The Chicago Cubs rumor mill quickly was a buzzing today, as an early tweet by Ken Rosenthal had the Cubs and Dodgers discussing a trade that would send Ted Lilly, and Ryan Theriot to the Dodgers. As of now, it is not clear if the Dodgers still have interest in package deal of Ted Lilly and Ryan Theriot. The one thing that is clear, is that the Dodgers are still very much alive in the Lilly sweepstakes.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been showing strong interest for the past three weeks now in Lilly, and they are believed to be the favorites to land Lilly. However, the Dodgers are having conversations with the Pittsburgh Pirates about left handed starter Paul Maholm. But, in my opinion the Dodgers are probably using Maholm as leverage against the Cubs. The Dodgers want the Cubs to add in more cash to deal to cover the remaining $4MM on Lilly’s contract. While that remains a sticking a point, the Cubs and Dodgers are still heavy conversations, and George Ofman of WGN Sports is reporting that the two sides are getting closer.

The New York Yankees are also making a hard push to acquire Ted Lilly. First reported by Bruce Levine, and later confirmed by Gordon Wittenmyer.

According to Bruce Levine, the Cubs are seeking a young starting pitcher, who doesn’t have to be in the major league but close, and a left handed bat in any package for Ted Lilly. It is believed that a Dodgers package could revolve around young starter John Ely, and potentially second baseman Blake Dewitt. But, Dewitt may not be involved since the Cubs would only be sending Ted Lilly. As for the Yankees, it is not entirely sure what they are offering the Cubs. The Cubs could have interest in one of their catching prospects Jesus Montero. Montero could be shifted to first, and has shown raw power in the minor leagues so far.

Also in the Bruce Levine report, as well as being reported on ESPN 1000, the Arizona Diamondbacks are said to be interested in Ryan Theriot, and are dangling second baseman Kelly Johnson. Although, the Cubs probably would have to throw in another player to get the deal done. If this indeed the case, I would make the deal in a heartbeat. Johnson on the year is hitting .277/.365/.500 this year while belting out 17 home runs and driving in 51 runners. Johnson, is left handed which the Cubs seek. At age 28, Johnson could just now be entering his prime.

Back in May, Cubs fans cried out that Bob Howry AKA Homerun Howry was coming back to the Cubs.  For one reason or another the Chicago Cubs felt that Howry would stabilize the bull-pen with his veteran presence. However, that was not the case. While Howry started out well for the Cubs, he finished with a record of 0-2 and had an ERA of 5.66.

Needless to say the Chicago Cubs released him today, to make room for Carlos Zambrano.

The dominoes are beginning to fall for the Chicago Cubs to trade coveted starter Ted Lilly. If you have not heard the news today, the Houston Astros traded starter Roy Oswalt to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for J.A. Happ and two prospects. Clearing the way for the Cubs to trade Ted Lilly to the Dodgers, Twins, Tigers, Mets, or Yankees. As of today, the Dodgers and Twins are the leading candidates with the Dodger showing the most interest in Lilly of any team. The Tigers, and Mets still are in discussions with the Cubs regarding Lilly. However, the Mets do not want to give up catcher Josh Thole as part of a package for Lilly. The Twins interest in Lilly has subsided, due to their unwillingness to offer what the Cubs are asking for.

As of now, the Chicago Cubs are getting a lot of action on Ted Lilly and intend to trade him by the Trade Deadline on Saturday. In fact, I have heard that the Chicago Cubs have not even put any thought into keeping Lilly beyond the deadline. Which must I say, is a good move for them. Ted Lilly’s value clearly has gone up considering the amount of teams that are interested in him, and how well he has pitched over his past three starts.

In my opinion, I think Ted Lilly will be traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers within the next day, or on Saturday before the deadline. This is solely my belief that he is going to the Dodgers, as of now, the Dodgers could be considered the favorites to land Lilly.

Among players that may be in a package from the Dodgers to get Lilly, is 24 year old starter John Ely. Ely, who was drafted in 2007 in the third round by the Chicago White Sox, was traded to the Dodgers this off-season. Ely made his debut for the Dodgers and got off to a 3-1 start, although he is now 4-7. But, when it comes to starting pitchers you can never base how well they are performing by their records. In 14 starts, Ely has an ERA of 4.63 with a WHIP of 1.318, striking out 59 and walking 25. Opposing hitters are hitting .264/.322/.403 off him this year.

Ely’s numbers may not be that impressive, but keep in mind he is only 24 years old. From what I have read about him, he is a promising young pitchers that could be a solid #2 or #3 starter in a rotation. Also, he would replace Lilly in the rotation if the Cubs were to acquire him.

Welcome to the first ever T-Shirt Giveaway on Cubbies Crib. Over the next two days I will be giving out T-Shirts to readers that are the first to submit the answers to 5 trivia questions via email. The Shirt, pictured to the left, is Courtesy of Alternative Hero.

So here is how you can win the free T-Shirt.

1. Read The Five Trivia Questions which are listed below.

2. Send an Email to campbell.jordan25@yahoo.com that includes the five answers.

3. If you are the fastest one to reply to me with the five correct answers, I will send you an response telling you that you have won, and then we go over the details of getting the shirt to you.

Trivia Questions

1. What Current Television Show is based out of the Wrigleyville area, and has incorporated Cubs Players, as well as Wrigley Field in the Show?
2. Name the Two former Cubs that are currently analysts on the MLB Network?
3. What is the leading college among Current Cubs Players?
4. What Cubs player was placed on the 15 day disabled list after getting injured by a sneeze?
5. Name the Player who was up to bat in the 2003 NLCS against the Cubs, and fouled the ball into left field causing the “Bartman Incident”.

Please Email me the Answers to campbell.jordan25@yahoo.com

If you’re interested in buying this shirt, or looking at other shirts like this, please visit Alternative Hero

Chicago Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly has probably made his last start for the Chicago Cubs. Lilly pitched 5 and a third scoreless innings tonight while striking out 8 batters. As many as 8 teams were in attendance watching Ted Lilly Houston, as well as Houston’s starter Brett Myers.

According to a report from Bruce Levine, the Minnesota Twins and the Los Angeles Dodgers are the front runners to land Ted Lilly. Ever since losing out on Cliff Lee, the Dodgers and Twins have intensified their talks with the Chicago Cubs for a Ted Lilly. The Detroit Tigers and New York Mets also have interest in Ted Lilly.

The Chicago Cubs have benefited from waiting till the last three days for trading Ted Lilly. Lilly is coming off three excellent starts, and has maximized his value in any trade. If the Cubs were to trade with the Twins, it is easy to suggest that catcher Wilson Ramos maybe part of a package heading to the Cubs.

Wilson who made his debut in early May for the Twins while Joe Mauer was out with an injury, hit .296/.321/.407 in 28 plate appearances this season. It is not entirely certain how the Cubs would use the 23 year old backstop. I heard suggestion that the Cubs groom him as a first baseman, but nonetheless it is always nice to get a young talented, prospect in any trade.

Quick Hits

• Ryan Theriot has gained a lot of interest around the league over the past week. Bruce Levine mentioned in one of his radio segments that Theriot could likely be the first to be traded. The Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, and San Diego Padres have all expressed interest in the Cubs second baseman. As of now, Colorado is showing the strongest interest in Theriot.
• Sources close to Derrek Lee insist that it is highly unlikely that the Lee waives his no trade clause for any team. However, the Chicago Cubs still do not intend to bring Derrek Lee back next season.
• The Chicago Cubs are willing to pay a part of the $4.95MM left on Kosuke Fukudome’s contract this season, and quite a bit of the $13.5MM owed to him next year in order to trade him. However, it still remains unlikely that the Chicago Cubs will be able to trade Fukudome.
• The Chicago Cubs are telling teams that Carlos Zambrano is very much available in a trade. But, with $42.7MM left on his contract the Cubs probably will have to wait till the off-season to trade the beleaguered pitcher.
• Tomorrow we will begin our T-Shirt Giveaway. We will be giving away Two T-shirts,  come back tomorrow to read the detail on it.

Name: Fredi Gonzalez

MLB Service: Fredi Gonzalez has been the manager of the Florida Marlins for the past four seasons. However, he was fired on June 24th. During his time in Florida Gonzalez had a record of 276 wins against 279 losses.

Pros: Although Gonzalez may be young, he is widely respected around the league. He came from the tutelage of Bobby Cox, and has worked well with young Marlins team. He is a no nonsense type of manager which lead him to be fired in Florida. As after he benched star Hanley Ramirez for not hustling, he received stern criticism from the teams front office.

Gonzalez also has a strong working relationship with Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry. The two worked together when both were still part of the Florida Marlins Organization.

Cons: Despite Gonzalez only being the second named candidate, he may not be on the market for very long once the season is over. As sources have indicated that he is hands down the front runner to replace the retiring Bobby Cox in Atlanta.

Links To The Cubs Opening:

Former Florida Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez will be one of the candidates interviewed for the Chicago Cubs managerial job, according to a major league source. ESPN CHICAGO

Name: Joe Torre

MLB Service: Joe Torre played in the MLB for 18 seasons, spending time with the Braves, Cardinals, and Mets. Torre is in his 29th year as a manger in the MLB. He has managed the Mets, Braves, Cardinals, and Yankees. He is a four time World Series champion, winning all four titles as the Yankees manager.

Pros: What is not to like about Joe Torre? There something about Torre that gives  him this chip on his shoulder, like he is better than anyone else. To be honest that is what I want to see out of a Manager. Also, Joe Torre is not shy to bench a player for not playing the game the right way, and he is not afraid to answer questions about what I feels the general manager should do to help improve his team.

Also Torre has had success with the recent teams he has been with. He won 4 titles with the Yankees, and in his first two years as Dodgers manager he has lead them to the NL Chmapionship series.

Cons: One thing I can already imagine Cubs fans saying about Joe Torre, is that this type of move maybe similar to the hiring of Lou Piniella. I do not think that is necessarily the case though, because the philosophies of both are a bit different. Torre is not afraid to bench struggling veterans, or play the hot hand while Piniella has been cautious to do so at times during his Cubs tenure.

Quotes About the Cubs Opening:

Joe Torre on Cubs: “Chicago is a great town. But they don’t have patience:”

Joe Torre on the Cubs job: “Im not going to eliminate anything. I don’t anticipate leaving. Not interested in closing doors.” Comments were Courtesy of Ben Maller

Name: Ryne Sandberg

Years of MLB Service: Ryne Sandberg was played for 16 seasons (15 with the Cubs), and he has managed in the Cubs farm system for the past four years now.

Pros: If the Chicago Cubs actually do intend to rebuild their team, it would make sense for them to implement Ryne Sandberg as they new manager. He would be placed in a position where he would be eased into the manager’s position and not be forced with high expectations.

He also has developed a relationship with a plethora of young players that will be making their way to the majors soon. In the past he has worked with current Cubs Starlin Castro, Andrew Cashner, and Tyler Colvin. Currently he is working with Cubs top pitching prospect Jay Jackson, as well as infielder Darwin Barney, and starter Thomas Diamond.

Cons: The biggest concern that I have with Ryne Sandberg is the uncertainty of how he is going to be as a manager in the majors. The thing most people like to throw out is the success that he has had in the minors. Managing in the minors is nowhere near as difficult as it is to manage in the majors.  If he were to come to the Cubs he would have to be ready day after day to answer tough questions from the media, and as well as performing well in a big market. Again, sure he has played in the big market that is Chicago, but that does not mean anything as far as being a manager.

Quotes About The Cubs Opening:

“[After] four years of managing at the minor league level, I’m ready for a major league job, and I’m ready to win,” Sandberg said. “The reason I went this route was to manage, not to coach.

“There is a lot to managing, and with almost four years under my belt, I believe I’m ready. I’m not interested in on-the-job learning or on-the-job training. At this point, I’m interested in winning ballgames at the major league level.”

“Things have gone very well here in the minor leagues. We have a good minor league system, as we can see with the younger players coming up. I believe I know these players as well as anybody, I’ve been around them, I’ve coached them, they’re moving up the ranks. There are guys here at Triple-A and Double-A knocking on the door to the big leagues. I believe I know the system very well. It’s been a great experience, and I’m ready for that next step.” ESPN CHICAGO

While Lou Piniella may not have been successful in leading the Cubs to the World Series, he will go down as one of the best Cubs managers to ever don the Cubs uniform. He lead this team to three straight winning seasons, which included winning two straight division titles. He has certainly earned my respect, as well as many others around the game of baseball.

Here is what Alex Rodriguez had to say about Lou Piniella, who managed A-Rod early on in his career.

“For me, he is obviously a Hall of Fame manager,” Rodriguez said. “He is a rare breed. He is a rare combination of a guy who played in New York and won a championship and was proven and was tough.” ESPN NEW YORK

The Following is a compilation of Quotes  courtesy of “MLB Tonight” courtesy of the MLB Network.

Barry Larkin [played for Piniella on the Cincinnati Reds from 1990-1992]:

“Lou demanded that you go out and play with passion. You knew if we won or lost a ballgame , just by how he dressed after the game. Whether he shaved the next day coming to the ballpark. He wore his emotions on his sleeve. The most profound thing when he came to Cincinnati is he set the standard. Lou said , ‘I don’t like losing and we’re not going to lose.’ He brought that to the ballpark every single time and that trickled down to us players.”

Al Leiter [played for Piniella on the New York Yankees from 1987-1988]:

“I had the privilege to have Lou as my first manager when I got to the Major Leagues in 1987. …There was an element of ‘That’s Lou Piniella , ’ and you respected him because of what his presence was. There is a certain energy level to this man and you saw his whole demeanor was based on a win or loss. It changed dramatically. And just watching him this year , his energy level just seemed , I don’t want to say flat , but boy, he has had it.”

Joe Magrane [ Tampa Bay Rays TV analyst when Piniella was manager from 2003-2005]:

“I remember he told me when he first got into managing , he was really keyed up about just trying to do all the nuts and bolts. George Steinbrenner told him , ‘Hey , son , you’ve got to remember this is an entertainment business too. Go out there and kick some dirt on an umpire , throw a hat , throw a base.’ Well , he did that.” Courtesy of “MLB Tonight” on MLB Network

Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen on his cross-town friend…

Where managing until 67 is concerned, the age Piniella will be when he retires after four years of leading the Cubs at the end of the 2010 campaign, that’s one path Guillen doesn’t believe he will follow.

“I don’t think I will be alive at 67,” said Guillen, drawing rousing laughter from the media during his pregame session on Tuesday. “I’m serious. I’m 46. That’s 22 … no, 21 years.

“No way. No chance. I’m done. I hope I make it to 50. You can say you never know, but I don’t think I will live that long.”

———————

“A lot of respect. I think this man, when you talk about baseball, period, Lou Piniella’s name has to come up,” Guillen said. “As a player, as a coach, as a manager, I think this guy will be in the Hall of Fame.

“When you make decisions like that, drastic because he had to think about it. That’s easy when you have his age and had the career that he had and had the privilege to have the power to say, ‘I’m done.’

“You look at guys like Bobby Cox, Lou, Cito [Gaston], they don’t give guys opportunity to fire them or leave baseball the wrong way or the way they should be. They go back home the way they should with his head up. MLB.COM

Just wanted to take this time out, and alert my readers that I will be going out of Town tomorrow to California, and Will be back Monday Evening.

I Will be still updating my Twitter Account, So follow me @CubbiesCrib for the latest on the rumors for the Cubs, and obviously a Ted Lilly Trade.

I have already written posts that will auto-publish on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. On Monday, I will post when I’m back and go in depth on the Rumors as we will be a Week from the Trade Deadline.