Harden and Johnson File for Free Agency

According to a report on Cubs.com, Rich Harden and Reed Johnson were among the 79 players to file for free agency on Thursday. The Cubs have exclusive negotiating rights until November 20 to work out new contracts with all of their potential free agents ... Reed Johnson, Rich Harden, John Grabow, Kevin Gregg and Chad Fox.

Reports have suggested the Cubs would like Reed Johnson back in the fold but are concerned about his back. As for Rich Harden, the Cubs should at least offer the right-hander arbitration ... Harden is projected to be a Type-B free agent which would give the Cubs a sandwich pick in next year's draft as compensation if Harden declines arbitration and signs elsewhere.

Many feel it would take between $8 - $10 million to sign Harden for one-year and considering his injury history would be the smart move for any team ...

Reed Johnson will not be classified as a Type A or Type B free agent.

According to the report on Cubs.com, "Both Harden and Johnson could return, but it depends on their asking price. The Cubs may consider a one-year deal with Rich Harden, but are believed to be hesitant to give the right-hander a multi-year contract."

The Cubs are expected to re-sign John Grabow before the lefty reliever hits the open market.

Complete list of free agent filings for Thursday, November 5

Stay Tuned ...

agustin rexach

I think Harden Would get more money in arbitration than in the fee agency market...

SuzyS

And that's why the Cubs don't want to offer it to him.

SuzyS

Woody, it's now a league-wide problem.

Look to Boras and the owners greed as the reason.

The only reason Bradley has to go is his mouth and attitude...although we were not

enamored with his play...he forced Hendry into a corner...

Soriano and Fukodome are huge problems also.

CC002600

Sign Reed !

woody34

We have Reed in the from of Fuld

Boseph Heyden

Except Lou won't play Fuld. It's better to sign a guy that plays hard AND Lou will play than a guy who is only one or the other.

woody34

oops that was supposed to be form!!

Does anyone recall as much talk about bad contract trading as much as we have this year? I don't recall it ever being such a subject in MLB. I have heard it come in basketball quite a bit, but never baseball.

Now to my point, isn't it disgusting that of those recent "bad contract" lists, that Milton Bradley is somehow the most attractive player on that list?

SuzyS

Neil, what's your take on Snyder?

The Cub Reporter said he's out of options

and their feeling is the Cubs won;t add him to the 40 man roster...so expect to lose him? He's playing in Mexico right now and doing OK.

Thoughts?

Neil

I like what I saw of Snyder last spring. Good arm in the outfield and hit the ball with power. I would like to see them retain him, they will have several spots on the 40-man roster soon ... currently stands at 38.

This is going to make a lot of people mad, but from what I saw of Snyder he would be a better option than Hoffpauir.

If they keep Fox, he can back-up Lee and there is always Baker. Hoffpauir is not an outfielder and Snyder can offer more.

Snyder is hitting in Mexico and hit when he was not on the DL for Iowa last year.