The conflicting rumors and reports that surfaced on Monday are what make baseball's off-season interesting and frustrating all at the same time. For the last week, it appeared that Ben Sheets was out of the Cubs' picture. The Cubs publicly stated during the convention they are not pursuing a free agent starter ... and several reports from the media indicated the same. Then Jim Bowden tweeted and reported during his show Monday night on XM Radio that the Cubs are one of five teams negotiating … [Read more...]
Cubs Quiet … For Now
Will the Cubs end the first month of Twenty-Ten quietly or with some activity? There are two holes Jim Hendry would like to fill ... an outfielder and a relief pitcher. The names are out there. But could Hendry be working on a deal that has not been leaked to the media? The Cubs also have three players that are unsigned and one could be headed for arbitration. After reports late last week suggested the Cubs had chosen Mesa over Naples, the official announcement from the Ricketts family is … [Read more...]
Is Jonny Gomes the Cubs First Choice?
Two of the Cubs rumored options have come off the "big board" in the last 48 hours. Rick Ankiel agreed to terms with the Royals and Jose Contreras will pitch for Charlie Manuel in Philly this season. Jim Hendry has two spots he would like to fill before Spring Training ... a right-handed outfielder and a reliever. According to Dave Kaplan, the Cubs are in negotiations with Jonny Gomes. Lou Piniella's former outfielder is the Cubs first choice to fill one of their two needs. Here's the latest … [Read more...]
Add Jonny Gomes to the Cubs Oufield Search
According to a report from the Tribune, the Cubs are courting free agent outfielder Jonny Gomes. Gomes would serve as the right-handed platoon partner for Kosuke Fukudome. The Cubs are also talking with Jermaine Dye and Xavier Nady according to the Tribune. Updated - 5:06pm CST - The Sun-Times confirmed the Cubs interest, and contact with Jonny Gomes. Updated - 5:35pm CST - With updates from Bruce Levine on Luke Gregerson, Heath Bell, Jason Frasor, Jermaine Dye, Rick Ankiel and Kiko Calero . … [Read more...]
Cubs in Negotiations with Kiko Calero?
According to a report from Jon Paul Morosi, the Cubs "are currently engaged in negotiations" with right-handed reliever Kiko Calero. The Cubs and Calero have been connected for months by the mainstream media. Calero is looking for a two-year contract ... but the Cubs do not want to give him a multi-year deal. … [Read more...]
Cubs News, Notes and Possible Interest in Xavier Nady and Jermaine Dye
With the Cubs Caravan beginning on Wednesday, the rumor mill took a small break in favor of actual news. The Cubs invited 19 non-roster players to big league camp. Ivan DeJesus and Matt Sinatro switched roles. DeJesus will be the Cubs first base coach while Sinatro will serve as a special assistant to Lou Piniella ... and handle advance scouting. An announcement is expected by the end of next week on the Cubs first choice for their new Spring Training home. And what would the winter be without … [Read more...]
An Early Cubs Roster … and Even Earlier Lineup for Twenty-Ten
On the first Saturday of Twenty-Ten, the Cubs' roster is extremely close to what it will be when pitchers and catchers report to Fitch Park on February 15. Jim Hendry is reportedly looking to make a couple of additions. With Marlon Byrd under contract for the next three seasons, the Cubs 40-man roster will stand at 38 players once Byrd is officially added to the roster. Reportedly Hendry would still like to add an outfielder to platoon with Kosuke Fukudome and an arm in the pen. Here is a look … [Read more...]
One Cubs Rumor After the Other
Seth Everett recently put baseball's off-season into perspective. During his show on XM Radio with Jim Bowden, the vocal Mr. Everett said, "Pennants are not won in December but there is pressure to win in December." The Cubs still have holes to fill this winter. From the bullpen to a centerfielder to possibly a fourth outfielder and a middle infielder, Jim Hendry reportedly has several moves he would still like to make before pitchers and catchers report on February 15. Here's the latest from … [Read more...]
Jim Hendry’s Number One Priority … and Other Cubs Rumors
Paging Mr. Fogerty ... Mr. John Fogerty, the Cubs are looking for a centerfielder once again. Rumors suggested the Cubs were close to signing Marlon Byrd after trading Milton Bradley to the Mariners ten days ago. Byrd is still on the market and Jim Hendry's top priority is signing a centerfielder according to Bruce Levine. Here is the update from the mill ... including a new name in Ryan Spilborghs, more on Jose Contreras and could Melky Cabrera still end up on the North Side? … [Read more...]
Will Jim Hendry End 2009 with a Bang or a Thud?
One year ago this week Jim Hendry made two moves that had a big impact on the 2009 season. Hendry signed Aaron Miles to a two-year contract for $4.9 million then dealt Mark DeRosa to the Indians for Jeff Stevens, Chris Archer and John Gaub on December 31, 2008. Aaron Miles put together one of the worst seasons in big league history and was traded to the A's, along with Jake Fox and $1 million on December 3 for Ronny Morla and Matt Spencer. Mark DeRosa ended up in St. Louis in mid-season and is … [Read more...]