Lou Piniella's crew has only three games left in the desert before leaving for Las Vegas on Thursday afternoon. The Cubs' skipper announced his starting rotation on Monday and he still has a couple of spots on the bench and a possible vacancy in the bullpen up for grabs. But could there be a new name in the mix?
According to several reports out of Chicago and from Ken Rosenthal, the answer is yes. The Cubs appear to be very interested in signing former Blue Jay, Reed Johnson. So while one former bird might be wearing blue pinstripes soon, the long-rumored trade for another could be on hold. Here is the latest from the mill and news from Arizona, including Scott Eyre headed to the DL?
From the Mill
Jim Hendry was extremely candid in a report on Cubs.com and accepted responsibility for his team not having a back up in centerfield. The following quote speaks volumes:
"I think you have to put that on me, before Opening Day, because I made the decision not to do that in the winter to see what we have and what trade options we have, and that there'd be bigger deals and evaluate it, and now it's time for me to deliver to be honest."
Bigger deals? Is Hendry referring to the Brian Roberts trade that could have included Jay Payton?
The report on Cubs.com indicated the Cubs have "looked at Marlon Byrd" but are "believed to be leaning more toward Reed Johnson." Yes, Byrd would be an option, but the Rangers want entirely too much for him (last rumor was Matt Murton and a top pitching prospect) and Johnson would be a risk, but one that costs nothing....but money.
The Cubs are apparently extremely interested in Reed Johnson. Ken Rosenthal stated his sources have indicated the Cubs "are showing the heaviest interest" in Johnson. The Red Sox, Rays and Rangers are the other teams Rosenthal mentioned and Buck Martinez said Johnson would fit a need for the New York Mets during his show on Monday morning.
Paul Sullivan was on Sports Central on Monday night and he casually said the Cubs "will probably sign Reed Johnson." A late report in the Tribune, by Mr. Sullivan, on Monday night indicated "the Cubs are expected to offer a contract to Reed Johnson." Sullivan also added Jim Hendry is still trying to trade for Brian Roberts, but it would not likely be soon.
Speaking of Brian Roberts.... Ken Rosenthal reported on Monday night that "barring an 11th-hour reversal, the Cubs will not trade for Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts before Opening Day, according to Major League sources."
Rosenthal reported the Cubs and the Orioles "have been unable to reach an agreement on the players that the Orioles would receive in return." Rosenthal added "the two sides are at an impasse."
News from Arizona
According to a report on the Chicago Tribune late Monday night, Scott Eyre will start the season on the DL. The report indicated Eyre was scheduled to meet with Stephen Gryzlo, the team orthopedist.
According to a report in the Chicago Tribune, Eric Patterson will likely not be on the Cubs 25-man roster when camp breaks later this week. The Cubs bench will be Daryle Ward and Henry Blanco and the Tribune thinks Matt Murton will also make the club in a reserve role....that leaves two spots.
Paul Sullivan indicated the Cubs would add another outfield, "probably Reed Johnson," which would leave one spot for either Alex Cintron or Mike Fontenot or Ronny Cedeno. Unless Cedeno is traded, he is on the team.
As for Carmen Pignatiello, he still might be the odd man out....even with the injury to Scott Eyre. The Cubs like Sean Marshall's experience and the Tribune stated he is "the front-runner to take Scott Eyre's spot" in the pen.
According to a report in the Daily Herald, the Cubs Opening Day lineup will be:
- Ryan Theriot - SS
- Alfonso Soriano - LF
- Derrek Lee - 1B
- Aramis Ramirez - 3B
- Kosuke Fukudome - RF
- Mark DeRosa - 2B
- Geovany Soto - C
- Felix Pie - CF
- Carlos Zambrano - P
Cubs Fever - Catch It!
I wouldn't mind the signing of Reed Johnson, a career .281 hitter. He had a really good year in '06, batting .319, with a .390 OBP. Reports say he also has a pretty decent arm.
Plus he will come a lot cheapter than Crisp or Byrd.
Marshall makes me nervous in the bullpen. So does Leiber.
And Dempster makes me nervous in the rotation. So does Marquis.
On a positive note, I love to see Felix Pie run the bases. If he can knock a ball in the gap he can really make things happen.
Tinkering for diamonds and/or Crubies. I'm OK with Reed Johnson who has the stuff to be a ruby (highly valued but less so than a diamond. In the Cubs blue, he becomes a Cruby.
The Giants lost IF Frandsen for the year yesterday. Vizquel is out for a time too and is older than dirt. SF is hurting for infielders. There has to be a doable deal sending Cedeno and Hoffpauir + that helps both teams. I would add Donaldson and Petrick or Veal and pick up Correia, rsp, young lefty reliever Jonathan Sanchez, 19 year old rsp, Tim Alderson and 20 year old of, Fairley. Alderson is the Giants #2 prospect and Fairley #8.
Alderson is a diamond in the rough, a future top of the rotation guy , but the Giants already have Cane and Lincecum. It would be even better if the deal included Lincecum--but that's more than tinkering. Sanchez is Marmol-like but needs improvement. He would give us that second Puerto Rican that I'm hoping to find for Agustin. (Another barrier broken, Agustin.) Correia (28) can bring it (101 ip, 94 h, 40 w and 80 so last year). He could certainly replace Marquis or Dempster in the rotation if (when) necessary. Now that you are committed to action again, JH, do something with the Giants!
First of all I would like to apologize for my continued support, enthusiasm and foretelling of the imminent BR deal. I am disgusted at the Orioles business practices w/regard to what they want for a very good 2d baseman. I do not care what anyone says, behind the scenes I am sure BR is livid/disappointed/pissed....... As long as he stays there he will be nothing more than a great ballplayer on a very bad team.
Now, I want to say that I love our current lineup as is, to START the season. However, referencing JimK above, let's deal with the Giants for another QSP!! We are not among the NLs strongest rotation as it stands, to win the NL. I would work hard to get Lincecum with Marquis as the main piece. They will want more so the idea and availability of Cedeno would appear to work for the Inf depleted Giants.
Lastly....... I am so AMPd UP for the first pitch!! We have the best team, all 'round, than we have in years!!! With the exception of quality LH bats, I am OFF THE CHARTS excited!!!!
GO CUBBIES!!!!!
Hey all!!! Lets play some ball. I would love to see the cubs get one more qsp and as much as i would like to see them get brob i do like the team as is. But dont get me wrong brob would still so help this team score runs. First pitch is oh so close. GO CUBBIES!!!!!!!!!
I would never wish an injury or pain on anybody (my disclaimer)... BUT... I just read that BR is out with some sort of back injury (probably nothing) but I would laugh all season long if Angelos/McFail would lose out on getting any quality in return because of an injury to BR. AGAIN... not wishing anything bad upon BR... I just really despise the business practice of the O's management/ownership and I think they should get a taste of their own medicine. It reminds me of what I have read about Scott Boras and how he negotiates with teams to get maximize contracts.
Bruce Levine is reporting we are signing Reed Johnson for 1 year at 1 mil. I haven't seen anything anywhere but I plan on keep looking.
Lets Go Cubbies!! Next year is year and its time the Cubbies make a run. Reed Johnson would be a great signing and a great fit for the team. Lou Pinella's the man.
Lets Go Cubbies!!
Jim
LOL Barry! Don't even mention that to our podcast artists Shaun and Brian...cause they already are very,very and I mean very excited!!
BTW-maybe BR is making that injury up just to help accelerate the process..who knows?