Former Cub Updates: May 1, 2010

For the first time in 2010, let's take a look at how our ex-Cubbies are fairing! For this post, we will focus only on players that were members of the Cubs in 2009.

• Kevin Gregg, Blue Jays: 0.82 ERA, 6 SV, 11 IP
• Reed Johnson, Dodgers: .282 AVG, 3 RBIs, 19 games
• Rich Harden, Rangers: 1-1, 4.56 ERA, 23.2 IP
• Milton Bradley, Seattle: .211 AVG, 2 HR, 11 RBIs, 18 Games
• Jake Fox, Oakland: .182 AVG, 1 HR, 8 RBIs, 16 Games
• Aaron Heilman, Arizona: 0-1, 5.59 ERA, 9.2 IP
• Kevin Hart, Pirates: Has torn labrum, could have season ending surgery.
• Aaron Miles, Cardinals: The Cubs traded Miles to Oakland, then they shipped him to Cincinnati. Then, he was released on April 14 after being DFA out of Spring Training. This week, he signed a minor league deal to return to St. Louis.
• Neal Cotts, Pirates: Has not pitched yet this season after signing with Pittsburgh on January 4. He is not listed on the Pirates 40-man roster.
• Luis Vizcaino: Free agent
• Chad Fox: Free Agent
• So Taguchi: Playing for Orix BlueWaves in Japan
• Ryan Freel: Signed with Somerset Patriots, an independent club
• Andres Blanco, Texas: .214 AVG, 1 RBI, 14 Games
• Jason Waddell: Pitching in the Tigers' system

That covers them all!

Miller To Sign With Cubs

ESPNChicago.com is reporting that the Cubs are close to signing first baseman Kevin Millar to a minor league deal. Kevin will agree to a one year minor league deal with the Cubs according to an email he sent to ESPN. The deal will include an invite to Cubs' minor league camp, so Kevin could join the mix competing for a bench spot in Spring Training.

Hendry has been very busy adding guys that could add depth to what at first look to be a weak Cubs bench in 2010. So far this winter, they've dumped Aaron Miles and Jake Fox but added Brian LaHair, Kevin Millar, Chad Tracy, and Xavier Nady to the mix that already included Mike Fontenot, Jeff Baker, Micah Hoffpauir, Koyie Hill, Sam Fuld, and Andres Blanco. Miles, by the way, was traded today for the second time this offseason. The Cubs sent him to the A's along with Fox for pitcher Jeff Gray, and his stayed in Oakland was short lived as he returns to the NL Central to play for the Reds.

Also, the series of minor league deals with first basemen (LaHair, Tracy, and now Millar) indicates that the Cubs do not have too much confidence in Hoffpauir. I like the fact that everyone will have to earn a spot on the roster, and there will be plenty of competition. At this point, I wouldn't be shocked if Hoffpauir was moved before or during Spring Training.

Let's check out some info on Kevin Millar:

• Full Name: Kevin Charles Millar
• Born: September 24, 1971
• Age: 38
• B/T: Right/Right
• College: Lamar University, LA Community College
• Drafted: Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Marlins in 1993
• MLB Debut: April 11, 1998
• Teams: Florida (1998-2002), Boston ('03-'05), Baltimore ('06-'08) and Toronto (2009)
• Games by Position: 1B (1246), LF (196), RF (170), 3B (159), DH (110), OF (30), 2B (4)
• 2009 season: Played in 78 games with the Blue Jays hitting .223 to go along with an OBP of .311, 7 HR, and 29 RBIs.
• Career Numbers: .274 AVG, 170 HR, 699 RBIs in 12 big leagues seasons

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

Cotts Non-Tendered, Cubs on MLB Network, and Former Cubs returns

Update 10pm CT: There will be a Cubs special program tomorrow at 4:30 on CSN Chicago called "Island Dreaming With the Cubs". The special will be on the Cubs in the Dominican Republic including Carlos Marmol and Aramis Ramirez.

As expected, the Cubs have offered contacts to Carlos Marmol, Ryan Theriot, Jeff Baker, Angel Guzman, Sean Marshall, Koyie Hill, Tom Gorzelanny, and Mike Fontenot. The only player that they did not make an offer to is lefty Neal Cotts. Paul Sullivan points out that with John Grabow signed with the Cubs, it makes more sense for Cotts to go elsewhere. Cotts could still return to the Cubs, but he is a free agent.

The Marlins have non-tender pitcher Alfredo Amezaga, and the Cubs could be interested in adding him.

The A's non tendered Jack Cust, and his bat could be a fit for the Cubs.

On MLB Network's Hot Stove yesterday, the Cubs were listed as a "seller" this winter. Tom Verducci says "it's all about Milton Bradley". Mitch Williams said that "they've got to get that guy moved!"

Also on Hot Stove, the Cubs season was recapped in their "30 Clubs, 30 Recaps". Derrrek Lee says that the Cubs have a good team, and he expects the Cubs to make some good moves this winter.

The Cubs Shopping List from MLB Network:
1. Move Milton
2. Center Fielder
3. Bullpen Arm

Herold Reynolds says the Cubs have a long way to go still. He also describe them as "in trouble" pointing out that they are in a worse situation than they were last year at this time. Reynolds doesn't think the Cubs would have been good in 2009 even if they were healthy. Tom says that missing a center fielder is a pretty big thing for a team that hopes to contend. Verducci called the Cubs too right handed. Mitch said that when the main thing on your shopping list is a return (trading Bradley) there's something wrong. Williams says that the Cubs have two terrific set up guys in Marmol and Gregg, but neither one of them is a closer. Tom disagrees letting Mitch know that the Cubs are committed to Marmol. Mitch was critical of Carlos' mechanics and inconsistency, but The Wild Thing did admit that he was throwing stones from a glass house.

By the way, the Cubs will see some former Cubs in Spring Training and during the regular season-

• March 4 VS Oakland in Mesa, first game of Spring Training, Jake Fox and Aaron Miles
• March 5 VS Arizona in Mesa, Aaron Heilman
• March 8 @Oakland in Phoenix
• March 16 VS Texas in Mesa (Rich Harden)
• March 20 @Oakland in Phoenix
• March 24 @Texas in Surprise
• March 25 @Arizona in Tuscan
• March 26 VS Oakland in Mesa
• April 2 @Arizona Spring Training @Chase Field
• April 3 @ Arizona Spring Training @Chase Field

Regular season:

• VS Arizona (Aaron Heilman): April 29-May 2, @Arizona June 5-7
• VS Oakland, Interleague play (Jake Fox and Aaron Miles) June 15-17
• @Texas, Interleague play, (Rich Harden) May 21-23

We'll look forward to seeing the guys that we dumped so far this offseason when they play the Cubs next year!

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

Talkin' Baseball & More

Updated at 9:15 with Jake Fox on Waddle and Silvy

Here's a recap of what Fox had to say on ESPN Radio in reaction to being traded:

• This is a very good move for Jake and his family.
• They are going to miss Chicago.
• Fox respects Jim Hendry a lot because he moved him to a place where he can play everyday. Hendry was thinking about Jake when he made the trade, not himself.
• The day after the season ended, Jim and Jake discussed his future.
• Hendry is always honest and open, but things have always not been smooth between he and Fox.
• He thinks it's disappointing that there's not a fit for him with the Cubs.
• Jim said that maybe someday the Cubs will have a chance to get him back to Chicago.
• The basis for Fox's disagreements with Jim was that he thought he should be higher than he was in the organization. Jake felt Jim underestimated him a little bit.
• He loves being out in the field, and he hopes that he gets a chance to play defense with the A's. The A's have told him that if he hits, he will play.
• He has gotten where he's at because of his bat.
• Milton Bradley was a great guy to him. He took Bradley under his wing and he was always under his wing.
• Jake was in the Dominican at his hotel room.

Talkin' Baseball was on ESPN 1000 today with Bruce Levine and Jonathan Hood

• Bruce Levine described Aaron Miles season as one of the worst seasons in baseball history.
• Levine likes the trade with the A's.
• Jeff Gray is going to compete in Spring Training. He's a power arm, but command is a key for him.
• The Cubs and White Sox could be looking at similar types of players at the Winter Meetings.
• Levine says the Cubs got a good young right hander and a solid minor league outfielder. He disagreed with a caller who said they got "nothing" for Fox.
• Jake Fox is nobody's starting position player in the National League.
• Jake's "a good solid backup in Major League Baseball". But he's nobody's "Derrek Lee".
• Lee could get an extension after next year from the Chicago Cubs.
• Mark DeRosa is not a fit on the Cubs team. He's not a second baseman any more range wise. He's being looked at as a first and third baseman. Mark is asking for 3 year around $25M. You can't have a utility guy making that kind of money.
• If Mike Fontenot is the everyday second basemen, it could be another long season for the Cubs according to Bruce and Jonathan.
• The Cubs are offering arbitration to all of their players including Fontenot.
• Jeff Baker is going to be the backup 3rd baseman and a part time 2nd baseman.
• Orlando Hudson is going to the Rockies according to one rumor, but he would be a good fit for the Cubs.
• Bruce says Starlin Castro has a 50% chance of making the Cubs opening day roster. He could use a few months at AA or AAA first, but he should be with the Cubs at some point during 2010.
• If the Cubs move Theriot to 2B, they could be interested in Orlando Cabrera.
• There are not too many exciting names out there as far as free agent middle infielders.
• Bruce thinks a 7 game division series will be bad for baseball.
• If the Cubs move to Florida, some of the rides will be about 2.5 hours to get to some of the other Spring sites.
• Either place (AZ or FL) is going to be a great place for the Cubs and their fans, but leaving Arizona will not go over well with folks who have winter homes in Arizona just to watch the Cubs.

Jim Hendry joined the guys to talk Cubs:

• The Cubs have done a few good things already.
• A lot of activity will go on around MLB well into January this year.
• The Cubs are prepared to try to add an outfielder somewhere along the line.
• They would also like to augment their bullpen.
• Hendry reiterated that this team only needs a few tweaks this winter.
• They need resurgence type years out of guys like "Sori, Soto, and Fontenot". Jim says that they need their own good players to come back and do better than last year.
• Carlos Zambrano needs to get back on track this year.
• Hendry doesn't think that you have to have a "prototypical lead-off man" to win.
• Anyone who gets on base a lot can lead off now a days.
• The Cubs struggled with men in scoring position with less than two outs.
• It's way too early to tell who the lead off man would be. "We could have two or three different guys here by then."
• When you're looking to trade or add someone, the Winter Meetings help to try to move things along.
• Deals never always go the way you script them up according to Hendry.
• The Cubs are going to Indy with a lot of things they want to talk to people about.

Cubs Needs

Carrie Muskat listed the Cubs needs as we get ready for the Winter Meetings:

• 1. Center Fielder
• 2. Right handed reliever
• 3. second basmean
• 4. Trade Bradley and maybe Hoffpauir
• Top Prospects: OF Tyler Colvin, SS Castro, RHP Andrew Cashner, RHP Casey Coleman, RHP Chris Carpenter, SS Darwin Barney, RHP Blake Parker, 3B Josh Vitters
• Arbitration-eligible: 2B Baker, LHP Neal Cotts, 2B Fontenot, LHP Tom Gorzelanny, RHP Angel Guzman, RHP Marmol, LHP Sean Marshall, C Koyie Hill, SS Theriot
• There will be a slight increase in payroll next season.

That's it for now, with the meetings starting Monday, I'll have lots of posts to come this weekend.

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.

Hot Stove Quick Hits: Free Agents, Granderson, Lilly, & More

• John Grabow and Chad Fox filed for free agency today. All Cubs eligible have now filed. Friday is the deadline for teams to keep exclusive negotiating rights with their players before they hit the open market.
• Andrew Baily won the AL Rookie of the Year, while Chris Coghlan took home the NL honors. Obviously, this means that Cubs ROY candidate Randy Wells did not take home the award.
• Jim Hendry is in favor of instant reply in MLB according to Bruce Levine.
• Jeff Samardzija will not be used in the bullpen next year. He will compete for a spot in the starting rotation for the Cubs next year, and if he doesn't win that he will most likely be in Iowa's rotation.
• The Rangers, Mets, and Rays, are the front runners to land Milton Bradley.
• Marlon Byrd and Mike Cameron have become back-up plans to Curtis Granderson for the Cubs.
• Aaron Miles had to deal with personal problems throughout the season this year. Levine expects Aaron to have a bounce back year in 2010.
• Curtis Granderson is turning into this offseason's Roberts or Peavy.
• Bruce Levine shoots down the report that says the Cubs would be willing to trade Carlos Marmol or Starlin Castro in a Granderson trade.
• Ted Lilly will most likely not be back until late April or the start of May.
• Geovany Soto will go into the season as the Cubs starting catcher with Koyie Hill as his back-up.
• According to Phil Rogers, (not the best source but...) the Cubs have enough to get Granderson. He says that Jim Callis rates "the Cubs 1, Yankees 2, Angels 3".
• Rogers goes back on his previous reports saying that the Cubs don't want to part with Castro.

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

Chicago Tribune Live talks Cubs, Full Recap of Sport Central

David Kaplan and company talked about the Milton Bradley trade on Chicago Tribune Live on Comcast Sports Net.

• David Haugh wonders what the Cubs are doing this off season saying that the moves make no sense.
• Haugh wonders if he will stay healthy.
• Kap says he wishes they wouldn't have traded DeRosa.
• They talked about how Bradley is a good hitter IF he stays healthy, noting that the if is a big IF.
• Hough also mentions the Cubs chemistry. Kaplan replied by saying that all of Bradley's former teammates call him a good teammate.
• Kap is the latest to report that Fukudome and Johnson will platoon in CF.
• He says that we are looking at a pay roll of about 140.
• Kaplan also says that if the new ownership approves the Cubs will go after Peavy again.
• The Cubs have trimmed off enough money in the DeRosa and Marquis trades to pay for DeRosa.
• Dave Haugh says he doesn't think that the Cubs have made progress this off season.
• Kap says Joey Gathright fits in only as a 5th outfielder.

By the way, the Marquis deal may be finalized tomorrow according to Cubs.com.

We move from Kaplan's TV show to his radio show.

• The first caller on Sports Central said that Milton Bradley is not a team player. Dave argued that the caller has no idea and says that Bradley's former teammates love him. David Kaplan said that he would call him a "hothead" but not call him "not a team player.
• Kap says the big question with him is will he stay healthy.
• The next caller asked Kap to give him a grade on Jim Hendry for his tenor as GM. The caller would give him a C.
• Dave says he could have had 4 playoffs in 6 years if the Cubs would have made it in 2004.
• The caller doesn't like the contract Jim gave Alfonso Soriano. The caller says he would love to have Manny Ramirez's bat.
• Kap says he would give Hendry a B+ saying he lowered the grade because of the playoff failure and the 2005 and 2006 seasons.
• The 3rd caller likes the Bradley signing to add flare in the clubhouse.
• The 4th caller lives in Dallas and says he never heard any complaints from any players in Texas and says he's exited about the move.
• Kap pleads for everyone to just give Milton a chance.
• They replayed the Mark DeRosa interview from Friday night. It is an awesome interview. You can read my recap of it here, or listen to the full interview here.

Next, Aaron Miles was live on the show with Kaplan. Here's what he had to say:

• Kap asked what was going through Miles's mind when he found out he was going to the Cardinals' arch rivals. Miles says he's looking forward to playing at Wrigley Field for a team that has a chance to do great things.
• Miles was told he would be considered for the second base job and says he can play lots of positions and switch hit. Aaron says at different times during year, he could be in different roles.
• Miles says that Tony LaRusa was a great manager and knew that when Aaron got non-tendered again there was a good chance he would be leaving.
• Kap asked what position he would play and where he would bat in the order if Lou left it up to him. Miles says he would play second base and like to hit in the top of the order but says he can bat anywhere and will be happy in any role.
• Dave brought up that Miles has pitched a little bit. Aaron says it's a bittersweet feeling to pitch as a position player.
• In spring of 2000 Miles came home from dinner and 2 masked gun men came in to his room and wanted his money. His teammates called the police and they arrived just in time. Miles said he was held hostage for about 30 minutes. Then he got into a struggle for the gun and got punched and bit by this masked man. The cops came in and shot him 6 times. True story, click here for the full story.
• Kap asked who in the Cardinal locker room hates the Cubs the most. Aaron said the it's probably Tony LaRusa.
• He says all the players on both sides love the rivalry but says it lives and dies with the managers.
• Miles will be at the Cubs Convention.

Ken Rosenthal from Fox Sports was the next guest on the show to talk baseball:

• Ken says he loves Milton Bradley but just wonders if he can stay healthy playing right field. He says fans are going to like his fire and his OPS.
• Rosenthal says it may be a challenge for Sweet Lou to leave Bradley alone and let him do his job.
• Bradley's primary goal is to win. He says you can say the same things about Lou that you can say about Milton Bradley, that's why some people consider it a dangerous situation.
• Kap asked how Rosenthal would handicap where the Cubs are today compared to the end of the season. Ken says he likes where they are but he understands the criticism.
• He says the main reason that the Cubs traded DeRosa is to get more left handed and be more of a balanced offense.
• Kap asked about Peavy. Rosenthal says the odds of a Peavy deal to the Cubs are about 10%.
• He thinks that the Cubs may test the market for another starting pitcher but doesn't think they will pay big money for a starter like Derrek Lowe, but if the ownership change happens, a lot of things could change.
• Rosenthal says that the AL Central is a difficult division to pick and says that the Indians with Kerry Wood and Mark DeRosa will have a chance.
• Kap notes that the other teams in the NL Central haven't been to active.
• Ken says that we should keep an eye on the Brewers. He expects them to be active in the coming weeks.
• He also thinks that the Cardinals could add a few more pitchers.

Kap took a few more calls:

• The first caller doesn't see how the Cubs are going with Miles and Fontenot as the every day second basemen. He thinks that the Cubs might have something else up their sleeve. Kap says that Fontenot will get a chance to win a job.
• The next caller asked if the door is totally closed on Jake Peavy. Kap says that the door is closing but not totally closed. The Cubs are not going to do a 6 for 1 deal.

Well, that is it for today! I'll have more updates tomorrow!

Just Keep on rooting for the Cubs!

Mark DeRosa on Sports Central, More Cubs Rumors

Last night former Cubs second baseman Mark DeRosa joined David Kaplan on WGN radio to talk about being traded to the Indians. Here's the highlights:

• DeRosa said that on one hand he's disappointed and said he didn't even know how much he was going to love Chicago when he signed.
• Mark was on the golf coarse when he got the call to say that he was traded. DeRo said that he followed the whole Peavy sage online and says he thought his time in Chicago would continue when the Peavy trade fell through.
• He said that when he saw that Jim was calling him he knew he got traded.
• Mark is exited about playing 3rd base with the Indians.
• Kap asked if DeRosa would ever come back to the Cubs if he got offered a contract. Mark sounded like he definitely would.
• He said that Lee, Lilly, Dempster, and other team mates have called him since the trade.
• Mark says he thinks he did his job for 2 years.
• Overall I would say DeRosa was very disappointed.

I'm very sad that DeRosa is leaving and even more upset after listening to Mark talk to Kap.

Well, here's other Cubs rumors for today:

• The Cubs seem set to officially sign Milton Bradley in the coming weeks.
• The Tribune says that Ryan Dempster would welcome Bradley with open arms.
• Bruce Levine expects the Jason Marquis trade to be made official on Sunday or Monday.
• Levine thinks there is an 80% chance that the Peavy deal will get done.
• Players Bruce is hearing could be involved include Wellington Castillo, Jeff Stevens, Kevin Hart, and Josh Vitters.
• Kaplan mentioned on Sports Central last night that the Cubs are interested in signing Rich Aurillia to back up 1st and 3rd base.
• The Cardinals were prepared to offer Aaron Miles about the same as what he got with the Cubs but the more sincere interest by Cub management drew him to the Cubs.

I'll keep you posted.

A look at the numbers; DeRosa, Miles, Fontenot

Let's check out the stats and see how much of a downgrade the Cubs have made at the second base position and see if Miles or Fontenot is the way to go.

Mark DeRosa:
Career: .279 BA, 69 HR, 352 RBI, .422 SLG, .348 OBP
2008: .285 BA, 21 HR, 87 RBI, .481 SLG, .376 OBP

Aaron Miles:
Career: 16 HR, 170 RBI, .289 BA, .329 OBP, .364 SLG
2008: 4 HR, 31 RBI, .317 BA, .355 OBP, .398 SLG

Mike Fontenot:
Career: .290 BA, .369 OBP, .457 SLG, 12 HR, 69 RBI
2008: 9 HR, 40 RBI, .305 BA, .395 OBP, .514 SLG

So by the numbers Fontenot look better than Miles, DeRosa is obviously a big loss and so far I think Jim Hendry's off season is a major fail, losing 2 fan favorites in Kerry Wood and Mark DeRosa. He's going to have to add 2 major players to make this a good off season.

Here's the a few Cubs rumors:

• Chico Harlan of the Washington Post believes that the Cubs will win the sweepstakes for Bradley.
• Catcher Josh Bard had signed with the Red Sox. He also had an offer from the Cubs.
• Buster Olney says the Cubs are making off season mistakes.
• Jon Heyman ranked the top 20 free agents that remain unsigned. He ranks Milton Bradley number 2 only behind Bobby Abreu. Adam Dunn was 6th and Manny Ramirez was 13th on the list.

CUBS MAKING BIG MOVES.....DEROSA TRADED!

The Cubs are making moves left and right! Here's the latest:

• The Cubs have signed switch hitting infielder Aaron Miles to a 2 year deal. Miles is 32 years old, batted .317 with 15 doubles, 4 HR, and 31 RBIs in 2008 for the Cardinals. Miles can play tons of positions. He appeared in 7 different ones last year: 85 games at second, 27 at shortstop, 11 games at 3rd, 4 in left, 1 in center and 1 in right. Miles played for the White Sox and Rockies before becoming a Cardinal in 2006.
• Bad News if you like Mark DeRosa; the Cubs have traded him to the Clevland Indians for Jeff Stevens, John Gaub, and Chris Archer. All 3 are minor league pitchers.
• Here's the stats for Stevens, Gaub, and Archer.
• The Marquis trade to the Rockies for Vizcaino is a done deal and will be announced sometime over the next few days according to sources including Bruce Levine of ESPN Radio and David Kaplan of Comcast Sports Net.
• Levine thinks that with the money the Cubs will save in the Marquis deal they will end up using on Milton Bradley and goes as far as calling it a "done deal".
• I'm also hearing the the Cubs will rework the Peavy talks using the players they got in the DeRosa deal and adding other prospects.

I don't know what to think about the DeRosa deal. I really like DeRo, but if it is what the Cubs have to deal to end up with Bradley and Peavy then that's fine. We'll just have to wait and see what happens. I expect either Fontenot or Miles will be the starting second baseman in 2009.

I'll keep you posted.

UPDATE 2:25 CT- David Kaplan says that he thinks bringing in prospects for the DeRosa is the start of the getting the Jake Peavy deal set up. He also reports that the Marquis deal is not done yet because Jason is out of the country.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that since the Cubs have traded for 3 pitching prospects and traded away our 5th starter, the Peavy deal could be back on.

Kap had Paul Sullivan on the show to talk about the Cubs news.

• Sullivan says that he thinks it's amazing how everything is happening at once.
• Sully says it seems that Miles could move into the leadoff spot.
• He hates to see DeRosa go.
• Kap asked about Milton Bradley. Paul said that he talked to Frank Thomas and Frank said he was intense and smart and just needs to be left alone. If Bradley can stay healthy and out of trouble this could work out good. Paul is willing to give Bradley the benefit of the doubt.
• Paul says he sees no need for Rich Aurillia. He thinks Pie and Cedeno will be traded and would like to see another lefty in the bullpen.

The Cubs have a conference call coming up, so I'll keep you posted.