Chicago Cubs Trade Rumors

Cubs ink Millar to Minor League deal
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February 4
MLB.com
 
"The Cubs signed veteran Kevin Millar to a Minor League contract Thursday, creating a crowd at first base. Millar will be vying for attention at first with former teammate Derrek Lee, Chad Tracy, who signed a Minor League deal on Jan. 27, and Micah Hoffpauir. It should be an entertaining Spring Training in the Cubs' camp. Millar, 38, is a former teammate of Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster and the two engaged in a friendly war of words during Spring Training 2008. Dempster predicted the Cubs would win the World Series that season. Millar fired back that his team, the Orioles at the time, would raise the trophy in October and also that he'd go deep off Dempster. The Cubs and Orioles met that ..."
Cubs avoid arbitration with Marmol
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February 4
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Cubs signed closer Carlos Marmol to a one-year, $2.125 million deal Thursday, avoiding arbitration. Marmol said at the Cubs Convention he wasn't worried about signing and had no intention of going to an arbitration hearing. He asked for $2.5 million while the Cubs offered $1.75 million, and they met about halfway. That leaves Ryan Theriot as the only unsigned Cub among arbitration-eligible players. Theriot filed for $3.4 million, while the Cubs countered at $2.6 million. Obviously, the midway point would be $3 million, though the Cubs are reluctant to go that high and may take it to a hearing."
Benson throwing again, looking for work
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February 2
Foxsports.com
 
"A number of National League teams are keeping track of Kris Benson's progress, including the Diamondbacks, Cubs, Reds and Nationals, according to one major league source. The Dodgers are also looking to add starting depth but are a more remote possibility, sources indicated. Last week, Benson's agent said he expected the free agent right-hander to join a new team within the next few weeks. Benson has made only eight appearances in the majors since 2006, in large part because of injuries. He pitched in the majors and minors for Texas last year, with minimal success. But Benson's agent, Gregg Clifton, is encouraged by the fact that he's already throwing his fastball, curveball, slider and ..."
Hudson talks remain fluid
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January 27
Foxsports.com
 
"Free-agent second baseman Orlando Hudson looks like he will have a choice. Take a strong financial offer from the Nationals. Take perhaps a lesser contract from the Rays. Or take a deal from another club that might put him near the Nats financially and the Rays competitively — if such an opportunity exists. The Nationals and Rays both are pursuing Hudson, but his negotiations remain fluid, major-league sources say. At least one, unidentified team might still be in the mix. That team could be the Twins, who are known to have interest in Hudson, major-league sources say. So far this offseason, the Twins have been linked more with third basemen than second basemen. Nick Punto and Brendan ..."
Tracy agrees to Minors deal with Cubs
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January 27
MLB.com
 
"The Cubs agreed to a Minor League deal with veteran corner infielder Chad Tracy, ESPNChicago reported on Tuesday. A Major League source told the Web site that the deal will officially be announced on Wednesday and that if he makes the Cubs' Major League roster, he would earn $900,000, plus up to an additional $525,000 if he reaches 450 plate appearances. He will also reportedly earn $100,000 if he wins the Comeback Player of the Year Award. Tracy, 29, batted .237 with eight home runs and 39 RBIs in 98 games with the D-backs last season, with 66 appearances at first base and eight at third base. The six-year veteran has battled injuries the past three seasons, including a right oblique ..."
Source: Cubs reach agreement with OF Nady
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January 26
Foxsports.com
 
"The Cubs are close to a one-year deal with free-agent outfielder Xavier Nady, according to a major-league source. Nady, 31, would will play right field against left-handed pitching and also spell Alfonso Soriano in left. However, the deal is contingent on Nady passing a physical, which is "not a foregone conclusion," the source said. Nady is coming off his second Tommy John surgery. The Cubs want to be satisfied that he can throw adequately before agreeing to the deal."
Cubs playing catch-up to fill out roster
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January 25
Foxsports.com
 
"Until they found a new home for Milton Bradley, the Cubs' off-season plans were stuck in neutral. Now they have only a few weeks left to do a winter's worth of work. On their shopping list: a right-handed setup man, a fourth outfielder and possibly a second baseman. And oh, they would also like to add a starting pitcher as insurance for the indefinite absence of ace left-hander Ted Lilly. (They had a scout at Ben Sheets' throwing session last week but fear his price tag may be too high.) Upgrading the bullpen is a top priority, although one source indicated that the team's interest in free agent right-hander Kiko Calero has waned. The Cubs have interest in former White Sox outfielder ..."
Cubs possible home for ex-Red Gomes
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January 24
Chicago Sun-Times
 columnist Goron Wittenmyer
"While popular speculation has focused on Jermaine Dye, the Cubs appear to be focused on free agent Jonny Gomes in their search for a fourth outfielder, according to a baseball source with knowledge of the Cubs' interest. Gomes, who hit 20 home runs in 281 at-bats for the Cincinnati Reds before being non-tendered last month, is one of at least five outfielders the Cubs are looking at. Gomes, though, comes with the advantages of relative youth (29), a willingness to sign a one-year deal to fill a backup role and a strong desire to play for the Cubs. ''Absolutely,'' Gomes said, confirming discussions. ''I'm a big fan of the game, a student of the game, and I follow a lot of history. I'm not ..."
Could Konerko and Lee be on way out?
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January 24
Chicago Tribune
 columnist Phil Rogers
"One handed the game ball from the final out of the 2005 World Series to White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. The other played a major role in beating the Cubs in '03 and was about the only hitter who wasn't overpowered in the '07 and '08 playoffs when Lou Piniella's teams extended the agony that had befallen Dusty Baker, among other predecessors. In many ways, Paul Konerko and Derrek Lee have been the glue holding together Chicago's two Major League Baseball teams for a combined 17 seasons. They are consummate pros and reliable run producers whose few fallow months can be traced to the injuries they have endured. Yet neither is signed beyond 2010, and there has not been a clamor from ..."
Cubs possible home for ex-Red Gomes
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January 22
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"While popular speculation has focused on Jermaine Dye, the Cubs appear to be focused on free agent Jonny Gomes in their search for a fourth outfielder, according to a baseball source with knowledge of the Cubs' interest. Gomes, who hit 20 home runs in 281 at-bats for the Cincinnati Reds before being non-tendered last month, is one of at least five outfielders the Cubs are looking at. Gomes, though, comes with the advantages of relative youth (29), a willingness to sign a one-year deal to fill a backup role and a strong desire to play for the Cubs. 'Absolutely,'' Gomes said, confirming discussions. ''I'm a big fan of the game, a student of the game, and I follow a lot of history. I'm not ..."
Source: Cubs in negotiations with Calero
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January 21
Foxsports.com
 
"The Cubs are currently engaged in negotiations with free agent reliever Kiko Calero, one major-league source told FOXSports.com. Calero is asking for a two-year deal, the source said. So far, the team has resisted budging from a one-year offer. The Cubs are wary of the history of injuries to Calero's right (throwing) shoulder. He was sidelined by a torn rotator cuff in 2008, when he made only five big-league appearances with Oakland. His 60 innings with Florida last year were a career high, but he missed roughly three weeks with inflammation in the shoulder."
Dye, Nady drawing interest from Cubs
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January 19
MLB.com
 
"The Cubs are looking at free agents Jermaine Dye and Xavier Nady as possible fourth outfielders. A high-placed team official confirmed that both Dye and Nady are on the team's radar. Dye, who turns 36 on Jan. 28, is coming off a season in which he belted 27 homers and 19 doubles for the Chicago White Sox while driving in 81. His average, however, dipped to .251. A career .274 hitter, Dye could play both corner-outfield spots as well as first base if needed. Nady, 31, missed most of last season after undergoing Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery in July. A career .280 hitter, he has played for San Diego, Pittsburgh and both New York teams, most recently with the Yankees. He was ..."
Sheets to put his repaired elbow to the test
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January 14
MLB.com
 
"Free-agent starter Ben Sheets will give interested teams a chance to see how healthy his right elbow really is on Tuesday, when he holds a throwing session at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, according to ESPN.com. Sheets, who missed the entire 2009 season after undergoing surgery on the elbow, has drawn interest from six to 10 teams and said that his arm felt "fantastic," ESPN.com reported. One of his suitors is the Cubs, who are sure to have representatives on hand when the 31-year-old right-hander throws in front of clubs for the first time since the surgery. In order for Chicago to be Sheets' next destination, however, he'll have to come down from his initial request, which is ..."
Cubs are looking into adding OF Jermaine Dye
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January 14
Chicago Tribune
 (scroll down)
"To Dye for? The Cubs are looking into former White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye, sources confirmed Wednesday, but they can't promise Dye as much playing time as he's accustomed to getting. If Dye were to sign, he would platoon with Kosuke Fukudome in right field and back up Alfonso Soriano in left and Derrek Lee at first. He also could DH for interleague road games in Texas and Seattle and at U.S. Cellular Field. Dye, the 2005 World Series MVP with the White Sox, still has his home in Chicago but is seeking a starting job."
Sheets' cost tempers Cubs' interest
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January 12
MLB.com
 
"The Cubs will be among the teams watching Ben Sheets, but the right-hander's reported contract demands do not appear to fit into their budget. Sheets, 31, who missed the 2009 season following elbow surgery, was believed to be asking for a two-year deal, averaging $10 million-$12 million per year. The Cubs have committed about $125 million for 2010, and they have eight arbitration-eligible players who will get raises, including Carlos Marmol and Ryan Theriot. This year's payroll was expected to reach $140 million, and there isn't room to handle Sheets' price tag. The Cubs are focused more on finding a veteran right-handed reliever than another starter, a team official said Tuesday. The ..."
Cubs have eyes on free-agent pitcher Ben Sheets
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January 12
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Cubs plan to make a run at free-agent pitcher Ben Sheets, who will work out for teams later this month. General manager Jim Hendry declined to comment, but he spoke to Sheets' agent at the winter meetings in Indianapolis and major-league sources say the Cubs are one of Sheet's preferred destinations. Sheets reportedly has been asking for a two-year deal averaging around $10 million to $12 million per year, but the Cubs believe they have a good shot at landing him with an incentive-laden deal."
Chicago Cubs still like Heath Bell
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January 11
Chicago Tribune
 
"According to sources, the Cubs are kicking the tires again on Padres closer Heath Bell, as they did at the winter meetings. He would strengthen the bullpen, but Lou Piniella would be back to juggling two would-be closers in Bell and Carlos Marmol, who went 11-for-11 in save situations after Piniella gave him the job. ... The Brewers are thrilled with shortstop Alcides Escobar. He got to the big leagues with his glove and all-around game, prompting the trade of J.J. Hardy to the Twins for Carlos Gomez, and recently won a Venezuelan League batting title by hitting .393 over 45 games. He stole 16 bases and used his speed to get 12 extra-base hits. ..."
Chicago Cubs still like Heath Bell
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January 10
Chicago Tribune
 
"According to sources, the Cubs are kicking the tires again on Padres closer Heath Bell, as they did at the winter meetings. He would strengthen the bullpen, but Lou Piniella would be back to juggling two would-be closers in Bell and Carlos Marmol, who went 11-for-11 in save situations after Piniella gave him the job. ... The Brewers are thrilled with shortstop Alcides Escobar. He got to the big leagues with his glove and all-around game, prompting the trade of J.J. Hardy to the Twins for Carlos Gomez, and recently won a Venezuelan League batting title by hitting .393 over 45 games. He stole 16 bases and used his speed to get 12 extra-base hits. ... The Cubs' signing of Marlon Byrd for ..."
Marlon Byrd should be asset
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January 1
Chicago Tribune
 
"Lacking a more creative solution, the Cubs signed off on a decision that had seemed semi-inevitable -- if not a downright default action -- for weeks. Jim Hendry locked up another member of the Rudy Jaramillo Hitting School, Marlon Byrd, to be his center fielder for the foreseeable future. Hendry gnashed some teeth along the way. But after failing to land Curtis Granderson from the Tigers or Melky Cabrera from the Yankees, and unwilling to wait to see if the Red Sox were crazy enough to make Jacoby Ellsbury available, he signed Byrd on Thursday to a three-year, $15 million deal. He would have signed him for one or two years, but the Levinson brothers got three out of Hendry -- just as the ..."
Cubs GM Hendry declines to discuss Zambrano trade rumors
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January 1
Chicago Tribune
 
"Carlos Zambrano's name continues to surface in trade rumors, while the Cubs continue to deny that he's available. The latest report out of New York, from the Post's Joel Sherman, cited two AL officials as saying the Cubs are "definitely dangling" Zambrano, while also conceding he won't waive his no-trade clause. If Zambrano won't waive his no-trade clause, why are the Cubs even listening to offers? General manager Jim Hendry declined to discuss the report, or a previous report that the New York Yankees approached him about Zambrano before acquiring Javier Vazquez from Atlanta, reiterating he doesn't discuss trade talks."
Could Fernando Perez become surprise Chicago Cub?
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December 27
Chicago Tribune
 columnist Phil Rogers
"The Cubs clearly aren't blown away by any of the center fielders on the free agent market, preferring to explore trades. One name to file away is Fernando Perez. Speedy, bright and the holder of a .375 minor league on-base percentage, the Rays switch hitter, 27 in April, would be an interesting gamble complicated because he is recovering from shoulder surgery. Scott Podsednik's ability to lead off keeps him in consideration alongside Marlon Byrd and Rick Ankiel . As it has for Matt Holliday, the market has remained slow for Jason Bay. He has been sitting on a four-year, $64 million offer from the Mets -- who must wonder if he wants to play there -- and could be hoping the Red Sox will ..."
Grabow tries to sell Capps on Cubs
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December 22
MLB.com
 
"If Matt Capps does sign with the Cubs, credit pitcher John Grabow with an assist. Grabow, who was Capps' teammate in Pittsburgh before he was traded to the Cubs in July, has talked to the free agent right-hander, who has apparently narrowed his choices to Washington and Chicago. The two pitchers have the same agent, Paul Kinzer. MLB.com's Bill Ladson reported that Capps, who was not tendered arbitration by the Pirates, planned on making a decision by Wednesday. Grabow signed a two-year contract on Nov. 20 with the Cubs and gave Capps a little inside information. "I basically told him about the organization and how the guys are in the clubhouse," Grabow said Tuesday from his Arizona home. ..."
RHP Capps mulls Nats, Cubs options
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December 22
ESPN.com
 
"Ten days after reliever Matt Capps landed on the free-agent market, he's down to deciding whether he wants to be a closer for the Washington Nationals or a setup man and fallback closer candidate for the Cubs. Agent Paul Kinzer said Tuesday that Capps plans to confer with his family and decide between competing offers from the Cubs and Nationals by Wednesday night. "Matt is really comfortable with those two [teams] at this point,'' Kinzer said. "When it comes right down to it, he has to decide whether he's going to a place where he's definitely going to be the closer, or he's a setup man with a chance to maybe close.'' Capps, 26, amassed 66 saves from 2007 through 2009 in Pittsburgh. But ..."
Something's not right about Byrd
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December 22
Foxsports.com
 
"As the Cubs weigh the top three free-agent center fielders, perhaps Marlon Byrd's biggest negative is that he is right-handed. But should it be? Byrd hit righties far better than lefties last season and also fared slightly better against righties in '08. For his career, his OPS against righties is just slightly lower than it is against lefties. In other words, Byrd deflects the argument that the Cubs need to add balance by signing one of the left-handed hitting free agents, Scott Podsednik or Rick Ankiel. Byrd is a better defender in center than Podsednik and a safer overall bet than Ankiel. Podsednik, though, adds value as a leadoff man, while Ankiel is perhaps the best defender of the ..."
Yankees GM Brian Cashman eyes starter by new year
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December 21
New York Post
 
"Yankees GM Brian Cashman's list of naughty and nice still includes a few starting pitchers in the latter category. With his everyday lineup for 2010 set, Cashman has turned attention to the rotation, and will almost certainly add a starter by New Year's, according to a major league source. Cashman is believed to have inquired about Carlos Zambrano, but with the Cubs' asking price high for the 28-year-old right-hander -- who is coming off an injury-plagued 2009 -- it's more probable the Yankees will go the free-agent route. That means selecting from a pool that includes Jason Marquis, Joel Pineiro and Ben Sheets, any of whom would slot behind CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte in ..."
Hendry could land in Capps-Byrd seat
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December 20
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"With Milton Bradley gone and the Cubs' offseason in full gear, where does the team go from here? Some believe the team will strike quickly to fill their two primary needs -- center field and setup reliever -- now that the dust and specifics have settled on a Bradley move that was months in coming. If so, that likely would mean a deal with recently non-tendered Pittsburgh Pirates closer Matt Capps, who appears to be moving on a fast timeline and makes no secret of his affection for the Cubs. The Cubs also are high on Texas Rangers free agent Marlon Byrd among a handful of center-field possibilities. And Byrd has made it clear he's at least as high on them, particularly in conversations with ..."
Carlos Silva for Milton Bradley is going down
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December 18
Seattle Times
 
"Last week at the winter meetings, the Chicago Cubs and Mariners discussed a possible Carlos Silva for Milton Bradley swap. "Not happening,'' a top Mariners official said afterwards. Well, it is happening now. The Cubs have agreed to send Bradley to Seattle for Silva, as first posted by colleague Larry Stone. Silva had damage to his rotator cuff and labrum last season and hasn't really pitched since May, other than a couple of relief efforts. But the Cubs are willing to take that chance."
3 teams interested, but Bradley deal not close
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December 18
Foxsports.com
 
"At least three teams remain interested in Cubs outfielder Milton Bradley — the Rays, Rangers and Mariners. However, no trade is close, according to major-league sources. The Rays and Cubs have been at an impasse for weeks, with neither side willing to budge on the terms of a proposed Bradley-for-Pat Burrell exchange. The Rangers, one source said, remain a "longshot" for Bradley, who would fit well in their lineup, but did not leave on the best of terms after the 2007 season."
Cubs turn eye toward OF Byrd
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December 15
Foxsports.com
 
"Now that Mike Cameron is on the verge of joining the Red Sox, the Cubs are increasing their pursuit of free-agent outfielder Marlon Byrd, according to major-league sources. The Cubs wanted Cameron, according to a major-league source, but the Red Sox moved aggressively to reach agreement with him on a two-year, $15.5 million contract. Byrd, 32, is nearly five years younger than Cameron, but not as accomplished a player. If he signs with the Cubs, he will reunite with Rudy Jaramillo, his former hitting coach with the Rangers. The Cubs, however, remain preoccupied with their efforts to trade outfielder Milton Bradley, who is owed $21 million over the next seasons. The team needs to gain ..."
15 teams watch Chapman throw
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December 15
ESPN.com
 
"Fomer Cuban national team starting pitcher Aroldis Chapman threw a bullpen session on Tuesday in Houston in front of representatives from 15 major league teams. On Tuesday morning at the Baseball USA complex, the left-hander tossed two separate five-minute side sessions, throwing mostly in the 92-93 mph range and topping out at 96 mph. Chapman, 21, also threw his slider and change-up. Team representatives who attended included Houston Astros general manager Ed Wade, Los Angeles Angels scouting director Eddie Bane, Florida Marlins vice president of player development Jim Fleming, Pittsburgh Pirates international scouting director Rene Gayo, and Baltimore Orioles international scouting ..."
Capps receives immediate interest in free agency
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December 15
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Pitcher Matt Capps on being a free agent, "Whatever happens, I'll keep the Pirates in my thoughts, and I'm not closing the door on them or anybody else."The Pirates evidently did not feel closer Matt Capps' asking price was fair market value, but the market itself -- as set by the entirety of Major League Baseball -- might disagree. Since Capps' surprising release Saturday that suddenly cast him into free agency, no fewer than a dozen suitors have made contact with his agent, Paul Kinzer, including the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Colorado Rockies, Florida Marlins, Washington Nationals, St. Louis Cardinals, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks. Kinzer called the ..."
Rays are right to wait on Milton Bradley
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December 10
St. Petersburg Times
 columnist John Romano
"The cost of a shortstop is pretty easy to figure out. You start with Derek Jeter and work your way down the value scale. The same is true at third base and centerfield and pretty much any position on the field. The value of most any ballplayer can be determined fairly easily by checking comparables at the same position. Except, it seems, when it comes to Milton Bradley. Apparently, there is a scarcity of switch-hitting pariahs. And it looks like very few teams want to spend much money on baseball's most infamous example. Which goes a long way toward explaining why the Cubs walked the lobby of baseball's winter meetings in Indianapolis with Milton's hat in hand. They tried to drum up ..."
Texas gets Ray; Harden awaits physical
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December 10
MLB.com
 
"The Rangers added right-handed reliever Chris Ray to their bullpen on Wednesday and are on the verge of adding free agent right-hander Rich Harden to their starting rotation. They were able to make both moves by being willing to give up No. 1 starter Kevin Millwood. The Rangers sent Millwood to the Orioles for Ray and a player to be named later at the Winter Meetings. The player to be named could be the third pick in Thursday's Rule 5 Draft. Texas will also pick up $3 million of Millwood's $12 million salary for 2010, leaving it with a savings of about $7 million. The Rangers will use that money to sign Harden to a one-year deal worth $7.5 million with an $11.5 million option for 2011. ..."
Dumping Milton Bradley proving difficult
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December 10
Chicago Tribune
 
"At the rate things are going this winter, the Cubs soon may be asking the government for a Milton Bradley bailout. Any movement toward a deal dissipated at the winter meetings Wednesday, apparently leaving the Cubs where they started when the off-season began. One reporter facetiously asked Hendry about rumors "new clubs (were) being added in, new leagues -- one from the Negro League is in there now." Hendry didn't laugh and said he hasn't paid attention to the rumors. The Cubs don't want to turn the Bradley situation into a farce, but until they pull the trigger on a deal, no one will know for sure whether there is any serious interest at all in the outfielder. One team official said he ..."
Source: Harden would sign 1-year deal
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December 9
Foxsports.com
 
"Rich Harden is drawing interest from a number of teams. On Wednesday afternoon, one source explained why: He is comfortable signing a one-year contract that would give him the opportunity to show that he's healthy before reentering the market next winter. Much of the interest in Harden has come from the American League, the source said, with the Mariners, Yankees and Red Sox being the most serious contenders. The Angels are not involved, the source indicated. A one-year contract for the 28-year-old right-hander would assuredly include a large incentive package. The base salary itself should fall within the range established by other recent starter signings. Harden's 2009 season was good ..."
Cubs would be open to Lowell for Bradley
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December 9
ESPN.com
 
"From Buster Olney: If Red Sox wanted to pursue deal of Mike Lowell, who is owed $12 million, for Milton Bradley that is something the Cubs would be open to. It's unlikely to happen."
Byrd, Cameron on similar paths?
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December 9
Foxsports.com
 
"The markets for free agents Marlon Byrd and Mike Cameron continue running parallel to one another. One major league source pointed out Wednesday morning that many of the same teams are interested in both players: The Braves, Angels, Cubs, Yankees, Mariners, Mets and Giants have checked on each of them. Byrd and Cameron entered the marketplace as center fielders but have drawn interest from teams seeking help in the corners, the source said. Byrd, 32, has the advantage of being younger than Cameron, who will play at 37 next year. The Cardinals also view Byrd as one fallback option if they fail to re-sign left fielder Matt Holliday. The Mariners, meanwhile, believe Cameron would be an ideal ..."
Cubs may be close to Bradley deal
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December 9
MLB.com
 
"The Cubs may be close to finding Milton Bradley a new home. There were reports Tuesday that the Cubs have found another American League team -- not the Tampa Bay Rays or Texas Rangers -- which is interested in the volatile outfielder. Chicago general manager Jim Hendry has been tight-lipped about the negotiations to the point that he is keeping the majority of his staff out of the talks. Hendry did meet late Monday with Bradley's agents, Seth and Sam Levinson, at the Indianapolis Marriott. A team official said there would be no announcement Tuesday, but another said there was a possibility they could finalize a deal on Wednesday at the Winter Meetings. One report said the Cubs were ..."
Milton Bradley to the Mariners: Not gonna happen
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December 9
Seattle Times
 
"Old buddy Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun Times caused a bit of a stir with his Tweet that the Cubs are on the verge of trading Milton Bradley to "a surprise American League team." That ruled out the Rays and the Rangers, the two teams to whom Bradley has been linked, and opened up speculation of a Bradley-for-Carlos Silva swap -- an "our expensive problem for your expensive problem" proposition. Nice thought, but an impeccable source told me the Mariners don't have interest in Bradley and his baggage."
Cubs reportedly close to trading Milton Bradley, but not to Tampa Bay Rays
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December 9
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Could the long Milton Bradley saga be coming to an end? Several Chicago media outlets reported Tuesday night the Cubs were close to a deal with a team that wasn't the Rays (the Sun-Times identified it as a "surprise AL team), and it could be completed by today. Between the teams that don't need or wouldn't take the talented but troubled Bradley and those that indicated they weren't involved, there weren't many options left if the report was true. However, Seattle, Toronto and Kansas City would seem to be possibilities. The Rays' position hadn't changed as of Tuesday evening: They made clear to the Cubs under what terms they would do the deal (read: how much of the difference between ..."
Cubs getting close to unloading Milton
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December 9
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The first day of the rest of the Cubs' lives without Milton Bradley appeared on the horizon Tuesday with multiple sources saying the Cubs were close to a deal to send Bradley to an unidentified American League team. One source said the two-team deal was ''three-quarters'' done by late in the day Tuesday and involved the Cubs receiving another heavy-contract player, who would then be flipped to a third team. The source would not reveal the ''surprise'' team but eliminated Tampa Bay and Texas as destination teams after weeks of that pair being linked to Bradley and the Cubs closer than any others. General manager Jim Hendry wouldn't talk specifically about the progress of Bradley talks but ..."
Cubs' budget will be very clear after Bradley is dealt
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December 8
Foxsports.com
 
"One of these days, the Cubs will trade outfielder Milton Bradley. At that point, they will gain a better idea of what kind of replacement they can afford. Bradley is owed $21 million over the next two seasons. The Cubs recognize that they will need to include money to defray his salary. The question is how much. If the Cubs save a good amount, they can sign a free agent such as Mike Cameron. If they save a modest amount, Marlon Byrd might be a better fit. If they save a small amount, Scott Podsednik could be their choice. All depends upon the deal."
Jackson just the start of pitching deals
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December 8
Foxsports.com
 
"Edwin Jackson will not be the last starting pitcher traded. The Blue Jays are working three- and four-team scenarios involving Roy Halladay. The Braves are aggressively shopping Derek Lowe. The Rangers are actively discussing right-hander Kevin Millwood. Other available starting pitchers include the Reds' Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo, the Royals' Gil Meche, the Rangers' Brandon McCarthy and — only for the right price — the Pirates' Zach Duke and Paul Maholm. For a team such as the Angels, facing the potential loss of free-agent right-hander John Lackey, the options are plentiful. If the Jays' price for Halladay is too high, they can always turn to Lowe. The Orioles, pursuing Millwood, ..."
Discussions continue as Bradley remains
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December 8
MLB.com
 
"Asked to describe the first day of the Winter Meetings, Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said Monday was a normal day. "Nothing earth shattering," Hendry said. Which means Milton Bradley is still on the Cubs. Hendry and his staff continued discussions with teams interested in the switch-hitting outfielder as well as talked to clubs who may have a veteran right-handed reliever that fits the Cubs' needs. Seth Levinson, Bradley's agent, declined to comment about his client when approached by Chicago beat writers on Monday. The Cubs have encouraged teams interested in Bradley to talk to Levinson, but no team has done so. The most workable deal for the Cubs appears to be a one-for-one trade ..."
Clubs eyeing Putz
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December 8
Foxsports.com
 
"Free agent reliever J.J. Putz is drawing interest from a number of teams, including the Cubs, White Sox, Diamondbacks, Rangers, Nationals and Tigers, major league sources said late Monday night. Putz recently held a throwing session for scouts in Arizona. He is seeking to re-establish himself as a late-inning presence, after having surgery to remove a bone spur from his right (throwing) elbow earlier this year. Putz had a 5.22 ERA for the Mets this season and didn't pitch after June 4. He was an All-Star closer as recently as 2007 before averaging only 38 innings over the past two seasons because of injuries/"
Lou Piniella says Milton Bradley would thrive in low-pressure market of Tampa Bay Rays
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December 8
St. Petersburg Times
 
"In Chicago, talented but troubled OF Milton Bradley had issues with teammates, fans, media and team management. A premise of the Rays' interest is that Bradley wouldn't have such issues playing in a less pressurized environment. And that theory received a strong endorsement Monday from none other than Cubs manager Lou Piniella, the Tampa native and resident who used to manage the Rays. "I would think that a different environment would help him immensely," he said. "And I think a place like Tampa Bay would be a place where he could flourish." The Cubs are trying to trade Bradley, given an expansive list of conflicts that makes his return to Chicago seem all but impossible. The Rays are ..."
Despite troubles, Bradley intrigues Rays' brass
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December 8
Tampa Tribune
 
"Milton Bradley was suspended for the final two weeks of the 2009 season, told to just go home by his employer, the Chicago Cubs. Bradley was suspended earlier last season by Major League Baseball for arguing with an umpire and told to go home in the middle of another game by his boss, Cubs manager Lou Piniella. He once charged a fan while playing for the A's. He once injured his knee while being restrained from arguing with an umpire. Why, given the way they value clubhouse cohesion, would the Rays be interested in such a player? Because at 31, Bradley is a better option at designated hitter than incumbent Pat Burrell, and because the Cubs are looking to move Bradley. And, because Rays ..."
Chicago Cubs remain confident a trade involving Milton Bradley will be consummated
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December 8
Chicago Tribune
 
"Cubs general manager Jim Hendry knew it wouldn't be easy trading Milton Bradley after handing him a 15-game suspension, but he made the disciplinary move in the best interests of the club. Now that crunch time has arrived, Hendry is finding it difficult to deal the mercurial outfielder unless the Cubs take on almost all of the remaining $21 million on his contract. The stalemate could go on for a while, though the Cubs remain confident a trade will be consummated before long. Sources outside the organization insist the best bet remains a deal with the Rays involving Pat Burrell, whom the Cubs would try to deal elsewhere, possibly to the Blue Jays for prospects. A three-way deal discussed ..."
Bradley-for-Burrell in works
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December 8
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The New York Mets appear to hold the key to the Cubs trading Milton Bradley as quickly as this week, as part of a three-team deal that would land the outfielder with the Tampa Bay Rays -- still the clear front-runners to acquire Bradley. But a source familiar with the talks said Monday the more likely scenario is an eventual one-for-one swap of Bradley and Rays outfielder Pat Burrell. The possible three-way deal, which would have sent second baseman Luis Castillo to the Cubs, was raised more than a month ago and has remained one of several options heading into the winter meetings this week. But the Mets have balked at settling on Burrell as their left fielder with high-profile free agents ..."
Cubs talking to 4 teams about Bradley
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December 7
CBSSports.com
 
"The Cubs remain confident that they'll be able to trade Milton Bradley by the end of the winter meetings, with four teams now interested in the troublesome outfielder. Major-league sources said that two new teams have approached the Cubs about Bradley. The Rays and Rangers remain interested, although the Cubs have issues in dealing with either of those teams. The talks with Tampa Bay have gone on for much of the offseason, and the basics haven't changed. The two holdups are how much of Bradley's salary the Cubs would pay, and what the Cubs would do with Pat Burrell, who would be part of the deal. The Cubs regard Burrell as an American League player. The biggest issue with the Rangers is ..."