Lukewarm Stove: Marmol, Cedeno, Theriot, Astros, Soriano, More

stoveRumor time …

  • Bruce Levine chatted this week, and … (1) Detroit has not been, to date, interested in Carlos Marmol (which makes sense, given the very reason they’ve been on a quest for a new closer – Bruce had previously reported that they were interested, but he was told that was incorrect); (2) it’s not likely Marmol or Alfonso Soriano are dealt before the season starts (Bruce has ceased banging the Marmol-traded-before-the-season drum, and he says there’s no real movement in that area right now); (3) the Cubs’ moves this past offseason have all been calculated gambles, rather than moves to be a sure winner in 2013; (4) if Javier Baez starts out well at High-A this year, he could “quickly” be moved up to AA (I wonder if that’s the same path for Jorge Soler – if so, each would be very, very on the radar for mid-2014); (5) the Cubs keep scouring the waiver wire for arms and utility types; and (6) Kyle Lohse still isn’t a fit for the Cubs, as he’s likely to go to a team ready to compete immediately.
  • Andy Martino cites an executive who says the Tigers have been affirmatively calling around trying to trade Rick Porcello, even though they’re still asking “a lot” for him. The exec believes he’ll ultimately be traded.
  • A couple of former Cubs infielders are available! Ryan Theriot and Ronny Cedeno! The Cubs need infield help with Ian Stewart out, right?! Sign them!
  • Ok, but seriously. Cedeno, 30, played well in a part-time role with the Mets last year, and was set to see serious action with the Cardinals this year after Rafael Furcal was lost for the year. But then the Cardinals released him earlier this week, which will save them some money on his non-guaranteed contract. Cedeno hasn’t played much third base in his career (mostly he’s a middle infielder), and he actually hits righties slightly better than lefties (though he doesn’t hit either one very well). Even if you divorce yourself from the memory of Cedeno’s disappointments, I’m not sure I see a fit.
  • With respect to Theriot, there’s no fit because he says he’s not going to accept a job that doesn’t include a guarantee of lots of playing time. Yes, he of the .270/.319/.324 line since 2010 sees reason to be picky about his options (he has won the last two World Series, though). He has young kids, and says he’d rather spend more time with them than schlep around on a team’s bench, so I guess I can’t blame him in that regard. (Belated derp h/t to TWC.)
  • MLBTR offers the best headline in the history of obvious headlines: “Astros Willing to Listen on Players.” Le duh. If he thought it would net the Astros a modest increase in talent, GM Jeff Luhnow would trade himself.
  • Ben Nicholson-Smith, who is leaving MLBTR in favor of Sportsnet.ca as their new baseball editor (bummer – Ben was solid, but good luck to him going forward), chatted yesterday … (1) the Cubs are still likely to move Alfonso Soriano before his contract is up after 2014, but it was a surprise that he wasn’t dealt this offseason with his value at its height; (2) Scott Rolen doesn’t make a ton of sense for the Cubs given the youth movement; and (3) Dear Friends: please stop suggesting any combination of Soriano and Carlos Marmol that nets Nick Castellanos from the Tigers – it won’t happen.
  • 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

    Cubs with a Flurry of Roster Moves Involving SIX Players

    We've been trying to piece this series of Cubs roster moves together all day, but we didn't have the full picture until now. There are a lot of moving parts - and we already have a dedicated article on the...

    Kyle Hendricks Departs the Rotation By Way of the Injured List

    The Chicago Cubs were in a rough spot with starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks, whose performance this year has featured a worst-case-scenario mix of execution struggles, too many balls in play, and a sprinkling of bad luck. And since no one...

    REPORT: Cubs to DFA Garrett Cooper

    Garrett Cooper DFA — Earlier today, Tommy Birch caught word of Matt Mervis and Hayden Wesneski making their way up to Chicago, though no one has had the corresponding moves just yet. What we do know is that Wesneski would...

    Cubs Farm Report | April 23, 2024: Studs and Duds of the Week

    As I typed this, news broke that the Cubs were promoting Matt Mervis from Iowa to Chicago. So, we'll start this week's Studs and Duds on the Cubs farm with Mervis, who has been impressive this season. Plus, Kevin Alcántara...

    What Happened to Bears’ Arlington Move? Watch Out For Cards, New and Texans Unis, and Other Bears Bullets

    This afternoon's forecast in Chicago calls for afternoon rainstorms, which means I need to tweak my schedule to get my regularly scheduled walk in without getting soaked. Wish me luck! The Chicago Bears are reportedly set to announce lakefront stadium...

    Get ‘Em While They’re Down: Cubs vs Astros – Series Preview

    Cubs vs Astros — Splitting a four-gamer against the current, badly-struggling Miami Marlins is unquestionably a bad outcome, especially when one of those two losses was a win-in-hand that slipped away into the seats. But the typical, and maddeningly correct,...

    REPORT: Cubs Are Calling Up Matt Mervis and Hayden Wesneski

    I was literally in the middle of an article asking "What Are the Cubs Going to Do with Matt Mervis," when this news came across the wire. The Cubs first base picture is fully settled with the left-handed Michael Busch...

    South Side Horror Show (and Campfire Milkshakes), Alzolay and Evolving Relief Roles, and Other Cubs Bullets

    It's going to be a really good year for Horror movies. Late Night with the Devil was good (just saw it the other night). And I've got my eyes on Long Legs, Cuckoo, The First Omen, Immaculate, MaXXXine, In a...

    Two NL Central Pitchers Down: Miley and Montas

    A couple injuries to note among other NL Central contenders, as each of the Brewers and Reds have taken a hit to their rotation. The presumption for now is short-term on each, but I suppose we'll see. First, you have...

    Brewers Pitcher Jakob Junis Taken Off Field in an Ambulance After Being Struck by BP Ball

    A very scary scene in Pittsburgh, where Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jakob Junis, currently on the IL with a shoulder impingement, took a batting practice ball off the neck and went down. Junis was apparently on the ground for a long...

    Latest News

    2024 Zurich Classic Sleeper Picks: Target These Two Longshot Teams

    Zurich Classic Sleeper Picks - The Zurich Classic, a thrilling and unique team event on the PGA Tour, is set to take place at the picturesque TPC Louisiana in Avondale, Louisiana. This Pete Dye design, renowned for its water hazards...

    Cubs with a Flurry of Roster Moves Involving SIX Players

    We've been trying to piece this series of Cubs roster moves together all day, but we didn't have the full picture until now. There are a lot of moving parts - and we already have a dedicated article on the...

    2024 Los Angeles Chargers Big Board: Potential First-Round Fits Including Wide Receiver & Tackle

    The 2024 NFL Draft is upon us, and the Los Angeles Chargers hold the coveted fifth overall pick. With a young, dynamic quarterback in Justin Herbert, the Chargers are poised to make a serious playoff run. But to take that...

    FanDuel Promo Code: $5 Bet on NBA Wins You $150 Including Bucks vs Pacers

    In the dynamic world of sports betting, the FanDuel promo code stands out as a great way to start on a premier platform for enthusiasts looking to elevate their NBA betting experience. With the NBA season in full swing, the...

    Paul George Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Mavericks – NBA Playoffs Game 2, Tuesday, April 23, 2024

    At 10:00 PM ET on Tuesday, in Game 2 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, it'll be the Los Angeles Clippers versus the Dallas Mavericks, with Paul George needing four trifectas to beat his 3-pointer over/under.Paul George's Three-Pointer...

    James Harden Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Mavericks – NBA Playoffs Game 2, Tuesday, April 23, 2024

    On Tuesday at 10:00 PM ET, the Los Angeles Clippers play the Dallas Mavericks in Game 2 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, and James Harden's 3-pointer prop for this clash requires three trifectas.James Harden's Three-Pointer Prop Odds...

    Kyrie Irving Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Clippers – NBA Playoffs Game 2, Tuesday, April 23, 2024

    At 10:00 PM ET on Tuesday, in Game 2 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, it'll be the Dallas Mavericks against the Los Angeles Clippers, with Kyrie Irving needing four treys to beat his 3-pointer prop.Kyrie Irving's Three-Pointer...

    Luka Doncic Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Clippers – NBA Playoffs Game 2, Tuesday, April 23, 2024

    Luka Doncic needs to make five 3-pointers to beat his prop when the Dallas Mavericks play the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday at 10:00 PM ET, in Game 2 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs.Luka Doncic's Three-Pointer Prop...

    2024 NBA Draft: Which Big Names Have Already Declared?

    The 2024 NBA Draft is fast approaching! We're just about two months away from the NBA's premier offseason event. While we don't quite know the order of the teams selecting yet, we're starting to get commitments on who will be...

    When is the 2024 NFL Draft? Dates, Location, Mock Drafts, Pick Order

    It's finally here, folks! The event every football franchise and fan alike circles on their calendar. The 2024 NFL Draft! The air crackles with anticipation as franchises across the league gear up to reshape their destinies. Quarterback-hungry teams sit on...

    more cubs news