Cubs Trade Rumors

Rockies trade Baker to Cubs for prospect
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July 2
Denver Post
 
"Jeff Baker, the Rockies multi-purpose utility man, was traded to the Chicago Cubs today in exchange for minor-league pitching prospect Alberto Alburquerque. Baker confirmed this morning that the trade had been made. "I'm looking forward to this opportunity," Baker said. Baker, who spent parts of four big-league seasons with the Rockies, is coming back from a stint on the 60-day disabled list because of an injured left hand."
Rockies send Baker to Cubs for prospect
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July 2
MLB.com
 
"The Rockies traded utility infielder Jeff Baker to the Cubs for Class A Daytona relief pitcher Alberto Alburquerque, who will be assigned to Double-A Tulsa, Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd confirmed Thursday morning. Baker, who was at the end of a rehab stint for a right hand sprain, said he learned of the trade in a conversation with Cubs general manager Jim Hendry on Wednesday night."I haven't talked with [Cubs manager] Lou Piniella, but I did talk with Jim Hendry last night," said Baker as he headed to a flight Thursday morning so he could join the Cubs for their game against the Brewers at Wrigley Field on Thursday night. "I'm excited for the opportunity. I don't know what their ..."
Source: Cubs deal for Rockies' Baker
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July 2
Yahoo! Sports
 
"The Chicago Cubs have acquired Jeff Baker from the Colorado Rockies, according to a source close to the club. It is unclear who the Rockies will receive in return for Baker or the Cubs' plans for him."
Forget trades, Cubs have enough to win right now
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June 30
Foxsports.com
 
"The idea that the Cubs need to counter the Cardinals' acquisition of Mark DeRosa is preposterous. The Cubs' $134.8 million payroll on Opening Day was the third highest in the majors. They should not need any help, other than the return of injured third baseman Aramis Ramirez. And frankly, it's pathetic that such a talented club would miss Ramirez this badly. Oh, the Cubs could use another bullpen piece, just like most contenders. But, give or take a DeRosa here, a Kerry Wood there, this group is not much different from the one that won the NL Central the past two seasons. Enough excuses already. Enough drama. Win some games. The Mets, when healthy, often are criticized for lacking passion. ..."
Alfonso Soriano getting along fine with Milton Bradley
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June 29
Chicago Tribune
 
"So how are Alfonso Soriano and Milton Bradley getting along? Just fine, Soriano said Sunday, two days after he said Bradley's only problem is his "attitude," and that if Bradley is not 100 percent on board with the team concept, "we don't need him." "I wasn't just talking about him," Soriano said. "We have 25 players, and if you're available to play this game and help the team, you're welcome here. If not, then we need somebody else." Before his confrontation Friday with Piniella, Bradley spoke of feeling "like an island" in the Cubs' clubhouse. Soriano said he's never sure when Bradley is in the mood to talk. "I try to help him, and if I do something wrong, I want him to help me, because ..."
DeRosa is indeed on Cubs' radar
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June 27
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"No, the Cubs aren't looking to replace Milton Bradley -- not yet. But sources confirmed Friday that the team had conversations with the Cleveland Indians about Mark DeRosa earlier this month when the Indians were shopping the versatile ex-Cub. Baseball insiders expect DeRosa to be traded by the July 31 non-waiver deadline, and the Cubs could find themselves in position to reacquire him depending on the asking price and ownership's willingness to take on about $2 million in salary. The January trade of DeRosa to the Indians for three pitching prospects has been a lightning rod for Cubs fans most of the season -- especially since third baseman Aramis Ramirez injured his shoulder May 8. How ..."
Lee carrying Cubs' offense
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June 24
Foxsports.com
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"Judging from the way Bush talked Tuesday, the Cubs aren't heavy into the market for hitters. ("We'd like to get Aramis back, see how that solidifies our lineup and go from there," he said.) So, the team has to hope that its other key hitters — particularly Soriano and Soto — find their respective strokes the same way that Lee did."
Some mystery to Martinez story
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June 22
SI.com
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"Pedro Martinez's agent Fern Cuza suggested by phone late last week that he expected to have a deal for Martinez sometime this week. Cuza also said Martinez planned to be a starter. But the question remains: Where is he going? Six teams were set to watch Martinez's workout last Friday -- the Angels, Rays, Rangers, Yankees, Cardinals and Brewers -- though mysteriously, Brewers scouting guru Dick Groch was quoted saying their scout never got to see Martinez. The Cubs have been among the most interested in Martinez all along, but their ownership situation seems to have curtailed their pursuit (see above). The non-contending Indians and Diamondbacks have been mentioned as having interest, as ..."
Ten ball clubs that can add payroll
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June 22
SI.com
 
"Baseball is doing better than most businesses. But you know something's amiss when even the Yankees are claiming they can't add salary or expand their payroll. Ultimately, the $200 million team just might find a few mil in the seat cushions. But for now anyway, they're saying they are tapped out. The same may be true for the Cubs, yet another storied big-market club that may not spend this summer. The Cubs' situation could be compromised by the glacial pace of the team's sale. At present, their player dealings appear to be in the same sort of limbo as the sale, meaning their big in-season acquisition may be limited to recovering star Aramis Ramirez. The Rangers also are believed to have ..."
Cuban: No more interest in owning Cubs
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June 20
MLB.com
 
"Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has no plans to become a candidate again to own the Chicago Cubs, according to a report on ESPN.com.

"No plans to get back in the mix," Cuban wrote to ESPNChicago.com.

Cuban was a candidate to buy the club before the Ricketts family won exclusive bidding rights. However, the exclusivity period with the Ricketts family has expired and there are reports that the bidding has been reopened.

ESPNChicago.com quoted a source saying Sam Zell has reopened negotiations with a group out of New York led by Marc Utay and Leo Hindery."

Yankees among four teams to watch Pedro Martinez pitch in Domincan Republic
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June 19
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Yankees scouts will be on hand Friday in the Dominican Republic to watch free agent Pedro Martinez throw. However, according to reports, the Yankees are not interested in signing the former 37-year-old former Mets and Red Sox ace. The Yankees -- who are going to be joined at the session by representatives from the Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Angels and Chicago Cubs -- are going to be present "as a courtesy to Martinez's agent," according to the Daily News. Fern Cuza, Martinez's agent, also represents Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. The Daily News report also cited a scout who saw Martinez pitch last week and said the three-time Cy Young winner had a "pretty good shot" of catching on with a ..."
Tribune talking with other potential buyers on Cubs sale
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June 19
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"For Tribune Co. boss Sam Zell, it's time to play hardball on the sale of his baseball team. Tribune said Thursday it has opened negotiations with other bidders in the sale of the Cubs. People involved in the process said Zell is trying to increase pressure on the Ricketts family to close a deal for around $900 million. After exclusively negotiating with Ricketts, no deal has closed, but one insider said it's close. Sources said Tribune, which is in bankruptcy court, has reopened talks with a New York-based investment group that includes investors Marc Utay and Leo Hindery. Chicago-based bond dealer Thomas Ricketts is directing his family's bid. Talks have bogged down over the value of the ..."
Look who's back in town: Former Cub Mark DeRosa returns as an Indian
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June 19
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Even after the thrill of Thursday's late-inning victory over the White Sox, the only guy certain to get a rousing reception from the Wrigley Field crowd today is ex-Cub Mark DeRosa. To say the Cubs have missed DeRosa since general manager Jim Hendry traded him to the Cleveland Indians last winter is to say AIG misses the '90s. No kidding. But is it too late for the Cubs? To get DeRosa back, that is? The versatile run producer, whose absence cold-cocked the Cubs when third baseman Aramis Ramirez went down May 8, has been the subject of trade rumors for more than a month. And the Cubs could be lurking in the wings if Cleveland decides to reignite last month's efforts to shop DeRosa. Since ..."
Tribune Co. mulls relief bidder for Chicago Cubs
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June 19
Chicago Tribune
 
"Sam Zell is considering a lineup change. Tribune Co., led by Zell, is no longer negotiating only with the Ricketts family on a deal for the Chicago Cubs. Sources confirmed Thursday that the parent of the Chicago Tribune recently has entered into separate discussions with a group led by New York investor and former Chicagoan Marc Utay, whose earlier bid was trumped by the Rickettses. Discussions with the Ricketts family are ongoing, Tribune Co. spokesman Gary Weitman said. But sources said the two sides have not been able to come to an agreement on the team's broadcast rights, which Tribune Co. owns through its WGN subsidiaries and 25 percent stake in Comcast SportsNet Chicago, a regional ..."
Yankees to watch ex-Met ace Pedro Martinez pitch in Dominican
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June 19
New York Daily News
 
""Come to daddy." Well, maybe not. Pedro Martinez, who once famously called the Yankees his "daddy" after a tough loss to them, will throw for Yankee scouts in the Dominican Republic today. But the Yanks aren't really interesting in signing him, according to someone familiar with the team's thinking. The Yankees - along with the Rays, Angels and Cubs - will watch Martinez work out, the person said, but it's believed the Yanks are only doing it as a courtesy to Martinez's agent, Fern Cuza, who also represents stars such as Mariano Rivera and Vladimir Guerrero. The news of the Yankees and other teams watching Martinez was first reported by Ken Rosenthal on foxsports.com. Martinez, a ..."
Pedro Martinez might sign with Chicago Cubs or Tampa Bay Rays
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June 18
Trenton Times
 
"Pedro Martinez could be back on a major league mound soon. The right-hander said on Wednesday that he has had talks with the Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays and hopes to sign a contract in the near future. "There's a good chance I'll be signing soon, but there still isn't anything firm," Martinez told The Associated Press. Martinez, 37, has been training in his native Dominican Republic in hopes of returning to the majors. His four-year deal with the New York Mets ended after last season, making Martinez a free agent. "Chicago and Tampa Bay are the two teams that have shown the most interest and we are negotiating with them, although I've told my agent not to call me until it's a done ..."
Pedro Martinez impresses Cubs, but no offer forthcoming
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June 18
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The Cubs haven't made Pedro Martinez an offer, and it's doubtful they have room in the payroll or the major leagues' top-ranked starting rotation to pull off such a move anytime soon. But they scouted the three-time Cy Young Award winner during the World Baseball Classic in the spring and more recently in the Dominican Republic, and Cubs general manager Jim Hendry sounded impressed with the reports. According to an Associated Press report from the Dominican, Martinez, 39, said Wednesday that he has talked to the Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays and ''there's a good chance I'll be signing soon, but there still isn't anything firm.'' The 17-year veteran, who pitched for the New York Mets last season, ..."
Chicago Cubs looking at Pedro Martinez
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June 18
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Cubs sent a scout to watch Pedro Martinez work out in the Dominican Republic and are considering signing the veteran right-hander. "Chicago and Tampa Bay are the two teams that have shown the most interest and we are negotiating with them, although I've told my agent not to call me until it's a done deal," Martinez told the Associated Press. No offer has been made to Martinez from the Cubs, and nothing is imminent. Starting pitching is the last of the Cubs' concerns right now, especially since rookie Randy Wells entered the rotation last month. Martinez is 214-99 with an ERA of 2.91 in 17 seasons, and he excelled in March pitching in the World Baseball Classic. The Cubs could take a ..."
Pedro says deal could be on way soon
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June 18
MLB.com
 
"Pedro Martinez said Wednesday that he could be signing a Major League contract soon. The 37-year-old right-hander told The Associated Press in his native Dominican Republic that he has spoken with the Rays and Cubs. "There's a good chance I'll be signing soon, but there still isn't anything firm," Martinez told the AP. "Chicago and Tampa Bay are the two teams that have shown the most interest and we are negotiating with them, although I've told my agent not to call me until it's a done deal." Martinez, who became a free agent after his four-year contract with the Mets expired following the 2008 season, pitched well in relief in the '09 World Baseball Classic. He has been working out in the ..."
Sox not in a hurry to trade Brad Penny, Street being scouted
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June 15
SI.com
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"The Red Sox now "aren't in a hurry" to trade Brad Penny, who hit the mid-90s in his last start vs. the Yankees, even with John Smoltz seemingly ready to go. While it appears they have too much pitching, they also know there's no such thing. The market also hasn't been great so far for Penny, thanks to his $5 million salary. Perhaps with the pitching market dying, though, he'll begin to look better to someone. • Rockies closer Huston Street is being heavily scouted. Among the teams that need a reliever are the Yankees, Rangers and Angels. The Rays, Cubs and Twins might also consider bullpen help. • The Cardinals continue to scour the market for a bat. • Giants lefty Jonathan Sanchez is on ..."
San Francisco Giants need hitter for wild-card push
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June 14
Chicago Tribune
 
"Keep an eye on the Giants. They're a long shot to catch the Dodgers in the NL West but could have staying power in the wild-card race, especially if GM Brian Sabean gets them a hitter. Matt Cain, who lives in the shadow of pitching teammates Tim Lincecum, Barry Zito and Randy Johnson, is having a great season (8-1, 2.55). His 3.61 career ERA suggests he could pitch his way into Cy Young consideration. ... Could Derrek Lee be the hitter the Giants need? Sabean at least ought to kick the tires to see if Jim Hendry would consider approaching Lee about waiving his no-trade clause, as the Cubs have first-base options available to them in Micah Hoffpauir and Jake Fox."
Cubs show interest in Pedro
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June 13
MLB.com
 
"Pedro Martinez recently threw a sideline session for a Rays employee, and it appears as though the Cubs are also showing some interest in the three-time Cy Young Award winner. According to a report on SI.com, citing National League sources, the Cubs have been scouting Martinez as he continues to work out in his native Dominican Republic. Martinez, 37, was linked to several clubs during the offseason, and again after he allowed just one hit in six innings while pitching for the Dominican in the World Baseball Classic in March. However, any interest has been muted by Martinez's asking price, which is believed to be $5 million for the season. The Cubs' apparent interest in Martinez is ..."
Harden throws 70 pitches in rehab start
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June 9
MLB.com
 
"Cubs right-hander Rich Harden, who has been on the disabled list since May 18 with a mid-back strain, tossed 4 1/3 innings in a rehab start for Triple-A Iowa on Monday. Harden allowed two runs, one earned, on three hits against the Round Rock Express while striking out six and walking two. He was removed in the fifth inning after throwing 70 pitches, 44 for strikes. Harden suffered from flu-like symptoms over the weekend but felt better on Monday and made his first rehab start for Iowa."
Cubs teammates not taking Carlos Zambrano's retirement talk seriously
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June 7
Chicago Tribune
 
"Few in the Cubs' clubhouse seem to take Carlos Zambrano's threat to retire seriously, though he insisted he's "gone" when his $91.5 million deal expires after his option year in 2013. "We've got to wait," Alfonso Soriano said. "A lot of people say they want to retire, and then when the last year comes, they sign for two more years. Mariano [ Rivera] in 2003 said he was going to retire, and he's played six more years. Roger Clemens, too. "A lot of people say it, and when the year comes, they say, 'I feel good. Maybe a couple more years.' " Manager Lou Piniella, however, said he believes Zambrano is telling the truth, at least for now. "I like it," Piniella said. "We'll see how he feels ..."
Zambrano: 'I'm out of here in five years'
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June 6
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"It's not often a pitcher earns his 100th career victory and then announces his retirement -- at age 28. But that's the bombshell Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano would have you believe based on what sounded like a serious response to a question about his 100th win, 2-1 over the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night, in the context of Randy Johnson's 300th a day earlier. ''For 300, me? No, I'll be out of here in five years,'' said Zambrano, who is three years younger than Johnson was when the Big Unit won his 100th. After his response drew laughter, Zambrano added, ''No, believe me. After this contract I'm done. ... I'm serious. Because I don't want to play anymore.'' Zambrano will be 32 when his ..."
Fox on the run
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June 2
Foxsports.com
 
"Cubs manager Lou Piniella joked the other day that he "almost got brave enough" to start Jake Fox at third base. Fox, 26, is eager to improve at third, working diligently with coaches Alan Trammell and Ivan DeJesus, telling Piniella, "it might not be pretty, but I'll get the job done." Yet, for all of Fox's efforts — and as badly as the Cubs need a productive replacement for Aramis Ramirez — it's doubtful Piniella will use him at third except in double switches and emergencies. The real mystery with Fox is why American League teams are not pursuing him. He is a below-average defender at first base, third and the outfield corners. But a guy who had 17 homers in 151 at-bats at Class AAA this ..."
Offseason surgery possible for Aramis Ramirez
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June 1
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Aramis Ramirez is aiming to rejoin the Cubs once play resumes after the All-Star break on July 16 -- if everything in his rehab work goes according to plan -- but offseason surgery remains a possibility for the All-Star third baseman who dislocated his left shoulder diving for a ball May 8. ''I'm working to get the strength back and, hopefully, I won't need surgery,'' Ramirez told the Sun-Times on Sunday. ''If at the end of the season, if it is still bothering me, then I'll have to do something. But if I rehab pretty good, and everything goes well, then I don't have to. ''If I have to have surgery, I'm going to have it right after the season. And I should be ready for the next season. I ..."
Astros' Roy Oswalt might like change of address
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May 31
Chicago Tribune
 
"Keep an eye on the relationship between Roy Oswalt and the Astros. He has been disappointed that the club hasn't made an attempt to land Jake Peavy and recently has seemed at odds with manager Cecil Cooper. Oswalt has a full no-trade clause but might not mind a chance to go to a contender. ... Peavy insists he could reconsider a White Sox trade later in the season. The Sox say they're open to the possibility, but it seems as much of a long shot as it did two weeks ago. ... Add the Yankees and Braves to the possible Mark DeRosa destinations. ... Credit new pitching coach Rick Knapp, catcher Gerald Laird and an improved infield defense, as much as newcomers Edwin Jackson and Rick ..."
Around the majors
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May 30
SI.com
 
"Rangers owner Tom Hicks' decision to put a majority stake in the team up for sale should not be shocking in light of all the financial reverses he has suffered within the past few years, and the contracts of Alex Rodriguez, Chan Ho Park and Kevin Millwood are the least of it. Hicks is in the TV business, which has hit the skids, plus he also purchased the Liverpool soccer team and got crushed (like the rest of the country) in the stock market. Hicks tried hard to win, I give him that. • The Giants are denying that they are dangling Matt Cain. But one competing exec said he wouldn't be stunned if they did dangle Cain, considering they have superb ace Tim Lincecum and lots more young ..."
Fallout from Peavy
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May 30
SI.com
 
"Peavy can't be blamed one bit for invoking the no-trade provision that was negotiated in good faith. But one GM on a competing team said he believes the very public selling of Peavy, accompanied by continued speculation about which teams Peavy might accept, could become "the death of the no-trade clause.'' That may be wishful thinking. But this clause has certainly led to months of angst and heartache for the Padres, who competitors believe are anxious now to be rid of the $60 million or so remaining on Peavy's deal. While Padres GM Kevin Towers arranged a trade with the White Sox to get left-handed pitching prospects Aaron Poreda and Clayton Richard, as well as two more pitchers (one NL ..."
Brewers GM Melvin says they aren't on trade market right now for 2nd baseman, starting pitcher
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May 30
Chicago Tribune
 
"Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said he's not talking to any teams about trades, dispelling the notion that Milwaukee is looking for a second baseman or in the hunt for Padres starter Jake Peavy. "We don't have any trade discussions going on with anybody," Melvin said Friday night before Milwaukee took on the Cincinnati Reds. Melvin said he spoke to the agents of a few free agent infielders the day after second baseman Rickie Weeks injured his wrist, but hasn't since. Weeks is out for the season after he was hurt swinging a bat on May 17 in Milwaukee's 8-2 win over St. Louis and later needed season-ending surgery on his left wrist. The Brewers have slumped lately since Weeks, the ..."
Tribune Co.'s Sam Zell casts doubts on Cubs sale
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May 29
Chicago Tribune
 
"Sam Zell, chairman and chief executive of Chicago Tribune parent Tribune Co., indicated Thursday that the sale of the Chicago Cubs baseball team to the Ricketts family is not a sure thing. "We've made it very public that the Cubs don't fit into the long-term picture of the Tribune," he said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. "So if the Ricketts deal doesn't get done, I'm sure there will be other ones." Zell's comments raise questions about Tribune Co.'s ability to close a deal many thought was a matter of course after the Chicago media company selected the Ricketts family's bid in January after a drawn-out auction. Zell had raised expectations in April that a transaction was ..."
Carlos Zambrano erupts in Chicago Cubs' win over Pittsburgh Pirates
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May 28
Chicago Tribune
 
"Carlos Zambrano received the official Milton Bradley seal of approval after being ejected on Wednesday and throwing a temper tantrum for the ages in the Cubs' 5-2 victory over Pittsburgh. "That was pretty impressive," Bradley said. "It was on a Bradley level." That it was, and soon the Cubs will find out whether Zambrano's tantrum will be grounds for suspension. After arguing with plate umpire Mark Carlson after Nyjer Morgan stuck his left hand around Zambrano's tag to score the tying run in the seventh inning, Zambrano made contact with Carlson, putting his shoulder into the umpire. Zambrano could be suspended for as many as 10 games for his conduct, depending on the review of the ..."
Trade winds begin as a breeze
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May 27
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Last week's Jake Peavy(notes) near-trade demonstrated that not only will the Padres' ace dictate his relocation terms, but that the annual swapping season will heat up well before the July 31 trading deadline. Here are some developments to watch in the coming days and weeks: • The New York Mets retain keen interest in Washington Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson(notes), to the point where the Nationals have scouts watching the Mets' Triple-A team in Buffalo, N.Y., and Double-A team in Binghamton, N.Y., evaluating pitchers Jon Niese, Mike Antonini and Eddie Kunz(notes) among others. The Mets need a first baseman because Carlos Delgado(notes) could be out for two months after hip surgery. ..."
Kouzmanoff might be a fit for Cubs
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May 25
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"So far, Mike Fontenot, Bobby Scales and Ryan Freel haven't been the answers to covering third base for the Cubs in the significant absence of Aramis Ramirez. But could the other guy who played third during the Cubs' series over the weekend be a solution? Forget Jake Peavy; the Cubs might make better use San Diego third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff, a player the Padres have indicated a willingness to move. Nothing appears imminent, and if the Cubs can't make a move like that in next couple of weeks, the value of adding a replacement for Ramirez starts dropping with each stage of rehab Ramirez completes. But the Cubs acknowledge a potential fit, although they say they think Fontenot, in ..."
Jake Peavy knows he's wanted in Chicago
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May 24
Chicago Tribune
 
"Whether Jake Peavy will ever wear a Cubs uniform is unknown, but there's little doubt where most Cubs fans stand on the issue. From the bleachers of Wrigley Field to the concourse of the United Center, where he took in a Blackhawks playoff game during the Padres' recent trip to Chicago, Peavy has been welcomed with open arms. "I had a warm reception in Chicago and I certainly appreciated that," Peavy said. "There are certainly Cubs fans everywhere, and I've heard from a couple of them here in San Diego." After watching Peavy strike out 10 Cubs hitters in six innings on Friday, Cubs manager Lou Piniella lamented that the trade to the Sox didn't come off. "If the White Sox had gotten him, ..."
Soriano to second? Piniella pondering it
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May 22
MLB.com
 
"The Cubs don't have many backup options at third base with Aramis Ramirez sidelined at least one month because of a dislocated shoulder. Lou Piniella has been considering the possibilities. "The only other option we would have -- and you all are going to like this one -- is move [Alfonso] Soriano to second and [Micah] Hoffpauir to left," Piniella said Thursday. "Hopefully, it doesn't get to that. That, again, is a measure of last resort." What has to happen for the Cubs to do that? "We'll explore all our other options [first]," Piniella said. "I feel very comfortable with our outfield with Soriano in left field. I want to get Hoffpauir in the lineup. I want to give everybody else the ..."
Jake Peavy rejecting White Sox doesn't change Cubs' situation
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May 22
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Cubs position on Jake Peavy after the Padres right-hander vetoed a proposed deal to the White Sox was exactly the same as it was five months ago. They like Peavy and they'd love to have Peavy, but until the Ricketts family takes over the team, general manager Jim Hendry will not assume that Tom Ricketts is willing to take on Peavy's $63 million contract. Hendry declined to talk about Peavy on Thursday, saying it was "inappropriate" to discuss another team's player. Hendry hasn't spoken to Ricketts since the first homestand of the season and has not keep him apprised of player moves. The Ricketts are finalizing the financing necessary to close out their $900 million purchase of the ..."
Ricketts lines up financing for Cubs deal
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May 19
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Corporate bond dealer Thomas Ricketts is close to finalizing terms of his nearly $900 million purchase of the Chicago Cubs from Tribune Co. But his friends shouldn't start hassling him for tickets yet. Complications in the process, including Tribune's Chapter 11 bankruptcy, should keep the sale from being approved until the heat of this year's pennant race, if then. Sources said Ricketts has lined up $350 million in bank financing for the acquisition. They said the money is coming from JPMorgan Chase & Co., Citigroup Inc. and Bank of America Corp. All three banks are Tribune creditors because they provided financing for owner Sam Zell's $8.2 billion Tribune buyout. The deal closed in ..."
Carpenter may start Wednesday
Comment
May 17
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Friday night's postponement against Milwaukee may cause the Cardinals to bring Chris Carpenter off the disabled list as early as Wednesday against the Chicago Cubs rather than Friday as planned against Kansas City. Manager Tony La Russa broadly hinted at the move Saturday morning while discussing the complications posed by the rainout and Monday's make-up against the Brewers. "He's one of the guys we're considering," La Russa said. La Russa suggested Friday night that Kyle Lohse would return on short rest after making a two-inning appearance before Friday's downpour. Lohse is tentatively scheduled to work Monday night's make-up if he reports Sunday that he is sufficiently recovered. Joel ..."
Carlos Zambrano right on target to return from disabled list
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May 14
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Carlos Zambrano, on the disabled list with a strained hamstring, threw a strong bullpen session Wednesday and remains on track for a weekend rehab start and return to the starting rotation a week from Friday in San Diego. ''It's encouraging,'' manager Lou Piniella said. ''The news was good. He's ready to pitch.'' Zambrano also jogged in the outfield Wednesday before throwing, and he'll do some fielding drills and light running on the bases today before heading to Florida for his rehab start with Class A Daytona. Silent treatment The Cubs and Milton Bradley still had no ruling -- and no explanation for the delay -- from Major League Baseball on Bradley's appeal of a two-game suspension for ..."
Cubs targeting May 22 for Carlos Zambrano's return
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May 13
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The Cubs plan to send injured pitcher Carlos Zambrano to Florida for a rehab start this weekend, and they've targeted a May 22 return to the rotation in the opener of a series at San Diego. Zambrano, who strained his left hamstring beating out a bunt single May 3, is eligible to return from the disabled list Tuesday. But by pushing back his return, during a week with a day off, the Cubs are able to avoid prolonged down time for the other starters. It also allows Piniella to have an extra reliever in the bullpen that week because Sean Marshall or Randy Wells will move from the rotation to the bullpen upon Zambrano's return. The Wells/Marshall spot falls on the day before the Cubs plan to ..."
Ruling on Milton Bradley's suspension expected today
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May 13
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Major League Baseball is expected to hand down its ruling today on Milton Bradley's appeal of his two-game suspension for allegedly making contact with umpire Larry Vanover while arguing a strike call April 16. Bradley's two-hour appeal was heard last week in Houston. If any of the suspension is upheld, he would be forced to sit out tonight against the San Diego Padres, fresh off his game-changing home run Tuesday. Either way, he seems ready for resolution. ''I think I stated my case well,'' said Bradley, who has six hits in his last 17 at-bats (.353) with three walks and two homers. ''I think the umpire's report and story doesn't match the videotape, and hopefully they see that and just ..."
Derrek Lee better, might return vs. Jake Peavy
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May 12
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The Cubs appear on the verge of getting Derrek Lee back in the lineup as they open their three-game series tonight against the San Diego Padres. They just hope his return doesn't coincide with Milton Bradley being forced to sit out one or two games in the series. Lee, who has missed the last five games after aggravating the bulging disc in his neck, has ''significantly improved,'' according to the team, and new MRI exam results revealed no additional damage and nothing to suggest long-term injury. An anti-inflammatory injection was not deemed necessary, and Lee may return for tonight's series opener against Jake Peavy. Lee also missed time about two weeks ago because of the neck pain -- ..."
Commissioner's office to review Ryan Dempster-Ryan Braun at-bat
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May 12
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Cubs didn't put up much of a fight when an up-and-in pitch by Ryan Dempster was ruled to have grazed Ryan Braun's helmet instead of his bat during the fifth inning of Saturday night's game at Miller Park. But they're expected to put up a big fight if Major League Baseball decides to penalize Dempster for the incident. MLB sources said the commissioner's office will review the Dempster-Braun at-bat after Milwaukee manager Ken Macha accused Dempster of throwing at Braun's head. Umpire Jerry Crawford, who ruled the pitch hit Braun, issued no warning afterward. And he didn't issue one after Ryan Theriot was hit later in the game. But Macha told reporters on Saturday that MLB disciplinarian ..."
Chad Fox's trip to DL may be his last for Cubs
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May 11
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"After storybook comebacks the last two seasons from multiple elbow injuries and surgeries, right-hander Chad Fox knows he may have written the final chapter of his pitching career when felt pain like a ''hammer into my elbow'' Saturday night. On Sunday he became the third Cub to go on the disabled list in a week, joining pitcher Carlos Zambrano (hamstring) and third baseman Aramis Ramirez (shoulder). Replacing Fox on the roster and in the struggling bullpen is right-hander Jose Ascanio, recalled from Class AAA Iowa on Sunday after pitching well in the starting rotation for Iowa. Fox, 38, plans to have an X-ray on the elbow today in Chicago before deciding what to do next. He may fly to ..."
Chicago Cubs acquire Ryan Freel
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May 9
Chicago Tribune
 
"Ryan Freel was acquired Friday from Baltimore to be a supersub in the infield and outfield. But after Aramis Ramirez went down in the third inning of Friday's game with a dislocated left shoulder, Freel may go right into the starting lineup Saturday night at third base. The Cubs acquired Freel from the Orioles for outfielder Joey Gathright and cash considerations, giving manager Lou Piniella the reserve infielder he has been asking for since Ramirez injured his calf two weeks ago in St. Louis. Freel is expected to back up in all the outfield spots and at second and third base. "Plus, when we play our right-handed lineup, when he's not in there, we'll have a right-hand bat sitting on our ..."
Ticket to minors looms for Cubs' Joey Gathright
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May 8
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"It took a month of on-again, off-again baseball, with their depth stretched to the limit much of that time, for the Cubs to give up the luxury of a speed specialist for a better-balanced bench. To make room on the roster for pitcher Randy Wells to start tonight, the Cubs plan to send speedy outfielder Joey Gathright to the minors this afternoon -- if he accepts the assignment -- when the waiver period on him expires, sources confirmed Thursday. Gathright, who's hitting .214 in 14 at-bats, has enough service time to refuse the assignment and become a free agent, but he would give up the remainder of his $800,000 salary. The Cubs have discussed the move with Gathright's representatives the ..."
Milton Bradley to get hearing in Houston
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May 6
Chicago Tribune
 
"Three weeks after incurring a two-game suspension for making contact with an umpire, Milton Bradley finally will have his appeal heard during the Cubs' two-game trip to Houston. Bradley will meet with Major League Baseball disciplinarian Bob Watson, perhaps as soon as Wednesday, in hopes of having his suspension lifted. Though Bradley was injured much of the last three weeks and could have taken the suspension without having to miss any extra time, he decided to appeal "on principle," believing he was being treated unfairly for his vehement protest of umpire Larry Vanover's called third strike. Videotapes of the incident show Bradley barely touching the bill of Vanover's cap during his ..."
Aramis Ramirez: Cubs' third baseman expected back Monday
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May 4
Chicago Tribune
 
"With Aramis Ramirez expected back for Monday night's game against the Giants, the Cubs will have their Opening Day 3-4-5 hitters -- Derrek Lee, Milton Bradley and Ramirez -- in the lineup for the first time since April 12. Of course, things have changed since then and manager Lou Piniella now says, "I think we're going to change the combo a little." Piniella would not reveal his exact thinking but said he liked Kosuke Fukudome batting third behind Ryan Theriot. Most likely, Lee would bat fourth, Ramirez fifth and the switch-hitting Bradley, whose average is .116, sixth. The heavyweights: Theriot and Mike Fontenot have been teammates for years, dating back to their NCAA championship days ..."