The Cubs miserable first half comes to an end Sunday night in Los Angeles and it appears Jim Hendry is on the verge of making changes.
Ted Lilly, Xavier Nady and Ryan Theriot could and should be in their final days with the Cubs … here’s the latest from the mill. Ted Lilly
Despite his last two outings, the Mets are very interested in acquiring Ted Lilly. Lilly is on the final year of the four-year contract he signed with the Cubs … and many feel ‘The Bulldog‘ will be traded soon.
According to a report from Bruce Levine, Jim Hendry and Ned Colletti “exchanged ideas” prior to Friday’s game and the Dodgers are one of the teams that could use a starting pitcher.
Levine thinks Ted Lilly may be the Dodgers “preference at this point.”
During the Cubs 10th inning Show on Saturday evening, George Ofman said that the Mets’ Josh Thole is one of the names being discussed for Ted Lilly.
Thole is a left-handed catcher and was the Mets 13th round pick in the 2005 draft. The 23-year old Breese, Illinois native will not turn 24 until October 28.
Baseball America ranked Josh Thole the Mets’ eighth best prospect in their pre-season rankings.
Josh Thole’s Page on Baseball-Reference.com
Xavier Nady
Xavier Nady has garnered attention from the Rangers, Padres and Angels in recent days … but it appears the Rangers are the most interested in trading for Nady’s services. Texas is looking for a right-handed first baseman to platoon with Chris Davis.
During Talkin’ Baseball (ESPN 1000, Saturday mornings), Bruce Levine said he would be surprised if Nady is not dealt to the Rangers soon. Levine thinks the Cubs would receive a Single-A or Double-A prospect, that projects well, in return for Nady.
Ryan Theriot
The Cubs are shopping Ryan Theriot … along with Mike Fontenot and Jeff Baker.
Paul Sullivan mentioned during Saturday’s 10th Inning Show (WGN Radio) that one, if not two of the three will be dealt before the deadline. Once one of three are traded, the Cubs would bring up Darwin Barney from Iowa in order to see what he can offer at the big league level.
Theriot has been connected to the Tigers in recent weeks but Bruce Levine indicated talks between the Cubs and Tigers about Theriot have cooled.
According to a report from Bruce Levine, the Colorado Rockies “now have apparent interest in Theriot.”
Tom Gorzelanny
According to a report from the Tribune, the Giants could be interested in Tom Gorzelanny. They had a scout watching Gorzelanny last week at Wrigley.
Stay Tuned …