Let's start with Soriano. Levine is hearing that the Cubs would be willing to eat much of the $60 million+ remaining on Soriano's contract, which ends in 2014:
The Chicago Cubs would be willing to absorb a high percentage of left fielder Alfonso Soriano's contract if the right trade offer came along, a source familiar with the situation told ESPNChicago.com.This really should come as no surprise, but it's still very nice to hear. If there's a team willing to give the Cubs a solid return in prospects back for Soriano, and/or pay at least some of his remaining salary, the Cubs would be stupid to not jump at the opportunity. Soriano's on a significant decline offensively, his speed has all but vanished, and his defense, well, everybody knows how bad that is. But, he can still hit the ball out of the ballpark(although he hasn't done that since June 19th), and a move to an American League team that will allow him to not have to worry about defense could bring more out of his offensive production.
Soriano has more than $60 million remaining on an eight-year, $136 million deal he signed in November 2006.
There is a full no-trade clause in his contract, but Soriano told ESPNChicago.com two months ago that if the Cubs approached him about a trade, he most likely would agree to one. He reaffirmed that recently to multiple outlets.
Now, as for Aramis Ramirez, he/his agent continue to say that he has no intentions of waiving his no-trade clause, and apparently met with the Cubs' brass recently, saying the same thing:
In related news, multiple sources said Aramis Ramirez recently met with Cubs management and the message conveyed by Ramirez's camp was that the third baseman wants to stay in Chicago and would not waive his no-trade clause. Ramirez told ESPNChicago.com on Wednesday that he would consider an extension beyond next season.
Not good news. While I'd be fine with keeping Ramirez through next season, and would be open to at least looking into an extension, he could bring a terrific return for the Cubs right now. He's been arguably the hottest hitter on the planet over the last month+, and is second among MLB third basemen in OPS(.859). So, while even I may not be openly trying to get rid of him, it's possible a team would blow the Cubs away with an offer, and it would stink if they couldn't pull the trigger on such a deal due to Ramirez's no-trade clause.
But, there's at least some good news about the chances of dealing Kosuke Fukudome. Levine points out that Fukudome is being linked to many teams, and especially make sense for the Cleveland Indians:
Right fielder Kosuke Fukudome has been on the radar of a number of teams, including the Cleveland Indians. The Indians, who lost right fielder Shin Soo-Choo to injury, would be a much better team with Fukudome.Fukudome, is a free agent after the season and will be 35 next year. He's not in the Cubs' future plans. So if they could get anything back for him at all, there's no reason to not do it.
Levine also said that teams are interested in Marlon Byrd and John Grabow(although it's hard to imagine him bringing much at all in return). Byrd is making $6.5 million next season in the last year of his three-year contract, and with the Cubs' outfield uncertainty going forward, they would like to hang on to him unless they're presented an offer too good to pass up.
The trade deadline is just 10 days away, so it will be interesting to see what the Cubs do.
H/T: Fukudome Could Be Fit With Indians- ESPN Chicago; Will Cubs Take Hit On Alfonso Soriano?- ESPN Chicago
