Prior Signs with Padres

Unfortunately for Cubs' fans the Padres make an early visit to Wrigley this year, May 12th to be exact. That is because on Wednesday Mark Prior signed a one year deal to join his hometown team, joining a staff that was likely to be very good already.

Prior never experienced the success he was thought to be destined for after the Cubs' 2003 Playoff run, a year in which he went 18-6. Though Prior had been on the disabled list often since then, his first surgery was not performed until last April to fix a small tear in his shoulder.

Prior is not expected to return to a major league mound until around May (we've heard that before), but the Padres figured it was a low risk gamble on a guy who is only 27 years old. Chances are he will come back on a mission and have a great second half next year (I'm guessing 10-4, Petco is a huge park), and then someone will sign him to a monster deal next year only to have his elbow exploded shortly after.

Mark Prior now San Diego's problem (foxsports.com)

Sam Zell Ready to Sell

Sam Zell's purchase of the Tribune Company wrapped up this week, completing the transaction Cubs fans have been waiting on for years. During an introductory news conference, Zell said that he expected to sell the Cubs prior to Opening Day.

The process as described by the Tribune and people interested in the team was that it would be into the middle of 2008 before things got done, but it looks like Zell is ready to get a move on. The Cubs have not shared their books with possible buyers, but with Zell's no nonsense approach I think MLB may be in for a shock on how quickly this gets completed. We can only hope Zell gets his wish, and Cubs fans get theirs (Mark Cuban).

Zell ready to unload Cubs (Cubs.com)

Cubs Still Interested in Brian Roberts

The Cubs still would "like to do a few more things" trade-wise, according to general manager Jim Hendry, and Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts has not been scratched off the trade list just because he was named in the Mitchell report.

He doesn't mention Bedard, but I would hope Hendry is mentioning Bedard in trade talks. I would take an established pitcher like Bedard over a maybe/could be pitcher in Rich Hill.

Cubs Not Done [Chicago Tribune]

Kozy-K?

Mike Downey of the Chicago Tribune and Bleed Cubbie Blue are trying to shove a nickname for Kosuke Fukudome down your throat. The nickname for Kosuke Fukudome is "Kozy-K," a play off of his first name.

Our response?

Take that nickname and shove it.


We've never seen this guy play for the Cubs yet. He has yet to step into the box at Wrigley Field. He has yet to swing a bat in the Cubs pinstripes. He has yet to roam around Right Field at Wrigley. His nickname, for all we know, could turn out to be the "Japanese Jacque Jones." Jay Mariotti is calling him "The Domer."

We're sticking with Kosuke Fukudome.

Nicknames are spur of the moment type things. Nicknames should be given to a player by teammates, if a nickname is even needed. Nicknames, however, are not to be given by writers and shoved down our throats by random bloggers.

His name is Kosuke Fukudome. Let's just stick with that for now.

Neal Cotts Re-Signs

The Cubs retained Neal Cotts, signing him to a 1 year/$800,000 deal. Cotts was in 16 games in '07 before spending the rest of his time in Iowa.

Cotts wasn't even brought up when the roster expanded in September. He must have really sucked, because the Cubs had Will Ohman, Scott Eyre, Clay Rapada, and Carmen Pignatiello throw in his absence.

"In hindsight, I should've brought him up in September," Hendry said. "Neal threw well enough to get himself in the mix to come to camp and try to win a job in '08.

[Cubs.com]

Cubs Interested In Joe Nathan?

A newspaper in Minnesota mentions that the Cubs are showing interest in Joe Nathan, if he becomes available from the Minnesota Twins. I'm sure all teams would be interested in this dominating closer if he's available, so it's not really news. It's interesting nonetheless that the Cubs are mentioned however.

The catch? The Score (670Am in Chicago) is reporting that the Twins are going to want Carlos Marmol in a deal for Nathan.

No thanks.

Although Nathan is as good as it gets as a Closer, Nathan is 33 years old. Carlos Marmol, who was absolutely lights out in the middle relief role last season, is 25 years old. Normally, if you can get such an established closer like Nathan would be absolutely great. However, Marmol is just one of those pitchers you don't want to give up because his potential is ridiculous.

If the Cubs can get away with giving up Angel Guzman, Donnie Veal, or any one of the everyday young prospects they have, then it would be worth considering. But a NO on Marmol. [The Star Tribune]

Former Cubs On the Move & Division News

- It's great to see former Cubs pitcher Glendon Rusch get a deal. Rusch, who battled a blood clot in his lungs, will pitch for the San Diego Padres. [Yahoo]

- Speaking of the Houston Astros, their bullpen just got a whole lot tougher. Jose Valverde, the dominating closer for the Arizona DBacks last season, was traded to the Astros for a group of players. Kaz Matsui, Miguel Tejada, Jose Valverde... who's next Houston? [Houston Chronicle]

- ...Could it be Mark Prior? A Houston newspaper is claiming that the Astros are turning their attention into signing the former Cubs pitcher. I want this to happen solely to get the chance to see how Wrigley reacts upon his return. [Houston Chronicle]

DeRosa Unsure of Role, Not Unhappy

Mark DeRosa was interviewed in the Chicago Sun Times Thursday about the constant swirl of rumors around Jim Hendry's pursuit of second baseman this off-season. Despite the lack of communication, Hendry and DeRosa have traded voice mails so far, DeRosa stated that he understood the dealings and wasn't unhappy.

Granted DeRosa was told he would be the everyday 2nd baseman when he signed last winter, it should shock no one that he is taking it all in stride. DeRosa was widely considered the team's MVP last year while playing every infield position and also in the outfield. Also, he did that constantly while with the Texas Rangers in 2005 and 2006.

DeRosa did mention that he was hesitant to be the everyday right fielder, prior to Fukudome's signing, only because he felt he was a better infielder and was more comfortable. While being an everyday outfielder is now a long shot, there is still a chance the Cubs could still add Brian Roberts and then DeRosa would be forced into a super utility role. He understands why though, and is willing to make the sacrifice to win.

''It didn't bother me moving around, as long as I saw my name in the lineup............I enjoy playing the infield. I came up an infielder. That being said, I'll do anything.''

You know why, cause he wants to win.

DeRosa on super-utility role (suntimes.com)

Wrigley Field Sold Seperately?

Ever since spring training last year it has been known that the Tribune bosses were selling not only their paper and media outlets, but also the Cubs. Also, earlier in the week it was released that the Tribune would like to have this process complete by the middle of the 2008 season. Hopefully this finally happens, since Cubs fans would have preferred this be complete by the middle of the 2007 season. One of the sticking points was whether the Cubs, Wrigley Field, and the team's stake in Comcast SportsNet would actually be sold as three separate entities, which would of course make things an even bigger mess. Well, leave it to the Tribune to be giant asses.

One way this could happen without causing to big of a problem, but of course would still be a problem to potential owners, would be to have the state of Illinois buy the ballpark and run it like it runs the prison (sorry, US Cellaular Field) on the south side. The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority has been in contact with the Cubs about this possibility.

Granted there may be some problems, such as the State of Illinois being a few years away from declaring bankruptcy at it's current pace. Chances are the money would have to be raised by selling the naming rights since there are very little other options here. Another option is that the Tribune quit screwing around and trying to get top dollar by selling separate, and selling the three to one single owner. Then again I would put nothing past the Tribune, who by the way stand to make quite a profit from when they bought the team for a measly $25 million.

Cubs selling Wrigley Field to Illinois? (foxsports.com)

More Fukudome Video

Here's Fukudome homering off Byung Hyun Kim in the World Baseball Classic. Although who hasn't homered off of Kim?




Also, I can't wait to hear Ron Santo try to say Fukudome when he's as excited as the announcers in the video.

Fukudome Tribute Videos Are Already Popping Up

I'm assuming that's him, basically because I have no idea what he looks like. The beginning of his swing is just awful, but he keeps his hands steady which is the most important part.

And if he tries throwing somebody out at first from right field, he'll quickly learn "beanball."

The End is Here For Cubs, Prior

As the Cubs entered to Fukudome era, they also say so long to the Mark Prior saga. The Cubs decided to not tender Prior a contract before the deadline or offer arbitration on Wednesday evening. Prior will now become a free agent and likely will have a pretty long list of teams willing to take a gamble on him at a reduced price.

Prior's tenure in Chicago has headed downhill almost from the time Dusty Baker left him out on the mound during the Marlins rally in the 2003 NLCS. Prior was injured the following year, and along with Kerry Wood, pitched in probably the most simulated games in baseball history. Wood finally made it back last year, but Prior was never able to shake the injury bug.

This past year after the Cubs asked him to report to their Triple A team in Iowa, but never reported after finally having surgery to repair injuries in his shoulder. He is throwing off of flat ground at this point in his rehab, but doctors do not expect him to be ready until May at the earliest.

Jim Hendry had hoped Prior would sign a one year deal with an option year because of his projected mid season return, and the fact that this was the last year the Cubs controlled Mark's rights. However, Prior wanted nothing to do with that, and in all likely hood just wanted to get a fresh start somewhere else in my opinion.

It would have been nice to see Prior show some loyalty to the Cubs as his injury partner Kerry Wood did, opting to take less money because he felt he owed the fans and organization, but he also can't be blamed for wanting to move along. The scrutiny and constant reports on his health had to take its toll, much like it did on the fans who were sick of hearing the lies of his return. Hopefully, the surgery and fresh start give him a second chance, preferably in the American League. Either way, at least we don't hear about another simulated game.

Prior saga comes to a close (cubs.com)

Rowand to S.F., Kenny Williams Likely Shocked

Aaron Rowand did Cubs fans everywhere a great service Wednesday afternoon, when he signed a 5 year $60 million deal with the San Fransisco Giants. Rowand will slide into center for the Giants who will likely move Dave Roberts to left field to take over for a departing Barry Bonds. Rowand was seeking a long term deal after he compiled his best offensive season in 2007 with the Phillies, more for stability as opposed to money. Grabted $60 million is still a fat contract.

As for doing Cubs fans a service, what he did is continue the winter side show that is the White Sox during this offseason. Despite needing two outfielders, the White Sox have only added Scott Linebrink and Orlano Cabrera, neither of whom can play the outfield last time I checked. Tori Hunter and Andruw Jones went to the two L.A. teams, and Fukudome came to the Cubs. Mike Cameron is still out there, but chances are if the Sox wouldn't go to 5 years for Rowand, they won't be able to land Cameron.

That means Jerry Owens is the everyday center fielder, and who knows who is going to play left, may I suggest Geoff Jenkins. For a team that needed to get faster and more versatile, the Sox really have done a bang up job. However, there is no need to fret Sox fans, Kenny Williams will likely mortgage what little farm system is left (ranked #29 by Baseball America recently) to stay out of the cellar and ahead of the Rays and Royals. It's a shame that still probably won't help.

Rowand sticks to his guns, gets 5 yrs. in S.F. (foxsports.com)

Kosuke Fukudome Headed to Wrigley

According to ESPN and several Chicago television stations, the Cubs and Kosuke Fukudome have reached an agreement on a 4 year deal. the deal is reportedly worth $12 to $14 million a year. If this is indeed true, Jim Hendry's gamble of putting all his eggs in one Japanese basket looks to have paid off.

The Cubs out bid several teams including this winter's constant "runner up," the White Sox. Kenny Williams, you may want to take notes from a competent G.M. More to come when word officially comes from the Cubs.

Fukudome to Cubs Official? (espn.com)

UPDATE: Fukudome to the Cubs is now official.

Force Your Kids to Throw Left Handed

Surprisingly, the Mets were interested enough in the idea of bringing aboard veteran lefhander Jeff Fassero to have him throw for scouts. Fassero, who turns 45 next month, was out of baseball last season and will gear up for an attempted comeback by playing in the Mexican winter league.

Jeff Fassero?!?!?! A Cubs closer back in 2001, Fassero is trying to make another comeback. The only reason that he could possibly even get a look from anybody is because he's left handed. It's obvious that this is the reason because he was never good, but it's better to suck and be left handed than it is to suck and be right handed if you're a pitcher.

Fassero Making A Comeback [NY Daily News]

Fukudome Officially Coming to America

Japanese free-agent Kosuke Fukudome has decided not to move to the Yomiuri Giants and will sign with a major league team instead, the Nikkansports newspaper reported Sunday.

Fukudome had previously indicated the Giants would be the only Japanese team he would consider playing for next season, but has now ruled them out, opening the way for a move to the major leagues. Fukudome has drawn interest from the Chicago Cubs, the San Diego Padres and the Chicago White Sox.

Get it done, Jim. [SFGate]

Brewers Continue to Re-Stock Bullpen

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Brewers have reached a one year deal with reliever Eric Gagne. This comes a day after trading for Salomon Torres, although Torres may retire instead of reporting. The deal gives Derrick Turnbow some competition for the closer role along with David Riske, after the Brewers lost Francisco Cordero to NL Central rival Cincinnati.

On the one hand, the deal is a good move for the Brewers, since Gagne will be entering his second full year after arm surgery and that is typically when a pitcher regains his form. However, the bullpen has been in constant flux since the end of the year, and Gagne was not even close to good in 20 appearances with the Red Sox going 2-2 with a 6.75 ERA. It will probably help, but not enough to close the gap just yet.

Gagne headed back to NL. (foxsports.com)

Bedard Not On Cubs Radar Screen

It will take some time to get a deal done with Baltimore, which also is shopping left-handed pitcher Erik Bedard (who is not on the Cubs' radar screen). Roberts and Nick Markakis are among the Orioles' most popular players, especially with owner Peter Angelos.

If Baltimore is even listening to offers for Erik Bedard, the Cubs should be talking back. Bedard, who finished 5th in AL Cy Young voting this past season, did so in the tough AL & AL East Division. The Cubs would be stupid in at least entertaining offers for Bedard.

Bedard would be a left handed AL East transplant coming into the weaker NL. So how did the last left handed AL East transplant do for the Cubs?

Cubs Not Interested in Bedard [Daily Herald]

Fukudome Still Undecided on U.S.

Kosuke Fukudome will spend the weekend pondering several offers from major-league teams before deciding whether he will leave Japan, his agent said Friday, denying an Internet report that he already had made up his mind.

The Japanese outfielder is expected to make his final decision late Monday after speaking with the Yomiuri Giants, the Japanese team that also has made a bid.

While the Cubs wait on Fukudome to finally make a decision, what's Plan B if he stays in Japan or decides to go to another club? At least the way it's being reported in the media, the Cubs haven't even offered a plan B for the outfield. They seem to be putting all their eggs in one basket on this one.

Geoff Jenkins is not plan B. Raul Ibanez isn't plan B. Starting Felix Pie and Matt Murton next season isn't plan B. These are last resorts because of poor planning.

The Cubs better have something up their sleeve if Fukudome decides to go elsewhere.

Fukudome Still Undecided [Chicago Tribune]

Piniella Says Dempster May Not Start

Jim Hendry has said that Ryan Dempster will go into Spring Training as a Starting Pitcher this upcoming season. Lou Piniella says not so fast:

"Look, believe me, we're going to have to give this more thought," Piniella said. "We said we're going to give him a chance to start, and we'll see how he looks. The Red Sox went to camp last year with [Jonathan] Papelbon being a starter, and halfway through spring training they changed their minds and he had a heck of a year out of the bullpen.

"I'm not saying that's going to happen to Dempster, but it possibly could."

Dempster will battle Sean Marshall, Sean Gallagher, and Kevin Hart for that 5th and final spot in the rotation, assuming nothing on the Cubs roster changes beforehand.

Paul Sullivan also writes:

Dempster is one of the club's more engaging personalities, but the harsh reaction from Cubs fans at Wrigley Field last year took its toll on him. If he struggles as a starter, it could get ugly.

Sullivan doesn't quote Dempster or someone associated with the team, so I'm guessing it's based off of conversations he's had with Dempster or other Cubs people in the past. If that's the case, boo hoo. Booing took it's toll on him? Then get him off the team. If he's mentally weak as Paul Sullivan says, then get rid of him. I don't want this guy pitching unless it's mop up duty then.

And if it's the opinion of Paul Sullivan that the Cubs fans wore down Ryan Dempster last season, then Sullivan is a bigger idiot than what I give him credit for.

Trade him.

[Chicago Tribune]

Trade Rumor with the Orioles UPDATE

Peter Gammons (via Amy Nelson) is reporting that the talks are continuing with the Orioles for Brian Roberts.

Gammons says Rich Hill wouldn't be involved in the trade. The Cubs would have to send a Sean Marshall, Sean Gallagher, Felix Pie, or Donnie Veal in Gammons' estimation.

Roberts is a leadoff hitter, which could give Lou Piniella the chance to move Soriano out of the leadoff spot.

Can the Orioles part with Nick Markakis instead?

[ESPN]

Trade Rumor with the Orioles

According to Steve Phillips, the Cubs have discussed a trade with the Baltimore Orioles. The Cubs would give up Rich Hill and Sean Marshall for Brian Roberts.

What?

I hope Steve Phillips got his info wrong.

Roberts is a career .281 hitter with a career OBP of .351. Last season, Robert's OBP was a good .377.

But good enough for 2 young left handed starting pitchers?

Pass. [ESPN]

Cubs Interested in Josh Hamilton?

Jerry Crasnick also writes that the Cubs have expressed interest in Cincinnati Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton. Hamilton, who battled drug problems to get back to the Bigs, battled injuries his first full season.

Apparently the Reds are reluctant to trade Hamilton to a division rival.

That's fine, don't want him anyways. [ESPN]

Cubs Interested in Chone Figgins?

Jerry Crasnick writes that the Cubs are interested in Anaheim Angels' Chone Figgins. What would the Angels want in return? Aramis Ramirez.

Pass. [ESPN]

Padres Interested in Mark Prior?

The Padres are among the clubs trying to trade for Cubs pitcher Mark Prior, General Manager Kevin Towers said yesterday, and Towers expects to revisit trade talks during the upcoming winter meetings in Nashville, Tenn.

Towers and Prior are San Diego neighbors. The GM said he has chatted with Prior after crossing paths with him on morning walks. “He doesn't live too far from here, which is good,”

Looks like the Winter Meetings this week could finally spell the end of Mark Prior in Chicago.

Thanks for the fun that was '03, but we'll remember you more for '04/'05/'06/'07. Hopefully this or any deal happens this week.

[San Diego Union-Tribune]

Soriano News

The Cubs have toyed with the idea of moving Alfonso Soriano out of the leadoff spot for 2008, but Piniella said that won't happen unless the Cubs ''add a couple of speed players to the mix.''

Piniella also plans to help Soriano, 31, avoid the leg problems he had in 2007 by resting him more in '08 -- whether he likes it or not.

It doesn't say, however, anything about getting Soriano to lay off breaking pitches. He hasn't been able to by this point in his career though, so I'm guessing it's a lost cause.

[Chicago Sun-Times]

Cubs Still Pursuing Fukudome

The Cubs are still looking for a left handed outfielder, and Kosuke Fukudome is still on the wish list.

Fukudome, a right fielder with a .397 career on-base percentage, is the higher priority for the Cubs, who hoped an agreement with Matsui might increase Fukudome's incentive for negotiating a deal with the Cubs.

''The one good thing about this young man, too,'' Piniella said, ''is he can play both right and center. He can play center field -- that's a big advantage.''

Fukudome hasn't committed to playing in the United States, but baseball sources in Japan say they would be surprised if he didn't. It's believed he's staying publicly non-committal out of respect for Japanese fans and teams.

One Japanese team, the popular Yomiuri Giants, remains in the running with a four-year, $20 million offer.

[Chicago Sun-Times]