All Entries Tagged With: "Jeff Baker"

Soriano hopes Cubs stand pat, other Cubs notes

Alfonso Soriano says the Cubs don’t need to make any big deals, they just need to have a good month of putting it together. Paul Sullivan continues to report the Cubs are looking at lefty relievers and may soon bring BJ Ryan up to see what he has.

“I don’t think we need any big trades,” Soriano said Sunday. “We have a very good team, a good offense, bullpen, rotation… We’ve just got to put it together, have a good month, and we’ll be fine.”
Do the Cubs need another lefty in the bullpen?

Sean Marshall has been a lifesaver for Lou Piniella, but he’s not used to being used so often. B.J. Ryan is close to being brought up from his rehab stint, but no one knows whether he’ll be the B.J. Ryan of old or just an old B.J. Ryan.

Among the available lefties, Washington’s Joe Beimel would cost the Cubs only the remaining $650,000 on his one-year contract, well within Jim Hendry’s mysetrious summer budget. Beimel has limited left-handed hitters to a .233 average, though he’s 1-5 with a 3.43 ERA. He’d probably cost the Cubs a couple mid-level prospects.

The Nationals are scouting the Cubs minor league system, but nothing appears imminent. Baltimore’s George Sherrill may be a better option, though the Cubs don’t like the exorbitant asking price of Orioles chief Andy MacPhail.

As for another bat, the Cubs still lack left-handed power, but have nowhere to put a new acquisition except second base. They believe Mike Fontenot is slowly coming out of his funk, and can succeed in a platoon situation with Jeff Baker.

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Cubs not sure about Sanchez?

Bruce Miles responded to a question about a Yahoo Sports rumor having the Cubs interested in Freddy Sanchez. Sanchez could give the Cubs the production they have missed from second base since trading Mark DeRosa. Mike Fontenot has struggled and newcomer Jeff Baker has already taken away his playing time lately.

Miles’ Cubs sources tell him the Cubs have concerns about Sanchez abilty to stay on the field.

I’ve talked to the Cubs multiple times about this. They don’t like the vesting option and they’re not sure Sanchez can stay on the field. They had a great relationship with former Pirates GM Dave Littlefield (now a scout for the Cubs). I’m not sure they’re finding the Bucs as easy to deal with these days.

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Report: Cubs add Rockies’ Baker

Yahoo sports reports the Cubs have traded for Jeff Baker. Baker, (who can play multiple positions) could be used in a role simular to the way the Cubs used Mark DeRosa.

The Chicago Cubs have acquired Jeff Baker(notes) from the Colorado Rockies, according to a source close to the club.

It is unclear who the Rockies will receive in return for Baker or the Cubs’ plans for him.

Baker, an infielder, went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 27 and was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 24. He began a minor league rehab assignment June 19.

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