In recent weeks the name of Mark Teahen has become more and more prevalent in the Cubs' rumor mill. The Cubs have publicly stated their desire to add speed and athleticism to a lineup that their manager says is too right-handed. The Cubs appear interested in Mark Teahen, but at what cost?
Phil Rogers mentioned in his MLB Whispers column on Saturday that, "Kansas City is focused on Sean Marshall and Mike Fontenot in talks with the Cubs about Mark Teahen" And on Sunday night Rogers' report was used as the source of a report on Cubs.com that indicated the Marshall and Fontenot could be a part of the Teahen talks.
Bruce Levine reported on Saturday that Mark Teahen could cost the Cubs a relief pitcher or a young position player down on the farm. Teahen is not the big left-handed bat the Cubs are looking for but would be more of an extra part....and in turn could help the Cubs become a little more athletic and would definitely give Lou Piniella more flexibility.
Multiple reports late last week stated the Cubs interest in Mark Teahen was minimal (at best) at this point and one report indicated if Jim Hendry was to trade for Teahen, they were not able to make the other options happen they are exploring.
When the Royals acquired Coco Crisp from the Red Sox last week, the value for Mark Teahen dropped. With David DeJesus, Jose Guillen and Coco Crisp in the outfield along with the recently acquired Mike Jacobs in the mix, Teahen's playing time should be reduced next season. The Kansas City Star mentioned the Royals could be interested in Felix Pie, Mike Fontenot or Ronny Cedeno (the report in the Star made it seem like it could be one of the three players, not multiple players going from the Cubs to the Royals for Teahen)....and with Coco Crisp now on the roster, Felix Pie would not fit the Royals' needs, but Ronny Cedeno, a player out of options, could and a Teahen for Cedeno deal is more realistic.
With no disrespect meant to Mr. Rogers, his report that the Royals are focused on Sean Marshall and Mike Fontenot for Mark Teahen appears to have as many holes as his report in late October that told his readers to not be "surprised if Jim Hendry tries to put together a package that would include a swap of first basemen, Derrek Lee and Adrian Gonzalez, who is supposedly untouchable."
Mark Teahen could possibly help the Cubs next season but to trade away the likes of Sean Marshall, a pitcher that can either start or come out of the pen, and Mike Fontenot, the Cubs most reliable pinch hitter last season, again seems more than a little far fetched.
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