs to get.

Also I think the Cubs want a CF so they can move Kosuke to RF. That is why I think Upton is the best choice because he can play CF.

I will always keep you posted.

Sale Update...

Breaking News: The Sale to the Ricketts family was approved by the MLB. The 29 owners in the MLB were unanimous in voting for Tom Ricketts to be the new owner.

"The next step will be for the franchise to go through a pre-packaged bankruptcy which will take place next Monday or Tuesday for a period of 24 hours. When that step is finalized the banks who are financing the deal will have a 10 day cooling off period before they have to fund the transaction." Thanks to David Kaplan for this.

He also mentions that Tom Rickett could get full control of the Cubs by October 29th or the 30th.

I will keep you posted.

Updates on Cubs Players...

Here is some news on Cubs players by Paul Sullivan of the Tribune and Gordon Wittnymer of the Sun-Times:

Both of the them say outfielder Milton Bradley is at the top of the list of getting rid of. Wittnymer notes that Cubs might be able to trade Bradley without eating 80% of his contract while Sullivan writes the Cubs could trade Bradley for an rbi guy that Pinella wants.

Sullivan says lefty relief pitcher John Grabow wants a 3 year contract and says the Cubs will give it to him. Grabow will be a free agent.

Sullivan also writes that Jake Fox and Mike Fontenot are trade candidates and will likely not be back.

Both Sullivan and Wittnymer believe pitcher Carlos Zambrano will not be traded.

My opinions on those thoughts:

Milton Bradley to the Rays could actually happen with Upton and Burrell coming to Chi-Town for prospects and the rest of the contract of Bradley that is not crossed out by the Burrell contract.

Like they said I think the Cubs will sign John Grabow to a 3 year contract in about 1-2 weeks.

Like I have been posting on this blog, I have been saying Fox and Fontenot will not be on the 2010 roster. If there is a trade in place for the Cubs getting Upton and Burrell, I think Fox will be in the trade them.

Lastly what they said, Carlos Zambrano will probably be the 2010 opening day starter for the Cubs.

I will keep you posted.

No Interview for Ryno...

Today the Cubs are interviewing coaches for the big league job of the hitting coach, one name mention was minor league hitting coordinator Dave Keller. Jim Hendry is said to be also looking outside the organization for the hitting coach vacancy.

Also is was mention that Ryne Sandberg was no to be having an interview for the job and probably will be in the minors as a manager to gear him up for 2011.

Gordon Wittnymer via twitter.

Also today the Rays fired there hitting coach Steve Henderson, can we see him in Cubbie blue within the next week. I did not think he did that bad, Pena had tons of homeruns and the averages were really bad, they were mediocre.

I will keep you posted as the search continues for the coaching position.

MLB Awards and Your Chicago Cubs Awards...

To start it off, I will start withe Chicago Cubs awards:


MVP: Derrek Lee- no doubt about it.
LVP: Kevin Gregg- Giving up the most home runs as a relief pitcher.
CY: Ted Lilly: the only all-star and the most consistent pitcher in 2009.
LCY: Kevin Gregg: Same that I said above.
ROY: Randy Wells- Really was the only rookie and a candidate for ROY.


Now the MLB Awards:

AL MYP: Joe Mauer
NL MVP: Albert Pujols
AL CY: Zack Greinke
NL CY: Tim Lincecum
AL ROY: Rick Porcello
NL ROY: J.A. Happ
AL MOY: Joe Girardi
NL MOY: Jim Tracy
AL EOY: Brian Cashman
NL EOY: John Mozeliak
MLB Surprise Team: Colorado Rockies
MLB Most Disappointing Team: Chicago Cubs

So that was my postseason awards for your Chicago Cubs and the MLB.

Also I will keep you posted on everything Cubs.

Von Joshua Out...

Yesterday the Cubs fired hitting coach Von Joshua. Earlier in the Year the Cubs fired hitting coach Gerald Perry and Von Joshua came up from Triple A to replace him.

Hendry said it was nothing he did but there was little improvement.

Jim Hendry did at least offer his old job back in the minors as the hitting coach for Iowa Cubs.

Will we see former and Hall of Famer 2B Ryne Sandberg be the replacement, likely not, Hendry said that Sandberg will either be the manager for Double A or Triple A to get ready to manager the Cubs after Pinella retires in 2011,

Later today I will have my MLB awards for the whole MLB and your Chicago Cubs.

Could we see BJ Upton Roming CF Next Year...

Hot Stove Cubbies reports that Cubs officials have said they will pursue CF BJ Upton if shop this winter. Earlier in September it was reported that the Tampa Bay Rays will either trade outfielders Carl Crawford or BJ Upton this winter due to money concerns.

Upton who is 25 had an off year in 2009, he only batted .243 with 11 home runs, 55 rbi's but still had 42 stolen bases in 143 games. Maybe a changer of scenery will help this young OF who has potential to be a star.

The stock for Upton probably went down because of his off year and the Cubs might be able to get him cheaper now, hoping.

Propose Trade:
Cubs get BJ Upton
Rays get Milton Bradley and most of his contract, Jake Fox, Matt Camp and Blake Parker.

Cubs get a leadoff man and a youung guy that has potential.

Rays get a DH-RF that can hit for average in Bradley, a DH in Fox that can hit, Camp who can play 2B, SS, and 3B and can give to there regulars and also camp plays third where Vitters is coming up, SS Castro is coming up and 2B where Demaniu is coming up and a pitcher that has potential in Parker.

Who knows the Rays might try to add Burrell in the trade, we just have to wait and see?

If the Cubs do get Upton:

They won't have to get into a bidding war with other teams for Chone Figgins because Upton can be there leadoff man. They can go after guys like Polance, Scutaro, Iwanura is option not pick up and even ex Cub Derosa.

Lineup with just adding Upton in and no other changes (Bradley not in either because he will be gone for sure).

1) BJ Upton CF
2) Ryan Theriot SS
3) Derrek Lee 1B
4) Aramis Ramirez 3B
5) Kosuke Fukudome RF
6) Alfonso Soriano LF
7) Jeff Baker 2B
8) Geovany Soto C
9) Pitcher P

That is how I would have the lineup if I was Pinella.

Thoughts?

Grabow, Cubs Keeping Coaching Staff...

The Daily Heard reported that the Cubs are reportedly going to keep most of the coaching staff that probably includes Manager Lou Pinella, General Manager Jim Hendry, Bench Coach Alan Trammell, First Base Coach Matt Sinatro, Third Base Coach Mike Quade, and Bullpen Coach Lester Strode.

The 1 coach that might not come back is hitting coach Von Joshua, Joshua was called up from Triple A Cubs to replace Gerald Perry who was fired. Since Joshua was called up to help the slumping Cubs has not really work out.

I see the Cubs looking for a hitting coach to replace Joshua and send him to Triple a again but if they can't find 1 he will be the hitting coach next year. That is what I would do if I was Jim Hendry.

The decision is expected to be announce on Monday of who returns or if some are fired.

Carrie Muskat wrote on her blog today that the Cubs have started "preliminary talks" with lefty reliever John Grabow to come back for the 2010 season. Grabow since coming over in the Pittsburgh trade has look really impressive. Grabow said he loves Chicago and wants to return.

That would be the right step in the right direction by signing Grabow to a 1 or 2 year contract. I love Grabow and needs to be in the sloppy Cubs bullpen.

I will keep you posted.

Cubbies Notes...

In a report Phil Rodgers names guys that Jim Hendry should go after:

1) Adam Dunn: Have to trade for him.
2) Bobby Abreu: Free Agent.
3) Dan Uggla: Have to trade for him.
4) Miguel Tejada: Free Agent.
5) Gary Sheffield: Free Agent.
6) Brad Hawpe: Have to trade for him.
7) Rick Ankiel: Free Agent.
8) Paul Byrd: Free Agent.
9) Chris Young: Have to trade for him.
10) Mark Derosa: Free Agent.

In that group, I like Abreu, Uggla, Tejada, Hawpe and Derosa.

Ryne Sandberg said he would love to coach the MLB Chicago Cubs. I think we will see him in 2011 after Lou Pinella retires. Sandberg is currently coaching the Cubs double A team.

Kevin Gregg mention yesterday that he would love to be a Chicago Cub next year, most likely not going to happen.

The Rangers are no longer interested in outfielder Milton Bradley, they were the unlikely team to land him anyways.

Ted Lilly mention that he wants the Cubs to resign OF Reed Johnson and sign free agent and former Cubs Mark Derosa.

Gordon Wittnymer reports the Cubs will most likely look at catcher Ramon Castro who is a free agents as a veteran presence to help Soto out. He will be the backup and Hill will start in Triple A.

I will keep you posted.

Aramis Ramirez Done, other injuries...

Aramis Ramirez could be done for the season according to Lou. Lou had to say this:

On the other hand, third baseman Aramis Ramirez is not ready to go, and he may be next in what’s becoming a long line of Cubs to be shut down for the rest of the year.

“I’m not going to say that, but we’ll see,”

If I was Pinella I would shut him down to heal for next year, so he can be about 100% healthy.

Other Injuries:

Kevin Gregg is done for the season with torn cartilage on his rib cage. He is joining Angel Guzman and maybe Ramirez as players to be done for the season.

Derrek Lee did not play in the first game of the double hitter because of a sore foot. He went to have x-rays and it came back negative. Lee did play in the second game racking up 2 singles going 2-3 with a walk and strikeout.

I will keep you posted as the hot stove is about a month away.