Re: Peavy High on Cubs Wish List

[Jehrico]

Because he can have Dempster, Peavy, AND a LH bat while getting rid of Marquis.

winner winner chicken dinner

[17 Seconds]

The Cubs were said to have been approached by another club -- or more -- Tuesday involving players that could be in the Peavy deal. That could mean either Marquis or DeRosa, or both.

 

Another twist, that likely will mean more delays if this deal is to be completed: The Padres are looking to pick one player -- and perhaps more -- in Thursday morning's Rule 5 draft and, as a result, they may need to clear some space on their 40-man roster to make room for some of the players in a potential Peavy trade.

 

That presents a scenario in which the Cubs and Padres could agree to a deal in a day or two but delay announcing it until Friday, Saturday or later.

 

Towers said he believes Hendry has the power to move now in personnel decisions despite the Cubs' impending sale.

 

"My impression is he has the ability to move if he is comfortable with what he's giving up," Towers said.

 

Hendry said on Monday that he is operating with no restrictions while the impending sale progresses.

 

http://www.sportsline.com/mcc/blogs/entry/6270335/12196843

 

Sounds like Towers is calling Hendry out. Seriously, I refuse to belive that this deal would be blocked over a matter of 5 million dollars.

 

Towers changes his story depending on who he is talking to...

 

First it was... Hendry has to clear it with ownership

 

Now it is ......Hendry doesn't need to clear it with ownership.

 

did it occur to you that at first towers didn't know hendry had clearance...but as talks progressed he was told by hendry that he has the go ahead?

[Little Slide Rooter]

I guess Ive had enough rampant, conflictive speculation for one day. I guess we'll see what tomorow brings. Probably more of the same, but you never know.

[17 Seconds]

I guess Ive had enough rampant, conflictive speculation for one day. I guess we'll see what tomorow brings. Probably more of the same, but you never know.

 

well towers himself said that nothing will happen until thursday at the earliest

[shnsajax]

The Cubs were said to have been approached by another club -- or more -- Tuesday involving players that could be in the Peavy deal. That could mean either Marquis or DeRosa, or both.

 

Another twist, that likely will mean more delays if this deal is to be completed: The Padres are looking to pick one player -- and perhaps more -- in Thursday morning's Rule 5 draft and, as a result, they may need to clear some space on their 40-man roster to make room for some of the players in a potential Peavy trade.

 

That presents a scenario in which the Cubs and Padres could agree to a deal in a day or two but delay announcing it until Friday, Saturday or later.

 

Towers said he believes Hendry has the power to move now in personnel decisions despite the Cubs' impending sale.

 

"My impression is he has the ability to move if he is comfortable with what he's giving up," Towers said.

 

Hendry said on Monday that he is operating with no restrictions while the impending sale progresses.

 

http://www.sportsline.com/mcc/blogs/entry/6270335/12196843

 

Sounds like Towers is calling Hendry out. Seriously, I refuse to belive that this deal would be blocked over a matter of 5 million dollars.

 

Towers changes his story depending on who he is talking to...

 

First it was... Hendry has to clear it with ownership

 

Now it is ......Hendry doesn't need to clear it with ownership.

 

did it occur to you that at first towers didn't know hendry had clearance...but as talks progressed he was told by hendry that he has the go ahead?

 

I don't remember where the article was, but it hinted at Hendry being able to make moves, and if he had to trim payroll it would just need to be done by the start of the season/spring training.

[Guancous]

Jim Hendry could close this deal right now by eating a chunk of Marquis' salary. I bet a nickel he's trying to reduce the amount the Cubs have to pay or get a decent prospect in return.

[BigbadB]

This is all so surreal right now. The possibility of resigning Dempster, trading for Peavy, signing Milton Bradley, all while there is basically a lame duck team owner is just mind boggling.

 

"Hey, let's all spend the NEXT owner's money, and spend it GOOD!"

[Guancous]

This is all so surreal right now. The possibility of resigning Dempster, trading for Peavy, signing Milton Bradley, all while there is basically a lame duck team owner is just mind boggling.

 

"Hey, let's all spend the NEXT owner's money, and spend it GOOD!"

 

Hendry for President! (Except he might get a return on his investment.)

[RammyFanny]

LAS VEGAS -- Jake Peavy may still wind up as a Chicago Cub. But if that trade goes down, it won't happen during the winter meetings, according to a baseball source with knowledge of those discussions.

 

 

The Cubs and Padres "still have a lot of work to do" before a deal as big, and potentially complicated, as this one could be completed, the source said. And it's impossible for them to complete all that work before the meetings end Thursday.

 

In fact, the source said, the only thing the two teams have completely agreed upon is that they will "definitely have a feel for [whether this trade is doable] by Thursday."

 

But one thing that isn't certain, despite reports to the contrary, is that the Peavy trade will involve a third team, or even a fourth. The two sides "don't necessarily need a third party to make this deal," the source said.

 

The hang-ups before this trade could be completed are numerous. Most significantly, the Cubs would need ownership approval before adding a player who is guaranteed $63 million over the next four years, with a 2013 option that could bring the total value to $81 million over five years. And that approval would take time, given the team's uncertain ownership issues.

 

Beyond that, the Cubs undoubtedly need to move at least one significant contract, possibly more, to make room for both Peavy and a left-handed-hitting outfielder. The Cubs have interest in a half-dozen outfielders who meet that description, with free agents Raul Ibanez and Bobby Abreu seemingly at the top of that list.

 

 

 

So the makeup of this trade could depend on whether they can find a taker for pitcher Jason Marquis, on how much money they pay that outfielder and whether a third team is needed to take on an additional contract (a la Mark DeRosa).

 

Finally, given the money the Cubs would be investing in Peavy, they would almost certainly require Peavy to take a physical. And that couldn't be completed before Thursday, either.

 

"So can I tell you this will or won't happen? Absolutely not," the source said. "But there's not going to be an announcement while we're all here. I'm sure of that."

 

The Cubs and Padres are scheduled to meet again Wednesday, the source said.

 

Earlier Tuesday, a Cubs source vehemently denied reports that a trade for Peavy was imminent, telling ESPN.com Tuesday that the club is not "remotely close" to a deal.

 

 

 

The Chicago Sun-Times reported Monday night that the Cubs were very close to a deal, according to a source close to GM Jim Hendry.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3757369

[BCVM22]

There's no way this doesn't end like the Roberts deal. Book it - a week from now, we hear "we simply decided it wasn't a good fit and we've decided to go in a different direction. We wish the Padres and Jake Peavy the best of luck in 2009."

[Roast]

ohmygod will it never end?

[CP_414]

LAS VEGAS -- Jake Peavy may still wind up as a Chicago Cub. But if that trade goes down, it won't happen during the winter meetings, according to a baseball source with knowledge of those discussions.

 

 

The Cubs and Padres "still have a lot of work to do" before a deal as big, and potentially complicated, as this one could be completed, the source said. And it's impossible for them to complete all that work before the meetings end Thursday.

 

In fact, the source said, the only thing the two teams have completely agreed upon is that they will "definitely have a feel for [whether this trade is doable] by Thursday."

 

But one thing that isn't certain, despite reports to the contrary, is that the Peavy trade will involve a third team, or even a fourth. The two sides "don't necessarily need a third party to make this deal," the source said.

 

The hang-ups before this trade could be completed are numerous. Most significantly, the Cubs would need ownership approval before adding a player who is guaranteed $63 million over the next four years, with a 2013 option that could bring the total value to $81 million over five years. And that approval would take time, given the team's uncertain ownership issues.

 

Beyond that, the Cubs undoubtedly need to move at least one significant contract, possibly more, to make room for both Peavy and a left-handed-hitting outfielder. The Cubs have interest in a half-dozen outfielders who meet that description, with free agents Raul Ibanez and Bobby Abreu seemingly at the top of that list.

 

 

 

So the makeup of this trade could depend on whether they can find a taker for pitcher Jason Marquis, on how much money they pay that outfielder and whether a third team is needed to take on an additional contract (a la Mark DeRosa).

 

Finally, given the money the Cubs would be investing in Peavy, they would almost certainly require Peavy to take a physical. And that couldn't be completed before Thursday, either.

 

"So can I tell you this will or won't happen? Absolutely not," the source said. "But there's not going to be an announcement while we're all here. I'm sure of that."

 

The Cubs and Padres are scheduled to meet again Wednesday, the source said.

 

Earlier Tuesday, a Cubs source vehemently denied reports that a trade for Peavy was imminent, telling ESPN.com Tuesday that the club is not "remotely close" to a deal.

 

 

 

The Chicago Sun-Times reported Monday night that the Cubs were very close to a deal, according to a source close to GM Jim Hendry.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3757369

 

Why does Stark completly ignore the words that acutally came out of Towers mouth tonight. I think he needs a new "source."

[RammyFanny]

For anyone that cares, this is from you know who at OH:

The hold up is the amount of money the Cubs will pay for a team to take on Marquis. It's my understanding we're looking for them to pick up $5 million.

[cubsfan26]

LAS VEGAS -- Jake Peavy may still wind up as a Chicago Cub. But if that trade goes down, it won't happen during the winter meetings, according to a baseball source with knowledge of those discussions.

 

 

The Cubs and Padres "still have a lot of work to do" before a deal as big, and potentially complicated, as this one could be completed, the source said. And it's impossible for them to complete all that work before the meetings end Thursday.

 

In fact, the source said, the only thing the two teams have completely agreed upon is that they will "definitely have a feel for [whether this trade is doable] by Thursday."

 

But one thing that isn't certain, despite reports to the contrary, is that the Peavy trade will involve a third team, or even a fourth. The two sides "don't necessarily need a third party to make this deal," the source said.

 

The hang-ups before this trade could be completed are numerous. Most significantly, the Cubs would need ownership approval before adding a player who is guaranteed $63 million over the next four years, with a 2013 option that could bring the total value to $81 million over five years. And that approval would take time, given the team's uncertain ownership issues.

 

Beyond that, the Cubs undoubtedly need to move at least one significant contract, possibly more, to make room for both Peavy and a left-handed-hitting outfielder. The Cubs have interest in a half-dozen outfielders who meet that description, with free agents Raul Ibanez and Bobby Abreu seemingly at the top of that list.

 

 

 

So the makeup of this trade could depend on whether they can find a taker for pitcher Jason Marquis, on how much money they pay that outfielder and whether a third team is needed to take on an additional contract (a la Mark DeRosa).

 

Finally, given the money the Cubs would be investing in Peavy, they would almost certainly require Peavy to take a physical. And that couldn't be completed before Thursday, either.

 

"So can I tell you this will or won't happen? Absolutely not," the source said. "But there's not going to be an announcement while we're all here. I'm sure of that."

 

The Cubs and Padres are scheduled to meet again Wednesday, the source said.

 

Earlier Tuesday, a Cubs source vehemently denied reports that a trade for Peavy was imminent, telling ESPN.com Tuesday that the club is not "remotely close" to a deal.

 

 

 

The Chicago Sun-Times reported Monday night that the Cubs were very close to a deal, according to a source close to GM Jim Hendry.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3757369

 

Why does Stark completly ignore the words that acutally came out of Towers mouth tonight. I think he needs a new "source."

 

 

Not to mention I saw Crane Kenney say that the Cubs can add a big deal to thier budget if they want to.

[17 Seconds]

LAS VEGAS -- Jake Peavy may still wind up as a Chicago Cub. But if that trade goes down, it won't happen during the winter meetings, according to a baseball source with knowledge of those discussions.

 

 

The Cubs and Padres "still have a lot of work to do" before a deal as big, and potentially complicated, as this one could be completed, the source said. And it's impossible for them to complete all that work before the meetings end Thursday.

 

In fact, the source said, the only thing the two teams have completely agreed upon is that they will "definitely have a feel for [whether this trade is doable] by Thursday."

 

But one thing that isn't certain, despite reports to the contrary, is that the Peavy trade will involve a third team, or even a fourth. The two sides "don't necessarily need a third party to make this deal," the source said.

 

The hang-ups before this trade could be completed are numerous. Most significantly, the Cubs would need ownership approval before adding a player who is guaranteed $63 million over the next four years, with a 2013 option that could bring the total value to $81 million over five years. And that approval would take time, given the team's uncertain ownership issues.

 

Beyond that, the Cubs undoubtedly need to move at least one significant contract, possibly more, to make room for both Peavy and a left-handed-hitting outfielder. The Cubs have interest in a half-dozen outfielders who meet that description, with free agents Raul Ibanez and Bobby Abreu seemingly at the top of that list.

 

 

 

So the makeup of this trade could depend on whether they can find a taker for pitcher Jason Marquis, on how much money they pay that outfielder and whether a third team is needed to take on an additional contract (a la Mark DeRosa).

 

Finally, given the money the Cubs would be investing in Peavy, they would almost certainly require Peavy to take a physical. And that couldn't be completed before Thursday, either.

 

"So can I tell you this will or won't happen? Absolutely not," the source said. "But there's not going to be an announcement while we're all here. I'm sure of that."

 

The Cubs and Padres are scheduled to meet again Wednesday, the source said.

 

Earlier Tuesday, a Cubs source vehemently denied reports that a trade for Peavy was imminent, telling ESPN.com Tuesday that the club is not "remotely close" to a deal.

 

 

 

The Chicago Sun-Times reported Monday night that the Cubs were very close to a deal, according to a source close to GM Jim Hendry.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3757369

 

That's basically the same article that was posted early today.. just with a different title and a few new quotes.

Edited December 10, 2008 by 17 Seconds

[CP_414]

LAS VEGAS -- Jake Peavy may still wind up as a Chicago Cub. But if that trade goes down, it won't happen during the winter meetings, according to a baseball source with knowledge of those discussions.

 

 

The Cubs and Padres "still have a lot of work to do" before a deal as big, and potentially complicated, as this one could be completed, the source said. And it's impossible for them to complete all that work before the meetings end Thursday.

 

In fact, the source said, the only thing the two teams have completely agreed upon is that they will "definitely have a feel for [whether this trade is doable] by Thursday."

 

But one thing that isn't certain, despite reports to the contrary, is that the Peavy trade will involve a third team, or even a fourth. The two sides "don't necessarily need a third party to make this deal," the source said.

 

The hang-ups before this trade could be completed are numerous. Most significantly, the Cubs would need ownership approval before adding a player who is guaranteed $63 million over the next four years, with a 2013 option that could bring the total value to $81 million over five years. And that approval would take time, given the team's uncertain ownership issues.

 

Beyond that, the Cubs undoubtedly need to move at least one significant contract, possibly more, to make room for both Peavy and a left-handed-hitting outfielder. The Cubs have interest in a half-dozen outfielders who meet that description, with free agents Raul Ibanez and Bobby Abreu seemingly at the top of that list.

 

 

 

So the makeup of this trade could depend on whether they can find a taker for pitcher Jason Marquis, on how much money they pay that outfielder and whether a third team is needed to take on an additional contract (a la Mark DeRosa).

 

Finally, given the money the Cubs would be investing in Peavy, they would almost certainly require Peavy to take a physical. And that couldn't be completed before Thursday, either.

 

"So can I tell you this will or won't happen? Absolutely not," the source said. "But there's not going to be an announcement while we're all here. I'm sure of that."

 

The Cubs and Padres are scheduled to meet again Wednesday, the source said.

 

Earlier Tuesday, a Cubs source vehemently denied reports that a trade for Peavy was imminent, telling ESPN.com Tuesday that the club is not "remotely close" to a deal.

 

 

 

The Chicago Sun-Times reported Monday night that the Cubs were very close to a deal, according to a source close to GM Jim Hendry.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3757369

 

Why does Stark completly ignore the words that acutally came out of Towers mouth tonight. I think he needs a new "source."

 

 

Not to mention I saw Crane Kenney say that the Cubs can add a big deal to thier budget if they want to.

 

These national reporters stick to their story no matter what is happening, and then never mention it when they are proven wrong. Then they write about something else and everyone believes them again...

[Hairyducked Idiot]

#$%#*!#%@%!

 

I had a nice, long sabermetricy post outlining the benefits in 2009 of Peavy + Fontenot/platoonbuddy in terms of runs, and came to the conclusion that Hendry would be justified in not taking a Peavy deal from a 2009-only perspective if all of the following were true:

 

1) He didn't think Fukudome will bounce back offensively in 2009

2) Peavy's contract would really prevent him from acquiring another RFer and a second, unnamed upgrade of about 1 win at another position that he already has in mind.

 

But I'm not going to type all that garbage out again, and it got eaten by the login timeout monster.

[cubsfan26]

Jim Hendry could close this deal right now by eating a chunk of Marquis' salary. I bet a nickel he's trying to reduce the amount the Cubs have to pay or get a decent prospect in return.

 

 

I think thats whats going on. Hendry either wants a team to take on almost all Marquis salary for very little in return, or pay a chunk of it and get a decent player in return. Because I find it hard to believe that nobody wants Marquis at say 5m next year. But at this point of the offseason, nobody wants to give up anything of value in return for Marquis or pay him 8-9m(with the Cubs eating a little) for 09. I know we all want this deal done fast as possible, but Hendry as the GM needs to find the best value for Marquis. Especially with the Cubs really being the only team in talks for Peavy. When all things are said and done, and if it comes down to the Cubs getting Peavy. I think Hendry will give in and eat 5-6m of Marquis salary and give him up for very little in return, if he has to. But I think thats a last resort situation, and not something we will see him do until Towers is about ready to call quits on the deal or not.

Edited December 10, 2008 by cubsfan26

[umpunk]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-10-cubs-winter-meetings-chicdec10,0,4553272.story

 

Jake Peavy deal waits on Cubs decision

Sources say DeRosa, Marquis included in proposed 3-team trade

 

By Paul Sullivan | Tribune reporter

December 10, 2008

 

LAS VEGAS — While general manager Jim Hendry said he spoke to representatives of three or four free agents Tuesday on the second day of baseball's winter meetings, the Jake Peavy rumors continue to take center stage.

 

Hendry declined to comment on talk that Mark DeRosa was headed to Philadelphia for pitching prospects that would be sent to San Diego to complete a potential Peavy deal, but Phillies sources insisted a deal was in place and ready to go if the Cubs decide to pull the trigger with the Padres.

 

Cubs Chairman Crane Kenney said the team can afford to add a lucrative long-term contract even without knowing exactly who the new owner will be, which suggests Peavy's $63 million contract is within the projected budgets that already have been presented to the bidders.

 

"We think within the budget we have, we have enough room to do most of the things we need to do," Kenney said.

 

While nothing appears imminent, the Cubs have done enough groundwork on the Peavy deal to pull it off quickly. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Jason Marquis would replace Sean Marshall in the package going to the Padres, with the Cubs eating more than half of his $9.8 million salary. The Phillies would send two pitching prospects to the Padres while acquiring DeRosa from the Cubs.

 

DeRosa is considered expendable because he's in the final year of his contract and doesn't have a no-trade clause.

 

Asked about trading the popular second baseman, Hendry replied: "I don't talk about our guys."

 

If DeRosa were traded, Mike Fontenot would move to second base, and the Cubs would sign a veteran backup. Manager Lou Piniella said Monday that Fontenot also would be given playing time at short in spring training.

 

But first, the Cubs are focusing on finding a left-handed, middle-of-the-order hitter, and may be closing in on switch-hitter Milton Bradley. The Cubs also have interest in free-agent outfielder Bobby Abreu, but there had been no formal talks as of Tuesday evening. Abreu's agent, Peter Greenberg, said the Yankees outfielder is interested in the Cubs.

 

But Bradley is a less-expensive option who has played 468 career games in center field and 151 in right, meaning Piniella could play Kosuke Fukudome in right against right-handers and use Reed Johnson in center against lefties, with Bradley moving to right.

 

Bradley, 31 in April, led the American League in on-base percentage (.436) while hitting a career-high 22 home runs with 77 RBIs in 126 games, mostly as a designated hitter, with Texas. The Cubs and Tampa Bay are the two teams showing the most interest in Bradley, a proven hitter with a history of health problems and occasional on-field explosions.

 

That raises the question of whether Piniella's increased patience is enough to allow him to co-exist with Bradley, whom one scout says was protected by manager Ron Washington in Texas.

 

Another scout believes Bradley would be the ideal addition to the Cubs because of his talent and his personality, saying "he'd make that team a lot of fun."

 

Health is another question, as Bradley has played more than 101 games only twice in his nine-year career.

 

Tribune baseball reporter Phil Rogers contributed.

 

psullivan@tribune.com

[BCVM22]

DeRo will be missed.

[17 Seconds]

#$%#*!#%@%!

 

I had a nice, long sabermetricy post outlining the benefits in 2009 of Peavy + Fontenot/platoonbuddy in terms of runs, and came to the conclusion that Hendry would be justified in not taking a Peavy deal from a 2009-only perspective if all of the following were true:

 

1) He didn't think Fukudome will bounce back offensively in 2009

2) Peavy's contract would really prevent him from acquiring another RFer and a second, unnamed upgrade of about 1 win at another position that he already has in mind.

 

But I'm not going to type all that garbage out again, and it got eaten by the login timeout monster.

 

i had a nice long sabermetricy post that proved that pujols isn't that good....but it got earn by a login timout monster and im not going to type it all out again

[Guest]

#$%#*!#%@%!

 

I had a nice, long sabermetricy post outlining the benefits in 2009 of Peavy + Fontenot/platoonbuddy in terms of runs, and came to the conclusion that Hendry would be justified in not taking a Peavy deal from a 2009-only perspective if all of the following were true:

 

1) He didn't think Fukudome will bounce back offensively in 2009

2) Peavy's contract would really prevent him from acquiring another RFer and a second, unnamed upgrade of about 1 win at another position that he already has in mind.

 

But I'm not going to type all that garbage out again, and it got eaten by the login timeout monster.

You spent more than 90 minutes on it?

 

btw - I recommend notepad++ for composing those types of messages, then copy & paste into here. Much safer and better editing. :)

[17 Seconds]

man, you guys think the last 2 offseasons have been frustrating for us.... think about how derosa feels.

 

if he ends up getting traded i'm glad it's to a good team in a good baseball city where he'll be appreciated. it would suck a lot more if we were trading him to the royals or something

[CUBZ99]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-10-cubs-winter-meetings-chicdec10,0,4553272.story

 

Jake Peavy deal waits on Cubs decision

Sources say DeRosa, Marquis included in proposed 3-team trade

 

By Paul Sullivan | Tribune reporter

December 10, 2008

 

LAS VEGAS — While general manager Jim Hendry said he spoke to representatives of three or four free agents Tuesday on the second day of baseball's winter meetings, the Jake Peavy rumors continue to take center stage.

 

Hendry declined to comment on talk that Mark DeRosa was headed to Philadelphia for pitching prospects that would be sent to San Diego to complete a potential Peavy deal, but Phillies sources insisted a deal was in place and ready to go if the Cubs decide to pull the trigger with the Padres.

 

Cubs Chairman Crane Kenney said the team can afford to add a lucrative long-term contract even without knowing exactly who the new owner will be, which suggests Peavy's $63 million contract is within the projected budgets that already have been presented to the bidders.

 

"We think within the budget we have, we have enough room to do most of the things we need to do," Kenney said.

 

While nothing appears imminent, the Cubs have done enough groundwork on the Peavy deal to pull it off quickly. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Jason Marquis would replace Sean Marshall in the package going to the Padres, with the Cubs eating more than half of his $9.8 million salary. The Phillies would send two pitching prospects to the Padres while acquiring DeRosa from the Cubs.

 

DeRosa is considered expendable because he's in the final year of his contract and doesn't have a no-trade clause.

 

Asked about trading the popular second baseman, Hendry replied: "I don't talk about our guys."

 

If DeRosa were traded, Mike Fontenot would move to second base, and the Cubs would sign a veteran backup. Manager Lou Piniella said Monday that Fontenot also would be given playing time at short in spring training.

 

But first, the Cubs are focusing on finding a left-handed, middle-of-the-order hitter, and may be closing in on switch-hitter Milton Bradley. The Cubs also have interest in free-agent outfielder Bobby Abreu, but there had been no formal talks as of Tuesday evening. Abreu's agent, Peter Greenberg, said the Yankees outfielder is interested in the Cubs.

 

But Bradley is a less-expensive option who has played 468 career games in center field and 151 in right, meaning Piniella could play Kosuke Fukudome in right against right-handers and use Reed Johnson in center against lefties, with Bradley moving to right.

 

Bradley, 31 in April, led the American League in on-base percentage (.436) while hitting a career-high 22 home runs with 77 RBIs in 126 games, mostly as a designated hitter, with Texas. The Cubs and Tampa Bay are the two teams showing the most interest in Bradley, a proven hitter with a history of health problems and occasional on-field explosions.

 

That raises the question of whether Piniella's increased patience is enough to allow him to co-exist with Bradley, whom one scout says was protected by manager Ron Washington in Texas.

 

Another scout believes Bradley would be the ideal addition to the Cubs because of his talent and his personality, saying "he'd make that team a lot of fun."

 

Health is another question, as Bradley has played more than 101 games only twice in his nine-year career.

 

Tribune baseball reporter Phil Rogers contributed.

 

psullivan@tribune.com

 

Why is Sullivan breaking stories? I'm still waiting to hear from Bruce. When Bruce says the deal is close and I will start to get excited.

[cubswin2009]

Padres have been waiting for our decision for 25 hours now I guess.