The countdown to Lake Buena Vista has begun ... and the rumors and activity throughout baseball picked up after the long holiday weekend. The Cubs continue to be linked to the same players, with a few exceptions. Jesse Crain joined the list of relievers the Cubs are looking at this winter. Brandon Webb, Jeff Francis, Aaron Harang and Erik Bedard are on the Cubs radar Bruce Miles put an end to all of the Vicente Padilla rumors. Miles reported on Monday that "the Cubs weren't keen on him in the … [Read more...]
Is Vicente Padilla on the Cubs Radar?
Are the Cubs really considering Vicente Padilla? The Dodgers apparently chose to move on from Vicente Padilla on Friday when they inked Jon Garland to a one-year deal. The addition of Garland gives the Dodgers the potential of a very good rotation but as ESPN pointed out, the signing of Garland reduced the market for Vicente Padilla. According to a report from the Sun-Times nine days ago, the Cubs spoke with the agent for Vicente Padilla during the GM meetings ... along with the agents for … [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...]
Weekend Update … All Signs and Cubs Rumors Point Toward Indy
The baseball world is making its way toward Indianapolis ... including the Cubs' GM. Jim Hendry spoke with Bruce Levine and Jonathan Hood en route to the Winter Meetings during Talkin' Baseball on Saturday morning. Here's an update from the mill and notes from Jim Hendry's discussion on ESPN 1000 ... … [Read more...]
Is the Cubs Hot Stove Heating Up?
The countdown to the winter meetings has begun ... and the Cubs made a few waves on Tuesday. Rich Harden, Kevin Gregg and Reed Johnson were not offered salary arbitration and will likely be with another team in 2010. The Cubs could re-sign Reed Johnson but that depends on the moves they are able to make after unloading Milton Bradley. Some think the upcoming winter meetings will be filled with signings and trades ... will Jim Hendry and company be able to accomplish their biggest goal of the … [Read more...]