Misc. Free Agent News

[bukie]

Law of averages. White Sox were bound to make a good move eventually this offseason.

 

The only other move they made was trading Santos for a prospect. It's not like they signed Reed Johnson to a 1.5 mil deal. Besides, we're really in no position to laugh at them as I'll be shocked if they don't finish with a better record than we do unless they have a massive all out fire sale.

You may have missed it, but they completely overhauled their coaching staff as well.

[Little Slide Rooter]

Law of averages. White Sox were bound to make a good move eventually this offseason.

 

The only other move they made was trading Santos for a prospect. It's not like they signed Reed Johnson to a 1.5 mil deal. Besides, we're really in no position to laugh at them as I'll be shocked if they don't finish with a better record than we do unless they have a massive all out fire sale.

You may have missed it, but they completely overhauled their coaching staff as well.

 

They also have a much better team than we do. Probably not a playoff team but if they can get Adam Dunn and/or Alex Rios going and keep Peavy healthy for more than a few weeks at time if nothing else they'll have a watchable team which is more than we can say about the Cubs in their current state.

[bukie]

Yeah, if everything breaks right for the Sox they're definitely looking at a .500 season next year.

[KaiserCesar]

Yeah, if everything breaks right for the Sox they're definitely looking at a .500 season next year.

 

Probably able to say the same thing for the Cubs at the end of the offseason, or probably for most teams besides Houston

[bukie]

And yet, the Cubs and their offseason moves are largely irrelevant to the White Sox and their offseason moves. There are fewer and fewer franchises these days run bafflingly poorly, and the Cubs making a baffling move hardly precludes comment on what has to this point been a terrible series of moves on the south side.

[Rob]

I really, really wanted to trade for Danks and give him that contract.

 

Me too.

 

In somewhat related news, I just won a twitter argument with Keith Law on the minutia of transaction rules and regulations regarding a potential Danks sign and trade.

[Pushfrog98]

I really, really wanted to trade for Danks and give him that contract.

 

Me too.

 

In somewhat related news, I just won a twitter argument with Keith Law on the minutia of transaction rules and regulations regarding a potential Danks sign and trade.

I saw "rhickey" and immediately thought Randy Hickey.

[dew1679666265]

At least Izturis isn't an option for the Cubs anymore this offseason.....

 

The Brewers have signed Cesar Izturis to a minor league contract, tweets Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.

[Little Slide Rooter]

some 2007 Cubs pre season acquisition news:

 

Nationals, Mark DeRosa Nearing Deal

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [December 21 at 9:37pm CST]

The Nationals are close to signing free agent Mark DeRosa, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (Twitter links). The sides are nearing a one-year, Major League contract and DeRosa will be a super utility player, Rosenthal writes. CSE represents DeRosa, who drew interest from at least four teams this offseason.

 

Twins, Jason Marquis Nearing Deal

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [December 21 at 9:18pm CST]

The Twins are nearing a deal with free agent starter Jason Marquis, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). ACES represents the 33-year-old right-hander.

[Omar]

The Twins announced that they have agreed to sign right-handed starter Jason Marquis to a one-year, $3MM contract. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported last night that the Twins were nearing a deal with the 33-year-old ACES client.

[NewUserName]

The Twins announced that they have agreed to sign right-handed starter Jason Marquis to a one-year, $3MM contract. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported last night that the Twins were nearing a deal with the 33-year-old ACES client.

 

This seems like a good bargain. Minnesota always seems to have 3 Jason Marquis caliber starters, so may as well get Marquis.

[jersey cubs fan]

The Twins announced that they have agreed to sign right-handed starter Jason Marquis to a one-year, $3MM contract. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported last night that the Twins were nearing a deal with the 33-year-old ACES client.

 

Who is putting out that note and why did they insist on including his agency's name?

[SouthSideRyan]

[expletive], I was interested in Marquis back when I thought he'd cost 2/10.

[Cubs Evangelist]

Looks like we may have an option for a backup catcher...

 

Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors reports that the Cubs are nearing a minor league deal with Jason Jaramillo.

[Guest]

Looks like Wood might not be coming back....

 

Dave Kaplan now says there’s a legitimate concern that Kerry Wood might not re-sign with the Cubs, whom Wood previously said he’d pitch for in 2012, or wouldn’t pitch at all. The hold-up, apparently, is the meaning of a “fair, market contract” for Wood. I warned weeks ago that the two sides could be in a bit of a pinch given Wood’s special standing with the organization and with fans, but his stated position that he’d pitch for the Cubs or not at all. That just doesn’t make for an easy negotiation when Wood wants a raise. I’m not saying he doesn’t deserve a raise from the chump-change $1.5 million he received in 2011. He does. I’m just saying that the confluence of factors makes things sticky, and I’ve always been worried that it could come to a head. Hopefully an amicable resolution is still on the way.

 

http://www.bleachernation.com/2011/12/29/lukewarm-stove-byrd-lidge-garza-jackson-wood-marmol-callaspo-marshall/

[javy knows my name]

Looks like Wood might not be coming back....

 

Dave Kaplan now says there’s a legitimate concern that Kerry Wood might not re-sign with the Cubs, whom Wood previously said he’d pitch for in 2012, or wouldn’t pitch at all. The hold-up, apparently, is the meaning of a “fair, market contract” for Wood. I warned weeks ago that the two sides could be in a bit of a pinch given Wood’s special standing with the organization and with fans, but his stated position that he’d pitch for the Cubs or not at all. That just doesn’t make for an easy negotiation when Wood wants a raise. I’m not saying he doesn’t deserve a raise from the chump-change $1.5 million he received in 2011. He does. I’m just saying that the confluence of factors makes things sticky, and I’ve always been worried that it could come to a head. Hopefully an amicable resolution is still on the way.

 

http://www.bleachernation.com/2011/12/29/lukewarm-stove-byrd-lidge-garza-jackson-wood-marmol-callaspo-marshall/

 

Given all the history, it makes sense that he'd happily sign with Hendry for well below market, but not be inclined to do so under Theo. It's possible that even the "gentleman's agreement" doesn't hold true anymore, which would be a shame. Oh well, it's just business.

[Cubswin11]

Looks like Wood might not be coming back....

 

Dave Kaplan now says there’s a legitimate concern that Kerry Wood might not re-sign with the Cubs, whom Wood previously said he’d pitch for in 2012, or wouldn’t pitch at all. The hold-up, apparently, is the meaning of a “fair, market contract” for Wood. I warned weeks ago that the two sides could be in a bit of a pinch given Wood’s special standing with the organization and with fans, but his stated position that he’d pitch for the Cubs or not at all. That just doesn’t make for an easy negotiation when Wood wants a raise. I’m not saying he doesn’t deserve a raise from the chump-change $1.5 million he received in 2011. He does. I’m just saying that the confluence of factors makes things sticky, and I’ve always been worried that it could come to a head. Hopefully an amicable resolution is still on the way.

 

http://www.bleachernation.com/2011/12/29/lukewarm-stove-byrd-lidge-garza-jackson-wood-marmol-callaspo-marshall/

 

Given all the history, it makes sense that he'd happily sign with Hendry for well below market, but not be inclined to do so under Theo. It's possible that even the "gentleman's agreement" doesn't hold true anymore, which would be a shame. Oh well, it's just business.

This might be where Ricketts Cubs fandom comes into play and he steps in a forces a Wood signing, instead of letting Theo/Hoyer make it simply a baseball decision. Also there is the omnipresent Krane Kenney in play here with his marketing wizardry that could get this done. What is "Fair Market Value" for Wood even? $3.5-5 million as a base and $2-3 million more in incentives and what not?

[fromthestretch]

Looks like Wood might not be coming back....

 

Dave Kaplan now says there’s a legitimate concern that Kerry Wood might not re-sign with the Cubs, whom Wood previously said he’d pitch for in 2012, or wouldn’t pitch at all. The hold-up, apparently, is the meaning of a “fair, market contract” for Wood. I warned weeks ago that the two sides could be in a bit of a pinch given Wood’s special standing with the organization and with fans, but his stated position that he’d pitch for the Cubs or not at all. That just doesn’t make for an easy negotiation when Wood wants a raise. I’m not saying he doesn’t deserve a raise from the chump-change $1.5 million he received in 2011. He does. I’m just saying that the confluence of factors makes things sticky, and I’ve always been worried that it could come to a head. Hopefully an amicable resolution is still on the way.

 

http://www.bleachernation.com/2011/12/29/lukewarm-stove-byrd-lidge-garza-jackson-wood-marmol-callaspo-marshall/

 

Given all the history, it makes sense that he'd happily sign with Hendry for well below market, but not be inclined to do so under Theo. It's possible that even the "gentleman's agreement" doesn't hold true anymore, which would be a shame. Oh well, it's just business.

This might be where Ricketts Cubs fandom comes into play and he steps in a forces a Wood signing, instead of letting Theo/Hoyer make it simply a baseball decision. Also there is the omnipresent Krane Kenney in play here with his marketing wizardry that could get this done. What is "Fair Market Value" for Wood even? $3.5-5 million as a base and $2-3 million more in incentives and what not?

 

If you deal Marmol, re-sign Wood to close at a reasonable base salary with incentives for games finished.

[TruffleShuffle]

This might be where Ricketts Cubs fandom comes into play and he steps in a forces a Wood signing, instead of letting Theo/Hoyer make it simply a baseball decision. Also there is the omnipresent Krane Kenney in play here with his marketing wizardry that could get this done. What is "Fair Market Value" for Wood even? $3.5-5 million as a base and $2-3 million more in incentives and what not?

 

no, that's pretty damn high for a middle reliever. he's a pretty good middle reliever but not an elite one. he's averaged barely more than 50 innings the last 3 years and his whip during that time is 1.355. he should probably be making like $2-2.5m.

[JoshiQ]

I'd go as high as $3.5, but that's just because he is Kerry Wood. I know it's overpaying, but we have some room and I don't want Kerry leaving again until he retires. I know it's stupid, so no need to tell me.

 

But yeah, $5 is too much.

[Butterscup1679666578]

we're not spending money on anyone else. give wood whatever he wants.

[Little Slide Rooter]

Looks like Wood might not be coming back....

 

Dave Kaplan now says there’s a legitimate concern that Kerry Wood might not re-sign with the Cubs, whom Wood previously said he’d pitch for in 2012, or wouldn’t pitch at all. The hold-up, apparently, is the meaning of a “fair, market contract” for Wood. I warned weeks ago that the two sides could be in a bit of a pinch given Wood’s special standing with the organization and with fans, but his stated position that he’d pitch for the Cubs or not at all. That just doesn’t make for an easy negotiation when Wood wants a raise. I’m not saying he doesn’t deserve a raise from the chump-change $1.5 million he received in 2011. He does. I’m just saying that the confluence of factors makes things sticky, and I’ve always been worried that it could come to a head. Hopefully an amicable resolution is still on the way.

 

http://www.bleachernation.com/2011/12/29/lukewarm-stove-byrd-lidge-garza-jackson-wood-marmol-callaspo-marshall/

 

Given all the history, it makes sense that he'd happily sign with Hendry for well below market, but not be inclined to do so under Theo. It's possible that even the "gentleman's agreement" doesn't hold true anymore, which would be a shame. Oh well, it's just business.

This might be where Ricketts Cubs fandom comes into play and he steps in a forces a Wood signing, instead of letting Theo/Hoyer make it simply a baseball decision. Also there is the omnipresent Krane Kenney in play here with his marketing wizardry that could get this done. What is "Fair Market Value" for Wood even? $3.5-5 million as a base and $2-3 million more in incentives and what not?

 

So basically, you're suggesting that we give Wood an extra few mil as a PR attempt in hopes that his return will blind fans to the fact that most the team is composed of has beens and never will bes? Just build a [expletive] statue.

[hardcorecubfan]

This might be where Ricketts Cubs fandom comes into play and he steps in a forces a Wood signing, instead of letting Theo/Hoyer make it simply a baseball decision. Also there is the omnipresent Krane Kenney in play here with his marketing wizardry that could get this done. What is "Fair Market Value" for Wood even? $3.5-5 million as a base and $2-3 million more in incentives and what not?

 

no, that's pretty damn high for a middle reliever. he's a pretty good middle reliever but not an elite one. he's averaged barely more than 50 innings the last 3 years and his whip during that time is 1.355. he should probably be making like $2-2.5m.

 

If we can get him for 2.5 it would be great or even three with incentives, When we aren't in it in July we trade him and Bird as a package to a contender. That's if he is not on the DL with a blister.

[JeffH]

Offer him a Wakefield-style contract. $2.5 million per year with infinite club options at that price.

[TruffleShuffle]

i'm not sure what kind of trade interest other teams would have in bird.