Many have speculated since the Cubs re-signed Ryan Dempster that they are no longer interested in trading for Jake Peavy. Reports have varied over the last 24 hours, obviously depending on the source. Several on XM Radio think the Cubs could still land Peavy and the others feel he will either end up a Brave or in the Bronx.
A report on Wednesday morning from Carrie Muskat stated "the Cubs and Padres are still talking about a possible deal for pitcher Jake Peavy" and mentioned the Cubs interest in Rafael Furcal. Then a report less than two hours later from Carrie Muskat stated "a Cubs source told MLB.com on Wednesday that those talks have ended."
According to a report from the San Diego Union-Tribune late Wednesday night, Kevin Towers said, "We're still talking to the Cubs. They may have to redo some things." Tim Brown reported on Yahoo Sports that the Cubs are still in pursuit of Jake Peavy.
So are the Cubs still interested in Jake Peavy?
The report from the San Diego Union-Tribune reiterated the fact the Cubs would have to involve a third team. Kevin Towers indicated, "talks with the Braves have not resumed and that he hasn't heard from the Angels."
Another quote from the San Diego Union-Tribune:
"Among some of this ballplayer friends, Padres ace Jake Peavy has created the impression that if he is traded, he would like to pitch for the Cubs."
Stay tuned...
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well let's hope that the trade talks are still on what a dream rotation that would be Ill be happy with the riot at short stop and mighty mike at second and deRo in right to start the season
Go Cubbies
I have a feeling they are still on....and I have a feeling that it will be quite the Blockbuster with a large contract going from the Cubs to the third team to make room for Peavy. The Cubs would get prospects/young players from the third team and combine them with the rumored players from the Cubs to send to the Padres.
I'd be just as happy going for Randy Johsnon if this fails. WOuld essentially buy a year and hopefully the Shark can go to the rotation next year.
I seriously wonder if Hendry has some other card up his sleeve...think something we all don't expect.
I believe comments related to Marquis during the season from Piniella (and his poor performance), comments from both Hendry and Piniella about Fukudome, and Soriano, and assertions made that Lee was approached about waiving his no-trade clause---have some merit in our off-season planning.
In particular, Soriano's crappy excuse and attitude after the season might have made Hendry think of Sosa, and might lead to him being dealt.
Here's what I think...The Mets are rumored to be interested in a big righty bat, and outside of Manny (which isn't happening for them), there appears to only be trade candidates for them, and Sosa...I mean, Soriano, would fit perfectly with them. I doubt Hendry would do this for anyone other than Beltran, which probably isn't happening, but it's still a thought, isn't it?
As for Lee, with his diminishing production, and Hoffpauir's ascent, I believe he might be dealt to a team like the Red Sox, or maybe even the Yankees (if they lose out on Teixeira). The Yankees got rid of Giambi in favor of Swisher, who is a lot like DeRosa, and plays a bunch of positions. As for the Red Sox, after getting rid of Manny, and injury concerns with Lowell, they'll be looking for a proven bat (preferably righty) to back-up Ortiz, and with Lee's above average OBP, they might take a look at him. I doubt we could get Lars Andersen, but I sure would try, and maybe include an arm or two to get that done.
As for Marquis, I believe he'd fit well in a spacious park like PetCo, or with a less demanding team like the Rockies (for crying out loud, the Rockies keep taking fliers on Josh Fogg and Kip Wells. Why wouldn't they want Marquis, especially if we ate 3-4 million of his contract?)
It is my prediction that Fukudome might be traded to the Royals, along with us picking up a year of his contract, and Pie or Cedeno, for David DeJesus. Call it a hunch, but Trey Hillman managed over in Japan, and knows their hitters well, and might be the best guy to get Fukudome turned around. I believe this is the reason he was mentioned the other day in the same report that we were after Teahen or DeJesus.
All of these trades are fairly likely (save for the Soriano one), and would essentially save us close to $20 million, which would allow us to get Furcal and Dunn. Obviously, if you trade Lee, you need a big, proven bat to fill the void.
I also think that unless the Padres back down from their demands, Hendry will look to Randy Johnson, and use the prospects to either trade for a big, power bat (your guess is as good as mine), or to finally land Brian Roberts. If MacFailed asks for more than 3 good prospects (Marshall, Pie, or Veal) for Roberts, then I'd tell him to eat my ass if I were Hendry, and just move on immediately to signing Furcal.
In that case, you'd move Theriot to 2B, and platoon DeRosa with Fukudome in RF, and go with Johnson and Pie in CF (all this is assuming we don't make any trades).
Aaron, the Fukudome trade to the Royals is interesting, weren't they also one of the teams going after him last year?
Aaron must have some kind of man crush on Adam Dunn.
Mark my words, if the Cubs get Dunn, and he plays anything but 1st base, they will not make the playoffs. The Cubs won at least 2 games a year against the Reds because of his horrible defense extending an inning. Imagine having that great defense for 162 games.
Pinella hates bad defense, which is the same reason he won't play Hoffpauir in the outfield
The Cubs team with or without Dunn has a great chance of making it to the playoffs. It's not like Dunn doesn't know how to catch a fly ball. I am not saying that we should get Dunn. I am just saying that it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
If Adam Dunn's defense is the only reason the Cubs beat the Reds, then the Cubs don't have any hope at all of winning a World Series next year.
C'mon, the Reds need a lot more than better defense from the right field position.
Actually, I'm not so sure he can catch a fly ball. When I saw a ball hit to left field against the Reds, I never assumed an out.
I never said his defense was the sole reason the Cubs won. I said that his defense extended the inning for the Cubs.
As the Cubs showed in Game 2 against the Dodgers (and the Bartman game for that matter), you can't give a good team extra outs in the playoffs.
Paul...I agree with your comments revolving Dunn.
Hoffpauer needs to play, and Lou and his coaching brainstrust needs to start actually working with Hoffpauer to improve his defensive skills. But the guy can downright hit, and he's in our own system.