Less than 24 hours after Bruce Levine reported the Cubs interest in Aaron Heilman, the story breaker mentioned if the Cubs are unable to land Jake Peavy they might turn to Randy Wolf.
During Talkin’ Baseball on Saturday morning Bruce Levine changed his optimism on the fact the Cubs could still pull off a trade for Jake Peavy, citing both the Cubs and Padres ownership changes as the reason. A week ago Levine put the Cubs chances at 80% to land Peavy, on Saturday he said Jeff Moorad may want to keep Peavy and build his team around the ace. The Cubs pursued Randy Wolf before he signed with the Dodgers prior to the 2007 season….and was rumored to be interested again last winter before Wolf signed with the Padres. Wolf was excellent in 12 starts with the Astros last season after he made only 18 starts for the Padres.
Wolf posted a combined 12-12 record with a 4.30 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP in 33 starts for the Padres and Astros. He was 6-2 in 12 starts with Houston, that included a complete game gem against the Cubs, with a 3.57 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP.
Randy Wolf is 2-4 in 8 career starts at Wrigley Field with a 4.38 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP….he has allowed eight home runs in 49 1/3 innings.
On the Jake Peavy front, the announcement was made on Friday that Peavy will pitch for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Peavy is on the preliminary roster for Team USA.
According to a report from the San Diego Union Tribune, if Jake Peavy is traded “he might forgo the WBC to train with his new club.” Barry Axelrod told the Union Tribune that Peavy would probably want a “full spring camp” with a new pitching coach and training staff.
Other Tidbits from Bruce Levine:
- The Cubs are hoping to get 25 starts from Rich Harden next season.
- Levine called Sean Marshall the Cubs’ “Super 6 Starter“. Levine thinks Marshall will make at least seven to eight of Harden’s starts and will be used in the rotation elsewhere if Lou Piniella decides to skip someone’s turn. Levine mentioned Marshall should make between 12-15 starts in the upcoming season.
- Milton Bradley is not worried about receiving the same taunts from the Wrigley Field crowd that Jacque Jones and LaTroy Hawkins received. Levine said he could not repeat on the radio the same language Bradley used.
- Bradley’s vesting option for the third year of his contract is not based on games played but at bats made in the first two guaranteed seasons.
Well, that’s the latest….and I’m sticking to it!