Happy 2009!

UPDATE: I must have been totally confusing Aaron Miles with someone else, so I erroneously stated him as an outfielder. He's an infielder (obviously) and will be giving Theriot an occasional breather.

What happened while I was away?

Most importantly, on New Year's Eve the Cubs acquired switch-hitter Aaron Miles (from the divisional rival Cardinals, natch) and jettisoned Mark DeRosa for three minor-league pitchers. The Miles contract is reported to be two years at just under $5 million. Right now, the likely left-handed bats in the lineup are Miles, Fukudome (replaced by Bradley if he signs?), Fontenot, and Joey Gathright off the bench.


The best prospect in the DeRosa trade, meanwhile, is Jeff Stevens, a right-handed pitcher who pitched at the AAA and AA level for the Indians last year. Via Cubs.com. (emphasis mine)

Stevens was a combined 5-4 with six saves and a 3.24 ERA in 36 games, all in relief, last season at the Double-A and Triple-A level for the Indians. Left-hander John Gaub appeared in 34 games, all in relief, for Class A Lake County, and compiled a 3.38 ERA, while right-hander Chris Archer was a starter for the Captains, going 4-8 with a 4.29 ERA in 27 games.

Meanwhile, The Winter Classic happened. Tribune. NYT.

And today, the Era of Jay Mariotti at AOL Sports began. (via Deadspin.com) Your move, Sun-Times.

Ibanez signs with Phillies, Cubs focus on Bradley

Raul Ibanez has signed with the Phillies; ESPN reports the contract is worth a reported $30 million over 3 years pending a physical. Ibanez was one of the left-handed free agent options the Cubs were considering, along with Milton Bradley. The Phillies plan to play Ibanez in left field, and are reportedly planning to let their current free-agent left fielder, Pat Burrell, go. Burrell is right-handed.

If the Cubs want a top-tier left-handed outfielder via free agency, their options are dwindling considerably, so advantage Bradley. It has never been a secret that this offseason the Cubs were looking for a left-handed bat that can play the outfield, and now that Bradley is basically the only option left, he can leverage that against the Cubs and make us overpay for him. Imagine if the Cubs enter spring training with no Peavy and no left-handed bat.

Bradley's contract last year was $5.25 million for the Rangers. He hit .321 with a .436 OBP in 126 games and 414 at-bats.

Quick Hits: Winter Meetings Thursday

Sun-Times reports (via twitter) the Cubs have talked to Randy Johnson in case the Peavy trade falls through. They also report Milton Bradley is at the top of their list for a left-handed batter and "interest is mutual," and have asked the Angels about leadoff man Chone Figgins.

MLB.com reports Hendry has talked to Raul Ibanez, in addition to Bradley, and both "are very interested in playing in Chicago."

Kerry Wood has signed with the Cleveland Indians (other teams rumored in the running were the Tigers, and the Mets--before they signed Francisco Rodriguez). The Tribune reports the contract is a two year deal, with option for a third, at an undisclosed amount.

The Trib also reports Jacque Jones is playing in Mexico, and "isn't expected to return to the majors."