According to a report from Bruce Levine, “the Cubs have been pleased to find plenty of interest in veteran players” such as Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Marmol. The first two days of the Winter Meetings have seen more free agent signings than trades but that could change before teams leave the Opryland Hotel on Thursday. The Cubs are listening to offers for Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Marmol but will not give either player away. It is unclear if the Angels are still interested in Marmol and the Phillies are the only team that has been linked to Soriano in recent days.
According to the report on ESPN Chicago, Alfonso Soriano has “been of interest to a number of teams in the American League” and has “repeatedly stated he won’t play on the West coast.”
The Cubs are expected to have to eat at least half of the remaining $36 million ($18 million per season) owed on the eight-year, $136 million contract he signed in November of 2006. Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer are reportedly keeping Soriano informed on discussions they are having with teams.
Both Jed Hoyer and Dale Sveum reiterated Tuesday that Carlos Marmol is the Cubs’ closer despite the fact they reportedly have a two-year deal in place with Kyuji Fujikawa. According to a report from the Tribune, Marmol’s agent was hoping to meet with Theo Epstein on Tuesday to discuss his client’s future with the team.
Carlos Marmol has no trade protection to five teams and waived those rights last month when he agreed to be traded to the Angels.
Stay Tuned …
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