While the rest of baseball focused on Josh Hamilton signing with the Los Angeles Angels, the Cubs rumor mill picked up a little on Thursday. According to the transactions page on Cubs.com, the Cubs designated Jeff Beliveau for assignment on Thursday. The Cubs will be able to use the spot on the 40-man roster to add either Ian Stewart or Nate Schierholtz.
The Red Sox agreed to terms on a two-year, $26.5 million contract with Ryan Dempster on Thursday. Dempster was reportedly holding out for a three-year deal and for a National League team that trained in Arizona.
Mike Adams could be a possibility for the Cubs’ pen in 2013. The Cubs were among several teams Jayson Stark connected to Adams on Thursday … and Patrick Mooney provided some much needed clarification on the possible signing of Chang-Yong Lim. Chang-Yong Lim
According to a report from Comcast SportsNet, the Cubs have not signed Chang-Yong Lim and if they do it would be a minor league contract, not a split contract or a Major League contract as reported on Wednesday night. According to the report, it would be a two-year minor league contract that contains only a small amount of guaranteed money. Lim would not be added to the 40-man roster.
Once he is signed, the plan would be for Lim to spend a majority of next season rehabbing from his second Tommy John surgery at the Cubs’ facility in Mesa.
Full Report from Comcast SportsNet
Alfonso Soriano
According to a report from Jon Heyman, the Cubs are willing to pay around $26 million of Alfonso Soriano’s remaining contract if they get the right prospect back. Reports this week suggested that the Phillies and Cubs discussed a Soriano for Domonic Brown while another indicated the Cubs wanted pitching back from the Phillies. The Cubs reportedly approached the Astros about Soriano but Houston is not taking on any payroll right now and it is doubtful that Soriano would waive his no trade rights to play in Houston.
With Josh Hamilton on his way to the Angels, there should be a lot of movement for the rest of the free agent outfielders. Once players, like Cody Ross, sign, the Cubs should have a better idea if there are any fits for Alfonso Soriano. The Cubs are not going to give Soriano away, especially if they are willing to pay $26 million of the $36 million he is owed over the next two years … but Soriano also has to approve the trade and he’s already rejected at least one opportunity to play elsewhere.
Mike Adams
The Cubs are pursuing relievers, that much is known, and the mainstream media added another name to the list on Thursday morning … former Padre and Ranger, Mike Adams. Adams is coming off a down year with the Rangers that ended with off-season surgery for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (essentially a nerve impingement). The surgery to release the nerve was successful and he has not had any delays in his rehab. Adams recently told MLB Network Radio that he is feeling great and receiving a lot of interest from teams.
According to Jayson Stark, Adams could be signing a contract in the next couple of days and several teams are in the mix. Along with the Cubs, the White Sox, Angels, Nationals, Blue Jays, Phillies, Rangers and Brewers were connected to Adams.
Mike Adams has a relationship with Jed Hoyer from their days together in San Diego. Adams posted a 5-4 record in 75 appearances with the Padres and Rangers in 2011 with a 1.47 ERA and a 0.78 WHIP. Last season, Adams was 5-3 in 61 games with a 3.27 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP with the Rangers. Adams started losing velocity and feeling in his fingers last year.
Mike Adams’ Page on Baseball-Reference
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