http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/orl-curt-schilling-play-cubs-022809,0,2015742.story

Outspoken 3 time world series champion pitcher Curt Schilling informed people he would consider playing again for the Cubs...or Rays and will decide in the next few weeks but would not be ready for opening day either way.  I dunno about you guys but I would be a huge fan of his signing with his leadership and experience, he would be a great guy down the stretch. 

I really like what I see in the Cubs 09 roster to date, its got depth and quality.  However, I know there are many out there who would still like to see another solid lefty-reliever in the pen.  Nothing against Neal Cotts, but he seems to hit a wall every once in a while (sometimes a lil too often) but adding a guy like Beimel, the top lefty reliever in free agency all offseason, would be huge.  The guy had an impressive 2.02 ERA and has been solid for the past 4 seasons.  He should not be TOO expensive and I just really feel like he is the kinda under-the-radar pickup that puts great teams over the top. 

Just seeing what everybody else thinks??  I have heard lots of blogging about him but have heard no rumors of actual interest on the part of the Cubs.  Is there a reason the Cubs would not look at him and how much you think he will be offered in the end?

This is a great article for all the Kevin Gregg haters out there who do not realize that his ERA of about 3 and a half was spiked due to one month where he was trying to pitch with an injured knee.

In 2008, Kevin Gregg was hampered by a knee injury in August.  In that month, he blew three out of nine save chances.  In those three games, he gave up more than three runs in each.  That helped his August ERA balloon to 10.13, his only month above 3.00

The second two blown saves were back-to-back and led to Gregg and his knee being rested.  He did not pitch between August 30 and September 8.  He proceeded to come back to pitch in nine September games, compiling seven innings, four holds, and no earned runs.

Kerry on the other hand, had three months with an ERA over 6.50.  One was March, where he only pitched one inning, but in September, he gave up eight runs in 10.2 innings.

Gregg has had much more experience in the ninth inning.  Minus his horrific August of 2008, he had saved 55 out of 65 games (only four blown saves in 36 chances in 2007) over the past two years.  To go along with that, he also recorded 10 holds.

Now, maybe Kerry would also have saved 58 out of 65.  It also may be true that Kerry was better set up to succeed in Chicago.  I believe Gregg will get more save chances with two-plus run leads in Chicago than he did in Florida.  Not to mention the four run lead chances.

Also, if Gregg remained healthy last year, his ERA would have very likely been under 3.00. 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/119410-chicago-cubs-defending-kevin-gregg-against-kerry-wood

This is not to mention that Carlos Marmol, who will likely be taking over the closer duties has better stuff than both of them and is younger than both.  I, for one, am more than content with the moves Hendry has made thus far.   Our team is far and away better than any of our division competition and we have kept our top prospect and not gone over the top with our spending while adding the lefty bat we sought after (ya he wont hit 30+ bombs but if healthy he is an absolute beast, even Frank Thomas said he was one of the best hitters he has ever seen, and that was before last season)

So im really gettin fed up with readin conflicting stories from people with their 'sources' saying the Peavy deal will go down, then it wont, then Vitters is the main piece, then Marshall is the main piece, then whatever else. 

In all honesty what is everyone feeling about this deal, is it or is it not going to happen because I dont wanna keep wastin my time readin every article anymore if it truly is Brian Roberts part 2.

ALSO if this deal is gonna go down is it expected that it will be soon or is it gonna be a last week of spring training type deal like Maddux?  I am clearly gettin restless ha

Why i think it will happen-

Hendry said he would NOT trade DeRo unless it led to a Peavy deal, The ownership issue seems to be cleared (mostly), they shedded Marquis' salary, they added Olsen who was sought by the Pads, they hedged their bets on DeRo with Miles, Pie with Gathright, and Olsen/Marshall with eachother(whichever one stays).

Why it may not-

The Pads said they want it to be done by February 1st, Marshal and Vitters combined should be too much, the ownership situation may be delayed.

Padres GM Kevin Towers said today, "a much-discussed proposal from the Cubs “would fill several holes” on the roster."  It seems as though he echoes Hendry's interest in completing this deal now that two major roadblocks (Marquis and DeRosa) have been removed and another (the Cubs ownership situation) seems to be near its conclusion.

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jan/07/padres-towers-no-money-for-hoffman/?padres

Also, Bruce Miles the Cubs reporter for the Daily Herald stated today, "I'd still put my money on Hendry somehow landing Jake Peavy from the Padres, unless the new San Diego ownership pledges to spend money and keep Peavy."

 http://blogs.dailyherald.com/node/1203

I am fully against a deal for someone like Tim Redding or Braden Looper because they are no better than any in house options, however if they could somehow make room for someone such as Lowe, Pettitte, or Randy Wolf, or even take a chance on Pedro or Colon and hope for lightening in a bottle..

Any Thoughts?????