Saturday, August 01, 2009

So Much For Not Having Money.

I am hearing from a really reliable source that the Cubs were talking to the Orioles on Friday morning about a potential deal where switch-hitting leadoff man Brian Roberts would be sent to the Cubs along with a minor leaguer.

According to my source the O's were going to pay 20 million of Roberts salary if they could get Jeff Samardzija, highly touted prospect Hak-Ju Lee, power hitter Jake Fox, prospect Alex Maestri and Mike Fontenot.

There was a couple of sticking points for the deal but did not kill that did not kill it. The Cubs did not know if the Shark would be willing to waive his no trade clause and whether the Cubs could afford to take on Roberts contract at 4 years 20 million dollars. As it neared the afternoon the Cubs brass got the O.K. to add the money and Jeff said he would waive his no-trade clause for a chance to start in Baltimore.

All this work was for nothing because when Andy MacPhail presented the deal to Peter Angelos, he vetoed the trade. There was no reason giving by my source why Peter would veto such a trade when he is getting 5 good young ball players, 3 with ML experience and two that could be ready in a year or two. Not to mention that the O's would get our #2 prospect and #10 prospect according to baseballamerica.com.

I honestly think the O's would have gotten a little better of a deal than the Cubs would because the Cubs are giving up quite a bit of talent for Roberts and a minor leaguer but they are in win now mode so I would have approved the trade.

The Cubs would have gotten a good 2nd baseman for the next 4 year at a cheap price. Not only would he provide the Cubs with stolen bases but he is a true leadoff hitter. It's a shame this deal did not go through because I feel this would have put this team over the top.

The Orioles would have gotten a guy that could immediately step into the rotation in Shark and at 2nd base in Fontenot. Not only that they would get a really good power bat in Jake Fox. He could play some outfield, 3rd, and 1st but would primarily be their DH. The O's then would receive a really good defensive shortstop with an good bat but is a couple of years away in Lee and Alex Maestri could step in as a top notch reliever next season. What a young good team the O's would have for years to come!

It is really crazy how now we hear trades that were purposed but did not happen. In the past we heard Nate McLouth for Felix Pie straight up, the Cubs turned that one down a couple of years ago. Mark Prior, Felix Pie, and prospect for Miguel Tejeda and Erik Bedard, the Cubs also turn down that one years ago as well. But this one is hardly the Cubs fault. I guess we can hope for this to be revisited maybe through waivers? Not likely.

Friday, July 31, 2009

Waiver Rules. Update!

UPDATE @ 4:45pm- According to Bruce Levine and other sources the Cubs will look to add a top notch defensive outfielder via waivers (rules listed below). I am also hearing that the Cubs may put Aaron Miles, Milton Bradley, Mike Fontenot, Jeff Baker, Aaron Heilman, and others on waivers to gauge interest by other clubs and maybe to just pass off the remaining balance on their contracts to the acquiring team. especially Aaron Miles who has yet to contribute anything worth mentioning this year.

Thanks to Yahoo! Answers for this information on Waiver Rules-

The only players that can be traded are those on waivers..here is how waivers work in the MLB.

Any player under contract may be placed on waivers at any time. If a player is waived, any team may claim him. If more than one team claims the player from waivers, the team with the weakest record in the player's league gets preference. If no team in the player's league claims him, the claiming team with the weakest record in the other league gets preference. In the first month of the season, preference is determined using the previous year's standings.

If a team claims a player off waivers and has the viable claim as described above, his current team (the "waiving team") may choose one of the following options:

1. Arrange a trade with the claiming team for that player within two business days of the claim.

2. Rescind the request and keep the player on its major league roster, effectively canceling the waiver.

3. Do nothing and allow the claiming team to (1) assume the player's existing contract, (2) pay the waiving team a waiver fee, and (3) place the player on its active major league roster.

If a player is claimed and the waiving team exercises its rescission option, the waiving team may not use the option again for that player in that season. If no team claims a player from waivers in three business days, the player has cleared waivers and may be assigned to a minor league team, traded, or released outright.

The waiver "wire" is a secret within the personnel of the Major League Baseball clubs; no announcement of a waiver is made until a transaction actually occurs. Many players are often quietly waived during the August "waiver-required" trading period to gauge trade interest in a particular player. Usually, when the player is claimed, the waiving team will rescind the waiver to avoid losing the player unless a trade can be worked out with the claiming team.

So you see that the august waiver trade period is the only way guys get traded after the deadline because its a different type of trade.

Thanks to the Sandman!

Busy Day for All Clubs Except Cubs.

Today was a busy day for a lot of teams in baseball but not the Cubs. Lets take a quick look at the other deals today.

Jake Peavy sent to the White Sox for minor leaguers. Peavy approved the deal this time.

Marlins got Nick Johnson.

Reds got Scott Rolen for Edwin E.

Yanks got Jerry Hariston Jr.

Braves got Adam LaRoche for Casey Kotchman. Interesting trade.

Twins got O-Cab.

Red Sox got Victor Martinez.

Tigers got Jarrod Washburn.

A lot of trades today not including the Cubs. I am glad that the Cubs did not try to trade for an injured Peavy and his large contract. That would have been a bad idea. I am also glad the Cubs did not make a non-sense trade like they did for Craig Monroe, Jody Geurt, and Matt Lawton in years past.

One thing that does surprise me is that the Cubs did not try to acquire an everyday 2nd baseman. Frankly, a Mike Fontenot and Jeff Baker platoon at 2nd does not spell out World Series Champions or even making it to the playoffs. There was plenty of players that were rumored to be available such as Mark Teahen, Willie Bloomquist, or Brandon Phillips. The Cubs simply decided to pass on all options for 2nd base which is a shame. Also the fact the Cubs had the farm system to get such players is upsetting.

My only hope now is that either Fontenot or Baker pick it up, or that they start Andres Blanco at 2nd because he at least has a great glove and a switch hitter, or they get someone through waivers in which the 3 I listed above will likely be claimed before the Cubs can get them or will not be put on waivers at all.

I do think Hendry dropped the ball on this, the Cubs needed an everyday 2nd baseman.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Trade Reflection.

With the Cubs adding Tom Gorzelanny (who is heading to AAA for the time being) and John Grabow and the Cubs trading Jose Ascanio, Kevin Hart, and Josh Harrison to the Bucs. It is now time to see how Hendry did on this trade.

Kevin Hart and Jose Ascanio are both really good arms and both throw hard and have command issues. Josh Harrison is a decent 3rd baseman but is a couple of years away from the big leagues. The Pirates like adding pitchers to rebuild their team and these two are really good building blocks.

The Cubs get a solid lefty for their back of the pen to help out with Marshall. Posting a 3.42 ERA in 45 games with 41 K's and 28 walks. I really like those numbers on a bad team like the Pirates. Tom Gorzelanny who was suppose to be a potential number 2 pitcher for the Pirates scuffled the past two years will look to repeat his 2007 numbers when he went 14-10 with a 3.88 ERA in 200 IP for the Cubs. In AAA this season he is pitching real well going 4-3 with a 2.48 ERA in 15 starts. He will likely be called up Tuesday to start.

In the end this looks like a pretty even trade with the Pirates getting two young hard throwers and the Cubs receiving two good lefties. A Win-Win in my book.

Cubs Get Two Gs!

UPDATE 4:55 pm- ESPN Chicago says the Cubs sent pitchers Kevin Hart and Jose Ascanio to Pittsburgh for Grabow and Gorzelanny. Cubs.com confirms this adding the Pirates got third baseman Josh Harrison. Seems like a fair trade.

We heard earlier today that the Cubs were in serious discussions with the Pirates about Tom Gorzelanny and John Grabow. Now Kovacevic is saying the is almost done. Chris De Luca says the Cubs are close ot getting just Grabow and ESPNChicago's Jon Greenberg agrees that they are in the final stages of getting Grabow. Jon Heyman says a deal for both are very close.

From my source it is said that the Cubs are on the verge of getting both Grabow and Gorzelanny. It is not know what the Pirates will recieve in return by my source says "don't be shocked" if it includes Kevin Hart or a middle infielder. He says the club will use Gorzelanny as a starter and take the place of Hart in the rotation.

I am also hearing word on from another source that the Cubs plan on flipping Tom Gorzelanny to another team for a "versatile player with a good bat." We touched on an "Unfounded Rumor" earlier that involves both Grabow and Tom, could this be the same rumor? Is Teahen coming? I will update you as I hear or see it.

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- Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times said earlier today that the Cubs are looking to add a platoon partner for Milton Bradley in RF. He names off Jermey Hermida and Mark Teahen (both good options). After this rumor was published ESPN's Jayson Stark and Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald says the Cubs are only looking for a left handed reliever, not a bat.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Cubs Lose Johnson, looking to deal?

The Cubs received bad news on a good day today. The Cubs learned that Reed Johnson will miss at least a month with a broken foot after injuring in today's 12-0 victory. With Johnson out for at least a month the Cubs may make a deal before the deadline for an fourth outfielder. The Cubs had interest in Ryan Spilborghs earlier this year so that may call the Rockies about him. Some other players the Cubs should consider is Cody Ross, Juan Pierre, Reggie Willits, David DeJesus, or Willie Bloomquist. They also could consider adding a guy who can play the corners and move Bradley to play some CF. Guys like Jeremy Hermida, Luke Scott, and yes, Mark Teahen would also be good options. The Cubs could also go the cheap route and call up Sam Fuld.

I think all of these guys would be a good option for the Cubs. I think they should target Willie Bloomquist or Mark Teahen, if not both!

Unfounded Rumors- Jeff Clement to Cubs? Cubs Involved in Three Way? UPDATES!!!

Update 7-29-09 @ 3:15- It looks like Sanchez maybe heading to the Giants. Kovacevic says there could be a deal in place depending on what the Giant find out about his knee. This effects the Cubs because the Giants are the only other team that is serious about Teahen. If the Giants get Sanchez then that would end their Teahen pursuit.

UPDATE 7-29-09 @ 3:00 pm- Jeff Clement was traded just not to the Cubs but to the Pirates. The Mariners acquire Wilson and Ian Snell for Clement, Ronny Cedeno, Aaron Pribanic, Brett Lorin and Nathan Adcock.

Interesting deal for the M's and Pirates.

I have talked to my source about the potential 3 way deal that involves the Pirates, Cubs, and Royals. She says it seems possible and have heard the Cubs are "working hard" to get both Teahen and Grabow but says "nothing is finalized as of now." More to come as this develops.

There has been some major "unfounded rumors" bouncing around this morning that are very interesting. Lets take a look-

- Reported early this morning by Ryan Divish of The News Tribune catcher Jeff Clement was removed from the Tacoma Rainers lineup last night that was not injury related. The Cubs have not been linked to Jeff Clement yet this season but his services may be needed considering how many games Koyie Hill has catch recently. Clement a Midwest native, might be insurance in case Soto is not progressing or has a set back. Clement has bounced between AAA and the Bigs but has done a pretty decent job with the glove because he has a career .995 fielding percentage in the Majors.

- Are the Cubs, Royals, and the Pirates working on a three way deal? I am hearing that the deal would include the Cubs getting John Grabow and Mark Teahen while the Royals would receive Tom Gorzelanny and a PTBNL from the Cubs. The Pirates then would get 4 prospects/minor league guys that could include guys like Welington Castillo, Hak-Ju Lee, Jake Fox, or even Ryan Flaherty. We have heard that the Cubs had interest in Gorzelanny in the past week so could they have just been interested in him as a trading chip? We have also heard here at HSC that the Cubs have been in constant contact with the Pirates and that they like Mark Teahen, coincidence? Maybe not!

This are rumors I have heard talked about on the radio as well as on the message boards. I can neither confirm or deny this reports but will research them and either dismiss or confirm them as I come across information. Although I do hear and see a lot of rumors daily, I only give you the most "likely to happen rumors" under the "Unfounded Rumors" title and back it up with past rumors and links.

I will update you as soon as I know if the rumor lives or dies.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Pretty Boring Day...

The calm before the storm, we will see.

- Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times says the Jimbo wants to make a deal but it will not be a blockbuster.

- Thanks to MLBTR for this-

East Windup Chronicle passes on a report saying the Cubs signed their third Taiwanese player of the year, Wang Tsu-an. The Cubs awarded the righty a bonus over $300k.

- Justin Berg was optioned to AAA to make room for Dempster on the roster. Berg did not pitch one inning in a Cubs uniform.

- B.J. Ryan pitched one inning in AAA tonight and had one BB, no hits, and no runs.

That is it for now Cub fans!

Cubs Rumor Rollercoaster...

- John Perrotto says the Cubs have stepped up their efforts to get John Grabow but may not have the prospects the Pirates want. I find that hard to believe.

- Paul Sullivan talked to Soriano who said the Cubs do not need to make any major traded. After looking at the game last night they need an upgrade at 2nd base. I would also add one lefty reliever and maybe a starter if we do not have to pay a ransom for one. Here are my guys: Mark Teahen for 2nd base, George Sherrill for lefty reliever, and Doug Davis as starter.

- The Cubs are in regular contact with the Pirates according to sources.

- Two new names on the Cubs radar is Scott Downs and Mark Kotsay. I really like Downs!

- The Cubs should inquire on Ben Zobrist who has been hitting the snot out of the ball.

More to come on a busy week!

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Bruce Levine Update....

Bruce Levine has the latest from the Hot Stove.

- The Cubs need to add a lefty reliever and he says they like John Grabow the best with George Sherrill, Joe Beimel and Athur Rhondes also on their radar. I like Sherrill out of those four but Grabow has really good numbers this season.

- He also says Lou would like a versatile player like Mark Teahen (a personal favorite of mine). The Cubs did try to add Teahen earlier this winter but KC pulled him off the table. With them now out of contention the Cubs could get him for a top prospect. I suggest a guy like Ryan Flaherty, Jay Jackson, or Alessandro Maestri straight up for Teahen. They could also send Fontenot and a lesser prospect and probably get Teahen.

- Doug Davis, Jon Garland,and Tom Gorzelanny are on the short list of pitchers that Jim Hendry is looking at before the deadline. I would love Doug Davis out of the 3. With a 3.76 ERA and 100 Ks his record could be better than 5-10. Not to keen on the other two unless we can get them for really cheap.

- Scouts from Oakland, Milwaukee, Detroit, the White Sox, Baltimore and Toronto were in attendance to watch the Cubs and Reds this weekend. Interesting group although I can see the Sox and Jays maybe scouting the Reds rather than the Cubs.

I am hearing from multiple sources that the Cubs will be "very busy" at the deadline adding and subtracting players. Guys like Aaron Miles are just dead weight and will likely be sent packing.

Cubs Like Zach Duke!

The Cubs are now talking to the Pirates about Zach Duke to replace Ted Lilly in the rotation. Yahoo Sports Gordon Edes confirms what Bruce Levine said today about the Cubs wanting Duke. We have already heard that the Cubs like Tom Gorzelanny, Jack Wilson, Grabow, and Freddy Sanchez but the Duke seems very legit. It is even said that the Cubs have 4 prospects on the table for Duke and Peter Gammons says it will take a lot of prospects to get the talented young lefty.

Duke is 9-9 with a 3.42 ERA, 74 Ks, and 34 walks. Not to mention he is still under team control. I would love to get him!