The Cubs are obviously sellers as the non-waiver trade deadline nears, but could the Cubs be buyers as well? Reports on Tuesday afternoon suggested the Diamondbacks were trying to trade Ian Kennedy to free up space on their payroll to acquire Jake Peavy from the White Sox. Well, that deal obviously did not happen because Jake Peavy was dealt to the Red Sox in a three-team trade that included the Tigers on Tuesday night. But the Cubs being mentioned as a possible destination for Ian Kennedy was very interesting to say the least.
Ian Kennedy is making $4.265 million this year in his first year of arbitration. Kennedy does not become a free agent until after the 2015 season, which would give the team that acquires him two years of control. Kennedy has not been very good over the past two years after his breakout season of 2011.
Ian Kennedy would fit the Cubs’ criteria of the type of players they’ve added to the roster via trades … a cost-effective player that would still be under team control beyond this season and is not performing to expectations that would allow the Cubs to buy low on. Where the Cubs would fit with the Diamondbacks in terms of a trade is unclear at this point. And it would not be in a deal for Jeff Samardzija, unless there were other players, like Tyler Skaggs and Archie Bradley, included in a trade with Ian Kennedy.
While the Cubs did not make any moves on Tuesday, David Kaplan is hearing that David DeJesus, Nate Schierholtz, Kevin Gregg and James Russell are all in play. Patrick Mooney added Dioner Navarro to the list of players that could be dealt prior to Wednesday’s deadline (3:00pm CDT).
Nate Schierholtz
According to Bruce Levine, it was a sore shoulder that slowed down Nate Schierholtz for the three weeks leading up to the All-Star break. The Pirates are still interested in Schierholtz and has had scouts watching him for the last 30 days.
The Cubs held Schierholtz out of the second game of the doubleheader to give him a breather.
Buster Olney reported on Tuesday afternoon that the Cubs were receiving “solid interest on Nate Schierholtz.”
James Russell
According to Bruce Levine, the Cubs almost traded James Russell to the Braves last week. Levine did not say what kept the deal from happening. The Braves acquired Scott Downs on Monday which likely takes them out of the mix for Russell.
Bruce Levine reported the Reds have inquired about James Russell.
News, Notes and More Rumors
Carlos Villanueva has not been mentioned in many trade rumors over the last couple of weeks … and ESPN Chicago wonders why. And according to the Sun-Times, Villanueva is not expected to be traded before the deadline.
According to Bruce Miles, Kevin Gregg and Nate Schierholtz are the “two most talked-about Cubs in trade scenarios.”
The Cubs do not plan on rushing Scott Baker and inserting him into the rotation before he is ready.
Junior Lake is an outfielder, for now, according to a report from ESPN Chicago. Dale Sveum did not rule out playing him at third base this season. The Cubs would like to see Lake receive more playing time in the outfield during Winter Ball.