Mid Week Quick Hits: Dawson, Colvin, the Bullpen, and More

• Andre Dawson took a tour of the Hall of Fame the other day. Dawson says he's pretty much done with his HOF speach already.
• Esmalin Caridad pitched a scoreless rehab inning at AAA Iowa. He will work again tomorrow and then the Cubs will decided whether or not he is ready to come off the DL.
• Carlos Silva is dealing with a wrist injury but he will still make his scheduled start on Friday. Silva is only in pain when he swings the bat, not when he pitches.
• The Cubs have reitterated the fact that Carlos Zambrano's bullpen duty is not limited to the 8th inning. We could see him sub for Marmol in the 9th from time to time.
• Alfonso Soriano has homered in each of his last four games. If he goes deep on Wendesday night in Pittsburgh, Sori will tie a franchise record. Hack Wilson, Ryne Sandberg, and Sammy Sosa are the only men who have 5-game home run streaks in Cubs history.
• Derrek Lee and Alfonso Soriano will both be hitting career long ball number 300 sometime soon. With Alfonso's shot tonight both now stand at 297.
• Carlos Marmol's ERA is 0.71. Wow.
• Before Sunday's game, Cubs relievers had allowed no runs in 7 of the last 9. A huge turn around for a bullpen that was really struggling before the addition of Big Z.
• Tyler Colvin has not been getting that much playing time because of the fact that all of the Cubs' outfielders are swinging hot sticks.
• Now that the Cubs' bats have come around, everyone is jumping on the Jaramillo ban wagon.
• Cubs GM Jim Hendry says that Starlin Castro will join the Chicago Cubs at some point this season. Hendry is talking with Ryan Theriot about a possible position change according to Bruce Levine.
• Matt Capps told Gordon Wittenmyer that he was pretty close to becoming a Cub.

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted!

Catching Up Quick Hits after the Holiday

I hope everyone is enjoying their holidays! Let's catch up:

• Matt Capps has signed with the Washington Nationals, so the Cubs are still in search of a reliever and right fielder.
• Ben Sheets and Joel Pineiro are on the Cubs' radar.
• Bruce Levine says that the Cubs are not involved in Jason Bay or Matt Holliday.
• The Cubs did have a chat with the Yankees, but Carlos Zambrano is not going anywhere.
• Carlos Zambrano's agent told Bruce that "Big Z is not interested in being traded". Zambrano has a no-trade clause, so that's that.
• Carlos and Ryan Dempster are both living in Chicago this offseason.
• Dave Van Dyck says that even Kevin Gregg could be an option for the Cubs!
• TCR's 2002 season in review
• "Santo" Claus likes to give during the holidays.
• Kiko Calero is the type of guy that the Cubs are really looking at according to Levine on Talkin' Baseball.
• Jose Contreras could be an option for the Cubs as a fifth starter until Ted Lilly comes back.
• Andre Dawson is waiting for his HOF call.
• Check out some funny Christmas Cubs parody pieces via the links in this Bleacher Nation article.
• The Cubs sale was on the list of "Top Chicago Business Stories of 2009".
• Bleed Cubbie Blue had the 'Twas The Night Before Cub Christmas".
• CCO did their annual familiar carol with a Cub Twist.
• Thanks to Chicago Cubs Online for this one- citing Jim Duquette of XM Radio as their source- The Cubs are very interested in adding Johnny Damon to play center field.
• Jonathan Hood said that Jim Hendry will probably make another trade or two.
• Replacing the innings Carlos Zambrano eats would be hard to do for the Cubs. .
• Levine thinks that the Cubs using Zambrano as a pinch hitter and letting him run the bases the way he does when he hits is a mistake.

Cubs TV Announcer Bob Brenly was on the Danny Mac Show on 670 the Score earlier this week:

• Brenly's daughter got engaged over Thanksgiving and his son did so a week later.
• Bob's offseason is going good so far.
• Milton Bradley is a very talented player when he lets his play do the talking and keeps his mouth shut.
• Brenly thinks that Bradley "had to go" calling him a "huge disruption in the clubhouse."
• He is not sure what Silva will bring to the team. Carlos' role is still unknown.
• The Free Agent class this year is not the strongest, but there are some role players out there that could increase the Cubs chances to win next year.
• Bob says that we need the guys we have on the roster to perform at the level that they are expected to in 2010. Ramirez, Kosuke, Soto, and Soriano all need to stay healthy and bounce back.
• Brenly thinks Zambrano will be back next year even though he hasn't achieved the kind of success that he should so far in his career with his talent level.
• The Yankees might not have the prospects the Cubs would need in return for Zambrano. If they were to pull off a trade, it would have to be a 3-way deal so the Cubs can get some solid prospects back.
• Kosuke is out of his comfort zone in center field. He's much more comfortable in right field.
• Bob would not like to see Felix Pie back in the Cub uniform. The combination of Reed Johnson and Sam Fuld could be enough.
• The Cubs would still like to get a guy who could play center every day and lead off, but if that guy is not out there, Reed and Fuld isn't the worse thing that could happen.
• B.B. thinks Carlos Marmol will be similar to Mitch Williams as Cub closer. The Cubs need a guy like Matt Capps who would be a plan B if Marmol were to stumble.
• Bob Brenly doesn't step across the line in dealing with Michael. It's a little bit of a balancing act because Bob has to be an employee and a father.
• The younger Brenly made great strides defensively in 2009.
• B.B.'s looking forward to the Len and Bob Bash.

That's it for now, I'll keep you posted on Everything Cubs as always as the weekend moves along.

Cubs Caravan Info, Bruce Levine Chat, and More

The Cubs Caravan tour is coming up! The stops for each tour have been announced!

Tour 1
Day 1 (Wednesday January 13):

• Hospital Visits- Northwestern Hospital
• Cubs Care Luncheon (sold out)- Harry Caray's Restaurant
• Cubs Spotlight on Reading- De Duprey/Von Humboldt Schools
• P.L.A.Y. Program

Day 2 (Thursday January 14):

• Cubs Spotlight on Reading: Lincoln Library & Museum
• Peoria Chiefs Fan Fest- O'Brien Field/River Plex

Tour 2

Day 1 (Wednesday January 13):

• Cubs Spotlight on Reading- Alexander Hamilton Elementary
• Cubs Spotlight on Reading- Uplift Community School
• Cubs Care Luncheon (tickets sold out)- Harry Caray's Restaurant
• Cubs Spotlight on Reading- Crispus Attucks Elementary School
• P.L.A.Y Program- Northwestern Boys & Girls Club Gary, IN

Day 2 (Thursday January 14):

• Cubs Spotlight on Reading- James Blaine Elementary School
• Cubs Spotlight on Reading- Hawthorne Scholastic Academy
• Cubs Spotlight on Reading & P.L.A.Y. Program Waukegan School District
• Private Event at the Naval Training Center- HUSO Illisnois

The participants in the caravan have not yet been announced for this year, but I'll post them on this site as soon as they are. Last year Tour 1 featured Lou Piniella, Bob Brenly, Jim Hendry, Len Kasper, Dave Otto, Oneri Fleita, Matt Sinatro, Lester Strode, Ivan DeJesus, Darwin Barney, Jeff Samardzija, Kevin Hart, Neal Cotts, Micah Hoffpauir, Kevin Gregg, Felix Pie and Joey Gathright; while Randy Bush, Pat Hughes, Cory Provus, Oneri Fleita, Larry Rothschild, Alan Trammell, Mike Quade, Gerald Perry, Brandon Guyer, Kevin Hart, Carlos Marmol, Kevin Gregg, Jeff Samardzija, and Sean Marshall were on Tour 2 a year ago.

That week will be a busy one for the Chicago Cubs because Len Kasper and Bob Brenly will be hosting their 4th annual Len and Bob bash, which will be Thursday night. Len and Bob will "reprise their role as honorary rock stars" this year for a few songs, after taking a year of from performing last year. All proceeds benefit Chicago Cubs Charities.

In addition, the Cubs will have the Cubs Convention which starts on Friday (January 15) and runs through Sunday at the Hilton Chicago. The annual gathering of Cubs fans is the highlight of the offseason for any big Cub fan who attends.

Some more Cubs stuff going around tonight:

• According to Nationals beat write Bill Ladson, Matt Capps will sign with either the Cubs or Washington. He is expected to make his decision tomorrow (Wednesday) night.
• The Royals signed Brian Anderson today. Scott Merkin says the Cubs were also interested in Anderson.
• We've heard the past few days the a four team trade that would have sent Bradley to Tampa Bay fell through before the Cubs shipped Milton to Seattle. The Cubs would have gotten Pat Burrell and Luis Castillo, and the Angels would have sent Gary Matthews Jr. to New York.
• The New York Yankees have sent outfielder Melky Cabrera, who the Cubs had interest in, to the Braves for Javier Vazquez. The Cubs have lost out on yet another outfielder: Granderson, Cameron, and now Cabrera. Marlon Byrd and Rick Ankiel are now their best bets.
• Chip Caray will return to the Braves broadcast booth. The former Cub broadcaster was recently sent packing from TBS.
• Former Cub pitcher Jason Marquis has signed with the Washington Nationals.
• The Cubs Reporter reviews the 2001 Cubs season.
• John Grabow wants Capps on the North Side.
• An MLB.com Q&A with Aramis Ramirez

Carrie Muskat had her Cubs Inbox earlier this week:

• Reed Johnson could still come back to the Cubs, but it depends on who Jim Hendry is able to acquire.
• Kosuke is an excellent right fielder and an average center field, so the Cubs are looking to get stronger up the middle by moving him to right.
• Marlon Byrd and Scott Podsednik are both option for the Cubs, and it may come down to which player fits better on the payroll.
• Starlin Castro is not the far away from the big leagues.
• The Cubs feel that a combination of Mike Fontenot, Jeff Baker, and Andres Blanco will do the job at second base.
• The core of the team that won 97 games is still in place. The Cubs are depending on better performances from Soriano, Fontenot, Zambrano, and Soto.
• Carrie thinks it could be Double-A Tennessee's turn to play at Wrigley Field.

Bruce Levine chatted Chicago Baseball today. Here's what he had to say:

• Johnny Damon is looking for at least $11-12 million per season on a multi year year deal right now. That isn't going to work for the Cubs, but if his demands become more realistic the Cubs may listen.
• Jeff Baker probably won't be the Opening Day starter at second base unless to opponent is a strong left handed pitcher.
• The Cubs rotation is solid. Right now, whether Randy Wells is a 15-game winner or a 9-game winner is the question.
• Look for Starlin Castro mid to late season, depending on whether or not the Cubs are competing.
• The Cubs are looking at rehabs like Kelvim Escbar and Ben Sheets.
• The North Siders may not be able to afford Aroldis Chapman.
• Levine thinks the Cubs have listened on Kerry Wood trade ideas from Cleveland, but "that ship has sailed".
• Look for the Cubs to be very active over the next 10 days (don't we always hear that?). They could sign Capps sometime Wednesday.
• The Cubs feel good about Marlon Byrd, and they are seriously considering signing him. Rudy Jaramillo worked with Byrd in Texas.
• Carlos Silva will be given every chance with the Cubs, including in the bullpen.
• First and foremost the Cubs are looking at CF and the bullpen. After that, they may look for bench help. Reed Johnson could be brought back to solidify the bench.
• Hendry may sign both Capps and Byrd. The organization definitely has enough money for both of them.
• When asked about Carlos Zambrano trade talk, Levine said two word, "It's over."
• Jim Hendry has made mistakes, but it's time to move on.
• The Cubs like Orlando Hudson, but he's not their first priority right now.
• Jaramillo and Soriano worked very well together with the Rangers.
• "Look for Jim Hendry to bee extremely aggressive, even during the holidays." Interesting- maybe we'll get a big Christams Present from Hendry.
• Jim is still looking at some veteran pitchers. A guy like Jose Contreras might be considered.
• Who knows what Lou Piniella will do in Spring Training. Once he sees Starlin Castro's talent, he may end up being our Opening Day short stop. You never know.
• The Cubs would love to trade Kosuke, but there's not much of a market for him.
• Josh Vitters is going to hit. However, he is not a finished product at third base. He may end up at first.
• The Ricketts family really likes Ryne Sandberg, but ideally the GM names the manager. Piniella's contract expires after 2010.
• Bruce expects Geovany Soto to return as a better conditioned athlete when he reports to Mesa in mid-February.

Len Kasper joined the Danny Mac show today on WSCR 670 The Score:

• Len thinks it's possible that Milton Bradley could have a good season in Seattle.
• The "other stuff" besides Bradley's play on the field is what got him sent packing.
• Kasper has no idea how Carlos Silva could help this team.
• Carlos throws strikes, but he gives up a lot of hits.
• Silva will get a chance because Lilly will start the year on the DL.
• Milton was baffled as to why writers wanted to talk to him so much. He didn't understand that he would be in the spotlight no matter what. For whatever reason, Bradley doesn't like the spotlight.
• Len called Bradley an independent guy, a loner, and very smart and sensitive.
• Milton is not a good fit for a big market like Chicago.
• Kasper is 99.9% sure that Carlos Zambrano isn't going anywhere. He's the Cubs number 1 starter, Ted Lilly has gone down, and Big Z had a better ERA in 2009 than '07 and '08.
• Winning the Cy Young may never happen for Zambrano, but if he stays in Chicago his whole career, he could become the greatest Cub starter in terms of longevity and wins since Fergie Jenkins.
• The NL Central is 100% up for grabs. It doesn't take much to get back to the top of this division for the Cubs.

That's it for now, I'll keep you posted on Everything Cubs as always as the Cubs could be making a move just before the holidays!

Monday AM Quick Hits

Let's start this Monday with some rumors:

• The Cubs are not leaning towards any one outfield candidate according to FOX Sports. Jim Hendry may trade to work out a trade with the Yankees for Brett Gardner or Melky Cabrera.
• Mike Puma of the New York Post tells us that the Yankees have inquired on Carlos Zambrano, but the Cubs' asking price was too high.
• Steven Henson thinks that the Mariners will regret the Bradley trade when it's all said and done.
• Jon Heyman tweets that the Cubs center field options are Byrd, Ankiel, Cabrera, and Podsednik.
• A center fielder and a set-up man are two of the Cubs main needs according to Gordon Wittenmyer. The Cubs could land Matt Capps and Marlon Byrd to fill both those needs.
• The Seattle Times has quoted a handful of Bradley's ex-teammates and coaches who said he's a great guy to work with. Same thing we heard when he came to Chicago.
• Ken Davidoff lists the Cubs, along with the Braves, Rays, and Mets, as possible destinations for Johnny Damon.
• Gordon Wittenmyer said on XM Radio that Marlon Byrd is very likely to sign with the Cubs. Byrd and Capps could be in a Cub uniform in the next couple of days!

Last Friday the guys talked about the Milton Bradley trade on MLB Network's Hot Stove:

• Herold Reynolds thinks this is an interesting move for the Mariners. The talent is there, and Herold, who is a former M, says that if Milton can't get along with the people in Seattle, he's not going to get along with anybody.
• "This is it for Milton Bradley," Reynolds said.
• Mitch Williams said that sooner or later Bradley will have to understand that it's his problem, not everybody else in baseball that has the problem.
• Bradley's batting average is much better in the American League.
• Tom Verducci says that the reason for his better play in the AL is that he has played for two big market teams in the NL and he doesn't fit there. Also, Bradley needs the DH spot to get more playing time because he can't play in the outfield every day.
• Jack Zduriencik, the Mariners General Manager, thinks that Seattle is a great place to be. Seattle was looking for a middle of the lineup fielder. Jack says, "This guy once to win."
• He talked to some of the guys in the M's organization and everyone said that this guy can play, this guy can hit. Just let him do his thing.
• Ken Griffey has a great personality, he's a leader, and he has great leadership skills. Griffey will lead the whole ball club in the right direction.

That's it for now, there's more to come!

Talkin' Baseball

Bruce Levine and Jonathan Hood talked baseball on ESPN 1000 on this snowy Saturday morning:

• Levine says that the deck was stacked against Milton Bradley from the beginning.
• Hood didn't like Gordon Wittenmyer's article about black players struggling at Wrigley Field right before Milton's first game at Wrigley Field.
• Hate mail is "part of the gig", and most pro athletes get it.
• The bottom like for Bradley was play on the field.
• Hendry has said that the Cubs are going to move on the from this. He stepped up and took the blame for himself. It was his choice to sign Milton.
• Getting $9 million back was the key to the deal, and that money will help him improve the 2010 Chicago Cubs.
• Carlos Silva was a work horse for the Twins, but then things fell apart when he went 4-15 for the M's.
• Even if the Cubs get nothing out of Silva, Levine still likes the deal because the Cubs get some money in the deal to help them go after a player that they do want.
• Levine mentioned to Seattle radio hosts that the Cubs have an aggressive media in Chicago.
• Having lots of media here was too much for Bradley.
• Todd Hunley was the first Cub to be booed out of town.
• The White Sox crowd "is no different" now then the Cubs crowd.
• We have a tougher media who ask tougher questions. The beat reporters are more involved in not just reporting the news, but also giving their opinion.
• Bruce sees a guy who couldn't handle Chicago and failed.
• Jonathan thinks that Seattle could be Milton's last chance, but Bruce doesn't think so because when someone thinks you still have talent a team will still give you a chance.
• Bradley failed in Chicago, and that will always be remembered. He still has a chance to do good in Seattle.
• Jim Hendry talked with the Yankees about a possible trade for Melky Carbera to fill the outfield vacancy.
• Bruce thinks Melky would be a good addition in center field for the Chicago Cubs.

Matt Capps joined the guys to talk baseball:

• Capps loves Chicago. Every time he's been there he's always enjoyed it.
• The people and the atmosphere at Wrigley help make it a great city and a great sports town.
• He has had a lot of success as a set-up man and as a closer.
• At this point Matt wants to win, and he wants to go to a team with an opportunity to win. Whether it's pitching in the 7th, 8th, or 9th; he'd rather be with a winning team.
• If the opportunity and the fit is right, he'd say that the chances of coming to the Cubs are pretty good. There's still a lot of work to be done with Capps' agent and the Cubs; but Matt seems to like Chicago.
• There's just as good a chance as him being a Cub as him going anywhere else.
• He has had some talks with the Cubs.
• The injury he suffered at Wrigley Field did set him back a little bit, and by the end of the year he was over it.
• Pittsburgh is a phenomenal sports towns. When the Steelers and Penguins are playing, there's a great atmosphere. They've had night like that at PNC Park, but the Pirates hasn't had a whole lot of excitement the last few years.
• When the tides to turn and the Pirates get back to winning, that will be a great town to play in.
• Capps admitted that his wife loved the city of Chicago. Matt's wife is very good friends with the wife's of Tom Gorzelanny and John Grabow.

The the guys talked more Cubs:

• Bruce said that it might be between the Cubs and Washington right now for the services of Capps.
• $5.5 million will come to the Cubs this year, and $3.5 will come next year.
• Levine called the Cubs' bench "not very good" right now. Jeff Baker is a great backup, but right now Mike Fontenot is the starting second baseman.
• Hendry has a lot of work to do still, but it's December 19 and there's plenty of time next until the season starts.
• The people in Seattle are calling their GM a miracle worker. The M's fans are ecstatic that Silva is gone, and they are also happy with adding Bradley.
• Cub fans will tell them that there were 7 or 8 guys on the Cubs who had more RBIs than Milton Bradley, who was batting in the middle of the order all year long. Milton finished with just 40 RBIs.
• Seattle loves the idea that Bradley could be a productive player for them.
• Tyler Colvin is not projected as a staring center fielder for the 2010 Chicago Cubs.
• Signing a free agent center fielder is easier for the Cubs because they want to hold on to their good young players at this point.
• Jim Hendry is trying to win next year, and keep his good young players in the organization.
• One of the keys to this winter for the Cubs is how much the rest of the division does.
• Levine says that if the Cubs make a few good moves and have good health they could be right there with the Cardinals in 2010.
• The guys talked about how when someone is working hard in the offseason, it's really doesn't tell fans anything.

That's it for now, much more to come this weekend!

Cubs Close to Signing Marlon Byrd

The Cubs traded Milton Bradley earlier for Carlos Silva (click for more info on trade plus radio recaps), and the Cubs are looking to move forward with their offseason.

Soon after the trade, more Cubs rumors started to fly. According to the Dallas Morning News, the Cubs are close to signing Marlon Byrd. Evan Grant is "looking for confirmation on the rumored deal".

Bruce Levine says this trade could free up money for Matt Capps and Marlon Byrd.

I'll keep you posted!

Cubs Roundup: Capps, Cameron, Santo, and More

Breaking News: Mike Cameron has agreed to a deal with the Boston Red Sox. Scratch him off the Cubs shopping list.

Capps Wants to Close
We heard yesterday that the Cubs were interested in non-tendered reliever Matt Capps. Capps was a closer with the Pirates, and according to MASNsports.com "the opportunity to close" is going to be a major factor in Matt's decision as to who to sign with. Capps has 8 or 9 teams outside of the Cubs interested in his services.

Cameron Update
Do to focusing on the Milton Bradley situation, the Cubs may have lost out on another one of their outfielder targets. Mike Cameron, who the Cubs have been interested all winter, is in "serious talks" with the Boston Red Sox. Jerry Crasnik says that they have made "significant progress" towards a 2 year deal.

Santo Returns to Cubs Radio
Cubs legend and should-be Hall of Famer Ron Santo will be back in the Cubs radio booth for the next 3 years. Today he signed a new deal that lasts through 2012. Ronny and his partner Pat Hughes have been a fixture on Cubs radio since 1995. Pat is signed through 2010 and is expected to return after that. The contract allows for Ronny to take certain road trips off due to his health conditions. Santo is looking forward to the Cubs Convention in January.

Naples Update
Naples, Florida is still trying to sell it's pitch to get Cubs Spring Training. Their new effort is to get the Collier County community involved. Muskat has said that an announcement is expected next month. The Cubs may still be leaning towards Mesa, but Phil Rodgers seems to think that the Cubs are going to announce that they will spend future springs in Mesa.

Cubs Luncheon
The Chicago Cubs will host their third annual Cubs Caravan luncheon on January 13 at Harry Caray's restaurant in downtown Chicago. The luncheon gives fans to get a chance to get to know the Cubs. The space is limited to 120 guests. Lou Piniella will headline the event. The rest of the list of people that will be on the Caravan has not yet been released. There will be more stops on the week long Caravan, including several more events open to the public. I will let you know as soon as I hear anything more about the Caravan.

Fossum to Japan
Casey Fossum, a left handed pitcher who spent time in the Cubs' organization this season, has signed a one year $600,000 contract to play for the Hanshin Tigers in Japan next season. Fossum is 40-53 with a 5.45 ERA in his big league career. He had signed with the Cubs this season after opting out of a contract with the Yankees. Fossum went 6-3 with a 3.88 ERA for AAA Iowa in 12 games this year.

Notes from Carrie Muskat's Inbox

• The Cubs will head into Spring Training with 8 pitchers for 5 spots: Michael Parisi, Ted Lilly, Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster, Randy Wells, Sean Marshall, Jeff Samardzija, and Tom Gorzelanny.
• Carrie thinks that drafting Parisi in the Rule 5 Draft helped give them more insurance for the rotation with Lilly injured.
• The Cubs new more about Harden's health than any other team, so they decided to let him go.
• Muskat listed Rick Ankiel, Marlon Byrd, Mike Cameron, and Scott Podsednik as possible additions to the Cub outfield.
• Ryan Theriot is the leading candidate for the lead-off job.
• The easier travel in AZ could be key factor in the Spring Training decision.
• Thomas Diamond will get an invite to Spring Training.
• Chris Robinson isn't quite ready for the big leagues, so the Cubs weren't worried about losing him in the Rule 5 Draft.

Pat Hughes on WGN Radio with David Kaplan

• It's season number 15 for Pat and Ron coming up next year.
• Pat's first interview on WGN was with Kap 15 years ago.
• Hughes can't believe it's been 14 years.
• Ronny and Cub fans everywhere always believe that next season will be a special year. Pat "doesn't think there's any other way to approach it".
• The Cubs have been a good team for the better part of the decade, so that gives the Cubs' fans reason to believe.
• 2009 was not a disaster, it was a winning season. It was disappointing because they did not win the division, but with all the things that went wrong it was really not that bad of a year.
• Pat hopes, thinks, and feels that this will be a solid team again.
• A lot can happen between now and Opening Day, but he doesn't think the Cardinals are going to be as strong next season.
• Hughes has a lot of fun with his Baseball Voices CDs. He was surprised that a lot of people enjoyed the CDs. They make a good holiday gift: www.baseballvoices.com is the website. There are 2 new ones: Milo Hamilton and Dave Niehaus.
• There is so much time to fill on the baseball broadcast, that you have a chance to have some fun. Pat says that separates broadcasting baseball from other sports.
• Hughes doesn't take for granted working with some great announcers over his career.

A few more notes from Sports Central:

When asked about Starlin Castro, Kaplan said that there are no untouchable prospects in the Cubs organization, end of story. David doesn't see any room in the budget to add a starting pitcher. The Cubs have not contacted Mark DeRosa this offseason. Castro could be there to play short stop in late 2010, early 2011.

Ron Santo on Chicago Tribune Live with Kaplan

• Santo's doing very well. Life is good, and it's always nice for him to go out and spend the winter in Arizona with his family after a tough season.
• Ron thinks that the whole Bradley thing never worked because "Bradley never made it work". He was very surprised in Milton's year.
• Ronny feels that if the Cubs win this coming year, Lou will stay on. Piniella loves Chicago, the Cubs, the fans, and he's a winner.
• If it wasn't for Lou, Ronny doesn't think the Cubs would have ended up in second place.
• Whoever plays for Piniella moves it up a notch.
• Santo hopes the Cubs stay in Arizona because the travel is so much easier. Players like to go where the cities are closer together.

Kaplan doesn't see any way the Cubs move to Florida. He would be stunned if they moved. David Schuster from 670 the Score says that he wouldn't be stunned, because "money makes the world go around, and if they feel they can make more money in Florida, that's where they'll go." If the Ricketts have a personal preference from Florida, that could sway it.

Pat Hughes joined the guys on CTL next:

• Hughes says "anything is possible" and the decision will come down to where the better deal is (on Cubs' Spring Training).
• Pat joked about Ron saying that his wife bought him a "sit-up chair". Pat asked, "Would you please explain to me what that is?"
• When asked about the Ricketts, he said, "I just hope he likes the radio broadcasts." Then added that Tom seems like a very nice man who has a great passion for the Cubs with his strong Chicago roots.
• Pat doesn't see Milton Bradley with the Cubs in 2010 in almost any scenario.
• Hughes talked more about his Baseball Voices series. He is offering free shipping on all orders, and there are a total of 8 CDs on www.baseballvoices.com.
• Mike Cameron seems like a leader, has some power, and is a very good defensive player.

That's it for now, I'll keep you posted!

Capps & Calero on the Cubs Radar

We've added another new poll to our blog! Be sure to vote on the right sidebar on the blog's mainpage. Our "Cubs All Decade Team" voting continues, as we move on the hot corner, third base. Please vote only once, and consider the players' contributions as a Chicago Cub in the 2000s only as always. If there's anyone you'd like to vote for that was not listed as a choice, email me at cubsblogmailbag@aol.com.

Check out my updated early roster predictions.

Now for today's Cubs news and notes:

• Paul Sullivan says the Cubs are interested in pitcher Matt Capps, who was non-tendered by the Pirates yesterday. The Cubs are not looking for a closer, but Capps could fill the right handed veteran set-up man role.
• There's no news on the Milton Bradley front this weekend. Rays VP Andrew Friedman says there's a chance that this is the team the Rays are going to Spring Training with, according to Sully.
• Kiki Calero, free agent right hander, could also be on the Cubs' radar. He was 2-2 with a 1.95 ERA with the Marlins in 2009.
• Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus gives Mike Parisi, who was drafted in the Rule 5, an 18-1 chance of staying with the Cubs.

I think that Capps and Calero would both be worth it. The bullpen needs a little improvement, and at this point so does the bench. We'll see what the Cubs do to address those areas... according to many sources the next 10 days leading up to Christmas will be full of Cubs news. Let's hope so!