ESPNChiicago.com

  (7:00 PM)

Welcome to the chat live from the Winter Meetings in Indianapolis. There are plenty of Cubs and Sox stuff to talk about. Let's get rolling!

Jeff (Schaumburg, IL)

Are the Cubs still interested in trying to acquire Gil Meche even if it is not part of a Milton Bradley trade?

ESPNChiicago.com

  (7:02 PM)

The Cubs are interested in trying to improve their pitching, but they have to trade dollar-for-dollar. There is $22 million left on Meche's contract, that would only work in a deal for Bradley, and the teams are not talking at this point.

Ryan (Addison)

Bruce, I heard a tease on ESPN1000 regarding Adrian Gonzalez coming to the Sox again. Had to get out of the truck before they aired that. What are you hearing? Thanks!

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:04 PM)

That's certainly not my story. Harry Teinowitz had a source on that a month ago, and he's still saying his source says it's happening. The San Diego people that I talk to say they're not trading Gonzalez at this point. Ownership there wants to be able to sell tickets and Gonzalez is basically their only draw at this point.

Jay (Deerfield)

I have a Cubs CF question. If Hendry doesn't save any money on a Milton Bradley deal, who do you think the Cubs will sign to play CF given limited budget flexibility? And conversely, if Hendry is able to save a decent amount of money on a Bradley deal, then who will be his target?

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:06 PM)

Right now, he's talking to free agent center fielders' representatives. He's talked to Mike Cameron's agent, as well Scott Podsednik and Marlon Byrd. That's the direction they're going right now. Hendry's also interested in talking to the Yankees about outfielder Melkie Cabrera. It is not known whether the Yankees are going to trade Cabrera or not, but they have a new center fielder in Curtis Granderson that they obtained today.

Andrew (Glenview)

Is there a possibility that the Sox are looking for a RF/LF knowing Quentin has had foot problems to move him to DH?

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:08 PM)

The White Sox will look for any viable run producer that can play the outfield. They're trying to figure out whether or not Scott Podsednik would take a contract for less than 2 or 3 years. It's believed the White Sox have offered a year and an option to Podsednik. Otherwise, Hideki Matsui has to prove to the White Sox he can play the outfield at least a couple of days a week so they can free up the designated hitter role for other players as well.

trella (elmwood park il)

what do you think will be the cubs opening day lineup? and also i dont believe their rotation of z lilly demp is strong enough with harden gone...do you agree??

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:10 PM)

Trella, this is only Dec. 9. Give Hendry a chance to mold his new team for next season. If he has the same choices for his lineup on April 1 as he does today, they will be in trouble. I'm sure Jim would also like to add another starting pitcher.

Tony (Chicago, IL)

Do the White Sox conceivably have enough room to sign Matsui, Coco Crisp AND J.J. Putz without giving anything up other than money?

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:24 PM)

Tony, yes they could. It's not determined right now how much money Matsui will get, but because Crisp and Putz are coming off injuries as well, their base salaries might be low and they're incentive package might be high.

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:26 PM)

Just to update everyone, I'm reporting that Rich Harden has agreed in principle to sign with the Texas Rangers for a one-year deal for what one source told me was between $7 and $8 million for 2010. Sorry we had to move away from the chat for a second, but news comes first.

Will O (Kansas City MO)

Assuming the Cubs dump Milton Bradley soon, do you see the Cubs getting Melky Cabrera or Mike Cameron to play center, after Kosuke Fukudome moves back to right? What would each of them cost? And how long until Sam Fuld can be a regular starter? Thanks.

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:28 PM)

Will O, they're talking to the Yankees about Cabrera as well as agents for the free agent outfielders. Unsure about how much they would be willing to pay for the free agents at this point. The organization doesn't look at Sam Fuld as a starting major league outfielder.

Lance (Indianapolis)

What's the situation with the 5th spot in the rotation for the Cubs between Gorzelanny, Marshall, Samardzija etc... Is anyone head and shoulders above the others in that group? Heading into Spring Training for the 5th spot?

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:29 PM)

Lance, Hendry told me today in his press briefing that all three will vy for the fifth starter's spot. I don't believe any of the three have an advantage over the others at this point of the offseason.

John (Chicago)

I'll ask what everyone else is thinking. When is it looking like Bradley will go, and was Boston the mystery team

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:30 PM)

John, it certainly appears that Boston was the mystery team, but nobody seems to comprehend how Bradley could play in Boston. From my perspective, he'd fit in OK there, he says they've had troubled players in the past in Manny Ramirez and Carl Everett. I don't believe Boston is any more prejudiced a city in this day and age than any other.

Blake (Billings ,MT.)

Why? Why didnt the Cubs do what was needed to get Granderson? He could have been a cornerstone for the next decade. Havent the stream of "can't miss" prospects teach them a lesson? Pie,Patterson to name a few.

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:32 PM)

Blake, I know it gets lonely in Montana, but the Cubs didn't have a match with Detroit to trade for Granderson. Don't believe in fantasy articles in some of the newspapers that lead you to believe that there was a match between the two teams. Detroit wanted a top prospect center fielder back for Granderson, and the Cubs did not have one in the system. End of story.

Sean Terry (Chicago, IL)

Bruce, I emailed you a few days ago regarding Orlando Hudson, and the possibility of him landing with either Chicago team. I really like his professional approach, his bat, 4 Gold Gloves, etc. and I think he'd be a good fit for either team seeing as both need help up the middle and at the top of the batting order. Your thoughts on this one. Thanks.

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:36 PM)

The Cubs are certainly interested in Hudson, but they don't have any money to throw at him right now. If they can make some moves to save themselves some payroll, they may be in a new position to talk about signing Hudson. The White Sox are going with Beckham and Ramirez in the middle of the diamond.

Jim Neveau (Aroma Park, IL)

Are the Cubs really serious about leaving their Mesa spring training home? If they are, are they willing to take the hit of hatred by angry fans who have moved to the desert over the years?

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:39 PM)

Jim, that's a very good observation on your part. The Cubs have trained in the Mesa/Scottsdale area for the past 57 years, and many families and generations have migrated there for the winter months. I agree with you that a portion of the fan base would be extremely upset, however, the Ricketts family has no ties to Arizona and Florida is throwing $80 million in the way of the Cubs to entice them to get a state of the art facility and entertainment center, including restaurants, bars and hotels in the Naples area. As we've learned in the past, money talks and loyalty walks.

Jake (Lincoln Park)

Any other moves being considered for the Cubs besides Milton Bradley? Is it possible to see Theriot, Lee, or any other member of the Cub's core gone next year

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:40 PM)

Jake, Derrek Lee has a no-trade and he's a favorite of the new owners as well, so I don't believe he's going anywhere. The Cubs would trade Theriot if they could upgrade the position, but it's too early for youngsters Starlin Castro to be considered the 2010 Opening Day starting shortstop at Wrigley.

Mike Sage (Chicago)

Is it just me, or is this the third Winter Meeting in a row where the media has made a deal seem imminent only for it not to happen. I honestly DON'T think a Milton Bradley trade is going to happen this week, and maybe not this off season at all.

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:43 PM)

You are a sage, Mike. This is the ugly world we live in media wise, where reporters jump the gun on reporting deals that are close to being made that never take place. I try to be as accurate as possible in my reporting, although I come up short just like other people do. The mystery team was the Boston Red Sox, but that was never a done deal.

Dave (chicago)

Why are the Cubs not interested in CoCo Crisp? a CF who can leadoff,steal bases,and is a switch-hitter.

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:44 PM)

Dave, there is an injury factor in CoCo Crisp's career that is causing both the White Sox and Cubs to hesitate in signing him. His ability seemed to peak out four years ago, and it appears that he doesn't have the same baseball skills he once had.

Dan (Roselle)

If you had to give a number/percentage, what's the chances the Sox sign Matsui, and how would the outfield look as a result?

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:46 PM)

Dan, first they would love to sign Matsui if they can be convinced he can play the outfield. The people I talk to in New York say that he can't play the outfield at this point. Matsui is working hard in California to rehab himself and be able to show teams that he is ready to be at least a part-time outfielder again. Rios will be in center, Quentin would be in right and a combination of Matsui, Andruw Jones and Mark Kotsay would rotate in left.

Jeff (Dallas, TX)

Bruce, why would the Cubs want Mike Lowell in a potential Bradley deal unless a 3rd team got involved?

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:47 PM)

Jeff, they would consider bringing in a third team, yes, but they would also seriously think about just moving Lowell and his $12 million contract to an offensive-needy team, like the Giants or even the Texas Rangers.

Sam (Orlando, FL)

Bruuuuuuuuuce. Any teams calling the Cubs (and will the Cubs listen?) about essentially buying low on a Geo Soto trade?

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:49 PM)

Sam, the only way they could trade Soto is if they get a top catcher back. They're not giving up on Soto because of one bad season.

Rory (Munster)

With the hype about John Danks little brother Jordan, how fast and is there any chance he might be up with the club even in spring training?

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:50 PM)

Rory, he will get a very long look by Ozzie and his coaches during spring training. Buddy Bell, the director of the minor leagues, has told me that Danks is the best outfielder in the organization. As to whether or not he will make enough solid contact with the bat remains to be seen. He is on a fast track to U.S. Cellular field, however.

Jack Fahnahing (Tokyo, Japan)

Bruce!! why have you not answered any questions about Halladay to the White Sox. Peavy and Halladay would provide the best 1-2 punch in baseball??

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:51 PM)

Jack, the White Sox have talked to Toronto about paramaters for a deal for Halliday, as have the Cubs. The Blue Jays are asking for a tremendous amount of young talent back in a trade. So far, many teams have been turned off by that.

Joe (Chicago)

Bruce, Have you heard anything about Rockies outfielder Brad Hawpe and the chances of him getting dealt? Do you see Hendry interested in him or will the asking price be too high?

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:53 PM)

Joe, I think they've inquired about outfielders like Hawpe and Ryan Spilborghs in some conversations here at the Winter Meetings. No word on whether any of that is happening at this point.

LEN (DECATUR,IL)

anything new from the cubs besides the milton talk.

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:54 PM)

Len, if you're reading the chat room as we go along, we've hit on many situations of the Cubs talking to free agents and other teams about trades.

Hogan (West Loop)

Any chance Fontenot is gone?

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:55 PM)

Hogan, there are two opportunities. He could go in a trade. No. 2 would be that he is released in spring training. Teams can release players who are arbitration-eligible and only have to pay 20 percent of their contracts by the third week of March.

Shaun (Arlington Heights )

Is there any chance Mark Derosa coming back to Cubs and play second base ? or who do you see cubs play second base ?

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:56 PM)

Shaun, DeRosa was asking at least $9 million for two years, according to sources I've talked to recently. That's way too rich for the Cubs blood right now.

Jackson P (Green Bay)

I feel like it was a good move for the Cubs to dump Miles, but why Fox? He played great last season. I just don't get it.

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:58 PM)

Jackson, put two and two together. Oakland wasn't just going to take Miles by himself. Fox is someone Billy Beane feels can be an offensive force as a DH and a part-time fielder. The Cubs were thrilled to get rid of Miles and $1.7 of his $2.7 million contract. He was a total stiff for them.

Danny (Notre Dame)

Bruce, love the stuff. I know Kenny has his reasons but why not put Alexei in center and Beckham at short and go after Hudson. Alexei's a great athlete and will probably have fewer mental lapses out there.

ESPNChicago.com

  (7:59 PM)

Danny, the White Sox manager and bench coach feel that Ramirez is among the very best shortstops in baseball. He certainly wasn't the first three months last season, but he was very outstanding for them in the last three.

Chris (Arlington Heights)

Who are some of the names that the Cubs could be looking at for a starting pitching addition?

ESPNChicago.com

  (8:00 PM)

Chris, that's hard to determine right now. They're certainly not going to sign a free-agent pitcher, but if they do sign a rehab project like J.J. Putz, they could put together a package with some of their present relievers or one of their would-be fifth starters, or a better pitcher.

Pacey Vern-Douglasson (Tate, Ky)

If you could take a guess, who's the white sox opening day center fielder?

ESPNChicago.com

  (8:02 PM)

Pacey, right now I would have to say Alex Rios. In a perfect White Sox world, they would get Scott Podsednik to agree to a one-year deal and sign Hideki Matsui to a one-year deal with an option, but that might be a pipe dream in the world of baseball finances these days.

ESPNChicago.com

  (8:03 PM)

I want to thank everyone who participated tonight in the chat room. I will try to not make up any false rumors that will mislead anybody going into the last day of these meeting on Thursday. Dress warm.