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Cubs Still Discussing Roberts

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Judging by my inbox, many of you are thirsty for Brian Roberts info.  Here’s the latest from a rumor-packed Jeff Zrebiec article:

The Chicago Cubs remain the likely landing spot for Roberts for a package that is expected to include pitcher Sean Gallagher and one of the Cubs’ young outfielders. The teams have discussed several scenarios but have yet to agree on a package.

Roberts is set to earn $6.3MM in ’08 and $8MM in ’09.  The 30 year-old switch-hitter is projected to hit .287/.363/.437 in 579 ABs by the fine ZiPS system.  The same system calls for a 4.91 ERA in 143 innings from the 22 year-old Gallagher.  Gallagher dropped 25 pounds this winter, for what it’s worth.

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

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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 the teams would match up, unless things expand to include Khalil Greene.  The Cubs would have to be sure they don’t need Murton for other deals or because of other deals.
  • Rosenthal agrees with the recent rumor that the Orioles will decide whether to trade Erik Bedard and Brian Roberts by month’s end.  He notes that Cubs starter Jason Marquis actually does have trade value, and could be part of a package for Roberts.  Other teams are interested in him too – go figure.  Innings are innings I guess.  Marquis, 29, is owed $16.25MM over the 2008-09 seasons.
  • An MLBTR commenter questioned the other day why Troy Tulowitzki’s deal was said to top Grady Sizemore’s as the record holder for a player with less than two years service time.  The commenter wondered why Brian McCann wasn’t part of the discussion – he signed for more than Sizemore ($26.8MM) in March of ’07 with about a season and a half under his belt.  Anyone know why McCann’s name doesn’t come up in this discussion?
  • One of Rosenthal’s sources believes progress has been made on a long-term pact with Holliday, and the recent two-year deal is a positive sign.
  • Teams inquiring on Tony Clark: Mariners, Giants, and Red Sox.  Clark has been mentioned as a Giants target before.

Cubs Bedard/Roberts Talks Revived?

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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 talks are now back on.

Rogers speculates that "frustration and gamesmanship" might be why Lou Piniella and Jim Hendry recently denied the blockbuster rumor.  Hendry was quoted as saying "that certainly hasn’t been a path we’ve been on."

Rogers also has sources saying the Cubs may have to give up Matt Murton and one or two other players to get Marlon Byrd from Texas (perhaps Sean Gallagher).  He speculates that a three-team deal with the Rangers and Orioles to net the Cubs Bedard, Roberts, and Byrd is a possibility.  Felix Pie would have to be in that mix, and note that Roch Kubatko said yesterday that the Cubs "would be willing to part with Rich Hill" to get Bedard and Roberts.

Through all of this Rogers says it’s a "very highly placed source" and that he trusts the source.  It’s hard for me to really evaluate this stuff until we get more clarity.  But feel free to discuss.

Wittenmyer On Byrd, Roberts, Bedard

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Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times gives his take on the odds of various rumored Cubs acquisitions:

For now, the Marlon Byrd move looks possible, if not probable, while snagging Brian Roberts — a speedy switch-hitter whose presence could mean a three- or four-level ripple effect of improvement through the lineup — looks at least doubtful.  And forget about that would-be deal that would include Orioles ace Erik Bedard. Those discussions didn’t reach the level first believed, and the Cubs don’t have the players to land both.

This is pretty much what we figured.  Byrd – sure, Hendry could figure out a way to get him.  Roberts would take a lot and doesn’t seem likely, while Bedard is a huge long shot.  Seems the 7-for-2 rumor from Saturday is officially dead, now that both GMs have dismissed it. 

Roberts to me is a 1-2 win gain for the 2008 Cubs, with an accompanying loss of most of the team’s young MLB-ready pitching (plus a decent outfielder).  The Cubs might be better off keeping the pitching depth. 

Angelos Killed 7-For-2 Bedard/Roberts Deal With Cubs?

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UPDATE, 1-20-08 at 9:25am: Jim Hendry called the 7-for-2 report "not accurate."  So three sources have weighed in on this Angelos-killed deal and two indicate that it is not to be believed.  Meanwhile Roch Kubatko says that "it now appears the Cubs would be willing to part with Rich Hill" if they could get Roberts and Bedard.  But the Orioles still don’t want to package the two. 

FROM 1-19-08 at 11:42am:

Eye-opening rumor from Gordon Wittenmyer of the Sun-Times today.  His Cubs source says Orioles owner Peter Angelos nixed a 7-for-2 blockbuster that would’ve netted the Cubs Brian Roberts and Erik Bedard (presumably for the Cubs’ entire farm system).  However, Wittenmyer also talked to an Orioles source who said there was no such deal on the table.

Seems a Roberts acquisition for the Cubs is becoming less likely.  The focus may have shifted to Marlon Byrd.  I wonder if the best thing for Felix Pie’s development would be to just let him play every day and bat eighth, without bringing in veteran competition.

Wittenmyer says the Orioles plan to shop Roberts and Bedard through month’s end and would prefer not to package them together.

Odds and Ends: Colon, Byrd, Sosa, Wilkerson

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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.

Cubs Interested In Marlon Byrd

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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 want to use in left field, but the Josh Hamilton acquisition would push him there unless he’s dealt.

Murton is under team control through 2011, if my calculations are correct.  He’s a bit of a tweener in that his power is a bit light for a corner outfielder.  Still, a career line of .296/.365/.455 in 289 games is interesting and there is room for growth if he’s left alone (he’s 26).

Odds and Ends: Gregg, Howard, Shingo, Valentin, Ankiel

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Some loose ends and links from today…

Mailbag: Roberts, Teixeira, Johan, Nathan, And More

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Time for this week’s mailbag.  You can hit it up at mlbtrmailbag@gmail.com to get in your question for next week.

Do you see the Twins signing a big name middle of the order bopper or trading for one before the opening of the new stadium in 2010? – Jordan

Funny you ask this.  I recently asked LEN3 whether the Twins would have a $100MM payroll for the 2010 season, and he said, "I don’t see it."  So I’ll go with his wisdom and say business as usual for the Twins despite the stadium.

Why are the White Sox not aggressively pursuing any pitching? Do they realistically think that Gavin Floyd and John Danks can hold down the #4 and #5 spots in the rotation on a contender? I believe we need to fill the holes with some veteran pitching such as Livan Hernandez who can eat up innings and possibly add Corey Patterson at center field. – Joel

I was just discussing this with a former coworker of mine.  I can’t see the White Sox sneaking into a Wild Card berth with this rotation, but what’s the alternative?  I don’t like the Livan idea.  I would consider signing a couple of swingmen/injury risk types such as Brett Tomko or Bartolo Colon if he looks decent.  Just a few low risk/OK reward guys with good stuff who could pay off.  There’s no place for Patterson in the current Chicago outfield, I wouldn’t do that.

Were the Cubs holding off on the Brian Roberts trade until they got Lieber? – Bryant

The Cubs/Roberts thing still seems possible, and trading both Sean Marshall and Sean Gallagher is slightly easier to stomach with Lieber on board.  If I were Jim Hendry I would let the whole Roberts idea go though.

What is the likelihood of the Braves signing Mark Teixeira long-term? – Matthew

I’ll put it at a 10% chance.  This is a $100MM+ contract and he’s represented by Scott Boras.  He’ll probably want to test the open market, and there could be some ridiculous bids.

When, just when will this Santana situation be over?!  It’s just killing me! – Dan

We all feel your pain Dan.  Most folks seem sick of reading similar rehashed rumors about this.  I would be surprised if we don’t know Santana’s fate one month from now.  Of course if his fate is to start the season with the Twins, then the rumors will restart in June.

Are there any trade rumors involving Joe Nathan? – Justin

C’mon Justin, you know I’d never hold out rumors on you.  If Bill Smith is shopping Nathan around or getting inquiries, all parties are running very tight ships.  Desperation for closers seems to kick in midseason, when certain bullpens are established as clearly crappy.  So guys like Nathan and Huston Street may be more likely to be moved in June or July.

Why did the Josh Beckett/Mike Lowell for Hank Blalock/John Danks deal fall through back in November of ’05? – Oliver

The Rangers believed the deal was done, and hoped to avoid any leaks before it was official.  However, a source tipped off the Palm Beach Post.  The Post and a Texas newspaper ran with it.  It was at that point the Boston front office found out, swooped in, and beat the Rangers’ offer.  Those reporters altered history.

What do you see the Milwaukee Brewers doing with their pitching surplus?  Do you see them maybe using some of their excess pitchers like Capuano and Bush to acquire a young catcher with some upside? – Tyler

We’ve seen it a million times – these winter pitching surpluses turn into deficits by May.  There is certainly a case to be made for the Brewers to just stand pat, though all those arms would be tough to squeeze in given the bullpen acquisitions.  MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy expects some of the surplus to be traded before Spring Training.  I like the catcher idea – Jeff Clement (Mariners), Bryan Anderson (Cardinals), or Taylor Teagarden/Gerald Laird (Rangers) seem like possible matches.

Do the Yankees sign Bobby Abreu after the 2008 season? – Andrew

Andrew notes that the Yanks have some money coming off the books after the ’08 season.  The right field alternatives are weak, so Abreu could make sense.  If he’d take a two or three-year extension midseason I could see Cashman doing it.

Did you ever sell your place in Lombard? – Steve

Thankfully I did.  I tried selling by owner for a month and barely got any bites.  Then I hired an agent and she sold it in three days.

Cubs Sign Lieber

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UPDATE, 1-16-08 at 1:18pm: The deal is for $3.5MM plus incentives.  The signing looks solid to me; the Cubs needed a little depth at the back end of their rotation and the risk is very small.  Lieber had also spoken to the Reds, but the Cubs were his first choice.

UPDATE, 1-16-08 at 10:45am: Rosenthal confirms the signing; it’s a one-year deal.  He says Lieber won’t have to fight for a rotation spot.  That might mean Jason Marquis is headed out of town or Ryan Dempster back to the ’pen (I suppose Dempster could be dealt instead).  I guess Sean Marshall is the sixth man if he’s not traded.

FROM 1-16-08 at 10:14am:

According to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs "appear close to signing veteran right-hander Jon Lieber."  Sullivan says Lieber would compete for the team’s fifth starter job.  Bruce Levine called this rumor earlier this month.

Lieber had some solid years for the Cubs, winning 20 games in ’01.  He had surgery in July of ’07 for a ruptured tendon in his foot, missing the rest of the season.  He’ll be 38 in April.

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