Latest news and rumors: Russell, Hickey, Finalizing coaching staff and more |
As the Hot Stove continues to work overtime, look for additional, mid-day editions of The Hot Corner to help you keep up to speed.
This morning started out fast for transactions, news, and rumors from around the league, but slowed down suddenly. I’m anticipating that this afternoon will see another pickup in the action, and if so, we’ll see you again tonight at 6:00 PM. Cubs 2019 Opening Day: 121 days. Maddon/Hickey: While Joe Maddon wouldn’t go into many details, he says Jim Hickey’s resignation and departure for “personal issues” was not health-related. Addison Russell: Rumors are starting to swirl that the Cubs will tender Russell if he can’t be traded before Friday’s non-tender deadline. I’ve said before that the Cubs weren’t about to let Russell go without getting something for him in return and tendering him only makes sense. I still it’s unlikely that the Cubs will keep him, but tendering him buys more time to set up a trade if the Cubs are looking to do so. Cubs’ coaching staff coming together: ESPN’s Jesse Rogers tweeted the following: Cubs should be finalizing their coaching staff soon. I mentioned Chris Denorfia and Tommy Hottovoy on radio recently. Add former player Terrmel Sledge to the mix. All 3 could round out the staff. Sledge was with the Cubs (minors) in '15.
Cubs Charities: Cubs Charities has released its impact numbers for 2018. Cubs report that grants have supported 19,461 youths in baseball and softball programs, 8,860 high school students, and 14 field renovation projects. Donate today at CubsCharities.org. Props to the Brewers: Ryan Braun, Mike Moustakas and Christian Yelich are among the Brewers’ players teaming up for “California Strong,” an initiative to help aid families devastated by the recent California wildfires. I loathe Ryan Braun as much as the rest of you do, but hard not to give the guy a nod for helping others. Angels: The Angels have placed RHP Alex Meyer on unconditional release waivers. Blue Jays: The Jays claimed RHP Oliver Drake off waivers from the Rays and designated RHP Mark Leiter, Jr. for assignment. Braves: Atlanta designates LHP Adam McCreery for assignment in order to make room for Josh Donaldson. Cardinals: St. Louis outrights RHP Derian Gonzalez to Triple-A Memphis. Giants: SF is now willing to engage in talks about trade scenarios involving LHP Madison Bumgarner. It’s unclear if the team will actually trade him. The Brewers are one team known to be showing interest in the 29 year-old left-hander. Marlins: Miami has announced that INF/OF Derek Dietrich has cleared waivers and has elected free agency. Mets: NY announces that it has hired former Reds interim manager Jim Riggleman as their bench coach. Riggleman also managed the Cubs from 1995-1999. Nationals: The Nats have signed former Miami RHP Henderson Alvarez to a minor league deal which includes an invite to spring training. Pirates: Pittsburgh has signed OF Lonnie Chisenhall to a one-year, $2.75M deal. Per Ken Rosenthal, “Chisenhall’s deal also includes a series of performance bonuses: $250K each for 250 plate appearances, 300-350-400, $500K each for 450-500-550-600.” The Bucs have also designated RHP Alex McCrae for assignment. Korea Baseball Organization: The KBO has two more American players to showcase for next season: Former Phillies 1B Tommy Joseph has signed a one-year, $1M dollar deal with the LG Twins, and former Twins/Red Sox RHP Justin Haley has signed a one-year, $650k deal with the Samsung Lions. Haley’s deal includes a signing bonus of $100k and has an additional $250k in performance incentives available.
