Weekend Quick Hits: Conflicting Reports on Castillo, A Plaque for Santo, Barney Pulling Away & More

• Bruce Miles reports that the Cubs will not go after Luis Castillo, who was recently released by the Mets.
• Miles is hoping that the Cubs throw Andrew Cashner into the rotation and cut Carlos Silva.
• Augie Ojeda has not been able to play due to back spasms. Darwin Barney has emerged as the favorite to take the final infield spot.
• According to Carrie Muskat, Todd Wellemyer has been out of the spring rotation because of a sore right hip.
• Casey Coleman has been sent over to Fitch Park to get some innings in.
• Here is a picture of the new Ron Santo plaque at HoHoKam Park.
• MLB Trade Rumors, citing ESPN Deportes as their source, says that the Cubs are interested in Castillo.
• Bruce Levine thinks that the decision on the final two spots in the rotation could be made as soon as Monday or Tuesday.
• The Sun Times reports that Reed Johnson is pulling away from Fernando Perez for the final outfield spot and Barney has the final infield spot all but wrapped up.

My final four picks: Florida, Duke, Ohio State and Kansas.

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

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!

Updates from Day 1 in Indy

• Lou Piniella said today that he's going to do the best job he can, then at the end of the year we'll see what happens as far as his return in 2011.
• Bruce Miles points out that the nobody that the Cubs acquired last offseason will return in 2010, beside the prospects from the DeRosa trade.
• Tampa Bay still appears to be the destination of choice for Milton Bradley.
• According to Cubs.com, the Cubs have gotten good reports on players this offseason including Alfonso Soriano, Geovany Soto, Ted Lilly, and Carlos Zambrano.
• Lou Piniella says he "has the utmost respect" for Mike Cameron, who the Cubs are chasing.
• Jeff Baker will play some outfield this spring. He will also serve as a backup 3rd baseman.
• The Cubs are not looking for another front of the rotation pitcher.
• The Cubs are set with Carlos Marmol as the closer, but Lou thinks adding another veteran reliever will "help stabilize things".
• Starlin Castro is expected to start the 2010 season in the minors.
• Alfonso Soriano will bat 6th in the Cubs' lineup.
• Bruce Levine tells us that the Cubs are considering bringing Reed Johnson back.
• The Cubs are not close to signing a free agent outfielder.
• Trading Milton Bradley is still the top priority.
• The three teams talking to the Cubs about Bradley are the Mets, Rangers, and Rays according to Muskat.
• Cubs catcher Koyie Hill host a successful Make-A-Wish foundation event on Saturday. They raised more than $180,000. Ryan Dempster, Mike Fontenot, Randy Wells, and Rick Sutcliffe all participated in the event
• Tim Brown says that the market for Free Agent Kevin Gregg includes the Rays, Nationals, Tigers, and Rockies.
• Marc Topkin reports the Cubs are confident that they'll get Bradley traded, but if it's going to be to the Rays for Burrell it will take some "serious negotiating".
• The Rays are growing less hopeful of sending Burrell to the Cubs according to Joel Sherman's tweet.
• Sherman adds that the Cubs "may like Melky Cabrera", and the Yankees may want Mike Cameron.
• Joel is hearing that the Mets are not interested in Milton Bradley.
• We've heard that the Cubs could trade Bradley to the Rays for Burrell, then sent Pat to the Mets for Castillo, but David Lennon says that New York shows no interested in Burrell either.
• Jerry Crasnik expects the Cubs to offer Mike Fontenot a contract soon.
• Gordon Wittenmyer says that the Cubs have not met with Kansas City about Milton Bradley. Some sources say the Cubs have had talks about him with clubs outside of Texas and Tampa. Bruce Levine had reported a Bradley for Gil Meche swap being talked about.
• The option of keeping their short fused outfielder is not being discussed.
• Any Bradley trade will depend on the Cubs picking up a good part of his salary.

That's it for now, I'll keep updating throughout the night.

Numbers Breakdown: Cubs Second Base

Before we get to the Breakdown, a reminder:
The voting is over for our "All Decade" Cub first baseman. Thanks to all of you who voted! Our next position to vote on is second base! Please keep in mind, votes are based on performances in a Cub uniform starting in the year 2000. Our poll for second basemen in located on the right sidebar of our blog's mainpage. Please vote!

Now, let's stick with the topic of second base as we move in to this week's number breakdown. The Cubs have been involved in talks to try and bring Mets second baseman Luis Castillo to Chicago, in a trade that would dump Milton Bradley.

Would Castillo starting in the middle infield really be an improvement for the Cubs?

Career Batting Average
Mike Fontenot- .236
Luis Castillo- .292
Jeff Baker- .270

Point Castillo

Career Home Runs
Fontenot- 21 HR in 347 Games
Castillo- 28 HR in 1,634 Games
Baker- 26 HR in 300 Games

Point Baker

Career OBP
Fontenot- .301
Castillo- .369
Baker- .326

Point Castillo

2009 Batting Average
Fontenot- .236
Castillo- .302
Baker- .305

Point Baker

2009 HR & RBIs
Fontenot- 9, 43
Castillo- 1, 40
Baker- 4, 24

Point Fontenot

2009 SB
Fontenot- 4
Castillo- 20
Baker- 1

Point Castillo

Career Fielding %
Fontenot- .982
Castillo- .984
Baker- .986

Point Baker

So the final tallies of this Number Breakdown: Baker 3, Castillo 3, Fontenot 1. Luis gets on base more, steals bases, and hits for a better batting average, and those are things you want in a middle infielder. However, he has a bad contract, and lacks versatility. If the Cubs are able to dump Fontenot, Bradley, and hopefully Miles, would you like to see a Castillo/Baker platoon at second with Baker playing 3B when Ramirez needs time off?

Remember, the numbers don't lie...

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!

Quick Hits: Gregg, Bradley, and More

• Jim Hendry says Milton Bradley may be back in 2010, and said his 2009 season was a major hiccup according to Carrie Musksat.
• Ken Rosenthal, on the other hand, has reported that the Cubs are working on a 3 team deal where Luis Castillo would end up with the Cubs, Bradley would go to Toronto, and the Mets would get Lyle Overbay. He says that deal is a long shot.
• Bruce Levine agrees that Rosenthal's report has some validity to it.
• Kevin Gregg filed for free agency yesterday. He is a Type-A FA.
• The Cubs will not be releasing Bradley.
• Jerry Crasnik asked 20 baseball executives who would be harder to trade, Bradley or Vernon Wells. All 20 said Wells.
• ESPN has mentioned the idea of a Bobby Jenks for Milton Bradley exchange between the Cubs and White Sox.
• Billy Williams is not ready to give up on Milton.
• Paul Sullivan says the Blue Jays want no part of Bradley. He disagrees with Rosenthal's report.
• Rich Harden is one of the 10 riskiest free agents this winter.
• Harden is hoping to return to the Cubs according to the Tribune.
• Check out last night's full rumor roundup for more!

Day 2 of the GM Meetings today will mostly be spent talking about instant reply. American League Gold Gloves are announced today. The rumors are flying....

I'll keep you posted.