He got released by the Blue Jays after they activated their closer Scott Downs from the DL. He's left-handed, which the Cubs could use in the bullpen. His numbers haven't been good (6.53 ERA, a 13/17 K/BB ratio, and a 1.89 WHIP), but his velocity being down has to factor into that.  I'm guessing that they'd only have to pay him the minimum if they sign him, and w/ Dempster on the DL, they could use Marshall in the starting rotation and use Ryan as the lefty specialist.

He's a former closer, so if Gregg or Marmol needs to rest, he could close a game or two. There's not too much downside to signing BJ Ryan.

The Cubs have some interesting roster moves to make on Monday when Aramis Ramirez, Reed Johnson and possibly Angel Guzman return from the disabled list. One player they will be watching this weekend is second baseman Mike Fontenot. He's batting .194 with 12 RBIs in his last 45 games.

"Fontenot's another kid who we need to get a little more consistent with the bat and help us more offensively," Lou Piniella said. "He's capable of it. He's been working with Von Joshua on some things. He's starting to show he's having better at-bats, even though he makes an out. There's no reason he can't hit in the .250, .260 range with a little power for us."

Fontenot does have options left, and Andres Blanco has played well at second. Blanco also is switch-hitting again. He's hit safely in eight of his last 12 games.

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I'm honestly not surprised by this. Blanco is by far the best defensive 2nd baseman on the Cubs roster, and he's Theriot's backup. He's also hit better than Fontenot recently. With the newly acquired Jeff Baker (who can play all over the infield and outfield), and (unfortunately, barring a DFA or release) Aaron Miles, Fontenot is expendable.

 Could the Bears make a play for Brandon Marshall?  Apparently, he has asked to be traded.

How much greater could the offseason get if the Bears traded for Brandon Marshall? Not only would the Bears have a #1 WR, they would have Cutler's favorite in Denver, and Cutler's favorite target at Vandy in Earl Bennett. But, here's a question:

Trade for Marshall (Likely a king's ransom, like Cutler), or sign Burress (Could be suspended, but his adjourned trial leaves his suspension up in the air)?

In a Monday morning segment with 850 KOA in Denver, Schefter said that Marshall asked owner Pat Bowlen to be traded during their Friday meeting.

Per Schefter, Marshall told Bowlen, "I think I’d like to be traded."  Schefter said that Bowlen asked Marshall to take some time to consider whether he wants a new contract or a trade, and that Marshall is expected to stick to his guns.

Schefter also said that there are other teams in the league (the Bears?) that are ready make a play for Marshall.

Stay tuned.

Infielder/outfielder Jake Fox continues to be one of the hottest hitters in the minor leagues. A promotion to the cubs is likely even though Fox has some defensive challenges. As of Wednesday night, Fox was hitting .423 with 17 homers and 50 RBIs in 149 at-bats.

Left-hander Neal Cotts has just about worn out his welcome with manager Lou Piniella as the only left-hander in the Cubs' bullpen. Jason Waddell, who signed as a free agent in November, could be called up to replace Cotts. Through Monday's games, Waddell's owns a 0-1 record and 5.40 ERA. In 16 2/3 innings pitched, he has 12 strikeouts, seven walks and has allowed 17 hits.

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If Neal Cotts is sent down, I will be a very happy Cubs fan.

via uhaweb.hartford.edu

The Cubs probably have no interest, but IMO Pedro Martinez could really help the Cubs pitching. He could be the 5th or 4th starter, with Randy Wells becoming the Cubs "6th starter" and work in the bullpen. Sean Marshall would be the much needed LHP the Cubs need in the bullpen.

A Carlos Zambrano,Ryan Dempster,Ted Lilly, Rich Harden, and Pedro Martinez starting rotation would make the Cubs pitching even better.

Even with the WR additions via the draft, I still think Rideau should make the roster, and possibly get some playing time. He's 6'3, and he's shown good hands, speed, and route running. He's only played in the Preseason, but that's the only time he's played for the Bears. He's a big reason why Hanie made the roster.

He'd in my opinion, make a nice possession receiver who, as of now, is the tallest receiver the Bears have.

via images.usatoday.com

The Bears are continuing their search for a wide receiver and will head to Athens, Ga., next week to work out Georgia wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi next week.

Massaquoi is a big receiver at 6-2, 210 pounds, and he performed well at his pro day last month, running the 40-yard dash between 4.47 seconds and 4.53 seconds depending on the watch. His broad jump is 10-7, and he's considered a high character guy as a captain for the Bulldogs. Massaquoi and North Carolina's Hakeem Nicks, another player the Bears are interested in, were high school teammates.

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I do not like this at all. Hopefully the Bears don't draft him, he reminds me of Freddie Mitchell.

JA was right and there was some truth to what he said a few weeks ago. There really wasn't a whole lot of value in the big money FAs, and right now there seems to be a FA explosion at Halas Hall. We recently signed Shaffer, and now Pace and Lucas are visiting today. It seems that some patience was a good path to take. It seems we have a shot at getting some pretty good players at a decent price. I would have liked them to bring in Housh or Coles as much as the next guy, but the deals they signed do seem to be just a bit rich for what you are getting. Really if they can get Torry Holt in as well as Pace and Lucas, some of those holes the Bears have really seem to be filling, just in time for the draft.  JA has a lot of respect amongst his peers and the guy has built 2 teams that went to SuperBowls. His had his share of misses, but he has really nailed some hits as well. Let's not forget in 2005 he put together a patchwork o-line that led to the #2 seed in the playoffs and went to a SuperBowl after that.

I'm not saying Holt would solve the Bears need at WR, but it would add a piece to the puzzle, even if he is a stopgap.