“X” marks the spot for the Cubs…more rumblings

Yesterday, the Cubs officially announced the signing of Xavier Nady to a one year deal worth $3.3 million as a base, and an additional $2 million in incentives based on games played.

During his teleconference with Chicago media, Xavier Nady who likes to be called “X”  said that he does not think that he will miss any time due to his rehab from tommy john surgery. However, reports suggest that for the first month of April the Cubs will use Nady strictly as a pinch hitter, and sort of ease him into the platoon role with Kosuke Fukudome. With Nady having the potential when healthy to hit 20+ homers and drive in 90 runs, many feel that Lou Piniella will not hesitate to insert him into the starting lineup if Soriano or Fukudome are struggling offensively.

Former Cub Mark Prior is attempting a comeback, the 29 year old has been plagued by injuries for majority of his career, last pitching in the Majors in 2006 when he was a member of the Cubs. Here is a crazy thought, I think the Cubs should sign Prior to a minor league contract that includes an invite to spring training. There is nothing wrong with doing due diligence on one of your former players. The Cubs, whose rotation is looking a bit shaky to start the year, might catch lighting in a bottle if Prior somehow regains what he had in 2002 and 2003, however I would not bet at that.

I’m still hearing from sources, that the Cubs are still poking around the free agent market for a starting pitcher. They are looking at guys that are considered to be “rehab projects”, such as the likes of Noah Lowry, Mark Mulder, or Kris Benson. The Cubs are set to watch Lowry’s throwing session this week. The Cubs are hoping that maybe they can nab one of three guys on a minor league deal with an invite to spring training.

The Cubs also are still keeping tabs on infielder Felipe Lopez, they were interested in Lopez before they signed Nady, and if he remains on the market for a little bit longer, he could fall into the Cubs price range.  I still think the Cubs should sign a veteran middle infielder, because they cannot go into the season depending on Mike Fontenot and Jeff Baker as the staring second basemen. Because while both are good “super-sub” players,  neither has the ability to man second everyday for the Cubs. Bruce Levine suggested that the Cubs should give Starlin Castro every chance in the world in spring training to win the starting shortstop role, which would move Ryan Theriot over to second base.

To conclude, I’ll give you a humorous video on Ryan Theriot, when he was on his little power streak to begin season.

Chicago Cubs poke fun at Ryan Theriot