Hot Stove Roundup

On first official day of the General Manager’s meetings, the Chicago Cubs have already lost out on one of their potential targets. For those that have not heard, Jake Westbrook re-signed with the St Louis Cardinals today, agreeing to a two year deal worth $16.5MM, with an option for a third year.

Bruce Levine reported yesterday that the Chicago Cubs had interest in signing Westbrook. Now, the Chicago Cubs must move on to their next targets. The Cubs are rumored to have interest in Jon Garland, Kevin Millwood, and Javier Vazquez. However, there are multiple teams interested in Garland, which could could put him out of the Cubs price range.

Here is the latest from the Rumor Mill, courtesy of Bruce Levine’s weekly chat with ESP Chicago.

• There are no hard feelings between Kerry Wood and Cubs general manager Jim Hendry, despite Hendry letting Wood walk at the end of the 2008 season. Their is a strong relationship between the two, and Wood realized that he would not have gotten the proper offer from the Cubs.
• Bruce Levine feels that these meetings are a prelude to deals being completed within the coming weeks. He reports that the Cubs have interest in Adrian Gonzalez, but as of this point, the Padres have not made him available.
• Bruce could not confirm or deny a rumor that the Cubs have interest in Jacoby Ellsbury of the Red Sox. The Cubs were linked to Ellsbury last off-season, and it appears the Red Sox may trade him this winter. This season was essentially a wash for Ellsbury, as he was plagued with injuries.
• Bruce thinks it is unrealistic to think that the Cubs would be able to trade for Zack Greinke or Billy Butler of the Kansas City Royals. The Cubs would basically have to get rid of all of their top prospects if they wanted either one.
• Randy Wells is in danger of losing his rotation spot, especially, considering that the Cubs are leaning towards putting Andrew Cashner in the rotation. The Cubs also feel that Chris Archer may be ready by mid-season.
• The Cubs would have interest in James Loney, that is if the Dodgers are willing to trade him. Loney, however, lacks the power that most teams want out of the first base position.
• The Chicago Cubs could trade Marlon Byrd, if they can find a run producing outfielder in return for him. Byrd is coming off of a career year, and his value is at an all time high right now.
• The Chicago Cubs really are not expecting anything out of Carlos Silva for next season, however, they are holding out hope that he reports to camp on healthy conditions.