Marlins and Blue Jays Blockbuster

A huge trade appears to be in the works, but we all know how quick things can change.  Toronto is obviously going for it as they are rumored to have acquired Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, Mark Buerlhe, Emilio Bonifacio, and John Buck from the Miami Marlins.  The Marlins will receive SS Yunel Escobar, pitchers Henderson Alvarez and Justin Nicolino, INF Adeiny Hechavarria, and OF Jake Marisnick.  The Marlins, who spent like crazy last winter have blown their team up and are beginning to stock pile young talent throughout their system.  Marisnick, Nicolino, and Hechavarria were all in the Blue Jays top 10 prospects at number two, five, and seven respectively.  Alvarez is a nice young arm that they can put in their rotation right now, and Escobar has always had talent, but has had some issues both on the field and off during his career.  The Marlins have virtually erased 2011 off-season moving Reyes and Buerhle in this deal.  As you recall they have already moved Heath Bell and have fired Ozzie Guillen.  If any more details come out we will let you know.

UPDATE:  The Marlins will also receive C Jeff Mathis and RHP Anthony DeSclafani.  Toronto will receive $4 million from the Marlins.

Thanks for Reading,
-Mark

Cubs Sign Scott Baker

Earlier today the Cubs and RHP Scott Baker agreed to a one year contract with a base salary of $5.5 million and incentives that could reach another $1.5 million.  The 31-year starting pitcher did not pitch at all last season due to Tommy-John surgery.  Baker, who has spent his entire seven-year career with the Twins has a 63-48 record with a 4.15 ERA.  In 2011 Baker was having a nice season before suffering elbow problems, posting a 3.14 ERA in only 23 games pitched, 21 of which he started.

This is exactly the type of pitcher and the type of deal the Cubs are looking at right now.  The Cubs are obviously hoping Baker can come back strong from surgery and if he does he could at the very least be flipped come trade deadline.  If he doesn’t come back as strong as hoped it won’t cost the Cubs much money wise or length of contract wise.  The Cubs will still look for at least one more starting pitcher this off-season, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they still go after two.  All in all I think this a pretty solid deal for the Cubs.

Thanks for Reading,
-Mark

Big Time Prospects Ready For Instructional League

As we heads towards the end of the season it starts to become a reality, there’s only a handful of Cubs games left this year.  For most, this is a blessing as some fans can’t “bear”…. (get it?) to watch anymore given how bad the team has been and other sports have started.  For this Cubs fan it’s not so great as I enjoy watching this team play, no matter how infuriating it is at times.  With that said it’s time to start focusing on the off-season baseball that will take place, first up is the Cubs instructional league that starts today.  This is an important step for many of these players as they are going to get more game experience, and another opportunity to impress the front office heading into next season.  Below is a breakdown of everyone that will participate this year, the games begin on September 21.  We will give you much more information on these players as our player cards come out, we will also do our best to give you results and box scores of these games, so stay tuned!

 

Thanks for reading,
– George