Paul Sullivan of Chicago Breaking Sports is reporting that the Cubs have signed Jeff Baker to a 1 year $1.175 million contract. In addition, the Cubs have offered Koyie Hill arbitration, meaning that neither player was non-tendered.
Thus, the Cubs now have 4 catchers on their 40-man roster, which is one too many. This makes me think that we may be seeing Texas' Chris Davis in a Cubs uniform soon.
With Geovany Soto returning to form and under team control for at least 3 more years, the Cubs may feel they can part with one of their catching prospects and trade either Welington Castillo or Robinson Chirinos to Texas for Davis.
It would be a deal from strength for both the Cubs and Texas, as Davis is blocked at first by Mitch Moreland. Given that Davis will only make a little over $400K next year, acquiring him would allow Jim Hendry more payroll flexibility to sign the starter and right handed reliever he covets.
The picture should become more clear during next week's Winter Meetings, but I have to believe the Cubs will not head into the 2011 season with 4 catchers on their roster.
Interesting speculation. Makes sense to leverage one of our surplus of minor league talent at C and OF to fill other areas where we are thin like 1B and 3B. But I hope they don't wate it on Chris Davis who has proven unable to adjust to major league pitching. In nearly 900 plate appearances, he has struck out 30% of the time with a .248 average. If you're going to trade a young prospect or two, why not get a young 1B back with more possible upside than Davis. Much rather roll the dice by trading for the Royals' No. 2 1B prospect Clint Robinson, or spend more try to dislodge their No.1 Eric Hosmer. The Royals also need catching and starting pitching help.
ReplyDeleteGood god I hope we don't end up with Chris Davis. He was given the chance to earn a permanent job at 1B with Texas multiple times and failed.
ReplyDeleteWhy not have Dewitt play first? Concentrate on a good frpitcher and reliever. Use one of the prospects catchers in a trade with Boston.
ReplyDeleteI think the Cubs will trade a catcher one way or another. I hope as well that its not Davis, as his K's concern me too, but he's the only one linked to the Cubs who's team needs a catcher.
ReplyDeleteOf course the Cubs could always trade a catcher for a reliever or starting pitcher.
hopefully that means that lars anderson (lefty 1b , with power , age 23) will be available for trade now that hendry let gonzalez slip through his fingers .now , hendry has to think long term at first base because the only 1b free agents in 2012 are fielder and pujols and we know both won't be cheap enough for the cubs .
ReplyDeletei don't think this offseason could get much worse . first losing sandberg , retaining hill , losing ronnie ,and losing a chance on gonzalez .
ReplyDeleteBoston would be a good trade partner, not only because Lars Anderson is now blocked by AGon, but their catching situation isn't the greatest with the aging Varitek and the unproven Salty.
ReplyDelete