seanhopper

According to a report on Daytona's first game, Austin Kirk is in the rotation (this was mentioned earlier). He pitched 4+ innings yesterday in relief, but they intend to give him a spot in the rotation.

I would also not be surprised if the team Garza is traded to wants to use their 48hr window to negotiate a 4-5yr contract extension. I believe in order to give up the type of talent the Cubs are likely requesting, the team will want to secure Garza for more than 2yrs.

I wonder if the teams negotiating with the Cubs are asking for a period of time to get an extension in place with Garza before they commit to the prospect package being rumored. If Toronto or Detroit can get Garza for 4-5yrs vs. 2yrs, then you would have to believe the package would be better.

If San Diego is interested in a pitcher under control for the next 4-5yrs., then possibly the Cubs acquisition of T. Wood is with intent to move him for Rizzo. Honestly, I could see another move happening this week to pick up other pcs San Diego wants. The Cubs have 2 chips left --Garza and Byrd-- to bring back prospects and trade chips. T. Wood + prospect for Rizzo + a SD prospect (a Hoyer pet project)

<> Exactly my point. I could see where Epstein essentially views Darvish and Garza contracts as a wash with the posting fee being a cost of receiving high level, close to the majors prospects. Seems like a smart move.

Any chance Epstein/Hoyer decided to go strong after Darvish in order to sign him and then trade Garza to one of the teams that lost out, i.e. Texas, Toronto.

According to reports out of Colorado, the Rox are interested in a swap of Ian Stewart for Dewitt. I guess if the Cubs want to give Stewart a shot, Dewitt's not a bad player to swap. However, his versatility makes him somewhat valuable--so I don't see Hoyer/Ep. doing this.

#Cubs reach agreement with David DeJesus. Will be their everyday right fielder. #MLB According to Ken Rosenthal

Here's a thought--could Theo and Hoyer be playing up their interest in Sveum? They could then bow out and let the Red Sox have the ability to negotiate with him without the threat of another team competing. The reasoning could be to help reduce the compensation demands the Sox are asking for.

I live in Miami Beach and ironically I was just talking to a person who is well connected to miami beach and the Marlins. We started talking about the real-estate market and how fortunate some sellers were that DWade, Bosh and Lebron all signed their $100m contracts and went house hunting. I said that won't happen again. He said, well the Marlins are next. He specifically said Reyes and Pujols.

<> As you mentioned, this is likely a good indicator of what Theo/Hoyer can expect in terms of salary relief for Zambrano. Zambrano has age and health on his side, but he's a loose cannon that may not last a season because of his personality vs. his health. It's a tough call for a team, even with a lower salary. At least Lowe is off of the market and cannot be used as leverage for another team looking for SP. Other teams will want to see at least 4-5 games of Zambrano in winter ball before doing anything, so I don't believe we'll see this Zambrano situation resolved quickly.

<> Just read this tweet. So, Mr. PSG, where did you see Epstein?

Keith Law added this twitter - Cubs RHP Dillon Maples 89-92 today in instructs with poor command. I don't know if he saw him in person or if he's just reporting what others were.

I wonder what the Cubs draft would have looked like if one of the tough signs (high bonus signs) like Bubba Starling had fallen to the Cubs. Would their spending on the rest of the draft change dramatically if they had to spend $7m+ round 1. I imagine by getting Baez, the Cubs completely changed to another plan they had for the rest of the draft.

The Cubs better call off the convention this year. It's going to be ugly.