This is another minor signing that was covered earlier but perhaps got buried – the Cubs inked Japanese righty Ken Kadokura to a minor league deal. He didn’t pitch much in ’08; not sure why at this time. The Cubs also added Luis Rivas, Mike Stanton, and a bunch of other non-roster guys.
Cubs Rumors
Cubs Avoid Arb With Kevin Gregg, Mike Wuertz
TUESDAY: MLB.com’s Carrie Muskat says Mike Wuertz signed for $1.1MM.
MONDAY: According to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs avoided arbitration with reliever Kevin Gregg by signing him for $4.2MM for ’09. Gregg will be a free agent after the season.
Padres Projecting Over Budget
According to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Padres have a meager $40MM budget for players this year. They’re projecting to be about $4-5MM over, and they’ll probably have to trade Jake Peavy and/or Brian Giles at some point to meet the target. Both players have full no-trade rights.
It could be risky to wait on a Peavy trade, since an injury can happen anytime and he might pitch in the WBC. If the new Cubs ownership group will approve Peavy’s addition to the 2010 budget, trade talks could reignite (hasn’t happened yet). I don’t see why Opening Day has to be the arbitrary deadline to trade Peavy – maybe we’ll see a rare April blockbuster if the Padres and Cubs’ ownership situations necessitate it. Regarding the Felix Pie–Garrett Olson trade as a precursor, Padres CEO Sandy Alderson says too much is being made of it.
Rosenthal On Roberts, Hudson, Counsell
Let’s take a look at the latest from Ken Rosenthal.
- The Orioles have their ears open Brian Roberts, whose trade value has diminished as he nears free agency. The White Sox can’t afford him, the Braves are reluctant to give up talent, and the Cubs didn’t discuss him in the Felix Pie talks. The Roberts market may improve once Orlando Hudson signs.
- Rosenthal’s source says the Michael Young–Jermaine Dye discussions did take place. If you read Dave van Dyck’s article, Ken Williams never specifically denied talks with the Rangers.
- Rosenthal believes that if the Cubs make another big move, it’ll be a Jake Peavy trade. They’re not in on Hudson.
- The Dodgers have roughly $50MM in payroll flexibility right now.
- The Giants may be looking at Manny Ramirez, but they’ve also looked in trades for hitters – "presumably" Prince Fielder or Corey Hart included. Those talks with the Brewers didn’t go far. The Giants may be willing to move Jonathan Sanchez, but the Jorge Cantu talks have stalled.
- So far the Dodgers and Russell Martin have only talked about a one-year deal.
- The Mariners are Brewers are eyeing Craig Counsell.
- The Ms "likely are willing" to trade Aaron Heilman.
Odds and Ends: Cordero, Varitek, Hudson
Links for Monday…
- The Twins watched Chad Cordero’s recent long-toss session. As you know, they’re also eyeing Brandon Lyon and Eric Gagne.
- Baseball America has the minor league transactions. Charlie Zink stays with Boston and the Cubs signed Ken Kadokura, among other deals.
- Sean McAdam breaks down the Jason Varitek situation, saying his value isn’t much higher than Gregg Zaun. Zaun signed for $2MM.
- Athletics Nation asks: how about Orlando Hudson at shortstop?
- RotoAuthority finds some upside starters for fantasy drafts.
- Rob Bradford of WEEI explains why signing Jonathan Papelbon long-term will be more difficult than Dustin Pedroia or Kevin Youkilis.
Orioles Trade Olson For Pie
5:20pm: Tom Krasovic notes the Padres’ previous interest in Olson. He examines the possibility of the Cubs and Padres making a Jake Peavy deal. Click here to read Jim Hendry’s thoughts on Pie. Bruce Miles also notes that the Cubs are close to deals for arb-eligible relievers Kevin Gregg and Mike Wuertz.
3:11pm: Roch Kubatko spoke with Andy MacPhail about the Pie/Olson trade. MacPhail says that this trade is not a precursor to any other move, and that it’s likely the Orioles will go with Huff at first base, Pie in left, and Scott at DH.
Earlier we’d heard the O’s being in on some possible first base candidates, including Richie Sexson, Adam Dunn, and Ty Wigginton, but it seems they’re comfortable with this lineup.
1:10pm: Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Orioles have traded Garrett Olson and Class-A righthander Henry Williamson to the Cubs in exchange for Felix Pie.
Olson figures to slot in as a middle-reliever for the Cubs or as a fifth starter, depending on what role they have planned for Sean Marshall.
Pie could start off the 2009 season as a backup for all three outfield spots, according to Rosenthal. Rosenthal also suggests Pie playing left field, with Aubrey Huff manning first base and Luke Scott becoming a full-time DH. That idea seems to make more sense to me.
If Pie can realize any of his potential in a new setting, the Orioles will have one of the more talented young outfields in baseball.
Cafardo’s Latest: Varitek, Sheets, Glavine
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe has a new article up in this Sunday’s paper:
- Mariners advisers have suggested bringing in Jason Varitek to improve the Seattle pitching staff.
- "Arbitration-strapped" Philadelphia may have interest in Ben Sheets as he becomes a bigger bargain by the day.
- Cafardo details the Kevin Youkilis contract extension, to the dollar.
- Kris Benson will work out for the Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Rangers, and Cubs next Saturday.
- Tom Glavine would entertain an offer from Washington.
- If Atlanta takes on Andruw Jones, they would only have to take on $400K of the $21MM plus the Dodgers are paying him.
Odds And Ends: Peavy, Mulder, Marshall
Links for Saturday…
- Padres CEO Sandy Alderson repeated a line we've heard a lot this offseason about Jake Peavy: "I think Jake will be with us on opening day."
- Buster Olney hears from some scouts who think Mark Mulder could be the "hidden gem" of this year's free agent class. Mulder's likely to throw for scouts within a couple weeks.
- Richard Durrett points out that Ian Kinsler's the only Texas infielder who has played as many as 52 MLB games at his current position. Michael Young, Chris Davis and Elvis Andrus round out the infield. This is no doubt part of the reason they're interested in Omar Vizquel.
- Rob Neyer suggests that Orlando Hudson's not getting the attention he deserves because his defense is undervalued.
- Lou Piniella hinted that Sean Marshall has a good shot at being the Cubs' fifth starter.
Cubs Sign So Taguchi
According to ESPN’s Jayson Stark, the Cubs signed outfielder So Taguchi to a minor league deal potentially worth $900K. Taguchi, 39, hit .220/.283/.297 in 103 plate appearances for the Phillies in ’08.
Ronny Cedeno, Matt Diaz Avoid Arbitration
According to Troy Renck of the Denver Post Ronny Cedeno of the Cubs and Matt Diaz of the Braves have reached deals with their respective teams to avoid arbitration.
Cedeno will make $822K in 2009. Diaz will earn at least $1.2375MM, but could earn $50K more if he makes 600 plate appearances.
