Kerry Wood Rumors

Rosenthal's Latest: Dunn, Burrell, Manny

The latest from Ken Rosenthal: The Yankees, Rays, Red Sox, and Phillies are pursuing free agent outfielder Rocco Baldelli. Now that Adam Dunn wasn't offered arbitration, the market is starting to take shape. The Braves, Mariners, and Nationals are interested, and the Dodgers and Angels consider him a fallback option. How about Dunn and Russell Branyan in the same lineup? Rosenthal considers the Yankees another possibility. Teams considering Pat Burrell, who was also not offered arb: the Mariners, Angels, and Giants. Rosenthal considers the Giants a darkhorse for C.C. Sabathia. Tim Brown says the Giants may be closing in on...   Continue Reading

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Reds Rumors: Gonzalez, Reyes, Beimel

Let's gather up the latest on the Reds. John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer figures the Reds would like to add a young shortstop. Alex Gonzalez was supposed to play winter ball but the plan changed. The Reds still hope he's ready for spring training. Kerry Wood is not likely, but the Reds have an offer out to Arthur Rhodes and maintain interest in David Weathers after offering him arbitration. MLB.com's Mark Sheldon throws a few new lefties into the mix: Dennys Reyes and Joe Beimel. Darren Oliver is not under consideration since he'd cost the Reds their second-round pick....   Continue Reading

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Reds Unlikely To Sign Wood

TUESDAY: Baker might make a call, but Reds GM Walt Jocketty admits that Wood is likely to find offers to close elsewhere. MONDAY, 11:03pm: Dusty Baker plans to give Wood a call and see if he might be interested in setting up Francisco Cordero in Cincinnati. 7:55pm: According to MLB.com's Carrie Muskat, the Cubs declined to offer arbitration to Type A free agents Kerry Wood and Bob Howry. The Cubs decided they could not take on the financial risk of Wood accepting, as they're tight on payroll. Trading him might've been difficult, as he would've been a 10-and-5 player. It...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Dunn, Wood, Sheets

Ken Rosenthal suggests that in this economy some teams may not offer arbitration to Type A free agents to avoid risking a payroll hit. Further, some players may opt to accept the certainty of arbitration over "a volatile free agent period." The Dbacks were always expected to offer arbitration to Adam Dunn and he was expected to decline thus netting Arizona two draft picks to compensate for the three players they dealt in August. In arbitration, Dunn would command $15-16MM. Says Rosenthal, "...if the D-backs made the offer, it's doubtful that Dunn and his agents would determine by midnight Saturday...   Continue Reading

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Mets Will Try To Trade For Bullpen Help

The New York Times has sources who say the Mets will look to improve their bullpen through trades before starting more involved discussions with Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes. According to the article, the Mets have had discussions with various teams about trading for Jose Valverde, J.J. Putz, Huston Street and Bobby Jenks and are considering free agent relievers Kerry Wood and Trevor Hoffman. Even if the Mets add one of these relievers, they could still sign K-Rod or Fuentes in their efforts to completely remodel their bullpen. This week Mets GM Omar Minaya said Fuentes' asking price was "a...   Continue Reading

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Mets Rumors: K-Rod, Dye, Vazquez

6:22pm: According to SI.com's Jon Heyman, Minaya has reached out to K-Rod and Fuentes. He says the Mets prefer free agency to trading. We also have a rumor from Joel Sherman of the New York Post. He says the Mets offered Aaron Heilman to the Rockies for Street shortly after Colorado acquired him. The Rox wanted the Mets to add Pedro Feliciano, and the Mets refused. MetsBlog has more insight into the team's plans. 1:33pm: Rounding up today's Mets rumors... On Friday, David Lennon of Newsday said the Mets had received Francisco Rodriguez's medical records. He also had Omar Minaya...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Rumors: Teahen, Edmonds, Marquis

Earlier today I spoke with a source familiar with the Cubs' thinking, and dug up enough info for a fresh post. While Mark Teahen is a player of interest for the Cubs, they certainly won't be trading Mike Fontenot and Sean Marshall for him. The Cubs don't consider Teahen the middle of the order bat they require. Royals outfielder David DeJesus also interests the Cubs, but the source has the impression Dayton Moore would have to be overwhelmed to trade him. There seems a good chance DeJesus stays put this winter. The Cubs aren't keen on bringing Jim Edmonds back...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Wade, Crisp, Holliday

Links for Thursday... New commenters are signing up every day as MLB Trade Rumors grows. Before commenting, be sure to read our policy. If you ever see someone violating the policy just send me an email and I'll take care of it. If you receive an email from noreply@mlbrumors.com talking about some kind of newsletter, that has nothing to do with me or MLB Trade Rumors. We have a daily email of our latest posts, and that comes from dierkes@gmail.com. Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald wonders if Kerry Wood might accept an offer of arbitration from the Cubs. Hal...   Continue Reading

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Gammons' Latest: Penny, Jenks, Salty

Let's take a look at Peter Gammons' Saturday blog post. Gammons indicates that Brad Penny is working hard this offseason, and teams such as the Cardinals, Red Sox, Rangers, and Blue Jays "appreciate" his past success. The Mets are apparently worried about Bobby Jenks' declining strikeout rate, a sentiment echoed by Joel Sherman. Sherman talked to a Mets official who said the chances of acquiring Jenks are "close to zero." The Rangers apparently wanted Clay Buchholz or two of Justin Masterson/Nick Hagadone/Michael Bowden for Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The Red Sox aren't biting. The Rangers would probably have to trade Hank Blalock...   Continue Reading

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Closer Roundup: K-Rod, Fuentes, Wood, Hoffman

Joel Sherman of the New York Post takes a look at the sudden surplus of potentially available closers in major league baseball, a situation that certainly benefits the Mets considering their need to upgrade the bullpen this offseason. Two free agent closers that seemed destined to retire with their 2008 teams, Trevor Hoffman and Kerry Wood, now appear to be more available than was expected in October. That pair, along with Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes, give the Mets and other teams several options in free agency. Other relief pitchers with experience in the 9th inning have been recently mentioned...   Continue Reading

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Kerry Wood Comments

The Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan spoke to free agent reliever Kerry Wood, with whom the Cubs recently cut ties. Wood says he would have done anything to stay with the Cubs, including signing a one-year deal. In light of that information, the Cubs' decision seems more questionable. While Wood has a preference for the National League, he's open to pitching anywhere. It doesn't sound like the Tigers are interested, while Adam McCalvy makes a case against the Brewers. ESPN's Keith Law ranked Wood as the top free agent reliever despite the health risk.   Continue Reading

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Kevin Gregg Trade Reactions

The Cubs acquired one year of reliever Kevin Gregg for six of Jose Ceda yesterday. Chicago teams apparently went 0 for 2 yesterday, as the reactions favor the Marlins. Dave Cameron says swapping out Kerry Wood for Gregg in the pen loses the Cubs one to two wins. MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo says Ceda resembles a young Lee Smith, and profiles as a future closer. Ken Rosenthal talked to an exec who drew an Armando Benitez comparison, in a good way. ESPN's Keith Law calls the deal a "heist" for Florida. Paul Sullivan takes a look at Wood's legacy in Chicago.   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Swisher, Wood, Hermida

A look at the newest column from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Rosenthal believes the Nick Swisher trade is a prelude to other moves for the White Sox, and shouldn't be judged in isolation. Darren Oliver could follow Damaso Marte and re-sign quickly, as his market value is also diminished by his Type A status. Texas native Kerry Wood is a good match for the Rangers, though they're not going to want to do three years at $10MM per (I think). Jim Hendry says Wood will always be welcome to come back to Chicago. Rosenthal says the Rangers also have...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Acquire Gregg, Part Ways With Wood

4:12pm: Dave Cameron sees a net loss of 1-2 wins for the Cubs, swapping out Wood with Gregg. 2:18pm: GM Jim Hendry says the Cubs will part ways with lifetime Cub Kerry Wood. Replacing him with Gregg should save the team a good $6MM. The Cubs just couldn't pony up a huge multiyear deal for Wood. 1:06pm: The Miami Herald's Clark Spencer says the Marlins will receive relief prospect Jose Ceda in return. Seems pretty good for one year of Gregg. 12:57pm: According to Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs acquired Kevin Gregg from the Marlins today. It seems that Gregg could...   Continue Reading

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Mets Closer Plan Starts With Free Agents

Let's try to decipher the Mets' strategy for acquiring a new closer. Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post says the Mets will pursue a free agent out of the gate, perhaps with Brian Fuentes ranked above Francisco Rodriguez on their list. Still, K-Rod's agent noted that they're not "wedded" to a five-year deal, and he didn't toss the reported $15MM demand out there. Hubbuch believes the Mets will move on to trade targets such as Bobby Jenks and Huston Street if they fail to sign Fuentes or Rodriguez. Ken Davidoff and David Lennon mention J.J. Putz as well, while...   Continue Reading

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Peavy Pursuit Affects Dempster, Wood

Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune writes today about how the Cubs' pursuit of Jake Peavy affects their efforts to re-sign pitchers Ryan Dempster and Kerry Wood. Sullivan believes Dempster would be less likely to give the Cubs a discount if they acquire Peavy, who is set to earn an average of $15.75MM per year. Jeff Blair, on the other hand, heard Dempster would be willing to give the Cubs a discount due to his desire to be part of a Cubs super-rotation. It seems that Dempster wants five years and $70MM. Sullivan says the Cubs offered $50MM over four...   Continue Reading

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Perrotto's Latest: Free Agent Predictions

John Perrotto has his Every Given Sunday column up over at Baseball Prospectus. Perrotto offers a list of some educated guesses as to where some of the top free agents in baseball will land, with some surprises here and there. Let's take a look: Perrotto lists the Yankees loading up on starting pitching, landing C.C. Sabathia and Derek Lowe, while the Dodgers land Manny Ramirez after doubling their initial offer to four years, $100MM. Perrotto says the Nationals will land Mark Teixeira, as they could be prepared to offer Teixeira - a Maryland native - ten years, $200MM. Turning down...   Continue Reading

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Mets Revamping The Bullpen

The Mets' primary focus this winter is to completely revamp their bullpen. Ken Davidoff and Joel Sherman outline Plan A: free agents. Names in the mix: Francisco Rodriguez, Brian Fuentes, Kerry Wood, Joe Beimel, Juan Cruz, and Chad Cordero. Sherman figures the Mets are in a good position because most of the other big-market teams aren't looking for a closer. Plan B: trades. The Mets have already discussed Bobby Jenks with the White Sox. J.J. Putz, Huston Street, and Kevin Gregg are the other names. It all depends on how much young talent Omar Minaya wants to sacrifice. As a...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal: Cubs Want Peavy And Dempster

Ken Rosenthal is working overtime today with his second column. This time Rosenthal reports that the Cubs are willing to give Ryan Dempster a four-year deal even if they land Jake Peavy from the Padres. The club also is willing to give Dempster a four-year contract, sources say, a decision that should put them in good position to retain the free-agent right-hander. Even though the Cubs are for sale, team officials apparently believe that they can absorb the four years and $63 million remaining on Peavy's contract while committing at least $50 million to Dempster over the same term. Rosenthal...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Rumors: Dempster, Peavy, Sabathia, Hill

6:05pm: According to Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs are willing to offer Dempster a four-year contract. This helps their chances, though Dempster's agent said today "there's very little possibility he's going to sign soon with the Cubs." 9:36am: Chris De Luca of the Chicago Sun-Times has fresh Cubs rumors this morning. De Luca's sources describe the Cubs' interest in Jake Peavy as "limited." Instead, the Cubs have "deep interest" in C.C. Sabathia. De Luca also wonders if the Cubs will entertain A.J. Burnett. Dave van Dyck suggested Derek Lowe could fit. The Cubs' payroll room will depend on free agents Ryan...   Continue Reading

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Indians Open To All Options At Closer

According to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Indians GM Mark Shapiro is considering all options for the team's closer job. No free agents have been ruled out, even expensive closers like Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes. The Indians' #15 pick is protected, if they go that route. Shapiro admitted to interest in Trevor Hoffman and Kerry Wood, if they are not retained by their old teams. If the Indians can't find a closer, they may add a late inning reliever to put in front of Jensen Lewis and Rafael Perez anyway. On the trade front, the Indians have...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Fielder, Beimel, Eckstein

Ken Rosenthal is on the scene at the GM meetings, and as usual has all kinds of new info. The Brewers are unlikely to trade Prince Fielder, and reluctant to trade J.J. Hardy or Alcides Escobar. It'd be smart to retain those three players. Rosenthal still likes the Braves as the favorite for Jake Peavy, but wonders if the Cubs or another team could incorporate a third team to get it done. The Cubs will need to spend much of their available money on pitching, which may leave little payroll room for an outfielder like Bobby Abreu. They could backload...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Rumors: Fukudome, Dempster, Wood

Let's check in on the Cubs' offseason plans. Cubs manager Lou Piniella says the Cubs will move Kosuke Fukudome to center field to platoon with Reed Johnson. This move implies Jim Edmonds won't be back. Technically Edmonds could play right field, but he also needs a platoon partner. The Cubs figure to be in the market for a lefthanded hitting right fielder. Piniella expects the team to fill their holes via trade. Brian Giles, Randy Winn, and Jeremy Hermida could fit the bill. Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald reminds fans that Aramis Ramirez and Derrek Lee have no-trade clauses,...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Offseason Targets

Recently I wrote a Cubs Offseason Outlook, where many reasonable acquisition targets were discussed. If the Cubs re-sign Ryan Dempster and Kerry Wood, they'll be limited by payroll unless the salaries of Jason Marquis ($9.875MM) or Derrek Lee ($13MM) are moved. Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune names his possible Cubs targets: Brian Roberts, Adam Dunn, Jeremy Hermida, Mike Jacobs, Rafael Furcal, Jake Peavy, and Brian Fuentes. Some fun names in there, many of which could only be added if payroll space is created. Dunn would be an interesting choice for a regular right fielder, while Jacobs would represent a...   Continue Reading

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Hendry Signs Four-Year Extension

7:35pm: Hendry commented on all kinds of topics to MLB.com's Carrie Muskat. He sounds a little more intent on re-signing Dempster than Wood. Hendry is not sure whether Jim Edmonds will retire, but he sees Felix Pie making the team out of spring training. Cubs chairman Crane Kenney doesn't expect any major moves that would require significant increases in payroll. Kenney said a few weeks ago that he anticipated a bump in payroll. 12:13pm: According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Cubs have extended GM Jim Hendry's contract through the 2012 season. He can now focus on free agents Ryan Dempster...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Steinbrenner, Burnett, Sabathia

Links for Sunday, before I head out to Chipotle... Hank Steinbrenner talked to George King of the New York Post. He made it clear that he has not taken a step back in running the Yankees. Hank also mentions Mark Teixeira by name, calling him a "quality player." Ken Davidoff tries to determine if A.J. Burnett's injury-prone days are behind him, as his agent would like us to believe. Henry Schulman chatted with Dodgers GM Ned Colletti. John Shea lays odds for the C.C. Sabathia bidding. Phil Rogers campaigns for an extension for Cubs GM Jim Hendry. He wonders if...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Exercise Harden's Option

1:47pm: The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Harden does not need surgery and the Cubs exercised his $7MM option for '09. 8:34am: Some fresh notes regarding the Cubs' offseason plans... Turns out the Cubs have to decide on Rich Harden's $7MM option by midnight tonight. Even if he needs arthroscopic shoulder surgery, they're expected to exercise it. Other less likely options include declining it and going to arbitration or just non-tendering him. Unless Harden needs major surgery, he's a Cub in '09. Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald wonders whether the Cubs will buy out backup catcher Henry Blanco and re-sign...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Manny, Laird, Strasburg, Chipper

Let's gather up today's linkage. Andy Pettitte will probably pitch next year, but Mike Mussina remains an unknown. Reader Peter H. reminds us that the Brewers' playoff berth means the Indians get to choose the player to be named later in the C.C. Sabathia deal. Ross Newhan finds it indisputable that the Dodgers and Angels have to re-sign Manny Ramirez and Mark Teixeira at any cost. Manny generated an estimated $7.6MM in extra revenue for the Dodgers. T.J. Simers snagged all kinds of quotes from Manny in recent articles, including one about Red Sox traveling secretary Jack McCormick dissing Manny...   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Sosa, Rhodes, Twins, Rays, Cubs

A few minor notes from around the MLBiverse... The Mariners have signed Jorge Sosa to a minor league deal. This is Sosa's third organization this season. Despite reports that the Brewers would not add a relief pitcher, Milwaukee had a scout at Friday's game and Geoff Baker believes the scout was there to watch Arthur Rhodes. Joe Christensen says that the Twins may prefer to promote Francisco Liriano, and move him or another starter to the bullpen, rather than trade for a relief pitcher. Joe Maddon says that there is only a "50-50 chance" that the Rays make a move...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Sign Kerry Wood

UPDATE, 11-26-07 at 1:45pm: It's official, and it's worth $4.2MM plus another possible $3.45MM in incentives. Ryan Dempster's move to the rotation is official, and it looks like the Cubs may not pursue another starter (they had been linked to Hiroki Kuroda). FROM 11/26/07 at 11:50am: According to Bruce Levine of ESPN Radio 1000, the Cubs have signed Kerry Wood to a one-year, $4MM deal with no options. Wood apparently had four other offers for two years worth $5-6MM. The Padres, Brewers, and Red Sox were among them. I like the lack of risk here; it's hard to find a..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Santana, Hunter

Let's kick off the morning with some odds and ends, absent any earth-shattering rumors. I'll keep adding to this post. Awesome inside look at the Torii Hunter deal via Bob Nightengale. Hunter's first choice outside of Minnesota was the Cardinals, but they weren't interested. Hunter - not overpaid? So says J.C. Bradbury. Still some confusion about Johan Santana's no-trade clause. Buster Olney says it's full and doesn't indicate that the rights change on any certain date. Matthew Cerrone says it's a full NTC only until Opening Day '08, when it switches to 12 teams. Those are not mutually exclusive comments,..   Continue Reading

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Brewers Inquire On Wood

We learned a week ago that Brewers GM Doug Melvin has eight or nine different free agent relievers on his radar (apparently aside from Francisco Cordero or Scott Linebrink). Four of the relievers are known: Matt Herges, LaTroy Hawkins, Ron Mahay, and Troy Percival. Some new facts emerged today, courtesy of Tom Haudricourt (as usual). Haudricourt says Percival wants more years and money than the Brewers are comfortable with. I'm guessing that means $5MM+ annually over three guaranteed years? Seems crazy but that's my guess on what he's asking. We also learned a fifth reliever on Melvin's radar: Kerry Wood...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Rumors: Wood, Matsui, Crawford

The Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan has the latest on the Cubs this morning. It's been known for a few days now that the Red Sox like the idea of adding Kerry Wood as their setup man. Sullivan confirms the interest, and quotes Cubs GM Jim Hendry saying Wood is "getting a lot of action around the industry." In a pitching-starved market, teams will convince themselves Wood can stay healthy and dominant. Sullivan speculates that it could take multiple years at $5MM per. To see a team go 3/15 would not shock me. Kaz Matsui is still on the Cubs' radar..   Continue Reading

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Wood On BoSox Radar

In Nick Cafardo's column in the Boston Globe today, he mentions that Kerry Wood is on Sox's radar. He says they envision him as the guy they were looking for when they traded for Eric Gagne on July 31. Unfortunately, this may not jibe with Wood's intentions. As Tim has discussed here, he might be looking to remain as a starter, though that would limit the teams that are interested in him. Presumably, given his injury history and temporary success as a reliever in '07, more teams would line up to have Wood in their bullpens. The Cubs, who could..   Continue Reading

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Cubs Send $2MM To Tigers With Jones

Turns out the Cubs added a nice bonus for the Tigers to take Jacque Jones off their hands: $2MM in cash. So let's see here. Omar Infante will be up around $1.5MM in '08, and the Cubs tossed in $2MM. Jones makes $5MM in '08, though I'm not sure which team pays out the final chunk of his $4MM bonus. But I think it's fair to say that this "salary dump" saved the Cubs about $1.5MM. The Tigers got Jones pretty cheaply. So the Cubs didn't clear much payroll, but they do have a clear vacancy in right field now...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Garcia, Greene, DeJesus

With so many rumors, there's a need for a daily Odds and Ends post to catch 'em all. Buster Olney talked to Freddy Garcia's agent. He's looking at a June return from shoulder surgery. Indians GM Mark Shapiro made an offer on Brad Lidge. The Astros didn't even reply. They did hear back from the Marlins on their Miguel Cabrera inquiry. The price is seemingly too high for talks to continue. Peter Gammons says that before the Astros got Michael Bourn, the White Sox pushed for a Chad Qualls for Ryan Sweeney swap. Evan Grant notes that the Rangers have..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Glavine, Kent, Kuroda

Picking up some rumors and tidbits that haven't been otherwise posted during this busy day... An Atlanta TV station states that Tom Glavine would take a lot less money to play for the Braves. Also, the Astros have reportedly been in touch with him. Joe Torre senses that Jeff Kent will return in 2008. The Dodgers certainly hope so; he led the team with 20 home runs in '07. Trey Hillman took a parting shot at Japanese reporters (hat tip to JapanBall). Reliever Masafumi Hirai might come over to MLB. I'll have to learn more about him. Hiroki Kuroda prefers..   Continue Reading

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Latest Cubs Rumors: Crawford, Crisp, Ibanez

Cubs rumors abound today. Some sensible, some not. Let's catch up. According to Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs want to re-sign Kerry Wood and possibly give him the closer job. Ryan Dempster could be pushed down the reliever totem pole or traded (he makes $5.5MM in the last year of his deal). Dempster has expressed a desire to start in the past, but the Cubs don't seem keen on it. UPDATE: The Cubs are keen on Dempster as a starter, as Bruce Levine of ESPN 1000 reported today that he will be switched to that role in..   Continue Reading

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Cubs Rumors: Wood, Schilling

Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times has a Cubs update for us this morning. Let's start with Kerry Wood, who would garner plenty of interest on the open market. Despite rumors that Wood might look elsewhere for a chance to start, he's likely to stay with the Cubs as a starter. The Cubs are on Curt Schilling's list, and they'll be in the mix for him if his price is reasonable. I take that to mean not much more than $12-13MM. A cheaper option might be Hiroki Kuroda, though that could take a three-year commitment. So, perhaps a larger cash..   Continue Reading

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Kerry Wood May Be A Hot Commodity

I've followed Kerry Wood throughout his career, and I've always been a fan. He seems to get a special admiration from Cubs fans despite his injury-plagued career. Mark Prior doesn't get the same reception. The Cubs are at a crossroads with both of their former aces. Wood made his "miracle" return to a big league mound on August 5th as a reliever, and looked sharp for the most part. Now there are rumblings that he might want to try starting again. I would be truly surprised if he made 25 starts, but I'm rooting for him. Wood is going to..   Continue Reading

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Dunn, Hatteberg Option Decisions Due Sunday

According to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Reds have to make decisions on the options for Adam Dunn, Scott Hatteberg, Eddie Guardado, and Javier Valentin by November 4th. Dunn is the big one; his is for $13MM with a $0.5MM buyout. This is an easy decision to exercise, though it will cause full no-trade protection to kick in until June 15th. After that he gets to choose 10 clubs to which he would accept a trade. But I think that if the Reds want him out of town the two parties will find a way to make it..   Continue Reading

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Could Reds Pursue Prior, Wood?

Dusty, Prior, and Wood back together again? Chris De Luca's article today discusses the possibility, though it should be classified as speculation. New Reds manager Dusty Baker apparently keeps in touch with his former 1-2 punch, Mark Prior and Kerry Wood. Baker would like to know exactly what was wrong with Prior's shoulder, if he is going to be blamed for it. As a 22 year-old in 2003, Prior ranked third in the game in Pitcher Abuse Points per start. Wood ranked first (and rankings don't take the postseason into account). De Luca notes that the Cubs are likely to..   Continue Reading

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Orioles Claim Novoa; More Ex-Cubs To Come?

As far as historians can tell, the Ex-Cub Factor curse was broken in 2001 by the Diamondbacks. If you're not familiar, the Ex-Cub Factor says that a team with three or more ex-Cubs cannot win the World Series. Regardless, the Indians are in decent shape as they have only two (Joe Borowski and Kenny Lofton). I think the Rockies only have LaTroy Hawkins. The Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan recently noted that the Orioles are stocking up on ex-Cubs, the latest being nondescript reliever Roberto Novoa. Former Cubs president and GM Andy MacPhail has already added three to the four that..   Continue Reading

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Crazy Cubs Speculation

My apologies in advance for those who think this site is a little too Cubs-centric. The Needs and Luxuries post was my fault, but it's only natural for all of the local writers to speculate on ways to improve the club for 2008. I know some of the Cubs fans who frequent MLBTR take some abuse for off-the-wall speculation. Jacque Jones for someone of value, for example. But honestly, the published newspaper speculation isn't any better. Barry Rozner takes his knee-jerk shots at Aramis Ramirez, who was awful in the three-game set against Arizona. According to Rozner, A-Rod is a..   Continue Reading

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CubDumb On Pierre, Wood

CubDumb has consulted its insiders and uncovered a couple of near-certainties for the Cubs. (The post begins with a look at the questionable past effects of Gerald Perry, new Cubs hitting coach). The first certainty is that Juan Pierre won't return. This pleases me, even if it means the Cubs are three pitchers lighter for just one year of service. Is it just me, or does it seem like teams just aren't interested in Pierre's bag of tricks this offseason? I guess that's progress. Perhaps the Cubs will now turn their attention to Dave Roberts or better yet J.D. Drew...   Continue Reading

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Bob Wickman Stays With Braves

Finding a return to the NL to his liking, 37 year-old closer Bob Wickman has re-upped with the Braves for one year and $6.5MM. It seems a little pricey for a guy valued at about a million bucks for 2007 by Baseball Prospectus's PECOTA projection system. Still, he was the best option in a thin market. Some teams are already thinking outside the box when looking for closers. The Red Sox are considering trying hard-thrower Matt Clement in the role. His stuff is nasty, so maybe a move to the 'pen would do him good. Other possible converts include Adam..   Continue Reading

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Teams Still Interested In Kerry Wood

Just got word from a solid source, an insider who had previously indicated the Devil Rays' interest in Ervin Santana back in December. This time, he's got some info concerning oft-injured Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood. Word is that despite Wood's awful health record, Jim Hendry is shopping him and has received some interest. The Rangers would like to add Wood and may give up John Danks or Thomas Diamond to get him. Danks, a 21 year-old southpaw, has made some progress in his second stint in Double A. His strikeout rate is way up and his control has improved, though..   Continue Reading

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Fire Sale In Chicago?

It's May 28th and the Cubs are now 13.5 games out of first place, 13 games under .500. The June schedule doesn't include any pushover matchups (if there is such a thing for this club). It's becoming time to shake things up. Which players are the most likely trade candidates? How about Kerry Wood? Yes, he loves Chicago and has a no-trade clause. But there are a couple of teams in Texas who could use Wood as a backup option if they miss out on Roger Clemens. The Rangers are clinging to first place right now and could get Adam..   Continue Reading

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Wood To Have Knee Surgery

Looks like Kerry Wood will have minor arthroscopic knee surgery. Chicago radio station The Score speculates that it could put him back another couple of weeks. Wood apparently threw this morning, so the need may have popped up today. It seems that a June return to the Majors may be Wood's new target   Continue Reading

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Kerry Wood for Vidro & Church?

A new Cubs trade rumor found its way into my inbox this morning courtesy of loyal reader Derek. Yesterday, Jim Williams wrote a column for the Washington Examiner suggesting the Cubs might deal Kerry Wood for Jose Vidro and Ryan Church this spring. He mentions the health issues surrounding both Wood and Vidro and that both players would have to be ready to play. Williams also says Wood's huge contract could be a concern. Looking at the numbers, Wood makes $11MM in 2006 and has a $13.5MM option for 2007 with a $3MM buyout attached. Vidro will make $7MM in..   Continue Reading

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Willy Taveras, Jarrod Washburn Mentioned For Cubs

Chicago Sun-Times writer Chris De Luca has a few names he thinks would work for the Cubs. Said De Luca today: "It's too bad Wood's future is so murky. The Houston Astros, in need of pitching and always in the market for homegrown stars such as Wood, are listening to offers for center fielder Willy Taveras, the runner-up in National League Rookie of the Year voting. With the Astros showing more trust in Chris Burke during the postseason, Taveras has become a hot name on the trade market." While one Juan Pierre in the lineup has a chance of working,..   Continue Reading

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Latest Cubs Rumors - Furcal, Wood, Nixon

As we approach the winter meetings, all kinds of crazy rumors are making the rounds. First and foremost is a possible three-way deal between the Rangers, A's, and Cubs as reported by Sunday's edition of the Chicago Tribune. WSCR, a radio station in Chicago, has cited tomorrow's Phil Rogers column about the trade. The details: The Cubs send Kerry Wood and $6MM to the Rangers for Kevin Mench. The Cubs would also surrender Todd Walker and prospects and would receive Barry Zito from Oakland. It's unclear what prospects would go Oakland's way, although it's fair to speculate Beane would ask..   Continue Reading

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