header-emailNEWSLETTER
BN Chicago Cubs Lukewarm Stove: Headley, Fujikawa, Stanton,....

Lukewarm Stove: Headley, Fujikawa, Stanton, Garza, Blue Jays Selling, Price

Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
May 02, 2013
Chicago Cubs

stoveA few rumor-y bits for your pre-game consumption …

  • Gordon Wittenmyer writes about the possibility of Chase Headley down the road for the Cubs, since Headley is in town (and looking good, as usual). Headley’s a great player at a position of need, but feels like a bad fit for a variety of reasons. For one thing, if he’s traded by the Padres, it’s almost certainly going to be this Summer, and it won’t be to the Cubs. If that happens, who knows how much his new team will offer him in an extension? If he’s not traded, there’s always the possibility of the Padres digging deep to keep Headley, who has become something of the face of the franchise. He loves being in San Diego, and might accept a slight discount to stay. If he does end up testing the free agent waters after 2014, there are new tricky issues. For one thing, the Cubs might have a long-term third baseman by then – maybe Javier Baez is ready, and he or Starlin Castro is manning third. Maybe someone surprising like Junior Lake, Christian Villanueva, Josh Vitters, Luis Valbuena, or Ian Stewart (hey, I said surprising) emerges as a long-term option by then. Headley turns 31 in that 2015 season, which would be his first with the Cubs if they signed him to a long-term deal in free agency. If the Cubs are good in 2015, which they could be, and a third baseman hasn’t already emerged, then maybe he does make some sense. But it’s early, early, early.
  • Bruce Levine chatted at ESPNChicago, and among his thoughts: (1) When Kyuji Fujikawa comes back off of the disabled list, Bruce thinks there’s a chance the Cubs may try to get Michael Bowden through waivers once again (my guess is Kameron Loe, for whatever that’s worth); (2) Bruce’s guess on total players traded by the Cubs before the Trade Deadline is three to five (sounds about right to me, though I’d lean toward the three end of that spectrum, simply because it’s hard to put together that many deals); (3) Giancarlo Stanton’s desirability in trade could be taking a hit with his injury issues (it is fair to say that, when a young player has knee issues and hamstring issues in close proximity, it makes you nervous); (4) Bruce thinks June 1 is an optimistic timetable for a Matt Garza return – here’s hoping he’s back earlier than that; (5) Travis Wood has been a “special project” of Chris Bosio’s, making it less likely that the Cubs will be interested in trading him, even if his value is high; (6) David DeJesus is more valuable to the Cubs over the next two months than whatever he’d net in trade (I’m not sure exactly what Bruce means here – if he’s saying the Cubs should hold onto DeJesus at least until July, then I don’t have a huge beef with it – though I’d say, as soon as a team makes you an acceptable offer for DeJesus or Alfonso Soriano, pull the trigger); and (7) the Cubs don’t have the players to get David Price, unless they part with Javier Baez plus more (which, well, yeah – that’d be the starting point).
  • Tim Dierkes also chatted over at MLBTR, and … (1) If Tim’s guess of 10% for the Blue Jays’ playoff odds is accurate, they might become surprise sellers this Summer; (2) that could put Josh Johnson on the market, which could give the Cubs some pitching competition on the trade market; (3) the Cubs might have to include two of Soler/Baez/Almora in a deal for Price, and, if so, Tim doesn’t see the Cubs doing that for two years of Price (I agree, though I’d add a couple subpoints: the Cubs wouldn’t deal for Price at all unless they were very certain they could extend him, and it’s too early to say the Cubs couldn’t land him without including two of that trio – it might only take one, and then a whole lot else); (4) like Bruce, Tim sees Stanton’s trade value as having taken a hit; and (5) Matt Garza won’t be traded before he shows at least two or three healthy, effective starts in the big leagues.

    • Read More

    written by

    Brett Taylor

    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

    Cubs Lineup
    Chicago Cubs

    Chicago Cubs Lineup: Ian Happ Back in, PCA Sits

    CUBS LINEUP — The Chicago Cubs are back at Wrigley Field tonight against the Pirates, facing a 22-year-old fireballer who threw six strong innings against them last weekend, Jared Jones. Here's a look at the Cubs lineup for the rematch...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    May 16, 2024
    Rockies Jake Cave
    Chicago Cubs

    MLBits: Red-Hot Rockies, Sticky Stuff Suspension, Salvy’s Patience Paying Off, More

    The longest active winning streak in baseball belongs to ... the Rockies. More on the red-hot Rox and more in today's MLB Notes. The Red-Hot Rockies? A little over a week ago, the Rockies were 8-28. Since then, they've won...

    Patrick K. Flowers Patrick K. Flowers
    May 16, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    The Cubs Are Coming Home to Face the Pirates

    Cubs vs Pirates — There's going to be a little deja vu here for the next week, as the Cubs play seven straight games against the Pirates and Braves after just wrapping up six games against ... the Pirates and...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    May 16, 2024
    Cubs Farm Report
    Chicago Cubs

    Cubs Farm Report | May 16, 2024: Brennan Davis Goes Yard in Iowa Loss

    Brennan Davis' fifth home run of the season was not enough for the Iowa Cubs on Wednesday as they fell to the Syracuse Mets in a rain-shortened affair. That and more in today's Cubs Farm Report. Cubs Farm Report |...

    Patrick K. Flowers Patrick K. Flowers
    May 16, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Javier Assad is the Definition of Pitchability

    Like his rotation-mate Shota Imanaga, Javier Assad has reached the point where, after every single start, you want to say the same thing: wow, that was awesome, this guy is good. It gets a little stale, in an extremely desirable...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 16, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Joe Buck is Returning to the Booth to Call a Cubs-Cardinals Game

    I know that Joe Buck is a polarizing broadcaster. Some people love him. Some people hate him. I also know that he seems to have gone through phases in his career where there were stretches I thought he was mutably...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 16, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Pete Crow-Armstrong Put on a Show, and Continues to Make a Strong Case for Continued Playing Time

    Pete Crow-Armstrong put on a show last night, which I mean in the most literal sense. It was more like a performance than a baseball game. Bases-loaded HBP while showing bunt? OK, sure. Running easily to first on a dropped...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 16, 2024
    Chicago Bears

    Northwestern Returns to Wrigley Field TWICE This Fall

    Northwestern will be making a return to Wrigley Field not just once this season, but twice! Due to the construction of their brand new football stadium, the Cats will be playing five of their seven home games at its temporary...

    Matt Rooney Matt Rooney
    May 16, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Impressive Fill-In Guys, Bullpen Health, Roberts, Javy, and Other Cubs Bullets

    The Cubs come back home from the Pittsburgh-Atlanta road trip having split it 3-3, and I gotta say, that's a pretty solid outcome when (1) you're facing Jones and Skenes, (2) you're playing three in Atlanta where they'd lost just...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 16, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Brennen Davis Homered Again, Back-to-Back with B.J. Murray Jr. (Whom We Should Discuss)

    Just about as soon as I could talk about how Brennen Davis had homered for the third time in four games, he homered AGAIN, making it four times in five games. And this time, just for fun, B.J. Murray Jr....

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 16, 2024
    More Posts

    Latest News

    bears draft pick Austin booker
    Chicago Bears

    Austin Booker is the Third Bears Draft Pick to Sign Their Rookie Deal

    Another one is in the books for the Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft class as the team announced that Austin Booker has signed his rookie deal. This is what it looked like when Booker put pen to paper at Halas...

    Luis C. Medina Luis C. Medina
    May 16, 2024
    Vikings 2024 Schedule
    NFL

    Minnesota Vikings Schedule: Dates and Times for All 17 Games, Strength of Schedule, Record Prediction

    Under the helm of third-year coach Kevin O'Connell, the Minnesota Vikings embark on a new chapter. The departure of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who led the team for six years, marks a significant transition. During Cousins' tenure, the Vikings attained...

    Patrick K. Flowers Patrick K. Flowers
    May 16, 2024
    Cubs Lineup
    Chicago Cubs

    Chicago Cubs Lineup: Ian Happ Back in, PCA Sits

    CUBS LINEUP — The Chicago Cubs are back at Wrigley Field tonight against the Pirates, facing a 22-year-old fireballer who threw six strong innings against them last weekend, Jared Jones. Here's a look at the Cubs lineup for the rematch...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    May 16, 2024
    Dolphins 2024 Schedule
    NFL

    Miami Dolphins Schedule: Dates and Times for All 17 Games, Strength of Schedule, Record Prediction

    The top-ranked offense in the NFL from last season is back, led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Additionally, they've bolstered their roster during the offseason by adding talent such as Odell Beckham Jr.,...

    Patrick K. Flowers Patrick K. Flowers
    May 16, 2024
    Indianapolis Colts 2024 Schedule
    NFL

    Indianapolis Colts Schedule: Dates and Times for All 17 Games, Strength of Schedule, Record Prediction

    The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2024 season with their eyes set on the playoffs. With a healthy Anthony Richardson at quarterback and a bolstered receiving core, optimism hangs heavy over Lucas Oil Stadium. Let's delve into their 2024 NFL schedule...

    Brian Twining Brian Twining
    May 16, 2024
    bears qb Caleb Williams
    Chicago Bears

    NFL Schedule-makers Gifted Caleb Williams and the Bears a Soft Landing

    If Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears get off to a good start this season, someone at Halas Hall should send a gift basket of Italian beef, tavern-style pizza, hot dogs, sport pepper Malört, and other Chicago delicacies to the...

    Luis C. Medina Luis C. Medina
    May 16, 2024
    Texans NFL Free Agency Winners and Losers
    NFL

    Houston Texans Schedule: Dates and Times for All 17 Games, Strength of Schedule, Record Prediction

    The Houston Texans were the surprise team of the season last year thanks to the emergence of rookies C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. and an excellent job by rookie head coach and offensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans and Bobby Slowik....

    Patrick K. Flowers Patrick K. Flowers
    May 16, 2024
    New England Patriots 2024 Schedule
    NFL

    New England Patriots Schedule: Dates and Times for All 17 Games, Strength of Schedule, Record Prediction

    The New England Patriots are coming off their worst season in over three decades and have officially turned the page on the Belichick-Brady era by hiring Jerod Mayo as their new head coach. They’ve also hit the reset button at...

    Brian Twining Brian Twining
    May 16, 2024
    2024 NFL Schedule Release Videos
    Chicago Bears

    My Favorite 2024 NFL Schedule Release Videos

    Schedule release day in the NFL is one of my favorite non-game days of the year. NFL social media teams work hard to create entertaining videos revealing their teams' schedules for the upcoming season. Here are my favorite 2024 NFL...

    Patrick K. Flowers Patrick K. Flowers
    May 16, 2024
    NFL

    San Francisco 49ers Schedule: Dates and Times for All 17 Games, Strength of Schedule, Record Prediction

    Brock Purdy led the San Francisco 49ers to an NFC Championship and their second Super Bowl appearance in the last five years in 2023. Will they pick up where they left off and continue to dominate the NFC this season?...

    Brian Twining Brian Twining
    May 16, 2024
    More Posts

    more cubs news

    Cubs Lineup

    Chicago Cubs Lineup: Ian Happ Back in, PCA Sits

    Rockies Jake Cave

    MLBits: Red-Hot Rockies, Sticky Stuff Suspension, Salvy’s Patience Paying Off, More

    The Cubs Are Coming Home to Face the Pirates

    Javier Assad is the Definition of Pitchability

    Cubs Farm Report

    Cubs Farm Report | May 16, 2024: Brennan Davis Goes Yard in Iowa Loss

    Joe Buck is Returning to the Booth to Call a Cubs-Cardinals Game

    Pete Crow-Armstrong Put on a Show, and Continues to Make a Strong Case for Continued Playing Time

    Northwestern Returns to Wrigley Field TWICE This Fall

    Impressive Fill-In Guys, Bullpen Health, Roberts, Javy, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Brennen Davis Homered Again, Back-to-Back with B.J. Murray Jr. (Whom We Should Discuss)

    More Posts

    Most Popular

    Most Popular

    Angels Manager Ron Washington Threw Luis Guillorme Under the Bus, Then Drove the Bus, Then Backed Over Him Again

    Cubs Announce Their Upcoming Rotation, Answering Some Role Questions Along the Way

    NHL Mock Draft Roundup: More Blackhawks Pick Projections

    Curt Casali Has Opted Out of His Cubs Deal and is Already Starting Tonight for the Giants

    FanGraphs Just Dropped a Top-47 Cubs Prospects List

    Salvage the Finale, Nico’s Hammy, Mastrobuoni and Vazquez, Hilarious Harry Story, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Brennen Davis Rejoined Cubs’ Top-30 and Celebrated with Another Dinger (UPDATE: Just Did It AGAIN!)

    Jorge Soler with the Worst Possible Luck in His First BP Session Trying to Return from the IL

    Latest News

    bears draft pick Austin booker

    Austin Booker is the Third Bears Draft Pick to Sign Their Rookie Deal

    Vikings 2024 Schedule

    Minnesota Vikings Schedule: Dates and Times for All 17 Games, Strength of Schedule, Record Prediction

    Cubs Lineup

    Chicago Cubs Lineup: Ian Happ Back in, PCA Sits

    Dolphins 2024 Schedule

    Miami Dolphins Schedule: Dates and Times for All 17 Games, Strength of Schedule, Record Prediction

    Indianapolis Colts 2024 Schedule

    Indianapolis Colts Schedule: Dates and Times for All 17 Games, Strength of Schedule, Record Prediction

    bears qb Caleb Williams

    NFL Schedule-makers Gifted Caleb Williams and the Bears a Soft Landing

    Texans NFL Free Agency Winners and Losers

    Houston Texans Schedule: Dates and Times for All 17 Games, Strength of Schedule, Record Prediction

    New England Patriots 2024 Schedule

    New England Patriots Schedule: Dates and Times for All 17 Games, Strength of Schedule, Record Prediction

    2024 NFL Schedule Release Videos

    My Favorite 2024 NFL Schedule Release Videos

    San Francisco 49ers Schedule: Dates and Times for All 17 Games, Strength of Schedule, Record Prediction

    beard preseason game

    Ope! The Bears Also Announced Their 2024 Preseason Schedule

    The Cubs Are Coming Home to Face the Pirates

    Dodgers vs. Reds Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, May 16, 2024

    Anthony Edwards Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Nuggets – Conference Semifinals Game 6, Thursday, May 16, 2024

    Nikola Jokic Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Timberwolves – Conference Semifinals Game 6, Thursday, May 16, 2024

    More Posts

    Most Popular

    Most Popular

    Angels Manager Ron Washington Threw Luis Guillorme Under the Bus, Then Drove the Bus, Then Backed Over Him Again

    Cubs Announce Their Upcoming Rotation, Answering Some Role Questions Along the Way

    NHL Mock Draft Roundup: More Blackhawks Pick Projections

    Curt Casali Has Opted Out of His Cubs Deal and is Already Starting Tonight for the Giants

    FanGraphs Just Dropped a Top-47 Cubs Prospects List

    Salvage the Finale, Nico’s Hammy, Mastrobuoni and Vazquez, Hilarious Harry Story, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Brennen Davis Rejoined Cubs’ Top-30 and Celebrated with Another Dinger (UPDATE: Just Did It AGAIN!)

    Jorge Soler with the Worst Possible Luck in His First BP Session Trying to Return from the IL

    21 Play Responsibly
    Gamble Aware West Virginia
    Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.