Cubs traded Cedeno and Olson for Aaron Heilman

Big News Today! The Cubs have traded Ronny Cedeno and Garrett Olson to Seattle for Aaron Heilman. With the trade the Cubs cleared a spot off their 40-man roster, so they could sign Paul Bako in the next few days. I'm not sure what to think about this deal. I'm shocked that they traded away Garrett Olson because we've heard that the Padres want him, and were assuming that they would trade him in a Jake Peavy deal. I like this move over all, because it adds depth to the pen, but if it means the Cubs aren't pursuing Peavy, I'm not too happy. But we'll have to wait and see.

Aaron Heilman:

• played 2003-08 with Mets.
• Traded to Seattle in December in a 3-team deal for J.J. Putz.
• Right Handed.
• 2008 Stats; 3-8 with a 5.21 ERA in 76 IP.
• career stats; 22-33, 25 starts, 280 relief appearances, 4.24 ERA.
• more stats on baseball reference, bio on wiki

This trade will be one of the many Cubs topics on tonight's chat right here on this blog at 7:00 CT. I'll be answering all Cubs questions, and I'll also have a few live polls and videos all Cub related.

I'll keep you posted.

Cubs Sign So Taguchi

The Cubs have reportedly signed outfielder So Taguchi to a minor league deal. Cubs.com reports that the team will announce its non-roster invitees to spring training next week. The Cubs have also agreed to a deal to avoid arbitration with Ronny Cedeno. Taguchi will make $900,000 if he makes the team, and Cedeno will make 822,500 in 2009.

So Taguchi Notes:

• Played with St. Louis from 2002-07 and with the Phillies in 2008.
• Career Numbers: .279 BA, .332 OBP, .385 SLG
• 08 Numbers: .220 BA, .283 OBP, .297 SLG, 0 HR, 9 RBI
• Played 38 games in left, 11 in right, and 1 in center in 2008.
• Also played 3 career games at 2B.
• 39 years old
• bats and throws right
• Japanese

So now the outfield mix includes Milton Bradley, Joey Gathright, Alfonso Soriano, Reed Johnson, Kosuke Fukudome, Felix Pie, So Taguchi, and Micah Hoffpauir.

I'll keep you posted.

Cubs Rumors

• The Cubs could be interested in adding Aaron Heilman to their bullpen. The Mariners are looking for middle infield help and Ronny Cedeno could be traded in a deal for Heilman according to Bruce Levine.
• Levine also reported during Talking Baseball today that the Cubs could pursue Randy Wolf.
• The San Diego Union Tribune says that if Jake Peavy is traded he could skip the World Baseball Classic so he could train with his new club.
• The Cubs are hoping to get 25 starts from Rich Harden in 2009.
• Bruce said that Sean Marshall will be used as a "Super 6 Starter".
• Milton Bradley is not worried about receiving taunts from the Wrigley crowd like Jacque Jones and LaTroy Hawkins got.
• The Cubs may sign Henry Blanco to be the backup catcher once the ownership situation is resolved. The Cubs have talked about Henry been a coach in the organization once he retires.
• Barry Rozner of the Daily Herald believes that Tom Rickets might increase the Cubs budget, which would allow Jim Hendry to acquire Peavy if he becomes the owner.

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted.

Cubs Links, Rumors, Ect.

• Gordan Wittenmyer reports that those close to Jim Hendry expect him to restart the Jake Peavy talks.
• Hendry would still have to get the OK from the new ownership first.
• Wittenmyer says that the new ownership could be in place in just enough time for the Cubs to make a deal for Peavy.
• Dav van Dyck thinks Andy Pettitte could be a fit for the Cubs.
• The Cubs had looked at Bobby Abreu, Pat Burrell, and Adam Dunn but decided on Bradley because of what he brings on defense.
• Sources say that if Milton is on the field for less than 120 games the Cubs will be in trouble.
• Ronny Cedeno is the Cubs best bet to be traded. Cedeno ran afoul of Piniella the last two years with what the Cubs perceived to be careless play at times.

Links:

WGN Radio.com brought this blog to my attention. It is by Maverick owner Mark Cuban. His latest post is called "The Cubs". Check it out here.

Click here for a good Cubs blog that is worth reading.

The CCO brought this article to my attention: A report from Dugout Central pointed toward desperation as the reason the Cubs have more than just 'tweaked the roster' this winter.

That's all for now, I'll keep you posted.