Early Morning Edwin Jackson and Carlos Villanueva Update

Once it became clear that nothing was going to break last night, I packed it in (intermittently awaking in the middle of the night to check my phone, because I can’t help myself). Although nothing formal did break overnight, there were some additional whispers – so here’s your early morning update:

  • Dave Kaplan says the Cubs are looking finalize their deal with Carlos Villanueva, which I presume means as soon as today. Villanueva – not Edwin Jackson – was the back-up plan to which Kap referred last week during the Anibal Sanchez madness. That is to say, the Cubs put their pursuit of Villanueva on hold when it looked like they might get Sanchez.
  • … which means that the Cubs have always been in pursuit of, and wanted, Edwin Jackson. Let yourself consider the possibility of adding both Jackson and Sanchez, but only for a moment, for it will make you the sadz.
  • Kap adds that the Cubs are trying to get a deal done with Jackson to show improvement in 2013, which will help entice free agents next year when they actually look to spend big. I like that plan so long as it doesn’t prohibit them from flipping assets for prospects mid-season if it looks like the 2013 team is not competitive. I’m not interested in seeing the Cubs lose 100 again, but I’m also not interested in seeing them hold onto everyone just so they can finish 70-92.
  • Matt Garza made it to Twitter last night, but didn’t welcome either Villanueva or Jackson to the Cubs. Instead, he pulled the cryptic card on us, tweeting first that he wondered what uniform number Jackson is going to wear (he most recently wore 33, but he’s bounced around numbers, including a pit stop on 22 – Garza’s current number). When a fan cautioned Matt not to jinx things, Garza tweeted that he “know[s] something you don’t know.” The two played a season together back in 2008 in Tampa Bay, so perhaps they’re friends. It’s interesting, but this is definitely something short of confirmation. Keep in mind: Garza is aware of the fascination the fans have with this stuff, and he’s a fun-loving guy.
  • Jim Bowden reported that the Cubs are the front-runner for Jackson, and the offer is believed to be in the four-year, $52 million range. That’s the ballpark I’d projected, too, so I buy that part. Bowden reported a couple days ago that it was down to the Cubs and Rangers, and recent reports have suggested that the Rangers have bowed out, so Bowden could be on the money here. To be fair, however, he hasn’t had a great track record in recent years, so I’ll consider this to be just a little more smoke, and nothing more.
  • UPDATE: Buster Olney just now said that the Cubs have made “strong progress” on a four-year, $52 million deal for Jackson.
  • There’s a report floating around from “Carl Butts” on Twitter that Villanueva’s deal with the Cubs will be two years for $8.5 million plus a $6.5 million mutual option with a $1 million buyout. That may well end up being the case, but I have some suspicions about Carl. His Twitter bio says that he used to write for FanGraphs (I can find no articles), and that he currently writes for the L.A. Times (I can find no bylines and no bio). His Twitter profile image is a stock photo of a guy holding a phone, which is used in a bunch of insurance company literature. So, that could all mean that he’s super anonymous (but pretends as though he’s not being anonymous), or that it’s completely bogus. I’ll leave that to you, discerning reader.
  • If the Cubs do manage to add both Villanueva and Jackson, we’ll have to get back to the roster crunch: even before adding Nate Schierholtz, the Cubs are at 40. That would make three spots the Cubs have to clear. They could dump a fringe arm or two, but will have some tough choices to make on guys like Steve Clevenger and Tony Campana. You’d like to see a trade, but obviously other teams have crowded 40-man rosters, too.
  • written by

    Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

    more cubs news

    REPORT: Cubs to Call Up Infield Prospect Luis Vazquez

    A surprising report tonight ahead of tomorrow's off-day for the Chicago Cubs. Another infielder is coming up, and he'd be making his big league debut in the process. It's defensive stud Luis Vazquez, a guy whom many had been calling...

    Enhanced Box Score: Pirates 3, Cubs 2 – May 19, 2024

    The brutal, brutal run for the Chicago Cubs' offense continued today. It's really hard to win that way, and even harder to watch. Jameson Taillon was a touch better than his line today, without a lot of defensive help behind...

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    CUBS LINEUP — Well, the good news is that the Cubs have an off-day tomorrow and Dansby Swanson is targeting a Tuesday return from the IL. So no matter what, this SHOULD be the last day the Cubs middle infield...

    Enjoying the Actual Walk-Off, Morel History, Leiter and Neris, Holy Brennen Davis, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Despite everything, the Cubs are still three games up for the second Wild Card spot at the moment (and two games back in the NL Central). That's not a going-forward projection, it's just some context. The drama around the call...

    The Pirates Can Be As Mad As They Like, But That Call Was Correct

    If I were a catcher and wanted to record an out, I would simply not drop the ball. It's a jokey line, sure, but it's also correct in relation to yesterday's controversial conclusion. I think after seeing the replays of...

    Wake Up and Watch Shota Imanaga Dominate and the Cubs Walk It Off

    The Cubs pulled out a win in the bottom of the 9th yesterday, when Christopher Morel drove in Cody Bellinger to walk it off. The Pirates were undoubtedly displeased about the controversial ending, as it looked like Bellinger had been...

    The Cubs Walk It Off on a Weird Play at the Plate!

    Whew. That game was kinda dumb, but I tell you, the ending sure was fun. And also weird! So, to set the stage, the Pirates and Cubs' offenses could do nothing all day long. The game was still 0-0 in...

    Brennen Davis FREAKING DID IT AGAIN! AND THEN HE DID IT AGAIN AFTER THAT!

    This guy. What do I even say? I was already kinda buzzy when Brennen Davis homered again - a grand slam - for the fifth time in six games, and sixth time in eight games. THAT IS RIDICULOUS. https://twitter.com/IowaCubs/status/1791967453888598441 Truly...

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 1, Pirates 0 – May 18, 2024

    What matters most is that the Cubs won the game. And it was a fun ending, too. So I'm happy. But I also do feel a little frustrated - or concerned might be the better word - as I'm sure...

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    CUBS LINEUP — Losing to the Braves (and then Jared Jones and Paul Skenes), when you have 10 people on the IL, including your entire middle infield, is not really that concerning to me. It sucks and banking losses is...

    Latest News

    How to Watch Royals vs. Tigers: Live Stream or on TV

    On Monday, Michael Wacha will take the mound for the Kansas City Royals (29-19) against Reese Olson and the Detroit Tigers (23-23), with first pitch scheduled for 7:40 PM ET at Kauffman Stadium.The article below will provide you with everything...

    Panthers vs. Rangers Stanley Cup Semifinals Game 1 Prediction: Odds, Picks, Best Bets – Wednesday, May 22, 2024

    The oddsmakers are predicting a close contest between the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers on Wednesday in New York City, with the Panthers given moneyline odds of -115 and the Rangers at -105.Watch the NHL on Fubo!Panthers vs. Rangers...

    How to Watch Astros vs. Angels: Live Stream or on TV

    The Houston Astros (21-26), with Framber Valdez on the mound, host the Los Angeles Angels (18-29) who will start Reid Detmers, at 8:10 PM ET on Monday.Keep reading to find out how to watch the Houston-Los Angeles matchup in the...

    How to Watch Braves vs. Padres: Live Stream or on TV

    The Atlanta Braves (26-15), led by Marcell Ozuna, host Jurickson Profar and the San Diego Padres (23-24) on Monday at 12:20 PM ET.See how to watch the Atlanta-San Diego matchup below.When is Braves vs. Padres and when does it start?This...

    Cardinals vs. Orioles: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The St. Louis Cardinals (20-26), with Sonny Gray on the hill, host the Baltimore Orioles (29-15) who will start Dean Kremer, at 7:45 PM ET on Monday in a series opener.Find out how to watch the St. Louis-Baltimore matchup below.When...

    Twins vs. Nationals: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Pablo Lopez takes the ball for the Minnesota Twins (24-22) when they visit starter Mitchell Parker and the Washington Nationals (20-25) at 6:45 PM ET on Monday.If you're trying to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and TV options...

    Brewers vs. Marlins: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    On Monday, in a series opener at LoanDepot park, Joe Ross takes the mound for the Milwaukee Brewers (27-19) against Ryan Weathers and the Miami Marlins (15-33), with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 PM ET.Keep reading to find out all...

    Rays vs. Red Sox: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Taj Bradley will take the ball for the Tampa Bay Rays (25-23) when they host starter Tanner Houck and the Boston Red Sox (23-24) in a series opener on Monday, with first pitch at 6:50 PM ET.Keep reading to find...

    How to Watch Guardians vs. Mets: Live Stream or on TV

    Ben Lively will take the ball for the Cleveland Guardians (30-17) when they host starter Tylor Megill and the New York Mets (21-25) on Monday, with first pitch at 6:10 PM ET.The article below will give you everything you need...

    Yankees vs. Mariners: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Marcus Stroman takes the mound for the New York Yankees (33-15) when they host starter Logan Gilbert and the Seattle Mariners (25-22) at 7:05 PM ET on Monday.Keep reading to find out all the details on how to watch New...

    more cubs news