Cubs Rumors: Dempster, Peavy, Sabathia, Hill

Thank you.

Jeez!!

This report is worse than the wacky proposals some of the Cubs fans make on this site.

Unless they are ballooning their payroll way higher than expected none of this makes sense.

I think most Cub fans realize a Peavy trade would happen by vertue of him basically falling into Hendry's lap. That means one of a few scenerios would have to all line up and everything work just right. The Braves completely falling out of talks, Towers accepting less from the Cubs or a three way trade are all a few things that would have to line up in favor for Hendry. I just don't see Towers accepting less than the Braves could offer. Those scenerios are a lot to ask, but not totaly out of the question...slim at best.

The 'deep interest' in CC is somewhat confusing. First, I hope he does not have a DL stint or more waiting for the lucky team that gets him. The contract he will get should place him out of the Cubs budget. If this is rumor is true, Hendry must have some trade possibilities that he will go after or a budget much higher than we know, which I doubt. I just don't see how CC fits unless both Dempster and Wood leave, which could happen. Or Hendry has another plan of attack coming up.

Sorry I screwed up and made virtually the same post twice... blog wasn't responding correctly.

This would indicate that the Braves and Dodgers are the two teams 'down the road' in the Peavy trade talks, no? I'm inclined to believe that the Dodgers are the best match for the Padres, given that they have a couple big league ready pitchers with high upside (McDonald, Elbert) and a SS prospect to replace Greene (Hu, Dejesus) when they deal him. Of course the division rivalry hinders any potential trade, but Colletti and Towers were able to come to an agreement over the Maddux trade three months ago.

jpl, you answered your own question as to why the Dodgers aren't one of the two teams 'down the road.' The cost of trading a former Cy Young winner, who is only 27 and signed below market value to a division rival is going to cost the Dodgers more than its worth.

Maddux at 42 does not equal Peavy at 27... it just doesn't.

Alfonso Soriano's contract will continue to become a bigger roadblock as time goes on.

People complain about Marquis and his contract. Wait until Soriano is making close to 20M per year in 2010-2014.

Just so everyone is aware when making up their trades for Peavy.Greene will be dealt seperately per the Pad's

Bdlugz

Agree that he has potential and can get hot at times, but there are a few problems here.

1) He hasn't proven that he can stay healthy the past two years.

2) As much as his hot streaks help the team, his cold streaks are very damaging.

3) He is fast approaching his mid 30's, which will only bring hurt his speed and already shaky outfield defense.

4) He is selfish and must stop insisting to leadoff. That alone hurts the team.

The Cubs need to look to trade lee to open up cap room to make moves this off season. This could open up possibilities of pursuing Furcal, Figgins, and Ibanez. I'm leaving Peavy, Roberts, and Sabathia off this list due to lack of prospects to trade for them, and Sabathia because even with the trade of lee to open up cap room, we still wouldn't have that cap luxury.

Bdlugz,

I am responding as those two options presented as one or the other, with the rotations you posted.

I would rather the Cubs resign Dempster and Wood than let both walk and sign CC if that were my only two options.

Again, I am not saying the Cubs will or could sign CC. I am going off of your secenerio.

I would rather have Wood and Marmol at the back end for another how many years Wood resigns. Then Marmol takes over closing and we replace him with one of our power RH BP arms from the minors. There are a few of them and someone will remain from not being traded. But for now, resigning Wood and having Marmol and Samardzija (who might eventually start, but not in '09- still needs consistantcy with pitches) as set up men looks real good for the 7th, 8th & 9th. We still need someone to emerge from the pen. Hopefully Guzman along with Gaudin will fill a nice slot and balance. We need a consistant LH BP arm to go with Marshall (who will spot start or fill in for Harden).

Resigning Dempster will be tough, too. But still cheaper (and yes, not a stud like CC) and allows dollars freed up for the lefty bat they need. Since the farm is not flowing with top tier prospects, a FA signing like Abreu or Ibanez looks more in line. I am not thrilled with either, or the other names floated. But you need horses to run the race and the Cubs farm is not near the top. That's just reality. So the Abreu's or Ibanez's of the world become sought after for Hendry. They still cost. Which is why a Sabathia signing (if it were real) becomes limited to Hendry's moves. I am not sure any big contracts get moved. Everyone assumes Marquis, but it takes two to trade and he might be needed with this team more than some care to think.

Also, the Cubs have to be careful who they trade as after '09 some contracts are up and you can't sign nothing but FA, as much as many fans would like that.

I have faith in Hendry that he will do something with what he is given. Unless Zell all of a sudden decides the Cubs will have a Red Sox or Yankees payroll, CC is a wish and one that would cause a domino effect because he alone would not get the Cubs out of the first round. You still have other needs. His playoff record would fit right in with the teams first round performance though.

So, your second rotation is the one I like better.

Lou loves guys who can play different positions and hit. Yeah, the Roberts thing is sooo past.

I love the idea of the cubs going after hermida and a younger pitcher instead of giving up 1st round compensation and alot of money toward free agents. We keep talking about how the cubs have a thin system, so our answer is sign players and let our first round picks walk away? Besides vitters two of our best prospects cashner and ceda are relief pitchers, we need to restock our system with top arms and let our team grow like the red sox angels and rays have done. A team like the rangers has done this is in 3 or 4 years with smart drafting so we should look to do the same.

I have been reading alot of articles about the cubs trading for Jeremy hermida and Scott Olsen. This would be huge for the cubs b/c it gives us 2 pieces for a long time. A long inning set up man/starter (depends on who plays better) and a right fielder. This would give us a batting lineup and with the money we would save we could use the money on top closer:Fuentes or krod and let Dempster and wood both walk. Theriot,dlee,Aramis,Soriano,Hermida,soto,Derosa,Fuku.

Although I agree that the Cubs need to restock the farm, I don't think now is the right time. The Cubs just came off back to 1st place seasons and have been consistantly succeeding in improving the team. When you are this close you try and add that extra piece to win now not think about the future. The Cubs should be trying to do whatever they can for right now... that is why I think we are seeing Hendry involved in every rumor even if there is only a slight chance if any. I doubt the Cubs will get Peavy, but I'd be pissed as a fan if they didn't at least make an attempt when they are one of his perferred destinations.

One thing to note here, guys. Lou has been quoted in the paper a couple weeks ago that the Cubs will more than likely go the trade route. Lou in his limited time here has always kind of let everyone know what will happen ahead of time. Anything can happen, but it usually works out the way he lets on.