Jed Hoyer indicated Friday that the Cubs were still focused on adding pitching to the roster … and they added a piece on Monday while reportedly making strides at dealing their best starting pitcher.
Paul Maholm broke the news on his twitter account late Monday night that he had signed with the Cubs. The team is expected to announce the signing on Tuesday. Terms of Maholm’s contract have not been announced. The signing would require the Cubs to make a 40-man roster move, the Cubs big league roster currently stands at 40 players.
According to David Kaplan, the Cubs are also “down the road” in trade discussions with the Tigers that would send Matt Garza to Detroit for a package of prospects. The Cubs and Tigers have reportedly been discussing a deal for a couple of weeks that could net the Cubs a package of the Tigers’ top prospects, including top pitching prospect, Jacob Turner.
The Cubs also have to make a decision on Kerry Wood’s future with the team. Kerry Wood is reportedly looking for a one-year contract in the $4 million range and has received interest from the Phillies, Tigers and Reds. Wood said he would make a decision by this Friday where he will pitch this upcoming season.
Here’s the update … Paul Maholm
As reported over the weekend, the Cubs having conversations with Paul Maholm on a contract that would bring the free-agent southpaw to the Cubs. The Cubs are looking to have between seven to nine options for the starting staff when camp begins.
Paul Maholm became a free-agent when the Pirates declined his $9.75 million option for 2012.
According to a report from the Tribune, Maholm could fit in behind Matt Garza and Ryan Dempster in the Cubs’ rotation … if Garza is not traded.
Matt Garza
The Matt Garza rumors settled down over the weekend but picked up in a big way on Monday.
Ken Rosenthal reported moving Garza now makes sense for the Cubs. If the Cubs were to wait until the July 31 trade deadline they are risking injury … and trade rumors driving Garza nuts. According to Rosenthal, Garza’s friends have indicated that he has been bothered by the trade speculation because of his desire to stay with the Cubs.
Recent reports indicated that the Cubs have not decided what they wanted to do with Matt Garza … trade him now, wait to deal him or ink him to an extension similar to the one John Danks recently signed.
According to David Kaplan, the Cubs are down the road in discussions with the Tigers that would send Matt Garza to Detroit for a package of prospects. The package could include Jacob Turner and third baseman Nick Castellanos. Kaplan reported lefty Casey Crosby could be in the talks as well.
Again, the rumored package is just that … a rumored package. And it does not mean that all or any of the players mentioned have actually been discussed.
Kerry Wood
According to multiple reports, Kerry Wood may not re-sign with the Chicago Cubs. After saying that he would either re-sign with the Cubs or retire at the end of last season, Wood and the Cubs cannot agree to the amount or length of a new contract.
Wood said Sunday night that he was confident a week ago that he would re-sign with the Cubs “but now he’s not sure where he will pitch.”
Wood is looking to sign a new contract near market value for a late inning reliever after signing a $1.5 million deal last winter to return to the organization that drafted him.
A report from Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia stated that Wood is looking for a one-year deal in the $4 million range. The Phillies are interested but hesitant due to the cost and the Tigers and Reds have also been linked to Wood.
The Cubs said as recently as last Friday that Wood is the type of player they want in the clubhouse and made re-signing him a priority.
Kerry Wood is expected to announce by Friday where he will pitch this year.
News, Notes and Rumors
According to the Sun-Times, the Cubs anticipate bringing back Rodrigo Lopez. The Sun-Times did not indicate if it would be a minor league or Major League deal.
The Sun-Times also reported that Jeff Samardzija could be in line to compete for a job in the starting rotation.
2012 Cubs Convention
The schedule and list of attendees for the upcoming Cubs Convention have been released. Click here for all of the details … 2012 Cubs Convention Schedule and Attendees.
Well, there’s the update … and I’m sticking to it.
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