Day 4,921 of the GM Meetings. Let’s see what we have.
First the Cubs try to show Jeff Samardzija some love. Will he accept their advances?
The Cubs have reached out to Jeff Samardzija about a multiyear extension, reports Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times. Samardzija, who enjoyed a breakout year in 2012 in his first season as a starting pitcher, is arb-eligible for the first time this winter and is under team control through 2015.
I seriously read that second sentence as “Samardzija, who enjoyed a breakfast . . ”
Didn’t Theo say that he was hesitant to invest a lot in Asian players just, like, a week ago? Because today there’s this:
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — In their never-ending, world-wide search for pitching, the Cubs have entered a qualifying bid for South Korean left-handed starterHyun-jin Ryu, according to major league sources.
His upside creates the possibility that he could go immediately into a big-league rotation and remain there for at least a few years. While no one knows how the process will play out, it could take a commitment of more than $20 million to make the deal work.
“He has command, a big body, throws 91-92 (mph), definitely a guy who’s ready for the big leagues,” U.S.-based agent Scott Boras said Thursday at the general manager meetings.
Oh goody, Scott Boras is involved. This should go swimmingly.
And, despite what Theo said yesterday about the Cubs having narrow needs or shallow needs or something, Jed says this:
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — The second morning of general manager meetings here again was taken up by rules and procedural sessions, but the 30 team bosses have found time to discuss trades.
Both Cubs GM Jed Hoyer and the White Sox’s Rick Hahn say they have laid groundwork for possible trades, some of which could happen before baseball’s annual winter meetings in Nashville the first week of December. And, especially for the Cubs, there has been plenty of talk concerning free agents.
“I think it will be a faster market this year,” said Hoyer, who watched last winter as some free agents went through mid-December. “We have (payroll) flexibility to add players. We’ve had a lot of meetings (with teams) and discussions with players.”
And what are the Cubs looking for?
“Pitching, pitching, pitching,” Hoyer said.
Am I the only one who always forgets about Jed? I’m actually always kind of surprised when he pops up and I’m like “Hey, that guy! I forgot about that guy!”
Finally, we got word late yesterday that the Dan Haren deal did INDEED fall apart because of Haren’s trick back, though Haren himself denies it:
The proposed trade between the Angels and Cubs and would’ve brought Dan Haren to Chicago indeed fell through due to the Cubs’ concerns about Haren’s recent injury history, reports CSNChicago.com’s David Kaplan. Haren denied that he was injured in an e-mail to Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times. “I’ve never missed any time because of injury other than the three weeks this year because of my back,” Haren said. “When I came back, I had to be cleared by doctors, so obviously, I was healthy.”
Friday Question of the Day: What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the last 3 months? And don’t say “Skyfall” because I haven’t seen it yet and it’s only been out for 24 hours or something.
I wish I could see a movie!! I may go see The Man With the Iron Fists. I need some testosterone in my life since being the only man in the house of 3 women and two female dogs.
I’ve got two female dogs and a male one, but he’s not that big on testosterone either for some specific reason.
It happens…unfortunately.
probably due to the fact that you cut his balls off.
this is captain obvious reminding you to always stay painfully aware of everything.
I have a long list of movies to see but I’m usually to busy being drunk and partying to go to the movies.
The latest in fashion for Cardinals fans
http://tinyurl.com/b26opy8
Is it wrong that I like those boots? In ca, you could wear those year round,and they sell Fit-flops with sweaters attached…
I’m thinking “Christmas gifts for my daughters”. Of course that depends on cost. 4 daughters
Looks like we have made an official offer to Liriano and its being said we could know the results of the Bidding for the rights to negotiate with Ryu.
tonight that is
I just saw a rumor about a potential Castro/Upton swap. http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/347778-cubs-up-for-a-blockbuster-castro-for-upton-swap?eref=sihp&sct=hp_bf2_a6
I wouldn’t do it. Now if they start talking a package consiting of Upton and Trevor Bauer, I would definitely be listening. I’m not sure whats up with the Bauer kid but he has Ace written all over him. I’ve read he has some attitude issues and/or an unwillingness to change his delivery but if the price is right I want him.
Agreed. Here’s a question, would the Cubs consider swapping Baez for Upton? I know he is supposed to be “the future,” but…thoughts?
Upton is signed through 2015 at a pretty sizeable amount. I personally wouldn’t but if they wanna add in Bauer, I def start listening. I mean I’m not totally against a deal revolving around Upton/Baez but I don’t think were to the point yet of 1 for 1 deals like that especially considering were not even projected to START competing until Upton is a FA.
So I guess what I’m saying is, if were gonna trade a Baez/Castro it damn well better be a sure thing were getting back.
I would love to know what it would take to pry Castellanos away from Detroit.
We better NOT do it.
Better be less than a RUMOR.
Nice Rule 5 Draft article http://www.bleachernation.com/2012/11/06/the-40-man-roster-and-the-looming-rule-5-draft/
So assuming the gossip is true regarding who won the Ryu bidding process ordeal, its said they will announce this afternoon their time. Looks like their 10 hours behind us. So looks like we just might know sometime after 11pm tonight.