Q& A with Nick Gandy to Talk Cubs Spring Training Tomorrow

Tomorrow at 3:30 PM CT, Nick Gandy of the Florida Sports Foundation will join me to discuss Grapefruit League Baseball and the possible move of Cubs Spring Training to Florida.

Mr. Gandy was nice enough to agree to take out a few minutes to chat with us, and I'm looking forward to it.

Click here to read a little bit about the history of Spring Training Baseball in Florida.

The Question and Answer session will be live right here on this site, similar to the one I had with Cubs' beat writer Bruce Miles a few weeks back.

If you have a question for Nick that you would like me to ask him, about either himself, the Grapefruit league, or the Cubs possible move to Florida, I'd be happy to ask him. You can submit your questions live during the chat be entering a name and question, or you can send me your questions ahead of time via my email: cubsblogmailbag@aol.com, or by posting in the comments of this post.

If you cannot make it on to view the live chat at 3:30, the Q&A will still be available for viewing later.

I'll have the post with the chat box up tomorrow.

Friday Roundup: Hendry on Sports Central, Crane Meets Media, Trade Reaction, and More

Post Trade Talk

• Yesterday the Cubs sent Jake Fox and Aaron Miles to Oakland for Jeff Gray and 2 prospects.
• Gray has been added to the Cubs 40 man roster, which now stands at 37.
• Jim Hendry "feels good about the two or three things the Cubs have done since the season ended.
• The Cubs head into the Winter Meetings still looking to tweak the bullpen according to Cubs.com.
• The Cubs like Jeff Gray's arm strength. Hendry compared him to Angel Guzman. Gray will compete for a spot in the bullpen in Mesa.
• Milton Bradley's contract is the next order of business. Van Dyck says that it will most likely be addressed at next week's winter meetings in Indianapolis.
• "Aaron will be better served going elsewhere after a very, very tough year for him," Jim said. Also, Fox will fit better on an AL team, where he can DH.
• Oakland took on $1.7 of the $2.7 million owed to Miles.
• Starlin Castro was not a factor in the trade.

HOF Ballot

Bruce Miles has received his Hall of Fame ballot, he will seriously consider voting for the following:

• Robby Alomar
• Barry Larkin
• Bert Blyleven
• Andre Dawson
• Jack Morris
• Mark McGwire
• Tim Raines
• Lee Smith
• Alan Trammell

Carrie Muksat's ballot is in as well. She has already checked Andre Dawson.

Levine talks to Hendry

• Hendry is still looking to trade Bradley.
• The Tampa Bay Rays and New York Mets are the top teams interested in Bradley.
• 3-4 teams could be involved in the deal for Milton.
• Luis Castillo and Pat Burrell are still being tossed around.
• The Cubs are looking for a left handed hitting center fielder and right handed platoon outfielder like Reed Johnson.
• The Cubs will seek guys like Marlon Byrd, Rick Ankiel, Mike Cameron, and Coco Crisp.
• J.J. Putz and Ben Sheets our options for the Cubbies.

Rehab Updates

Cubs athletic trainer Mark O'Neal told Carrie Muskat that Alfonso Soriano, Aramis Ramiez, and Geovany Soto are sticking to their rehab routines and are making progress. Ted Lilly will be re-examined after Jan. 1, then start a rehab program is all goes well.

Off the Field Updates

Crane Kenney addressed some Cubs topics at Wrigley Field today.

• Don't expect a dramatic increase in ticket prices in 2010.
• The Cubs will have 700 new season tickets next year. There are about 120,000 people on the waiting list right now.
• The Cubs should have an announcement in January about whether they will keep their Spring Training in Arizona or move to Florida. Naples has become "a very viable option".
• There is currently some work being done to upgrade Wrigley.
• The Cubs are going to get the "triangle building" project going.
• An ice rink in the parking lot west of Wrigley is being built. It will open this winter.
• All Good news!!

Hendry with Kap

Cubs GM Jim Hendry joined David Kaplan on Sports Central to preview the Winter Meetings and talk Cubs baseball!:

• Hendry doesn't think it matters where the Winter Meetings are held.
• There are always scout or affiliate dinners at night.
• Having it in Vegas last year didn't really make sense, because Jim like to stay at the hotel the whole week.
• The Cubs are going to have 25-30 employees at the Meetings.
• There is a big meeting room next to the hotel room that Jim is staying in, and each guy from the organization will get an assignment as to what team to meet with.
• It's an action packed 4-5 days.
• Jim likes the meetings. "It's a fun time and a chance to get a lot done."
• Tom Ricketts has a lot of faith in him.
• The Cubs don't need a lot of different players to be much better next season.
• They are looking to make 2-3 good moves in the next couple months.
• Hendry would like to get a couple things done before the end of next week.
• Jim thinks trades are better for the game of baseball than free agent signings. He hopes that trades pick up in the next few weeks.
• Tom has been very friendly. The family have a lot on their plate right now on the business side.
• The top thing on the Cubs wish list is to be a little more creative instead of going out and buying a free agent. This winter is going to be more of an add here, subtract there type of thing.
• There is still a chance Reed Johnson returns. Jim loves Reed, and had nothing but good things to say about him.
• The Cubs would like to add some more depth to the bullpen. A veteran presence will help a young 'pen. Re-signing Grabow was a key move.
• "Who wouldn't want him," Jim said of Roy Halladay.

Miles Chat

Yesterday I chatted with Bruce Miles right here on this blog! In case you missed it, here's a recap of what he had to say:

• Bruce started his offseason with a vacation to Europe. Now he's getting ready for Indy.
• He expects the Milton Bradley trade to be done next week if the money issues can be worked out. There is no scenario where Bradley will be back with the Cubs right now.
• Texas or Tampa Bay seem like the best bets right now.
• The Cubs would love to move Kosuke to right field.
• Sam Fuld will compete in Spring Training, but probably not for the starter's job.
• In these days, there really is no offseason for any sport. You have to block out your vacation time and comp time and take it, according to Miles.
• Marlon Byrd and Mike Cameron are options the Cubs will explore.
• The Cubs will wait for the non-tender deadline to see if they can pick up a bargain or two.
• As far as the Rule 5 Draft, the Cubs protected everybody that they felt they needed to so they won't feel stung if they lose a player. It's hard to tell what players are at-risk of being lost by the Cubs.
• Miles likes Alan Trammel a lot as a possibility to take over as Cub manager in 2010 if Piniella retires.
• Bruce likes having a family own the team. It will be a welcome change.

Piniella at Redsfest

Lou Piniella was at the kick-off of the annual Redsfest this evening. What was he doing at a division rivals fan fest? Piniella was the manager of the 1990 World Champion Cincinnati Reds. This is the 20th anniversary of the team, and many of the members of that club have gathered at Duke Enegery Center this weekend.

"20 years, that's a long time isn't it. It almost seems like yesterday. It's seeing the player that got it done. Unfortunately, not all of them are here, but those that are, they bring back some pleasant memories. What a great group of young men. They were dedicated, talented, and got the job done." Lou told Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.

"I'll tell you what, I enjoyed my 3 years in Cincinnati. Nice people, great fans. I didn't realize how big baseball is in Cincinnati until I got here," he added. Lou received a personal invite from owner/CEO Bob Castellini. The first night of the Redsfest was full of fun, similar to the Cubs Convention. Players signed autographs, there was wiffleball, kids could play video games, there was a rock climbing wall, and much more.

Oh and Dusty was there too...

"There's a lot of excitement," said manager Dusty Baker. "This is the most buzz I've seen in the city for a long time. From being in California in the winter, I've been watching the Bengals, UC football and basketball -- the town is buzzing and winning. I've been there before in Los Angeles and the Bay Area when we all won -- college and pro sports. I feel it happening. It's been coming. We're getting better."

Other Tidbits

• The Tigers appear unlikely to sent Granderson to the Cubs, according to one source (mlive.com)
• Be sure to check out the Dawon for the Hall Twitter Blitz. I'll have more on this next week.
• Henry Blanco has signed with the Mets.
• The Braves have signed Takashi Saito, whom we heard earlier this week that the Cubs were interested in.
• Baseball America ranks the Cubs farm system 18th.

It's been a busy week on the Cubs front...

much more to come this weekend as we get ready for the winter meetings, which start Monday in Indy.

Breaking News: Fox & Miles Traded

Jake Fox and Aaron Miles have been traded to the Oakland A's! Many Cubs fans were big fans of Fox, but he will be a better fit as a DH. The Cubs are happy to be rid of Miles. Now they can use Miles's roster spot for Andres Blanco, a new infielder, Mike Fontenot, or even Starlin Castro.

In return, the Cubs get pitcher Jeff Gray along with prospects Ronny Morla and Matt Spencer. In addition to Fox and Miles, the Cubs send $1 million to Oakland.

Jeff Gray

• Full Name: Jeffrey Michael Gray
• Age: 28
• Position: Pitcher
• B/T: Right/Right
• Teams: Oakland (2008-2009)
• MLB Debut: Sept. 8, 2008
• Drafted: by Oakland in 32nd round of the 2004 June amateur draft
• 0-1 with 4.35 ERA in 29 career MLB Games
• 21-20 with 3.38 ERA in 211 career minor league games

Ronny Morla

• Pitcher
• 21 years old
• B/T: Right/Right
• 3 years in minor league ball
• Low Class A Prospect
• 1-7 with a 4.86 ERA in 17 Games

Matt Spencer

• Outfielder
• Drafted by the Phillies in the 3rd round of the 2007 amateur draft
• Hit .294 with 9 homers and 62 RBIs in 93 games at AAA in 2009
• Hit .274 with 10 HR and 29 RBI in 30 games at AA in 2009
• Will be 22 years old in Jan.

Nice to see some Cubs news out there today! I do like this deal, even though I was a big fan of Jake Fox. More notes for tonight:

• Baseball's Winter Meetings are Monday through Thursday next week. Expect maybe another move by the Cubs!
• Today I had a Question and Answer with Bruce Miles from the Daily Herald to talk Cubs. Click here to check it out!
• Yesterday I updated a lot of rumors. (link)
• The Cubs would love to have Curtis Graderson in center field in 2010, says Phil Rodgers.
• Edwin Jackson is another Tiger on the Cubs radar.
• Muskat reports that Rudy Jaramillo is preparing for Chicago by taking a look at some video tapes.
• Chicago's Tribunes Poll: Who will the Cubs miss most? A) Harden B) Gregg C) Johnson
• Speaking of polls don't forget to vote on ours on the right sidebar.
• According to Zach Links of MLB Trade Rumors, the Cubs and Cardinals are in the lead to sign free agent pitcher Vicente Padilla.

With a trade and a chat today, I'll probably save this week's Winter Ball Report for a a slower day this weekend.

Aragua Advances to Caribbean World Series

Tigres de Aragua, of the Venezuelan Winter League, will be apart of the Caribbean World Series next week because they defeated Caracas 7-3 on Friday. Here's what the guys with "Cubs Connections" did in the VWL Championship Series game 7:
Aragua:
Sam Fuld- 0-5
Ronny Cedeno- 0-5

Caracas:
Jose Ascanio- 2.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

For the full schedule and info on all 4 teams that and their players with Cubs Connections, click here.

I will be having a recap of each game this week. There will be 2 games a day one at 5, and one at 8 or 9. I'll have a recap of the 4:00 game that night, and have the recap of the later game the next day. My recaps will include the final score and stats from all the players who are either current Cubs or former Cubs. Ronny Cedeno, Felix Pie, and Rich Hill will all be playing in this so we will get a chance to see how the 3 guys that the Cubs have given up on do. And of course, I'll also have all the Cubs rumors, news, and more this week.

Enjoy the Super Bowl today, my pick to win is the Steelers, but I wouldn't mind seeing the Cardinals pull of an upset. I know you Bear fans won't be to happy about this, but I am a Green Bay Packers fan. They'll be back next year just like the Cubbies!

Only 13 days until pitcher and catchers report!
Join me for my Cubs Chat this Wednesday at 7:00 PM CT (chat will be up at 6:45 so you can start sending in your questions!

Cubs traded Cedeno and Olson for Aaron Heilman

Big News Today! The Cubs have traded Ronny Cedeno and Garrett Olson to Seattle for Aaron Heilman. With the trade the Cubs cleared a spot off their 40-man roster, so they could sign Paul Bako in the next few days. I'm not sure what to think about this deal. I'm shocked that they traded away Garrett Olson because we've heard that the Padres want him, and were assuming that they would trade him in a Jake Peavy deal. I like this move over all, because it adds depth to the pen, but if it means the Cubs aren't pursuing Peavy, I'm not too happy. But we'll have to wait and see.

Aaron Heilman:

• played 2003-08 with Mets.
• Traded to Seattle in December in a 3-team deal for J.J. Putz.
• Right Handed.
• 2008 Stats; 3-8 with a 5.21 ERA in 76 IP.
• career stats; 22-33, 25 starts, 280 relief appearances, 4.24 ERA.
• more stats on baseball reference, bio on wiki

This trade will be one of the many Cubs topics on tonight's chat right here on this blog at 7:00 CT. I'll be answering all Cubs questions, and I'll also have a few live polls and videos all Cub related.

I'll keep you posted.

Cubs Live Chat Info

Big News: My blog will be having its first live chat! I will be having the live chat this Wednesday night at 7:00 Central Time. So mark your calendars, Wednesday January 28, 2009 at 7:00.

I will be having 1 chat every week here on this blog, and Phil Wilson will have one each week on his blog. Thanks to Phil for including me in his great idea!

Phil had the first chat on his Cubs blog today. It was great! Click here to read the chat from today. That should give you an idea on what I will be talking about.

The next chat on this other Cubs site will be on Saturday at noon.

I hope you can join us for both chats! This is perfect for all of us who are counting down the days until Spring Training. Get your questions ready, I'll answer anything; if you want info, opinions, or whatever. I would prefer Cubs questions, but if you have anything you want to ask about the rest of baseball or Chicago sports that's fine too. Also feel free to tell me your opinions on the Cubs, this off season, Peavy, the new owner, or anything else Cub related.

Shifting gears, Let's take a look today's Cubs rumors and news:

• Bruce Levine reported yesterday that the Cubs might be looking at Juan Uribe as an infield back-up.
• The Mariners are interested in Ronny Cedeno, and according to Levine, he could be traded for Aaron Heilman.
• Ken Rosenthal says that Brian Roberts is looking for a 4 year extension to stay with the O's.
• Levine thinks that the Cubs could be looking at Kevin Millar/ Rich Aurlia type players that can back up first and 3rd.
• Bruce mentioned a Peavy package that would send Vitters, Castillo, Olson, Hart, and Stevens to San Diego.
• XM Radio says that the Angels could be in the Peavy mix.
• Lee Hamilton says that the Peavy talks are back on.
• Cubs assistant GM Randy Bush was named the Executive of the Year by the Pitch and Hit Club of Chicago at their 63rd annual awards dinner.

Remember: Wednesday night Cubs Chat 7:00 spread the word! Comment with your thought!

I'll keep you posted.