Cubs rumors update

December 17th, 2009 | by Mark |

The Cubs are apparently stepping up their efforts to acquire a centerfield, after losing out on Curtis Granderson and Mike Cameron, as the rumors are starting to fly.

Marlon Byrd is the top option remaining for the Cubs, according to Paul Sullivan, who also says the Cubs do not have to trade Bradley before signing someone like Byrd. Mark’s Remarks – Byrd is a decent option, but the Cubs had better act quickly.

The Cubs are also looking at Rick Ankiel, Scott Podsednik and Reed Johnson, according to Carrie Muskat. Mark’s Remarks – These are the type of players that make you long for another year of Milton Bradley.

In other news, the Cubs continue to look at more pitching options.

I’ve already reported the Cubs interest in Joel Pineiro. However, ESPN’s Buster Olney (pay site) says that it will likely take a 4-year deal worth $10 million per year to sign him. Mark’s Remarks – Yeah, right. This will only happen if the Cubs can find a taker for Milton Bradley, Alfonso Soriano AND Kosuke Fukudome.

The Cubs were one of the teams on hand to watch Kelvin Escobar throw yesterday (link in Spanish). Mark’s Remarks – This is probably more in the Cubs budget as they could possibly get Escobar for a minor league contract or a major league contract with a small base plus performance incentives.

The Cubs also have interest in the services of Matt Capps. However, they probably wouldn’t hand him the closer role, which is something that Washington might do, which is why the Nats are a finalist for Capps’ services. Mark’s Remarks – Capps is no sure thing, so he should fit in well alongside Carlos Marmol in the Cubs bullpen.

Finally, in case you think I forgot about Bradley, Ken Rosenthal reports that at least 3 teams remain interest in Bradley, the Rays, Rangers and Mariners. Rosenthal lists the Rangers and Mariners as long-shots and says the “Rays and Cubs have been at an impasse for weeks”. Mark’s Remarks – @#$%@!