There’s still nothing official happening with the Cubs. Julie’s inside source (Todd Ricketts) has been busy playing with all his new Christmas toys, so hasn’t been much of a source. My only source (Phil Rogers’ dog) has only been whispering to Crazy Uncle Phil, so that’s where we’ll start today.
Kyle Drabek, who was seen as the key to the Blue Jays’ Roy Halladay trade with the Phillies, is being dangled to the Cubs in talks for Matt Garza. He had a nightmare 2011 but some scouts believe he can regain his value if he stops trying to learn a cutter.
Oh, great. Just what we need. A once-heralded prospect coming off a bad year. Maybe someone else has just what the doctor ordered?
The Tigers are interested in Garza and have young pitching to trade in Rick Porcello, Jacob Turner and Andy Oliver.
I don’t know anything of Turner or Oliver, but Porcello? He’s only 23, but has three full years in MLB under his belt. His ERA is 4.54, WHIP is 1.38, but the most alarming of his numbers is 4.84 K/9. It was slightly improved in 2011 at 5.14, but is that the kind of young pitcher Theo and company are looking for? I’d guess not. But back to the whispers.
Andre Ethier, who is one year away from free agency, is high on Theo Epstein‘s wish list. He’s the type of guy the Cubs president might look to acquire at midseason in the hope of keeping him around, like the Reds did with their surprising trade for Scott Rolen in 2009.
What would it take to get Ethier? I’m guessing a lot. And he’s probably high on just about every GM’s wish list.
While Andre Ethier seems like a pipe dream, the chance of getting Yoenis Cespedes seems slightly greater.
The Chicago Cubs, Miami Marlins, New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are said to be among the main bidders for Cespedes, who will be granted citizenship in the Dominican Republic. Citizenship is the first hurdle for Cespedes and his American agent, Adam Katz, to get over in order for the outfielder to be signed to a major league contract.
Katz hosted private workouts for numerous teams in November and the Cubs top brass, including President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein, general manager Jed Hoyer and VP of scouting and player development, Jason McLeod all flew to the Dominican Republic on Nov. 22.
We’re revisiting Matt Garza to round out today’s headlines, with Jon Heyman reporting that it’s a five team derby for the peppy starter.
There is “no real favorite” in the five-team Matt Garza sweepstakes, according to someone familiar with the talks.
The teams involved the derby for the 28-year-old Cubs righthander at this point are the Yankees, Blue Jays, Tigers, Red Sox and Marlins. With the Cubs seeking young pitchers, it would seem that the Yankees, Blue Jays and Tigers could hold an edge ultimately. The Yankees have Manny Banuelos and Dellin Betances, the Tigers Jacob Turner and the Blue Jays several well-regarded prospects at the lower levels. The Cubs are hoping to improve their young pitching stock, and Garza is the most marketable player they’re willing to deal.
He also says that the Red Sox might try and make Garza part of a deal that would include the still-undecided compensation for Theo.
I know I’m decidedly in the minority on this on LOHO but I’d rather they kept Garza. I think he’ll be a very solid #2 starter (or #3 if we can get some other really good arms) for another 3 or 4 years.
Plus, there’s the intangible that the guy just really loves the game. I’ve been watching him for a couple of seasons, he was one of my favorite players on the Rays. I know youthful exuberance doesn’t count for adding anything to WAR, but when something exciting happens on the field for the team — a great defensive play, a HR hit a run scored, or even just advancing a runner — he’s always at the top step of the dugout to high-five whomever did something good. I like how he’s always at the dugout railing watching the game, keeping involved even when he’s not pitching. That has to be worth something by way of setting a good example to younger players.
Jacob Turner, please. He’s highly-coveted.
…meaning he’s hot?
No–meaning most people thought he was untouchable. Many are surprised the Tigers are willing to deal him.
I was joking. What, did you resolve to have no sense of humor in 2012?
She doesn’t need to resolve to do that.
Yawn…Wake me up when they actually decide to make a move that actually does something for the team…So far I haven’t seen a move that makes me think the Cubs are even wanting to be competitive in 2012..
Competitive?? This season??? I don’t even want them to try to be competitive this season, we’re in (or should be in) rebuilding mode, which to me means competitive in ’13/’14 at the earliest.
I agree. This looks like it is gonna be a play the kiddies year. 2014 should be they year.
This is gonna be a log of fun watching the kiddies grow.
Looks like Fielder is headed to the Nationals.
Didn’t I predict that like 2 months ago?
Starting tomorrow, I’m giving up diet pop, my life’s blood. Be prepared for some really grumpy comments.
Why no diet pop? Why not shift to stevia-sweetened soda instead? If you don’t want the bubbles, the Crystal Light with Stevia is pretty good. On the other hand, if you like tea, there are all sorts of green tea drinks out there…
I’m posting a piece later on why I’m giving up diet pop–I’ll link it here.
I’ve got my Crystal Light Pure and my True Lemon and I am forging ahead.
Anything with artificial sugar in it is evil. Artificial sugar is a huge scam. Is screws up metabolism of the body and causes the body to react much worse when it finally comes in contact with real sugar.
Stick with non-diet soda.
I shall allow myself a REAL Mountain Dew once in a while. And I am looking forward to it.
I’ve been considering giving up on my caffeine ban. For the most part, for the last 10 years, I’ve drunk no caffeine with the exception of a handful of late nights/early mornings.
During my more caffeinated days, I had severe bouts of insomnia and had a horrific time getting up in the morning. I have to say, while at times I might get a bit groggy, I now have absolutely no problems sleeping at night get up at 5:45 every morning…often times without an alarm and have no problems getting my day started.
It might be fun to throw that all away and see what happens, because I kinda miss Mountain Dew.
I highly recommend Pepsi/Mountain Dew Throwback w/ good old tooth-decaying sugar – beats any nutrisweet/corn syrup concoction hands down!