Thoughts On The Jake Peavy Trade

The Winter Meetings was buzzing with news that the Jake Peavy trade was very close to happening. Chicago Tribune reporter Phil Rogers said that it would be "a stunner" if the trade didn't happen; however, Cubs GM Jim Hendry questioned who was "telling me these things." When it was all said and done, the 2007 NL Cy Young pitcher is staying in San Diego. The Padres reportedly had a four team offer on the table for the Cubs to accept, which would have sent Mark DeRosa to the Phillies and Felix Pie to the Orioles. The Cubs would have ultimately lost four players, which would have hurt their future and already depleted minor league system.

In the trade, the Cubs would have traded Felix Pie to the Orioles for Garrett Olsen, then turning Olsen to the Padres in the Peavy deal. While Pie has only hit .223 in 260 at-bats in the majors, he is a .299 career hitter in over 2,500 career minor league at-bats. Pie was sent down by the Cubs May, spending the next several months in the minors before being called back up in September. In the final month of the season, Pie, with a shorter swing and patient approach, hit .300 with a .391 OBP. He then went to his native D.R. to play with the Licey Tigers, where he hit .320 with 1 HR and 4 SB in 50 at-bats. While it is nearly impossible to say when a player is on the verge for breaking out, you could make a strong case that Pie is coming close to living up to his potential as a top prospect.

The fourth team in the deal was the Phillies, who were looking to bring in a utility man to help play second, third, and outfield next season. It turns out that Mark DeRosa was available, and the Phillies were willing to trade prospect J.A. Happ, who went 8-7 with a 3.60 ERA in 24 appearances with their Triple-A affiliate Iron Pigs for DeRosa. Happ also has major league experience, posting a 3.69 ERA in eight games, four starts, for the Phillies this past season. While Happ was the deal breaker, trading a utility man like DeRosa, coming off a career year and heading into a contract year, just didn't make sense. 

Pro-Peavy trade fans argue that the Cubs have made DeRosa expendable the past two seasons and he will likely leave next offseason out of a lack of respect. Not only has DeRosa hit .289 with 31 homeruns in 298 games over the past two seasons, but he has emerged as the face of the team, becoming a fan and player favorite. Furthermore, DeRosa questioned the Cubs in Spring Training about why they felt they needed to replace him with Brian Roberts. The impending sale process could short the Cubs on money, so getting an extension done before Spring Training might be tough, especially with the possibility of offering Carlos Marmol and Geovanny Soto extensions as well. They could ultimately lose DeRosa because they brought his name into the trade. 

Along with the Garrett Olsen and J.A. Happ, the Cubs would have to trade top prospect Josh Vitters, Sean Marshall, and Angel Guzman for Peavy. Those three players are a key part to the Cubs' future, and sacrificing them does not make sense. Red Sox GM Theo Epstein's plan directly relates the Cubs: "It is a project. You can build 100-win teams, but you would sacrifice elements of your future. If you put all your assets on 2009," Epstein said, "you will have no infrastructure for the future, no foundation. "

Marshall has reportedly put on some weight and is already preparing for the 2009 season in Arizona. Marshall is showing flashes of a great pitcher, he just needs to be more consistent with his secondary pitches. As for Guzman, he worked his way back this season and pitched in thirteen games between Single-A and the majors. He is 31-17 with a 2.92 ERA in 98 games in the minors, and has the makings of a solid spot starter in the majors. Finally, Josh Vitters, the number three overall pick in the 2007 draft. In 68 games for the Low-A Boise Hawks, Vitters hit .328 with 5 HR and 37 RBI. He is just 19 and is the heir apparent at third base with the Cubs. 

When building a team, it makes sense to prepare in five year chunks. That way, you know if your prospects are developing well, or if they won't benefit your team in the years to come. The Red Sox operate under that idea, according to Theo Epstein, and it makes sense for a team with similar financial boundaries to operate under than idea as well. For the Cubs, who already have four fifteen game winners in their rotation, it just doesn't make sense, and they will find that it was the right move. 

 

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Cubs Sign Miles

The Cubs and Aaron Miles have agreed to a two year contract worth 4.9 million dollars, according to cubs.com. Miles hit .317 with 4 HR and .355 OBP in 134 games for the Cardinals last season, and is a switch hitter. He hit .350 in 80 at-bats in situations deemed "close and late, " something the Cubs must have liked. Miles gives the Cubs solid depth off the bench, but you have to wonder why they would bring Miles in when they already have Mike Fontenot, especially on a two year deal. This suggest one thing to me: The Cubs are gearing up for another run at Jake Peavy. 

By trading Marquis, you open up payroll to sign Milton Bradley, which sources have told me is "inevitable." With Fontenot and Miles at second, the Cubs can trade Mark DeRosa to the Phillies or Twins for the top pitching prospect they need to send to the Padres, along with Josh Vitters and two other Cubs prospects, for Peavy. They also signed Joey Gathright, meaning Felix Pie could be on his way out as well. It seems far-fetched, but the rival executives got the impression from Cubs officials that they were "determined" to land Peavy.

However, the Cubs lost a couple solid bench players and could view the Miles signing as a retooling of the bench. Miles is a career .289 hitter in 643 major league games.

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Interview With Iowa Cubs President Sam Bernabe

Iowa Cubs President and General Manager Sam Bernabe was kind enough to answer some questions of mine for MLB Rumors. The Iowa Cubs (2-3) are the Triple A affiliate for the Chicago Cubs. They are currently housing top prospects Felix Pie, Eric Patterson, J.R. Mathes, and Carlos Marmol, among others.

ELI: First, what were the steps to hiring/promoting Buddy Bailey? Who else was up for consideration?

SAM: As a minor league affiliate we don’t do any of the hiring of the field staff. The Cubs minor league department makes all of those decisions.

ELI: As far as you know, who is the leader in the clubhouse?

SAM: The team has yet to come to Des Moines to play. We open on Friday night so I haven’t had a chance to observe or be around the clubhouse with the players around as of yet. I suspect with the number of prospects returning to the team this year from last years team there will be plenty of leadership form veteran prospects.

ELI: What are you day to day routines as GM?

SAM: I’m in charge of the entertainment machine that has 72 days of activities. I have a full time staff of 26 and part time of around 300. I’m responsible for making sure the Chicago Cubs have all they need to train their players. I’m the liaison to the ball club for the City of Des Moines, the Chicago Cubs, the Pacific Coast League, Minor League Baseball and Major League Baseball.

ELI: Any new additions to the team this year? Where do you expect to finish this year?

SAM: There are no significant changes to the team this year at this point. A small number of signed 6 year free agents fill out a roster that has a large number of returning prospects. We finished tied for first last year. I would expect us to be just as competitive this season.

ELI: Do you communicate with Cubs GM Jim Hendry often?

SAM: Not too often. Jim comes to town usually twice a year. I will see him in Chicago usually 3 or 4 times a year. Our phone conversations are limited.

ELI: What other jobs have you held in baseball that got you to this spot?

SAM: I started with the Iowa Cubs as an intern in Dec. 1983. I worked my way up to G.M. by the fall of 1986. I know own part of the team and I’m President of the ballclub. I’ve never worked for any other operation.

ELI: Did you play baseball as a kid? what position?

SAM: I played from the time I was 10 until my sophomore year in college. I was a pitcher.

Source: Cubs Will Not Pursue Abreu

According to source close to Cubs executives, the Cubs have no interest in pursuing outfielder Bobby Abreu. Despite Abreu's strong year, he is a Type-A free agent and would cost the Cubs two draft picks. The Cubs are very big on making improvements through the draft, and will look elsewhere for help in the outfield. With that said, Rangers outfielder Milton Bradley was rated a Type-B free agent and has been a Cubs' target for several years. If the Cubs were to make an aggressive offer for the switch hitter, they could probably land him. He would fit in at right or center, and would help balance the Cubs' middle part of the order. 

The Mets are believed to be interested in Abreu, but several teams will likely drop out now that the rankings are out.

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Cubs Cut Gaudin, Option Samardzija

After a spring where nothing went his way, Chad Gaudin was given his release from the Chicago Cubs. Gaudin, who had a 6.26 ERA in 24 games for the Cubs, gave up 19 earned runs in 16.1 innings pitched. He is 25, so he will probably get picked up really soon. The Rockies, Orioles, and Padres could all look into adding him. The move allows the Cubs to keep Rule 5 pick David Patton, who was taken from the Rockies in December. The Cubs also optioned Jeff Samardzija to Triple-A, allowing them to keep Angel Guzman as well. Guzman is coming off a pretty rough spring having given up 10 earned runs in 12.1 innings pitched. However, Guzman, 27, had loads of potential when he is younger and the Cubs want to see if he that talent is still there as a reliever. 

Sending Samardzija to Triple-A takes nothing away from the fact that he had a terrific spring. He has what it takes to pitch at the next level, it's just that the Cubs just want him to be able to start regularly and get comfortable before they need him full time. I think it is smart move that will pay off for Samardzija and the Cubs in the long run.

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Top Trade Canidates

Spring Training is the time when general managers meet with contract year players to discuss long term deals to avoid problems in the upcoming off season which could potentially effect their chances of signing other players. However, after an off season like we just had, you cannot avoid the possibility that big name players will come up in trade rumors so their team can unload them to avoid forking over too much cash. With players like Gil Meche getting 55 million dollars a year, a player like Jake Westbrook can't help but be the subject of trade talks. The Indians are also faced with potential problems with C.C. Sabathia and Travis Hafner, both who have their best years ahead of them. Todd Helton, who has declined as of late, is the subject of trade talks with Boston. He met with Rockies owner Charlie Monfort and that could suggest that a trade is in the works. Mike Sweeney, who is finally reaching his contract year, could also be traded. However, I don't think too many teams would take on his 11 million that he is owed this season. Although Jacque Jones had a great year last year and is not in a contract year, he is the subject of some trade rumors. Mostly because of top prospect Felix Pie is just a year away is showing great potential. Ichiro Suzuki, who is entering his final year with the Mariners, will probably be traded in the middle of the season because of his known desire to test the market. And after Jermaine Dye turned his career around in Chicago setting career highs in home runs and RBI's in his stay. Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano and the Cubs are supposedly working on a deal but nothing has been reported. It is likely that if a deal is not reached, Zambrano will test the market, unless the Cubs can pull of a World Series, who Zambrano is predicting. If the Cubs cannot finalize a deal with Carlos Zambrano before the season, it is unlikely to see him get traded because of he is the most dominant pitcher for the Cubs right now and has been the most dominant in recent memory. For the rest of the 2007 free agent class and all other possible trade candidates, check out Cot's Baseball Contracts.

Team by Team Updates from Orlando

Angels: After signing Gary Matthews to a five year deal, the Angels have kept fairly quiet. GM Bill Stoneman arrived late Monday and had minor discussions with a couple different teams. The Angels are tossing names around like Bartolo Colon and Felix Rodriguez in hopes of acquiring a bat. But other than just rumors, there has been no news to report.

Astros: The latest news from the Winter Meetings for the Astros is that Andy Pettitte wants to pitch next year and is leaning towards returning to the Astros. This could influence Roger Clemens decision on whether he wants to return to Boston, New York, Houston, or just retire. The Astros are also discussing a possible trade for Jason Jennings.

Athletics: The A's appear to be the number one team to sign Mike Piazza as their DH. The deal is a two year deal worth 15 million dollars. They are also working on a deal with Alan Embree.

Blue Jays: The Blue Jays are desperately trying to retain Ted Lilly but it appears that the Cubs are the favorite. Lilly has received a four year offer, worth 40 million dollars. "That's just hearsay from our end," Ricciardi said. "I personally talked to Ted Lilly on Saturday and had a great conversation with him. That's really all I can go on." The Blue Jays are also targeting Gil Meche, and are talking with the White Sox about trading Vernon Wells.

Braves: Reports from Orlando are saying that the Braves may look to trade Adam LaRoche and Marcus Giles. However, there are also rumors concerning Andruw Jones as well. It appears that GM John Schuerholz will look to trades before signings.

Brewers: The Brewers have been talking with teams about trading Geoff Jenkins or Kevin Mench, and have heard the Red Sox are interested in acquiring Derrek Turnbow. The Brewers are also interested in signing Kenny Lofton. They also are working a deal with Tony Graffanino who appears to be staying in Milwaukee.

Cardinals: The Cardinals have inked a five year, 65 million dollar deal with Chris Carpenter. The also plan to meet with Jason Schmidt. Other than that, the Cardinals have been relatively quiet.

Cubs: The Cubs have made an offer to Ted Lilly at an estimated 40 million over four years. They are also looking into Jason Schmidt and Gil Meche. They are also looking to trade Jacque Jones, have inquired about Jason Jennings, and may look to sign outfielders Cliff Floyd and Kenny Lofton.

Devil Rays: The Devil Rays main priority is to build their bullpen. However, that has not stopped them from looking to trade Rocco Baldelli, Jorge Cantu, or Carl Crawford. They are also working on a deal to sign Akinori Iwamura.

Diamondbacks: The Dbacks have been very quiet, hoping they could possibly sign Mark Mulder. The have also met with the agents of Keith Foulke.

Dodgers: The Dodgers appear to be interested in Jason Schmidt and have only had few conversations. On Monday, the Dodgers and Red Sox were talking about a trade for Manny Ramirez, but according to Colletti, the deal has a less than "5 percent" chance of getting done. They are close to finalizing a deal with Mike Lieberthal and rookie closer Takashi Saito.

Giants: The Giants have signed numerous players over the past week and have just began to finalize them. They have signed Dave Roberts, Rich Aurilia, Bengie Molina, and have resigned Pedro Feliz. The Giants are looking into signing Ryan Klesko, and have inquired about the Mariners Richie Sexon and the Cubs Jacque Jones.

Indians: Joe Borowski will take a physical either today or tomorrow for the Indians and then he will sign a one year deal. However, they will still look into signing Octavio Dotel or Keith Foulke. The Indians are really focusing on pitching and beefing up their bullpen after signing Dellucci.

Mariners: The Mariners are in hot pursuit of two pitchers. They plan to meet with Jason Schmidt and appear to be the favorites if the Cubs sign Lilly. However, Schmidt has said he wants to win now and has no problem leaving the West Coast. They are also looking to trade for Jason Jennings, but so are several other teams.

Marlins: The Marlins are showing serious interest in acquiring Rocco Baldelli. The Marlins are reluctant to part with pitching, but according to sources, Scott Olsen could get the deal done.

Mets: The Mets were in hot pursuit of Barry Zito but may have to settle for a veteran because of how high Zito's price tag is. Scott Boras is reportedly asking for a six to seven year deal, worth 102 million dollars. The Rangers seem more willing to offer the big deal.

Nationals: The Red Sox and Giants are talking a three way deal with the Nationals concerning Manny Ramirez. They would probably lose Chad Cordero and possibly acquire Noah Lowry. However it is just speculation. The Nationals Ryan Church, Jose Vidro, and Chad Cordero are all drawing interest in other trades.

Orioles: Rodrigo Lopez is on the topic of most general managers list of pitchers. The Mariners, Brewers, and Mets have all inquired about Lopez but no deal appears imminent. The Brewers have offered Kevin Mench but a formal offer will have to be sketched out. The Braves appear interested in Brian Roberts but the Orioles are reluctant to trade him.

Padres: The Padres are closing in on a deal with Greg Maddux. The deal is estimated at a one year deal worth 10 million dollars with an option for one more. They are also interested in Jason Schmidt and Ronnie Belliard.

Phillies: A frustrating off season so far might make a turn for the worst. Pat Burrell is drawing little to know interest and the Phillies continue to struggle to find pitching. Eaton only pitched in 65 innings and pitched okay when he returned. They are looking to Chicago to acquire Freddy Garcia, possibly reuniting Aaron Rowand. The Cubs might also be interested in Aaron Rowand because they are in need of a center fielder.

Pirates: The Pirates are talking with the Braves and Reds about Adam LaRoche and Adam Dunn. They have also inquired about Trot Nixon for right field. None of these deals appear to be finalized soon. The Pirates do have a slight advantage with the overload of pitching. They could acquire a decent hitter for a pitcher or two.

Rangers: The Rangers and Vicente Padilla have agreed to a three year deal, worth 33 million dollars. This will set the minimum for other second tier pitchers like Ted Lilly and Gil Meche. The Rangers also expect to make a serious run for Barry Zito, who is seeking a six year deal, worth 17 million annually.

Red Sox: The Red Sox are close to signing Julio Lugo and J.D. Drew. They also plan to finalize a deal with Daisuke Matsuzaka. Theo Epstein has also set a deadline for when he will stop trying to trade Manny Ramirez. THIS JUST IN: The Red Sox have agreed to a 5 year deal, worth 70 million dollars. I do not see Manny Ramirez being traded because the teams that are pursuing him do not have what the Red Sox want. Or they are not willing to part with what the Red Sox want.

Reds: The Reds have signed a 2 year deal, worth 5 million dollars total with Dave Weathers. Other than Weathers and Gonzalez, that is all the news from the Reds office. Adam Dunn is drawing some interest from teams but no deals have been worked out.

Rockies: The Rockies have signed LaTroy Hawkins and he will be their setup man. Several teams have inquired about Jason Jennings including the Astros, Cubs, Mariners, Mets, Rangers, and Twins. They also have interest in Kenny Lofton and Darin Erstad.

Royals: The Royals have focused on pitching, and have made an offer to Miguel Batista (3/24). They also have put Gil Meche as a top priority but it appears he will either go to the Cubs or Blue Jays.

Tigers: Jeremy Bonderman and Marcus Thames' names have come up in trades but the Tigers do not appear to be interested in trading them. They are interested in trading for Marlins pitcher Renyel Pinto. Pinto, 24, went to the Marlins last year in the Juan Pierre deal. He pitched from the bullpen most of the season.

Twins: The Twins are serious about acquiring Jason Jennings and a deal could get struck by tomorrow. With Liriano out for 2007 and Radke to retire, the Twins are looking for pitching and due to a lack of funds, will have to do it by trade. They are also working a deal to keep Rondell White.

White Sox: White Sox pitcher Brandon McCarthy may start in AAA next year unless they can trade one of their pitchers. Javier Vasquez and Freddy Garcia have both drawn a lot of interest from the Mets, Phillies, and Yankees and it is more than "50 percent" possible that one of them gets traded. The White Sox are also interested in acquiring Vernon Wells but I do not know if they have what it takes to trade him. They also have interest in Aaron Rowand.

Yankees: The Yankees have made an offer to Andy Pettitte worth 15 million for one year. The Yankees and Bernie Williams have also had minor discussions about a deal. They are also close to a deal with Kei Igawa. They have interest in Ted Lilly, Gil Meche, and Freddy Garcia (via trade).

Cubs Have Two Offers Ready?

According to one NL executive, the Cubs are considering preparing two offers for Peavy, one that would include Jeff Samardzija and one with Josh Vitters. The Cubs don't have the deepest farm system, but a deal around either two of those players would get it done. Personally, I think the Cubs would be smart to hold on to Vitters and package four or five players together for Peavy. Players like Wellington Castillo, Donnie Veal, Ryan Flaherty, and Tyler Colvin, along with Randy Wells or Angel Guzman would definitely get the Padres wheels turning, which could force a deal. 

The Chicago Sun-Times points out that this deal has nearly taken the Cubs out of the Brian Roberts sweepstakes, something that the Cubs pursued very hard last offseason. While Peavy is a lot better investment than Roberts, the Cubs need to determine if they need Peavy or if they just want Peavy.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Bradley Race Coming To A Close?

According to Ken Rosenthal, there are only two teams left that are seriously pursuing outfielder Milton Bradley, the Rays and Cubs. As of last night, the Cubs were reportedly very close to a deal with Bradley, but that was refuted. However, several Cubs officials have given the Cubs their endorsement for Bradley, including Cubs hitting coach Gerald Perry, who coached Bradley in 2006 with the Athletics. The positives to staying in the American League is that he gets to be a DH, protecting his oft-injured body. Going to the NL, he would join the dominant Chicago Cubs and give them even more depth and pop in the lineup. 

The Cubs, according to Bradley's agent, are the favorites to land his player. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Cubs Closing In On Dempster?

According to the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs offer to Ryan Dempster is for four years at 12.5 million dollars annually. Dempster went 17-6 with a 2.96 ERA and 187 K in 33 games for the Cubs this past season. He dominated nearly all of his opponents and showed no signs of slowing down towards the end of the season. A source close to Cubs executives informed me that the Cubs would really like to lock him up before Friday, so a deal this Thursday is very possible. The Blue Jays are showing the most interest in Dempster so far, but several teams would probably jump in on him if he does hit the open market.

The Cubs are still in on Jake Peavy, and reportedly would like to get a deal done before Thanksgiving. With the Braves calling for a deal to be done by Friday, the Cubs will probably put no pressure on the Padres to get a deal done so they will be the only front-runner.

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Heyman: Cubs, Abreu Match Up?

SI.com's Jon Heyman believes the Cubs and Bobby Abreu are a perfect match. Abreu is thirty-four and is probably looking for at least a three year deal worth 12-14 million dollars annually. Abreu combines a solid batting average, above average speed, and solid power that would put the Cubs in a great spot for 2009. Abreu has hit .300 in the three spot over the course of his career (1000+ games) and is not prone to grounding into a lot of double plays. Putting him in right and moving Fukudome to center to platoon with Johnson and Pie would give the Cubs not just a solid lefty, but a reason to move Derek Lee down to the five spot, which would give the Cubs one of the deepest lineups in the league. The Cubs are reportedly considering a run at Brian Roberts, which would push Mark DeRosa to right field. Other than that, Raul Ibanez is also believed to be on their radar.

The Cubs need to sign Ryan Dempster and Kerry Wood first, and that could cost as much as 20-23 million dollars. Adding 35 million dollars in payroll while they are in the process of finding a new owner may not be in the cards this off season - they might just need to make trades.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Miss DeRosa Much? Cubs Pursuing Freel

The Cubs have reportedly approached the Orioles about utility player Ryan Freel. Freel can play all three outfield positions, second, and third base. The Cubs decided to demote Joey Gathright, likely signaling the end of his time in Chicago. My main problem with this trade is this would not have been a problem if the Cubs kept Mark DeRosa, who instead was traded to the Indians for three minor league prospects.

While DeRosa was a fan favorite, and proved to be a very versatile player, the players the Cubs received in return have some in the front office very excited.

"All three have a chance," Cubs director of player personnel Oneri Fleita said. "Chris Archer has big time stuff, and finding someone who can [potentially] give you 200-plus innings is hard to find. We think he has the ability to do it."

The two other players the Cubs received were John Gaub and Jeff Stevens. Both pitchers are options for call ups if injuries hamper the bullpen, but probably won't be needed until next season.

Freel, who is hitting .133 in 9 games, isn't likely to command more than a minor leaguer. He is making 3.3 millon dollars, some of which will probably need to be taken on by the Orioles in a trade.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Cubs' Cedeno Drawing Interest

Cubs shortstop Ronny Cedeno, who is out of options, is drawing interest from several teams. The Cubs are hoping to get a starter out of the deal, which makes sense since his name has been involved in the Jake Peavy talks. Cedeno hit .269 with 2 HR in 99 games for the Cubs last season, which included a .378 average in the month of April. Cedeno hit .286 with 4 HR in 48 games in Winter League, and many think his improved presense at the plate will only get better. Don't rule out Ronny Cedeno beating out Aaron Miles and Mike Fontenot for the job at second base.

The Mariners have shown interest in Ronny Cedeno and may be willing to part with Aaron Heilman, Bruce Levine is reporting. Heilman struggled in 2008, but had a 3.03 ERA in 2007 and a career 4.24 ERA. He hasn't made a start in three seasons, but he would give the Cubs another reliever, fortifying the bullpen. Cedeno was also connected to the Royals when the Cubs asked about Zack Grienke, but that rumor died when the Royals said he was not available.

Cedeno's improved patience and defense makes him a very valuable player. I wonder why the Cubs feel the need to trade him, especially after trading young prospects Felix Pie and Eric Patterson in the past six months.

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Cubs Interested In Wolf?

According to Bruce Levine, the Cubs have some interest in free agent lefty Randy Wolf. Wolf went 12-12 last year with a 4.30 ERA for the Padres and Astros, and is reportedly seeking a contract worth 8-9 million dollars. With possible starters in Jeff Samardzija, Sean Marshall, and Angel Guzman, the Cubs would be smart to take a chance on Ben Sheets. At this point, Sheets might be willing to take a one or two year deal worth 9-10 million dollars annually. If the deal is loaded with reachable incentives, you might be able to get a deal done quickly. In the event that Sheets goes down, the Cubs would have Marshall, who is very capable of starting in the big leagues. 

Sheets is 6-4 with a 3.97 ERA in 15 career games at Wrigley Field, and has won 25 games over the past two seasons (55 games). Sheets is a pretty balanced pitcher,with a career 1.20 WHIP who will give you 6-7 strikeouts a game. While there is risk in signing Sheets, he has huge upside and could be an X-factor for them. Some argue that taking on Sheets with Harden in the rotation presents a problem if both can't stay healthy. But Wolf is coming off his first full season since 2003 and is two years older than Sheets. You would be taking on nearly the same risk. 

If the Cubs weren't ready to sign a pitcher like Wolf or Sheets, and are not ready to give Sean Marshall a shot, then why did they trade Jason Marquis for Luis Vizcaino? Not only is Vizcaino a fly ball pitcher, but he has a WHIP of 1.45 over the past two seasons. The Cubs have some strong young players, but they are question marks that could really hurt the Cubs in 2009. 

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Cubs Pursuing Another Pitcher

The Cubs would like to add at least one more pitcher before the season starts. Sources close to Cubs GM Jim Hendry believe he will restart trade talks with the Padres concerning Jake Peavy. The Cubs have cleared payroll to bring in Peavy, and have even brought in prospects in the Mark DeRosa trade to use in the deal. Hendry has made it clear that he won't part with Sean Marshall, so a deal would likely be packaged around Josh Vitters, with Ronny Cedeno, Felix Pie, Jeff Stevens, and another prospect going to San Diego. While the trade would not cause holes in the Cubs'  lineup, it is a lot to give up and could hurt the Cubs' future.

If the Cubs would rather go after a free agent, they could pursue Andy Pettitte or Randy Wolf. Other options include Ben Sheets, Oliver Perez, or Mark Mulder. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Interview with Michael Barrett

Yesterday evening at Gino's East Pizza Restaurant in Chicago, Michael Barrett was kind enough to sit down and answer all of my questions for MLB Rumors during his fund raiser for The Michael Barrett Foundation. Proceeds benefited Leber's Congenital Amaurosis, the same disease that Derrek Lee's family is raising money for through Project 3000. So after I presented him the check that MLB Rumors raised through the month of April, Barrett, although tired after an extra inning victory against the Washington Nationals, answered all my questions honestly, and thoroughly. Michael Barrett is currently the Cubs catcher and is in his fourth season with the Cubs and is in the last year of his contract. I know all Cubs fans are hoping that GM Jim Hendry signs him soon. I would also like to thank Matt Kramer, Linda Marshall, and Alan Leiberman for all their help these past couple weeks getting this interview set up, it really means a lot to me, and the readers of MLB Rumors.


ELI: When did you first realize that you might play in the Major Leagues?

MICHAEL: I always dreamed of playing in the big leagues and I think that my senior year, or actually my junior year [of high school] a guy by the name of George Lombard got drafted in the second round. He went to a rival high school, and I guess at that point I realized that there was going to be a shot and a chance for me to get drafted just like he did and I realized that as high as he went in the draft that I was going to get ample opportunities once drafted to make it to the Major Leagues and I decided at that point that it was in reach.

ELI: What do you think of the new coaching staff this year?

MICHAEL: So far, it's an interesting staff, interesting staff. Lou Piniella is great, very intense individual, very passionate. I've never really been around anyone like him. Dusty [Baker] is a good friend of mine and they have a lot in common, more similarities than most people would think. But Lou brings a different attitude, a different intensity, not afraid to get on guys, he's not afraid to chew 'em out, go out to the mound and rattle their cages a little bit. And then we got Alan Trammell, and he's like the most positive guy in the world, never been around or nicer human being than him, especially in baseball. And we got a great hitting coach in Gerald Perry. And I really enjoy Matt Sinatro, the catching coach, who's been a tremendous influence on me, already, in my defense. We got a few other great coaches in addition: Ivan Dejesus, who was a gamer when he played, great defensive guy. Mike Quade, who's awesome- [interrupted]

ELI: He got knocked down.

MICHAEL: Yeah he got knocked down trying to do...I don't know what he was doing [laughs]. Just got knocked down. But are entire staff is great, we got a lot of great guys. Larry Rothschild the pitching coach is back, and I am working with him to prove to people that he is legitimate as they get and that things in the past are not because of him.

ELI: Who do you think is the biggest joker in the dugout during the game?

MICHAEL: Well when Ryan Dempster decides to grace us with his presence in the dugout he is by far, but he is generally in the clubhouse watching the game getting ready to close the game. But other than him, we don't really have any pranksters.

ELI: Who is the best roomate you have had on the road?

MICHAEL: Well, I don't have roommates in the big leagues anymore. But in the minor leagues, I had some good roommates man, some good stories, but I'd say Peter Bergeron is the best roommate I have ever had.

ELI: For a 1:20 game, what time do you usually arrive at the stadium and what do you do to get ready?

MICHAEL: I always shoot for four hours before the game, on the road or at home. And the first day of the series when I have a lot of hitters meetings and a lot of pitchers meetings, to go over opposing hitters, opposing pitchers, I'll get there an hour earlier, so five hours before the first game.

ELI: Can you think of a funny moment you've had with a pitcher during a mound visit?

MICHAEL: Yeah, just recently Ted Lilly was pitching in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and he slipped twice on two bunt plays. [pause] Anyways, Lou came out to check on him and asked him if he had his metal spikes on and he did. Lou then said well do you have any other cleats in the locker room and Ted said, "Skip, your zippers down." Lou was really embarrassed about that. He turns to do something about it, but then realized that he was on national TV and realized he couldn't do anything. That was a very awkward, but funny story.

ELI: What was it like being traded from Montreal to Oakland, and then immediately to Chicago?

MICHAEL: I'll tell you it was a trip because being in Montreal was tough on me. I'd kind of come to a close there and it was time for me to move on and I got traded to Oakland and I was very excited. They had the best pitching staff in the American League: Mark Mulder, Tim Hudson, Barry Zito, at the time and I was very thrilled about the opportunity. Then 22 hours later I get a phone call that I'm coming over to the National League and catch for what I feel is the best team in the National League, and at that time had the best pitching staff in the National League, so I went from the best pitching staff in the American League to the best pitching staff in the National League in a day, it was great.

ELI: When the season ends in October, how much time do you take off before getting back to work?

MICHAEL: Normally, two weeks. And two weeks to basically heal, let my body heal. Let all the nicks and wounds that I get during the season heal and then after that, my offseason is my on season.

ELI: If you weren't a catcher, what position would you want to play?

MICHAEL: I love shortstop. If I had the athletic ability to play shortstop today, I would do everything I could do to play it. It is a great position, I love it. I love the infield and it's a special place to play, only the best athletes on the teams play there.

ELI: On the road, which team has the best away clubhouse?

MICHAEL: Good question. Um, a lot of the newer stadiums have all great clubhouses. Probably [pause], trying to think of my favorite. God, there all good [laughs]. Man, I love them all. You'll have to give me a second, I'll tell you.

Report: Cubs to Acquire Roberts

According to ESPN 1000 in Chicago, the Cubs and Orioles have reached a tentative agreement on a trade that would send Brian Roberts to the Cubs for at least three players. It sounds iffy because no players are known but it is believed that they are holding off on announcing it until this weekends Cubs Convention. The Cubs have been known to save announcements on signings and such till the Convention. Last year, it was the signing of Jeff Samardjiza, so it is possible. Also, with the signing of Jon Lieber it would make sense they would trade a pitcher like Sean Marshall or Sean Gallagher. More on this as it unfolds...

UPDATE: One baseball insider confirmed through email that the Cubs would like to make another move this off season before pitchers and catchers report. He went on to say that he has not heard anything about a deal being close, but said a deal is likely to go down before the end of the month.

UPDATE 2: Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan writes that GM Jim Hendry declined to address the latest rumors that a Roberts deal was imminent.

UPDATE 3: No word yet on whether or not this is true. It seems ESPN 1000 got ahead of themselves a little bit. The Daily Herald believes the Orioles would prefer to trade Bedard before Roberts, so we will see what happens.

Cubs Pull Out Of Peavy Talks

The Cubs have pulled out of the Jake Peavy trade talks. The Cubs felt the price was too high for Peavy, who has 63 million dollars left on his four year contract. However, they have made it known that Mark DeRosa is expendable for the second straight offseason, and if they don't trade him now, they will probably lose him next offseason, when he is a free agent. At least ten teams have contacted the Cubs about DeRosa, who has 5.5 million dollars left on his contract. 

Felix Pie has been one of the Cubs' top prospects, and by not giving him more of an opportunity, they are wasting his trade value. We'll see what happens, it is very possible the Cubs will reopen talks when there isn't as much pressure on them to get it done.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Cubs Deny Mariners, Close In On GM

Mariners executives contacted Cubs president Crane Kenney hoping to get permission to interview Cubs GM Jim Hendry, who has one year left on his contract. The Cubs denied their request and appear to be closing in on a three year extension with Hendry, who has built this Cubs team to two division championships. While he has traded some strong prospects away, they have made pretty good drafting decisions and are ready for a long term run atop the division. Bruce Miles breaks down some of the good and bad moves Jim Hendry has made over the course of his time with the Cubs. 

Personally,  I think the best move he made was trading Bobby Hill, Matt Bruback, and Jose Hernandez to the Pirates for Aramis Ramirez, Kenny Lofton, and Randall Simon. 

One of his worst...probably trading Ricky Nolasco, Renyel Pinto, and Sergio Mitre to the Marlins for Juan Pierre. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Pie to Orioles?

According to the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles and Cubs are discussing a trade that would send Garrett Olson to the Cubs for prospect Felix Pie. This would give the Cubs the legitimate pitching prospect they need to include in the Jake Peavy deal, which is still weeks away from happening. The Orioles have always thought very highly of Pie, nearly acquiring him in a Miguel Tejada deal three years ago (That deal was going to send Erik Bedard and Miguel Tejada to the Cubs for Felix Pie and Mark Prior). Olson, 25, went 9-10 with a 6.65 ERA in 26 games last season. The Orioles reportedly tried to send Khalil Greene to the Orioles for Olson, but were rejected. 

Bringing in Olson, and other Cubs prospects would not only clear up payroll, but make them much better in the future. The players the Cubs have talked about with the Padres include Josh Vitters, Jeff Samardzija, Randy Wells, Angel Guzman, Ronny Cedeno, Wellington Castillo, and so on. The deal will likely include Josh Vitters, with two or three other players going to the Padres.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.