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If new Cubs president Theo Epstein wants to really start his era off right, he's going to have to do everything he can to bring in free agent slugger Prince Fielder.All indications are that he's doing just that, but trying won't be enough in this case.The Cubs desperately need a big-name free agent like Fielder, and with most of the marquee names already off the market, they are running out of options.It's not that Cubs fans won't show up to the ballpark. They are known for packing out Wrigley Field no matter the circumstances.They need something to believe in, though.After years of disappointing seasons, getting ...
Just like the Albert Pujols negotiations, the Cubs are purposely not trying to quash their reported interest in Prince Fielder, even though they have only a small chance of signing the Milwaukee first baseman.Yes, the Cubs presented Pujols an offer, but it was one they knew wouldn't be accepted. It was likely for five years with an average annual salary well above what other teams were offering.In other words, Theo Epstein and the Cubs were hoping that Albert would take a shorter-term contract worth more per year than the other offers.But, in reality, they knew that wouldn't happen.Still, this kept ...
Deal Starlin Castro. Swap Matt Garza for prospects. Find homes for Carlos Zambrano and Alfonso Soriano, even if you have to include an untouchable like Brett Jackson.Admit it, the Cubs roster is two thumbtacks and a wrench short of a junk drawer. At best, it's an assortment of loose screws.Big fixes are needed—the Cubs won 71 games last year.And if Team Epstein is looking to improve via trades, they need to put some ribbons on the trash the Cubs have to offer.Because nobody trades something for nothing, and it costs millions to unload garbage on another team. That means pondering tough deals ...
There is almost a sense of euphoria on the North Side these days. Despite coming off another embarrassing season in which the team's ace Carlos Zambrano was suspended and the highest paid player, Alfonso Soriano, hit just .244, the new regime headed by Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer has the fans buzzing. People may ask why, or how, Cubs fans remain so loyal to their franchise? Maybe it's because just when you're about to give up hope, they find a way to pull you back in and now you're in even deeper than you were before.That's at least how I feel at ...
Well, actually, I do.I trust 100 percent that what Peter Gammons says is true.Gammons reported via twitter that the Cubs said "they do not have cash to sign (Prince) Fielder." Those tricky Cubs aren't telling the truth to poor Peter.Unless the Cubs magically turned into a mid-market team, the Cubs can certainly afford to sign the free agent first baseman.According to Cot's Contracts and MLB Trade Rumors' arbitration projections, the Cubs' payroll stands at $87.1 million at the start of free agency. Throw the David DeJesus signing in, and that brings the number up to $92.1 million. ...
Jed Hoyer and Theo Epstein filled one of the key holes on the Chicago Cubs' roster Thursday, closing the Winter Meetings by trading for Colorado Rockies third baseman Ian Stewart. Stewart now projects as the majority third baseman for the team next season.The Cubs gave up Tyler Colvin and D.J. LeMahieu in the deal, which also netted them minor-league hurler Casey Weathers. Giving up so little to get Stewart, despite the ugly numbers and problematic profile the erstwhile Rockies batter presents, has to count as a win.Stewart looked terrible in 2011. In 136 plate appearances, he batted .156/.243/.221, without a ...
Troy Renck of the Denver Post tweeted yesterday that the Cubs acquired Ian Stewart and Casey Weathers for Tyler Colvin and D.J. Lemehieu. Colvin and Lemehieu may do well, but Stewart (a non-tender candidate) fills an opening in the Cubs' roster.The Cubs have been rumored to be talking to the Rockies about Stewart since the Winter Meetings began, with Lemehieu and Colvin being mentioned in separate offerings.The player that came out of nowhere is Casey Weathers, a relief pitcher with electric stuff. Weathers, a former first-round draft choice, is a type of pitcher that ...
According to the Associated Press, the Cubs and Rockies have orchestrated a move that sends versatile third baseman Ian Stewart and 26-year-old reliever Casey Weathers to Chicago for outfielder Tyler Colvin and infielder DJ LeMahieu.There have been enough rumors bouncing around the mill over the last week or so about the Cubs' apparent interest in Ian Stewart that this move will come as no shock to many. The only thing that might give pause is the addition of DJ LeMahieu in this package, although many don't see him as ready for prime-time in any serious role in the majors at the moment.Just in this past ...
The Chicago Cubs are one step closer ending their championship drought with the recent signing of—David DeJesus?This year's winter meetings, in the first year as a Cub for Theo Epstein and his entourage, have been very quiet for the North Siders.Theo Epstein has previously stated over and over the Cubs will need to rebuild from within to ensure a promising future.Epstein has done an excellent job rebuilding the Cubs internally from a operational viewpoint.He has hired his long-time colleague Jed Hoyer as his general manager, and he has brought Dale Sveum on board as the manager.Both are great hires, and they should ...
With Albert Pujols taking a 10-year, $250 million deal with the Los Angeles Angles of Anaheim, many are wondering where teams like the Chicago Cubs will now turn to fill their hole at first base. There is always Prince Fielder, but perhaps the guy Pujols just replaced should be of interest to the Cubs.That would be Mark Trumbo.There is a chance Trumbo could find another spot in the field for the Angels, but with their addition of Pujols and the role of designated hitter being fulfilled by Bobby Abreu, Trumbo appears to be running out of options.In 2011, Trumbo hit ...
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