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Ward to Return....Floyd and Trachsel Declined, A 40-Man Addition plus News and Rumors from Around the League
Updated - 9:21am C.T. with Additions to the Rumor Mill
The Cubs and Daryle Ward exercised their mutual option for $1.2 million dollars for the 2008 season. Ward proved to be a valuable weapon off of Lou Piniella's bench last season. The Cubs also declined the $5 million dollar option on Cliff Floyd and the $4.75 million dollar option on Steve Trachsel making both players free agents.
The Cubs added Adam Harben to the 40-man roster on Saturday. Harbin spent most of the 2007 season on the DL with a right elbow injury. Harbin came to the Cubs in the Phil Nevin trade during the 2006 season....
Paul Sullivan mentioned Hiroki Kuroda again on Saturday and stated there is a "50-50 chance" of Kuroda deciding to opt out of his current contract with Hiroshima and play next season in the Major Leagues. Sullivan said if Kuroda makes the jump, the Cubs and the Mariners will be the two teams most interested.
Sullivan went on to say the Cubs payroll is around $105 million for 2008 and that should leave enough money for the Cubs to resign Kerry Wood, another starting pitcher and "a regular right fielder."
From Around the League....
The Pirates appear to have a new manager. XM Radio and ESPN.com are reporting the Pirates will name John Russell their new manager on Monday. Russell managed the Phillies Triple-A team last season and was the Pirates third base coach for three seasons before moving to the Phillies organization.
The Astros are going to make "a strong run at Luis Castillo" according to Ken Rosenthal.
Finally....according to a report in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Cardinals have targeted Curt Schilling as a "potential short-term solution for their tattered rotation." Schilling is rumored to be seeking a 1-year deal.
Updated - Fukudome, Kuroda, Silva and Drew?
Bruce Miles stated on Sunday morning the Cubs do have interest in Kosuke Fukudome and Hiroki Kuroda. According to Miles the Cubs "discussed the possible signings" of both Japanese players but neither one of the players have declared free agency. Miles suggests it might be "easier" to sign Fukudome because "the fierce competition for pitching"....stay tuned and where is The Vapors old 45 when you need it?
The Boston Globe suggested the Cubs could be interested in trading for J.D. Drew.
Carlos Silva has the same agent as Carlos Zambrano, Barry Praver, and could be on the Cubs radar? Phil Rogers had a blurb about Silva on Saturday and the Minneapolis Star-Tribune mentioned the fact the Cubs expressed interest in Silva at the trading deadline last season. There is a connection between the two Carlos (Zambrano and Silva), but would there be a fit for Silva with the Cubs? Silva likely will be looking for a big pay day, $8-$10 million a year according to the Star-Tribune, but will not cost his new team a draft choice in compensation because of his poor performance last season, 13-14 with a 4.19 ERA.
Trips to the Northside
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Oh please, not Drew!
I remember Drew saying that he would never play for the Cubs when he was on his way out of St. Louis.
I was one of the biggest advocates for signing Drew and Lugo last year.....I totally ate my words on that one. Lugo was horrendous last year, but when you consider his contract---wasn't all that terrible for his position. As for Drew, he was abysmal for his position, and on par with Jones' production. He's been a cancer every since he was drafted, and he's not loyal to any team he's ever played for---mostly because of his idiot agent. I admit I was sorely mistaken with wanting him last year.
I also hope that we don't touch Khalil Greene either in a trade, which is what the rumor was during the deadline for Pie, and now it seems to be picking up steam yet again. Khalil is NOT the right option for us. We'd be better off giving Cedeno a true shot than giving up our future CF for a weak hitting SS that we already have had plenty of in our recent history.
I hope the reports are correct that we're going after Fukodome and Kuroda. That would put us over the top in my opinion. I also think that if we drop Prior, we should take a flier on Colon.
I am not crazy about Drew either... Why not make a push for Schilling to come to Chicago... Back in the NL, his ERA is sure to drop to the 3.3-3.4 range, which would be great.. Z, Lilly Schilling, Hill - 1,2,3,4 would be really good....
Plus, he would not need a long term commitment -- $12-14 million for 1 year... that would be sweet..
Aaron:
I agree with you 99% of the time but:
I admit, I wanted Drew last year and if available and if Boston took on most his salary, I would take him now. He flourished in the NL and I would like the RF situation settled. The Cubs actually were looking at Lugo to be a CF last year, I wasn't thrilled about that. As for Khalil Greene, I would take him for the right price. That guy is a highlight reel on defense and he has some pop.
Please no Drew or Khalil.
I like the idea of Fukodome though.
I'm also glad we kept Ward. He did a fine job last year for what he was needed for.
NO DREW!!!
Since I could'nt decide If Khalil Greene was a good fit, I did a research...Would any of you like Sammy Sosa back instead??? Well Khalil Greene had a carreer year last year with 27hr with a .254 avg 128so and a anorexic OBP of 291. Sosa hit 21hr with a .252avg, struck out 112 with an OBP of 311
This one is easy...If Sammy is a better player...stay away or go for Sammy himself. [I know better]
Miguel Tejada??? anyone?
What's with all of the Dusty Baker wanna be's? What's wrong with Theriot at short (and lead off) and Murton in right in the six hole? Then we have money left over for a decent starter or even better a closer.
We signed DeRosa last year for 2nd base. Make him a super sub and let Fontenot get his at bats. Forget these Japanese imports. If you want Fukodome, make sure he is at a price lower than Marquis. Anything above is a waste of money for a soon to be 33 year old pitcher.
Ya, I mixed up Fukodome and Kuroda.