Jake Peavy Rumors: Wednesday

Oh not again with the Peavy talks..come on already..do it or dont do it, and move on. How about Jake Peavy for Brian Roberts ?

Why not Garland? A guy who pitches a lot of innings and was decent in the AL. Im sure he could be a solid 3/4 in the NL central, and odds are hes not looking for too much money. If we could get him for two years i think you do it. I have no idea what kind of money hes looking for, i guess that would all depend on how much Lowe gets.

Sorry Stupid Type pad.

Redding will be gone before the ownership situation is resolved.

Also I meant By not Buy, but that is a funny typo...

Will the Peavy drama ever end? You might as well just post 'Red Sox Deep In Talks For Pujols' on here.

This could be a race to see which organization gets its new owner(s). if the Cubs get their situation done faster maybe they could pull something out quickly. But what if the Padres get a new owner before and decide to keep Peavy?

I would much rather throw Marshall out there then sign Looper or Redding. He is a fine, cheap 5th starter. I guess I just don't understand why the Cubs organization have no faith in him. Maybe he is their answer for the other LH bullpen spot?

With that said, at this point, screw it in regards to Peavy. The Cubs should keep Vitters, and see where the first three months of the season take them. If they need roster help mid-season, pull the trigger before the trade deadline.

TripleH

I would do that in a min. The Cubs AAA team is crap. Thier good prospects are in A and double A. :-)

Countdown to someone freaking out about the Cubs not being able to really get Peavy in 3, 2, 1...

Countdown to many of us being tired of delusional Cubs fans (not all of you, just some) who think they can get Peavy for a song in -2 weeks, -3 weeks, -4 weeks...

guys lets not get crazy, getting peavy or roberts is already kind of far fetched at this point. Getting both would be unheard of. I would hail Hendry as the second coming of Jesus if it happened, but I'm pretty confident, if not positive that it won't.

Let some other team overpay for Garland.

I agree Fontenot should be given a chance at playing a full season. He has some pop in that bat!! The Cubs are too set on getting Roberts, which they don't need. I say we put everything into getting Peavy.

Gbizle - because quantity does not equal quality. The Pads and O's aren't just going to take any old package of players. They want guys who project to have success at the ML level. Vitters is the only guy in the organization that is really a big time type prospect with star potential, and he's several years away. If they are somehow able to make a deal for Peavy, there's no way they would have enough talent left in the cupboard to get Roberts too.

Why can't Lou Pinella show any faith in a young player? Just start Marshall at #5 and see how it goes. Same thing happened at 2B. Fontenot could play as well or better than Miles but they spend more money on a veteran.

The Cubs Do have the prospects needed to get both Roberts and Peavy if they absolutely wanted to. The Farm system Is not as bad as most people think:

Guys MLB Ready: Pie, Cedeno, Hart, Marshall, Stevens, Guzman.

Prospects who have decent value: WEllington Castillo, Vitters, Colvin, both the cleveland guys, maybe pitchers like Atkins, Berg, Hernandez, Rhee could be parts of a deal. Rich Hill has lost what little value he had with a horrible winter league showing, but he may turn it around who knows.

Thats more than enough to get Roberts, Peavy, or both if Jim Wants to. Its just a matter of how much he's willing to give up.

One or the other, Jim's not dumb enough to trade away all of our depth for 2 guys.

"Guys MLB Ready: Pie, Cedeno, Hart, Marshall, Stevens, Guzman."

I'm a Cubs fan, and even I'm willing to admit that the only guys in that group with decent trade value are Pie, Marshall and possibly Hart.

Guys like Stevens, Guzman, Hart, etc. will likely be needed for depth after letting go Woody and Marquis.

I definitely think the Cubs stand a decent shot at landing Peavy, but it's still going to take Vitters, Marshall and some.

If we can fix up some sort of deal like Vitters, Marshall, Hart, Stevens, Cedeno, and Castillo for Peavy though, I'd be all for it.

The lineup will still be very good, and if Bradley manages to get 450+ at bats, then that lineup could be really scary.

And then of course there is the rotation of Peavy, Zambrano, Dempster, Harden and Lilly, which seems almost unfair.

If we can't get Peavy, I wouldn't mind looking into some other veteran guys that could man the five spot. I'd like to keep Marshall as the sixth starter/injury starter in case Harden or Zambrano goes down, which is actually kinda likely.

As for Pettitte, I really like the idea.

His peripherals numbers last season were actually quite good, better than in 2007, despite the decline in his superficial stats.

A move to the NL and as well as having a better defense behind him could really help him excel.

If we could land Pettitte for 1/12, I'd be down. Maybe even 2/20 or something. Pettitte is far from done.

I think I'll file this under nonrumor. Two teams changing ownership. The cubs have shown zero signs of something changing where they could add that kind of payroll. Also does the new padres ownership want to deal peavy? Seems like their sudden change of heart would tie in nicely to the timeline of someone telling them not to deal him.

@ Cubsfanforlife:

Finally, a Cubs fan with some common sense.

I thought that the Sox and Yankees fans were the kings of overrating their prospects, but this is bordering on absurb. Cedeno has ZERO trade value and isn't Pie out of options? If so, he virtually has little to no value to any team in rebuilding mode like the Padres and the Orioles.

The question all these crazy wanna be GMs need to ask themselves is: if they were Towers or MacPhail, would they do the deal? If any of you answer yes, you're straight homer frauds.

tolo316-

You do have to realize that Josh Vitters is very much an elite hitting prospect, and his trade value is quite large.

No other team has shown any willingness to offer that type of player (with the exception of Yunel Escobar, who I'm assuming is now off the table) for Peavy.

A Vitters-based deal could definitely land Peavy, if the two sides can figure out the lesser players in the deal.

everytime i look at the cubs roster, one thing troubles me (and leads me to believe a major trade is coming), there are too many players. the Cubs currently have 27 players they have to keep on their 25 man roster by my count.
Because they are a definite part of the roster: Z, Demp, Harden, Lilly, Vizcaino, Gregg, Marmol, Marshall, Samardzija, Soto, Lee, Fontenot, Miles, Theriot, Ramirez, Soriano, Fuku, Bradley, Johnson (19)
or out of options: Cotts, Gaudin, Wuertz, Guzman, K. Hill (or some other back-up catcher), Cedeno, Pie, Gathright (8).
And this list even includes the assumption that R. Hill will go on waivers (he's virtually untradeable) and Patton (the Rule 5 pick-up) will go back to his original team, if you also notice Hoffpauir isn't even on this list because he has options but is not a virtual lock to make the 25-man roster. Marshall and Samardzija both have options but I just don't see them being sent down unless it is to guarantee them starts, but I think they are more needed in the bullpen. So Pie, Cedeno, Wuertz, Guzman, or some of these other guys who are out of options have to be traded or placed on waivers and the Cubs can't risk losing these guys when they still have positive trade value. BTW, Tim, I would love to see a team-by-team analysis of guys who MUST be on the team's 25-man for '09 and see what teams are over 25 and which are under 25, I know it would take a lot of work, but I think it would be very interesting to compare those numbers to the moves teams make in the offseason as they try to balance out their roster.

So in summary 27 guys can't fit on a 25-man roster, the Cubs have to trade some or risk losing them on waivers.

I think our best trade baits are Vitters(obviously), Guzman, Marshall, Hart, and Micah Hoffpaure(sp?) and maybe even fontenot or theriot, but def not both.. We have four proven top tier pitchers in the rotation, why do we really need 5. I think the players I listed should just stay in cubbie blue and be done with it...

Wow. Some things never die off.

It is interesting that Peavy rumors keep surfacing. He is another righty in rotation full of righties (except Lilly). He would hypothetically offset Marshall (the only other lefty). His talent would be the only reason to even consider this move and his cost will be big. Likely the Pads new owners will nix any hypothetical deal. He is their only bonafide "Ace". Peavy is only on the table because the older owners needed to free up budget. New owners is a new ballgame for SD and CHC both. Unlikely to happen.

Pettite is interesting since he is a southpaw, but he seems more likely to sign NYY to finish his career there and has a decent deal on the table already. Also, the CHC will not get him through trading prosepects only free agent spending. They would need to trade away big bucks and it would take a lot of prospects (making market minimum) to free up money for Pettite.

As far as Roberts, which is getting old from all of last offseason, he is a bit more realistic although Jim has never been able to pull it off the last couple seasons. But I just don't get "why" we want him. Roberts is going to cost many prospects and the CHC will need to get an extension agreed in advance with him which will be adding to the budget issues for 2010 and beyond. Roberts is on the wrong side of 30 already and who knows if he can keep his level of play high for a few more years? It is possible I guess. He made sense a couple years ago. Miles is super-utility and Fontenot is young and improving 2B that has filled this spot. Both can bat from the left side, neither is super exciting offensively but will be OK. Roberts does not bring enough to sell the farm. Leadoff would be the biggest improvement, but is that enough?

I think the only realistic move would be for a backup catcher, ideally a lefty to keep with the theme of balance. Paul Bako is one that is probable. There are some other good catchers available on the wrong side of 30. The best one that will take a back seat to Soto is ideal and lefty bat is a plus.

The other need is a solid starter from the left side would be best. Harden is injury prone, so a backup would not hurt to have and Marshall would need to take a bullpen spot. Most good starters will not want to sign for a bullpen/backseat position. It would be easier to keep Marshall as a spot starter and backup to Harden. I am not sure who this pitcher could be. It would not be Peavy or most of the names I have seen on this post.

I like the idea of Pettite. Don't think we can get Peavy with new ownership of Padres in place.

Gbizil7

I can promise you that Ramirez and Soto were more valuable than DeRosa, and Soriano could have been as well.

Ramirez is just an outstanding hitter and he had a great all around performance last year, and Soto is a plus defensive C that gets on base and hits for power.

Those two are awesome.

And that's just in the lineup.

Well said, Pageian.

i have a question.

how likely is it that the new owner of the Padres will throw them an extra 20-30 mil and say go sign some people? i mean if you really think about it the Padres could compete just give em a bat and a couple of arms. say

Orlando Cabrera = 10 mil
Jon Garland = 9 mil
Randy Wolf = 8 mil

that would solidify their rotation and get them a SS that they need and a lead off hitter and make them in possible contention with the Dodgers for the NL West. if they really wanted some pop they could get Adam Dunn and give Headley some more time in the minors

"Ronny Cedneo stinks people, quit saying he has value. He's no better than any other cheap SS options out there.

And again, enough with the "good" prospects you got back from Cleveland. None of these guys even ranked among the top 10 indian prospects and only two of those guys even ranked among the top 30. These guys arent impact at all. Perhaps read a scouting report on them before you start spouting off how great these guys are, they are not."

Top thirty prospects are still valuable, and especially relievers with high K rates. I'm sure San Diego would like to include some of them. Also, not everyone takes BA as the gospel.

Cedeno has value as well, to say he doesn't is misguided. I'm sure if you asked those guys you link to over at BA, they'd say the same.

cubz23-hoffpauir for sure for that last spot. agreed otherwise.

Exactly why this deal would get done. I was going to say not get done, they want ready talent. EFF my bad.

"Top thirty prospects are still valuable, and especially relievers with high K rates. I'm sure San Diego would like to include some of them. Also, not everyone takes BA as the gospel."

Which is why i also quoted Keith Law, too. But right, you'll come back with not everyone takes Law as gospel, gotcha.

"Cedeno has value as well, to say he doesn't is misguided. I'm sure if you asked those guys you link to over at BA, they'd say the same."

I highly doubt that.

100,
agreed on Hoppfauir but that leaves Miles (or fontenot) as the only capabable backup at 2b/ss/3b. DeRosa trade rears its ugly head

The DeRosa trade was horrible to begin with, but if the Cubs fail to trade for someone like Peavy or Roberts, then the deal was just STUPID!! DeRosa was very valuable to us last season.

Also, please keep in mind that the Cubs need as much OF depth as possible, as it is decently likely that Soriano and Bradley miss a combined 60-80 games this year.

JPortz01- good call about a back-up. a good reason why i think we need to go after Brian roberts.

Who cares about the farm system, our window is now. However, Lowe would be just as good, and cost no farm system. If Lowe could be had for Peavy's 12 mil, why not do that deal? I know Hendry watches every dollar because his bosses like that.

mmontice,
I don't disagree on Gaithright - I am not a fan but i believe they gave him a guranteed contract for 2009. I doubt they would release him.

I think Soriano suffers from Manny-itis. He plays when we wants to.

"Why would Gathright be a shoe-in over Pie? Gathright is arguably a worse hitter, has little long-term upside, at best is a comparable outfielder to Pie and may not even get claimed by another team if he was put on waivers. If you're not going to include Pie in a trade, you may as well keep him on the 25 man roster."

Because Lou has a weird thing against Pie, and seemingly refuses to let him be a contributor on his team.

"I seriously think
McDonald, Dejesus, Paul, Adkins, and another high upside kid could get it done."

Yeah this probably could get it done.

McDonald doesn't have huge upside, but he's MLB ready and has good #3 potential. DeJesus is another very good prospect, and he could likely end up taking over at shortstop by the end of the season. He makes a lot of contact and has good plate discipline, and although he doesn't have much power he should be a solid top of the order hitter if he pans out. Paul and Adkins aren't close, but they both have great tools and could emerge as very good prospects.

The Cubs could probably match the McDonald/DeJesus combo with Vitters/Marshall though, and the whole division thing seems to matter to both teams.

I'd make that deal though if I was Towers.

Then again, I would've made the Escobar, Hernandez, Morton and Boyer trade too.

Is there any way the Cubs get involved in the Swisher trade talks? I know he have a glut of OFs, but is anyone really sold on Gathright? If we end up trading Pie in some kind of Peavy deal and Bradley gets hurt,we will be extremely thin. Just throwing it out there...

Any big contract for a pitcher (Peavy, Lowe) would have to get approval from the new owners. We don't know what their approach is going to be just yet. In Lowe's case, he will be shopping around. His price is too high for teams right now. With Mr. Man as his agent, mystery teams will pop up. Unless someone gets aggressive soon, that one may take more time. Who knows if the new ownership would approve his type of salary. I doubt it, but we don't know. Same thing with Peavy. Even if Hendry could get a package that Towers accepts, new ownership has to give the ok on the money next year and beyond. Again, possible, but who knows.

Hendry may end up with a lesser name than those two. Actually, there are a few guys who would fit nicely. I know everyone has Peavy on the brain. Lesser options like Looper or Wolf could fill the 5th slot.

Scribbletone,

Yeah I thought it was good. But that is as far I would go. The whole we want Bills or Kershaw because we are in the same division made my head hurt.

Yes, Miles can play SS to give Theriot a day off.

Posted by: CubCrazy | January 07, 2009 at 12:30 PM

You know there are some defensive rating systems that say Miles is a better defensive SS than Theriot. Just saying.

I think Soriano suffers from Manny-itis. He plays when we wants to.

Posted by: CubCrazy | January 07, 2009 at 12:57 PM

That is just wrong...Soriano does NOT have any bit of the attitude that Manny has. Soriano is a very streaky power hitter that when hes on, he seems to be a gift from god, but when hes off, everyone accuses him of being selfish and playing for his own goals. Thats just garbage.

"The only way trading Marquis makes sense if he is going to bring in a starter that is better than Marquis."

True, trading Marquis to clear money does not mean you fill the gap with a more expensive pitcher. However, guys like Marquis are on old money contracts before this year hit. Guys like Looper will more likely have to settle for less money in this current economy. Then again, starting pitching costs more, we'll see. The other part of a lesser pitcher as the Cubs 5th starter depends on if Hendry can get that better pitcher. If he can't, there should be a bargin option that would fit. I have no doubt Hendry is trying for a bigger named pitcher if new owners allow it. Getting that guy is not a sure thing. I think we all can agree on that.

"You know there are some defensive rating systems that say Miles is a better defensive SS than Theriot. Just saying."

I believe it. Defense ratings show Fonteno is better at a +11 where DeRosa is a +8.

Vitters
Marshall
Pie
Cedeno
2 pitchers from the DeRosa trade
Guzman

Peavy
Dempster
Zambrano
Lilly
Harden

If Cubs do get Peavy best rotation in the majors.
with a line up of

2B- Aaron Miles
1B- Derrek Lee
RF- Milton Bradley
3B- Aramis Ramirez
LF- Alfonso Soriano
C- Geovany Soto
CF- Kosuke Fukudome
SS- Ryan Theriot

Bullpen

LRP- Chad Gaudin
RP- Michael Wuertz
RP- Luis Vizcaino
RP- Neal Cotts
SU- Kevin Gregg
SU- Jeff Samardzija
CL- Carlos Marmol

Bench
C- Paul Bako- close 2 deal
1B- Micah Hoffpauir
2B- Mike Fontenot
OF- Reed Johnson
OF- Joey Gathright

Bleedingcubbieblue;

I like the offer, other than marshall. I don't think the cubs will give him up in any deal. I like him in his role of spot starter/ LR in case of injury or needing a day to rest here or there...

The only thing that I dont' like on this site is that there are people that don't want to hear about trade rumors...

That is what they are, trade rumors, peavy, roberts, whatever... if you don't want to hear about the rumors, then just leave it alone, there is no point in putting a post that says you don't like a certain rumor...

"Nooooo! Not more Peavy trade rumors! Noooooo"

No!! Trade Rumors on a site called MLB TRADE RUMORS?!?!? WTF???? Tim, you better stop posting rumors or I swear I will find a different site.

Like MLB Trade Realities.

"I like the offer, other than marshall. I don't think the cubs will give him up in any deal. I like him in his role of spot starter/ LR in case of injury or needing a day to rest here or there.."

I too love Marshall as a spot starter/#6 guy, but honestly, you don't nix a trade for a pitcher like Peavy, because of a pitcher like Marshall.

If we deal Marshall in a package for Peavy, then Chad Gaudin (or maybe Guzman) would likely take over Marshall's role.

I'd have a bigger issue with that, but Gaudin was actually a pretty decent starter with Oakland in 2007, and even though that was in a pitchers park, I still think he's capable of at least replacing Marshall's role.