Chicago Cubs Rumors

Odds & Ends: Cubs, Cuddyer, Eyre, Marlins

Let's check out a few Saturday evening links.... Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune writes that the Chicago Cubs seem prepared to part ways with Rich Harden and Reed Johnson. ESPN.com's Rob Neyer isn't a big fan of the Minnesota Twins' decision to exercise Michael Cuddyer's 2011 option. Potential free agent Scott Eyre will have surgery on his left elbow, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. Zolecki mentions that Raul Ibanez and Brad Lidge will also go under the knife. Eyre and Ibanez should be ready for the start of spring training, but Lidge may need a little more time....   Continue Reading

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Kurkjian's Latest: Yankees, Dodgers, Chapman

Tim Kurkjian runs through some of the top storylines to watch this offseason for his latest article on ESPN.com. Here's a breakdown of some of the topics discussed... Kurkjian believes the Yankees will let Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui walk this winter and will "consider" free agents Jason Bay and Matt Holliday. Kurkjian also thinks Holliday is "perfect for Fenway Park," and someone who will be pursued if the Red Sox aren't able to reach an agreement with Bay. The McCourts' divorce could have a serious impact on the way Los Angeles does business this offseason. As Kurkjian writes, "The...   Continue Reading

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Cardinals Notes: Holliday, DeRosa, Smoltz

Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has the latest on the Cardinals... Goold feels that the Cardinals "will keep tabs on the Jason Bay sweepstakes even while focusing on Matt Holliday." Like most Scott Boras clients, Holliday figures to reach the open market. The Cards have yet to make a formal extension offer; Holliday was one of 79 free agents to file yesterday. In another article, Goold had a nice look at eight potential Holliday suitors. Goold says Mark DeRosa "expressed a wish to test the open market," and the Cardinals beat writer expects the Cubs to make an...   Continue Reading

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Odds & Ends: Lilly, Iwamura, Beckett, Marlins, Dunn, Cubs

Here's some links to check out while waiting for what might be the final start in the great careers of Andy Pettitte and Pedro Martinez... Ted Lilly had arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder today, and the Cubs expect to have him back in their rotation "within the month of April," according to MLB.com's Carrie Muskat. Might the Cubbies look for a little extra rotation insurance this offseason? MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch mentions that the Pirates "began to show heavy interest" in Akinori Iwamura back in September. GM Neal Huntington confirmed that they had several scouts watch Aki after he came...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Rumors: Hendry, Bradley, Iwamura

Cubs GM Jim Hendry told Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune that he doesn't feel like he's "on the clock" this year, even though new owners are taking over and the Cubs are coming off a disappointing season. Instead, Hendry says he's focused on building a strong team for 2010. The Cubs are working on re-signing John Grabow and they'd also like to acquire a speedy leadoff hitter. The club's direction depends on its ability to move Milton Bradley and the $21MM remaining on his contract. Sullivan speculates on a possible trade that would send Bradley to the Rays for...   Continue Reading

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Odds & Ends: Giants, Cubs, Mets

Some links on this Monday evening... The Giants have hired Hensley "Bam Bam" Meulens as their hitting coach, writes Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle. Meulens - who previously held the same position with San Francisco's Triple-A affiliate - recorded an OPS of .641 in his Major League career. MLB.com's Chris Haft brings us a look at Bam Bam's resume. Meulens was the only candidate manager Bruce Bochy spoke to before he and GM Brian Sabean made their choice, writes Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News. In a radio interview this morning on WGN-AM 720, Cubs owner...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Discussing Contract With John Grabow

The Cubs are still discussing a new contract with lefty reliever John Grabow, according to ESPN Chicago's Bruce Levine. Levine says they're talking about a two-year deal in the $6.5-7.5MM range (plus incentives), with Grabow's agent pushing for a third-year vesting option. I still don't understand the Cubs' infatuation with Grabow, who turns 31 in a few days. He managed a 3.36 ERA in 72.3 innings, but walked 40 and had an xFIP over 4.90. If you're tight on payroll there are better ways to spend $3-4MM.   Continue Reading

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Odds & Ends: Chapman, Bradley, Rays, Twins

Links for Monday... Offers have begun rolling in for Aroldis Chapman, says ESPN's Keith Law. Also, MLB.com's Carrie Muskat says the Cubs talked to Chapman's agent but he "doesn't fit in their budget." ESPN's Peter Gammons tweets that Red Sox Director of Player Development Mike Hazen declined Jed Hoyer's offer to become the Padres' assistant GM. MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan says the Rangers "refused to rule out the possibility of Milton Bradley coming back to Texas." Sullivan wasn't willing to allow the possibility a month ago, when he wrote, "The Rangers are not interested in Bradley. Sources have made that clear....   Continue Reading

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Rogers On Chapman, Vazquez, Valentine, Gonzalez

Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune looks at a few hot stove topics from around the league in his latest article. Here are some of his thoughts: He speculates that the Seattle Mariners' interest in Aroldis Chapman stems from their desire to still have a front-line starter if they eventually decide to move Felix Hernandez. Rogers is skeptical that the two Chicago teams have the resources to compete seriously in the Chapman sweepstakes. Be sure to check out MLBTR's complete Chapman review. With Tim Hudson on the verge of re-signing with the Braves, Ken Rosenthal indicated that Javier Vazquez or...   Continue Reading

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Cubs, Jays Talking Bradley For Wells?

12:50pm: According to Paul Sullivan of The Chicago Tribune, a Cubs source "quickly responded to the report by saying the rumor has 'no legs at all,' adding the team has not discussed the possibility of bringing Wells to the North Side." 9:45am: We've heard plenty of talk that the Cubs will try to trade disgrunted outfielder Milton Bradley this offseason, and somewhat surprisingly there's been plenty of interest in his services. Most believe the Cubs might have to take on another bad contract in return, maybe someone like Pat Burrell, but Bob Elliott of The Toronto Sun tosses a new...   Continue Reading

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