Cubs Rumors for December 17th

From the Orioles, Pitcher Eric Bedard and 2nd Baseman Brian Roberts for Pitcher Sean Gallagher, OF Matt Murton, INF Ronny Cedeno, and 2 mid level prospects. Sources indicate that a deal is close.

From the Rockies, Pitcher Brian Fuentes for 1 mid level prospect and 2 low level prospects.

From the Rockies, OF Ryan Spilborghs for INF Ryan Theriot.

From the Jays, Pitcher AJ Burnett for Pitcher Jason Marquis or Ryan Dempster plus several mid level prospects.

From the A's, Pitcher Joe Blanton.. Only noted the Cubs have interest in him.

From the Twins, Pitcher Joe Nathan.. Sun Times still says the Cubs are interested.

Brian Roberts a Cub by the weekend?

Brian Roberts trade value has gone down some because of the Mitchell report but he still remains high on the Cubs list of players there interested in. It was rumored that the O's would want Gallagher, Cedeno, and a midlevel prospect but since his value has went down you might not see that exact deal. My sources tell me Hendry has been in "frequent contact since the O's traded Tejada to the Astros" and now "Roberts is at the top of their list." They also said that a deal could be done as early as Saturday.

Report: Cubs Non Tender Mark Prior, making him Free Agent

David Kaplan of WGN Radio 720am in Chicago is reporting that the Cubs have chosen to Non Tender Pitcher Mark Prior. Making him a free agent.

Trade talks with the Padres regarding Prior had broken down after the Padres got ahold of his medical records.

NL Central News: Astros Acquire Tejada From Orioles

The Houston Astros have acquired 31 year old All Star Shortstop Miguel Tejada from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for Outfielder Luke Scott, Pitchers Matt Albers, Troy Patton, Dennis Sarfate, and third baseman Michael Costanzo. With the Orioles moving Tejada, 2nd baseman Brian Roberts is next on their to- trade list. The Cubs are the only suitor for Roberts.

Cubs have Midnight Deadline for Arbitration on Prior

Cubs GM Jim Hendry has a deadline of Midnight tonight, to decide if often injured Pitcher Mark Prior is to be offered arbitration, or non-tendered to become a free agent. There are also thoughts inside the Cubs front office that there is a possibility of a trade. The Padres have been the only revealed destination. Prior resides near San Diego, so he would play close to home.

Roberts, Marquis, Deals?

The Hot Stove has been heating up the past few days with the Cubs signing their top free agent target Kosuke Fukudome, but there is more work to be done. The Brian Roberts trade to the Cubs is still in motion, sources close to the Cubs and Orioles say the deal will be done soon.

New Unconfirmed rumor!!!

The Cubs are in trade talks with the Toronto Blue Jays about Acquiring Pitcher AJ Burnett. The deal would supposedly include Jason Marquis, Mark DeRosa or Matt Murton, and Ronny Cedeno.

This may just be a rumor, but it is confirmed that the Cubs are trying to trade Marquis to an American League team.

Official: Cubs Sign Fukudome 4 years 48 Million

Tuesday Night the Cubs Signed Japanese Outfielder Kosuke Fukudome to a 4 year 48 Million dollar contract.

Report: Cubs Sign Kosuke Fukudome 4 years 52 Million

David Kaplan of WGN Radio 720am in Chicago is reporting the Cubs have signed Kosuke Fukudome to a 4 year contract worth 52 Million in total.

Also being reported by NikkanSports of Japan.

Weekly Minor League Spotlight: Tyler Colvin

Tyler Colvin, Outfielder Cubs AA Tennessee

Drafted 13th overall in the first round of the 2006 major league draft by the Cubs ... Batted .356 in 69 games for Clemson his final year of college ball, including 13 HR and 70 RBI ... Led team with 100 hits, 22 doubles and had .419 on-base percentage ... Stole 23 bases in 27 attempts ... Batted .268 in 64 games for Class Low A, short-season Boise of the Northwest League in his professional debut season in 2006 ... Finished tied for second in the league in RBIs (53) and tied for third in both extra base hits (29) and runs scored (50) ... invited to Big League Spring Training Camp on January 9, 2007 ... Batted .318 (7-for-22) in eight games with the Cubs in big league camp this spring ... Assigned to Class High-A Daytona for the start of the 2007 season ... Batted .306 with 7 HR, 24 doubles, and 50 RBI in 63 games for Daytona, earning Mid-season Florida State League All-Star honors and a promotion to Double-A Tennessee on June 19 ... was near the top of the Florida State League in many offensive categories such as doubles (24), extra base hits (34) and RBIs (50).

-Inside the Ivy

Cubs to unveil Ernie Banks Statue at Wrigley Field, on Opening Day 2008

Jay Blunk is pleased a statue has been authorized of Cubs legend Ernie Banks. The statue will be revealed on Opening Day outside Wrigley.

“It’s really remarkable. It’s done by the same artist that did Harry’s statue,” said Blunk. “It’s long overdue.”

-PSD

Kosuke Fukudome to Decide Between Cubs and Padres today or tomorrow.

Kosuke Fukudome, the top Japanese position player import since Ichiro Suzuki (Mariners), will be deciding today or tomorrow on offers from the Chicago Cubs or San Diego Padres. The Cubs are thought to have offered a 5 yr. contract worth around 50 Million total, while the Padres offered a 3 yr. Contract. Financial Terms unknown to the public.
According to MLBTraderumors.com the Cubs are deciding internally if they should up the offer to 5yrs. 65 Million to scare off any other potential bidders. The Cubs will have him play either Center Field or Right Field if he signs with them, the Padres are likely to have him be their Center Fielder, since Mike Cameron is not currently on the roster.