The fact that Michael Young wants to be traded is no surprise to me. He’s been a good team player in Texas, but I think he’s finally decided that enough is enough. With the signing of Beltre he’s now requested a trade. I would love to have him on the Cubs to play 2B this year, but I know it’s probably not going to happen. Instead, I’ve read that the Rangers have been talking with the Rockies about a trade. I also read that there are 8 teams Young would consider being traded to. One of those teams is the Cards. That would be a huge move for the Cardinals and really strengthen their lineup even more. I hope they are too focused on Pujol’s deal to make such a trade.
Cubs are supposedly still working on a long term deal with Carlos Marmol. I hope they get it done soon. From my understanding, he will have to have a physical before reaching a deal with the Cubs. Remember, Marmol started his career as a catcher and has only been pitching professionally since 2003. That leads me to believe that he will continue to get better.
Yahoo fantasy baseball is suppose to open some time today. I’m looking forward to it. It’s another indicator that spring is almost here.
With pitchers and catchers reporting soon it means the Cubs competition for the 4th and 5th spots in the rotation will truly begin. The contenders will be Carlos Silva, Randy Wells, Andrew Cashner, Jeff Samardzija, Casey Coleman and James Russell. Russell is the only left hander in this group and that could give him an extra edge. However, I see Russell having more of a role similar to what Sean Marshall had in 2008 and 2009. I think Wells and Silva will get first shots being veterans. Cashner, Samardzija and Coleman will have to pitch really well in the spring to win a spot in the rotation. If they don’t, I would like to see them sent to triple A as starters rather than trying to convert them into relievers.
Finally, I walked into the local Target store over the weekend. They had a whole aisle dedicated to the St. Louis Cardinals. Hats, jerseys, shirts, shorts, baby clothes, sports bottles and much, much more. Unfortunately, they did not have one Cub item. That’s okay though. I have plenty of Cub gear to wear.
