More Trade Reaction

• Be sure to check out our recap of today's "Talkin' Baseball" on ESPN Radio 1000.
• Jim Hendry talked about the trade
• Paul Sullivan took a look at Bradley's rocky moments with the Cubs.
• The Cubs can move on to other problems, but according to Phil Rodgers it appears the budget won't allow the Cubs to make a big move.
• Aroldis Chapman is still drawing interest from the Cubs.
• Carlos Silva is expected to compete for the 5th starter's job or work in long relief according to Gordon Wittenmyer.
• Milton Bradley has said that he "has no interest in speaking about Chicago."
• Bruce Miles' story focused a lot on Bradley's teleconference.
• According to M's writer Greg Johns, the people in Seattle a very happy with the trade to dump Carlos Silva and add Milton.

Other Links and Notes:

• Ryan Dempster and the Cubs helped open the rink at Wrigley today.
• Carrie Muskat says that Chris Brady, the Mesa city manager was told in a meeting with the Cubs on Friday that the city is still a serious candidate for the team's Spring Training site.
• A Q&A with Ryan Theriot
• Al from BCB has more on the Mesa Spring Training situation.

David Kaplan, Dave Van Dyck, and Paul Sullivan talked about the Bradley trade on Chicago Tribune Live yesterday with Jim Hendry:

• Hendry is happy to have the whole Bradley thing behind him.
• It's no secret that Bradley never really achieved on the field, and had issues off the field that weren't tolerable.
• Jim takes full responsibility for the Bradley signing.
• The Cubs had other avenues that they could have taken, but in the long run this is a good deal for them because they got some cash back in the deal.
• He will look at the trade based on not only Silva's performance, but also based on the performance of the player that the Cubs get with the extra money they receive in the deal.
• When Paul congratulated him on the deal, Hendry said thanks but it's not something he thinks of as congratulations, but you have to move on and put it behind you.
• At the meetings, the president of Seattle told Sully that the M's were not looking at Bradley.
• Jim said that he first heard from the Mariners on Bradley 2 days ago.
• This week, two clubs that Hendry had not talked to all off season long (one being Seattle) contacted him this week.
• Van Dyck thinks that the Mariners kept Silva on the DL longer than he needed to be because he wasn't performing well.
• "He's not hurt, he's 30 years old, and maybe he just needs a change of scenery. This is a very good guy, a good team got, and he helps young pitcher," Hendry said of Carlos Silva.
• He'll be a candidate for the rotation and for the middle relief job.
• The Cubs have been keeping track of all their possibilities. They know they would like to move Kosuke back to right field.
• Jim is also looking to add a bullpen piece to go with Grabow and Marmol.
• They would also like to add a quality person or two to their bench, and they need a right handed bat who can play with Kosuke in right field.
• Reed Johnson is a guy that the Cubs will always consider for their baseball guy. Johnson is a great team guy, but he has had a tough time staying healthy.
• Jim certainly wouldn't rule out Reed coming back.

After Jim was off the phone, the guys talked more about the Cubs:

• They were surprised that this deal to Seattle got done as suddenly as it did.
• Van Dyck thinks that when they relized how big of a contract Jason Bay wanted, they decided that Bradley might be a better fit.
• Kap thinks that he will go out to the West Coast and have a great season.
• Dave thinks Ken Griffey Jr. will have a good impact on Bradley.

Todd Hollandsworth joined the guys next:

• The first thing Todd said was, "Christmas came to Chicago early."
• It was a good time to get Bradley out.
• Silva has a little up side and potential in the bullpen.
• Hollandsworth thinks that one person can have a huge impact on the clubhouse. Chicago's relationship with Bradley was not a good one.
• Todd believes that this could possibly be a very good situation for Carlos Silva, who is an innings eater and a ground ball pitcher.
• He thinks Carlos could be a fit in the bullpen.
• Bradley hurt the Cubs in the clubhouse and on the field. He was brought in to be the guy in between Aramis Ramirez and Derrek Lee.
• When Aramis got hurt, Milton needed to step it up. When the Cubs needed him the most, his game really started to turn south. A lot of things played off of that.
• Todd says that there's not a lot of pressure in Texas. The pressure in Chicago got to Bradley.
• Hollandsworth thinks that it was the best situation for both Silva and Bradley to go to a new place.

More CTR Cubs talk:

• Dave Van Dyck thinks that if Bradley would have signed for 1 year $8 million it might have all ended up differently.
• Kaplan thinks Lou Piniella has to come in with a little more edge next year. Sullivan says that they just need to hit.
• Kap thinks the manager has to hold people accountable.
• Van Dyck and Sullivan agree that the hitters not hitting was the key to the season, not Piniella's lack of fire.
• Dave pointed out that the Cubs won 97 games under Lou in 2008.
• Paul says that if you want to blame Piniella for something, blame him for sticking with Kevin Gregg too long and leaving Soriano as the lead-off man for too long.
• Frankie O. from Harry Caray's restaurant called it an awesome day. He said today the people at Harry Caray's were celebrating the trade of Bradley.
• Milton never endeared himself to Cub fans. He was the guy that the fans had a lot of resentment towards. Frankie says that this team needs to move towards winning. Cubs fans want to see what will happen next.
• People want to see if this Cubs team can hit next season.

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

Mid Week Notes: Dempster on Waddle & Silvy, Top 10 Cubs of the Decade, Marlon Byrd, and More

• Ryan Dempster will throw out the ceremonial first pitch on the ice on Saturday to celebrate the grand opening of an ice skating rink next to Wrigley Field.
• Now that Mike Cameron is signed, the Cubs are looking at Marlon Byrd to fill the center field void. Byrd is now their first choice.
• Bringing back Reed Johnson is still a possibility. Rick Ankiel and Scott Podsednik are also on the radar.
• The Cubs were one team on hand to watch Kelvim Escober throw today according to Efrain Zavarce.
• Joel Pineiro is looking for a 4-year deal. Buster Olney reports that the Cubs are one team with interest in Pineiro.
• Paul Sullivan thinks that Jim Hendry could sign an outfielder like Byrd before dealing Bradley.
• The Cubs are long shots for Aroldis Chapman.
• Bruce Miles points out that Byrd had two good years under new Cub hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo.
• Hee-Seop Choi has climbed a mountain and turned his career around.

Top 10 Cubs from the Decade from ESPN Chicago

• 10. Mark DeRosa
• 9. Mark Prior
• 8. Ryan Theriot
• 7. Moises Alou
• 6. Sammy Sosa
• 5. Ryan Dempster
• 4. Kerry Wood
• 3. Derrek Lee
• 2. Carlos Zambrano
• 1. Aramis Ramirez

Ryan Dempster joined Waddle & Silvy on ESPN 1000 yesterday:

• Dempster is excited with his event coming up to raise money for the illness that his daughter has.
• Ryan's daughter is doing well. The baby was born on April 1 last year and that made his season hard for him.
• Tom, Mark, and Ryan agree that the "Wii Fit" isn't real exercise. They think people should get outdoors.
• In 2009, the Cubs don't play the level of baseball that they were capable of.
• When asked about Milton Bradley, Dempster said it's hard to judge someone else's experiences. Ryan said that Bradley is a "really, really good guy who handled certain things poorly."
• Demp thinks it would be a little uncomfortable if Milton returns next season. However, he is a very forgiving guy, and if Bradley is back on this team, Ryan wants him to enjoy the rest of his experience with the Cubs.
• Move info about Dempster's upcoming event: http://www.mywrigleyville.com/
• He is focused on getting ready for the season, and Jim Hendry will handle making the team's offseason moves. The Cubs need the guys who were with the Cubs last year to play better.
• Ryan thinks that the Ricketts family are great people, and the truly want what's best for the Chicago Cubs. They plan to put money back into this team.
• Dempster can't wait until the opening of the new skating rink that he will be at on Saturday.
• It's fun to watch the current Blackhawks team. Dempster thinks that the Hawks have a solid young team.

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

Who's On the Cubs Shopping List?

Since it's Black Friday, I thought it would be fitting to take a look at Jim Hendry's shopping list for this winter. Included with each name is my prediction of how likely it is that they will become a Cub.

• Curtis Granderson- Cubs have reportedly been pursuing the Tigers' outfielder most of the month. Could be one of the Cubs top choices, but they're not willing to give up Starlin Castro or any other top prospects, and the Tigers have a high asking price. 35%
• Roy Halladay- The Blue Jays have contacted the Cubs about Halladay, but the Cubs are most likely not going to add him unless Carlos Zambrano leaves. Also, the Cubs don't have the cash or prospects to get this deal done. 2%
• Pat Burrell- If the Cubs pull of a trade that sends Milton Bradley to the Rays, they most likely will end up taking Burrell. According to Bruce Levine, if the Cubs would then try to move Burrell. 45%
• Aroldis Chapman- Earlier in the offseason, the Cubs were included in the list of just about every MLB team that was interested in Cuban lefty Aroldis Chapman. Right now, he's most likely headed for either Boston or New York. 1%
• Mike Gonzalez- now that the Cubs have re-signed Grabow, they are unlikely to pursue a left handed reliever 4%
• Chone Figgins- The utility speedster would fit the Cubs needs, but they may not be able to afford him. The Mets, Phillies, and Angels are also in on him, but their is no front runner. Giggins will be 32 year old in Spring Training. 19%
• Mike Cameron- Has been listed as a backup plan for the Cubs if they are unable to land Granderson. The Padres, Braves, and Yankees also are in the mix. He will not return to Brewers. 60%
• Matt Holliday- Jon Heyman groups the Cubs as a possible fit for Holliday, but this is not very likely. 5%
• Luis Castillo- There were reports from FOX Sports that Castillo could end up with the Cubs in the 3-team trade that would send Bradley to the Rangers. Other media outlets shot down the report. Castillo is most likely not the answer for the Cubs middle infield. 10%
• Marlon Byrd- Byrd is anotheroption to replace Bradley in the Cubs outfield. T.R. Sullivan sees a 3-year deal worth 18-24MM for the former Rangers. Byrd wants to return to the Rangers, but they most likely will let him walk. 25%
• Mark DeRosa- According to most sources, DeRo is not coming back to the Chicago. They don't have the money for him, and feel that he is too old to make a long term commitment to.
• Orlando Hudson- Bruce Levine is a big fan of the O-Dog, and has mentioned that he would look good in blue. Hudson will seek a 2 year deal worth at least $15MM. Hudson could hit second and play second base, but the Cubs may not have the money. 40%

Let me know what you think in the comment or at cubsblogmailbag@aol.com

A few more Black Friday Cubs Notes:

• Bruce Miles doesn't see the Cubs as a player for Halladay.
• He adds that Starlin Castro is not going to be traded.
• Kosuke's Q&A with Carrie Muskat.
• Sammy Sosa has been sued for $203K in Domician court.
• Paul Sullivan says the Cubs aren't going to rush Starlin Castro. He will get an invite to Spring Training, and a chance to break camp with the Cubs if he has a great spring. However, it's a long shot.
• Ryan Theriot has been told that he may have to move to second base in the near future to make room for Castillo as short. He's fine with the idea. "Ryan feels like if he has to change positions and move to second base, he would have no problems," Hendry said. "He has made it no secret he loves the Cubs and wants to stay.
• Cubscast put together a great Thanksgiving All Music episode.
• The CCO Radio will return on Wednesday, December 2.
• Check out yesterday's post to find out what Cubs fans are thankful for.

It's been a fairly slow week on the Cubs front, but things are expected to heat up after the holiday weekend. We will continue with daily Cubs related posts!

Friday Afternoon Rumor Roundup

Let's Start with a few Radio Recaps

Rudy Jaramillo, the new Cubs hitting coach, was on Chicago Tribune Live with David Kaplan and company.

• Rudy says that the Cubs did the same thing as the Rangers this year as they went the other way after a great 2008 offensive season.
• He will be doing his homework this offseason about the players.
• When Sullivan said that Rudy is expected to turn this team around quickly, Rudy said, "That's my job."
• Jaramillo says this was the place he wanted to be, and he is blessed that it worked out.
• He came here to get it done, whatever it takes.
• Rudy says that Alfonso Soriano has always swung a big bat, and that is not the problem with him. He noticed that Alfonso's lower half needs some work.
• It depends on the situation whether the Cubs will be swinging at the first pitches a lot, or taking the ball.
• Texas led the league in seeing pitches last year.
• "I like to play the game... Moving the guys over, bunting, hit and run."

Next Todd Hollandsworth joined Kap, Sully, Casey Johnson, and Mark Carmen:

• Todd thinks Rudy is a great addition. Jaramillo is about bringing confidence, playing the mental game, and finding ways to build success. That's just what the Cubs need.
• Holly says Rudy is not a loud person, but he gets the job done.
• Paul asked if this guy could do something with Milton. Todd says that Rudy is fantastic at bringing confidence and changing swings. However, he doesn't think that Bradley is going to come back.
• Rudy is the best, but there is not a lot of attachment between him and Bradley.
• Jaramillo can't hit for these guys, but he can help.
• Todd thinks Alfonso Soriano will be helped the most by Rudy.
• Too many of the Cubs hitters fell into pot holes for a long period of time, and the hitting coach should have stepped in last year.

Ricketts Family's Wish List

David Kaplan noted last week on Chicago Tribune live that the Ricketts family will trade Bradley first, then possibly add another outfielder. Kap bets that the Cubs will be more family friendly once Tom takes over.

Second Base

When asked about the Cubs signing Mark DeRosa because he was such a popular player, Carrie Muskat of Cubs.com said, "If they signed players because they were popular, Mark Grace would still be starting at first. Never say never, but keep in mind, DeRosa will be 35, he'll be coming off wrist surgery and a .250 season in which he posted a .319 on-base percentage and struck out 121 times. DeRosa would love the chance to work again with new Cubs hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo again." Jeff Baker is the front runner to start at second next year according to Carrie.

Coaching Staff

The Cubs have signed Rudy Jaramillo to come in and help the Cubs hitting, and one other coach that is out that could really be a factor is pitching coach Dave Duncan. If any coach could really help this team, it would be Duncan. There has been lots of speculation on Duncan coming to the Cubs, but the team has already said that they will bring back to the rest of the coaching staff. Larry Rothschild is a good friend of Jim Hendry's and Lou's, so if the Cubs do part ways with him it will have to be ownership's decision.

Cubs Interested Chapman

Both the Cubs and White Sox are interested in Aroldis Chapman according to MLBTradeRumors.com. Chapman is a Cuban prospect who will arrive in New York to start a series of meetings with several GMs. He will likely demand a contract worth $40-$60MM.

Shocking Interest in Bradley

According to Ken Rosenthal, multiple teams are in contact with the Cubs about outfielder Milton Bradley. On source even said, "You would be shocked at the the level of interest." The Cubs are confident that they can pull of a trade for Milton. Jim Hendry says that the Rudy Jaramillo hiring has nothing to do with Milton Bradley.

Hawpe Not Being Shopped

Brad Hawpe may have been a fit for the Cubs, but the Rockies officials have denied that they are going to shop him.

Kelly Johnson a Fit?

Rob G. from the Cubs Reporter speculates that Kelly Johnson could be a Cub offseason target.

Rudy & Jim on Sports Central

Rudy Jaramillo and Jim Hendry joined David Kaplan on Sports Central last night for some Cubs talk. Rudy first:

• Jarmillo is still in town, enjoying himself.
• It was Rudy's choice to leave Texas.
• He has always been interested in the Cubs.
• Chicago is a great baseball town, the fans are great, and Rudy wanted to be a part of this organization.
• He is going to do everything he can to win these kids over quick.
• Jaramillo wants to get it done in a short amount of time.
• Rudy is happy to have this opportunity. Jim Hendry has been outstanding.

Then Jim Hendry:

• 30 different guys have called Rudy the best in the business according to Kaplan.
• Jim thinks that Jaramillo reputation is outstanding and speaks for itself.
• The players that have played under Rudy love him and respect him, as do his peers like coaches and managers.
• Other hitting coaches have called Jaramillo off the charts.
• The Cubs were having some meetings last week at Fitch Park to start the offseason plan, and during last Wednesdays' meeting it was announced that Jaramillo was not going back to Texas. The next morning, Jim got permission to talk to Rudy.
• This is Jim's life and job, so nobody gets more frustrated then him.
• The 2009 season never went how the Cubs expected it to.
• Last offseason, the Cubs felt they made the Cubs better. 95% of people picked the Cubs to win the division. However, the Cubs didn't factor in all the guys that wouldn't swing the bat well.
• August 7th the Cubs were tied for first place, but then things went south.
• Jim didn't feel gloom and doom until early September.
• It felt like the Cubs were 20 games out, even though it was just a few. Kap and Jim agree that the Cubs never really felt like they were going to the postseason this year.
• The expectations were so high in 2009, that when the Cubs weren't playing great the disappointment was great.
• Rudy and Jim didn't talk a lot of Milton Bradley on the telephone.
• Bradley seemed to be going on the upswing, but it just didn't work out last year.
• The Cubs knew there was some risk in signing Milton, but they took a calculated gamble. They thought the middle of the order was solid.
• The team is looking forward to having Tom Ricketts on board, and that is coming soon. It doesn't sound like they will start making moves until Ricketts takes over.
• Jim would like the Cubs to get a little better offensively. They would like to get a little faster, but they have a lot of in-house lead-off man candidates.
• Starlin Castro, "Is really good." Hendry is a big fan of the AFL and other instructional leagues.
• Castro is one of the premier guys in the industry, but the Cubs are not going to put a lot of pressure on the young man. Jim said, "Hopefully he'll be here sometime in 2010. Rudy will have a big hand in deciding when he's ready."
• Hendry thinks the Ricketts family wants to own the Cubs for a long time. Jim is looking forward to getting to know Tom.
• "I know we're going to be having a press conference here in the near future at Wrigley field. I think Tom is going to be a part of the organizational meetings in November," the Cubs GM said.

Scales to AAA

The Cubs have sent Bobby Scales to Iowa. The Cubs 40-man roster is now at 38. Is there a move on the way?

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