It’s the rumor season throughout baseball and there were plenty of them about the Cubs over the last three days. Two rather significant trades have already been made and many think it will be an active winter for trades in the game.
Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer talked about the Cubs after spending a week in Boca Raton with the other decision makers. Dexter Fowler declined the $15.8 million qualifying offer, but for the first time players accepted the one-year contract.
And, oh yeah, there were rumors.
Here are the headlines from the weekend chock full with all the news and rumors …
Cubs 2015 Position Review – Left Field
Chris continued his positional review series with a look at how the left fielders performed during the 2015 season. Left field could be where Kyle Schwarber spends a majority of his time next year. But the numbers put up by the players Joe Maddon used in one of the corner outfield spots must be improved on next season.
Cubs Reportedly of Interest to Ben Zobrist and Outfield Rumors
The Cubs are interested in signing free agent Ben Zobrist and according to Patrick Mooney, Zobrist is interested in signing with the Cubs.
Brett Gardner has been reported as an option for the Cubs in center field. The Yankees outfielder doesn’t appear to be a fit. The Cubs have been linked to Jackie Bradley Jr., Alex Gordon and Denard Span. The mainstream media keeps connecting Jason Heyward to the Cubs because they have not listened to Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer.
Report contains links to rumors, rumors and more rumors.
The Daily CCO: The Cubs Off-Season is Just Getting Started
The Cubs had a good week in Boca Raton and the GM Meetings. Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer and the front office met with players’ agents and talked to teams the front office feels it matches up with for trades.
The Cubs had meeting with agents for David Price, Zack Greinke, Jordon Zimmermann, Ben Zobrist, Dexter Fowler, Jeff Samardzija and Alex Gordon.
James Russell signed with a new organization. There were two trades around the league and the Silver Slugger Awards were handed out.
Report includes a must-read link on Jeff Samardzija and all of the news and notes, plus This Day in Cubs History.
Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer Comments from the GM Meetings
When Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer talk, Cubs’ fans and media should listen … or at least read carefully. Report is filled with must-read quotes from the front office.
Dexter Fowler Declines Cubs Qualifying Offer
As expected Dexter Fowler rejected the $15.8 million qualifying offer for next season. Fowler will likely receive more years and dollars from another team. The Cubs would like to re-sign him, more than likely Fowler’s days with the Cubs are over.
For the first time in the four-year history of Qualifying Offers, a player accepted the one-year contract. In fact, three players accepted the QO and another player went back to his team on a two-year deal.
Several free agents the Cubs have been connected to rejected the qualifying offer.
Cubs Reportedly View Gerardo Parra as Possibility for Center Field
Gerardo Parra is on the Cubs’ radar as the front office explores options for center field and leadoff.
Parra has good numbers against right-handed pitching. Parra is more of a fourth outfielder on a contending team than an everyday player. Parra could work in a platoon role with a centerfielder like Austin Jackson.
The Daily CCO: Dave Martinez No Longer in Mix for Dodgers Job and Cubs News, Notes and Rumors
Dave Martinez is no longer in the running for the Dodgers’ managerial opening. Martinez interviewed on Wednesday but according to multiple reports he will not have a second interview. The Dodgers are down to three candidates … Gabe Kapler, Bud Black and Dave Roberts.
The Cubs raised ticket prices and a reliever the front office tried to acquire last summer is no longer available. The Padres received a huge package of prospects from the Red Sox for Craig Kimbrel.
Report includes all of the news, notes, rumors, links, photos of Phase Two of the 1060 Project and This Day in Cubs History.
Cubs Had Pretty Serious Trade Discussions with 12-15 Teams During GM Meetings
During an interview on 670 The Score, Jed Hoyer said the front office talked to around a dozen teams and as many as 15 the Cubs feel they matchup on for trades this winter.
The Cubs are talking to teams and agents, exploring every option to upgrade the roster.
Jed Hoyer Talks Cubs on Inside the Clubhouse
In this must-read report, Jed Hoyer discussed a variety of topics during a rather lengthy interview on 670 The Score.
The Daily CCO: It’s Major Awards Week and Other Cubs News and Notes
The Cubs could have three award winners during the coming week. Kris Bryant will be named NL Rookie of the Year … and both Joe Maddon and Jake Arrieta have a very good shot at Manager of the Year and NL Cy Young Award.
The front office has a few decisions to make this week in regards to the 40-man roster.
Kris Bryant hit the biggest fly of them all … and the report includes video to prove it.
Report includes news, notes, links, rumors and This Day in Cubstory.
Cubs Prospect Pierce Johnson Shines in Arizona Fall League Outing
Pierce Johnson put together his best outing in the AFL. Jeimer Candelario keeps on hitting. And Mark Zagunis keeps on getting on base.
Report includes stats from the Cubs’ prospects playing in the Arizona Fall League.