All of the rumors from the countless sources are what makes the Hot Stove Season so intriguing. Monday was a prime example, as the rumors continued to surface about the Cubs interest in Brandon Webb.
During Saturday’s Talkin’ Baseball, Bruce Levine reported the Cubs checked out Brandon Webb’s medicals and still could take a flyer on him. Levine was not sure how high the Cubs were on Webb after looking at his medicals.
Bill Ladson tweeted that the Cubs and Rangers jumped ahead of the Nationals in the pursuit of Webb and followed up with a report on Nationals.com. Not too long after, Carrie Muskat said, “Don’t start fitting Brandon Webb for a Cubs uniform” because there “doesn’t appear to be a good match” between Webb and the Chicago Cubs.
Here’s the rest of the update … including news on minor signing and Pat Hughes signed an extension to remain the Voice of the Chicago Cubs. Again, as of this writing the Cubs have not announced the corresponding roster move three days after signing Kerry Wood. The Cubs 40-man roster lists 41 players …
Brandon Webb
Jon Heyman tweeted that Brandon Webb is “throwing and preparing like usual for spring” but the former NL Cy Young Award winner was supposed to decide on his new team last week.
Have the Cubs decided he is not a fit … or have they moved on to another pitcher that could have a bigger impact on the upcoming season?
According to a report from Carrie Muskat, “Webb may want to pitch in Chicago but he most likely would have to give the Cubs the type of discount Kerry Wood did to make it work.”
Without a doubt, a healthy Brandon Webb would be a good addition to the Cubs rotation. But that is multi-million dollar question.
Signing Brandon Webb on a one-year, incentive laden contract with a low base would not be a bad move, as long as Jim Hendry adds in a club option for a second year.
Polin Trinidad
According to a tweet from Matt Eddy of Baseball America, the Cubs signed-left handed pitcher Polin Trinidad to a minor league contract. The 26-year old southpaw throws in the high 80s according to Eddy with a nice changeup and a funky delivery.
Trinidad spent 2010 in the Astros’ system (as well as the first five years of his pro career) and posted a combined 4-11 record in 28 games, 24 starts, with a 4.81 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP (five games at Double-A, 23 games at Triple-A).
No official word if the Minor League deal included a non-roster invite to big league camp.
Polin Trinidad’s Page on Baseball-Reference
Pat Hughes
WGN Radio announced Pat Hughes agreed to a five-year contract extension on Monday.
Hughes has called Cubs games for 15 seasons and is once again a finalist for Illinois Sportscaster of the Year.
For those who missed the interview Pat Hughes did with the CCO back in 2009 … click here.
Miscellanous Notes
Buster Olney spent a little time on XM Radio Monday morning. Olney discussed a variety of topics with Mike Ferrin and Jim Duquette … and a couple of his comments about the Cubs, and a certain pitcher they are interested in, were very interesting.
Olney was asked about Matt Garza. He is getting indications that the asking price for Garza is off the charts and he thinks the Rays will hold until Garza until the trade deadline.
As for the Cubs, Olney thinks so much has to go right for the Cubs to compete in the NL Central next season.
Carlos Pena ran an ad in Monday’s St. Petersburg Times thanking the Rays fans, and team officials, for his four seasons in Tampa.
According to a report from Bruce Levine, Jim Hendry “now has to try to pull the trigger on a top-of-the-order pitcher via trade.” With the additions of Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum, the Brewers are now contenders in the NL Central. Levine said “the two pitchers who seem to be available are Matt Garza and Fausto Carmona.” The Rays and Indians would want top prospects in return, plus the Yankees and Rangers are “in the hunt for additional starting pitching.”
Multiple teams have inquired about Robinson Chirinos and Hak-Ju Lee according to the report from ESPN Chicago.
Well, there’s the update … and I’m sticking to it.