December 2, 2015

 CSNChicago.com, Cubs have options with heading to Red Sox for $217 million http://www.csnchicago.com/cubs/cubs-still-have-options-price-heading-red-sox-megadeal

Tribune, Clock ticking on Cubs after losing out on David Price http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-david-price-red-sox-spt-1202-20151201- story.html

, Cubs face expensive Wednesday deadline for arbitration-eligible players http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-face-expensive-deadline-20151201-story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Former Cubs, White Sox scout sets up scholarship fund at alma mater http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/ct-paul-provas-arranges-scholarship-fund-20151201- story.html

 Cubs.com, No Price-Maddon reunion in Chicago http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/158588818/no-david-price-joe-maddon-reunion-in-chicago

 Cubs.com, 8 arbitration-eligible Cubs likely to get offers http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/158472960/jake-arrieta-among-cubs-likely-to-get-offers

 Cubs.com, Epstein among those to watch Cuban player showcase http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/158572490/cubs-among-teams-to-watch-cuban-players

 ESPNChicago.com, Missing on David Price not a winter killer for Cubs http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/35929/missing-on-david-price-not-a-winter-killer-for-cubs

 ESPNChicago.com, Cubs likely to tender contracts to all arbitration-eligible players http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/35923/cubs-likely-to-tender-contracts-to-all-arbitration- eligible-players

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CSNChicago.com Cubs have options with David Price heading to Red Sox for $217 million By Patrick Mooney

A rival executive who knows the Cubs and their organizational strengths and weaknesses said signing David Price would have been a no-brainer this winter – if they didn’t already have locked up through at least the 2020 season.

But president of baseball operations closed the deal with his signature free agent at last year’s winter meetings in San Diego, giving the All-Star lefty six years and $155 million guaranteed and a full no-trade clause to accelerate the rebuild at .

This time, the Cubs simply wouldn’t have the same bandwidth or sense of desperation, no matter how much Price made it sound like he wanted to play for again and win big in Chicago.

The Red Sox made Price an offer he couldn’t refuse. That would be the largest deal ever for a – seven years and $217 million – plus a reported opt-out clause after three seasons.

The Boston Globe first reported the agreement on Tuesday afternoon, setting off a potential feeding frenzy leading up to next week’s winter meetings in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Cubs continue to be linked to the next tier of free-agent – , , – with expected to choose between the and .

With a lineup anchored by young hitters, the Cubs also keep being mentioned as a potential match for the rebuilding Braves and their stash of young pitchers.

While there are still big-picture questions about the franchise’s short-term financial flexibility and when baseball operations will have a big-market payroll, there is no denying the fact that the Cubs are built to win now and ready to compete for a title.

Start with a rotation fronted by , the ’s reigning Award winner, and Lester, a two-time World Series champion, and there will be sky-high expectations when pitchers and report to Mesa, Arizona, in February.

Coming off a 97-win season that saw a talented young core grow up and win two playoff rounds, the Cubs aren’t building an entire offseason around one player, the way they once did with .

When the blew them away and won the bidding war for the star Japanese pitcher in January 2014, the Cubs rolled over the savings and used it to help finance the Lester megadeal, the richest contract in franchise history.

The Cubs never would have gotten their shot at Lester if Boston’s ownership group hadn’t made its homegrown such a lowball offer before 2014.

That led to Lester getting traded to the Oakland A’s at the July 31 deadline, and an offer to return capped at roughly $135 million last December, the Red Sox clinging to philosophical ideas and warning against the history of 30-something pitchers.

Whatever. This has been a complete ideological shift after three last-place finishes wrapped around that title at .

The Red Sox hired Dave Dombrowski to be their president of baseball operations in August, with general stripped of his power and ultimately walking away from the job.

Dombrowski is an aggressive, decisive executive who first acquired Price from the at the 2014 deadline for the . One year later, Dombrowski flipped Price to the and tried to reboot Detroit’s aging, expensive core – only to get fired by Tigers owner .

All these forces put a blockbuster deal in motion. So much for Price having reservations about playing in Boston or with Red Sox icon . The Cubs are an attractive destination now, but these contracts almost always come down to years and dollars.

Price went to Vanderbilt University, developed into the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft and won a while pitching for Maddon’s Rays in 2012.

Price is 30 years old, 6-foot-6, left-handed and battle-tested in the East. His postseason numbers aren’t great (2-7, 5.12 ERA), but he’s regarded as an excellent teammate and clubhouse presence.

At least the Cubs won’t have to watch Price pitch for the St. Louis Cardinals, who reportedly finished second to Boston in the sweepstakes and could still become major players this offseason.

The bottom line is the Cubs don’t feel like they’re one player away, knowing it might be smarter to make smaller bets and diversify their roster to get ready for next October.

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Chicago Tribune Clock ticking on Cubs after losing out on David Price By Mark Gonzales

The Red Sox's record-setting agreement with free-agent left-hander David Price doesn't affect the Cubs' mission to add two starting pitchers.

But the Cubs could find themselves relegated to trading highly coveted prospects if they can't sign a free-agent pitcher — such as Jeff Samardzija, John Lackey or Mike Leake — soon.

Price's seven-year, $217 million agreement — the richest for a pitcher — likely will be the ceiling among free-agent pitchers this offseason, with Zack Greinke's decision to follow shortly.

But the Giants, who are pursuing Greinke, could shift their focus to Samardzija if Greinke re-signs with the Dodgers. The Diamondbacks, also in the market for a starter after free agent rejected their six-year, $120 million offer, were expected to talk with Samardzija as well.

Throughout the Cubs' massive rebuilding project and sudden ascent to the postseason this year, President Theo Epstein spoke of his preference to keep as many prospects as possible because of the organization's investment.

That philosophy could be tested shortly, especially with a pitching market expected to move quickly after signed a five-year, $110 million contract with the Tigers and Price's agreement.

From bleachers to structural details, work to renovate Wrigley Field continues. Much of the speculation about a possible marriage between the Cubs and Price heightened in June during a two- game series with the Tigers, with whom Price pitched before being dealt to the Blue Jays at the trade deadline.

"There's probably not another city that's dying for a World Series more than Chicago," Price said at the time. "I think everyone would probably agree with me on that. It's special. Absolutely special.

"But it would be absolutely special if we won here (in Detroit) as well. Obviously winning a World Series is special anywhere you play. But it would be pretty crazy (in Chicago)."

What added to the speculation was that Price, 30, had pitched for Cubs manager Joe Maddon for 51/2 seasons with the Rays. But the deep-pocketed Red Sox were determined to sign Price after losing Jon Lester to the Cubs last December.

Price, who won the 2012 AL Cy Young Award, was 18-5 with a 2.45 ERA with the Tigers and Blue Jays in 2015. He has struggled in the postseason, posting a 2-7 record and a 5.12 ERA in his career. Still, he was at the top of new Red Sox President Dave Dombrowski's wish list to strengthen a struggling rotation.

The Cubs, who signed Lester to a six-year, $155 million contract a year ago, weren't close. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the Cardinals were runners-up for Price.

Price's deal also includes an opt-out clause after three seasons, and the Cubs face the task of trying to retain the services of ace Jake Arrieta past 2017.

Arrieta heads a list of nine arbitration-eligible players who must be tendered contracts before Wednesday night's deadline. Arrieta, 29, who went 22-6 with a 1.77 ERA and won the NL Cy Young Award, could receive close to $11 million in 2016.

The Cubs already have earmarked about $73.75 million to eight players for 2016, and tendering contracts to all nine arbitration-eligible players could cost them an additional $34 million.

That's why the Cubs are trying to be as creative as possible, whether it means backloading a long-term contract to a free agent until their highly anticipated television contract crystallizes or exploring trades that could clear $38 million from 's contract and even $18 million on 's deal.

The Braves' and Julio Teheran fit the Cubs' profile as pitchers under team control for several seasons before they free agency. And Soler would fill a need for the Braves, who are in the market for an with and becoming free agents after next season.

The Cubs have trade options besides Miller and Teheran, but the price could climb if they can't sign at least one legitimate free-agent pitcher.

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Chicago Tribune Cubs face expensive Wednesday deadline for arbitration-eligible players By Mark Gonzales

The cost that the Cubs are willing to pay for their 2015 success could be known as soon as Wednesday night.

That’s when the Cubs and the other 29 major league teams must tender contracts to their remaining unsigned players, or allow them to become free agents.

The biggest cost, outside of any players they acquire through free agency, will come from their nine arbitration- eligible players.

“It’s going to put a pretty big dent in our available dollars to spend this winter,” President Theo Epstein said shortly after the end of the season. “But it just means you have more good players, and they deserve it by moving through the system.”

Should the Cubs tender contracts to all nine arbitration-eligible players, it could cost them around $34 million. Tendering ace Jake Arrieta, who could receive $11 million, Hector Rondon and relievers , and seems axiomatic.

A move from the rotation to the allowed left-hander to post a 2.95 ERA in 45 relief appearances, but MLBTradeRumors.com projects that Wood could earn $6.4 million -- a hefty salary for a non- closer.

The Cubs’ other arbitration-eligible players are relievers Ryan Cook, and outfielder , and tendering contracts to those players seems likely.

In addition to negotiating with the agents for free-agent starting pitchers and exploring trades with other teams, the Cubs are expected to scour the list of players who will become free agents Thursday after not being tendered contracts by their teams.

According to a tweet by Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com, Epstein was among the 175 officials from major league teams who attended a showcase Monday in the to watch Cuban pitchers Cionel Perez and Norge Ruiz.

Sanchez added that the Cubs are interested in left-hander Adrian Morejon, outfielder Jorge Ona and infielder- outfielder Jonathan Machado -- all from Cuba.

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Chicago Tribune Former Cubs, White Sox scout sets up scholarship fund at alma mater By Mark Gonzales

Paul Provas spent more than 30 seasons as a scout for the and White Sox, but his loyalty to Johnson County Community College in Kansas never wavered.

Provas, who passed away in October of 2014 after a bout with brain cancer, set up a memorial scholarship fund at JCCC in Overland Park, where he played and stayed in contact with the baseball program.

“It touched us,” said Kate Allen, Associate Vice President for Advancement at JCCC. “His memory lives on.”

The school held a ceremony on Oct. 27, with the school donating a bench (with Provas' name engraved) and tree next to the . Numerous scouts and officials from several teams – including the , who played Game 1 of the World Series that evening – attended the ceremony.

“It means a lot to us that Paul wanted to do something for us, and that scores of people contributed,” Allen said.

Provas served as an area scout for the Cubs from 1983 to 1992 before working with the Sox the following season and serving in several scouting roles.

Provas was elected to the and Midwest Baseball Scouts Hall of Fame in 2011.

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Cubs.com No Price-Maddon reunion in Chicago By Carrie Muskat

CHICAGO -- During the Cubs' Interleague series in June against the Tigers, Joe Maddon was asked about the soon- to-be free agent David Price, and whether the lefty would be interested in reuniting in Chicago with his former Rays manager.

"David and I are friends," Maddon said at the time. "I've often said in the past he's one of the best teammates I've ever been around. [Free agency] is something that's a process that has to be worked out, and I wish him the best with it. He's a unique individual."

Price now is truly unique. The lefty has reportedly signed a seven-year, $217 million deal with the Red Sox, the largest contract ever for a pitcher.

The Cubs have made it clear they are in the market for more starting pitching, but not at that price -- no pun intended. Last winter, they splurged when they signed Jon Lester to a six-year, $155 million deal, the largest contract in franchise history.

With Lester, 22-game winner Jake Arrieta, and , the Cubs aren't looking for another ace, but more depth in the rotation, which would eliminate free agent Zack Greinke, who most likely will demand

Price-like compensation. The Cubs also are in search of someone to fill the large gap in center field created by 's departure.

During the General Managers Meetings last month in Boca Raton, Fla., Cubs executives not only met with representatives for free agents, but also discussed possible trades. There were reports that the Cubs were one of several teams to talk to the Braves about pitchers Shelby Miller and Julio Teheran.

According to MLB.com's Mark Bowman, at least 15 different teams have expressed an interest in Miller, 25, over the past couple of weeks. Braves general manager was reportedly seeking an everyday bat for the right-hander, who posted a 3.02 ERA in 33 starts for the Braves last season.

ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick reported Tuesday that the Braves are interested in Cubs outfielder Jorge Soler, who batted .262 with 10 home runs, 18 doubles and 47 RBIs in 101 games last season. Right now, the Braves list and Nick Swisher as their options in right field.

The Cubs and free agent Jeff Samardzija have discussed a possible reunion, too. The right-hander did benefit from pitching 's tutelage, but he may be seeking more years and money than the Cubs want to commit to. Plus, Samardzija would cost the Cubs a Draft pick after rejecting a qualifying offer from the White Sox.

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Cubs.com 8 arbitration-eligible Cubs likely to get offers By Carrie Muskat

CHICAGO -- The good news for the Cubs is that Jake Arrieta is under team control for two more seasons. The question now is, how much of a raise will the National League Cy Young Award winner get?

Arrieta is one of eight Cubs who are arbitration-eligible. Wednesday at 10:59 p.m. CT is the deadline for teams to decide which players they will tender a contract.

Besides Arrieta, the list includes pitchers Travis Wood, Pedro Strop, Hector Rondon, Justin Grimm, Ryan Cook, Rex Brothers, and outfielder Chris Coghlan, and all are expected to be tendered.

Arrieta made $3.63 million in 2015 when he led the Major Leagues with 22 wins and posted a 1.77 ERA. The right- hander will be a free agent after the 2017 season, and the Cubs have indicated they'd like to talk about a possible long-term deal. But Arrieta, who will get a significant raise in 2016, could wait until he hits the market.

Wood, who began the season in the rotation, then made a successful switch to the bullpen, made $5.685 million last season. Strop was paid $2.525 million last season, Rondon $544,000, Grimm $531,500, and Coghlan $2.505 million. This is the first year Rondon and Grimm are arbitration-eligible.

Rondon set a personal high with 34 saves, and compiled his best ERA (1.67), appearing in a career-high 72 games. Strop also set career highs in games (76) and (68), while Grimm posted a 1.99 ERA in 62 games.

The Cubs claimed Cook off waivers from the Red Sox in early November, and acquired Brothers from the Rockies for Minor League left-hander Wander Cabrera last week.

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Cubs.com Epstein among those to watch Cuban player showcase By Carrie Muskat and Jesse Sanchez

Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein was among more than 170 scouts and officials who watched a showcase for some Cuban players in the Dominican Republic on Tuesday.

Among the players participating were right-handed pitcher Norge Ruiz and lefty Cionel Perez. Ruiz, 21, is considered more of a finesse pitcher with a fastball that hovers in the 89-93 mph range, according to scouts. Perez, 19, also throws in the 89-93 mph range, and scouts say he's still getting a feel for his and . Neither pitcher has been declared a free agent.

The Cubs also are among several teams to show interest in Adrian Morejon, Jorge Ona and Jonatan Machado. Machado, 16, profiles as a leadoff hitter and has some speed. Nicknamed "Ichiro," he can play and center field. Machado is free to sign. Ona, 19, an outfielder, also has speed. Morejon, 16, has starred in international competition. The lefty has four pitches. Neither Ona nor Morejon have been declared free agents.

The Cubs, Dodgers, Giants and Royals -- who will not be able to sign any pool eligible prospects for more than $300,000 for the next two international signing periods after exceeding their bonus pools this year -- are still in play for players eligible to sign under the international guidelines.

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ESPNChicago.com Missing on David Price not a winter killer for Cubs By Jesse Rogers

CHICAGO -- It can't come as a surprise that the landed pitcher David Price in a reported 7-year, $217 million deal on Tuesday afternoon. After all, Price is one of the best pitchers on the free-agent market and the Red Sox are a big-market franchise without a No.1 pitcher.

"It's important," Red Sox President Dave Dombrowski said last month at the GM meetings in Boca Raton. "You don't have to have a No.1 but there are a lot of advantages to it."

Dombrowski then reeled off the obvious reasons to having an ace from the pressure he takes off the other starters to the extra rest he can give a bullpen. The Red Sox needed that guy and found him in Price.

You can't blame the Chicago Cubs for avoiding that bidding war as they already have two pitchers at the top of their rotation, but like the other top starters on the free-agent market, the Cubs kicked the tires on Price and then realized there were no discounts to be had. It means the Cubs are moving on to tier 2 guys because Zack Greinke and Johnny Cueto aren't coming to the Cubs either. Both will find mega deals from teams in a similar position as the Red Sox: In dire need of a No.1 or No.2 starter. It was worth a look, but money still dictated the day for Price as well as Jordan Zimmermann who signed with Detroit over the weekend. The same will go down with Greinke and Cueto.

So now it's back to finding a No.3 pitcher via trade or free agency -- or both -- while keeping an eye on outfielder . Nothing has really changed for the Cubs except the pipedream of Price being reunited with Joe Maddon to form a super rotation alongside Jon Lester and Jake Arrieta turned out to be just that: a pipedream.

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ESPNChicago.com Cubs likely to tender contracts to all arbitration-eligible players By Jesse Rogers

CHICAGO -- Wednesday marks the deadline for teams to tender contracts to players who are arbitration eligible. The Chicago Cubs have nine who qualify, including newcomers Rex Brothers and Ryan Cook. Players who are non- tendered automatically become free agents but can re-sign with their old team as well.

All nine are likely to be tendered a contract for 2016: Jake Arrieta, Pedro Strop, Justin Grimm, Clayton Richard, Hector Rondon, Travis Wood, Chris Coghlan, Cook and Brothers.

At first glance, Wood could be considered a non-tender candidate -- considering he was moved to the bullpen midseason but was being paid as a starter coming off of 2014. But his $5.686 million salary isn’t a payroll killer, and he performed well producing a 2.95 ERA in 45 games while allowing 43 hits in 58 innings as a reliever. Replacing him with a free agent would probably mean a multi-year commitment so keeping Wood in his current role for another year could be the best move.

If a player is tendered a contract, he’s guaranteed at least 80 percent of his previous season’s salary, though usually he’s given a raise through the arbitration process. Teams and players are likely to agree on at least a one- year deal, which avoids a February arbitration hearing. After a successful season, arbitration raises can increase a payroll significantly. Arrieta is due about a $10 million raise himself for his Cy Young performance.

“When you play well, you play well because of good players who went out and performed well on the field so they make more money in arbitration, and you’re thrilled about that,” President Theo Epstein said early in the offseason. “It means they contributed to a winning season, and they deserve raises.”

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