Esmailin Caridad (pronounced S-Male-In Care-I-Dad)
Born: 10/28/83
B/T: R/R
Ht: 5′11
Wt: 195 lbs
Hometown: Haini, Dominican Republic

Esmailin Caridad is a name that most Cubs’ fans don’t have on their radar as a top prospect or even as a future Cub helper. Yet the 25 year old recent signee was extremely impressive in High A and AA this season going 155 1/3 IP in 28G/27 GS had a 3.73 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and a .234 BAA while striking out 88 and walking only 38 batters. Caridad’s past is quite complex and deserves some explaining, but Cubs’ fans should look out for his talented arm to help the Cubs sooner rather than later. For more on the enigmatic righty keep reading… Read more… »

The Cubs made preparations today in order for the Rule V draft by protecting SRHP Mitch Atkins, RRHP Justin Berg, and RRHP Marcos Mateo which will be held on December 11th, the last day of Winter Meetings (Dec. 8th-11th). If you’re not familiar with the process I’ll break it down for you on the inside. The Cubs left four open slots available with SLHP Donny Veal and 2B Nate Spears as the top two players still exposed. Surprises that are still on the 40 man roster include CF Sam Fuld and C/UT Jake Fox after poor seasons. For in depth reports on the three protected players as well as Rule V draft details keep reading.

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It’s as if I’m watching Oceans 13 or something, except this time there aren’t multiple marks, just the same mark (Jim Hendry) robbed multiple times by the same group (Marlins) without ever learning a lesson or bumping up his security. This recent trade of the Cubs 3rd best prospect, and future setup/closer, 21 year old Jose Ceda for 30 year old reliever Kevin Gregg is only the latest heist Florida has sprung from the Northside. For scouting reports on Jose Ceda and Kevin Gregg, as well as the rest of this free agency season as Hendry would have it play out, keep on reading… Read more… »

The offseason is always full of so much gossip that no one knows when to believe a possible trade or not. Well folks I’m here to tell you that no matter how big of a pipe dream or fantasy trade it seems, the reality of Jake Peavy joining the Cubs rotation is real. Of the three teams involved, Braves, Dodgers, Cubs (Astros and Yanks if you believe some), the Cubs have put forth the best and most comprehended offer. The Pads GM Kevin Towers and Cubs GM Jim Hendry have hooked up in the past on several deals and the two are very good friends outside of their business relationship. So what are the Cubs are offering? Is it a good deal? Why are the Padres looking to trade their star player? All those questions and more will be answered if you keep on reading… Read more… »

Now that you’ve had time to read Matt’s logic on keeping Lee, I’ll go ahead and give you every reason to send him packing. Included are statistics, facts, and the teams where he could easily be shipped. As always, feel free to comment and correct me as you feel needed.

Read more to find out where I think Lee SHOULD end up.
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