Indians Trade For Kosuke Fukudome

The Indians acquired right fielder Kosuke Fukudome and about $3.9MM from the Cubs today for minor leaguer outfielder Abner Abreu and reliever Carlton Smith. This is actually a really good fit for the Indians. They have been having to play without Shin-Soo Choo and Grady Sizemore since they are on the DL and Fukudome can slid in and pick up some of the slack.

Fukudome isn't anything special, but he is a patient hitter that can at least be a nice stopgap option for awhile. Plus the Cubs are picking up most of the tab on him, so I think it's worth the risk.

The two minors the Indians gave up are nothing that they'll miss. Abreu is only in Class A ball, and is ranked 23rd among Indians prospects. Smith is just a AAA middle reliever.

Carlos Zambrano To Yankees?

Umm, yes please!

There are reports that top advisers to Yankees GM Brian Cashman have been at recent outings of Carlos Zambrano. Obviously, that starts rumors that the Yankees might try to bring him in. I couldn't root for this more to happen. I hate Zambrano so much, and would love to root against him. Plus, he sucks. You add that pressure of New York to this guy and he is going to snap, and I would love to sit back and watch that happen. If that wasn't good enough over $28MM remaining on his contract, and the Yankees are already bleeding money. Sure, they will never run out, but it has to get annoying.

Zambrano is a bum, and his 4.50 ERA in the NL will easily be over 5.00 if he comes to the AL East. I will pray each night, and will a goat for the baseball Gods if they let this happen.

Zambrano Shoots Off His Mouth Once Again

This is basically a yearly event, but once again Carlos Zambrano has one again shot of his mouth against a teammate...

"The problem wasn't Pujols," Zambrano said. "The problem was [Theriot's] at-bat. We should have known better than this. We are playing like a Triple-A team. This is embarrassing. Embarrassing for the team and the owners. Embarrassing for the fans. Embarrassing, that's the word for this team."

"We should know that Ryan Theriot is not a good fastball hitter," Zambrano yelled after turning in the direction of Marmol's then-vacated locker. "We should know that as a team. We should play better here. We stink. That's all I've got to say."

I am actually fine with 90% of what he said. The Cubs do suck, they are playing like a AAA team and he should be pissed (6 straight losses, 11 games out of of 1st place in the NL central). The one thing I have a problem with is calling out a teammate. If you got a problem with something he did you let him know, and you try to correct it. There is no need to go to the media. This shouldn't be shocking though, Zambrano is a fucking moron. Overall though they can't be too mad with the way Zambrano is playing, he is 5-2 on the season with a 3.98 and as long as he doesn't completely explode (which is asking a lot) he shouldn't be suspended.

5 Red Sox, 1 Cubs

Tim Wakefield pitched a real good 6.2 IP, giving up just one run and not walking anyone. He only threw 75 pitches during that time but Francona wanted to get him out of there before anything bad happened. Daniel Bard faced 4 batters and Jon Papelbon closed it out.

The real hero of the game though has to be Adrian Gonzalez who is on fire. he went 4 for 4 and now has his batting average up to .340. Salty and Youk provided the rest of the offense.

Kerry Wood plunked Jed Lowrie but there were no other fireworks like Saturdays game.

We take on the juggernaut known as the Cleveland Indians next and are a half game back of the 1st place Rays.

Cubs @ Red Sox Preview

Chicago makes its first visit to Fenway Park since losing the 1918 World Series in six games. Interestingly enough the Sox are currently riding a 6 game win streak. They have had those wins in almost every way you can think of. Lately it has been pitching, but it all started with the hitting getting going. One thing that almost all the games have had in common is that they have been close. With this streak the Sox are only 1 1/2 games behind the Rays for 1st place in the AL East, something that seemed so far away just a week or two ago.

Tonight we get Lester vs. Doug Davis. Doug Davis (0-1, 1.80) makes his 2nd start for the Cubs after he allowed 3 runs and 4 hits in 5 innings of a 3-0 loss to San Francisco. he has pitched pretty well against the Sox in his career going 3-2 with a 3.92 ERA in six starts.

Lester meanwhile has never pitched against the Cubs, and could really use a good outing after letting up 9 runs (and 9 walks) over his last two starts. Pitchers like Lester don't stay down for long, and he has pitched very well at home this year (1.38 ERA while striking out 16 in 13 innings to win his last two at home). I think his command issues will go away, because that is not something that is usually a problem for him.

Red Sox win 4-2
Player of the Game: Lester/Pedroia
Game starts at 7:10pm

Why Not?

Why not see what would incite rage in me?

Cubs Fan Fail - watch more funny videos

2011 MLB Preview: Chicago Cubs

2010 Record: 75-87

Lineup:

1. RF Kosuke Fukudome
2. SS Starlin Castro
3. CF Marlon Byrd
4. 3B Aramis Ramirez
5. 1B Carlos Pena
6. LF Alfonso Soriano
7. 2B Blake DeWitt
8. C Geovany Soto

There are 3 guys that will make or break this lineup; Aramis Ramirez, Carlos Pena, and Alfonso Soriano. Pena is basically an all or nothing guy. He hit 28 HRs last year, but also only batted .198, if he can bring that average up to .220-.230 area it would be a big help. Soriano averaged 108 runs, 37 homers and 97 RBIs in his 5 seasons before signing an outrageous 8 year, $136 million deal with the Cubs prior to the 2007 season. Since then, he has failed to score 100 runs or drive in 80 runs in a single season and has managed just one 30 HR season (talk about tanking it). Aramis Ramirez is a hell of a player, but can't seem to stay on the field, over the past two season he has only played 206 games. If your lineup is banking on these three guys you are in trouble. I think Ramirez is poised to have a hell of a year, but Pena blows, and Soriano is decent at best, and both strikeout WAY TOO MUCH.

Rotation:

1. RHP Ryan Dempster. 15 Ws, 215 1/3 IP, 208 K's led rotation in 2010
2. RHP Carlos Zambrano. 8-0, 1.41 ERA after rejoining rotation Aug. 9
3. RHP Matt Garza. Career-best 15 Ws, 204 2/3 IP with TB last season
4. RHP Randy Wells. Allowed at least 5 ER in 9 of 32 starts in '10
5. RHP Carlos Silva. 1.76 WHIP with SEA in '09; 1.27 with CHC in '10
CL: RHP Carlos Marmol. 138 K's (77 2/3 innings) led all MLB relievers in '10

Just quickly looking at that rotation something should stick out to you right away... No lefties. Kind of odd, but this is an improved rotation. The big question mark is Carlos Zambrano he is a complete mental case, but did go 8-0 with a 1.41 ERA after rejoining the rotation in Aug. If he can get to be a top of the rotation kind of guy that would be HUGE for this team. Garza is a hell of a pickup, maybe I overrated him because he seemed to destroy the Red Sox every year, but the guy was pretty damn good in the AL East, and that makes me think he will be an absolute stud in the NL. Dempster is good, and Wells is a good #4, but I think Carlos Silva is one of the worst pitchers in the MLB. Their closer Marmol has all the talent in the world (138 K's in 77 2/3 innings), but also walks a ton of guys. If he can take the "next step" he could be one of the best in the game.

Overall:

The struggles of the Cubs has been well documented, but I do have to say I like their rotation and their bullpen. I am not at all sold on their lineup, but their pitching staff is going to make them a much improved team, and I bet Garza has an ERA around 2.60 and between 16-18 wins.

2011 Record: 85-77

Cubs Close To Trading For Matt Garza?

"The Cubs are close to trading for Rays righty Matt Garza, reports Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times. He says the Cubs "appear to have moved past the Rangers" in their efforts to acquire the 27-year-old. However, ESPN.com's Buster Olney hears that a deal for Garza is not close and is more likely to occur in July than now (MLBTradeRumors)."

We have been hearing Matt Garza rumors for awhile now, but I think Buster Olney is right. I say that because the Rays have such a turnover of their roster that I think they want to see how all these new young pieces are going to work out, and the one thing that has been able to remain constant from last year is their pitching staff. Eventually, Garza will get dealt, but I would be really surprised if it is before Opening Day.

Yankees Going After Big Z?

The fallout from Cliff Lee signing with the Phillies continue. Everyone is speculating what the Yankees "Plan B" will be, here is a rumor going around right now...

"Bill Madden of the New York Daily News reports the Yankees will explore the trade market for Cubs' Carlos Zambrano."

Zambrano is owed $36 million for the next two years, but the Yankees might be able to buy low on this guy and get the Cubs to eat some of the contract. Zambrano has been productive in the past, but he has also shown anger management problems and that could become a real problem with the pressures in the Bronx.

Even with all Zambrano's struggles on and off the field he was still pretty good last year posting a 3.33 ERA with a 11-6 record. He might not be Cliff Lee, but if the Yankees are desperate this could be an option (especially if Pettitte retires).

Though even if the Yankees do make a run at Zambrano a trade could be tough... "Bill Madden of the New York Daily News reports the Yankees will explore the trade market for Zambrano. Such a deal may be more difficult to complete, however, as Zambrano is seen as unwilling to waive his no-trade clause, reports Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune (ESPN)."

Cubs Finalize Carlos Pena Signing

Carlos Pena, reported Carrie Muskat of MLB.com, finalized a one-year deal with the Cubs worth about $10 million. Although it is only a one year deal I believe the Cubs really overpaid. Pena's batting average has been in decline for 3 years now, and last year he finished below .200. Obviously Pena's power is his golden ticket, he hit 46 HRs in 2007, 31 in 2008, 39 in 2009, and 28 last year. You would think in the small park that is Wrigley he should put up some good power numbers, but I have to admit I think this is a bad signing, and I would much rather have a guy like Paul Konerko. Then again, it's just a one year deal, so if it doesn't work out at least it doesn't hurt the Cubs long term.

I really thought Pena would land with the Nationals, since it seemed like a logical fit after the loss of Adam Dunn, but after spending so much on Werth I guess it would be too much to throw money at Pena too.

Dice-K To Cubs?

There has been rumors going around that the Cubs and Red Sox have discussed trade Dice-K for OF Kosuke Fukudome. This deal makes zero sense to me. Fukudome has an extremely expensive contract, has never hit more then 13 HRs in his pro career, and is a platoon player at best, something the Red Sox have more then enough of. Plus his contract is an outrageous $13.5 million for next year.

Even for the Cubs it doesn't make a lot of sense, since reports have indicated they are trying to cut salaries, so they can make a run at Adam Dunn. So, we can put this rumors under the "bullshit" category.

Lou Piniella Retires and I'm Glad

Lou Piniella retired after yesterday's Cubs game in which they lost 16-5 against the Braves as they fell 23 games under .500 for the year.

Lou Piniella will be remembered more for his antics argueing with Umps then what he actually did in the dugout. Yes, he has 3 World Series rings (2 as a player, 1 as a coach) but he may be one of the more overrated guys I have ever seen. He has done nothing for a real long time coaching, but was able to continue to get work due to his name. I don't think the Cubs gave him much to work with, but they certainly are better than they have shown. Piniella finished with an overall record was 1,835-1,713. He trailed only Tony La Russa, Cox and Joe Torre in victories among active managers. But I certainly hope this is the last we have seen of Sweet Lou.

In other news, Chicago quickly named third base coach Mike Quade manager for the remaining 38 games of the season.

Braves Close To Trading For Derrek Lee

CSN Chicago is reporting that the Cubs and Braves are close to a deal that would send first baseman Derrek Lee to the Braves, who are seeking a bat to make up for the loss of Chipper Jones.

This has a lot more to do with the poor play for Troy Glaus then it does with the injury to Chipper Jones. Glaus can no longer play 3rd on a regular basis, so if Lee comes over he will be splitting time with Glaus. In my opinion both these guys suck, and there won't be much of a difference.

Sweet Lou Retiring

CHICAGO -- Cubs manager Lou Piniella said Tuesday he will retire after the season, ending a storied and colorful career that included 18 years as a player, 22 as a manager. more

Yes, he's been to the world series 5 times, yes he has 3 rings, (2 from playing, 1 from managing) but Lou Piniella is the most overrated coach in baseball history. He has a career average of .521 with 1,784 wins and 1,639 losses. Recently you could remember him having that awesome year with the Mariners, but hasn't done much after that. He was a failure in Tampa Bay and he's been a disaster in Chicago. People will remember him for his outbursts and being a great manager, but I see him as a guy who was given opportunities and never was able to make them into something.

2010 MLB Preview: Chicago Cubs

2009 Record: 83-78

IN: OF Marlon Byrd, OF Xavier Nady, SP Carlos Silva, RP Jeff Gray

OUT: 2B Aaron Miles, 3B/OF Jake Fox, OF Milton Bradley, OF Reed Johnson, SP Rich Harden, RP Aaron Heilman, RP Kevin Gregg

Hitting:

1. SS Ryan Theriot
2. RF Kosuke Fukudome
3. 1B Derrek Lee
4. 3B Aramis Ramirez
5. CF Marlon Byrd
6. LF Alfonso Soriano
7. C Geovany Soto
8. 2B Mike Fontenot

The big question going into this season was, who is going to bat leadoff? For the first time since 2007, it won't be Alfonso Soriano, at least according to manager Lou Piniella. Cubs leadoff hitters finished 27th in the majors with a .249 batting average and 21st with a .335 on-base percentage. Ryan Theriot is the front-runner for the job because, unlike Kosuke Fukudome, he will be an everyday fixture in the lineup. Either way I wouldn't be overly pumped to be a Cubs fan. There is no one in this lineup that I am a big fan of. It will be interesting to see how Nady bounces back, but other then that this lineup will be irritating. Soriano is good, but he strikes out too much, and how has knee problems, so he probably won't be stealing too much.

Pitching:

1. RHP Carlos Zambrano
2. RHP Ryan Dempster
3. RHP Randy Wells
4. LHP Tom Gorzelanny
5. RHP Jeff Samardzija

CL: RHP Carlos Marmol

Lilly will most likely start the year on the DL. I really hate this rotation. I think Big Z might be the most overrated pitcher in the majors. He always cracks down the stretch and is a terrible clubhouse guy. Dempster had a nice 2nd half of the season last year, and Randy Well is developing nicely. Overall this is a pretty weak rotation.

Overall:

I don't like the setup of this team at all. They haven't really gotten worse or anything, but they certainly haven't done enough to take this division. Looks like the Cubs miss the playoffs again.

2010 Record: 82-80

How Do You Keep Getting Work?

I guess Kevin Millar just got a minor league contract with the Cubs, which makes me ask, how does Kevin Millar keep getting work?

He sucks, he has always kind of sucked, and I will never forgive him for inventing the "Cowboy Up." He is such a novelty item now, and should just go away. He isn't a good ball player and really has nothing more to accomplish other than making his career more of a joke.

The thing that pains me is that he has this way of ruining my day whenever he is in Boston around baseball season. He finds a way in the booth, or around our clubhouse, when he has zero affiliation now. He is most likely going to be involved in the Sox organization once he calls it quits and I will fucking shoot my brains out. Fuck you Kevin Millar, Die.

Gonzalez To Red Sox In 3-team Trade?

Another day another Adrian Gonzalez to Red Sox rumor...

"Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com says to discount the latest speculation that the Padres, Cubs and Red Sox are discussing a three-team trade that would send Adrian Gonzalez to Boston and Jacoby Ellsbury and Clay Buchholz to Chicago.

Levine says that athough the Red Sox and Cubs have talked recently about other matchups, a deal that would send pitcher Andrew Cashner and Josh Vitters as well as a third minor-leaguer to San Diego, which would Gonzalez to Boston, "has not been broached."

Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune reported Sunday that the Cubs would immediately make a "major effort" to land Ellsbury if the Red Sox were to somehow land Jason Bay or Matt Holliday (ESPN)."

Like the other rumors it is hard to say how true this is. During this time of year writers have a tendency to just make shit up. Still, I think the Sox need to land a guy like this if they want to cpmete for a Wold Series next year. I don't think this trade can be pulled off unless the Sox sign Jason Bay. If they were to sign him it would make Ellsbury more expendable, and Cameron can slide into his spot (with Scutaro moving to the leadoff spot). Once again, I don't see Theo giving up both Buchholz, and Ellsbury, but I do think they will make a major push to land Gonzalez...

Cubs Trade Bradley For Silva

"After numerous attempts to move outfielder Milton Bradley, the Chicago Cubs have found a taker. That taker is the Seattle Mariners, who, according to Larry Stone of the Seattle Times, will be sending right-hander Carlos Silva to the Cubs in return for the much-maligned outfielder. The key to deals like this often ends up being money. Bradley is owed $21 million over the next two seasons while Silva is owed $25 million over the same span. Bradley could see time at DH for the Mariners, but could also play left field, particularly against left-handed pitching (ESPN)."

We all know Bradley is a shithead, but I still hate this deal. Silva might be the worst starting pitcher in the majors. I usually say anyone who goes to the NL, but not Silva...he really is that bad. Bradley could help out Seattle, who desperately need some runs producers, and have already had a hell of an offseason (getting Lee, and Figgins). Seattle looks like it will be the team to beat in the AL West.

Giving Milton Bradley 30 Million Dollars Was A Wise Investment

Well Milton Bradley did exactly what he thought he would do with the Cubs after they inked him to an outrageous 3 year, 30 million dollar contract. He is now being sat down for the rest of the season due to his off the field behavior. Bradley apparently just talks shit on the Cubs constantly and the owner said enough is enough. Bradley finishes the season hitting .257 with 12 home runs and 40 RBI which is terrible if you compare him to last years all star campaign with hitting .321 with 22 home runs and 77 RBI.

Cubs Shopping Zambrano

"Speculation is rampant in Chicago that the Cubs might seek to shop Carlos Zambrano and the $54 million left on his five-year contract. After a shaky outing against the Brewers on Tuesday night, Zambrano said he didn't want to waive his no-trade clause, but did not elaborate before shutting down the interview. It has been a rocky month for Big-Z. Last week we talked about Zambrano's heated debate with manager Lou Piniella during a game in Pittsburgh (ESPN)."

I've said it before and I'll say it again...You are not going to win with a guy like Zambrano on your team. He is nuts and will choke in any big game, because he has no control of his emotions. He has talent and the Cubs could get good value. In my eyes they are far from being a top team, so they should go out and get some top prospects, so that they at least have a chance to be good in the future.