Multiple sources (espn.com, dailyherald.com) reporting that LHP Randy Johnson has signed a one year deal with the SF Giants. It is believed to be a $8 million deal.
The Big Unit was whispered to be a fall back option in case the Cubs didnt deal for Peavy. But considering the money he got from the Giants and the fact that he would, when healthy, put up similar numbers as Jason Marquis, its probably safe to say that Johnson wasnt a serious option. The Cubs would have had to dealt Marquis to make space in the rotation. To trade him, Hendry probably would have had to eat some of the $10 million owed to Marquis for 2009. So indirectly the team would be spending more to receive similar production out of the 5th rotation spot.
I still dont see SF becoming a playoff contender with their recent signings, so Johnson's name may come up again at the July trade deadline if the Cubs are in need of rotation help.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Cubs Eying Two Japanese Pitchers?
Paul Sullivan is reporting on chicagotribune.com that the Cubs are eying two relief pitchers from Japan. At this point spring training invites are the level at which the Cubs are interested.
RHP Ken Kadokura is a 35 year old righty. He spent most of the 2008 season in the minors. He was released by Yomiuri after this past season, so no posting fee will be involved. Kadokura's career numbers are 76-82, 10 SV, and a 4.36 ERA. His arsenal consists of a fastball, splitter, and slider. Cubs scout Steve Wilson mentioned Kadokura's great command. The Cubs could fit him in as a middle reliever.
LHP Shigeki Noguchi is a 34 year old lefty also mentioned, but no further mention of his stats or ability. He also was released by Yomiuri after 2008.
Sullivan continues by saying the Cubs think one or both of them at the very least will help Fukudome be comfortable in the clubhouse this spring, similar to how they gave ex White Sox Shingo Takatsu a look last spring.
After a quiet few days due to the Christmas holiday, it is good to hear at least some piece of news. Obviously nothing to get too excited about, as we saw that Takatsu didnt work out for the Cubs by the time April rolled around.
Based on the numbers for Kadokura, I do not expect him to stick on the roster come April. Seeing him in Wrigley will mean we traded away Marshall, we didnt sign a quality relief arm (which should be up there in priority with the lefty OF bat instead of chasing after Peavy), or an arm the Cubs had pegged for middle relief got hurt.
The lack of information on the lefty leads me to believe there isnt much interest in him.
RHP Ken Kadokura is a 35 year old righty. He spent most of the 2008 season in the minors. He was released by Yomiuri after this past season, so no posting fee will be involved. Kadokura's career numbers are 76-82, 10 SV, and a 4.36 ERA. His arsenal consists of a fastball, splitter, and slider. Cubs scout Steve Wilson mentioned Kadokura's great command. The Cubs could fit him in as a middle reliever.
LHP Shigeki Noguchi is a 34 year old lefty also mentioned, but no further mention of his stats or ability. He also was released by Yomiuri after 2008.
Sullivan continues by saying the Cubs think one or both of them at the very least will help Fukudome be comfortable in the clubhouse this spring, similar to how they gave ex White Sox Shingo Takatsu a look last spring.
After a quiet few days due to the Christmas holiday, it is good to hear at least some piece of news. Obviously nothing to get too excited about, as we saw that Takatsu didnt work out for the Cubs by the time April rolled around.
Based on the numbers for Kadokura, I do not expect him to stick on the roster come April. Seeing him in Wrigley will mean we traded away Marshall, we didnt sign a quality relief arm (which should be up there in priority with the lefty OF bat instead of chasing after Peavy), or an arm the Cubs had pegged for middle relief got hurt.
The lack of information on the lefty leads me to believe there isnt much interest in him.
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