Huge 3-way trade. Halladay to phils, Lee to Mariners. Blue Jay get?????

I think things get out of perspective at times and while Bradley was not a good signing especially at 3 years he has more value than what is the current mode of forced selling which is frustrating. That being said, Lou just doesn't have the same personality as Washington...him and Bradley won't be driving to the ballpark everyday... plus he has alienated himself from many of the players...as much as it hurts if the Cubs get a 6 or 7 million back and a few low level prospects it would be a good trade. Chances of Bradley being a Cub on opening day are "0".

If we're going to suck in 2010 (which we certainly are), then why even go external to the organization?

Just bring up our top prospects, commit roster spots to them, place them under Jaramillo (or our guru Rothschild), and let them play.

Let's start freeing up payroll, and look forward to an organization restart in 2011 under Sandberg.

So many have stating this over the recent months, but how disgusting is this that the team is in this state of disarray and financial straits with the 3rd highest payroll. Just amazing. And we all know who to fault for that.

Bryan,

I actually agree with that take, provided that Piniella doesn't come back, and a young manager like Sandberg or Girardi (impossible) is manning the ship. There's absolutely ZERO chance that if the Cubs bring up the likes of Castro, W. Castillo, Colvin, etc. that Piniella will play them everyday. Last year proved that he no longer believes in youth (which, ironically was the reason his 1990 Reds won it all).

However, if the Cubs want to win it all now, then they MUST go after the likes of Capps, Blalock, Lopez, Uggla, and Cabrera.

So far, we have the following major prospects to consider in future years:

middle IF: Castro, LeMahieu, Flaherty, Hak Ju Lee, Barney, Watkins

corner IF: Vitters, Ridling, Marquez Smith

OF: Burke, B Jackson, Colvin, Guyer, Camp, Valdez, Adduci

C: W. Castillo, Chirinos, Clevenger, Robinson, Brenly

but our real depth is our pitching, with the likes of Jackson, Cashner, Coleman, Carpenter, Diamond, Searle, Archer, Shafer, Antigua, Suarez, Rusin, Bibens-Dirxx, Rhee, Kirk, Raley, and that's not even counting the relief pitchers. We're loaded with almost certain 2-3 starters, but no clear cut "ace" quality guys.

I haev said this before though...I think Colvin was one of the worst first round picks we've had in a long time, based on available talent on the board, and I'm certain he will not amount to much at all. I'm also starting to have visions of Dave Kelton with Josh Vitters. Vitters doesn't see a pitch he doesn't like, and was described by Cubs brass as having a "near perfect" right-handed swing. Now where have we heard that one before? Yup, you guessed it...none other than David Kelton. It was foolishly said about him, and hitting coaches at the various levels were advised by our scouting department to leave his swing alone, and he surpassed Eric Hinske on the depth chart even though he didn't earn it, and we ended up trading the wrong player away.

When you look at position talent in our system, do you honestly trust the current staff to do the right thing for their development?!? I know I don't. When you have the likes of Patterson, Pie, Fox, Cedeno, Murton, etc. that were so poorly handled and coached through the system, how can you possibly have faith in them to actually assimilate young guys to the MLB game?!?

In my opinion, none of the really good prospects (most of whom were at low-A last year) are ready for MLB action. So, there's really only one choice....you sign guys like Lopez, Blalock, etc. to 1 year deals, or 2 year deals, or 1 yr with an option to give your guys enough time to develop. Maybe Brett Jackson could handle an aggressive promotion like Gordon Beckham...but I highly doubt it.

I just wonder what kind of $$ Atkins is looking for / expecting? That is my only trepidation, otherwise, I agree, you can't deny his talent. Gomes would come cheap and offer some of that threat off the bench. I just do not like Uggla. He is a pretty 2B and strikes out waayyy too much. Not a fan of Dan.

If Hendry could pull something off for Melky, boy, that would make a nice winter right there.

The 32 year old average lineup is amazing. I did not know they were THAT old. There are the Giants of 2 years ago. And yes, they have way to much in common with the Mets, which is a very disheartening thought.

I was reading about the Braves and Lowe, they are looking for a corner OF or 1B with power. I don't believe for a second that they are interested in Soriano. But it got me wondering if Soriano could man 1B. Do you think he'd hop at every put out? If he could do it, that could be really helpful down the road.

Or am I going completely nuts?

You make a good point gramps. Also he will be reuniting with the hitting coach that turned things around for him in Texas.

What are the chances that Anaheim would deal Ervin Santana and Howie Kendrick for Zambrano and Theriot/Baker/Fontenot?

I think we know what Z is by now - a mid teens winner with a mid to high 3's ERA, a very good bat (BFD), and an inability to manage his emotions. He takes up a lot of payroll - more than he is worth in my opinion. Santana is expensive (though not early so as Zambrano), but he's younger than Z, has great stuff, and may take a step forward in the NL.

Obviously, Z would have to agree to the deal.

Anaheim is looking for a front-of-the-rotation starter and may need some insurance in the infield (preferably someone who can play third and second) now that they're going to full go with Brandon Wood. It seems like Kendrick could be available based on their current infield (Wood, Aybar, Izturis, Morales) and with Rodriguez on the come.

Kendrick is a great hitter. At 26, he's got more than 1300 major league at-bats with a .302 average. He hit .360 in his minor league career and many scouts predicted he would be a batting champion.

With Vitters coming at third, Castro at short, and Jackson in Center, I'd love to grab another great talent that will be in his prime in 3-4 years. Hendry needs to be ballsy and creative if he's going to make a significant difference.

I would even consider using Zambrano and Marmol in this deal.

I gotta say, I love the idea of signing Matt Capps. I'm concerned about his arm though, as I remember Fontenot or someone else hitting him on a line drive square on his elbow, and then I believe it happened yet again by some other team, and his numbers plummeted thereafter, so you have to have some concern there.

But here's the thing...Capps only has 50 walks in over 270 IP. That's incredible.

In comparison, Kiko Calero is 9 years older, and has 126 walks in over 302 IP in his career. But wouldn't it be such a Hendry move to go all out for Calero, and not give Capps a good deal?!? At least in my opinion, it seems that Hendry will normally go the cheap way out, sign some veteran like a Gathright, Freel, Miles, etc. instead of paying a little extra and going after better players, then you see him have to eat that players salary, only to go out again to find a suitable replacement. Here's an example:

Miles-$2.7 million

Hudson-$3.38 million

There are many more, but that's the first that comes to my head. Last year was different than this year, and it looks like Hendry, once again has been out-witted and overmatched, because teams last year waited, and Hendry pulled the trigger early. This year, teams are pulling the trigger early, filling holes, and Hendry's playing the waiting game. LOL...it's absolutely laughable watching this guy operate. Yes, it's true we never know for sure what goes on behind the scenes, but we do know a lot from insiders like Miles and Levine, and they have great insight to what's really going on...you just have to wonder what the hell the guy is thinking sometimes.

From giving more years and dollars than anyone else was willing to give for Bradley, to trading DeRosa for 3 marginal prospects, then getting pantsed by Shapiro the Indians GM when he turned DeRosa into 2 top prospects, and so on and so forth.

I guess, as mentioned before, guys like: Capps, Garrett Atkins, Ryan Church, McClung, Scott Olsen, Kelly Johnson, and Gomes should be considered.

After looking at Atkins, you can't deny there's talent there, but he seems to struggle away from Coors. But the guy has played 1B, 3B, and 2B, and would be worth signing IMO. I still think Blalock would be a better choice, because of his familiarity (and vice versa) with Jaramillo.

I still think we ought to go after Uggla, Felipe Lopez, and Melky Cabrera. I would absolutely love those guys on our team, and think they'd make it so much better. Uggla is already considered to be a clubhouse leader, calling out Hanley Ramirez last year for lack of desire and hustle, so there's some good intensity there that we could certainly use. Lopez and Cabrera are switch hitters with very good averages in their careers, and they play pretty good defense too.

I'd prefer Lopez over Hudson actually, and I'd prefer Cabrera over all FA CF options, so wouldn't make sense to go all out for these guys?!?

I mean, you can't go wrong with a bench that has: K Hill/Miguel Olivo, Baker, Blalock, Fuld, and you'd have to at least consider a guy like Gomes, wouldn't you?

That gives you great power off the bench to compensate for any injuries. Hendry and the rest of the Cubs brass, including the Ricketts must be kidding themselves if they think ARAM, Soriano, and Lee will not miss significant action next year. I'd be willing to bet a LOT of money if you could in Vegas or something, on those guys missing significant time.

Lee-neck, old age

ARAM-shoulder, legs

Soriano-legs, old age

You have to at least consider those likely events when putting a team together, which we saw the disastrous events that took place last year when the Cubs and Mets didn't account for those occurrences. THe Mets had a roster loaded with 30-something position players, just as the Cubs are heading into next season with an average age of 32 yrs old in their everyday lineup. That's why you go for some power/RBI threats to offer insurance for those likely injuries.

Olivo-good for 10+hr

Blalock-good for 20+hr

Gomes-good for 20+hr

Then, if you get Uggla, you insure against that even more with his 30+hr, 90+RBI averages.

Am I wrong?

Then, you sign Capps for the pen to hedge against any troubles for Marmol, then you have Guzman/Grabow/Capps as your set-up men, thereby making your pen 10 times better than last year, especially with Capps' good control.

Suzy, I've promised (for my own sanity really) to not talk about you-know-who, but I agree with your thoughts.

Bay has rejected Boston's 4 and 60M$ offer. Not that this has a direct impact on the Cubs, but I am curious to see if someone offers him 5 years, as the rumor purports is his wish.

Capps at 26 with a few solid years prior to last years disaster...I don't know, he'll come pretty cheap, 2+M$...he doesn't walk anyone, and you have to like his solid year closing in 08.

What does anyone think about Chris Duncan? He's 28 and seems to have collapsed. But a cheap potential power bat off the bench. I guess he's just Jake Fox with less upside. How much do we believe that Jaramillo can do?

jw...nice quotes....If it were just baseball skills we were talking about...

then the Cubs shouild absolutely keep

Bradley...But we are not talking baseball skills here...we are talking a mentally aberrant loaded cannon...and nobody knows what he will do.

Imagine a major leaguer refusing to pinch hit when his manager asks him to?

Let alone throwing the ball in the stands with 2 outs...saying "No wonder

they havn't won in a hundred years here.

etc./etc./etc.

Lou will probably have a coronary if he comes back.

No matter what...this is an embarrassing situation for all involved...and excruciating for us fans.

The Cubs should file grievances with the players union and mlb that Milton breached his contract with insubordination//conduct unbecoming to the team....and then DFA him...and let whatever lawsuits come their way.

Since it is basically the truth and no one else wants him...the Cubs should

at least try this approach...otherwise...they just appear to be gutless wonders...and embarrassing at that.

Ripsnorter...With the exception of Harden

signing with Texas...I view the Cubs as vastly improved with the subtraction of Miles/Gregg/Heilman/Cotts.

Yes, we have many holes right now...but it is early.

Just read that Kenny Williams is perhaps interested in a Yankee's AAA guy for lead-off and centerfield...(I forget the guy's name) Perhaps JH shouild start looking in that direction to improve the team...(AAA/AA) around the league.

If we do keep Milton...they will have to put a muzzle on him and keep all reporters away from him.

I don't see Kenny and JH surviving this at all.

“Milton is a winner, man. In my own opinion, that was a great signing, because he’s going to help [ the Cubs] win ballgames. Milton makes everybody in the lineup better when he’s playing.”

"I aint never had a problem with Milton because I was always honest with him," Washington said. "If I didn't like what he was doing, I let him know. I didn't let anything fester with Milton. All Milton wants is people to tell him the truth, to be honest with him. He's no dummy. He knows when he's [screwing] up."

Ron Washington Rangers Manager

Cubs showing interest in Matt Capps according to the Tribune

http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2009/12/cubs-show-interest-in-released-closer-matt-capps.html

Capps had a miserable year last year

but might be worth a look....Maybe the Cubs will turn into the Pirates?

Neil...any word on Snyder?

Suzy, I have been looking and I've not seen anything on Snyder yet.

Minor League transactions are very hard to keep track of. I will post it I see it.

Thanks,Neil.

Nice article, Neil. Since I have to work on Sunday, I am particularly appreciative!

That bench, as it stands, is unbelievably bad. Unacceptable really. Atkins is an interesting idea, (what is he - 29?) but could he be productive off the bench. It would sure be nice to have one guy that can back-up both corners. He'd have to come cheap.

Gomes could also be a decent option. They have to find someone who is a threat coming off the bench. Like Fatt Stairs was for the Phillies, he may only hit .240, and he's either gonna strikeout or hit it out, but the threat is very real. There is not a single player on the current bench that is more than a threat for a slap single (ok, Hoffy can double).

Kiko Calero was lights out last year. He's young isn't he? What kind of $$ do you imagine him demanding?

I'd like to see Hendry be very patient and deliberate now. I think he is forced to be now. The last couple years he had the blank check,so to speak - and it has showed. It will be interesting to see what Boras can get for Holliday and Damon. I think there will be great deals to be had again this late winter / early spring, he just has to wait, and be ready. Hendry is in the perfect position (because his new owner has forced him to be) this year. I really think he needs to hold his card close, sit on you-know-who and at least project the appearance that they are willing to go into the spring with the staring 8 they have. Hell, even Cameron and Byrd will just get cheaper, no one is busting down their doors.

Patience, Grasshopper. Is not balance always important?

Thanks ... Calero will be 35 in January and made $500,000 last year with the Marlins. I am not sure what he is looking for.

Problem is he is coming off a career year right before he is going to get paid.

I would think no more than two and five to six million ... remember I do not believe in more than two year deals for relievers. One with an option would be the route I would go.

O crap, I had no idea he was 35. Forget it. I sorta like Capps if he's over his arm troubles.

Despite everything that is bad about Milton Bradley - most sports fans would agree that he had an "off year" in 2008.

Since it is likely that the CUBS will have to eat so much of his contract -- WHY not let him play for the CUBS in 2009? Why is it so important to Hendry and Pinella to trade him and take such a huge loss in cash? What has to happen for the CUBS to change their mind and stop wasting time trading him -- when no one wants Bradley unless the CUBS eat most of his contract?

Is there a point - at which Hendry will say: "Ok...let's see if he's willing to do a better job in 2009?" Somebody: Explain to me why given 2 choices: You give Bradley away by paying most of his contract. Or, you try him out in 2009. Why wouldn't it better to try him out? LDS

Good points Larry!

I am beginning to feel the same way about Bradley. Why take another team's bad contract? Of all the players I have heard to be traded for Bradley, I don't think any of them have the upside that Bradley could have. What he did last year was terrible, but I come from the school that says give him another chance. I think we have all worked with people we did not particularly care for, argued with our bosses, etc. And the thing about speaking out against the fans? We have the right to boo him if he is not doing his job and he also has the right to speak out against the fans. If he did a good job those boos would change to cheers. I don't think there is a Cubs fan that would not cheer him if he won a game against the Cardinals with a big hit in extra innings. He came here with a lot of baggage and it seems the press just loves to accentuate the problems of players like him. If his teammates would agree to play with him, I see no reason why the fans would not accept him. All I know is that I will be rooting for the Chicago Cubs with or without Bradley next year the same way I have for all my life. Stay classy Cubs Fans!!!

I agree. If you're gonna be stuck with the contract anyway, why not try to make the best of it? Bradley has to be aware that nobody wants him, and if you're a professional athlete, you didn't get there with no talent and most importantly, with no pride. A little attitude readjustment, be it from therapy or medication (legal of course) along with some work with Jaramillo, could go a long way to making this look like the best non-deal Hendry ever made. I said it another post a few days ago. "How would you feel if Bradley went to another team and led the league in batting?" He is capable of being prolific at the plate, if and when his head is screwed on correctly.

Ditto for Soriano.

he wore out his stay in chicago by saying things like he hoped the game only lasted 9 innings so he could go home, fighting with Lou, and speaking out against the fans

These are some of the non tenders that the Cubs should look at:

* Matt Capps

* DJ Carrasco

* Garett Atkins

* Miguel Olivo

* Johnny Gomes

Nothing Sexy, but bullpen and bench upgrades.

Atkins would be the only one I'd be interested in taking a look at, and only for the reason that it would mean no other team could take him and give him the possibility of further hurting the Cubs down the road.

i wouldnt mind Matt Capps DJ Carrasco or Arrendo from the angels (for 2011) plus gomes would at least replace the power of fox's bat vs.lefties and atkins could rebound with Jarmillo and back up Aram and Dlee. If he does rebound he could be a major asset to the bench.

Everyday Hendry throws out a fog to the media. He has made the worse decisions of any GM in both leagues the past year.

He has made the Cubs the "laughing stock" of the winter meetings. If he made these same mistakes at Ameri-trade he would have been long gone.

When will Hendry sing the 7th inning stretch "take me out to the ball game" song so he can really hear how the fans feel. Or should the song say "take me out of my misery".

We should go after Cameron now & save money by moving Theriot to 2b & give Castro the ss job now.

Lets hope they don't punish Marmol again like last year...he can be the best in the business as a closer.

The Gregg decision, the Derosa trade, the Bradley debacle all belong to Hendry & his coaching staff. Can we say or dream Ryno in 2011 for "real" change.

So far the Cubs are worse off in 2010 than 2009: they dealt away about the only bat off the bench they had (Fox). All they have received in return is minor league pitching.

What a comment! " Levine said Ankiel could be the perfect fit if Rudy Jaramillo could make major improvements to his offense." LOL That would be true of Sorry-oh-no, or any other player like Andres Blanco, Milton Bradley, and even Aaron Miles. Come on, man! If they haven't done it yet, they can't do it. Jaramillo isn't a miracle worker.

Spot on, Ripsnort! That was the one line that jumped out at me too..."COULD be...IF..." I love, the never-ending theme.

IF Ankiel could be signed for what he deserves, like a year and a couple million and heavy incentive option, then I would be all for it. But Boras being Boras I would much rather they told him politely to piss off and wait and see where they are in late February early March. Remember, last year he tried to hold Manny out with LA and Colleti won that minor battle.

Neil,

Do you think there is any chance the Rangers got Lowell to trade for Bradley? Now that the Red Sox are picking up 3 million of Lowell's money, that basically makes Bradley cheaper in the long run, right? If nothing else, by trading for Lowell he fills a definite need we have in a backup corner infielder.

I don't know about that one. Several reports last week indicated the Rangers are no longer interested in Bradley. It's a good thought but I'm not sure from everything I've read/heard.

Very close to signing Jake Peavy