Will the calendar year end quietly for the Chicago Cubs? Or will Jim Hendry go out with a bang? The Cubs have made headlines the final week of December the last two years ... but with limited funds and a lack of flexibility with his current roster, the moves the Cubs are rumored to be working on may drag into the New Year. According to Bruce Levine, the Cubs are not through and Jim Hendry "needs a starting pitcher." Here is the update as the book begins to close on Twenty-Ten ... … [Read more...]
Cubs Off-Season Stirred … But Not Shaken
Cliff Lee's shocking decision to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies changed the off-season throughout the league. With Lee off the market, the Yankees and Rangers will turn their attention to other players, which in turn will have a direct impact on the Chicago Cubs. The Lee signing affects not only the teams trying to acquire Matt Garza, but it also frees up money for the Yankees to possibly re-sign Kerry Wood ... plus the Bronx Bombers could inquire about the availability of Carlos … [Read more...]
Winter Meetings Day Three: Cubs Targeting Matt Garza?
The Cubs began Day Three in Orlando by spending $10 million on Carlos Pena ... and spent the night discussing how to improve their pitching staff. A late report from Bruce Levine indicated the Cubs and Rays met for a second time and "discussed parameters of a trade that would send right-handed pitcher Matt Garza to Chicago for a number of the Cubs' top prospects." According to Levine, the Cubs "have the strongest bid" for Garza at this point. Bruce Levine discussed the possible deal with Mike … [Read more...]
Winter Meetings Day Three: Cubs Talking Pitching
With Carlos Pena signed, sealed and delivered on Wednesday morning (Pena inked a one-year contract with the Cubs worth $10 million. Pena will earn $5 million in 2011 and will receive the other $5 million in January of 2012), the Cubs turned their attention to adding a pitcher to their staff. According to reports, the Cubs are hoping to "pull off another deal" before leaving Orlando on Thursday. The move could come via a trade and they have checked in on Matt Garza, among others. Jim Hendry is … [Read more...]
Winter Meetings Day Two: Cubs Close on Carlos Pena?
Updated - 12/8/10 - 1:00am CT - The Cubs are close on a one-year, $10 million deal with Carlos Pena. Multiple reports early Wednesday morning indicated the Cubs had agreed to terms on a one-year deal with Carlos Pena. According to the Sun-Times, the deal is close but not done and could be made official after a Wednesday morning meeting with Scott Boras. Jim Hendry called Tuesday a "good day" and reiterated the Cubs are only three or four moves away from competing for a division title in 2011. … [Read more...]
Rumors, Rumors and More Rumors for the Cubs at Day Two of the Winter Meetings
The Cubs might not be making any moves, as of yet, but Jim Hendry is doing a lot of talking. Tuesday was a busy day for the Cubs that reportedly will end with a second meeting in 24 hours with Carlos Pena's agent, Scott Boras. According to the rumor mill, Hendry aggressively shopped Tom Gorzelanny, intensified his talks with Adam LaRoche, checked in with Brandon Webb and discussed trading Robinson Chirinos and a pitcher to the Rangers for Chris Davis and Darren O'Day on his second day in … [Read more...]
Winter Meetings Day One: First Things First for the Cubs
The Chicago Cubs off-season continued at Day One of the Winter Meetings ... a lot of talk and not much action. The Cubs officially named Mark Riggins their new pitching coach and moved Dennis Lewellyn from Smokies pitching coach to the Minor League Pitching Coordinator. The Cubs were connected to James Loney again on Monday and their could be interest ... but at what cost? The Dodgers reportedly asked about Ian Desmond and Jordan Zimmermann in return for Loney and the Nationals turned them … [Read more...]
Cubs Expected to be Active but Limited During Winter Meetings
Jim Hendry and company are at the Happiest Place on Earth ... but will the Cubs make any moves over the next week in Lake Buena Vista? Reportedly the Cubs are looking to fill three needs during Baseball's Winter Meetings, which officially begin Monday: a left-handed first baseman, a starting pitcher and a right-handed setup man. Jim Hendry has "ample cash and player resources" according to Bruce Levine, but unless they are able to get back into the Adrian Gonzalez sweepstakes, the players … [Read more...]
Jim Hendry’s Shopping List?
It is Black Friday ... will the Cubs brave the crowds and try to find a free agent bargain? According to Bruce Miles, it appears the Cubs are going to wait a while to make any additions or subtractions. Miles has been keeping his eye on Carlos Pena to fill the Cubs void at first base ... and so have the Nationals. Jim Riggleman's team is "enthusiastic about their chances" of signing Pena according to Buster Olney. While several teams are interested in the former Tampa Bay Ray, the thought is it … [Read more...]
The Cubs Call Berkman … and Other Rumors
Less than 36 hours prior to Turkey Day (insert Cubs jokes here), the rumors surrounding the Chicago Cubs picked up when Lance Berkman told Ken Rosenthal that the Cubs have called his agent. Berkman said the A's have been the most aggressive but the "Cubs have checked in, informing him of their opening at first base." Berkman said the arthroscopic surgery to clean out loose cartilage in his left knee last March 12 limited him all season. Berkman feels he can play either left or right field, as … [Read more...]