Wilkerson Deal Unlikely To Include Cedeno

Interesting article in the Washington Post, found via RotoWorld.  The Post confirms the Cubs' interest in Brad Wilkerson, as mentioned on this site on November 29th.

The RotoWorld blurb and the Post article make a valid point: with the Cubs' failure to sign Rafael Furcal, Ronny Cedeno is much less likely to be dealt.  RotoWorld speculates that Jerome Williams or Corey Patterson could be possible trading chips.

Bowden plans to be active, using money not spent on Esteban Loaiza and Hector Carrasco to acquire a free agent pitcher.  Back in October, I speculated that A.J. Burnett could wind up in Washington.  The possibility remains, and will increase in likelihood if the team is purchased soon.  One way or another, the Nationals are going to acquire several starting pitchers this offseason.

Comments

[Bob]

I severely doubt that Cedeno would have been involved in this deal whether they got Furcal or not.

JWilliams could be a great piece of trade bait. He is going to be a very very good pitcher in this league. If the Cubs sign a starter, like Burnett, Williams will more than likely be used to get the Cubs their power hitting RF. I would love to see a KPatt and a prospect for Wilkerson and play Wilkerson in CF, instead of giving up more for Pierre.

[cubsfan1544]

I don't really see where Wilkerson helps the cubs as a replacement for Patterson. He strikes out just as much but Patterson plays better defense. Wilkerson has a better obp but i still don't see where it would make the cuhs better. I just think they could do better.

[matthew c]

Unless the Nats get a new owner within the nest 48 hours or so, Burnett's not going to the Nats because Bowden is not allowed to sign a contract for longer than 4 years.

[RumorMonger]

Interesting point - I didn't know he had that restriction. That could rule out Weaver as well.

[cubsfan1544]

Hey monger does kerry wood have a no trade clause through 2006? I thought that was part of his contract.

[RumorMonger]

Not that I know of -

http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2005_01_06_mlbcontracts_archive.html

Anybody know something different?

[cubsfan1544]

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/chc/news/chc_news.jsp?ymd=20040227&content_id=642185&vkey=spt2004news&fext=.jsp

[chris hurst]

rumormonger,
with hector carrasco gone to the angels, are the halos still considering moving donnelly or shields? What would they want in return? and is Jeff Mathis at all available? I imagine not, but just curious. Thanks, you have a great site here.

[xxx]

I'll agree with the last guy, this is a really great site. I mentioned it earlier, but does anybody think Kerry Wood could be the odd man out in Chicago? What would it take a team to land him?

[RumorMonger]

Thanks cubsfan, so Wood definitely has a full no-trade. I'm sure he'd accept a deal to Texas, though. Either Texas team could be interested, especially the Astros if Clemens retires and/or they deal Backe.

Chris - turns out the Halos want Carrasco to start. So I think the pen stays intact. Mathis's availability hinges on whether they nab an Ausmus or LaRue or one of the many other options. If not, Mathis is the man for '06. I think he stays even if they acquire someone.

I don't think it'd take much to land Wood beyond a proven decent Major Leaguer. Assuming the team took on Wood's entire salary. Let me throw a few out there: Soriano, Backe + Lane...who else has an idea?

[Rock Raines]

There's no chance the Cubs trade Wood in-division; none. So forget about Houston.

Texas OTOH....Kerry is from a Dallas suburb, after all. I'd love to send Wood to Texas for Hank Blalock and a prospect, and then use Aramis Ramirez to snag Bobby Abreu. The Phillies need a 3B after all....

Of course, Jim Hendry is such a supreme pussy, he doesn't have the vision for deals like these. Not even close. So, Wood goes nowhere.

[bacon]

Trading wood makes no sense.

With his stuff, he has the potential to be a top 5 starting pitcher.

With his injuries and contract, you would be lucky to get an average outfielder back in a trade.

It is clear that the potential of Wood still outwieghs any trade value he may have. I would shocked (shocked i say) if wood was traded.

[cubsfan1544]

I agree, Kerry would have to wave his no trade clause and he as stated numerous times about wanting to stay in chicago.

[Da Krone]

Better to flip blaylock for Abreu. Look at his splits. there teribble outside of arlington, as are Soriano's.