Matt Murton Rumors

Week in Review

Here's a look back at the biggest stories MLBTR covered for the week of July 6 - 13: The Brewers completed a deal for C.C. Sabathia, sending Matt LaPorta and other prospects to Cleveland in return. Sabathia's looked great so far, and LaPorta's already making an impact in the Indians minor league system. Looks good for both teams right now if you ask this guy. The Cubs answered their division rival quickly, landing Oakland ace Rich Harden along with Chad Gaudin in exchange for Matt Murton, Sean Gallagher, Eric Patterson, and Josh Donaldson. Harden was brilliant in his debut. I...   Continue Reading

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Olney's Latest: Sexson, Ibanez, Ortiz

Buster Olney's blog post is overloaded with rumors today. Here's a rundown: Olney's Speculation: Will the Red Sox will express interest in Khalil Greene with Julio Lugo on the DL for 4-6 weeks? Olney also wonders if the Dodgers will seek Huston Street if Takashi Saito is seriously hurt. Scout Speculation: Huston Street and Matt Murton to the Rays for prospects? Bobby Kielty was granted release by the Red Sox. Richie Sexson could decide where to go based on greatest offered playing time. I'd say that's expected for a veteran starter. Olney says that requests for Max Scherzer are keeping...   Continue Reading

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More On Harden, Sabathia Trades

I've got some odds and ends related to the Rich Harden and CC Sabathia trades. The Cub Reporter had an interesting post yesterday, stating that Harden can demand a trade after this season under the old CBA. The Cubs could always sidestep that by declining Harden's $7MM option and going through the arbitration process with him. I ran this by a source close to the situation, and he said the Cubs are not worried about Harden demanding a trade. Bruce Miles talks about the "great personal and working relationship" between GMs Jim Hendry and Billy Beane. Susan Slusser says Beane...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Acquire Rich Harden, Chad Gaudin

5:36pm: The AP story is out. The Cubs get Harden and Chad Gaudin for Gallagher, Murton, Patterson, and catching prospect Josh Donaldson. Jim Hendry did his best to counter the Brewers' acquisition of CC Sabathia, and Gaudin is more than a throw-in. The A's get three MLB-ready players plus a solid offense-oriented catching prospect. Gallagher would have to be considered the centerpiece for Oakland. 5:25pm: Dave Kaplan of WGN Radio in Chicago reports that the Cubs have acquired Rich Harden from the A's. Sean Gallagher is reportedly part of the deal, and possibly Matt Murton. Hal McCoy says Eric Patterson...   Continue Reading

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Gammons' Latest: Murton, Nady, Wilder

Rumory goodness from Peter Gammons' latest blog post, aside from the Sabathia and Cubs stuff. The Rays are focused on a right-handed hitter. Matt Murton and Xavier Nady are on the radar. As you know, the White Sox fired scouting director Dave Wilder and two scouts for violations of the team's scouting and signing procedures in Latin America. At the time, the Chicago Tribune said the investigation involved skimming and was limited to the Sox. However, Gammons says Wilder is telling investigators about other teams. Gammons agrees with Scott Merkin of MLB.com - the White Sox will not be active...   Continue Reading

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Gammons On The Cubs' Starter Pursuit

ESPN's Peter Gammons has a new blog entry up, with the focus on the Cubs' desire to add a starting pitcher. Gammons talked to a Cubs official who said, "We almost certainly will do something. But we really don't want to give up Sean Gallagher at this point." Here's a quick rundown of the candidates: C.C. Sabathia - Cubs don't believe they have enough to get him. Rich Harden - Gammons doesn't specifically say the Cubs are interested, just that they're monitoring Oakland. Randy Wolf - The Cubs have interest, and Gammons says Wolf would waive his no-trade to go...   Continue Reading

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Crisp-Cubs Chatter Debunked

THURSDAY: Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times talked to a Cubs insider who says the team has had no talks with Boston about Crisp since spring training. By the way - Crisp recently strained a muscle in his hand, but it's not considered serious. WEDNESDAY: It's been suggested that trade showcasing is a misconception. Nonetheless, Cubs beat writer Paul Sullivan believes they may be doing just that with Matt Murton right now. Murton was hitting .298/.397/.382 in Triple A, showing much less power than he had in the Majors. He did pick it up to a .495 SLG in May...   Continue Reading

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Cubs May Have Use For Murton After All

One of the players most-rumored to be traded in the past month is Matt Murton after he failed to make the Cubs opening day roster and was sent to AAA. Now it appears the Cubs may have a use for Murton after all, recalling him from the minors today. Jon Greenberg notes that Murton is still not an everyday player but could get an occasional spot-start in the outfield as well as regular pinch-hit at bats. Earlier this week, Ken Rosenthal noted that the Rays were still interested and earlier this month wrote of the Padres also pursuing the outfielder....   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Lugo, Murton, Scherzer

A handful of random links... Josh Kalk did a guest post at RotoAuthority, using PITCHf/x data to analyze C.C. Sabathia's early struggles. Nick Cafardo comments on Julio Lugo's unimpressive Red Sox career, noting that Jed Lowrie is nipping at his heels. Is there any chance the Sox consider guys like Orlando Cabrera or Rafael Furcal this winter? Christina Kahrl believes leaving Matt Murton in Triple A was the right move. White Sox beat reporter Joe Cowley explains that real baseball is different from fantasy baseball. The Scherzer Watch begins, especially for fantasy leaguers. Joe Sports Fan offers their list of...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Crisp, Murton, Lowrie

Ken Rosenthal, your favorite hot stove reporter, has a new article up. Let's discuss. The Red Sox seem inclined to keep Coco Crisp unless they're blown away with an offer. Jayson Stark noted last week that the Sox don't want to eat any of the $11MM owed to him. The Rays still like Matt Murton, and are not content with Nathan Haynes as their only outfield acquisition. Rosenthal says the Cubs are asking for a lot for the 26 year-old, who is hitting .333/.487/.333 in 30 Triple A at-bats. Rosenthal notes that Jed Lowrie is pretty well blocked in Boston...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: DeWitt, Murton, Vargas, Hatteberg, Pena, Baek, Piazza

Ken Rosenthal has his latest column up at FoxSports.com. As usual he is not shy about stirring up rumors. Let's take a look at what the rumor-guru has to say: Rosenthal notes that the Dodgers will go with Blake DeWitt at third base who has never played a game above AA. This comes after the Dodgers failed to acquire either the Astros' Mark Loretta, who was unavailable and the Royals' Esteban German, who was too expensive. The Royals were asking for the Dodgers' third best prospect, shortstop Chin-Lung Hu. He indicates that the Padres and the Rays are pursuing Matt...   Continue Reading

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Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Matt Murton

Yesterday, Tim asked the question, "Who Wants Matt Murton?" As we await the answer to that question, only one thing is clear, the Cubs don't. Surprising for a player that is only 26 and PECOTA projects to have an .821 OPS, 19.8 VORP and 2.4 WARP in 2008 assuming he can find a team that will give him big league at bats. With only two years of service time, Murton is still a year from arbitration and four years from free agency, so he should be able to command a solid relief pitcher in return. Let's take a look at...   Continue Reading

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Who Wants Matt Murton?

26 year-old Cubs outfielder Matt Murton is very much available now that they've signed Reed Johnson. PECOTA gives Murton a .295/.359/.462 projection for '08; ZiPS says .289/.360/.465. Here are the league averages from 2007: AL left fielder: .275/.335/.426 NL left fielder: .278/.358/.478 AL right fielder: .288/.359/.465 NL right fielder: .275/.344/.442 These numbers are presented in the form of batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage. You can see that Murton is comfortably in the league average offensive range for a corner outfielder. He'll be arbitration-eligible for the first time after this season. Let's look at some trade possibilities. (As for what the Cubs...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Sign Reed Johnson

1:48pm: The Chicago Tribune says the deal is for $1.3MM. BP's Nate Silver weighs in on the move here. 12:35pm: Levine now reports that the Cubs have signed Johnson. For a team focused on winning now, it's not a bad move. Only drawback might be the Murton situation. Meanwhile, Evan Grant says the Rangers reduced their demands for Marlon Byrd but the Cubs still decided to pass. 11:41am: It's all Reed Johnson, all the time here at MLBTR. Bruce Levine of ESPN 1000 says the Cubs will make a contract offer to Johnson once he clears waivers about twenty minutes...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Outfield Situation: Crisp, Johnson, Byrd

Quite a bit of info is floating about this evening regarding the Cubs' quest to add an outfielder. Let's put it all together. SI.com's Jon Heyman names Coco Crisp, Jay Payton, Marlon Byrd, and Brandon Inge as possible targets. Inge makes the least sense given his salary and the Tigers' need for him while Curtis Granderson is out. ESPN's Jayson Stark confirms Ken Rosenthal's assertion that the Cubs are leading the pack for Reed Johnson. Stark speculates that such an acquisition could prompt the Cubs to trade Matt Murton. ESPN's Peter Gammons says Red Sox scout Allard Baird is currently...   Continue Reading

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Three CF Options For Cubs

SI.com's Jon Heyman reiterates the Cubs' concern with Felix Pie, setting out the three main trade candidates for the team. Coco Crisp probably won't get dealt until he proves he's healthy. Even then, as I've said, $11MM over two years is a lot for a fourth outfielder. The Cubs may have competition from the Rays and A's for Crisp. Jay Payton would be a salary dump given the $5MM owed to him this year. The Cubs could take him while passing off the $16.25MM owed to Jason Marquis. The Cubs would love to move Marquis, though Jon Lieber's willingness to...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Still Talking To Rangers About Byrd

MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan writes today that the Cubs' talks for Marlon Byrd still have some life. Not much has changed - the Cubs would give up Matt Murton, but the Rangers want young pitching. Since the potential Brian Roberts acquisition seems to be on the frontburner, perhaps talks for Byrd would move to the next level if that's completed. The Rangers may have to wait and see whether the Cubs bring Jay Payton in and which pitching prospects they give up. Ken Rosenthal quoted a scout today who suggested the Cubs will never fully commit to center fielder Felix Pie...   Continue Reading

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Cubs-Orioles Roberts Talks Getting Serious

According to Jon Heyman of SI.com, the Cubs and Orioles are talking Brian Roberts trade again. A source of Heyman's "indicated discussions were starting to get serious." Heyman says one scenario has the O's sending Jay Payton along with Roberts to Chicago. Although he'd fill the Cubs' desire for a right-handed hitting fourth outfielder who can handle center, Payton has to have negative trade value with a $5MM salary for '08 and a .668 OPS last year. The Cubs could send Jason Marquis back, but his two years and $19.25MM might be overcompensating for Payton's bad contract. Heyman names the...   Continue Reading

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Coco Still Possibility For Cubs, White Sox

Two suitors for the affable Coco Crisp, both in the Windy City. According to Chris De Luca at the Chicago Sun Times, "The Cubs and Red Sox have had talks centering on Crisp in recent weeks, though the subject was broached by Boston, sources say, and evidently the Red Sox were not interested when the Cubs dangled outfielder Matt Murton. Talks could resume during spring training, however, depending on the Red Sox' need for starting pitching -- an area where the Cubs are expected to have some surplus with Ryan Dempster or Jason Marquis getting nudged out of the rotation."...   Continue Reading

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Hairston Key To Pads' OF Dealings

The Padres still may need more outfield help. Centerfielder Jim Edmonds and rightfielder Brian Giles both are well into the brittle phases of their careers. Sean Devaney of the Sporting News has Kevin Towers casting his left field lot with Scott Hairston - for the time being. Look for more chatter about Jason Bay, Matt Murton and any other available outfielder if Hairston fails to lock the job down within three weeks. It's unclear whether Gabe Gross (who is out of options) is currently of interest. Kenny Lofton could be a free agent possibility. Would Towers be willing to part...   Continue Reading

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Gammons' Latest: Bonds, Murton

ESPN's Peter Gammons has a new blog post with some hot stove info. Gammons has a quote from Andrew Friedman that should be the final word on Barry Bonds to Tampa Bay: If I didn't entertain ideas, be it a signing of a great hitter like Bonds or a trade, I should be fired. But that is past. Let's take Friedman at his word and rule Bonds out for the Rays. Gammons notes that the Cubs have discussed Matt Murton with the Rangers and Red Sox, but he alone wouldn't get them Marlon Byrd or Coco Crisp. Murton was drafted...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Gross, Weaver, Encarnacion

Ken Rosenthal is on the scene with some new rumors. Astros president Tal Smith arguing other teams' arbitration cases. Rosenthal finds it a bit awkward, while Keith Law finds it to be a hilarious conflict of interest. Possible trades of Matt Murton to the Padres or Rangers seem to have fizzled. The Padres may turn to the Brewers' Gabe Gross, a player who previously caught the eye of the A's, Indians, and Braves. Our good friend PECOTA sees a .267/.366/.467 line from Gross this year. With Gross and various veteran starters, the Brewers have some surpluses to work with. Rosenthal...   Continue Reading

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Cubs' Talks For Byrd Reach Impasse

The Cubs have been interested in Rangers' center fielder Marlon Byrd for some time now, apparently offering Matt Murton. However, MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan says the Rangers' insistence on good young pitching in the deal has caused a stalemate. The Cubs like Byrd, but not at that price. Evan Grant wrote recently that one of Jason Botts, Nelson Cruz, or David Murphy is likely to be dealt before Opening Day. A Byrd trade might allow the Rangers to keep all three.   Continue Reading

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Murton Reads MLBTR

It was pretty cool to learn today that Cubs outfielder Matt Murton reads MLBTradeRumors.com. Welcome! Unfortunately, I can't imagine it's thrilling to read about yourself in trade rumors all winter. Murton is a left fielder, and the Cubs obviously have Alfonso Soriano there. Right field is now filled by Kosuke Fukudome. Lou Piniella couldn't help but admit that Murton's role on the Cubs is as a fourth outfielder. The Herald's Bruce Miles has heard rumblings that the Cubs will try to trade Murton to a team where he can play regularly. ESPN's Keith Law thinks Murton would be good for...   Continue Reading

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Padres Eyeing Mike Sweeney

The Padres "have expressed mild interest" in Mike Sweeney, according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. The problem would be finding a fit for Sweeney. First base or left field would be the logical choices but between the presence of Adrian Gonzalez and Sweeney's fragility, both seem a long shot. And there's no fit at catcher either, if you really want to stretch your imagination. Crasnick notes that Padres GM Kevin Towers has found the talks for Xavier Nady or Matt Murton to be "slow going," so maybe he's trying to get creative. Sweeney, 35, has been a Royal his entire career...   Continue Reading

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Marlon Byrd/Matt Murton Rumors

Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News has the latest on the Marlon Byrd/Cubs rumors. Byrd has been informed that the Cubs have interest in him. Grant says the Rangers reportedly turned down an offer of Matt Murton for Byrd, requiring one or two pitching prospects be added by the Cubs. So for those who think Murton is worth more than Byrd - the Rangers apparently do not agree. Meanwhile, ESPN's Jerry Crasnick runs down three possible destinations for Murton: Texas, Baltimore, and San Diego. It seems that the Cubs would prefer to resolve the Baltimore trade talks before they'd..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Zimmerman, Tulo, Hawpe, Wang

Some bits and pieces from today... Damian Miller is leaning toward retirement, leaving Johnny Estrada as the one halfway viable catching option out there. Talks continue with Ryan Zimmerman on a long-term deal. The Nationals and Zimmerman reportedly discussed this a year ago. Padres GM Kevin Towers is upfront about his inquiries on Matt Murton and Xavier Nady. The Cubs aren't done, by the way. Troy Tulowitzki is able to void his contract if he'd traded. The Rockies have had preliminary talks with Brad Hawpe about a multiyear deal. Tracy Ringoslby says they might aim for a four-year deal, buying..   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Boras, Murton, Marquis, Clark

Ken Rosenthal is here to hopefully rescue what's been a slow day for rumors. Rosenthal points out that it seems Scott Boras has been more flexible with his clients' contracts this year, perhaps even as the result of his "failures" with Alex Rodriguez and Kenny Rogers. A new, gentler Boras? Wait til Mark Teixeira, Matt Holliday, and Prince Fielder reach free agency. The Padres are targeting Matt Murton for left field, a notion that gels with Kevin Towers' stated quest to acquire a corner outfielder via trade. Plus, Towers gets along well with Cubs GM Jim Hendry. Not sure how..   Continue Reading

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Cubs Bedard/Roberts Talks Revived?

UPDATE, 1-21-08 at 6:39pm: According to Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald, "informed insiders say no renewed talks are underway" for a Cubs/Orioles blockbuster. Miles does believe Hendry is shopping Murton and interested in Byrd. UPDATE, 1-21-08 at 4:37pm: John Hickey of the Seattle PI notes that the Mariners seem to "very much want Bedard" still. He sees the Mets as their main competition. FROM 1-21-08 at 3:09pm: Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune insists that Orioles owner Peter Angelos did shoot down some kind of Erik Bedard/Brian Roberts to the Cubs blockbuster last week. Furthermore, Rogers' source says the..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Colon, Byrd, Sosa, Wilkerson

Some random links and whatnot for Saturday... Joe Cowley says the White Sox have backed off on Bartolo Colon because he wants a two-year deal. He believes the Royals are the frontrunner. Rangers guru Jamey Newberg doesn't think Marlon Byrd would be enough to get Matt Murton from the Cubs. The Rangers might've entertained Sammy Sosa in a limited role, but he's looking for 400-500 plate appearances. Good luck with that! Heard an unconfirmed whisper that the Red Sox may have some interest in Brad Wilkerson. RotoAuthority takes a fantasy baseball look at Yovani Gallardo and Tim Lincecum   Continue Reading

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Cubs Interested In Marlon Byrd

According to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan, the Cubs asked the Rangers about Marlon Byrd. Sullivan says the Cubs may be willing to give up Matt Murton for Byrd. This swap could make sense given each team's needs. Sullivan cautions that the discussions are only preliminary. The Byrd rumor first popped up via Bruce Levine about a week ago. Byrd, 30, will make $1.8MM in '08 in a newly agreed-to contract. He's set to reach free agency after the 2009 season. He's been with the Phillies, Nationals, and Rangers. He had decent years in '03 and '07. He's not a guy you..   Continue Reading

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Cubs Rumors: Fukudome, Prior, Roberts

Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago-Sun Times checks in with the latest Cubs buzz. The Cubs, Padres, and White Sox are in on Kosuke Fukudome. It seems that both Chicago teams are willing to spend big bucks. Wittenmyer's source indicates sparse interest in Mark Prior, though the Cubs have been shopping him. The Cubs could still choose to non-tender him on Wednesday rather than pay $3MM+. Seems like a reasonable gamble though. The Orioles want to figure out their plans with Erik Bedard and Miguel Tejada before making a move with Brian Roberts, so talks with the Cubs have cooled. The..   Continue Reading

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Cubs Aggressively Pursuing Brian Roberts

UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 10:58pm: The Baltimore Sun guys have more. The Cubs have a significant offer on the table, and it may include Gallagher and Matt Murton (but not Hill or Pie). The Cubs will have to do better than just Gallagher and Murton, I imagine. According to Jayson Stark, the Cubs would have to be blown away to trade Hill or Pie. UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 10:03pm: ESPN Radio 1000's Bruce Levine checks in to add that Ronny Cedeno would likely be involved in a Roberts deal. UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 9:39pm: ESPN's Amy Nelson says Hill is not part of..   Continue Reading

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Cubs Rumors: Fukudome, Prior

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 11:58pm: MetsBlog's Matthew Cerrone says there is "very minimal buzz"that the Mets may have inquired on Prior. UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 7:04pm: Tasty rumor morsel: Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times says Fukudome is "almost certainly" going to sign with the Cubs. UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 12:20pm: Some new stuff from ESPN Radio 1000's Bruce Levine. The Cubs have talked to the Royals about Mark Teahen; the Royals like Matt Murton. Levine says there's nothing to the Josh Hamilton rumor. FROM 12-4-07 at 12:11pm: Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times discusses the rumors around the Cubs. Wittenmyer implies that..   Continue Reading

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Cubs May Shop Murton, Like Ibanez

UPDATE, 12-3-07 at 5:53pm: Geoff Baker checks in with some more info about the Cubs' interest in Ibanez. He is apparently their fallback option behind Fukudome. Baker notes the frightful possibility of using Ibanez in right field. One trade idea I hadn't considered is swapping Ibanez for Mark Prior. FROM 12-3-07 at 9:48am: Jim Hendry may view 26 year-old outfielder Matt Murton as expendable, if only because he's not the left-handed hitter the Cubs crave. Murton has a respectable career line of .296/.365/.455 in 289 games. While it would be nice to see his power develop a bit, he's a..   Continue Reading

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Law: Top 10 Trade Candidates

Keith Law, a favorite here at MLBTR and at home home, River Ave. Blues, has posted an article on 10 potential trade candidates off-season. It seems that if anything big does go down this off-season, it will be in the form of a trade, since the FA market is particularly weak. So who does Law have in mind? The most surprising name on the list is the Blue Jays' Adam Lind. Law believes that with the next year's financial commitments to Frank Thomas, Lyle Overbay, and now Matt Stairs, there is no obvious spot for Lind, and he'll have to..   Continue Reading

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Cubs a Good Fit for Barry's Bat

Tim mentioned in this post that fielding know-it-all John Dewan thinks Barry Bonds can still play a tolerable outfield. Well, Bob Nightengale has broken the rumor-ice and brought two NL teams into the "Where Will Bonds Play Next" game: Chicago and Florida. The Cubbies, heavy in right handed hitters, would love a bat like Bonds' in the lineup. They probably have the money, though they'll add $10MM in payroll for '08 just to maintain the current group. With Bonds' regular need for time off, there'd still be plenty of playing time for Matt Murton. Bonds, meanwhile, just may be the..   Continue Reading

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Murton, Payton Not Starting Today

The Cubs are again sitting Matt Murton today. That's two days in a row he was expected to start and didn't. Of course, it may just be that Lou Piniella doesn't like him. We'll see. Meanwhile, Jay Payton is out of the lineup for the Orioles-Yankees game today. He typically starts in left field, but it's Jay Gibbons today. This could also just be Dave Trembley's preference and nothing more. He sat Payton in favor of Gibbons on Thursday as well. Gibbons is 6 for 18 lifetime against Chien-Ming Wang while Payton is 1 for 6. Discussions regarding a Payton-to-Chicago..   Continue Reading

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Murton Late Scratch; Payton Talks Itensify

UPDATE: While perhaps shopping Murton, the Cubs have had significant talks regarding Baltimore's Jay Payton. The Cubs would send over two mid-level prospects; does Murton fit that criteria? Payton will make $5MM next year to finish his contract. UPDATE 2: RotoWorld says Murton was scratched tonight to allow Cliff Floyd to play and then get Sunday off. Matt Murton was a late scratch for tonight's Cubs-Reds game. Does it mean anything? We should know soon enough. This time of year, every scratch or unexpected mid-game substitution is magnified. The Cubs have been talking to the Rangers about lefty reliever Ron..   Continue Reading

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Cubs Offering Murton For Relief Help

According to John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus: "The Chicago Cubs desperately need bullpen help, and reportedly would part with outfielder Matt Murton in the right deal." For a team built to win now, that might make sense. Sure, you'd rather see the more expensive Jacque Jones go, but teams would of course rather acquire the younger, cheaper Murton. Murton, 25, only has 87 ABs this year. Cubs fans hoped to see him get a full-time look following a solid .297/.365/.444 season, but Lou Piniella hasn't complied. What kind of deals might work here? To the Nationals for Jon Rauch or..   Continue Reading

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2007 MLB Free Agents: Luis Gonzalez

When we last checked in with future free agent left fielder Luis Gonzalez, he'd been informed by the D'Backs that they didn't want him back. Now, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe has a few interested teams for us: "Don't feel bad about Luis Gonzalez's Diamondbacks career being over. The Orioles, Tigers, Rangers, and Cubs are already considering him as a DH and/or left fielder for next year." Word was that Gonzo wanted to stay in the NL, meaning a return to the Cubs might be at the top of the list. The problem? The Cubs already have a left..   Continue Reading

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Carlos Lee To Cubs Deal Imminent

MLBTradeRumors has learned of a blockbuster deal that is expected to go down by the end of the day. Talks between Jim Hendry and Doug Melvin are in advanced stages of a rare interdivision trade. The Cubs will send Matt Murton, Rich Hill, and Angel Guzman to the Brewers for slugger Carlos Lee. Lee will be a free agent after the 2006 season, and the Cubs intend to lock him up after finishing the Derrek Lee deal. According to my source, the Brewers view Lee's impending free agency as a distraction and desperately want to shed his $8.5MM salary. Lee..   Continue Reading

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Williamson Surfaces In Trade Talks

Mike Kiley of the Sun-Times notes that "Other teams are highly interested in Scott Williamson, as they have been all winter in trade talks with general manager Jim Hendry." In a separate article, Kiley quotes Jim Hendry saying that Matt Murton, Ronny Cedeno, and Rich Hill have been highly sought after as well. Hill came up in talks for Barry Zito and a possible Miguel Tejada deal. As a 26 year-old, Hill is far past prospect status. Despite pitching college ball as late as 2002, he didn't pitch above A ball until 2005. Ridiculously high strikeout totals have been negated..   Continue Reading

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