12 replies to this topic

[Snodgrass'Muff]

The Cubs are letting teams know that nearly everyone but starter Jeff Samardzija is available, two high-ranking team officials told USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because of competitive reasons.

Matt Garza and Ryan Dempster are veterans starters who can fill out the top of a rotation for a contender. Shortstop Starlin Castro already is a star at 22 but can be obtained for two impact prospects.

And the Cubs gladly will chip in cash for a team to take left fielder Alfonso Soriano and the more than $45 million left on his contract.

http://www.freep.com...etroit Tigers|p

[Laser Show]

I know the Cubs are a ways off... but couldn't Castro be part of a contender 5 years down the road? That seems a bit early to include him in a fire sale.

[Manramsclan]

I know the Cubs are a ways off... but couldn't Castro be part of a contender 5 years down the road? That seems a bit early to include him in a fire sale.

I agree, but I would bet there is value in finding out what he is worth on the trade market a la Towers dangling Upton.

[Snodgrass'Muff]

I'm guessing Castro is out there just in case someone is willing to overpay. He probably won't move, though I wouldn't be shocked to see it happen. There are quite a few teams with a number of top 100 prospects this year who could see him as an upgrade over what they have and a great piece to build around.

But I do agree that building around Samardzija, Castro, Rizzo and Jackson seems the way for Theo to go.

[gammoseditor]

Castro only has 4 years of control after this year. If they can get two prospects they love it wouldn't be an awful deal.

[Buzzkill Pauley]

Castro only has 4 years of control after this year. If they can get two prospects they love it wouldn't be an awful deal.

Basically, I see this as Theo dangling Castro to the Royals and Rays. It would take an insanely deep system rich in pitching, no SS, and a window open for 1-4 years to make it sensible.

I still think that Theo declines anything less meaty than the obverse of the Adrian Gonzalez trade.

[maufman]

Basically, I see this as Theo dangling Castro to the Royals and Rays. It would take an insanely deep system rich in pitching, no SS, and a window open for 1-4 years to make it sensible.

I still think that Theo declines anything less meaty than the obverse of the Adrian Gonzalez trade.

Given Castro's contract status (under club control through 2016), it would be a colossal blunder to accept a package similar to what the Sox gave up for Gonzalez.

The packages the Reds and Nats gave up for Mat Latos and Gio Gonzalez, respectively, are the right place to start. Given the inherent riskiness of pitching prospects, even those are probably on the low side.

Edited by maufman, 31 May 2012 - 06:37 PM.

[MakMan44]

Theo came out and said that Castro is not going to be traded. So yeah, Theo is saying that it would take a hell of package to get him. Not just two quality prospects

[502 to Right]

Castro has 5 walks in 217 PA's. That is disgusting. Still a great future but some plate discipline would be nice.

[flymrfreakjar]

[teddywingman]

It goes without saying--but it will be interesting to see what Epstein does with the mess he inherited--and what will become of the mess left behind.

Theo could be the Obama and Bush of baseball GM's at the same time.

[Snodgrass'Muff]

Sveum went nuts over Castro botching a DP opportunity by not realizing how many outs there were tonight.

"It's something that's obviously unacceptable at any time," Sveum said. "Whether we could have turned the double play or not is irrelevant to not knowing how many outs there are in the most important part of the game. These things have got to stop happening or he's going to stop playing. These kind of things are things that my son does in high school maybe."

Read more: http://www.foxnews.c.../#ixzz1wt36xOHc

Sveum also said that if he wants to play, these kinds of things need to stop. Not sure if this has any impact on his availability, but his manager was very much unhappy with him tonight.

[SamK]

Basically, I see this as Theo dangling Castro

Buzzkill Pauley has it. I didn't see anything new with this "fire sale" semi-announcement. They're just shaking the peach trees.

The only move Cubs really need right now is finding an MLB contender willing to let Chicago put a late inning bat on their bench. I think Sorriano is a good clubhouse presence, too. He is probably showing some pups the ropes out there, but lots of players can do that for the Cubs. He is a luxury they must pay for, but need not use up a roster spot with.

Edited by SamK, 07 June 2012 - 11:31 AM.