By Phil Rogers
INDIANAPOLIS -- The San Diego Padres are aggressively shopping right-handed closer Heath Bell, who converted 42 saves in 48 chances last season, and a source indicated the Cubs are among the teams that have expressed early interest.
To make a deal happen, the Cubs probably would have to give up shortstop Ryan Theriot or catcher Geovany Soto. San Diego is hoping to use Bell to fill at least one of three holes -- catcher, middle infield and a right-handed-hitting center fielder to platoon with Tony Gwynn Jr. -- and the Cubs can't meet the center-field need.
INDIANAPOLIS -- The San Diego Padres are aggressively shopping right-handed closer Heath Bell, who converted 42 saves in 48 chances last season, and a source indicated the Cubs are among the teams that have expressed early interest.
To make a deal happen, the Cubs probably would have to give up shortstop Ryan Theriot or catcher Geovany Soto. San Diego is hoping to use Bell to fill at least one of three holes -- catcher, middle infield and a right-handed-hitting center fielder to platoon with Tony Gwynn Jr. -- and the Cubs can't meet the center-field need.
It's unclear if talks have progressed past the initial stage. But
this is a very interesting possibility for the Cubs, as Bell's
acquisition would probably be a sign that Jim Hendry plans to trade
Carlos Marmol. He is among the players Detroit is interested in
regarding center fielder Curtis Granderson.
While Hendry is looking for bullpen arms, it's doubtful he'd acquire Bell to be a set-up man. Marmol did not respond well to working alongside Kevin Gregg last season, prompting scouts to believe he either needs to be the Cubs' closer -- no spring training competition required -- or to be moved elsewhere while he has significant trade value.
San Diego is shopping the 32-year-old Bell, a 2009 All-Star, because he is expected to seek more than $5 million as a four-plus arbitration-eligible player. He earned $1.255 million last season after the Padres turned down his request for a two-year, $4 million contract.
While Hendry is looking for bullpen arms, it's doubtful he'd acquire Bell to be a set-up man. Marmol did not respond well to working alongside Kevin Gregg last season, prompting scouts to believe he either needs to be the Cubs' closer -- no spring training competition required -- or to be moved elsewhere while he has significant trade value.
San Diego is shopping the 32-year-old Bell, a 2009 All-Star, because he is expected to seek more than $5 million as a four-plus arbitration-eligible player. He earned $1.255 million last season after the Padres turned down his request for a two-year, $4 million contract.
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shibes24...
Thank God you don't work in the front office.. You'd trade the most dominate bullpen arm in the entire majors over the last three years for a platoon CF'er?
That's what I call... Dumb.
In another article by the Trib, Henry laughed when this rumor was brought to his attention. Even Henry laughed at Phil. So much for your credibility buddy.
James on December 7, 2009 4:09 PM
Whatever happens, expect Jim Hendry to get fleeced in every deal that he makes, like he already has been this offseason. Now we might get rid of Theriot and/or Marmol? I can't wait until we get another general manager. This season looks like it's shaping up to be another disaster already.
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Still crying over Jake Fox I see. Get over it. Unless he learns how to lay off the breaking ball and how to hit an offspeed pitch, he won't be missed.
Let me guess. You also cried when we traded away the next Ryne Sandberg for Aramis Ramirez and you cried Rafael Palmeiro when we traded Hee Seop Choi for D-Lee. Yup, Hendry is a sucker!
Yeah, um, Theriot for a good bullpen arm. You do it yesterday if it is possible. No question about it. Then you flip Marmol for a centerfielder. Fine by me. Other than Lee and Ramirez I don't give a *&^% who you get rid of. The status quo won't get it done. New blood is needed.
Theriot gets good at bats and always finds a way to get on base.He is one cub who is not overrated unlike (Ryan dumpster,Mark Derosa).He is not anything special but you need players like that to win.He is good in the number 2 spot.
I don't understand everyone's love for Theriot. He's a nice player who plays hard but that's about it. He's an average defensive shortstop with a weak arm. His bat is only valuable in the 8th spot. If we can turn him into a proven closer, than I make the deal.
I like Theriot, but by no means is he the key to a world series team. Bell for Theriot, I do this trade in a heartbeat.
Whatever happens, expect Jim Hendry to get fleeced in every deal that he makes, like he already has been this offseason. Now we might get rid of Theriot and/or Marmol? I can't wait until we get another general manager. This season looks like it's shaping up to be another disaster already.
if they get rid of theriot then the cubs don't want to win....hendry needs to go. last year it was dero...this year theriot? i don't like it one bit.
So the Cubs still have no faith in Marmol as closer? If not, maybe they should trade him and find a CF and/or a second baseman or SS who can hit leadoff. Marmol will be just fine as a closer. Hendry as GM? That may be another story.
Dont give up theriot but soto can go,He looked horrible last year.