2012 Cubs Trade Rumors: Matt Garza May Be A Target For Yankees, Red Sox

The Chicago Cubs (18-32) have not won many games in 2012, but they certainly hope to win in a few trades. The club has several veteran playerss being targeted for potential trades, but none will be more highly sought than SP Matt Garza, the 28-year-old righty who is coming off a career year in 2011.

According to Jon Heyman, two clubs potentially interested in the California native may include the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. The two AL East teams have struggled with their starting pitching in the 2012 season, getting 5.06 and 4.60 ERAs from their staffs respectively.

Meanwhile, Garza has a 4.22 ERA and a 3.62 Skill Interactive ERA, both number which represent a modest step back from his success in 2011, but are still relatively strong. The AL East clubs are interested in acquiring the one-time member of the Tampa Bay Rays because he has a history of success in the division, unlike many of the other pitchers likely to hit the trade market.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around Major League Baseball, visit Baseball Nation.

2012 Cubs Trade Rumors: Chicago, Boston Might Be Good Match For Ryan Dempster Trade

The Chicago Cubs (18-32) have one of the worst records in the MLB, and their playoff hopes have almost entirely evaporated for the 2012 season. As such, their top veterans have become the focal points of many trade talks this season. And with the second Wild Card expanding each team's chances for the playoffs, very few clubs will be "sellers" by the 2012 MLB trade deadline, meaning the Cubs could lure a strong haul of prospects.

The analysts at ESPN suspect the Cubs may find their first and most likely trade with the Boston Red Sox, who could have a keen interest for SP Ryan Dempster. According to ESPN, the bad blood between Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein and the Red Sox owner -- who disliked the nature in which Epstein departed over the winter -- should not prove to be any major roadblock to the potential trade.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around Major League Baseball, visit Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Trade Deadline: Ryan Dempster, Alfonso Soriano Among Cubs Who Could Be On The Move

While the trade deadline is still quite a ways off, CBS Sports' Jon Heyman has already started thinking about which players are most likely to be on the move. The Chicago Cubs, mired in last place in the NL Central, figure prominently in his early list of players who could be dealt over the next couple of months. Here's what Heyman says about Ryan Dempster

3. Ryan Dempster, SP, Cubs: There have been suggestions lately that the Cubs might try to extend him, but he's 35 and really should be pitching elsewhere. While he has been superb this year, thanks to zero support from the Cubs' offense he has yet to win a game in nine starts (0-3, 2.90 ERA; 1.02 ERA through five starts). The high 2012 salary ($14 million) will limit the take.

Related: Padres Vs. Cubs Final Score: Late Rally Leads To 8-6 Win, Sweep Over San Diego

Other Cubs listed include Matt Garza, Alfonso Soriano, Reed Johnson, Paul Maholm and Carlos Marmol.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around Major League Baseball, visit Baseball Nation.

Theo Epstein Profile: Bloomberg TV Examines Cubs Executive's Move From Boston

Chicago Cubs president Theo Epstein was profiled by Bloomberg TV on Wednesday. The video--which you can watch at this link--focuses on Epstein's relationship with Tom Ricketts as well as his decision to leave the Red Sox.

Epstein's move from general manager of the Boston Red Sox to president of baseball operations with the Cubs is the main focus of the show, but the relationship between Epstein and Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts is also a focal point.

"I had a lot of time to analyze the market and see which teams have consistently outperformed other teams," Ricketts said. "I had a lot of time to talk to people in the industry to see who was the best fit for the Cubs."

Related: Padres Vs. Cubs Final Score: Late Rally Leads To 8-6 Win, Sweep Over San Diego

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around Major League Baseball, visit Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Trade Deadline: Cubs Deny Report That They Would Be Willing To Deal SS Starlin Castro

USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported on Thursday that the Chicago Cubs are willing to trade just about everyone on their roster, including shortstop Starlin Castro:

The Cubs are letting teams know that nearly everyone but starter Jeff Samardzija is available, two high-ranking team officials told USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because of competitive reasons.

Matt Garza and Ryan Dempster are veterans starters who can fill out the top of a rotation for a contender. Shortstop Starlin Castro already is a star at 22 but can be obtained for two impact prospects.

Related: Padres Vs. Cubs Final Score: Late Rally Leads To 8-6 Win, Sweep Over San Diego

However, according to this report from the Sun-Times, multiple team sources have denied that the team is willing to part ways with its young star.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around Major League Baseball, visit Baseball Nation.

Padres Vs. Cubs Final Score: Late Rally Leads To 8-6 Win, Sweep Over San Diego

The Chicago Cubs came from behind in the final two innings to beat the San Diego Padres 8-6 on Wednesday afternoon at Wrigley Field. After an awful 12-game losing streak, the Cubs have rebounded for their first sweep of 2012 against the Friars. Darwin Barney hit the walk-off, two-run homer in the ninth inning.

With Ryan Dempster struggling on the mound, the Cubs got behind early. In his tenth start of the season, the veteran starter allowed six runs over 4.1 innings while battling his command with four walks and three homers allowed. The bullpen came in and dominated the remainder of the game, though: Casey Coleman, Carlos Marmol, Randy Wells and James Russell combined to pitch 4.2 shutout innings to finish off the game.

With the bullpen dealing, the Cubs simply needed the offense to come through against a 6-3 deficit. It looked like they might finally break through in the fifth inning after loading the bases, but they only managed a pair of run-scoring walks before the end of the inning.

Needing some late-game heroics, the middle infielders came through for Chicago. In the bottom of the eighth, Starlin Castro came through with a stunning infield single with two outs after Tony Campana stole both second and third while pinch-running for Reed Johnson.

That merely gave tied up the game at 6-6, though, so things went to the bottom of the ninth looking like the fans would be treated to some free baseball. But then Barney, who was already in the midst of a great day, came through with the walk-off, two-run homer off off San Diego's Dale Thayer. Barney finished the game going 2-for-3 with a homer, two walks, three runs scored, three RBI to lead the Cubs.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue and Padres blog Gaslamp Ball. For more from around Major League Baseball, visit Baseball Nation.

Padres Vs. Cubs Score Update: Chicago Trails 6-5 After 5 Innings

The Chicago Cubs are trailing 6-5 to the San Diego Padres through five innings on Wednesday afternoon after starter Ryan Dempster struggled badly in his tenth start of the season. The veteran has been looking for his first win all year despite pitching well, but he certainly doesn't deserve a victory after his outing on Wednesday.

Lasting just 4.1 innings, Dempster allowed six runs on six hits (including three home runs) while walking four and striking out three. After allowing no more than four runs in any of his other appearances this season, this easily slots in as Dempster's worst performance of the season.

Returning from injury recently, Padres outfielder Carlos Quentin has had a huge day already for the Padres with a pair of homers and four RBI. Fellow San Diego outfielder Chris Denorfia has also thrived, going 2-for-3 with a double, a homer and two RBI on the day.

Steve Clevenger leads the Cubs offense with two hits and two RBI. Chicago managed to load the bases in the fifth inning, scoring a pair of runs on bases loaded walks by Ian Stewart and Darwin Barney.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over toCubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue and Padres blog Gaslamp Ball. For more from around Major League Baseball, visit Baseball Nation.

Cubs Vs. Padres Lineups: Cubs Send Out Typical Lineup Against San Diego

The Chicago Cubs are enjoying a two-game winning streak at the moment, and with the lineup producing 16 runs in those two games, manager Dale Sveum has decided to keep that batting order in place, one that has SS Starlin Castro batting second and CF Joe Mather in the third hole.

Here are today's lineups for both the Cubs and Padres:

Cubs

1. David DeJesus, RF
2. Starlin Castro, SS
3. Joe Mather, CF
4. Bryan LaHair, 1B
5. Alfonso Soriano, LF
6. Ian Stewart, 3B
7. Darwin Barney, 2B
8. Steve Clevenger, C
9. Ryan Dempster, P

Padres

1. Will Venable, CF
2. Everth Cabrera, SS
3. Yonder Alonso, 1B
4. Carlos Quentin, LF
5. Chase Headley, 3B
6. Chris Denorfia, RF
7. Nick Hundley, C
8. Alexi Amarista, 2B
9. Anthony Bass, P

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue and Padres blog Gaslamp Ball. For more from around Major League Baseball, visit Baseball Nation.

Padres Vs. Cubs Preview: North Siders Go For Three-Game Winning Streak

Can the Chicago Cubs follow a 12-game losing streak with a three-game winning streak? That will be the question on everyone's mind when the North Siders go for a series sweep of the San Diego Padres on Wednesday at Wrigley Field. Chicago will send 35-year old ace Ryan Dempster to the hill in search of his first victory of the season. San Diego is set to counter with 24-year old Anthony Bass.

If Dempster is ever going to get a victory in 2012, this would appear to be as good a time as any. The righty has been spectacular at times this season, entering at 0-3 with a 2.14 ERA and 1.06 WHIP.

Bass is 2-5 with a 3.55 ERA and 1.23 WHIP.

Game date/time: Tuesday, May 28, 1:20 p.m. CT

Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL

TV: Comcast SportsNet Chicago

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue and Padres blog Gaslamp Ball. For more from around Major League Baseball, visit Baseball Nation.

Casey Coleman Joins Cubs' Closer Committee

Cubs reliever Casey Coleman closed out Monday's win over the Padres, and though it was a non-save situation, manager Dale Sveum was impressed with how Coleman handled it. Sveum said Tuesday that he's going to add Coleman to his closer committee.

After closing out Monday’s four-run victory against the San Diego Padres, manager Dale Sveum said Tuesday to add Coleman’s name to the mix of guys who will get a chance to finish off victories much more in doubt than that.

With Rafael Dolis now down at Triple-A Iowa and Carlos Marmol still not under consideration to close games right now, Sveum has compiled a closer-by-committee group that includes James Russell, Shawn Camp and now Coleman.

Related: Padres Vs. Cubs Final Score: Chicago Defeats San Diego 5-3

Coleman has a 2.70 ERA in 10 innings of work this season.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around Major League Baseball, visit Baseball Nation.

Padres Vs. Cubs Final Score: Chicago Defeats San Diego 5-3

Jeff Samardzija went seven innings and knocked in a run with a single in the fifth inning to help his own cause, and the Chicago Cubs won their second straight over the San Diego Padres, 5-3. Samardzija finished the day with eight strikeouts and one walk; he allowed three runs on eight hits.

Related: Another Goat Shows Up At Wrigley Field

It took a while for both offenses to get started -- Carlos Quentin's fifth inning solo shot provided the first run of the game. But the Cubs responded with two runs in the bottom half of the fifth and scored one run in each of the next three innings.

Chicago's bullpen was once again solid; James Russell earned the save.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue and Padres blog Gaslamp Ball. For more from around Major League Baseball, visit Baseball Nation.

Another Goat Shows Up At Wrigley Field

Padres Vs. Cubs Lineups, TV Time and More

On Tuesday afternoon, the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres are back in action at Wrigley Field. The Cubs finally ended their dubious losing streak with a victory on Monday, and now they can take a shot at starting a positive streak. Here are the lineups and the TV broadcast information for Tuesday's game:

Cubs Lineup

1. David DeJesus RF

2. Starlin Castro SS

3. Joe Mather 3B

4. Alfonso Soriano LF

5. Jeff Baker 1B

6. Reed Johnson CF

7. Darwin Barney 2B

8. Koyie Hill C

9. Jeff Samardzija P

Padres Lineup

1. Will Venable CF

2. Chris Denorfia RF

3. Yonder Alonso 1B

4. Carlos Quentin LF

5. Chase Headley 3B

6. John Baker C

7. Everth Cabrera SS

8. Alexi Amarista 2B

9. Eric Stults P

Game date/time: Tuesday, May 29, 1:20 p.m. CT

Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL

TV: Comcast SportsNet Chicago

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue and Padres blog Gaslamp Ball. For more from around Major League Baseball, visit Baseball Nation.

Cubs Activate Steve Clevenger, Option Blake Lalli To Triple-A Iowa

The Chicago Cubs continued to shuffle their roster on Tuesday, as they activated catched Steve Clevenger from the 15-day disabled list and optioned catcher Blake Lalli to Triple-A Iowa (via Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald). Clevenger completed his rehab from an oblique strain, and the Cubs are certainly in need of a solid backstop as Geovany Soto tries to come back from a torn meniscus in his left knee, which could require a two-to-three-week rehab stint in the minor leagues.

Clevenger, a 26-year-old prospect, started the 2012 season with 11 hits (five doubles) in his first 22 at-bats. As for Blake Lalli, he is headed back to the minors after appearing in six games with the Cubs and posting a disappointing .133/.188/.133 triple-slash batting line.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around Major League Baseball, visit Baseball Nation.

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Geovany Soto Injury: Cubs Catcher Expects 2-3 Week Rehab Stint

A torn meniscus in his left knee has kept Geovany Soto off the field since May 16, but the Chicago Cubs catcher is getting closer to returning. The Chicago Tribune reported that Soto is about to embark on a two to three week rehab stint in the minor leagues.

Soto can probably use the work. Once a highly regarded player on the North Side, Soto is off to a terrible start. Through 28 games and 93 at-bats, Soto is hitting .161 with three home runs and just six RBI.

Blake Lalli has been the Cubs' catcher since being promoted from Triple-A Iowa on May 18. Lalli is hitting .133 with two RBI in the 15 at-bat stretch.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue and Padres blog Gaslamp Ball. For more from around Major League Baseball, visit Baseball Nation.

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Padres Vs. Cubs Preview: Can North Siders Win Consecutive Games?

The Chicago Cubs did the unthinkable on Monday afternoon in snapping a 12-game losing streak with a 11-7 victory over the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field. On Tuesday, the North Siders will turn to starter Jeff Samardzija as the team goes for consecutive wins. San Diego is slated to give 32-year old lefty Eric Stults his third start this season for the organization.

Samardzija is 4-3 with a 3.00 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. The 27-year old righty has enjoyed a breakout season in 2012, but has earned losses in each of his two previous starts despite not allowing more than three earned runs in either.

Stults is 1-0 with a 1.96 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 2012. The lefty threw five scoreless innings against the Mets in his last start at May 24.

Game date/time: Tuesday, May 28, 1:20 p.m. CT

Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL

TV: Comcast SportsNet Chicago

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue and Padres blog Gaslamp Ball. For more from around Major League Baseball, visit Baseball Nation.

Padres Vs. Cubs Final Score: Chicago Snaps 12-Game Losing Streak With 11-7 Win Over San Diego

The losing streak is over at last for the Cubs, as the offense broke out in a big way on Monday afternoon to pave the way for an 11-7 victory over the San Diego Padres.

Related: First Pitch Thread: Cubs vs. Padres, Monday 5/28, 1:20 CT

Chicago hit four home runs and three players had three-RBI days, but the Padres were able to keep pace on the scoreboard and led 7-6 heading into the bottom of the sixth. Then Alfonso Soriano hit a two-run shot to give the Cubs a lead they would not relinquish; Starlin Castro hit a two-run homer in the seventh to extend the lead and Ian Stewart capped the scoring with an RBI single.

Travis Wood had a rough start, but Chicago's bullpen was solid in keeping San Diego off the scoreboard over the final three innings.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue and Padres blog Gaslamp Ball. For more from around Major League Baseball, visit Baseball Nation.

Padres Vs. Cubs Score Update: Chicago, San Diego Tied In 6-6 Slugfest

The Chicago Cubs (15-32) currently sport the worst record in the MLB and are mired in a 12-game losing streak. After a fourth inning outburst from the middle of the lineup, the Cubs were in a position to get their first win since May 14, but the San Diego Padres offense has come marching back to tie the game at 6-6.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, with the Cubs trailing 4-3, 1B Bryan LaHair doubled and then scored as LF Alfonso Soriano clapped a double. Then 3B Ian Stewart brought Soriano home on a dinger to center field to put the Cubs up 6-4.

Unfortunately, SP Travis Wood could not hold the lead as 3B Chase Headley launched a first-pitch home run to left field, a two run homer that tied the game 6-6. The Cubs enter the top of the seventh, looking to hold back the Padres lineup.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue and Padres blog Gaslamp Ball. For more from around Major League Baseball, visit Baseball Nation.

Chicago Cubs Transactions: Rafael Dolis Sent To AAA For Marmol

Chicago Cubs reliever Rafael Dolis has gone from middle reliever to closer back to middle reliever and now to Triple-A Iowa all within the span of one week. The young Dominican reliever has been optioned to the minors with the Cubs recalling Carlos Marmol from the 15-day DL.

Dolis to Iowa for Marmol.

— Paul Sullivan (@PWSullivan) May 28, 2012

Dolis has seen his ERA skyrocket after a string of rough outings. He'll go to Iowa with a 5.68 ERA, a 1.50 WHIP and, most troubling, 17 walks and only 11 strikeouts in only 25.1 innings. That said, if Dolis can get things straightened out in Triple-A he may be back with the club soon, as the Cubs could use his power arm if he can command his pitches.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue and Padres blog Gaslamp Ball. For more from around Major League Baseball, visit Baseball Nation.

Carlos Marmol Injury: Erstwhile Cubs Closer Rejoins Team

Chicago Cubs Lineup: Mather Batting Third On Memorial Day

With the Chicago Cubs mired in an epic losing streak, manager Dale Sveum has decided not to shake up his lineup in an effort to squeeze some runs out of what has been a very stagnant offense. During their 12 game losing streak, the Cubs offense has put more than four runs on the board only twice, and in last weekend's series vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates, they scored six runs in three games with only six extra base hits.

Padres Vs. Cubs Preview: Nation League's Two Worst Teams Meet At Wrigley

The Chicago Cubs start a three-game series with the San Diego Padres on Monday.