10-8-09 Rumor Roundup

No Major Turn Over
The Cubs will not have a major turn over, but they will get a touch-up job this offseason according to Cubs.com. The Cubs have 4 guys who are free agents: Kevin Gregg, John Grabow, Reed Johnson, and Rich Harden; and 10 players eligible for arbitration: Neal Cotts, Tom Grozelanny, Angel Guzman, Aaron Heilman, Carlos Marmol, Sean Marshall, Koyie Hill, Jeff Baker, Ryan Theriot, Mike Fontenot, and So Taguchi.

FA Update
Whether the Cubs resign Rich Harden and Reed Johnson will depend on how much they're looking for. The Cubs are expected to bring Grabow back as a lefty set-up man, and Kevin Gregg will most likely have a new home in 2010.

Sandberg Will Not Become Hitting Coach
After Sunday's season finale, Jim Hendry announced that Von Joshua will not return as the Cubs hitting coach next season. Dave Keller, the Cubs' minor league roving hitting instructor, will be interviewed for the job, but Ryne Sandberg will not. The Cubs want Ryno to manage another season at AA.

Leading Off
Jim Hendry will be on the lookout for a leadoff man according to Carrie Muskat. If Hendry does not add a #1 hitter, then Lou will use either Ryan Theriot or Kosuke there.

Player of the Month
Cubs First Baseman Derrek Lee has been named the NL Player of the Month for the month of September. Lee led the majors in Batting Average at .386 this past month. He also had 9 homers, 23 RBIs, a .795 SLG%, and a .500 OBP. The last time Lee won the player of the month was April 2005.

Bradley is the Priority
On the top of Jim Hendry's list for this winter is moving outfielder Milton Bradley, according to Gordon Wittenmyer. After that on Jim's list is re-signing Grabow, likely re-signing Reed Johnson, hiring a new hitting coach, and seeking at least one more hitter from the outside. Teams interested in Bradley include the Padres and Blue Jays.

Z to Stay
Carlos Zambrano is not on the list of guys that may be moved this season. He will not be asked to waive his no-trade clause and won't be shopped this winter, even though there was some speculation about this during the season.

Sale Gets OK
As most of you know, the sale of the Chicago Cubs has finally been approved and should be done by the end of the month. Check out my post from yesterday!

Bruce Levine Radio Recap will be posted this afternoon!

As always, I'll keep you posted!