Cubs Trade Rumors

Cubs trade Heilman, add 2 years to Grabow's deal
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November 20
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The Cubs took two key steps in shaping their 2010 bullpen Thursday, even as they continue to work and wait on their bigger offseason tasks of trading Milton Bradley and acquiring another outfielder. After agreeing to a two-year contract extension worth at least $7 million with free-agent lefty reliever John Grabow, the Cubs traded arbitration-eligible right-hander Aaron Heilman to the Arizona Diamondbacks for two prospects. Heilman, who made $1.62million in 2009, was one of 10 Cubs eligible for arbitration this winter and was considered expendable given the team's relative bullpen depth. ''We obviously for years liked Aaron, in his Mets days,'' said general manager Jim Hendry, who acquired ..."
D-backs acquire Heilman from Cubs
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November 20
MLB.com
 
"Cross one thing off the D-backs' offseason to-do list. Arizona bolstered its bullpen on Thursday, acquiring right-hander Aaron Heilman from the Cubs for a pair of Minor Leaguers. Heilman was 4-4 with a 4.11 ERA and one save in 70 games for the Cubs. The 31-year-old walked 34 and fanned 65 while holding opponents to a .257 average. "He's a pedigree guy," D-backs general manager Josh Byrnes said. "A former first-round pick with a lot of success in the Major Leagues. He's someone we feel will really strengthen our bullpen." With the D-backs, Heilman likely will pitch as a setup man for closer Chad Qualls. "He's pitched in pressurized situations before in terms of his role and the markets ..."
Cubs deal Heilman to Arizona for two prospects
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November 19
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Cubs sent reliever Aaron Heilman to Arizona on Thursday for a pair of minor-league prospects. Heilman didn't figure into the Cubs 2010 plans, and was likely to be non-tendered by the club next month. In return, the Cubs received left-handed reliever Scott Maine, who went 4-5 with seven saves and a 2.90 ERA at Double-A Mobile and Triple-A Reno, and first baseman Ryne White, who hit .266 with six homers and 52 RBI at Class-A Visalia."
Tampa Bay, Texas and Toronto look like destinations for Milton Bradley
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November 19
ESPN.com
 columnist Jayson Stark
"Tampa Bay, Texas and Toronto look like the three most feasible destinations for Milton Bradley these days. But the Cubs are telling teams that (A) they're not interested in digesting all or most of Bradley's money (two years, $21 million) just for the sake of moving him, and (B) the hiring of his old hitting coach, Rudy Jaramillo, means they no longer think they have to trade him. So they seem to be zeroing in on clubs that might be willing to swap one messy contract for another. Pat Burrell would be that guy in Tampa Bay, but the money doesn't match up and the Cubs would have to find a third team interested in Burrell. Lyle Overbay seems to fit that mold in Toronto, but the Cubs would ..."
Dealing, not shopping, on Cubs' agenda
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November 19
MLB.com
 
"Starting in 2007, Cubs general manager Jim Hendry invested heavily in free agents, adding such players as Alfonso Soriano, Ted Lilly and Mark DeRosa. Before the 2008 season, the big addition was Kosuke Fukudome. Milton Bradley was plucked from the free-agent pool for 2009. However, once the free-agent market officially opens for business on Thursday at 11:01 p.m. CT, Hendry and the Cubs were expected to try to make some deals to tinker with the roster rather than do much shopping. "We need a few moves," Hendry said. "We don't need mega-moves." There aren't many holes to fill heading into 2010 and the payroll is expected to increase "slightly," according to new Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts. ..."
Cubs, lefty reliever Grabow agree to 2-year deal
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November 19
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Cubs and left-hander reliever John Grabow have agreed in principle to a two-year deal, team sources said today. There was never any doubt that Grabow would return, but with the 15-day exclusivity window to re-sign your own free agents ending today, the Cubs wanted to get the deal done quickly. Grabow is considered one of the top left-handed free agent relievers, and could be a hot item on the open market."
Grabow deal nears
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November 19
ESPN.com
 
"Free agent pitcher John Grabow and the Chicago Cubs are close to agreeing on a two-year contract worth nearly $7.5 million for the left-handed pitcher. Grabow, who was traded to the Cubs last summer from Pittsburgh, will be the North Siders' primary set-up man from the left side before Cubs manager Lou Piniella goes to new closer Carlos Marmol."
Shortstop Scutaro open to staying with Jays
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November 17
Foxsports.com
 
"Teams are inquiring about free agent Marco Scutaro not just as a shortstop, but also as a second baseman, according to his agent, Peter Greenberg. One team even asked if Scutaro would consider moving to third. Scutaro, who played Gold Glove-caliber defense for the Blue Jays last season, will "entertain all possibilities," Greenberg said — including a return to the Jays on a one-year deal if, as expected, he is offered salary arbitration. The Jays offered Scutaro a contract extension during the season and another after the season ended, Greenberg said. Scutaro wants to explore the free-agent market, but he likes the city, team and manager Cito Gaston, who gave him his first chance to play ..."
Grabow joins free-agent pool
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November 17
MLB.com
 
"John Grabow filed for free agency on Monday, but the Cubs have had talks with his agent in an effort to bring the left-handed reliever back. Grabow posted a 3.24 ERA with the Cubs, who acquired him July 30 from Pittsburgh along with lefty Tom Gorzelanny for Kevin Hart, Jose Ascanio and Josh Harrison. For the season, Grabow set a career mark with 75 relief appearances, pitching in 45 games with the Pirates and 30 with the Cubs. Grabow, who turned 31 on Nov. 4, began his stint in Chicago with 16 consecutive scoreless appearances. Monday marked the 12th day of a 15-day period in which eligible players may file for free agency. So far, 168 players have filed. Rich Harden, Reed Johnson, Kevin ..."
Bradley-for-Burell being discussed, but money's an issue
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November 12
Foxsports.com
 
"The Cubs and Rays continue to discuss a Milton Bradley-for-Pat Burrell trade, but money remains a major obstacle. Burrell will earn $9 million next season, while Bradley is owed $21 million over the next two years. The Rays want the Cubs to pay the vast majority of the difference. The teams are a mere $2 million to $3 million apart over the two years, one source said. The source described the negotiations as "worse than Chinese water torture." Another said, "I wish cattle prods were legal.""
Jim Hendry says Cubs now are in good position to make moves
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November 12
Chicago Tribune
 
"After talking to seven or eight teams about trade possibilities Wednesday, Jim Hendry felt optimistic about his offseason game plan. "It's kind of the way I anticipated," the Cubs general manager said upon leaving the GM meetings at the O'Hare Hilton. "You feel like there's some business that will be done in the next few weeks. Hopefully you can do something before you get to Indianapolis (for the Dec. 7-10 winter meetings). "We need a few moves. We don't need mega-moves. ... I had really good meetings. It was really a good environment after all." The Rangers' Marlon Byrd appears to be the Cubs' primary center field target, and sources said Hendry will be able to sign another outfielder ..."
Rangers and Cubs still talking about malcontent Milton
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November 11
SI.com
 
"The Rangers are the one team obviously pursuing Milton Bradley and they've been engaged in a negotiation with the Cubs regarding how much money would have to be sent to Texas to cover the $21 million remaining on malcontent Milton's contract. The cash-strapped Rangers, whose debt-ridden owner Tom Hicks is being forced to sell the team, could be willing to cover as much as $5 million over the two years left on Bradley's deal (they offered $8 million over one year for him to return last winter). But so far, the Cubs are holding out for more, perhaps shooting to recover as much as half the money left. If the Cubs are to recover that much money, they shouldn't expect to get it from the ..."
Byrd likely to be targeted by Cubs
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November 11
Foxsports.com
 
"Once the Cubs trade Milton Bradley, their plan is to find a center fielder and move Kosuke Fukudome back to right field. Free agent Marlon Byrd is certain to draw their interest. Rudy Jaramillo, the Cubs' new hitting coach, is a huge fan of Byrd's from their three seasons together with the Rangers, according to major-league sources. The Cubs also made a strong run at Byrd in trade discussions with Rangers before the 2008 season. Byrd, 32, is seeking a multi-year contract after batting .283 for the Rangers last season with a career-high 20 homers and 89 RBIs. Mike Cameron, 36, is another center fielder who could intrigue the Cubs. Cameron batted .250 with 24 homer and 70 RBIs for the ..."
Cubs nearing deal with LHP Grabow
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November 11
Foxsports.com
 
"The Cubs are making progress on a deal with left-handed reliever John Grabow, one source said tonight. The deal could be for two years, the source said. Grabow, a free agent, came to the Cubs in a midseason trade with the Pirates."
Texas Rangers still an option for Milton Bradley
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November 11
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Cubs and Rangers continued talking Tuesday on a deal that would send Milton Bradley back to his former team, where he would be reunited with manager Ron Washington . Rangers general manager Jon Daniels confirmed he was looking for a middle-of-the-order bat, but said any interest in Bradley "depends on the specifics of the deal." Still, major league sources say the Rangers are the best option for Cubs general manager Jim Hendry, a motivated seller who would like to get a deal done before the winter meetings begin Dec. 7 so he can go forward with his offseason plans. The Rangers originally offered Bradley a one-year, $6 million deal last winter to stay in Arlington. Staying with that ..."
Cubs' offseason plans tied to Bradley trade
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November 11
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The Cubs' efforts to trade outfielder Milton Bradley picked up speed on the second day of the general managers meetings Tuesday at the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport. The Cubs were to meet with four or five teams late Tuesday before the meetings conclude today. Meanwhile, questions such as these hung in the air: Will the Cubs' leadoff man in 2010 look more like Kosuke Fukudome, Chone Figgins or Luis Castillo? Will the center fielder be Mike Cameron, Fukudome, Reed Johnson or Marlon Byrd? How many left-handed hitters will be in the Opening Day lineup? And will the Cubs increase their starting-pitching inventory to help cover for the early-season loss of left-hander Ted Lilly, who had ..."
Cubs trying hard to trade Bradley
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November 10
SI.com
 
"The Cubs are trying hard to dump the perennially malcontented Milton Bradley here at the GM meetings, as it isn't just manager Lou Piniella who didn't connect with him in his season here. Apparently, several key members of the team -- including Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Zambrano -- barely speak to Bradley. "I don't think they dislike him. But Milton's a unique guy who doesn't fit in, like the oddball kid in class,'' one Cubs-connected person said. "He doesn't try to fit in. The other guys tried to take him in, but he's one of those kids that simply doesn't want to be part of anything,'' one Cubs person said. The Chicago Tribune reported that a Bradley blowup with now-deposed hitting coach ..."
Bradley's big contract a barrier
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November 10
Foxsports.com
 
"The Rays remain interested in Cubs outfielder Milton Bradley, but his contract might be too big an impediment to a trade. Bradley, 30, not only is guaranteed $21 million over the next two seasons, but also can earn an additional $1 million each year by making 575 plate appearances. Granted, Bradley has reached that total only once in his injury-marred career — in 2004 with the Dodgers. But the Rays, by using Bradley as their designated hitter, would anticipate that he would stay healthier and play more often. His contract includes a $200,000 bonus for 525 plate appearances, $300,000 for 550 plate appearances and $500,00 for 575 plate appearances. One way to bridge the financial gap would ..."
Harden could be good fit for M's
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November 10
Foxsports.com
 
"Free agent Rich Harden could be a fit for the Mariners, if they decide to upgrade their rotation. (Offense is their main priority.) Harden has had success in the American League West and was born in nearby Victoria, B.C. "He could commute on a seaplane," quipped one person in the industry. A number of teams could benefit from adding a power arm like Harden, but questions persist about his durability."
Gregg joins pool of free agents
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November 10
MLB.com
 
"Kevin Gregg, who lost the closer's job with the Cubs to Carlos Marmol this past season, was one of 31 players to file for free agency on Monday. Acquired from the Florida Marlins on Nov. 13, 2008, in a trade for Minor League pitcher Jose Ceda, Gregg was bumped from the role in mid-August by Marmol, who will be the Cubs closer in 2010. Gregg was classified as a Type A free agent, which means if another team signs him, the Cubs would receive a first-round pick as compensation. That's the case unless the signing team is selecting from picks No. 1-15, and in that case, the Cubs would receive a sandwich pick between the first and second rounds. In 72 games this season, Gregg, 31, finished with ..."
Hendry: Cubs haven't given up on Bradley
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November 10
MLB.com
 
"Major League Baseball's General Manager Meetings, taking place this year at the O'Hare Hilton, often mark the start of discussions for offseason maneuvers. But as the general managers arrived in Chicago Monday, Cubs boss Jim Hendry made it clear how his team's controversial outfielder Milton Bradley doesn't necessarily have to be involved in those Hot Stove moves. "He's still with us. He's on our roster," said Hendry, during a talk with the media on Monday. "And that's how you have to go into the offseason. "Other people have had some major hiccups along the way and come back, and that's just how you have to look at it. He's on your roster until proven differently. That's how we go about ..."
Bradley deal still alive
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November 10
Toronto Sun
 
"The Chicago Cubs still want to send Milton Bradley to the Blue Jays. The latest is a three-team deal in which the Blue Jays send first baseman Lyle Overbay to the New York Mets, the Mets send second baseman Luis Castillo to the Cubs and the Jays wind up with Bradley. The Jays will give a player a second chance, but not a fifth or sixth or whatever chance Bradley is working on, much similar to when they turned down free-agent lefty reliever Steve Howe years ago. The Cubs have zero interest in adding centre fielder Vernon Wells. Nothing in the desert Talks between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Jays about catcher Chris Snyder for Overbay had reached an impasse. The deal would have ..."
Figgins a tough decision for Angels
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November 8
Orange County Register
 columnist Mark Whicker
"On July 14, 2001, the Register reported the Angels had traded Kimera Bartee to Colorado for an infielder named Desmond Figgins. Desmond DeChone Figgins, to be precise. None of his three names seemed destined for fame. Figgins had spent two years in the Carolina League. He did have a fanciful 34 triples that second year, but he was in Double-A when the Angels got him. It was hard to imagine that he would ever be a tough decision for the Angels. He is now. Assuming that he files for free agency, Chone Figgins is fixing to find out how much he is loved and, more important, valued. He is one of the best offensive players in this class. Even the most critical Angels fans must admit that Figgins ..."
Cubs Ted Lilly will miss start of season
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November 5
Chicago Tribune
 
"Ted Lilly will miss the start of the 2010 season after undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery Tuesday in Los Angeles. How long Lilly will miss is unknown, but the Cubs left-hander said Wednesday he won't begin throwing again for "four months or so." Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said the Cubs were encouraged there was no significant damage to the labrum or rotator cuff, and said surgeon Lewis Yocum thinks there's "a good possibility Ted would be pitching in April" if all goes well. Lilly was reluctant to have the surgery but decided it was his best option in the long run. "I didn't want to go into the season doing what I was doing at the end of the year, where I was missing starts," ..."
Rays working on Iwamura deal
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November 3
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Just got back to New York and heard from an industry source who's not with the Rays that they are on the verge of completing a trade of 2B Akinori Iwamura. The Rays were looking to do some kind of deal since they weren't planning to pick up the $4.85-million option to bring him back. What's interesting is that the source indicated the deal wasn't with the Cubs or the Dodgers as has been speculated on but to an unexpected team. Hmmm. The Rays are operating under something of a deadline since they have until one day after the end of the World Series to either pick up the option or pay a $550,000 buyout and allow Iwamura to become a free agent. They have been working on essentially a ..."
Cubs deny Bradley-for-Wells trade talks
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November 1
ESPN.com
 
"Although the Cubs have had discussions with Toronto about different scenarios, Cubs sources on Saturday vehemently denied that there is any type of a trade for Milton Bradley for Vernon Wells being discussed. Bradley had two years left on his contract at $21.5 million. Wells has five years left at $98 million, including $23 million each in the last two years of the contract."
Wells swap 'has legs'
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October 31
Toronto Sun
 columnist Bob Elliott
"It's not a match made in heaven. In fact, it is quite the opposite. The Chicago Cubs would like to -- have to -- deal disgruntled outfielder Milton Bradley. And one player they are eyeing as a target destination is the Blue Jays, with centre fielder Vernon Wells going to the Cubs in return. "It's early on, but we think this one has some legs," said one Cubs official. "But they aren't the only team we are talking with." Bradley, 31, who was suspended for the remainder of the season by the Cubs on Sept. 20, has two years and $21 million US remaining on his contract. Wells has six years left on his contract extension, $107 million remaining, including the $8.5-million final instalment of his ..."
Fla. group touts advantages in fight for Cubs
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October 30
East Valley Tribune
 
"A Florida development team took aim at Mesa on Thursday by boasting of their ongoing talks with the Chicago Cubs as they work to snag the team's spring training from Arizona. The Ricketts family, which owns the Cubs, recently traveled to the area around Naples, Fla., to look at potential spring training facility sites, said Craig Bouchard, whose Chicago-based Esmark company is talking with the Cubs. With the owners coming to Mesa next week for the first time, Bouchard tried to portray the sequence of visits as an advantage or signal that benefits Florida. "They came here first, and they're going out there next," Bouchard said. Bouchard is working on a proposal with Gary Price, a Naples ..."
Tigers join Chapman sweepstakes
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October 27
SI.com
 
"The Tigers have joined the host of teams expressing interest in Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman, a source tells SI.com. The team has contacted Chapman's camp in attempts to schedule a meeting later this week or early next week, the source said. Chapman, a 21-year-old who has hit 102 mph on radar guns, has garnered substantial interest from major league teams since he defected July 1. His zipping fastball, youth, projectable frame (6-foot-4 and lean) and a shallow free-agent pitching pool are expected to make Chapman one of the most expensive players on the market this offseason. Several industry sources expect Chapman will command more than the $32 million the Yankees paid Cuban ..."
Mets not interested in Lackey or Bradley; Holliday tops their list
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October 26
SI.com
 (scroll down)
"The Mets don't seem inclined to pursue top free-agent pitcher John Lackey, who will surely shoot for a $100 million-plus contract in light of A.J. Burnett's $82.5 million deal. They do want to add a solid starting pitcher (they may try a do-over on Randy Wolf), but their big-ticket target is most likely going to be a left fielder. Matt Holliday is believed to top their list, though Jason Bay will certainly suffice. Bobby Abreu is another top free-agent outfielder, while Carl Crawford could be available in trade. The Mets have no interest in taking on Milton Bradley's problems."
Multiple teams interested in Bradley
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October 22
Foxsports.com
 (scroll down)
"Multiple teams are in contact the Cubs about outfielder Milton Bradley, with one source saying, "You would be shocked at the level of interest." The Cubs remain confident that they can trade Bradley without assuming the vast majority of the $21 million remaining on his contract over the next two years. New owner Tom Ricketts has set a limit for how much money the Cubs will include in a deal, one source says. The Cubs can take back a contract but pay only a fixed amount of cash."
La Russa will have options, if he wants them
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October 22
Foxsports.com
 columnist Ken Rosenthal
"A year from now, four marquee franchises — the Braves, Cubs, Mets and Dodgers — all could have managerial openings. Tony La Russa isn't likely to be interested. Bobby Valentine might be. La Russa, 65, currently is deciding whether he wants to return to the Cardinals. He does not sound enthused about starting over with another club. If La Russa manages next season, it will be with the Cardinals. And even if he signs only a one-year contract, he probably would be unwilling to accept a multi-year deal with another club next winter. "Looking ahead, I don't see that I can ever make that commitment to someone," La Russa said Wednesday in a telephone interview. "The way I look at it now, when ..."
Cubs zeroing in on hit guru Jaramillo
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October 20
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"One of the Cubs who could have used Rudy Jaramillo most in 2009 said he's looking forward to celebrating the team's hiring of the former Texas Rangers hitting coach. ''That's going to be good news,'' said Alfonso Soriano, who averaged 32 home runs and 98 RBI with Jaramillo and the Rangers in 2004 and '05. ''We had very good communication because he speaks Spanish. He's very good and smart. He works very hard, too.'' Jaramillo, widely considered the top hitting coach in baseball, left the Rangers after this season when the team refused to consider an extension beyond one season with its ownership in flux. He reportedly is negotiating with the Cubs on a multiyear deal that could make him the ..."
Top hitting coach available to Chicago Cubs
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October 15
Chicago Tribune
 
"If the Cubs really are interested in Rudy Jaramillo, the Rangers hitting coach is now available. The Dallas Morning News reported that Jaramillo has rejected a one-year offer to return as Rangers hitting coach. Jaramillo is expected to be a candidate for the Cubs vacancy created when Von Joshua was demoted to Triple-A Iowa. Jaramillo has been the Rangers' hitting coach for 15 years, but they finished 11th in the American League in average (.260), seventh in runs (784) and 12th in on-base percentage (.320) in 2009. Cubs minor-league hitting instructor Dave Keller is the only in-house candidate confirmed by general manager Jim Hendry, who said the club will look at outside candidates as ..."
Report: Cubs pushing Rays for Bradley-Burrell deal
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October 9
Tampa Tribune
 
"The Chicago Cubs are pushing the Tampa Bay Rays to take bad-boy outfielder Milton Bradley off their hands for Pat Burrell, according to the Chicago Sun Times. The talk of a deal isn't new, but it appears the Cubs want to move quickly, possibly as one of the first official acts of new owner Tom Ricketts, whose purchase could be approved by a bankruptcy judge within weeks. The Cubs are so desperate to unload Bradley that they might pick up some of Bradley's salary for the Rays, the newspaper reported. The Rays are a primary target because they were among the teams attempting to acquire Bradley before last season. The Cubs, however, ended up signing Bradley to a three-year, $30 million free ..."
MLB owners approve sale of Chicago Cubs to Ricketts family
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October 7
Chicago Tribune
 
"Major League Baseball owners welcomed the Ricketts family to an exclusive fraternity Tuesday, unanimously approving its proposal via conference call to become the owner of the Cubs. "The Ricketts family is honored to have received the approval of Major League Baseball owners today," said Dennis Culloton, the family's spokesman. "This is a major step forward, but the transaction is not yet complete." The change in ownership of one of baseball's most star-crossed franchises has been complicated by the bankruptcy proceedings of the Cubs' current owners, Tribune Co., parent of the Chicago Tribune. The Ricketts family still must clear one more hurdle in bankruptcy court before it can assume ..."
Ryne Sandberg won't be candidate for Cubs hitting coach job
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October 6
Chicago Tribune
 
"Ryne Sandberg won't be a candidate to replace Von Joshua as Cubs hitting coach, sources said, and likely will return as manager of Double-A Tennessee. Before Joshua was fired as hitting coach Sunday and offered the same position at Triple-A Iowa, general manager Jim Hendry said Sandberg's assignment was up to farm director Oneri Fleita. Sandberg has made no secret of his desire to succeed Lou Piniella as manager in 2011. "Ryne had a Hall of Fame career here as a player," Piniella said. "I'm not the one who is going to be hiring the next manager here, but certainly he'll be in the mix." That's assuming Piniella doesn't change his mind and stay on -- if he's given that option. "I don't want ..."
Piniella: Sandberg would be 'in mix'
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October 5
MLB.com
 
"Ryne Sandberg is expected to ride buses for at least another year before he has a chance to fulfill his ambition of succeeding Lou Piniella as manager of the Cubs. Piniella, whose contract expires after the 2010 season, said managing in the Minor Leagues serves as helpful, but incomplete, preparation. "One thing is, managing in the Minor Leagues gives you an insight into the game," Piniella said. "You don't really have six or seven coaches like you have up here. You've got to dwell in a lot of different areas, and at the same time, you get a chance to find out if you really like this or don't like it. But I'll tell you this: Handling young players at the Minor League level and handling ..."
Cubs fire hitting coach Von Joshua
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October 5
Chicago Tribune
 
"Von Joshua was fired as Cubs hitting coach after Sunday's game and was offered his old job as hitting coach at Triple-A Iowa. "I told him it wasn't anything that I was upset with him," general manager Jim Hendry said. "He didn't do anything wrong. But when you come up from the system in the middle of the year, if things don't make significant differences in improvement, then in my opinion we need to do something." Joshua, who replaced Gerald Perry on June 14, was gone from the clubhouse after the game and unavailable for comment. The Cubs could fill the opening with Double-A manager Ryne Sandberg or minor league hitting coordinator Dave Keller, though Hendry declined to name names. The ..."
Ryno could be next, best choice
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October 2
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Lou Piniella is returning next season as the Cubs' manager. That's because he wants to return and the feeling is mutual. Despite all the speculation about Piniella's status and the turmoil during the last year, he remains the best man for the job in 2010. After that, Piniella has already insisted he will move on. It's likely only a trip to the World Series could change his mind. Plenty can happen between now and 2010. But with diehard Cubs fan Tom Ricketts running the club, the timing would be right for the Cubs to go in-house for their next manager. No more outsiders who are left shaking their heads over the unique demands placed on the Cubs or all that day baseball or the cramped ..."
Piniella: Cubs will try to replace Bradley
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September 29
ESPN.com
 
"Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella said Tuesday he's looking forward to adding a "big bat" to the lineup next season, which could mean that disgruntled outfielder Milton Bradley has played his last game for the Cubs. "Our general manager Jim Hendry had to do a tough task of sending him home [on Sept. 20], and I'm sure it wasn't very pleasant for him," Piniella said on the "Waddle & Silvy" show on ESPN 1000. "The big thing with Milton this year was the fact he drove in 40 runs. "We needed a big bat to put in the middle part of our lineup, and we thought Milton would be the one. And it just didn't work out, for whatever reason. So we move forward from there and now we try to find somebody ..."
Pitcher Rich Harden would like to be back, but feeling isn't mutual
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September 28
Chicago Tribune
 
"When he shut himself down for the rest of the season, Rich Harden said he hoped to re-sign with the Cubs. "We'll see what happens," he said. "Hopefully we'll sit down with Jim (Hendry) and talk about that. It's a good city, good fans, good team ... I feel like what we did this year obviously was a little disappointing. It would be good to come back next year and make a run for it." But the Cubs have no plans of bringing Harden back, as manager Lou Piniella hinted Sunday before a 5-1 loss to San Francisco in the final road game of the season. "You look at our starting pitching here for next year," Piniella said. "You've got (Carlos) Zambrano, you've got (Ryan) Dempster, you've got (Randy) ..."
Padres or Giants could be destination for Bradley
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September 26
Chicago Tribune
 
"The market for troublemaking outfielders on the suspended list with expensive contracts may be better than originally anticipated. Cubs general manager Jim Hendry is definitely a motivated seller, trying to find a counterpart who thinks he can revive Milton Bradley's career after a crash-and-burn season. After pawning Todd Hundley off on the Dodgers in 2002 for Eric Karros and Mark Grudzielanek, Hendry is hoping to catch lightning in a bottle again. While conventional wisdom says Bradley has burned too many bridges to make anyone want him, the Padres, Giants and Royals are three teams Hendry may have on speed-dial this offseason. So far, Padres GM Kevin Towers is the only one on record to ..."
Harden says season over
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September 25
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Rich Harden might have pitched his final game for the Cubs after deciding Thursday that he won't make a final start this season. Harden, a free agent-to-be, was skipped in his last turn through the rotation because of fatigue after some heavy pitch counts in short starts this month. But he said his right shoulder, which he has had trouble with in the past, feels ''the best it has felt in a long time.'' ''I've gone through the season with no problem with that,'' Harden said. ''It'd be a lot different if we were in [contention] and needed me to pitch; I'd be out there in a second. I'm still healthy and feeling good.'' Whether Harden returns next season after going 9-9 with a 4.09 ERA in 26 ..."
Harden shut down for season
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September 25
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Cubs were down to their final strike Thursday night when Jeff Baker's two-out, two-run home run off Brian Wilson launched them to a 3-2 victory over the Giants. Baker's heroics prevented the Giants from gaining a game on the Rockies in the wild card race. Wilson replaced Brad Penny in the ninth and walked Derrek Lee leading off. Lee stole second with two outs before Baker sent a 2-2 pitch into the left-field bleachers. Carlos Marmol survived a shaky ninth to earn his 15th save, stranding two baserunners by striking out Aaron Rowand and Fred Lewis. Aaron Heilman got the win in relief of Ryan Dempster, who threw seven strong innings before leaving with a 2-1 deficit. Before the game, the ..."
Harden may have made last start of '09
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September 24
MLB.com
 
"Rich Harden, limited to throwing off flat ground and not off the mound since his last start, may be shut down for the remainder of the season, Cubs manager Lou Piniella said Wednesday. Harden (9-9, 4.09 ERA) has not started since Sept. 16, when he went three innings in a loss to Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field. The Cubs have 11 games remaining. "I'm not sure about Harden, I'm really not," Piniella said. "I'm not certain on whether Rich is going to get another start or not. It won't be this weekend in San Francisco.""
Season's over for ailing Cubs reliever Guzman
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September 23
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The Cubs are rearranging their pitching plans the rest of the way with an eye toward preservation and preparation for next season. Right-hander Angel Guzman, one of the bright spots in the Cubs' bullpen after winning a job in the final days of spring training, has been shut down for the final two weeks of the season because of a muscle strain near his armpit. Rich Harden has been scratched from a second straight start. Whether he returns for a final start might depend on today's bullpen session. Manager Lou Piniella said rookie Randy Wells (11-9), who rebounded from two bad starts to beat Milwaukee on Tuesday night, will start just once more this season, with seven days of rest before that ..."
Zambrano won't waive no-trade clause
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September 17
Chicago Tribune
 
"An hour before Wednesday night's game at Wrigley Field, Carlos Zambrano sat at a table near a TV in the Cubs' clubhouse, watching a discussion on whether he should be traded. The sound was off, and the clubhouse stereo was on, so Zambrano couldn't hear a word of it. "What does the fan poll say?" Zambrano asked. A day after falling apart on the mound and leaving a postgame news conference in a huff, Zambrano was able to sit back and laugh about his situation. He knows he has the hammer with a full no-trade clause in his contract, and sources indicated Wednesday he has no intention on waiving it this off-season. Asked if he hopes to see Zambrano return next year, manager Lou Piniella ..."
Question is: Should 'Z' stay or should he go?
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September 16
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Carlos Zambrano, the enigmatic Cubs ace, was in fine form Tuesday. Pitching a day after the one-year anniversary of his no-hitter against the Houston Astros, Zambrano baffled the Brewers for four innings, striking out eight and leading 4-0. In the fifth, he completely fell apart, yielding five runs before escaping with a no-decision in the Cubs' 13-7 victory. It was just the latest chapter in a disastrous season for Big Z. He missed a crucial stretch of August games due to a bad back that may have been caused by excessive batting practice, and admitted he has been "lazy" about doing preventative abdominal exercises. He twice has been on the DL and was suspended six games for "inappropriate ..."
Reed Johnson wants to come back -- this season and next year
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September 16
Chicago Tribune
 
"Reed Johnson may not be ready until the final week of the season, and manager Lou Piniella suggested the outfielder may be done for the year. Johnson has been on the disabled list since July 30 with a broken left foot. "We thought that Reed would be out for a month or so," Piniella said. "It's been going on seven weeks, and probably the season is almost over for him." But Johnson is taking batting practice and insists he will return, even if it's just for a cameo. "Whether it's one game or 10 games, I want to get back in there and play," Johnson said. "If I know I can play physically and not re-injure myself, and I can play through whatever residual pain I have in my foot, I don't know if ..."