Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Cubs interested in Todd Coffey?

Not sure if this rumor has legs, considering the strength of the Cubs farm system is bullpen power arms and there is already a deep pool of candidates for the major league bullpen. Maybe Theo is stock-piling veteran relief pitchers in an attempt bolster the farm system through trades at the '12 deadline? Or maybe, if you want to get a little crazy, he thinks the Cubs can contend this year? Ha.  Either way it is a low-risk move that could result in bullpen depth and/or a minor trade piece. Why not.

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/31/cubs-and-as-interested-in-reliever-todd-coffey/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Monday, January 30, 2012

Officially a Francoeur fan

This story is a few days old and has nothing to do with the Cubs minor league system, but it's cool to hear about players giving back to the fans. Check it out:

http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/blog_article/outfield-assist-of-another-kind/

Cubs sign veteran lefty Trever Miller

The Cubs signed veteran lefty, Trever Miller, to a minor league deal today. Miller, 38, put up a respectable 3.81 era but had problems throwing strikes (5.1 BB/9) and gave up over a hit per (10.5 H/9) in 21 innings with three teams last year. His last good season was 2009 (0.96 WHIP & 4.15 K/BB) so unless the Cubs catch lighting in a bottle, Miller will provide LH depth at Iowa. If none of the Cubs young lefty arms (Gaub, Maine, Beliveau) pan out or a few guys get hurt, Miller could see some action in the bigs. It's not an impact move, but no risk either and it never hurts to have a few extra lefty arms. Maybe Miller finds his '09 form and we can flip him for a low-level prospect at the deadline. It's the season for optimism right?