With David Ross and Mark DeRosa reportedly out of the mix, what direction will the Cubs go for Joe Maddon’s next bench coach? Brandon Hyde was officially hired as the Orioles’ manager on Friday. Hyde’s departure means the Cubs will have their third bench coach in three seasons. Dave Martinez and Brandon Hyde leaving makes sense, but the turnover on the coaching staff is rather concerning. And it means another spring and early season adjustments for the players and Joe Maddon. According to … [Read more...]
From the Wire….Ibanez Agrees to Terms with Phillies
According to reports from Ken Rosenthal and XM Radio, Raul Ibanez agreed to terms on a 3-year deal believed to be worth $30 million dollars. XM reported the deal is pending a physical. … [Read more...]
Winter Meetings 2008: Dealing with a Deadline
Thursday is the final day of the Winter Meetings and Kevin Towers told the San Diego Union-Tribune that he "should know Thursday whether the much-discussed terms are finally set" in the Jake Peavy discussions. Towers and Jim Hendry met for an hour and a half on Wednesday night according to Bruce Levine and the Union-Tribune described the talks on Wednesday as "the lengthiest of a process than began several weeks ago." Of the three names the Cubs are reportedly interested in signing to play … [Read more...]
Winter Meetings 2008: Day Three….Will DeRo Stay, or Will DeRo Go?
Are the Cubs about to make a deal for either an outfielder or for Jake Peavy? Reports continued to surface throughout the day that the Cubs were close to landing Jake Peavy. Then one minute Mark DeRosa was in the possible "mega-trade" then the next he is not...by the way, one definition of the word 'close' according to Merriam-Webster online is "to draw near or to enter into or complete an agreement." Does either fit the ongoing rumors surrounding the Cubs, Jake Peavy or an outfielder than can … [Read more...]
Winter Meetings 2008: Day Two….More Wheelin’ with No Dealin’
Day two in Las Vegas saw the first of the big name free agents sign a new deal. Francisco Rodriguez agreed to a 3-year deal worth $37 million dollars with the Mets that includes a vesting option for a fourth year. K-Rod appears to have set the market and with him accepting a deal much lower than the 5-year, $75 million dollar deal he was reportedly looking for this winter, his deal with the Mets is also an indication of how much the economic crisis is affecting the game of baseball. Reports … [Read more...]
Winter Meetings 2008: Are the Cubs Close on Peavy?
Monday night in Las Vegas was more and more talk...with no action, at least on the Cubs front. Is it just the hype of the Winter Meetings, or will something soon transpire? The Cubs appear to be on the verge of landing Jake Peavy, but at what cost? And could the Phillies be the third team with Mark DeRosa involved? A report from Jayson Stark mentioned a possible 10-player deal that would involve three or four teams. According to Stark, "All signs now point toward Peavy becoming a Cub, simply … [Read more...]
Open for Business….By Appointment Only
A left-handed bat, Jake Peavy, moving Jason Marquis and a lot creative thinking appear to be atop Jim Hendry's list as the Winter Meetings officially begins on Monday morning. But could there be more? Typically when all of the decision makers get together under one roof, the only predictable move is one that catches everyone by surprise. Jim Hendry from Cubs.com: "The trade market is going to be a possibility, the free agent market is still a possibility. There are certainly a lot of potential … [Read more...]
Tumbling Dice: Hendry Heading West for a Lefty and Jake Peavy?
Over the next few days the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas will become the Center of the Baseball Universe. The lobby, bars and restaurants of the luxury hotel will be turned into meeting rooms as clubs attempt to make improvements for next season....and in many cases, beyond. Jim Hendry reportedly has several areas he would like to address this off-season. His manager wants a left-handed bat for the middle of the lineup, possibly a leadoff hitter and a veteran arm for the pen. Hendry appears … [Read more...]
Questions and Rumors Surrounding the Cubs
As the Winter Meetings approach, the Cubs appear focused on acquiring a left-handed bat for right field before trading for Jake Peavy. All indications are that the Cubs and Padres continue to discuss Peavy but until the new ownership is in place there is simply not enough remaining in the budget to add the former Cy Young Award winner to the rotation. For the second day in a row Milton Bradley was linked to the Cubs by the mainstream media. Ken Rosenthal reported the possibility early on Friday … [Read more...]
Moving Marquis and Other Rumblings
Did the trade of Javier Vazquez by the White Sox provide a market for Jason Marquis? Many feel Jim Hendry must move Jason Marquis and the $9.875 million he is owed for next season in order to clear space in the budget to add Jake Peavy and his contract to the Cubs rotation. Marquis would be a reliable fifth starter in any rotation, including the Cubs, but they apparently have their sights set on adding Jake Peavy....along with a left-handed bat. With only four shopping days before the Winter … [Read more...]