Jacque Jones Trade Near?
According to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times yesterday, the Cubs are trying to trade another position player by Monday so they can add a 12th pitcher.
That position player probably is our good friend Jacque Jones. Wittenmyer named the Padres, Rangers, and White Sox as interested parties. Bruce Miles adds the Mets to the mix. The Cubs would have to eat some of the $7.2MM or so remaining on Jones’ contract, which runs through 2008. Another option would be to move shortstop Cesar Izturis, who has about $2.6MM left on his deal (assuming his ’08 option is bought out).
Buster Olney yesterday mentioned that the Cubs were one of the teams in one Milton Bradley, in addition to the Yankees and Padres. Bradley is still fair game, and the Cubs may be looking to replace Jones with him.
Rangers Interested In Jacque Jones
This is unexpected. Apparently the Texas Rangers have discussed a for right fielder Jacque Jones with the Cubs.
Jones makes $4MM this year and $5MM in ’08, so at first glance it’s perplexing that a team like Texas would want him. There are two scenarios I can see. Maybe the Rangers are working on a larger deal and Jones helps fill some other club’s need. Or, maybe the Rangers like Jones at $5MM for 2008 and think he could be a useful part of next year’s club. Regardless, I don’t expect Jim Hendry to get much in return for Jones. Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times mentions that the Cubs are in talks with several other teams about Jones as well.
Wittenmyer also mentions that the Cubs would like to acquire a middle-of-the-order left-handed hitter. He specifically names Ken Griffey Jr., who surfaced in a rumor a few days ago. Wittenmyer mentions that Griffey is owed $6.5MM in 2007 and 2008 with a team option for 2009. That’s not exactly true, as Griffey actually makes $12.5MM but with a lot deferred. According to Cot’s Baseball Contracts, that makes the present day value of the contract something like $9-10MM. And don’t forget the $4MM buyout for ’09 and possible compensation for waiving the no-trade clause. According to Wittenmeyer, Griffey has told friends he’d welcome a move to Chicago.
On my first draft of this post, I had a hard time identifying other lefty sluggers the Cubs could acquire. Somehow I missed the obvious one, which is Adam Dunn. Such an acquisition would require creativity, such as moving Alfonso Soriano to right field. But Dunn is definitely someone the Cubs should consider if in need of a lefty slugger.
Michael Barrett Traded To Padres
According to Buster Olney, Michael Barrett has just been traded to the Padres. The Padres will also receive cash in the deal. Ken Rosenthal believes the amount of cash is greater than $1MM, since it needs approval from the commissioner’s office. In return, the Cubs received backup catcher Rob Bowen and a young outfielder named Kyler Burke.
Burke, 19, was drafted 35th overall out of high school last year based on his huge power potential and athleticism. He hasn’t shown anything against pro pitching yet. Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus says Burke has an "enormous ceiling" with a strong right field arm. This is an upside play by Jim Hendry – Burke could be a star or a complete bust.
Bowen will provide the Cubs a mostly defensive-minded backstop, although that’s what they have already. He was once seen as a future starter as a Twins minor leaguer, but his bat never panned out. Bowen has teamed up with Henry Blanco before, when both were Twins. Bowen was a waiver claim for his last two teams, so that gives you an idea of his value. On the plus side, he’s speedy for a catcher and a switch-hitter.
The Padres, meanwhile, are looking to bolster their offense in the present and Barrett should be able to help despite his poor start to 2007. I’m not too worried about chemistry issues despite Barrett’s recent incidents. Barrett is reunited with Greg Maddux, who he caught from 2004-06. Barrett is a free agent after the season.
Jim Hendry and Kevin Towers matched up last year, as the Cubs dumped off veterans Scott Williamson and Todd Walker to San Diego for some arms.
Cubs-Reds Griffey Rumor
There’s a Cubs-Reds rumor making the rounds, reportedly one that originated on The Score here in Chicago. Obviously I can’t catch all the radio rumors myself, so I rely on listeners to pass these along. Since these rumors often spread like a game of telephone, consider this one dubious until confirmed.
The rumor hitting my inbox repeatedly: the Cubs could send Sean Marshall and Jacque Jones to the Reds for Ken Griffey Jr. Keep in mind, this one isn’t even confirmed as a legitimate rumor.
Whether or not this rumor has any legitimacy, let’s discuss. In Marshall I see a strong left-handed starter under the team’s control through 2011. He’s improved his repertoire and should be a cog in the Cubs’ rotation for years. In other words, very valuable.
Griffey is in the midst of another resurgence, but is at significant risk of injury at any given moment. There’s a chance playing right field reduces that, but I wouldn’t bank on it. Griffey makes $12.5MM annually through 2008, plus he’ll be owed a $4MM buyout for 2009. When I began writing this I thought Junior’s contract was a lot worse. It’s really not terrible and would be somewhat offset by Jacque Jones. I can see Griffey approving a trade to Chicago, though he could ask for his contract to be guaranteed through ’09.
I can see how one could consider this trade fair. I wouldn’t trade Marshall for the risk of Griffey, but it doesn’t sound absurd. I still don’t see it happening – why would the Cubs take a hit in the rotation to add more offense? The Cubs have a strong rotation and will need Marshall over the next several seasons. It seems more logical for the Cubs to add a reliever.
Meanwhile, CubDumb reports that the Cubs are actively shopping Michael Barrett right now. While this might aid the pitching staff, it would likely weaken the offense.
Gagne’s List
We know Rangers closer Eric Gagne has some kind of no-trade protection in his contract, but further details were unknown. Jon Heyman of SI.com recently clarified a bit.
Apparently Gagne has given the Rangers a list of 12 teams he can be traded to. Heyman says that almost all of those allowable 12 are not in contention or would have no motivation to trade for him. Heyman also believes that the Tigers, Indians, and Phillies are not among the 12 allowable teams. So if one of those wants Gagne, they’ll need his approval and his salary will escalate.
Meanwhile, Bill Madden of the New York Daily News speculates that Lou Piniella might urge Jim Hendry to acquire Gagne to solidify the Cubs’ bullpen.
Rosenthal’s Latest Video
Ken Rosenthal has a new video up at FOXSports.com for your viewing pleasure. My summary:
- As you know, Eric Gagne and Akinori Otsuka are drawing strong interest across baseball. The only team named by Rosenthal is the Yankees, and in a roundabout way. He simply said that the Rangers have been scouting the Yanks.
- Both the Dodgers and Angels would love to add a power-hitting third baseman. The problem is, there’s not much about there. Rosenthal says Troy Glaus, Mike Lowell, and Miguel Cabrera are all currently unavailable. One who might become available and could play third is Miguel Tejada. My own speculation on some possible second-tier trade candidates at third base (some long shots included): Jose Bautista, Mark Reynolds, Chad Tracy, Ty Wigginton, Melvin Mora, and Wilson Betemit.
- Michael Barrett could be on his way out of Chicago, mostly because of his defense. Rosenthal names the Marlins and Rockies as interested parties.
Zambrano Jokes About Cardinals
OK, this is barely newsworthy. But it’s still rumorish and I have gotten a few emails on the topic. Yesterday in the clubhouse, Carlos Zambrano joked that his next catcher would be Yadier Molina.
I think it’s just Z messing around, but it doesn’t take much to stir up Cubs fans. It’s worth considering: could the Cardinals sign Zambrano after the season?
St. Louis doesn’t have much salary coming off the books in just Kip Wells and David Eckstein. And they’ll need a replacement at shortstop if they don’t retain Eckstein. What’s more, several players will see their salaries escalate by a million or so. Some major creativity on Walt Jocketty’s part would be required to keep the 2008 payroll under $100MM.
I can see the Cardinals flirting with Zambrano this winter though. Jocketty often flirts with the top free agent starter. In the past it’s been Mike Hampton, Pedro Martinez, and A.J. Burnett, according to Larry from Viva El Birdos.
Speaking of VEB, Larry had a humorous baseball-related exchange with some lawyers while up for jury-duty. Have a read.
Samardzija Changes Tune
I think it’s cool that Cubs’ minor league hurler Jeff Samardzija keeps a blog. However, it’s a shame that the powers that be apparently don’t want him to speak his mind. Check out Paul Sullivan’s article this morning in the Tribune. Sullivan documents how Samardzija’s original post about being moved to the bullpen has changed.
That is the wonder of the Internet. Published material seems to live on forever. At least Curt Schilling‘s blog isn’t censored…right?
Rosenthal’s Latest
The authority on all trade rumors, Ken Rosenthal has spoken. Let’s review.
- As we have heard before, the Dodgers like Adam Dunn. We’ve also discussed the fact that there’s not a clear place to put him. Whether you go with first base or left field, a veteran must move. The Padres like Dunn as well but talks have yet to occur. The Angels may have liked him in the past but they don’t seem likely at this point. And the Twins? They just won’t break the bank for him unfortunately.
- With Michael Barrett having issues with 40% of the Cubs’ rotation, the Cubs could look to trade him. Even though he’s a top offensive catcher, his impending free agency might prevent any strong return. Plus, the Cubs would have to go with a Henry Blanco/Koyie Hill tandem. A more likely scenario is that the Cubs will let Barrett walk after the season.
- Finally some clarity on Eric Gagne‘s limited no-trade protection. Rosenthal reveals that he can veto trades to 12 teams. The Phillies and Indians are again mentioned as suitors. Rosenthal thinks Mark Teixeira could generate a lot of talk but no action at the trading deadline. Kind of like Alfonso Soriano or A.J. Burnett before him.
- The asking price for Brad Lidge, supposedly: a premium young catcher and promising young pitcher. Lidge will probably earn $8MM next year before hitting free agency. The Astros should be happy with a young catcher or a young pitcher, not both. I’d mention Salty here but I think he is worth much more than Lidge. Rosenthal says the Astros could move another bullpen arm like Wheeler or Qualls to get the bat they need.
- Could the Devil Rays simply retain Al Reyes and Carlos Pena? Both players could be valuable contributors to the 2008 club. I like the idea of keeping Reyes around for next year, but I think Pena has peaked.
- Noah Lowry would get the attention of the Braves or Cardinals, but the Giants are unlikely to move him.
- The Phils are likely to pass on Tomo Ohka despite their need for pitching.
Jacque Jones A Fit For Mets?
Jacque Jones has become something of a punchline for the commenters on this site. Cubs fans, who frequent MLBTR disproportionately, think he is worth something decent. Everyone else does not. Even as a Cubs fan I have to side with everyone else.
Chris De Luca of the Chicago Sun-Times writes today:
"The New York Mets are in the market for outfield help at a time when the Cubs are expected to renew their efforts to trade Jacque Jones."
An update on the Mets’ situation: Shawn Green comes off the DL from a chip fracture in his foot today. Endy Chavez should miss a month with a hamstring strain. Moises Alou had fluid drained from his strained quad on Monday, and said at the time he wasn’t close to playing. Carlos Beltran at least seems recovered from his bruised knee.
Given that Omar Minaya acquired Green last year, it’s not impossible to envision him snagging Jones on the cheap, hoping for a revival. Jones still wouldn’t get regular playing time a few weeks from now if both Green and Alou are healthy, however. Jones makes $4MM this year and $5MM in ’08, and one would assume the Cubs would eat some of that to move him for a warm body. Even a lukewarm body.
To my knowledge, Jim Hendry has only made one trade with Minaya. That was Hendry’s December 2003 acquisition of Jose Macias when Minaya was GM of the Expos. Theo Epstein and Dave Littlefield are Hendry’s favorite trading partners.