Cubs Sign Marlon Byrd....

Today the Cubs end there pursuit of a centerfielder today by signing CF Marlon Byrd to a 3 year contract worth 15 million. Byrd is expected to play CF so the Cubs can move Kosuke back to right and he is expected to bat anywhere from 5th to 7th in the lineup. The Cubs were also in talks with other CF Ankiel ans Pods.

Byrd is going to make 3 million in 2010, 5.5 million in 2011 and 6.5 million in 2012. The Cubs have about 3-5 million still ro spend in this offseason. Byrd who is 32 years old, batted .282 with 20hr and 89rbi in 2009. Byrd will still have his same hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo who the Cubs sign this offseason.

I would of rather have Ankiel but maybe Byrd can do better. Also I wish the contract was a 2 year not 3 but that is Jim Hendry, give long contracts.

Other Note: The Cubs want a reliever and have talk to the the Blue Jays about there relievers

Jim Hendry makes another splash by New Years.

Is Carlos Zambrano Being Dangled...

We heard last week that ace of the staff Carlos Zambrano is being dangles out there and the Yankees has had conversations with the Cubs about him before they acquire Javier Vaquez. The Yankees said the Cubs were asking for to much and the Cubs never approach the agent of Zambrano. That rumor was shot down by sources close to the Cubs.

Zambrano who has a no trade cause said he has not intention on waiving it to any team that the Cubs have agreed on. Zambrano is making 53.75 million guarantee money over the next 3 season with a vesting option worth 19.25 million for 2013. That is a lot of money for a team to take on in any trade.

Bruce Levine said in his weekly chat that the Cubs have been listening to offers for Zambrano over the offseason. Jon Heyman says the Zambrano rumors are a waist of time because he has no intention to waive his not trade cause. Joel Sherman reported today that the Cubs are in fact listening to offers for Zambrano.

I really wish the Cubs did not trade Zambrano because he is fun to watch and young. Also the Cubs starting rotation has no depth right now and with the subtraction of Zambrano, that will kill it even more.

I will keep you posted as you most likely won't see a Zambrano trade.

Bruce levines Chat

Here is the latest from a Levines weekly Tuesday chat:

He says the Cubs center fielder in 2010 will be either Rick Ankiel, Marlon Byrd or Scott Podsednik. I prefer Ankiel because he is the youngest, best defender and has the best shot for most potential.

The Cubs do have interest in Kiko Calero but don't like his recent injury history. They dont want to give him the money and he gets injure then. I agree with that but will like him to be in there bullpen in 2010.

This is a surprise but 2B Olando Hudson is not on the Cubs list. I don't know if it should be high on the list but should at least be on it.

The Cubs are still keeping contact with the Mets about 2B Luis Castilla. The only way I do a trade is if the Cubs trade a bad contract in return.

The Cubs are not interested in RP Octavio Dotel. Thank god I did not like him with the White Sox and he stunk.

I will have another post up later and next Tuesday, I will have the recap his chat again.

Cubs Rumors...

Here is the latest from the mill:

Bruce Levine has a few tidbits saying the Cubs and Rockies have talk about a trade for OF Ryan Spilborghs recently. Spilborghs will come into spring training as the Cubs 4th outfielder and replace Reed Johnson. Spilborghs batted .241 with 8hr and 48 rbi in 352 at-bats. He is 30 years old. Also he plays good defense. I would love for him to be the Cubs 4th outfielder for the right price.

In the same report, the Cubs have had multiple conversations with free agent pitcher and ex White Sox Jose Contreras. Contreras will come in at a sub in starting pitcher until Ted Lilly comes back from arm surgery and then move to the bullpen. I would only sign him to a 1 year contract worth 750K-1 million because he is not that good of a pitcher.

The Cubs also are still looking at CF free agents, with Byrd number 1 and Pods number 2. I prefer Byrd over Pods becouse of several reasons.

The Cubs are also very interested in 34 year old free agent relief pitcher Kiko Calero. Calero went 2-2 with a 1.95 era in 60 innings in 2009 for the Marlins. I would love to have his veteran presence in the bullpen. I would sign him a to a 1-2 year contract worth 3 million a year.

I will keep you posted as Jim Hendry might finally make moves soon.

Jacoby Ellsbury Could be on the Cubs Radar IF...

The Red Sox sign either outfielders Matt Holliday or Jason Bay. If Holliday or Bay does in fact end up in Boston they will have to many outfielders with the acquisitions of outfielders Mike Cameron and Jeremy Hermida: Phil Rogers, according to sources, the Cubs will actively pursuit CF Jacoby Ellsbury and examines a 3 team deal with the Red Sox, Padres and Cubs. 1B Adrian Gonzalez goes to the Red Sox, CF Jacoby Ellsbury to the Cubs and prospects to the Padres.

Rogers says the Cubs might have to trade 1 or 2 top prospects to the Padres to get a deal done. He lists 3B Josh Vitters, P Jay Jackson, P Andrew Cashner and SS Hak-Ju Lee. If the Cubs only have to trade one, I will trade Lee because he is a SS who can play 2B but Casto is coming up. If the Cubs have to add 2, I would add Cashner because he has had arm injuries that might slow him down.

In 2009 Jacoby Ellsbury batted .301 with 8HR and 60rbi but had a stellar 70 stolen bases in 154 games. I would trade both Lee and Cashner because Ellsbury will be there franchise CF who is only 26 years old. Also the Cubs will finally have a lead off that can get on base and swipe a base.

If that happen, the Cubs will have a better team and will make a run to the playoffs without any injuries. But this is only if the Red Sox sign this 2 big free agent outfielders.

I will keep you posted.

Cubs Have Interest in Johnny Damon...

According to a radio station, the Cubs have interest in center fielder Johnny Damon. Last year Damon played with the Yankees and had a career year in home run. But that is because they screwed up on the dimensions in new Yankee stadium that make balls fly. The Yankees wanted Damon back but with the acquisition of Granderson, there not going to throw money at him. I think Damon ask for 2 years and 20 million but the Yankees rejected.

Damon who is 36, batted .282 with 24hr and 82rbi in 2009 for the Yankees.

I think this report is true because the Cubs need a CF, a left handed bat and a player that can lea off.

I really don't see the Cubs signing him because he wants to much and a team will give him that. I would only sign him a to a 1 year contract worth 5 or 6 million. There are some reasons I don't want to sign him because he was an ex Yankee and he is too old.

We just have to wait and see.

Merry Christimas.................................

This post is for today and tomorrow to wish you a Merry Christmas:

I am glad to write about the best MLB team in the league and if you don't know what I am talking about it is the Chicago Cubs. I been writing for my blog for almost a year and I try to write a new post everyday so you can keep up with my blod because you know I will have something. So thanks for reading my blog.

The Cubs will have a more happier Christimas with the departure of disgruntled outfielder Milton Bradley who was traded to the M's about a week ago.

Today was a pretty slow day in the world of baseball and you probably will see the same tomorrow and the next couple days for MLB front office personel to spend time with there family. But who knows maybe they have no family and will be working.

Have a Merry Christmas and drive safe. If something does break I will have it but if not, I will be back to writing on Saturday.

Matt Capps not Chicago Bound...

According to multiple sources, RP Matt Capps is not Chicago bound but Washington bound. He is closing in on a 1 year deal with the Nationals to be there 2010 closer. Contract believed to be around 4 million.

But according to "Capps' agent, Paul Kinzer, denied that an agreement has been reached. "We're still going over the offers and talking. It won't be until later tonight. We have not made a decision,'' Kinzer said." I hope that is true and the report is false.

According to unreliable Phil Rogers, the Cubs will not bid against the Nationals.

If Matt Capps signed with the Cubs, he would of been there set-up man going into spring training with Carlos Marmol the closer.

I really hope the Cubs do sign Capps but at this point, it is like a 25% of being Cubbie blue next season.

I will keep you posted as the final decision should be made by midnight tonight.

Matt Capps Will Have a Decision by Tomorrow Night...

Bill Ladson of MLB.com says the recently non-tender Pirated Matt Capps will have a decision tomorrow night of where to sign. He is deciding from the Nationals and Cubs. He will be the closer for the Nationals and the set-up man in Chicago. We heard what the Nation offer him but we don't know what the Cubs offered. The only think we know is the Cubs made a offer to him.

Capps already has 2 friends on the Cubs with John Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny who they acquire before the trade deadline in 2009. Tom Gorzelanny's wife and Matt Capps wife are friends and Capps family love Chicago. John Grabow told Carrie Muskat that he is convicing Capps to sign with the Cubs.

This is how I figure it out, if he wants the money go the the Nationals because I don't think the Cubs will offer the same amount or more. If he wants to win go to the Cubs where they are able to win. I am like 90% positive Capps will a Cubs by the end of tomorrow night.

I will keep you posted as we await the decision to tomorrow night.

Yankees Interested in Big Z, No Truth to it

It was reported today that the Yankees have inquire on pitcher Carlos Zambrano aka Big Z. But after that, the report was shot down by ESPNChicago.com writer Bruce Levine and Carlos Zambrano's agent, saying the Cubs have not contacted me or Zambrano about waiving his not trade cause nor is he (Zambrano) interested in waiving his no trade cause.

Reasons I think Zambrano will not waive his no trade cause are: First he will not be able to hit in the AL because of the DH. We all know Zambrano loves to hit and he is pretty good. Second, Zambrano wont be the ace of the staff and could be the 3 or 4th starter behind Sabathia, Burnett and maybe Pettite.

Players that the Cubs could be interested are center fielders Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner and second baseman Robinson Cano. All these names have been mention that the Cubs could be interested in the last couple months.

In my opinion I will miss Big Z because I love his attitude and his hitting styles. I am pretty much 100% positive Zambrano will be the Cubs opening day starter.

I will keep you posted.

Cubs Trying to Strike Quick Deal with Byrd and Capps...

Gordon Wittnymer of the Sun-times said he is hearing from his sources that the Cubs are trying to strike a quick deal with outfielder Marlon Byrd and relief pitcher Matt Capps. I wrote on here yesterday that the Cubs are close to signing Marlon Byrd but Fox sports reported that the Cubs are not close to signing a outfielder. Just to note the night before Bradley was traded, they said the Cubs are not close to trading Bradley.

I do think the Cubs need to sign Byrd or Ankiel because another option is off the board with Coco Crip signing with the Athletics I think the Cubs want to sign an CF before Christmas on Friday so Jim Hendry can take a day off of work.

Wittnymer also said the Cubs could be moving fast to signing RP Matt Capps. It is belief to be a 2 year deal. I like Capps because he can pitcher and is young being only 26 years old. I have wrote about him on here before too.

Side Note: The Cubs are still in the mix for 21 year old Cuban Defector Aroldis Chapman. The Red Sox and Marlins offered a him a deal but for less that he wants. The Cubs could offer 4 years worth 18 million and he could accept. I think he will either sign with the Red Soc and Yankees.

I will kep you posted.

Cubs Close to Signing Marlon Byrd

According to Evan Grant of Dallas news, he is hearing that the Cubs are close to signing outfielder Marlon Byrd. It is believe to be a 2 year contract but no one knows for how much. Marlon Byrd had his best season in 2009 posting a .283 batting average with 20HR and 89rbi in 547 at-bats. Not to mention he is 31 years old, not that old for baseball.

Like I mention on here before, Byrd as the same agent as recent departed Milton Bradley. Also if Byrd does not with the Cubs he will be reunited with his old hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo. Jaramillo help Byrd have the best seaosn of his career and hopes to remain with the same year.

I think Byrd will sign with the Cubs when everything is said and done to a 2 year contract worth 10-12 million. I think that will be to much but it is Hendry who likes ot overpay for players but it will allow the Cubs to me Fukudome back to right.

Side Note: The Cubs are expected to offer Matt Capps a contract in the next couple days. I like that move and I hope he is in Cubbie blue next season.

I will keep you posted as the Bradley rumors are finally dead.

Cubs FINALLY Trade Bradley...

Today the Cubs have finally traded disgruntled outfielder Milton Bradley to the Seattle Mariners got pitcher Carlos Silva. This trade was a swap of bad contracts. The Mainers are also sending 9 million over which the Cubs save 6 million in the deal.

Bradley has 2 years and 21 million left on his contract while Silva has 3 years and 34 million left with a mutual 2 million buyout. I am pretty sure the Cubs will try and do that.

Silva has been dealing with injuries the past years but has a good sinker when healthy. Silva will most likely be the Cubs fifth starter to take Harens spot in the rotation. It will probably be this: Zambrano, Dempster, Lilly Wells and then Silva in my opinion.

Silva did pitch last year and went 1-3 with a 8.60 era in 30.1 innings pitch. He is also 30 years old. I think he will help the Cubs (maybe) and I think he is better than Samardzija who is projected to be the Cubs 5th starter.

Since the Cubs traded Bradley today, a lot of reporters are reporting the Cubs can work on other thing like searching for a centerfielder.

At least this is finally over and I will keep you posted on the CF hunt.

Cubs Could be Finalist for Matt Capps...

Recently release/non-tender Matt Capps said he has chosen finalists of the teams that he would sign with. He pick one and was said it was the Washington Nationals. Capps said he would want to be a closer for the team he signs with and the closer role is open in Washington. It is believe that Capps is looking for a 2 year contract and at the age of 26, he probably would be able to get that.

The other 2 teams that are believe to be the finalist are the Colorado Rockies and Chicago Cubs. Capps did mention that he will be a set-up guy if he went to a contending team and with Huston Street the closer in Colorado and Carlos Marmol the closer in Chicago, that is probably he would be.

We already new the Cubs were interetsed in him because after he was release the Cubs said and there was mutual interest. The Cubs are searching for a veteran relief pitcher and he would qualify as one.

I think Capps will sign a 2 year deal by the end of the weekend and hope it will be with the Cubs. A good deal will be for 2 years at 4-6 million all together.

I will keep you posted.

Cubs Watch Kelvim Escobar Throw...

According to a source, the Cubs were 1 of multiple teams to watch pitcher Kelvim Escobar throw a session. Escolbar who miss most of the 2009 season with the Angels due to an arm injury went 0-1 with a 3.60 era in 5 innings pitch. In 2007 Escobar went 18-7 with a 3.40 era in 195.2 innings pitch Ben Badler said his fastball was from 92-94 mph. Not bad for a player that has an arm injury last year.

Other teams that watch Escobar throw are Rays, Brewers, Giants, Pirates, Tigers, Mariners and Athletics. The Mets probably also watch him throw because they are the only team to offer him a contract but it was a minor league deal and he declined it.

I would sign Escobar to a 1 year deal worth 1-2 million and hope he goes back to his 2008 form (stats).

I will keep you posted.

Cubs Outfielder Situation..

Since the Red Sox sign free agent CF Mike Cameron to a 2 year contract worth 15.5 million, the Cubs step up there pursuit of OF Marlon Byrd. We have heard that the Cubs have been interested in him in the offseason but his asking price was too high. Byrd has the same agent as Milton Bradley. If because the contract given to Cameron has anything to do with what Byrd wants, you won't see Byrd in Cubbie Blue next season.

Lets get caught up of what has happen today:

Paul Sullivan says the Cubs do not have to trade Bradley before signing Byrd to a deal. In my opinion, what money would they have then.

Carrie Muskat says that Byrd is number one on there list, they also have interest in outfielders Rick Ankeil, Reed Johnson and Scott Podsednick. To me, Johnson and Pods are only fourth outfielders but Ankeil will be a starter and bat 5th. I would be fine with that signing.

The only thing, I hope is the Cubs sign a true CF which I think they will.

Side Note: The Cubs did not want to give CF Mike Cameron a second year and that is why he sign with the Red Sox.

Matt Capps on Cubs Radar...

According to Paul Sullivan, the Cubs have interested in ex Pirate and closer Matt Capps. He also mention that there is mutual interest on both sides. Matt Capps a couple days ago was non-tender by the Pirates which made him a free agent.

The Cubs have had interest in him over the past years. Capps will most likely just be another arm in the bullpen that can throw. With Marmol the closer, Angel Guzman and John Grabow set-up mans. But he might be flip to the closer job if Marmol struggle like he did this year.

In 2009, Matts Capps had the worse year of his career. With stats of: 4-8 with a 5.80 era in 54.1 innings pitch. Also I forgot to mention he is 26 years old

I would like to Capps in the Cubs 2010 bullpen. Sign him to a 1 year contract for 2-3 million and I will be fine. Or a 2 year contract.

I will keep you posted.

Non-Tender Deadline Completed, New Names on List...

First to get started, the Cubs tendered contracts to RP Carlos Marmol, RP Angel Guzman, P Sean Marshall, P Tom Gorzelanny, SS Ryan Theriot, 2B Jeff Baker, 2B Mike Fontenot and C Koyie Hill. But did not tender a contract to RP Neal Cotts, so Cotts becomes a free agent. Bruce Miles said the Cubs hope they can resign Neal Cotts to a minor league deal. I wish the Cubs did not tender a contract to Fontenot but maybe they will trade him, only time will tell.

The Cubs reportedly are interested in OF Johnny Gomes of the Reds, IF Afredo Amezaga of the Marlins and OF Ryan Church of the Braves. All 3 of theses players became free agents yesterday.

Names that I think the Cubs will or should have interest in are:

RP Matt Capps: The Cubs would like a veteran bullpen pitcher that will come cheap and Capps will go under that.

2B Kelly Johnson: The Cubs need a 2B that will come cheaper and Johnson does not put up bad stats. I would love to have him.

SP Chien-Ming Wang: The Cubs need a 5th starter and Wang won a lot of games 2 years ago before undergoing surgery on his arm.

IF Garrett Atkins: Atkins does have power but put up bad stats last year, who knows maybe he can play 2B, hoping.

I like all theses names and will sign any of them to a reasonable price.

Cubs Top 10 Prospects by Fangraphs...

Baseball America has there top 10 prospects in the beginning of the year and now Fangraphs has theres:

Fangraphs 10 top: They never put Cubs draft picks in top 10 this year.

1.Andrew Cashner - RHP
2.Starlin Castro - SS
3.Josh Vitters - 3B
4.Hak-Ju Lee - SS
5.Jay Jackson - RHP
6.Chris Carpenter - RHP
7.Ryan Flaherty - INF
8.Dae-Eun Rhee - RHP
9.Logan Watkins - 2B
10.John Gaub - LHP

They had to say this: "There is definitely some excitement starting to build in the system. There are interesting names at the top of the list, as well as some sleepers sprinkled throughout the system, many of whom did not fit in the Top 10, which is a very nice thing to see for the Cubs. The organization certainly has a lot of depth in the middle infielder, but many of the arms are unproven and, in some cases, rather brittle."

For the Hell of it, here is Baseball America Top 10 prospects:

1.Starlin Castro - SS
2.Brett Jackson - OF
3.Josh Vitters - 3B
4.Andrew Cashner - RHP
5.Jay Jackson - RHP
6.Hak-Ju Lee - SS
7.Logan Watkins - 2B
8.Chris Carpenter - RHP
9.Ryan Flaherty - IF
10.D.J. LeMahieu - SS-2B

There is little excitement now in the farm system and now we also can see what they might be able to do.

I will keep you posted as the rumors are slow for right now.

Winter Meetings in Review..

There were no moves for the Cubs at the Meetings but tons of new names and rumors (Bradley pretty much):

While on the Bradley subject: On Tuesday it was said that the Cubs were close to a Bradley trade but to no dice. Teams that have said to be interested when the Meeting started are the Royals, Rangers, Rays, Angels, Mariners and possibly the Red Sox. Now when the Meetings are over, the teams are still interested are the Rays. Wow a lot of teams are left.

It was said yesterday that Cubs Officials said the Cubs are close to a Bradley trade and he said Bradley could be traded in a day or two but nothing yet and most likely nothing will happen. Bradley will go to the rays for Burrell if they can figure out the money.

Other Notes from the Meetings:

The Cubs watch RP J.J. Putz throw on Wednesday and were interested in him but today he signed 1 year deal with the Chicago White Sox for 3 million.

They reportedly are said to be interested free agents RP Brandon Lyon (signed with the Astros) and SP Joel Pineiro (he is looking for a 4 year contract worth at least 40 million).

Jim Hendry met with the agent Casey Close who represents SP Ben Sheets along with 1B Derrek Lee and 2B Mike Fontenot. The Cubs need another SP who will come cheap and Sheets in injury prose but when healthy, he is an ace (reportedly looking for 12 a year). Hendry might of also talk to Close about a contract for Fontenot and an extension for Lee.

The Cubs also talk to Scott Boras the agent of CF Rick Ankiel who the Cubs are interested in and Ankiel is also looking for a lot of money.

More Mike Cameron talk, the Cubs have talk to the agent of Cameron and Pinella talk to Cameron in person to talk about a 1 year contract. I really do see Cameron the Cubs CF in 2010.

The Cubs drafted RHP Mike Parisi from the St. Louis Cardinals in the Rule V draft on Thursday. Parisi is 26 years old and he went 0-2 with a era around 6 but pitch good in Double A, but had trouble in Triple A. He also pitch in the Arizona Fall League and went 3-2 with a 4.44 era in 26.1 innings pitch. I see him not making the Cubs next year and will go back to the Cardinals unless they do a David Patton, pitch him for a little and then put him on the DL for the rest of the season.

This did not happen at the Winter Meetings but was going to happen sometime in the next few days (was talk about at the Winter Meetings). The Cubs acquire 22 year old pitcher Arismendy Mota from the Nationals for cash considerations. Mota who was playing in Triple A went 7-1 with a 1.81 era in 89.2 innings pitch. I like this pick up and has a good chance to make the 2010 opeing day roster. Member he is also young which the Cubs need to get.

This is a wrap of the Winter Meetings but still waiting on a Bradley trade that hopefully will happen soon.

Rule V Draft Pick...

The Rule V Draft is today:

The Cubs have selected RHP Mike Parisi from the St. Louis Cardinals. Parisi is 26 years old and he went 0-2 with a era around 6 but pitch good in Double A, but had trouble in Triple A. He also pitch in the Arizona Fall League and went 3-2 with a 4.44 era in 26.1 innings pitch. I see him not making the Cubs next year and will go back to the Cardinals unless they do a David Patton, pitch him for a little and then put him on the DL for the rest of the season.

The reason for him going back to the Cardinals is because if a Rule V pick is not on the 25 man roster they will go back to there old club and that is the St. Louis Cardinals.

Also no Cubs were take in the Rule V Draft. That is good news and now maybe the players that could of got drafted, be studs.

Milton Bradley news:

Carrie Muskat tweeted that the Cubs are scrambling to trade Milton Bradley. Rays employee says they're under no obligation to help (talking about Cubs). The Rays prefer 1 year of Burrell than 2 years of Bradley. I still think Bradley will be a Ray before Christmas at the latest for Pat Burrell and Burrell will then be ship back to a AL club in a trade.

I will keep you posted as Bradley is still a Cubs.

Bradley Update...

Here's the latest:

Tim Kurjain on Baseball Tonight said he is 100% Bradley will not be in Cubbie blue come opening day. Ken Rosenthal on MLB Network back that up. He also said the Cubs could start there offseason once Bradley is traded.

Craid Kenney said the Cubs will not just plain out release Milton Bradley. That is good.

Buster Olney said the Cubs would love to do a Mike Lowell/Milton Bradley swap. But a Cubs official shot it down. The rumor is true because Lowell will be eaiser to trade than Burell. Olney still says it is unlikely and the Rays are the best option.

More to come after reports yesterday indicated Bradley will be gone today.

Cubs Close to Trading Milton Bradley... Update 1? 2? 3? 4?

Update: 5:48: The Mariners shot down the rumor. Carrie Muskat says an AL team is in the deal, not the Angels, or Mariners. We already hear the Rangers and Rays are not in the deal, So who, Orioles or Blue Jays. They are my guess.

Update: 5:30: Bruce Miles report no deal is imminent and more than likely a deal will be complete by tomorrow.

Update: 5:26: Tim Brown reports the Cubs and Mariners are talking about a Carlos Silva, Milton Bradley swap but nothing is imminent.

Update: 5:20: Wittnymer reports the deal is 3 quarters done in a 3 team deal. The Rays and Rangers are not in the trade. So who can it be then?

Gordon Wittnymer tweets that the Cubs are close to trading Milton Bradley to an "AL Surprise" team.He also mention it could be done tonight. Joel Sherman said the Rangers are no longer interested in Bradley. Tim Brown says the Mariners could be a landing spot for Bradley by trading pitcher Carlos Silva. The Rays are also still in the hunt. Finally this is going to be completed and now the Cubs could move on to there other needs.

Carlos Silva who the Cubs might end up with has 23 million left on his contract with a mutual option of 12 million and a 2 million buyout in 2012. I really do not like that in my opinion. I would rather have Bradley.

Other Notes:

SP Braden Looper said he wants to pitch for the Cubs because his kids go to Chicago schools. I would only sign him to a 1 year 2 million contract.

The Cubs are expected to tender Mike Fontenot a contract on Saturday. I 100% do not agree with that.

Carlos Zambrano has lost 15 pounds this offseason already. Nice job Big Z.

I will keep you updated on the Bradley situation.

News from Day 1 of the Winter Meetings...

Bradley was pretty much the main focus of day 1. Bradley remains the #1 thing Jim Hendry want to get done at the Winter Meetings. Bruce Levine reported the Cubs and Royals talk about a Milton Bradley/Gim Meche Trade but the Cubs shot that down right away. The Mets are not interested in Pat Burrell or Milton Bradley, the 3 way then goes out the window if true. The Rays are also loosing interest in Bradley. Besides the Rangers and Rays, 2 more teams contacted the Cubs about Bradley. I still see a Bradley trade in the next couple days.

There was also more that was non Bradley related:

The Cubs are not in on RP Heath Bell. Phil Rogers reported they were. They would of traded Marmol and I am happy with not having Bell.

The Tigers reportedly wanted top prospect SS Starlin Castro and 2 other players in return for CF Curtis Granderson. There is no way I would of done that and the Tigers are crazy.

Ryne Sandberg was promoted to manager of Triple A Iowa Cubs. Former Triple A manager Bobby Dickerson left and went to the Baltimore Orioles. That good, 2011, manager of MLB Cubs.

The Cubs still want Mike Cameron to rome CF next season but have to wait for a Bradley trade. Also the Yankees have interest in Cameron.

More to come.

Lou Pinella Might Return Past 2010...

A report by the Sum-Times mention that current Cubs manager Lou Pinella might return past the 2010 season. During the 2009 season, Pinella said he would retire after the 2010 season.

Pinella said this at the RedsFest: ''Look, I wouldn't manage this year if I didn't have the competitiveness and the desire to win. I look forward to this team bouncing back from last year and playing really, really well and giving ourselves a chance in postseason again."
''I don't know [what it would take to want to return]. I like to talk about our baseball team, our organization. I don't like to talk about myself. We'll see what happens. I enjoy what I do, and as long as the organization is pleased -- but let's see. I'm 66 years old. I'm no spring chicken.''

The Cubs have not spoke to Pinella about a possible return after the 2010 season but new owner Tom Ricketts said he thinks Pinella is one of the best managers. Mr. Ricketts will evaluate the Cubs front office after the 2010 season.

About a possible return, Pinella said this: ''We'll see, but I'm really looking forward to this season, working with our new owner and his family and getting this team back on top again."
''I met [Ricketts] in Phoenix [at the Cubs' organization meetings] about a month ago, and I came away very impressed. This is what the Cubs needed, a guy who's been a Cub fan his whole life and who is competitive and has built a successful business, and now he wants to win with the Cubs. I'm looking forward to that transition.''

If Pinella is open to returning next year, I would only sign him if his head is straighten and don't make any bad moves because he mad a lot of bone head moves last season in my opinion.

I will keep you posted as the Winter Meetings starts tomorrow.

Bradley Deal Getting Closer and Other Notes Heading Into the Winter Mettings...

According to Bruce Levine, Milton Bradley will be gone time the Winter Meetings is over on Thursday. He predicts the Rays get Bradley, Mets get Pat Burrell and the Cubs get Luis Castilla in a 3 way deal. He also mentions that a 4th team may get involve to get the money figured out. If the Cubs do end up trading Bradley and getting Castilla in return, they would of solved 2 problems in 1 trade. 1 problem would be they traded Bradley, that they have been trying to do since September and 2nd, they get a 2B in returnwhich they really need. I say he would be traded in that 3 way trade in the earlier days of the Winter Meetings so Jim Hendry can work on

Other News:

The Cubs like Mike Cameron a lot and are planning on meeting with him in Indy to talk about a 1 year deal to be the Cubs CF in 2010. If he asks for to much, the Cubs will move on to plan B and that is Rick Ankiel. I do not care which one the Cubs sign because they are both good at defense but not really good at hitting. I would sign the cheaper one and I think that could be completed at the Winter Meetings depending on the Bradley trade. In the same report, it says the Cubs like Marlon Byrd but he is to expensive for the Cubs.

Bruce Levine said the Cubs would offer contracts to all arbitration eligible players. This list consists of Tom Gorzelanny, Carlos Marmol, Angel Guzman, Sean Marshall, Mike Fontenot and Neal Cotts. I do not agree with that because Fontenot and Cotts should be non-tendered. They do not deserve making million but I expect Fontenot to be traded.

Yesterday I posted that the Cubs are interested in pitcher Vincente Padilla but Cubs officials shot that rumor down. I am happy because Padilla is not a good clubhouse guy and a overrated pitcher. He will also probably make to much money.

I will keep you posted.

Cubs Lead in Race for Vincente Padilla...

According to a report, the Cubs and Cardinals are leading the race for pitcher Vincente Padilla. Padilla who is not a good clubhouse guy was released by the Rangers last year and pick up by the Dodgers. When he joined the Dodgers, he went 3-0 with a 3.70 era after miserable stats with Texas..

In the heading, I wrote the Cubs are leading because Matthew Leach reported that don't read much into the Cardinals signing Padilla.

I would not sign Vincente Padilla because he has a Bradley type attitude in the clubhouse and that is the reason the Cubs are trading Bradley. But I would only sign Padilla for a 1 year deal worth 2 million and to be the 5th starter behind Zambrano, Lilly, Dempster and Wells. He is probably looking for a deal around 1 year 4-6 million or a 2 year contract worth about 8-12 million all together.

I will keep you posted as the rumors start flying.

Cubs Trade Aaron Miles and Jake Fox to Oakland... Update

UpdateL 6:01: The Cubs are giving 1 million to the Athletics. In the deal the Cubs save 1.7 million which is a steal. Now they have about 2 more million to spend on free agents.

Breaking News: The Cubs have traded 2B Aaron Miles and utility man Jake Fox to the Oakland Athletics for minor leaguers Jeff Gray, Ronny Morla and Matt Spencer. The Cubs are also giving cash to the Athletics.

Jeff Gray is 27 years old. He went 2-2 with a 1.54 era in 41 innings last year.

Ronny Morla is 21 years old. He went 1-7 with a 4.86 era in 63 innings last year.

Matt Spencer is 23 years old. He batted .294 with 10HR and 29RBI in 93 games and 371 at-bats.

I like the trade for the Cubs because the Cubs don't need Miles no more because of Baker and Fox has no place on the team. After first writing that Jim Hendry was trying to trade Miles and Fox about a couple hours ago, it happens.

More to come.

Multiple Teams Interested in Jake Fox, Cubs Looking to Deal Aaron Miles...

Heres the latest as the Winter Meeting approach:

Bruce Levine is reporting that multiple teams have contacted the Cubs about Jake Fox. Fox who is 27, is primarily a DH for an American league team. Levine mention 2 teams that have express interest in Fox and they are the Kansas City Royals and the Oakland Athletics. He also states that Fox is not an NL player and should go to the AL where he can play DH and some times in the field. I think Fox will be traded this Winter and I say he will be traded at or before the Winter Meetings for 1 or 2 prospects.

In other news, Jim Hendry is trying to trade 2B Aaron Miles but no teams were mention of who are interested. Hendry said he will pay a portion of Miles 2.7 million contract. I think Miles will be traded or release at the Winter Meetings. If he is traded, I say they will get 1-2 prospects like what they would get if they traded Fox.

I will keep you posted.

Cubs Had Interest in Rafael Betancourt, But Do They Still...

The Cubs did have interest in relief pitcher Rafael Betancourt before the Colorado Rockies offered him arbitration. Betancourt was a type A free agent and the Cubs would have to give up there first round draft pick but the Cubs draft pick is number 16. The top 16 picks in the draft are protected and can't be lost by signing a type A free agent. If the Cubs do in fact sign Betancourt, they will have to give up there second round pick, 49th overall.

Betancourt made 3.35 million in 2009 and the Rockies had to offer Betancourt any where from 4-6 million on arbitration. If that is true then, the Cubs would have to sign him to the same deal on a 1 year deal or sign him to a multiyear deal worth about a little less.

A Cubs source with knowledge of the situation said there is nothing to it at this time. The Cubs had to talk about it, is what I conclude from that sentence.

Other teams that have said to be interested before he was offered arbitration are the Giants and Phillies.

I don't think the Cubs will sign him because they won't want to give up a draft pick for a relief pitcher and the money will get out of hand.

I will keep you posted.

Cubs like Ankiel, Fontenot Drawing Interest and other notes...

Notes from Hot Stove Cubbies:

The Cubs want to sign Rick Ankiel to a 2 year contract because that way they will be able to give him less money a year instead of giving him more money on a 1 year contract. I am in favor of that deal because he has a cannon or a arm and this lets the Cubs move Fukudome back to right where he is a better defender. He will most likely bat 5th in the lineup in my opinion. But first the Cubs will have to trade Milton Bradley which I see him being dealt at the Winter Meetings starting on Monday.

The Cubs will look for another starting pitcher that will come cheap because they are injury prone and hope they succeed. Names on the list are Noah Lowry, Mark Mulder, Brett Myers, and Eric Milton. I wouldn't mind seeing any of these players in a Cubs uniform next year becuase they will come cheap and I don''t like going with Samardzija as the 5th starter come opening day.

The Rangers have interest in cheap utility mans Mike Fontenot and Jeff Baker. Fontenot is expected to be a non tender contract and then will become a free agent. The Cubs would love to trade Fontenot instead of getting nothing for him. I think the Cubs will trade Fontenot to the Rangers for a PTBNL or a mid level prospect. Baker on the other hand will come more expensive and the Cubs will tender him so he can be their utility man in 2010. I think Baker will not be traded and will be on their 2010 roster.

The Cubs will not sign Marlon Byrd because of his price tag. That is fine with me.

The Cubs are expected to sign Danny Rodriguez, probably to a minor league deal. Rodriguez posted a 3-0 record in Winter ball with a era of 1.25. This signing is not a big deal but maybe it will work out and he will pitch really good.

Bruce Miles thinks the Cubs will tender all 9 of there players. I think they will tender 7 but not Mike Fontenot or Neal Cotts. They both do not deserve to be making in the millions and the Cubs know that.

Today the Cubs did not offer arbitration to any of there 4 free agents, Type A Kevin Gregg, Type B Rich Harden and neither Reed Johnson or Chad Fox. This was not a surprise but I would love to see Rich Harden get offer and I am going to miss seeing him in Cubbie blue next season.

Busy day of rumors but it was fun hearing all it. Just can't wait for Monday. I will keep you posted.