Results tagged ‘ Chicago Cubs Rumors ’
Report: Cubs and Dempster Talking Deal….For Real (UPDATE: Wittenmyer Says Pump the Brakes)
I’m sure like me, all of you have been waiting on pins and needles to see what the next Cubs move or rumor would be coming from this week’s Winter Meetings. Well thanks to Bruce Levine we have it, the Cubs and Ryan Dempster’s agent have discussed a possible return to the Cubs. If you are done laughing I will continue, yes Ryan Dempster, the same Ryan Dempster that was “blindsided” by a trade that would have brought Randall Delgado to the Cubs at last seasons trade deadline, I hope he knows 
his agent is talking to the Cubs. Given everything that happened last year would you as a fan want Dempster back? If the initial deal last year at the trade deadline went through I’m sure that answer would be a resounding yes, but as it was clear Dempster was going to drag any possible deal right up to the deadline Cubs fans grew tired of his act, and him.
So is this really possible? Yes, it is, in fact the Cubs need pitching depth even with their recent signings of the two Scott’s, Baker and Feldman. The surprise is that it is Dempster, and per Levine the Cubs and Dempster’s agent have discussed money and length of contract but no offer has been made. Up until this evening the Brewers and Royals have shown the most interest in Dempster, with Dempster already turning down a 2 year $26MM offer from the Royals because he wants a third year. The door seems like it’s open for the Cubs to make a play here but Levine cautions that there is a sticking point….wait for it… Levine sees a no-trade as a potential obstacle to Dempster returning to the Cubs. You can’t make this up! Ah Dempster, the lovable jokester, my favorite joke was last year at the deadline, but it seems as though he’s shooting for a new high, or low with this one. More as it comes.
(Update)
Gordon Wittenmyer@GDubCubReport of Cubs-Dempster talks grossly misrepresents their nature. Negotiations not happening. Reunion implausible. #courtesy
Wittenmyer says not so fast to Levine’s report, I would tend to side with Gordon on this one.
Thanks for reading,
- George
CONFIRMED: Vitters and Jackson Called Up
Although nothing has been confirmed by the Cubs, a reliable source miCubs has reported that both Josh Vitters and Brett Jackson are getting called up for the series finale in LA today. We will keep you updated once more is known.
UPDATE 1: Carrie Muskat confirms that both Vitters and Jackson have been called up. Patrick Mooney has also confirmed both promoted.
UPDATE 2: Jeff Baker has been traded to the Detroit Tigers and Tony Campana has been sent to Iowa to make room for Vitters and Jackson.
CONFIRMED: Josh Vitters and Brett Jackson are in Los Angeles for the Cubs, they have been called up! We will have more throughout the day.
-Mark & George
Countdown to the Deadline: Dempster Deal Coming Shortly
I mentioned it in the game recap yesterday, but all signs are pointing to Ryan Dempster being traded before his next start. Buster Olney offered up a guess on Twitter today when asked if Ryan Dempster would make his next start in a Cubs uniform, his guess? No. Now Dempster might be traded in the next couple of days, but remember, Dempster has to agree to any deal that the Cubs agree to. So technically, Dempster could allow this to go on for 
as long as HE wants to, I don’t think he would do that to the Cubs or to the team that acquires him. Olney also mentioned that the Cubs are trying to deal Dempster as soon as possible so that they do not influence the trade market of fellow starter Matt Garza.
So where will Dempster go? It’s anyone’s guess right now as it seems the number of teams increases with each start Dempster makes. Bruce Levine is reporting that up to ten teams are in hot pursuit of Dempster, some more so than others obviously. Levine suggests that some of the teams are as follows, in no particular order, Los Angeles Dodgers, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox and Atlanta Braves.
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Another name that is starting to gain a head of steam in the trade chatter is Alfonso Soriano. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports has suggested that Soriano would be a fit for the offensively challenged Tampa Bay Rays. That is of course if the Cubs pickup $44 of the $46 million remaining on Soriano’s deal as one rival scout was quoted as saying.
Jed Hoyer understands that a number of Cubs players are going to be dealt, but he also understands that the fans want a quality product, ”That’s where you sort of have to have that long view to make those moves,” Hoyer said. “But that’s why being in that position isn’t one you want to be in very often. You feel like, yes, you can make improvements for the long-term but there is a reason there are teams calling, because there are good players. I think that is never a good feeling.”
Thanks for reading,
- George
Countdown to the Deadline: Cubs Interested in Ryan Sweeney?
Today’s hot, well tepid, rumor of the day is a report out of Boston saying that the Cubs are interested in Ryan Sweeney. Per BostonHerald.com writer Michael Silverman the Red Sox and Cubs have been discussing a deal that 
would bring Garza or Dempster to Boston in exchange for Ryan Sweeney and other players.
“The Cubs are believed to be listening to offers for two of their starting pitchers: Matt Garza and Ryan Dempster. Sweeney would have to be part of a much larger package if either of those pitchers, particularly Garza, went to the Red Sox. . . .”
It’s an odd name to pop up in this discussion given the fact that the Cubs goal is to stock the system with prospects, specifically pitchers in any deal involving Dempster or Garza, and Sweeney is not a pitcher and not a prospect per say at 27 years old. Maybe Theo and Jed see something, or maybe they are targeting a 2013 outfielder. It could make sense, take it for what it’s worth, it’s just the start of a crazy month of rumors.
Thanks for reading,
- George
