Cubs Trade Rumors

"The Cubs appear poised to sign veteran center fielder Jim Edmonds soon after he clears waivers Wednesday. That would mean a demotion to the minors for touted prospect Felix Pie, who entered Monday with a .222 average and strikeouts in one-third of his plate appearances. The lefty-hitting Edmonds and right-handed Reed Johnson would share center-field duties."

"The Cubs have interest in recently released center fielder Jim Edmonds, who is likely to clear waivers Wednesday. Edmonds, who turns 38 on June 27, hit .178 with a .265 on-base percentage for the Padres, and the general consensus seems to be that he's well past his prime. The longtime Cardinals star hit 29 home runs in 2005 but fought leg injuries the last two seasons before being traded to the Padres last winter after San Diego failed to sign Kosuke Fukudome. General manager Jim Hendry could not comment, but sources in the Cubs organization insist he will jump at the chance to sign Edmonds if he's available."

"Could the Cubs be interested in signing center fielder Jim Edmonds, just released by the Padres after hitting .178 and struggling in the field? They are exploring the possibility, according to some in the know. Manager Lou Piniella long has desired another left-handed bat to go with Kosuke Fukudome. Felix Pie has been unreliable. Signing Edmonds could allow the Cubs to send Pie to Triple-A Iowa for steady work. Asked about the possibility of a left-handed bat being added, Piniella said, "We'll just have to see what happens.""

"Chicago Cubs fans who love Wrigley Field's name and historic character will find their passions protected by the state if it swings a deal to buy the North Side ballpark from Tribune Co., former Gov. James Thompson said Wednesday. "We certainly would want the name to stay Wrigley," said Thompson, who is chairman of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, the state/city agency that is in negotiations to purchase the park. Asked whether the authority would sell partial naming rights so that the Wrigley Field name would be linked to another corporate moniker, he said, "I presume there are people out there who think so highly of Wrigley Field that they would want to be associated with it and therefore would be willing to pay for that privilege."

"Trying to solve some of their recent pitching problems, the Cubs might carry a 13th pitcher temporarily, manager Lou Piniella said. Left-hander Scott Eyre, who has been on the disabled list with an elbow injury since spring training, is expected to return from a rehab assignment this week, possibly by the end of the series in Cincinnati. That will allow the Cubs to stretch out Sean Marshall -- currently the only lefty in the bullpen -- in preparation for a possible start in the wake of Rich Hill's demotion to the minors over the weekend...A 13th pitcher likely would mean a demotion for struggling center fielder Felix Pie to continue work on mechanics changes Piniella and the staff are trying to make with him."

"News flash: Mark Cuban didn't want to talk during his visit to Wrigley Field on Wednesday. Talk about trying to win over Major League Baseball. ''I'm here as a Cubs fan,'' Cuban said, waving off a group of reporters as he took his front-row seat -- one chair from the Cubs' dugout -- before their game against the Milwaukee Brewers. ''How can I enjoy my beer if you guys are around?''... t's no secret Cuban is among the six to 10 groups ready to make a formal bid for the Cubs, who have been put on the block by Tribune chairman and CEO Sam Zell. "

"Keep in mind, he's 38, has put on weight, has a tendency to get hurt, and isn't what he used to be, but he's still Junior Griffey, hit 30 homers last year, and you stick him in the middle of the lineup on either side of Chicago and he's going to be a postseason presence."

" Brian Roberts finally made it to Chicago, only it was to the South Side, not the North, and it was as Baltimore's second baseman, not the Cubs'."

"The Cubs still figure to pursue Roberts if the Orioles shop him before the July trade deadline, but their needs may change. And if Cedeno, Marshall and Gallagher continue to perform as they have, the Cubs could make them untouchables."

"The injury to Alfonso Soriano could rekindle the Cubs' interest in trying to get outfielder Coco Crisp from the Red Sox. But Boston is said to like its center field platoon of Crisp and Jacoby Ellsbury, and may decide to hold onto Crisp all year."

"During the monotony of spring training, Baltimore Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts said he felt engulfed by rumors of a trade to the Chicago Cubs. But with the regular season underway, and with Roberts still wearing an Orioles uniform, he said he feels a sense of relief that talks regarding his future have cooled."

"The two teams who have shown the most consistent interest in Coco Crisp are the Cubs and White Sox, according to a major league source familiar with both teams."

"As for outfielder Matt Murton, he has been told he will be traded or sent to Iowa. General manager Jim Hendry has been working the phone the last two days and could have a deal finalized before Monday."

"The Cubs granted nonroster infielder Alex Cintron his unconditional release Wednesday, the same day Baltimore Orioles president Andy MacPhail declared the Brian Roberts trade talks all but dead. The two are somewhat related. Cubs manager Lou Piniella had told Cintron on Tuesday that he had been beaten out by infielders Ronny Cedeno and Mike Fontenot."

"The Cubs are getting enough interest from other teams in outfielder Matt Murton that a deal might get done by the end of the weekend to keep the Cubs from having to send the .296 career hitter to the minors."

"Will any of it lead to the long-awaited trade with Baltimore for leadoff hitter Brian Roberts? One of the Orioles' top scouts, Bruce Kison, continued to follow the Cubs on Tuesday, but indications were that things remained quiet on that front."

"He also knows his name has been mentioned in plenty of trade talks, and it remains possible that president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail will trade him before Opening Day. The Orioles had some talks with the Chicago Cubs about Payton in the Brian Roberts talks, but the Cubs signed Reed Johnson yesterday, so they no longer have a need for a right-handed-hitting outfielder."

"You say Kerry Wood will become the toast of Clark Street. I say Huston Street is available on the trade market. You say Wood will be pain-free all season, save 40 games and uphold the confidence of enabler Jim Hendry, who said this after the general manager's pet rock was named the closer: ``For his sake and ours, I hope he stays healthy because that's world-class stuff.''"

"Texas Rangers outfielder and trade target Marlon Byrd and Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry exchanged pleasantries on the field at HoHoKam Park Monday morning. It may end up being the only thing the Rangers and Cubs exchange this spring. "

"Beyond the trade possibilities, San Diego released center fielder Jeff DaVanon, and Toronto released outfielder Reed Johnson, who has played all three outfield spots in his career. The Cubs would have more interest in Johnson if he clears release waivers midweek."

"Second baseman Felipe Lopez said last week he would not accept a role on the bench, and the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs are among the teams who have expressed interest in acquiring the 2005 All-Star. Assuming the Nationals don't make a trade before they open the season Sunday, however, Lopez likely will sit while Ronnie Belliard starts at second base and Cristian Guzman starts at shortstop."

"Piniella feels he needs an outfielder such as the Red Sox' Coco Crisp. The Cubs continue to covet Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts. And a stockpile of Cubs pitching that Hendry planned to use to make trades to complete his roster plans remains like a logjam as decision time fast approaches."

"While the Cubs would like to get a deal for Baltimore's Brian Roberts done by the end of spring training, the Orioles have no deadline on moving their second baseman."

"A day after expressing some mild frustration that he still doesn't know where he'll play in 2008, Brian Roberts and his agent met with Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail yesterday at Fort Lauderdale Stadium."

"The expectation is that the Cubs will eventually ship off starter Jason Marquis to Boston for center fielder Coco Crisp. Chicago has clearly soured on Felix Pie. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Pie included in the Brian Roberts deal with Baltimore."

"When asked if the deal would be for a relief pitcher, Leyland said it would. The names to which the Tigers have been most frequently linked in the last week are Michael Wuertz of the Cubs and Jorge Sosa of the Mets."

"Jason Marquis makes his final spring start Sunday and could be traded by week's end. Marquis' salary is an albatross—he's owed more than $16 million the next two seasons—so the Cubs would have to eat a significant amount of the contract, or trade him for an equally unattractive contract (hello, Coco Crisp?)."

"Opening Day is only nine days away, but Mark DeRosa still doesn't know if he will be in the starting lineup. It all depends on whether general manager Jim Hendry acquires Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts, who has been on the Cubs radar for nearly 3½ months."

"The Cubs' ideal lineup is expected to go on display today against the White Sox, when manager Lou Piniella puts Kosuke Fukudome back in the No. 2 spot and drops Alfonso Soriano, Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez to 3-4-5. The only potentially better Cubs lineup for Opening Day would involve a trade for the Baltimore Orioles' Brian Roberts to bat leadoff, or even a trade for Boston Red Sox outfielder Coco Crisp to bat somewhere near the top of the order."

"He was supposed to have been somewhere in Arizona yesterday, wearing a Chicago Cubs jersey, playing second base and batting leadoff for a team with legitimate World Series aspirations. Instead, Brian Roberts was at Roger Dean Stadium, wearing an Orioles jersey and wondering about his future with the only organization he has ever known."

"However, two rival baseball executives confirmed Friday that the Nationals are actively shopping López, and the Chicago Cubs are among the teams that have had a scout following the Nationals in recent days -- including Friday, when López started at second base against the New York Mets and went 1 for 3 with a single and made one error, his fourth of the spring."

"With Fernando Rodney and Joel Zumaya out for undetermined lengths of time, the Tigers have continued trade talks with clubs that have surplus relief pitching. Chicago Cubs right-hander Michael Wuertz has emerged as one of the Tigers' targets. Wuertz, 29, appeared in 73 games last year, with a 2-3 record and 3.48 ERA. The Cubs have considered adding another right-handed hitter, and they are believed to have some interest in Brandon Inge and Marcus Thames. The San Francisco Giants have also asked about Inge."

"With his name a regular part of trade rumors, Cubs pitcher Jason Marquis was asked if he had allowed himself to consider some of the possibilities -- like, say, the chance to pitch for the defending World Series champions."

"Two weeks remain before Milwaukee visits Wrigley Field for real. Do you know where your Cubs are? Some may still be in Baltimore ( Brian Roberts) and some in Boston (Coco Crisp)."

" Carlos Zambrano's next start will be in minor-league camp, his final start a shortened five-, six-inning experience against big-leaguers. His next spot in a spring game is expected to be taken by prospect Sean Gallagher, who may be auditioning in front of Baltimore scouts. Gallagher has been mentioned in a possible trade for Baltimore's Brian Roberts."

"Trade talks continue regarding second baseman Brian Roberts, with the Chicago Cubs believed to be the most aggressive pursuers. The Orioles remain interested in the Houston Astros' Mark Loretta, either as an eventual replacement for Roberts or a utility infielder."

"The ''other things'' likely center on the Cubs' hunt for Baltimore Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts, though sources from both sides indicate a deal probably wouldn't be struck until the final days of camp. The Cubs also have interest in Boston Red Sox center fielder Coco Crisp, a switch hitter, and the Texas Rangers' Marlon Byrd, a righty-swinging outfielder who could play center."

"One player looking for a roster spot, Ronny Cedeno, was still missing with a strained hamstring, which Piniella said was "not helping" his chances. Cedeno was one of those mentioned in trade talks with Baltimore for Brian Roberts. "

"That if the Cubs do complete their deal for Brian Roberts, it would take them out of the running for Coco Crisp. They're telling teams they can't add both players to their payroll... Teams looking for a left-handed reliever (Yankees, maybe?) will find that the Giants are looking to move veteran Steve Kline, who's set to make only $1.75 million this year."

"Sources continue to insist nothing is imminent on the trade front involving Brian Roberts, but that it could happen at any time or it could happen right before Opening Day."

"Sources confirmed Thursday that the Cubs have a four-player offer for Roberts on the table that includes the addition of hard-throwing pitching prospect Jose Ceda. Infielder Ronny Cedeno and pitchers Sean Gallagher and Donnie Veal also are in the package."

"It's a little easier for Ramirez to welcome a trade than, say, DeRosa, who will lose his starting job at second base if the Cubs finally get their top-priority deal done for Baltimore Orioles leadoff hitter Brian Roberts... Then there's Sean Marshall, Matt Murton, Felix Pie, Jason Marquis and -- in the latest rumors involving Boston Red Sox outfielder Coco Crisp -- Sam Fuld, who would join Marquis in Boston if the Cubs' offer were accepted, according to the Boston Globe."

"Crisp's injury has kept him out of any supposed competition with rookie Jacoby Ellsbury for the starting center field job. It also makes it more problematic for the Sox to trade Crisp; they've talked with the Cubs, among others, but no team is going to make a swap while he's hurt."

"Ultimately, the Cubs felt Pie deserved a chance to win the job in spring training, and they believed they could pick up a complementary player who could start against left-handers. Aside from Byrd and Crisp, other outfielders who can play center and may be available include Baltimore's Jay Payton, Cincinnati's Ryan Freel and the Los Angeles Angels' Reggie Willits. Payton, 35, has been rumored to be part of any Brian Roberts trade."

"It was a damaged finger that kept Alfonso Soriano out of the lineup the last week, but more than halfway through spring training, it's that old quadriceps injury that continues to haunt the Cubs' leadoff hitter -- and potentially the Cubs' leadoff spot... If he can't get over that quickly, it could raise the stakes significantly on the Cubs' efforts to acquire Orioles leadoff hitter Brian Roberts."

"The big trade-in-waiting, of course, is the one for Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts. While some in the organization doubt a deal will get done, there's a strong school of thought in the front office that Hendry will make it happen, and by Opening Day in three weeks."

" Sean Gallagher turned in his best outing of the spring with two hitless innings against Arizona. Gallagher's name is being mentioned prominently in trade talks with Baltimore. There has been no known movement on a Brian Roberts deal for more than a week, but an Orioles scout was in attendance Saturday at HoHoKam Park."

"The Orioles and Chicago Cubs have not had any recent discussions about All-Star second baseman Brian Roberts, pushing the potential deal toward Opening Day or beyond."

"Minaya ruled out pursuing Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa, who are still looking for work...But he did not dismiss the possibility of a trade. “We’ve already identified teams with outfield situations that have surpluses, and we’ll keep an eye on those,” Minaya said. He did not elaborate on who those teams are, but the Tigers, the Cubs, the Rangers and the Pirates would qualify. The Pirates have Xavier Nady, whom the Mets traded to Pittsburgh in 2006 as part of the deal for pitcher Oliver Pérez."

"The Cubs still hope to acquire second baseman Brian Roberts and an outfielder before the end of spring training, but general manager Jim Hendry shot down Internet and radio rumors that a trade is imminent."