Yesterday I posted that if the Cubs intend to do what they said they would do, increase payroll slightly, then they should have enough money to add another relief pitcher.
I figure they have $3 to $5 million to use for this cause.
Who could the Cubs target?
Well, the first name to probably come up would be Heath Bell of the Padres. Why? Well, for some stupid reason, his name always comes up whenever a team needs a relief pitcher. Why would this never happen? I don't think the Padres would want to trade Bell. He is extremely effective and is under team for another season after 2010. More likely the Padres would hold on to him for another season to see if they are able to start turning things around. If so, they would be able to offer him a longer term deal. Bell isn't costing them tons of money right now. ($4 million for 2010.)
Kerry Wood? The Indians want to unload him. Problem? Well, they signed Kid-K to a 2 year contract and he is owed $10.5 million this season. That's why the Indians want get rid of him. And that's why it's going to be a hard sell. The Indians are going to have to eat quite a bit of that contract. And on top of that, Kerry has a vesting option for 2011 if he finishes 55 games this season. If the Cubs were to somehow get Wood, he probably wouldn't get that option because Marmol would likely still be the closer. But if Kerry does finish 55 games...he gets $11 million next year. I'd love to see Wood come and play for us...but the cost would probably be way too high.
The latest rumor, which is an old one as well, is that the Cubs are trying to negotiate with the Blue Jays for Jason Frasor. Frasor signed a $2.65 million contract for 2010 and is eligible for free agency after this season. Frasor had a very good season last year with a 2.50 ERA and about a strikeout an inning. This was a huge improvement over the previous season where he appeared to have some control problems. My rule of thumb is to look at how a reliever did the season before last. Frasor is the cheapest of the three, but he a much shakier history and might be due for an off season.
It sounds like the Cubs are serious about Frasor. And if they do pull the string on the deal, hopefully they don't give away too much. My instincts tell me he won't work out...but other stats might say differently. I'm keeping my ears open for other possibilities to help shore up the bullpen. (Supposedly Jim Hendry was eyeing Rollie Fingers before the Cubs/Brewers game yesterday...that's not good.)
Update:
I forgot to bring this up initially...but the price for getting another relief pitcher might have gone up now that Joe Nathan is probably out for the season with the Twins.
Minnesota is trying to make a big slash in their first year at their new ballpark...Heath Bell and Kerry Wood might be near the top of their list.
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I watched part of the first inning and all of the second inning yesterday of the Nationals game where Stephen Strasburg made his debut.
I have a post about him and Aroldis Chapman that I'll post later today or tomorrow...but Strasburg looked pretty good out there. He was, at the least, better than Carlos Silva.
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Today's lineup in case you didn't get it from the comments in the post from this morning:
Theriot
Byrd
Lee
Ramirez
Nady!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Soriano
Baker
Koyie
Adduci
For some reason, as Frank pointed out, the Giants were ok with playing the DH today. Zambrano is starting, and I'm sure he's a little disappointed that he won't get a chance to hit.
