Lukewarm Stove: Cubs’ Aggressiveness, Fielder, Pujols, Buehrle, Soler, Blue Jays

In recent years, the week leading up to the Winter Meetings has been almost as fertile for transactions as the week of the Meetings, itself. Things can move fast, particularly with a tight-lipped front office like the Cubs now have. Keep up with the latest with Bleacher Nation on Facebook and on Twitter. On to the stove…

  • Former executive turned commentator Jim Bowden recently said the Cubs “have been very aggressive with a wide range of free agents and have been in on trade talks with at least a dozen clubs,” which is unsurprising given the new front office blood, and the commensurate change in philosophy. But Bowden adds, “what’s been interesting is, for a club that struggled so much in 2011, the conversations have not been limited to long-term solutions, but rather, they’ve included everyone from prospects to one-year stop-gap players.” Bowden’s take jives with seemingly conflicting rumors – trading Garza? signing Buehrle? trading Soto? signing Fielder? – as the Cubs are undoubtedly exploring all avenues to improve the team both in the near and long term. As I’ve said repeatedly, there is nothing intrinsically inconsistent with the idea that the Cubs could trade Matt Garza, on the one hand, and still work hard to put together an improved big league team in 2012.
  • Yahoo’s Jeff Passan, who has been killing it this offseason, has a long piece on the upcoming free agency binge, as the Winter Meetings approach. In it, he discusses the expected funneling of would-be amateur dollars into big league payrolls after the implementation of the new CBA. He can’t decide whether that extra money will mean players want to sign quickly, hoping to cash in before the broader implications of the CBA are more fully understood, or whether they’ll wait longer than usual, hoping the market it set at an inordinately high level. I can’t decide either, but, whatever the case, I wouldn’t be surprised to see free agent salaries increase markedly over the next few years – starting this Winter.
  • In the same piece, Passan speculates that the changes could increase the chances that the Cubs pony up for a big-time free agent like Prince Fielder or Albert Pujols (the latter of whom Passan says is “100 percent certain” to return to the Cards, an executive told him). He notes the Cubs among the list of Mark Buehrle’s suitors, too – but guesses a healthy four year, $60 million price tag on the reliable near-33-year-old lefty. Joe Cowley also has the Cubs in on Buehrle, whom he says the White Sox originally believed they could re-sign on a two-year deal. Oops.
  • A relatively generic MLB.com piece also ties the Cubs to Pujols and Fielder…
  • …but Buster Olney says neither is a great long-term fit for the Cubs. Pujols, because of his age. Fielder, because of his suspect defense. I’m with Olney on Pujols, but I’m keeping an open mind on the Cubs’ possible pursuit of Fielder. On Fielder, Olney says Fielder is a better fit for an AL team who could DH him in the later years of the deal (duh). What the point implies is that offers from AL teams could come in a bit heavier than offers from NL teams.
  • Jon Heyman notes that the Blue Jays are open to moving 24-year-old first base prospect David Cooper, who’s blocked by Adam Lind (query why any team would consider Adam Lind to be “blocking” anyone, but whateves). Before you go leaping on Cooper, keep some things in mind: he’ll be 25 in February, his 2011 season was his first good offensive minor league season since 2008, and that 2011 season came in the PCL, where everybody had a great offensive season. He’s interesting, but, even if the Cubs talk to the Blue Jays about, for example, Carlos Marmol, Cooper probably isn’t enough.
  • Phil Rogers says Cuban prospect, Jorge Soler (the 19-year-old studly counterpart to 26-year-old Yoenis Cespedes), is expected to sign soon. By my reading of the new CBA, the spending limits on international amateurs doesn’t kick in until next year. If so, young Mr. Soler is going to get paaaaaid.
  • Taiwanese 26-year-old lefty Chen Wei-yin can be a free agent as of December 1, and a number of MLB teams are expected to check in on him. He could be a nice risk at four years and $20ish million after tearing it up in Japan. As a true free agent, Chen wouldn’t cost a posting fee – just a contract.
  • The Marlins continue their high-end free agency tour, bringing in CJ Wilson for a visit today.
  • A lot of rumors lately about Reds’ young hitter, Yonder Alonso. The Reds are reportedly making him available for a closer or a number two starter, but I’m not sure I see a fit with the Cubs. Alonso is a first baseman – and a first baseman only – and there is a vast debate about just how good his bat could be. Unless you’re convinced it’s going to be well above average, it’s hard to justify giving up a talented pitcher for him, given his otherwise limited skill set. I also have a hard time seeing the Reds trading in division, with the Cubs. So, could I see a Marmol/Alonso swap making some superficial sense? Yes, though my guess is that, if the Reds even considered the deal at all, they’d want the Cubs to kick in some cash or a low-level prospect.
  • The Tigers have checked in on Aramis Ramirez. His name has been surprisingly absent from most rumors, but that doesn’t mean he’s a risk to accept the Cubs’ offer of arbitration, even though it could land him a one-year, $16 million deal.
  • 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