Who's on the Cubs Shopping List?

In honor of Black Friday, it is time for us to take a look at who the Cubs are looking at this winter. The Cubs are in need of relief pitching, a first baseman, bench depth and possibly a starting pitcher. Here is a list of names that have been associated with the team this winter.

• Lance Berkman: Ken Rosenthal lists the Cubs as one of eight teams interested in the former 'Stros first baseman.
• Javier Vazquez: The Cubs have taken a look at the starting pitcher, but Marlins are the frontrunners.
• Adam Dunn: Jim Hendry has not yet connected to slugger, but Carlos Zambrano has said that he would love to have Dunn on his side. Jayson Stark has indicated that the Cubs will look to go after a better defender.
• Andrian Gonzalez: It's a long shot, but Ivy Report believes that the Cubs need to strike fast and trade for the Padres star.
• Daisuke Matsuzaka: The Red Sox have no interest is swapping Japanese players in a Kosuke for Daisuke trade.
• Cliff Lee: Jon Heyman names the Cubs as a possible surprising suitor for the big lefty.
• Jon Garland: The former White Sox could be an option for the rotation after indicating that he was interested in pitching for the Cubs last winter.
• Kerry Wood: As most of you have said in our poll on the right sidebar, Cubs fans would welcome Woody back. It is unclear whether or not he would take less money to pitch in middle relief for the Cubs.
• Carlos Pena: Bruce Miles says the Cubs have been "keeping an eye" on Pena to fill the void at first base.
• Vicente Padilla: Still on the Cubs starting pitcher radar.
• Jason Frasor: Bruce Levine has been connected this reliever to the Cubs for the past three winters.
• Nick Johnson: A report from the Chicago Tribune earlier this month connected the Cubs to first baseman Nick Johnson. It is unclear whether Johnson would be the starter or serve as a backup to Tyler Colvin or another guy that the Cubs ink.

Let the shopping begin!

Rumor Mill Quick Hits: Free Agency Begins!

Free agency is officially open! Teams can now start negotiation with all free agents for 2011 contracts. Let's catch up with all of the Cubs rumors that have been flying around so far this winter!

• The Sun Times reports that the Cubs will not be going after "big names" on the free agent market. The Cubs top offseason priorities are a bullpen arm and a first baseman.
• The Cubs are "keeping their eye" on bringing Kerry Wood back to the Windy City.
• Several sources have connected the Cubs to left handed hitting first baseman Nick Johnson.
• It is starting to look like the Cubs will not be able to afford Adam Dunn.
• According to the Tribune, Kosuke may need to me traded in order for the team to have room on the budget to sign a prominent free agent.
• The Tribune also connect Jon Garland to the Cubs and said that their season biggest need is starting pitching.
• Todd Ricketts was on the CBS TV show Undercover Boss tonight.
• Bruce Miles is holding out hope that Carlos Zambrano can be effective.
• The Cubs may be looking at Victor Martinez and Aubrey Huff.
• Josh Vitters went 0-for-2 in the AFL Rising Stars Game last night with 2 Ks. Chris Carpenter looked sharp on the hill and topped out at 99-mph.
• Xavier Nady is not expected to return to the Cubs next season. He is the only free agent on the club.
• Chris Archer will be added to the 40-man roster soon.

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

10-27 Bruce Levine Chat Recap

• This is an important week for the Cubs, who will find out if their $84 million training facility will be approved by Mesa voters.
• Adam Dunn is the Cubs "number one priority".
• The most likely player to be traded by the Cubs this offseason is Kosuke.
• Levine expects Big Z to stay with the Cubs because of his no-trade clause.
• Marlon Byrd should get a good share of the vote for an NL Gold Glove. He made just three errors all year.
• Jim Hendry's fate after this two-year contract will be decided by how many more young players come through the organization in the next few years.
• Bruce thinks Mike Quade will be the last manager Hendry hires. Both have two year contracts and their fates seem to be interwined.
• If Hendry can find a way to trade some payroll the Cubs may be able to afford Dunn.
• Right now, it looks like Blake DeWitt will start at second next year.
• Bruce doesn't see Josh Vitters making the team next year. He expects Jay Jackson and Brett Jackson to make the roster out of Spring Training. Chris Archer could be in line for a call-up during the year.
• Tyler Colvin was thinking about playing winter ball in Mexico, but that's probably not going to happen now.

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

Numbers Breakdown: Milton Bradley

Last winter, when I started the blogging in December, the first poll I put up on the blog was What left handled hitting outfielder should the Cubs go after? The choices were Bradley, Dunn, Ibanez, or Abreu, all of whom the Cubs were interested in at the time of the poll. I can't recall which of the sluggers received the most votes in the poll, but we know which one Jim Hendry voted for. Let's take a look at the numbers comparing Bradley's 2009 season to that of the other 3 choices.

Home Runs
Bradley- 12
Dunn- 38
Ibanez- 34
Abreu- 15

Bradley's Rank: 4

Batting Average
Bradley- .257
Dunn- .267
Ibanez- .272
Abreu- .293

Bradley's Rank: 4

RBIs
Bradley- 40
Dunn- 105
Ibanez- 93
Abreu- 103

Bradley's Rank: 4

OBP
Bradley- .378
Dunn- .398
Ibanez- .347
Abreu- .390

Bradley's Rank: 3

So even without considering how negative of an impact Milton was in the clubhouse, his suspensions, and blunders, the other three candidates were clearly miles (not Aaron) ahead of him. And the Numbers don't lie.

Cubs in Winter Ball, Rumors, and More

Well, here's the latest Cubs rumors from yesterday and today.

• Buster Olney says that the Cubs have maxed out their spending this winter.
• Bruce Levine and others have been saying that the Bradley deal should be done around the first of the year, so we'll see what happens soon, I expect the Cubs to make at least 1 more move before the convention.
• Interesting article I found about Jim Hendry's first round picks.
• Jason Stark says that the Dodgers have contacted Adam Dunn. The Cubs, Nationals, Mariners, and Orioles all also have interest.
• Stark adds that the Cubs have believed to be his top choice before the Dodgers entered the mix.
• The Dodgers also have interest in Bobby Abreu. They seem to be interested in a lot of the same guys as the Cubs.
• Former Cub Micheal Barrett has agreed to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training with the Blue Jays.

Some guys in the Cubs system have been playing Winter Baseball in Venezuela, the DR, and Mexico. I decided to check in on some of their stats:

Andres Blanco (VWL)- .280, 2 HR, 25 RBI, 58 Games

Ronny Cedeno (VWL)- .278, 4 HR, 24 RBI, 46 Games

Jake Fox (DWL)- .353, 3 HR, 31 RBI, 3 Games

Sam Fuld (VWL)- .333, 4 HR, 22 RBI, 55 Games

Felix Pie (DWL)- .304, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 20 Games

Jose Ascanio (traded to FLO) VWL- 3-1, 7 SV, 3.10 ERA, 29 IP

Angel Guzman (VWL) - 2-1, 5.54 ERA, 26 IP

Rich Hill (VWL)- 1-2, 6.86 ERA, 21 IP

Carlos Marmol (MWL)- pitched 2 innings allowed 0 runs

J.R. Mathes (VWL)- 2-3, 3.86 ERA, 32.2 IP

The main thing in noticed is that both Rich Hill and Felix Pie have struggled.

I got this Pat Hughes and Ron Santo CD for Christmas and would recommend it if you enjoy listening to Pat and Ron on radio. It plays lots of their funny moments and I enjoyed. Click Here for the link.

Cubs Trivia Answer from Sat.: Only 2 Cubs remain from '03; Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Zambrano.

I'll keep you posted.

The Latest Cubs Rumors

• The Rockies remain interested in Jason Marquis. Tracy Ringolsby says that the Cubs are anxious to move him to ease their rotation overload.
• XM Radio says that the Cubs could receive pitcher Jason Hirsh for Marquis.
• Paul Sullivan says that the Cubs are considering inviting 2 Japanese left handed pitchers to compete for jobs in spring training; Ken Kadokura and Shigeki Noguchi.
• Bleacher seats for the Cub-Yanks exhibition games will cost only 25 cents and it will be 1.10 to sit in the grandstand. Yes you read that right. Click here for the full story from the Daily Herald.
• Bleed Cubbie blue likes the idea of Adam Dunn going, I agree with what they say.
• Tom Krasovic says that Jake Peavy will likely remain a Padre despite the many trade rumors this off season. He added that Kevin Towers will still listen to offers and said that a potential deal with the Cubs has fall through.
• The Len and Bob Bash is set, but Len and Bob won't be singing this year! Len talks about the Bash in his recent entry to his blog on the WGN website.

This week schedule for my blog:

Sunday- will be busy, might not get a chance for an update

Monday- Will return, update any new links, news, and rumors; will have a CD recommendation for Cubs Fans; and Will have Trivia answer from the question earlier today.

Tuesday/Wednesday- Get Set for the Launch of the MLB Network and the Hawks game at Wrigley.

Thursday/Friday- My thought on Winter Classic and MLB Network

So, thanks for reading, please comment and vote on our new poll!

Cubs Rumors; Saturday

• Ken Rosenthal says the Rockies are debating whether to sign Tim Redding or trade for Jason Marquis. The Mets are also still in the mix for Marquis.
• Adam Dunn has told people in Arizona that he wants to play for the Cubs in the worst way.
• Ryan Dempster will probably play in the WBC for Canada. Rich Harden is a possibility.
• The writer of Goat Riders of the Apocalypse, another good Cubs blog, are antsy for the Cubs to make some moves. I think we all are. They say that the hope the Cubs will sign Milton Bradley, but they think it's unlikely. Me, along with many other Cubs fans, will be very upset if the Cubs fail to sign Bradley, Dunn or Abreu.
• Wrigleyville23 is reviewing 2008 on their blog, breaking it down month by month. Click on the link for the January review.

Good thing for the holiday season to cheer everyone up because with out it this would be a depressing time for us Cubs fans with the Cubs not making in moves, a lack of rumors lately, and with the cold weather outside and those sunny days at the ballpark seeming so far away...

But the good news is X-Mas is just a few days away. Stick with the blog for the latest rumors this week. Maybe we'll get a left handed bat for Christmas.

I'll keep you posted.

Jim Hendry on Sports Central

Cubs GM Jim Hendry visited with David Kaplan to talk about the Cubs remaining offseason plans on Sports Central on WGN Radio last night. Here's my recap:

• Jim says that the economy is taking an effect on the baseball world. He says the Cubs are fortunate the their payroll didn't go down. He says some clubs are going to take more cutbacks than others.
• Kap suggested the Cubs getting a right handed bat that hits left handers. He says the Cubs still would prefer a left handed or switch hitter.
• An email asked if the Cubs ever considered moving Soriano back to second base. Jim says that Sori will stay in left field.
• Another question asked if Hendry still sees getting another starter. Jim says that you might try to make something work with an elite guy but the Cubs aren't searching for another starter but says that the new owner might have an impact on things like this.
• Jim says the if Greg Maddox wants to work with the Cubs he can work in Chicago any time he wants, he thinks Greg will get away from the game for some time and then might get back into baseball in some way.
• Kap asked about Ryan Sandberg. Jim said that the Cubs don't get hung up on moving up the latter with coaches in the minor leagues like players do. He says Rhino's done a terrific job in Peoria for 2 years and in the Arizona Fall League. He thinks that Sandberg can be a big league coach some day.
• Kap asked for thought about Kerry Wood. Jim think Kerry ended up in a great place and says that he will root for Woody except when he plays the Cubs for the rest of his career.
• Hendry said that Gathright was a real good sign that gains the Cubs speed and depth. Jim wants to add one more left handed hitting outfielder to the mix out there.
• Jim says that he likes Adam Dunn and says that the situation is his defense. He wouldn't rule a terrific hitter off the Cubs list though.
• Kap asked about DeRosa. Hendry said that he is just trying to make the Cubs better and sometimes you might have to consider trading someone you really like.

Cubs Rumors; Fu-Te Ni on Cubs radar?

Well I'm off for the holidays! I'll have plenty of blog updates over the next 2 weeks. Right now there's not much to talk about concerning the Cubs. Before Baseball's Winter Meetings there were tons of different Cubs Rumors going around each day mostly about Jake Peavy. Since the Meetings there hasn't been as much rumors and still no big moves by the Cubs. But here's the latest Cubs Rumors:

• Rafael Furcal has resigned with the Dodgers. He joins Ibanez in the category of guys high on the Cubs list that signed. The Cubs better find their left handed bat soon.
• The Cubs have stepped up their pursuit of Milton Bradley.
• Steve Stone said that he thinks Bradley would be an awful signing for the Cubs.
• Phil Rogers think Joey Gathright will compete for the 25th spot on the roster.
• Milton Bradley is also on the Angels radar.
• The Tribune says that the Cubs have interest in Fu-Te Ni. He is a left handed pitcher from Japan. The M's, Twins, Tigers, and Braves also have interest.
• Adam Dunn is telling people that if the Cubs will have that's where he wants to go.

I think the Cubs should add Adam Dunn or Bobby Abreu for right field. I'm not a big Bradley fan but if the Cubs sign anyone I'll be happy that left field is solved. I would be in favor of Dunn but Dunn in right and Soriano in left would be horrible defensively. I think the Cubs better act quickly before Bradley ends up going to LA and by that time Abreu could already be signed. Fu-Te Ni is a guy that could really help the bullpen.

What do you think? Feel free to comment. (You don't even have to log in or anything.)

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted as always.

Recap of Talking Baseball

First of all, thanks to Byron from http://www.cubsblogarmy.com/ for adding my blog to his site.
Secondly, the Cubs have agreed to terms with Reed Johnson on a 1 year deal with a $3 million base salary and incentives. The Cubs have now avoided arbitration with Johnson, Cotts, and Gaudin but still need to agree to terms with Kevin Gregg, Ronny Cedeno, and Michael Wuertz. Also Kerry Wood has passed his physical and will be in an Indians uniform next year.

Every Saturday morning on ESPN Radio is a show with Bruce Levine and Carmen DeFalco starting at 10 AM CT. They talk Cubs and Sox the whole show all year around. Here's the link to the web page. http://stations.espn.go.com/stations/espnradio1000/show?showId=talkinbaseball It's a great show but in case you don't have time to listen to it or don't what to sit through all the commercials and Sox talk, then I'll have a full recap of the Cubs talk on many Saturdays.

• Bruce says that the Peavy situation is not over.
• Crane Kenney had to answer questions on Wednesday to talk about the Cubs involvement with Governor Rod Blagojevich.
• Levine still believes that unless Peavy is traded or the Cubs start making other deals then this deal could still be made.
• Towers has to move this guy and has to do it soon.
• A caller asked if not being able to move Marquis effected the Cubs Peavy deal. Levine says that the main road block was that the Cubs would lose 7 or 8 players that a role that would need filled for 1 guy.
• Levine thinks Milton Bradley will be in a Cub uniform by the new year.
• Carmen says that the Peavy deal is not dead forever.
• Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel joined Bruce and Carmen to talk baseball;
• Carmen asked about the Phills bring in Raul Ibanez. Charlie says that he should do well in their ballpark and says he look forward to having Raul on the club.
• Manuel says the Mets did a great job inproving their bullpen and says that the Mets could create a lot of problems next year for the Phillies.
• He says the Atlanta's real close to being good and suffered lots of injuries last year and he thinks the Braves are going to be pretty good next year.
• Charlie says the off season is a lot more relaxing being the World Champion manager.
• Manuel said Gavin Floyd of the White Sox can be a real good pitcher someday. (Floyd came up with the Phillies and then was traded for Freddy Garcia)
• Charlie said Scott Eyre was good pick up and by the end of the year their bullpen was very strong.
• Carmen says it doesn't make any sense that nobody else is made any offers to CC Sabathia besides the Yankees.
• Bruce said he met with Jim Hendry in his nice suite each day throughout the week in Los Vegas at the Winter Meetings.
• Bruce says that 2008 was an even better year for the White Sox than it was for the Cubs because the Sox rebuilt, got younger, and won on the fly.
• A caller asked about Adam Dunn and wondered why the Cubs would be more interested in Milton Bradley than Adam Dunn (I was wondering the same thing). The guys said Bradley had the best OBP in the league last year, and is a switch hitter. Carmen says that having Dunn and Soriano would be "brutal" as your corner outfielders defensively.
• Bruce says Dunn would have no chance in right field and says he can't run the bases. Bruce just isn't a big Adam Dunn fan.
• The Cubs are going after 2 left handed bats and Levine says that Bradley is already going to be one of them.

I'd like to thank everyone who has read the blog so far. Please leave your comments and scroll down to the bottom of the page to vote on our poll. As always, I'll keep you posted.