Perrotto’s Latest: Cubs, White Sox, Chipper, Josh Johnson

The latest from John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus:

• The Cubs are trying to sign John Grabow and Reed Johnson before they reach free agency.
• Perrotto says those that know Chipper Jones believe he would actually retire after next season if he can't perform up to his standards.
• There's a possibility the Marlins will try to deal Josh Johnson this winter even though he won't be a free agent until after 2011. Johnson is not anticipated to take a hometown discount to stay in Florida.
• Perrotto expects Russell Branyan will re-sign with the Mariners before he reaches free agency.
• Seems like pure speculation, but a Jake Peavy for Carlos Zambrano deal this offseason would not surprise some in Chicago.