Ryan Sweeney May Be Headed To Cubbies

Boston OF Ryan Sweeney

The Boston Herald's Michael Silverman reports that a "baseball insider" is saying Ryan Sweeney is on the trading block—and could be headed to the Cubbies. The outfield logjam in Boston needs to be culled out, and Sweeney's fast start this season gives him some real value. Silverman points out that Theo is dangling both Matt Garza and Ryan Dempster—but either one would require a bigger package than just Sweeney.

Theo: 'Everything Must Go! Make Us An Offer!'

Chicago has been associated with fire ever since Mrs. O'Leary's cow tipped over the lantern. Now, Theo Epstein is keeping that association alive with a Fire Sale on 1060 W. Addison Street in Chicago. Essentially, his message to the rest of Major League Baseball is:

"Everything Must Go—from the floor to the ceiling, take your pick of Cubbies!"

Now that it's clear that his rag-tag bunch of bears will not contend in the NL Central (10 games out as of today—despite winning three straight), nobody is safe. From dazzling shortstop Starlin Castro to suddenly powerful first baseman Bryan LaHair. Even starters Matt Garza and Ryan Dempster are now Blue Light Specials at Theo's "K"-Mart. Pretty much anybody but starter Jeff Samardzija can be had. It will be interesting to see if Theo's famous trading bravado results in a deal with his old buddies on Yawkey Way.

Theo Compensation Issue May Not Be Over

The "significant" bounty the Red Sox received in exchange for Theo Epstein's services underwent elbow surgery in Alabama yesterday, and Darth Lucchino is not happy. Word is that the Boston CEO will seek further compensation from the Cubbies—with the not-so-subtle implication that the Carmine Hose were snookered by their old GM. The whole episode had a surreal quality to it—four months of dancing around the issue in a (supposed) friendly manner—and then a far less than "significant" prize in the Sox red Christmas stocking.

Theo Compensation Could Happen Soon

Stop us is you've heard this before: The Theo Epstein compensation deal is imminent. Right. According to multiple reports, Commissioner Bud Selig has seen his shadow and might actually rule on the four-month old issue. If you recall, back when gas prices were below $3.50, the Cubs and Red Sox agreed that letting Epstein out of his contract would require 'significant' compensation in return. As Bill Clinton might say, "It depends on what the definition of 'significant' is." We would argue that it means a real prospect—one that has a significant likelihood of making it to The Show. The Cubs have many such players in AA and AAA. This should be resolved ASAP.

Theo: Cubbies Not Interested In Manny

In the midst of an interview yesterday on WEEI, former Red Sox GM Theo Epstein said his new team has no interest in signing Manny Ramirez. Said Theo on The Dennis & Callahan Morning Show:

"I don't think [Ramirez is] a good fit for us."

Asked if he thought someone would take a chance on the former Sox slugger, Epstein correctly noted:

"It only takes one."

Theo And Jed Snare Rizzo For Cubbies

It was only a matter of time. With a gaping hole at first base, Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer traded for former Red Sox first base prospect Anthony Rizzo. After being acquired by the Padres last year for Adrian Gonzalez, Rizzo was caught in a crowded first base field in San Diego. Now, he'll likely be the starting first baseman for the Cubs. Good for him!

Theo Targets Rizzo In Garza Deal

Cubs President Theo Epstein may be snatching back another player from his Red Sox past. Reportedly, Epstein is looking to deal RHP Matt Garza and is looking for his former draft pick Anthony Rizzo as part of the return package. Rizzo was sent to the Padres as part of the deal that brought Adrian Gonzalez to Boston. The highly-touted 22-year old first baseman becomes expendable in San Diego after the acquisition of Yonder Alonso. (Photo: Bob Breidenbach/Providence Journal)