Update: 5:00 p.m – The Cubs told Carlos Marmol last night that he will open the 2013 as their closer. I would have to think, if the right offer comes along, he’ll be gone. The Cubs also told him, that he could be a trade deadline trade.
Day 3 of the Winter Meetings kicked off today with no moves from the Chicago Cubs front office. As of right now, the Cubs side still has been very quiet. Even the rumors haven’t been here much as what we would have expect. The biggest news so far at the meetings for the Cubs is the announcement of Jim Deshaies as their replacement for Bob Brenly. But here’s the latest from the slow rumor mill:
*The Cubs have had plenty of interest in closer Carlos Marmol and OF Alfonso Soriano, according to Bruce Levine. Take it with a grain of salt as it is from Levine, he’s been off the past few years and no one else has reported interest in either of the players. I just hope the Cubs aren’t overvaluing them. If they’re, both players will be on the Cubs roster come the 2013 season.
*The Cubs search for a 3B is still on, but to no luck. The Cubs had interest in Jeff Keppinger and Yunel Escobar. But Keppinger signed with the Chicago White Sox today and Escobar was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays yesterday.
*The Cubs did have interest in OF Jason Bay, but he’s is now off the board too. The Seattle Mariners snagged him in today.
*The Boston Red Sox are reportedly shopping OF Jacoby Ellsbury. The Cubs are believe to have interest in Ellsbury, but Buster Olney states there is no match between the 2 teams. The Red Sox would want top prospects for him or major league players in exchange for Ellsbury. Of which the Cubs won’t and cannot make.
*The Cubs have interest in RP Jason Grilli and he could make a decision on a new team today. He drove down to Nashville today and is ready for a new contract. The Cubs interest in ‘genuine’. The Pirates could be the front-runner for Grilli, though.
*The Cubs have interest in reuniting with old ex-Cub RP Kyle Farnsworth, but we don’t know how much.
*The Cubs also have interest in IF Yunisky Betancourt, but many believe for a minor-league deal and he will come off the bench. But we don’t know much on Betancourt too.
*In surprising news, recent non-tender Ian Stewart is drawing good attention on the open market. The Cubs have hope to re-sign him after non-tendering him, but it may be harder than first thought. The New York Yankees are one team looking at Stewart.
That’s the latest from the rumor mill from your Chicago Cubs!
Other MLB news:
*The Chicago White Sox signed 3B Jeff Keppimger to a 3-year deal worth 12 million.
*The Arizona Diamondbacks signed IF Eric Chavez to a 1-year contract.
*The Baltimore Orioles signed OF Nate McClouth to a 1-year deal worth 2 million.
*The Seattle Mariners signed OF Jason Bay to a 1-year contract.
*The Los Angeles Angels have signed RP Sean Burnett to a 2-year contract with a club option.
*The Detroit Tigers have traded LHP Andre Oliver to the Pittsburgh Pirates for minor-league catcher Ramon Cabrera.
To be honest, this Winter Meetings has been more boring than in the past years. Barely any trades and not big free agent signings.
We will actually hear news on a Cubs addition tomorrow as the Rule V draft takes place. Also, tomorrow is the final day of the Winter Meetings and usually concludes around noon.