A Look at Rising Star, Starlin Castro...

Starlin Castro who is 19 years old is on a fast track to the majors. Castro is a SS is said to be an above defender with an above arm according to multiple scouts. A scout called him a younger version of Florida Marlins star SS Hanley Ramirez with less power. You will see more of him for the next month as he receive a non-roster invitation to spring training.

He was playing ball all winter in the Arizona Fall League and Domincan Winter League.
In the AFL he had a .376 batting average that led all players with 1hr (he hit that when the Cubs coaching staff came to watch him) and 10rbi in 101 at-bats. He also played in the rising star game.
In the DWL, he slowed down by only hitting .182 with 0hr and 2rbi in 22 at-bats.

In 2009 Castro started in High A Daytona and was moved up to Double A Tennessee for the Cubs and now has a chance to make the club out of spring training before even playing in Triple A Iowa.
Castro batted .302 with 3hr and 35 rbi in 358 at-bats for Daytona Cubs in2009.
Castro batted .288 with 0hr and 14rbi in 111 at-bats for Tennessee Cubs in 2009.

Where Castro lists in the Cubs top prospect list and in the whole major league:
John Sickels lists Starlin Castro has number 1 prospect in the Cubs system.
Baseball Prospectus Kevin Goldstein has Starlin Castro rank 2nd behind Josh Vitters in the Cubs system.
Keith Law of ESPN.com ranks Starlin Castro number 12 of every player in the minor leagues.
Scout.com has Starlin Castro number 22 of all position players in the minor league systems. Josh Vitters is rank number 11 who is another Cubs top prospect.
Baseball America has Starlin Castro rank number 1 in the Cubs system.

So as you can see, the Cubs pretty much have 2 top prospects according to reports. But Castro is the one that has a chance to make the team out of spring training.

Lou Pinella said that Castro will most likely make the team out of spring training unless starting SS Ryan Theriot gets injure. But on the other hand, Pinella has been really impress by how Castro has done so far in camp. According to multiple reports, they say Castro will hit the Cubs some time in the 2010 season. Most are predicting after the half way point (all-star game). Pinella also said id Theriot gets injure he will be the first person to take over his spot.

I just can't wait to see this kid play in about a week in spring training. I want this kid to make it out of spring training but that is unlikely. When Castro does in fact come up, Theriot will be move to 2nd while Castro takes over his spot at SS. That will be awesome news because Theriot does not have the range or arm to play SS while Castro does. I just can't wait for him to be on the big league club.

So when will we see him, out of spring training or at the half way point?

Ted Lilly Could miss a Month Now...

With 2 setbacks since Pitchers and Catchers met a little over a week ago, pitcher Ted Lilly could miss up to a month to start the season. He was said to be ahead of schedule but with his week of illness put him behind pace.

Lou Pinella chimes in a little on Lilly's recent setback: "We weren't going to push him anyway. He came out here and got a little throwing in yesterday. I really haven't pressed Larry for any details. He's going to miss the first two weeks. Probably the first month of the season."

Ted Lilly heard what Pinella said and did not argue, he pretty much agree with what Lou said.

Ted Lilly will most likely start the season on the 15 day DL. The Cubs do have replacements in house to replace him. Jeff Samardzija, Sean Marshall, Tom Gorzelanny, Carlos Silva and maybe players that played in minors last year could bloom and make a start.

I think it is good for the Cubs to take there time on him because it is in the beginning of the season and when he returns there is lots more baseball to play.

I will keep you posted.

Lilly, Frasor and Gregerson...

According to multiple reports, Ted Lilly is behind schedule now after dealing with a 103 fever. He has not practice for 4 days and that has make him fall down. This is not good news.

Bruce Levine keeps reporting that the Cubs keep talking to the Blue Jays about RP Jason Frazor and the Padres about Luke Gregerson. Why can't the Cubs just trade for one of them and we stop hearing about these 2 names.

Slow day but will have updates from camp.

News at Camp...

Heres the latest:



SS Ryan Theriot took a fastball off the wrist on live batting practice. Rafael Doris is the one who hit him and he does got a good fastball. Trainers look at him and said he will be find. Just hope for the best.



RP Angel Guzman has been shutdown for a couple of days with shoulder disconfort. He will be reevaluated in those couple of days but says he still will be ready by opening day still. Hope for the best like Theriot.



According to Lou, Carlos Zambrano is likely to start opening day again. No surprise there.

The Cubs are still looking for a veteran RP and still like Jason Frasor and Luke Gregerson. Also they would only add a RP and nothing else. How long are we goign to hear this.

Thats for now but more to come from camp.

Lou Pinella Notes...

Here is the latest from Pinella:

Pinella said he does not have a twitter count because he is not a twitter guy. He probably does not know how to use Twitter, lol.

He also said that Theriot will not see time at 2B in spring training but will play only SS. I do not get that at all.

Pinella is impress with Castro so far at camp. I hope he keeps it up.

He also said Fontenot will get time at SS so he can be a backup plan in case. Not really a big deal to me.

He mention about a week ago that it is unlikely Castro makes the team out of spring training. Everone has said that but I disagree.

I will keep you posted.

Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez News...

Derrek Lee said he would like to remain a Cub and would like to sign a extension vyt will not like to tak in season about a extension. Here is wat MLBTR had on it:

"Like many players entering contract years, Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee would prefer not to negotiate during the season. He told ESPN's Bruce Levine that he is open to discussing an extension, but he won't be approaching the team.

Lee, 34, bounced back to a .306/.393/.579 line last year. He's finishing a five-year, $65MM extension signed after his career-best '05 season. If he reaches free agency, Lee projects to join a first base class that might include Lance Berkman, Adam Dunn, Paul Konerko, Adam LaRoche, and Carlos Pena. Lee seems likely to get a two or three-year deal worth more than $10MM per, but much rests on his 2010 production." I say the Cubs do sign Lee to a 3 year extension worth around 20 million before regular season starts.

Could Aramis Ramirez opt out at the end of the 2010 season? He told Paul Sullivan that he won't think about the cause until after the season. Here is waht MLBTR had on it:

"The Cubs will face uncertainty at the infield corners after the 2010 season. We discussed first baseman Derrek Lee earlier today. Now let's take a look at Aramis Ramirez's situation.

Ramirez faces a $14.6MM player option for 2011. He also has a mutual option for 2012 at $16MM, with a $2MM buyout attached. If the club exercises the '12 option and Ramirez declines, he forfeits the buyout. There are also circumstances under which the '12 option can vest. Basically, if he exercises his player option for '11, Ramirez will earn either $16.6MM for one year or $30.6MM for two.

Ramirez, who turns 32 during the season, has consistently raked in his Cubs career. He has had his share of DL trips, with last year's shoulder injury limiting him to 82 games. Even with a big 2010, Ramirez probably can't earn more than $15-16MM per year. It is possible, though, that the free agent market would offer a three or four-year guarantee. Ramirez told Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune he won't think about his opt-out clause until after the season. A year ago, Ramirez said he wanted to finish his career with the Cubs.

Heading into the '06 season, Ramirez was in a similar situation. He had the opportunity to void his contract after the season and leave three years/$33.5MM on the table. He did so in October, but a month later signed a below-market five-year, $75MM deal to remain with the Cubs."

I think Ramirex will end his career as a Cubs and not opt out. I think there will be an extension from a year no, next spring training.

I will keep you posted.

News from Camp as all players should be there...

Here is the latest from camp as positions players meet today:



Alfonso Soriano said he is not 100% healthy yet but said he has not tryed to work on knee yet. He is recovering from offseason knee surgery. Soriano reported to camp in early morning today.



Pinella said that some of our young kids can swing the bat. He mention former 1st round pick Josh Vitters and last year first round pick Brett Jackson.



Angel Guzman is more motivated this year than last year because of the recent death of his brother who was shot an killed in a drive buy.



Jeff Stevens is on the short list of relief pitchers to make the bullpen out of spring training.



New owner Tom Ricketts is expected to be in Mesa the whole time for spring training.



The first full workout for all players will be on Tuesday but everyone is suppost to be there today.



The only 3 players I have not heard to be in camp yet is 1B Derrek Lee, 3B Aramis Ramirez and 19 year old Starlin Castro but all could be there but have not seen anything on the computer of being there. I will update if it is reported that they are there.



I will keep you posted.

Notes Around Camp so far...

Heres is the latest aroung the first week of camp for pitchers and catchers. Positionjs players are suppost to meet on Monday.

Ryan Theriot arrvive on Saturday morning in Mesa after arbitration hearing on Friday. He said there is nothing against the Cubs organization.

Carlos Silvan arrive in camp fat and they were not happy. Not a good way to try and make team.

Jeff Samardzija said he wants to make the team as 5th starter out of spring training. Good luck, I see him starting in minors.

Ted Lilly had a MRI on his knee, but results came back negative. Thank God! He also wants to be ready for opeining day. That would be nice but unlikely I think.

That is all pretty much but will have more about camp when it comes out.

Pittsburgh Pirates 2010 Projections...

To start off, Cubs won the arbitration hearing on Ryan Theriot. Theriot will earn 2.6 million instead of 3.4 million in 2010. No surprise here.


Next up in my week long of series is the Pittsburgh Pirates 2010 Projections.

C Ryan Doumit: .270, 19hr and 66rbi
C Jeff Clemet: .259, 3hr and 21rbi
1B Garrett Jones: .255, 16hr and 77rbi
2B Akinori Iwamura: .280, 15hr and 70rbi
2B Delwyn Young: .255, 6hr and 33rbi
SS Ronny Cedeno: .252, 4hr and 30rbi
SS Bobby Crosby: .260, 7hr and 44rbi
3B Andy Laroche: .280, 11hr and 80rbi
OF Lastings Milledge: .265, 10hr and 50rbi
OF Andrew McCutchen: .270, 16hr and 60rbi
OF Brandon Moss: .233, 6hr and 29rbi
OF Ryan Church: .234, 5hr and 21rbi
SP Zack Duke: 10-12, 3.40era and 140 K
SP Paul Maholm: 9-8, 3.60era and 144 K
SP Ross Olendolf: 10-9, 3.70 era and 133 K
SP Kevin Hart: 8-8, 4.10era and 127 K
SP Daniel McCutchen: 6-10, 4.40era and 90 K
Closer Octavio Dotel: 4-5, 5.40era, 30-37 saves and 44 K
RP Brendan Donnelly: 3-2, 3.20era and 37 K
RP Brad Lincoln: 3-3, 3.60era and 41 K
RP Charlie Morton: 2-4, 3.90era and 50 K
RP Donnie Veal: 2-2, 3.70era and 40 K
RP DJ Carrasco: 1-1, 4.00era and 33 K
RP Joel Hanraham: 1-2, 3.70era and 35 K


This will end my week long of series of pedicting 2010 projectons.

Houston Astros 2010 Projections...

Next up in my week long of series is the Houston Astros 2010 projections.


C JR Towles: .252, 3hr anf 27rbi
C Humberto Quintero: .250, 2hr and 22rbi
1B Lance Berkman: .275, 30hr and 101rbi
2B Kazuo Matsui: .288, 12hr and 54rbi
2B Tommy Manzella: .227, 2hr and 20rbi
SS Jeff Keppinger: .244, 9hr and 38rbi
3B Pedro Feliz: .270, 14hr and 61rbi
3B Geoff Blum: .264, 5hr and 29rbi
OF Carlos Lee: .277, 33hr and 107rbi
OF Michael Bourn: .280, 12hr and 81rbi
OF Hunter Pence: .260, 17hr and 90rbi
OF Jason Michaels: .240, 1hr and 12rbi
SP Wandy Rodriguez: 15-8, 3.30era and 170 K
SP Roy Oswalt: 14-8, 3.50era and 160 K
SP Brett Myers: 13-9, 3.70era and 130 K
SP Bud Norris: 11-10, 4.20era and 90 K
SP Brian Moehler: 8-12, 5.10era and 55 K
Closer Matt Lindstrom: 3-2, 2.90era and 25 out of 30 saves
RP Brandon Lyon: 5-4, 3.60era and 52 K
RP Felipe Paulino: 3-3, 3.40era and 47 K
RP Wesley Wright: 4-1, 2.80era and 66 K
RP Tim Byrdak: 2-4, 4.40era and 33 K
RP Jeff Fulchino: 2-2, 3.80era and 42 K
RP Chris Sampson: 2-3, 4.00era and 37 K

Tomorrow I will have the Pittsburgh Pirates 2010 projections.

Milwaukee Brewers 2010 Projections...

Next up in my week long of series is the Milwaukee Brewers 2010 projections.


C Greg Zaun: .254avg, 12hr and 33rbi
C Matt Treanor: .230, 1hr and 12rbi
1B Prince Fielder: .301, 42hr and 139rbi
2B Rickie Weeks: .265avg, 16hr and 72rbi
2B Craig Counsel: .280avg, 3hr and 27rbi
SS Alcides Escolbar: .286, 7hr and 61rbi
3B Mat Gamel: .235, 6hr and 33rbi
3B Casey McGhee: .288, 19hr and 66rbi
OF Ryan Braun: .320, 35hr and 110rbi
OFCarlos Gomez: .240, 9hr and 51rbi
OF Corey Hart: .275, 13hr and 55rbi
OF Jody Gerut: .240, 10hr and 35rbi
SP Yovani Gallardo: 15-8, 3.12era and 210 K
SP Randy Wolf: 12-9, 3.60era and 163 K
SP Doug Davis: 10-12, 4.05era and 150 K
SP Jeff Suppan: 6-12, 4.60era and 79 K
SP Dave Bush: 6-10, 5.10 era and 78 K
Closer Trevor Hoffman: 4-2, 1.85era and 46 K
RP Latroy Hawkins: 3-3, 2.00era and 50 K
RP Todd Coffey: 4-5, 3.20era and 63 K
RP Carlos Villaneuva: 4-7, 4.00 era and 82 K
RP Mitch Stetter: 3-2, 3.10era and 60 K
RP David Riske: 1-3, 5.00era and 33 K
RP Claudio Vargas: 1-1, 3.22era and 35 K


Tomorrow I will have the Houston Astros 2010 projections.

Cincinnati Reds 2010 Projections...

Next up in my week long of series is the Cincinnati Reds 2010 projections.

C Ramon Hernandez: .250avg, 5hr, 33rbi
C Ryan Hanigan: .260, 4hr, 20rbi
1B Joey Votto: .320avg, 28hr, 90rbi
2B Brandon Phillips: .275avg, 22hr, 98rbi
2B Aaron Miles: .220avg, 0hr, 9rbi
SS Olando Cabrera: .285avg, 12hr and 83rbi
SS Paul Janish: .222avg, 2hr and 18rbi
3B Scott Rolen: .299avg, 12hr, 89rbi
OF Jay Bruce: .230avg, 29hr and 88rbi
OF Drew Stubbs: .255avg, 15hr and 33rbi
OF Chris Dickerson: .265avg, 4hr and 20rbi
OF Wladimir Balentine: .229avg, 9hr and 25rbi
SP Aaron Harang: 10-10, 4.19era and 150 K
SP Johhny Cueto: 11-9, 4.30 era and 135 K
SP Edision Volquez: 14-8, 3.80 era and 144 K
SP Homer Bailey: 9-5, 4.10 era, 95 K
Closer Francisco Cordero: 3-4, 2.20era, 55 K, 30-35 in saves
RP Micah Owings: 5-6. 5.40era and 45 K
RP Nick Masset: 6-3, 2.40era and 68 K
RP Arthur Rhodes: 1-2, 2.90er and 52 K
RP Jared Burton: 1-2, 4.00era and 48 K
RP Danny Herrera: 6-3, 3.00 era and 52 K
RP Carlos Fisher: 1-3, 4.50 era and 50 K

Tomorrow I will have the Milwaukee Brewers.

St. Louis Cardinals 2010 Projections...

Next up in my week long of series is the St. Louis Cardinals:


C Yadier Molina: .288avg, 7hr and 54rbi
C Jason Larue: .233avg, 3hr and 13rbi
1B Albert Pujols: .336avg, 44hr and 119rbi
1B/OF Joe Mather: .243, 11hr and 26rbi
2B Skip Shumaker: .299avg, 3hr and 44rbi
2B Julio Lugo: .270avg, 2hr and 24rbi
3B David Freese: .270avg, 9hr and 67rbi
SS Brendan Ryan: .277avg, 7hr and 51rbi
SS Tyler Green: .243, 3hr and 26rbi
OF Matt Holliday: .303, 29hr and 104rbi
OF Colby Rasmus: .256, 18hr and 71rbi
OF Ryan Ludwick: .266, 24hr and 100rbi
OF John Jay: .277, 6hr and 30rbi
SP Adam Wainright: 18-9, 3.03era and 210 K
SP Chris Carpetner: 20-9, 2.80era and 160 K
SP Brad Penny: 11-10, 3.70era and 112 K
SP Kyle Lohse: 7-10, 4.20era and 75 K
SP Blake Hawksworth: 7-5, 3.30era and 35 K
Closer Ryan Franklin: 3-2, 2.20era, 35 saves out of 40 and 42 K
RP Jason Motte: 4-3, 4.20 era and 56 K
RP Dennys Reyes: 1-3, 3.30era and 36 K
RP Trever Miller: 3-2, 2.90era and 50 K
RP Josh Kinney: 1-3, 6.00era and 33 K
RP Kyle McClellan: 5-4, 3.90era and 54 K
RP Jaimie Garcia: 1-3, 5.00 era and 20 K

Tomorrow I will have the Cincinnati Reds in my week long of series.

Cubs Projections in 2010...

I will start with the Chicago Cubs projections in my week long of series:

C Geovany Soto: .270avg, 25hr and 81rbi
C Koyie Hill: .247avg, 1hr and 19rbi
1B Derrek Lee: .291avg, 26hr and 101rbi
1B/3B Chad Tracy: .279avg, 10hr and 47rbi
2B Jeff Baker: .281avg, 5hr and 50rbi
2B Mike Fontenot: .269avg, 4hr and 46rbi
SS Ryan Theriot: .289avg, 3hr and 66rbi
SS Andres Blanco: .232avg, 1hr and 19rbi
3B Aramis Ramirez: .299avg, 30hr and 110rbi
OF Alfonso Soriano: .271avg, 29hr and 92rbi
OF Marlon Byrd: .284avg, 22hr and 88rbi
OF Kosuke Fukudome: .268avg, 13hr and 55rbi
OF Xavier Nady: .282avg, 15hr and 60rbi
SP Carlos Zambrano: 18-7, 3.60 era and 144 K
SP Ted Lilly: 14-8, 4.10 era and 160 K
SP Ryan Dempster: 15-8, 3.80 era and 130 K
SP Randy Wells: 12-9, 4.00 era and 110 K
SP Tom Gorzelanny: 10-10, 4.50 era and 90 K
Closer Carlos Marmol: 6-3, 2.89 era, 85 K and 40 saves out of 45
RP John Grabow: 4-3, 3.12 era and 44 K
RP Angel Guzman: 5-2, 3.00 era and 51K
RP Carlos Silva: 3-4, 5.00 era and 27 K
RP Sean Marshall: 4-4, 4.30 era and 33 K
RP Esmalin Caridad: 2-2, 3.80 era and 42 K
RP Jeff Gray: 1-3, 4.44 era and 19 K

Tomorrow I will have the Cubs rival St. Louis Cardinals projections for the upcoming season.

New Week Long os Series...

This week I will have a new week long of series, Mon-Sat. This series will be projections from every team in NL Central and there 25-man roster too.


Days I will do the team:
Monday: Chicago Cubs
Tuesday: St. Louis Cardinals
Wednesday: Milwaukee Brewers
Thursday: Cincinatti Reds
Friday: Houston Astros
Saturday: Pittsburgh Prates

If you miss any days of last weeks series, here ya go: Recapping of offseason:
Chicago Cubs
St. Louis Cardinals
Milwaukee Brewers
Cincinatti Reds
Houston Astros
Pittsburgh Pirates

NL Central: Pirates Recapping of Offseason...

Well this should be a fast recapping when they only sign relief pitchers and acquire a 2B. Like always I will have Win, Even and Loss. Since they sign 3 RP, I am going to have it in 1 paragraph.


Signed RP Brendan Donnely to a 1 year contract worth 1.35 million. This is not a big signing but a useful signing and pretty cheap. Sign RP Octavio Dotel to a 1 year deal worth 3.5 million. I really don't like the move because Dotel ain't to great as I saw him for the White Sox but still got him for a goood price. Sign RP Jaiver Lopez to a 1 year deal, terms undisclosed. I can't really say much about this because of the money not mention but probably got him for a good price.


Signed OF Ryan Church to a 1 year deal worth 1.5 million. I actually like Church for some reason and I love this signing too. I think he will help when all said and done. Signed 1B Bobby Crosby to a 1 year deal worth 1 million. He is not great after dealing with injuries and all other things. But for 1 million he was a bargain and I like it.


Acquire 2B Akinori Iwamura from the Tampa Bay Rays for RP Jesse Chavez. I like the trades for the Pirates and the Rays. The Pirated need a 2B for there younger players to get ready again. He is not that bad and only give up a average RP not bad. The Rays need to cut budget and this trade helps them to.

My week long series recapping of the offseason concludes today. Instead of writing Win next to all them, I will say it here. All the moves got a Win in my opinion. Tomorrow I will start a new series and mention it tomorrow.

NL Central: Houston Astros Offseason in Review...

Next up in my week long of series is the Houston Astros. Like always I will grade the move with a Win, Even or Loss.

Signed 3B Pedro Feliz to a 1 year contract worth 4.5 million. This move is not a big deal but a good signing for a team that does nothing every offseason. He will be starter and they got him reasonably cheap. Win!

Sign RP Brandon Lyon to a 3 year contract worth 15 million. I like the amount they got him for but hate the years for a guy who is an average RP. He will most likely be there closer. He really doesn't put up good stats so it could be to much. Loss!

Sign P Brett Myers to a 1 year deal worth 5 million. I truely love this move for the Stros. They got him a for a good price at 5 million and he can pitch out of the pen and as a starter. He has been good but has been dealing with injuries over the years. If he gets past that, he can pitch really good. Win!

Tomorrow I will have the finale with the lonely Pirates as the Series concludes. So grading them, 2 wins and 1 lost.

NL Central: Cincinatti Reds Offseason in Review...

Next up in my week long of series is the Cincinnati Reds Offseason in Review. Again like I have been doing; is grading the move according to my opinion, at the end of the move I will have a Win, Even or a Loss.



Signed SS Olando Cabrera to a 1 year deal worth 3.02 million. This move is a good move for the Reds, they needed a SS and got one for a cheap price. Cabrera is usually looking for 5 million but the reds some how got him for that price. Olando brings pretty good defense and can get on back. He also has little speed to swipe a base once in a wild. Win!



Signed 21 year old P Cuban Defector Ardolis Chapman to a 6 year contract worth 30.25 million. I can't really grade this move because he has never pitch in the majors before. But I can say 3o million to a guy who has commands issues could be to much. He does throw 120mph as a left where you don't see that now. If he gets his commands issues straighten, he can be a good major league pitcher. Even due to I have no clue what he will bring!



Traded CF Willie Taveras and 3B Adam Rosales to the Oakland Athletics for U Aaron Miles and a PTBNL. Where to start I hate this move because Miles is in it. I also think Taveras was a good defender and good speed off the bench. I also thought Rosales was a backup and he is getting replace with Miles, Rosales is better. But I guess it depends on the PTBNL. Loss!



So this is highlighting the big moves the reds have made this offseason. When I grade it up, they have 1 of each Win, Even and Loss. Tomorrow I will have the recapping of the Houston Astros offseason.

NL Central: Milwaukee Brewers Offseason in Review...

Next up in my week long series of recapping NL Central teams offseason is the Milwaukee Brewers. Like always I will grade there move with a Win, Even and a Loss after that move listed.

Signed P Doiug Davis to a 1 year contract worth 5.25 million. I actually like this move for Milwaukee but I think is they waited a little longer to sign him, they could of sign him cheaper. But they did not want to take the chance and sign him which is fine. They need SP and they got one but not the only one. Win!

Sign P Randy Wolf to a 3 year contract worth 29.75 million. I like this mover to, again might of overpaid but which teams does not in this century. He will come in and be there 2nd starter behind Gallardo and give them a lift with that good sinker Wolf has. Again they needed SP and they got them this offseason. Win!

Sign RP Latry Hawkins to a 2 year contract worth 7.5 million. Again it was a pretty nice move, they also need RP and they got him a for a reasonable price. Hawkins will go in as there set-up or closer. Win!

Sign C Greg Zaun to a 1 year deal. The terms were not announce but he was probably for 3-5 million and that could be good. He will go in as there starting C with the lost Kendall and could do a better job with the bat. Win!

Traded SS JJ Hardy to the Monnesota Twins for CF Carlos Gomez. Out of all the moves, I like this the best. They need a CF and they got one who can get on base and steal with his speed. Hardy was good 2 years ago but last year he lost it and was sent to the minors. His lost means nothing with the young rising star Alcides Escobar coming up and doing a pretty good job. Win!

So there is the Brewers main moves this offseason, I will have the Cincinatti Reds tomorrow. For the all the moves the Brewers did I like and gave them 5 wins on all moves.

NL Central: St. Louis Cardinals in Review...

I did the Cubs today and not next on the series in the St. Louis Cardinals offseason in review. Again I will grade the moves with a Win, Even and a Loss.

Signed P Brad Penny to a 1 year deal worth 7.5 million. I think they overpaid for a pitcher who has been unhealthy and just plain out average. He pitch in the AL and pitch poorly, he they went to the NL with the Giants and pitch good. But every time when a pitcher comes from the AL to the NL always pitches like a CY pitcher. Loss!

Sign OF Matt Holliday to a 7 year contract worth 120 million. Where should I start, oh I know, the 120 million he got. The Cards GM overpaid him but like 20-30 million because no other team was interested. The Cards just were bidding against there self. Don't get me wrong but he will help them out a lot but with the signing they couldn't sign other needs to fill holes. So that could hurt them. Loss!

I thought the Cubs offseason was quite look at the Cardinals. No trade just 2 major league signings and 3 minor league signings. This 2 major major league signings weer losses to. Tomorrow I will have the Milwaukee Brewers offseason in review which I know they were more busy.

NL Central: Chicago Cubs Offseason in Review...

Sorry about doing this later than expected, I was sick yesterday and went to bed. First up in mu week long of series; Chicago Cubs offseason in review. They are not in order from dates that they happen. I will grade the move by posting a win, even or loss by the move:

Traded OF Milton Bradley to the Seattle Mariners for P Carlos Silva. At least they got something for Bradley who was a distraction in the clubhouse, also Larry Rothchild found something wrong with Silva already and hope that helps. Even!

Traded RP Aaron Heilman to the Arizona Diamondbacks for 2 prospects. This was a good trade for the Cubs because Heilman was expected to be non-tender and they at least got something in return for him. Win!

Traded IF Aaron Miles, U Jake Fox and 1 million to the Oakland Athletics for Jeff Gray and 2 other prospects. This was a good trade for Cubs because Miles was a waist of money and the Cubs save 1 million on him. And Jake Fox is more of an AL player with the DH. The Cubs actually got pretty good players in return for not so great players. Win!

Cubs sign RP John Grabow to a 2 year contract worth 7.5 million. They might of payed a little to much but where do you see a lefty set-up man now. Loss because of contract but barely!

Sign OF Marlon Byrd to a 3 year contract worth 15 million to be there starting CF in 2010. I like how they got the backloaded contract but do not like the years at all, for that reason I don't like the signing as much. Loss!

Sign OF Xavier Nady to a 1 year contract worth 3.3 million, plus 2 million in incentives of how many games played. I do like the signing because if Nady comes off the surgery and play like he did once before, this move helps the Cubs. Win!

Sign U Chad Tracy to a minor league deal. I love this move, Tracy has a lot of upside. Win!

Sign 1B Kevin Millar to a minor league contract. I do not think he will make the team and will eventually be release because that is in his contract. Because of just being a minor league contract, I can't say much. Even!

So going through it, I have 4 wins, 2 evens and 2 losses, So not to bad to a quite offseason. I will have the St. Louis Cardinals offseason in review tonight if everything goes right.

Upcoming Week Ahead for Blog...

Since the rumors are slow and with Catchers and Pitchers meeting in like 2 weeks, I am going to have a rundown of every team in the NL Central counting the Cubs. This will be recapping there offseason, 1 team a day.

This will start tomorrow, upcoming schedule of when I will do each team:
Monday: Chicago Cubs
Tuesday: St. Louis Cardinals
Wednesday: Cincinatti Reds
Thursday: Milwaukee Brewers
Friday: Houston Astros
Saturday: Pittsburgh Pirates

I will be on schedule and have this on there perspctive day. If something does in fact break on Cubs like a rumor or a note. I will have that on the top with the recapping of that team below it.

So I will keep you updated on rumors if any at all. I will probably do the recapping of offseasons at night time.

Cubs Still like Luke Grergerson and Jason Frasor...

Here is the latest from the slow Cubs rumor mill:

Bruce Levine stated today that the Cubs are keep having conversations with the San Diego Padres about RP Luke Gregerson and the Toronto Blue Jays about RP Jason Frasor. Levine said both of them are available and also thinks Frasor will be gone by spring training because of the signing of ex Cub Kevin Gregg. Frasor is a free agents after the season.

Levine also thinks Tom Gorzelanny, Sean Marshall or Angel Guzman will have to be in a deal to get 1 of them via trade. I think Guzman is the keeper out of the group but only if his injury problems don't act up again.

Ken Rosenthal stated on Hot Stove on MLB Network that the Cubs are still looking for a RP that can pitch in the 7th or 8th inning to take over Marmols old roll.

Well of anything breaks I will have it right now.

News about Rennovations at Wrigley Field...

Here is an update but Bruce Levine, written by Levine:


It’s a very busy time around Clark and Addison as Wrigley Field gets a much-needed face-lift.

A newly renovated home clubhouse is part of the construction going on at the fabled ballpark under the watchful eye of the Ricketts family.

A brand-new players lounge with major-league comfort levels is part of the construction in the area of the clubhouse where the weight room and cardio room once existed. The weight room will be relocated down the hall, where the old umpires locker room once stood. The umps will be sent to what was an old storage area under the first-base box seats, halfway up the visiting team’s clubhouse ramp.

The Cubs also have hired a new nutritionist to help with healthier meals during the 81 home dates. The Cubs play 50 day games in which they serve breakfast, a light lunch and postgame meal. That’s at least a third more than any other team is fed because of the number of day games.

The kitchen area in the clubhouse has been gutted and will have state-of-the-art ovens and refridgeration and seating areas.

The team also is building a mirrored opening on the back end of the right-field wall with the intention of allowing fans outside of the park to watch Cubs players take batting practice under the right-field stands.

The window will be open on Sheffield Ave. as part of a plaza the Cubs are building, which will also access their Sheffield Grill, the restaurant that will be open to the public before and after games. New food at the Grill will include bison beef specialties. That’s correct, it is buffalo, which is raised on the Ricketts’ ranch in Omaha, Neb.

The team also is promising to upgrade other food products.

The team will announce a new marketing campaign that will be introduced next week, focusing on the future while retaining the culture of the past.

As previously reported here, ownership has created a new 80-seat lounge/restaurant in the area where the last six sky boxes were located, going north on the third-base line. The seats will be sold to corporations and people who have been on a waiting list for sky boxes. The area will feature a lounge and food stations. The team is hiring a construction manager to oversee the building of their new triangle building that will cover 400,000 square feet.

The new manager will oversee that construction as well as the construction of the new complex in Mesa, Ariz.

The Cubs hope the triangle building will be up and running by 2014, the 100th anniversary of Wrigley field.

The back of the Cubs’ scoreboard has been refurbished, marking the first time any repairs have been done to the famous board since it was built in 1937.

Cubs rumors are really slow no but if something does pick up, I will have it right here.

Cubs/Marmol Avoid Arbitration...

According to multiple reports, The Cubs and closer Carlos Marmol have avoid arbitration today. He will earn 2.125 million in 2010. Carlos Marmol filed for 2.5 million and the Cubs only offer 1.75 million. They pretty much met in mid point of both offers.

I think that is a fair offer and only have Theriot left to sign in arbitration. It seems like Theriot will go to an arbitration hearing, Levine and Miles thinks so. I think marmol should get more money that Theriot.

I will keep you posted as maybe Theriot will change his mind but seems unlikely as right now.

Cubs Expected to go to Arb Hearing with Theriot...

According to a report from Bruce Levine, the Cubs and SS Ryan Theriot have cut negotiations on a contract for 2010. Ryan Theriot is up for his 1st time of arbitration. He made 500,000 in 2009 and submitted a offer for 3.4 million while the Cubs submitted a offer of 2.6 million. This will be the Cubs first arbitration since 1993 when they went with Mark Grace. His arbitration is set anywhere from February 8th to February 20th.

The league won't give the exact date of arm hearing because of: Major League Baseball and the players union usually refuse to give out dates to the media in advance of arbitration hearings. The reason is both sides want the independent arbitrator to not have any knowledge or be able to research the cases they will hear. Arbitrators are given cases randomly on the day the case is heard. Thanks to Bruce Levine.

The Cubs still have to work out a deal with the other arb eligible player that does not have a deal yet, closer Carlos Marmol.

I agree with the Cubs offer for Ryan Theriot and I think they will win the case.

I will keep you posted.

Cubs Watching Kris Benson Again....

According to a report from ESPN.com, the Cubs are 1 of 4 teams mention to be monitoring P Kris Benson. The other 3 teams mention are the Nationals, Diamondbacks and Reds. Benson has rarely pitch in the lat 3 season due to rotator cuff surgery. This is not the first time you have heard his name over the years.



The last time he pretty much pitch a full year was 2006 with the Baltimore Orioles. Going 11-12 with a 4.82 era in 183 inning pitch. But he did pitch with the Texas Rangers in 2009, going 1-1 with a 8.46 era in 22.1 innings.



The 35 year old, will only get a minor league deal with a spring invitation to spring training. That is what I think. I wouldn't care to much for him but like I said yesterday, it is only a minor league deal.



I will keep you posted.

Cubs Sign Kevin Millar

According to ESPN.com, the Cubs have sign utility man Kevin Millar to a minor league deal with a non-roster invitation to spring training. He is expected to compete with Chad Tracy and Micah Hoffpauir to come off the bench in 2010.

The Tribune is reporting that the minor league contract is not guarantee. So probably if he does not make the big league club, he will be release.

The 38 year old batted .223 with 7hr and 29rbi in 78 games with the Toronto Blue Jays last year.

There really is nothing to say, it is a minor league deal. I don't like Millar because he has not bat but like I said.