Wednesday–It is now the third day at the Major League Baseball winter meetings, and the Cubs have yet to make a move. Talk about where prized free agent, Albert Pujols, will land stole the show the first two days at the meetings in Dallas. It is still unclear where the slugger will land but it appears that he will stay with the World Series champions, St. Louis Cardinals. Besides the Cardinals, the hot spending Miami Marlins made a strong push for Pujols. The Marlins have already made a big splash in free agency with the signing of shortstop Jose Reyes and closer Heath Bell. If Pujols decides to remain a Cardinal, the Marlins are then expected to try and sign either C.J. Wilson or Mark Buehrle.
With all the constant speculation about Pujols, the Cubs have remained patient. The Cubs have reportedly made an offer to the Pujols on Monday night. However, the offer made by Theo Epstein appears to be much lower than the 10 year $200 million contract that Pujols is looking for. But still the Cubs have not discouraged rumors that they are still in the mix.
The next player that has been linked to Cubs rumors is All-Star first baseman, Prince Fielder. Fielder, who is three years younger than Pujols would seem to make more sense for the Cubs to sign. However, Fielder’s demand for at least a seven year deal could possibly end the Cubs’ chance of landing him. Although speculation continues to swirl, Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said today that the Cubs involvement with Fielder has been “overblown.”
But the Cubs waiting game may be over soon. Over the last week, rumors have spread about the Cubs sending either infielder Blake DeWitt or outfielder Tyler Colvin to the Colorado Rockies for third basemen, Ian Stewart. The Rockies seem to have more interest in Colvin who showed promise in 2010 before having a brutal 2011 season where he spent most of the season in the minors. Stewart was also a bust for the Rockies in 2011. Due to a wrist injury, Stewart played just 48 games where he hit a pathetic .156. Perhaps a change of scenery is what both players need.
In other smaller news for the Cubs, Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman reported that Carlos Pena will not accept the Cubs arbitration offer. The rumors about the Cubs looking to trade starting pitcher, Matt Garza, have died down so far this week but the chance for a trade is still a possibility. And finally, even though the Cubs are willing to eat a large amount of his contract, the market for Alfonso Soriano appears to be very small at this moment.
Winter Meetings latest; Cubs rumors gaining steam
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