Cubs Are Not Done At The Winter Meetings

While the Chicago Cubs already made a significant move at the Winter Meetings by adding Carlos Pena, the Cubs still hope to make one more deal before the Meetings conclude tomorrow.  Considering that the Cubs only have about $5MM remaining to spend on free agents, it is very likely that their next move will be a trade of some sort. Currently, the Cubs are talking trades with the Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, and Detroit Tigers. Here is the latest on all of those scenarios for the Cubs.

• As Joe touched on earlier today, Bruce Levine is reporting that the Cubs do have serious interest in Rays Starting Pitcher Matt Garza. The Rays are seeking 2 or 3 young players in exchange for Garza. According to Levine, who did a segment on the ESPN Radio 1000’s Afternoon Saloon today, the Rays are not interested in Tyler Colvin. The Rays do not want any Major League players, only prospects that are close to being ready. Levine also said that the only Cubs prospects that are untouchable are Chris Archer, and Brett Jackson. The Cubs view Garza as the perfect #2 starter for them, and may meet with the Rays again tonight to discuss a possible trade.
• Despite the Cubs signing Carlos Pena, the Cubs are still talking back and forth with the Rangers about a trade that would net the Cubs first baseman Chris Davis, and reliever Darren O’Day in exchange for Robinson Chirinos and Rafael Dolis. The Cubs like the idea of Davis coming off the bench and playing third as well as first, while adding some left handed pop. Obviously, the Cubs would love to add O’day who has turned into an excellent reliever over the past couple of years. In my opinion, this is the deal that may have the likeliest chance of being completed at the Winter Meetings.
• The Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers are still in conversations about Tom Gorzelanny. However, the Cubs may wait to trade Gorzelanny until they have another starter lined up. For instance, if the Cubs do acquire Matt Garza, the Cubs may intensify trade talks involving Gorzelanny. As of this point, the Tigers are offering Armando Galarraga in exchange for Tom Gorzelanny.