Monday marks the beginning of what could be a very busy two-week stretch for the Chicago Cubs. First up are two important deadlines. Monday is the last day teams can offer salary arbitration to their own free agents in order to be eligible for draft pick compensation. The Cubs are expected to offer Kerry Wood, a Type-A free agent, arbitration. Bobby Howry, the Cubs other Type-A free agent, is not expected to receive an arbitration offer....teams have until midnight eastern (11:00pm C.T.) to make the announcement. The Cubs are not planning on offering arbitration to Jim Edmonds or Daryle Ward....the Cubs would not receive compensation for Edmonds or Ward because both are unranked and neither one appears to be in the Cubs' plans for next season. Players have until midnight eastern (11:00pm C.T.) on December 7th to accept arbitration from their former team.
The Cubs have six arbitration eligible players they must make offers to by December 12th. Those players with three to six years of Major League service time includes Reed Johnson, Chad Gaudin, Michael Wuertz, Kevin Gregg, Ronny Cedeno and Neal Cotts.
Monday is also the last day potential buyers can submit bids to purchase the Chicago Cubs. Reportedly Jim Hendry has been waiting for the December 1st deadline in order to receive a better idea from the future ownership on how much money he can spend on next year's team....but most notably, if he has enough room in the budget to make the deal with the Padres for Jake Peavy.
While teams prepare for the Winter Meetings that begin in Las Vegas in a week, here is the latest news and rumors from the North Side....
Jake Peavy, Felix Pie and The Baltimore Orioles
Jeff Zrebiec, the reporter from the Baltimore Sun that broke the news on Saturday night that the Orioles appear to be the third team involved in the Jake Peavy deal, joined Lee Hamilton on MLB Live Weekend (XM Radio) on Sunday afternoon. Hamilton asked Zrebiec about the latest on the rumored trade that would send Jake Peavy to the Cubs. Hamilton asked Zrebiec if he was surprised the Orioles could be involved in the trade with the Cubs and Padres. He responded with a quick 'no' and added the Orioles must get creative in order to improve the team.
The Padres have liked Garrett Olson for a while according to Zrebiec and the Southern California kid would fit in well in the very spacious PETCO Park pitching in another division outside of the AL East. Zrebiec said the Orioles, on the other hand, have been interested in Felix Pie for a long time. The Orioles executives, especially Andy MacPhail, are very familiar with him and the entire Cubs system.
Hamilton told Zrebiec he was hearing that the deal would be Felix Pie and another player to the Orioles from the Cubs for Garrett Olson and then the Cubs would package Olson along with Ronny Cedeno and Sean Marshall (and possibly Mitch Atkins) to the Padres for Jake Peavy. Zrebiec said the Orioles need a shortstop so there could be some interest in Kahlil Greene or Ronny Cedeno on their end...but he said he was told the Cubs would be sending only Pie to the Orioles for Olson...and not two players. He added that if the deal with the Padres for Jake Peavy was to fall through on the Cubs end, then Pie would not be sent to the Orioles for Olson.
Zrebiec was also told that a lot depends on the sale of the Cubs and the new ownership.
Brian Roberts was discussed briefly and Zrebiec mentioned the fact the Cubs have been pursuing the Orioles leadoff man for the past two years. He said he did not see how the Cubs could afford Brian Roberts if they make the deal for Jake Peavy.
Zrebiec revealed toward the end of the segment that Peter Angelos seems to be out of the loop lately.
According to a report from the Tribune, a three-way deal between the Cubs, Padres and Orioles "is not close to happening." The report indicated the deal "probably would come at the Winter Meetings, especially if Brian Roberts is involved." Baltimore has offered Roberts a multiyear contract extension and have "given him a soft deadline of early December to accept it."
Kerry Wood
As mentioned the Cubs are expected to offer arbitration to Kerry Wood on Monday. If Wood signs with another team they would receive two draft picks as compensation for losing Wood. Wood however could accept arbitration and potentially return to the Cubs on a one-year deal.
Ken Rosenthal reported that Wood could end up accepting a one-year deal from the Cubs because "the trade and free agent markets are flooded with closers, and Wood is not certain to receive a (multiyear) deal."
According to one of Rosenthal's sources, the Cubs could try to trade Wood if he accepts arbitration to a team like the Texas Rangers, "who might embrace Wood on a one-year commitment."
The Cubs are not interested in Wood returning according to Rosenthal, not even on a $9 or $10 million dollar deal for one-year....they want Carlos Marmol to be the team's closer.
Sean Marshall and Mike Fontenot
The Chicago Tribune reported late Sunday night that "team sources insist the left-handed pitcher and lefty-hitting second baseman are too valuable to the Cubs" and both Sean Marshall and Mike Fontenot are not available...."at least for now." Marshall is seen as insurance policy for the often-injured Rich Harden and is a valuable left-handed arm out of the pen. The Tribune also confirmed the rumor that surfaced last week involving Sean Marshall to the Royals for Mark Teahen....are just rumors.
David DeJesus and Mark Teahen
Speaking of Royals' outfielders, Baseball Prospectus mentioned the Cubs "have more interest in trading for David DeJesus than Mark Teahen" and the Cubs will have to send the Royals more than Jason Marquis "to pry DeJesus loose."
Raul Ibanez and Bobby Abreu
Both free agent outfielders are on the Cubs list but "both may get priced out of the Cubs' range." According to Baseball Prospectus, if the Cubs cannot trade for a right fielder, they prefer Raul Ibanez to Bobby Abreu.
Rafael Furcal
According to a report from Baseball Prospectus, the Dodgers "have ruled out the idea of resigning Rafael Furcal because of concerns about the back surgery" he had last season. The Giants and A's remain the front-runners to sign the shortstop.
According to a report in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Indians determined late last week that Rafael Furcal is not worth the risk of a multiyear commitment because of his back.
Salary Dumping?
According to a report from the Tribune, if the Cubs acquire Jake Peavy they would need to dump either Jason Marquis' $9.875 million dollar salary for next season or Rich Harden's $7 million dollar salary.
Ryan Theriot
According to a report from the Tribune on Saturday, Ryan Theriot accomplished something that no other big leaguer did in 2008. Theriot was the only player to reach double figures in the following categories:
- Errors (14)
- Caught stealing (13)
- Grounded into Double Plays (19)
Weekend Articles on the CCO
For the Faithful that spent the Holiday weekend with family and friends and were not able to check in with the CCO. Here's links to both articles on Saturday:
Finally.... According to one of Dave van Dyck's sources, the Cubs have "a two-year window to win."
Well, that's the latest....and I'm sticking to it!
Are we to believe that the Padres will accept Marshall, Cedeno and Olsen for Peavy? That package is very underwhelming and I highly doubt the Padres would go through with that, unless of course the Cubs are the only team they have a real shot at trading with.
Isaac, Ken Rosenthal just reported on XM Radio that Josh Vitters would be involved in the deal for Peavy....and he has been in the talks since the beginning.
In addition to what Neil replied with, yes the Padres are backed in a bit of a corner. Peavy has their hands somewhat tied. They want to get rid of his salary, but he has a no-trade clause. The Padres made it worse by asking him for a list of teams he would go to, that narrowed their options even more. It essentially IS down to the Cubs as Jake has made it very clear thats where he wants to be.
Ought to be interesting to see what Kerry does when he's offered arbitration. At $10MM for a year, that would essentially be the same as his "I would have taken a one year deal to stay in Chicago" statement he put out there after Hendry said they were going to let Wood go out and find that 3 year offer he deserves... which basically meant "Marmol's ready - we're going to spend the money elsewhere" LOL
Not sure Peavy is worth what we'd have to give up, especially if both Marshall and Mitch Atkins are included...How 'bout Pie (and maybe Marshall) for Roberts?
If Kerry accepts arbitration, let him close, and include Marmol in a package for Peavy instead of Atkins or Marshall.
As for dumping salaries, bye-bye Jason Marquis...No way Harden should go anywhere, he's too dominant a pitcher.
Just my opinion...
Larry,
I agree that Harden is too dominant to give up in a trade, and I would rather see a trade of Marquis. I disagree with you though, that Pie and Marshall would get us Roberts from the O's. Last year, Pie and Marshall was supposed to be part of the rumored deal for Roberts and A.M. deemed that it was no where near enough. I know that Roberts will be a free agent at the end of the season, but I don't think Andy's asking price has dropped that much.
If we could get Peavy for Olsen (Pie), Marshall, Atkins and Cedeno and retain Vitters in our system, it would be quite a move by JH.
I can't understans why the Cubs don't want Kerry back on a one year deal for $9-$10 million. The bullpen is critical and having Gregg and Samardzija in the 7th, Marmol in the 8th and Kerry to close would make for a shut-down pen. I'd worry a bit going into the season with Gregg (solid, but not great) and Samardzija (unproven) setting up for Marmol (little closing experience and shaky from time to time in pressure situations).
Just curious what the commenters here think of the possibility of the Cubs signing Milton Bradley? Great stats, an OF (with RF experience), switch hitter.
But major major troublemaker (headcase?). Would he be worth the risk?
I could entertain Bradley as a Cub. He is a bit of a headcase, which makes me worried, but his numbers aren't bad. Perhaps a change of venue would help.
LMAO - Bradley's had changes of venue... he's been a headcase everywhere he's been.
He got traded from Cleveland to the Dodgers after having a fight with his manager... in LA he called his teammate a racist (Jeff Kent) - got traded to Oakland... after a year got "designated for assignment" by them because they were tired of his act - got traded to San Diego 8 days later ... in San Diego he blew out his knee while being restrained by his manager when trying to go after an ump - left after the season and signed a FA deal last year with Texas.... in Texas restrained by his management again (two of them this time) when trying to get to an opposing team TV announcer since, being a DH and not having to actually play apparently, he was watching the game on the TV and heard a comparison to Josh Hamilton that he didn't like.
Plus he's a little fragile - he made it through 2008 without a DL stint... but he was a full time DH so that's a lot less wear and tear. From 2005 to 2007 he was on the 15 day DL 8 times and one of those (the knee) landed him on the 60 day.
The guy can play... but I say he'd do more harm than good.
No way KC is going to take on Marquis' salary, so I wouldn't think he'd be included in any trade for DeJesus.
I second Gary J's thoughts on the change of venue. I wouldn't be in favor of bringing Bradley in.
IF I WAS WOODS I WOULD TAKE THE 10MIL
I DONT THINK HE WILL GET A MULITPLE YEAR CONTRACT FROM ANOTHER TEAM.
PLUS ITS NOT LIKE THE CUBS ARE GOING TO LET HIM GO AT THEN OF THIS YEAR. THEY HAVE ALREADY SHOWN THAT THEY ARE GOING TO GIVE HIM EVERY OPPROTUNITY.
MAYBE A YEAR WITH AN OPTION.
If JH could pull off a trade for Peavy, Giles and Green from the Padres, that would also solve right field and the SS problem with Theriot. Too many errors over there at SS, and it would also give us a left handed bat in right field in Giles. Moving Theriot to second base as a platoon with Fontenot would also get another left handed bat in the lineup on a day to day basis.
it says that the cubs are moreinterested in ibanez than abreu. Woulg they change their mind if abreu was cheaper and wasn't offered arbitration by the yankees. This means that instead of losing a first round draft pick we wouldn't lose anything and its not like abreu is that much of a downgrade from ibanez
David F.,
I agree on Bradley, he's a headcase who would poison a clubhouse already weakened by the probable departure of
Kerry Wood...Which brings me to my second comment, I agree wholeheartedly with your take on the bullpen:
Gregg, Samardzija, Marmol, and Wood closing, would be a light-out pen for sure, but not without Kerry.
And thanks for pointing out what I'd forgotten regarding Roberts.
I guess by tomorrow this time we will know who was offered arbitration and who wasn't. That information and when JH gets his budget input from the likely new owners will enable us to get real on next year's roster.
My speculation remains that we will not see Peavy in a Cubs uniform, unless, unless, unless....the budget goes up another $10 mil and Wood goes or a big contact is moved or the Pads reduce their asking price--or all of the above. I do think we will add a meaningful lefty bat and a left-handed pitcher, eventually.
The left handed bat and maybe the pitcher could materialize after the fates of Teixeira and CC are determined. Hopefully those decisions happen by the end of next week's winter meetings. If Tex doesn't stay with the Angels and/or Manny doesn't sign with the Dodgers, JH could be discussing Dome with the Angels and Soriano with the Dodgers. The Soriano discussion probably would require that CC not sign with the Dodgers.
With all the talk now of teams declining interest in Furcal because of his back problems, he and the Cub's might work out a two year and option deal that has incentives to lighten his risk. I mentioned a healthy Griffey yesterday. A Theriot + for Greene + SS and pitching exchange with the Pads and a Griffy signing is likely doable. And the speculation continues.
Greene would look good in Cubbie blue, as would Peavy and/or Roberts, but at what price?
I don't want Atkins going in any deal, nor Marshall...If by some miracle Wood stays, I would trade Marmol and Pie as part of a package for any of the three guys mentioned above.
Shouldn't we think that the Dodgers must know something about Furcal's actual back condition since they aren't even interested in entertaining retaining him. Why take a risk on another high potential DL candidate.
The Yanks have dropped Abreu and Pettitte and the Cards have dropped RHP Braden Looper. Abreu and Looper now get much closer to affordable for somebody--in terms of overall costs since the signing team gives up no draft picks. Furcal requires no payment of draft picks either, but I think I would now move Abreu ahead of Furcal on my Christmas list should budget availability be found. Let the no arbitration list continue to grow!