Theo Epstein tells reporters that the Cubs have made "lots of offers" to players and teams. That may just be smoke, or if given the lack of major movement this off season, not really good offers.
The Toronto Sun reported that the Cubs are asking for Marcus Stroman, Aaron Sanchez and a third prospect from the Blue Jays for Jeff Samardzija. Blue Jays GM Anthopoulos has said that he was constantly being asked about Stroman and Sanchez, the Jays' top two pitching prospects, in possible deals.
If this is the type of value the Cubs want for Samardzija, then the Shark will be with the Cubs on Opening Day. To most other clubs, Samardzija is a #3 starter. The Cubs are trying to get Kershaw-Verlander value for him. As stated in an earlier post, as a matter of similar career statistics, would the Blue Jays trade their #1, #2 and another prospect for pitcher Galvin Floyd, formerly of the White Sox?
And considering what the Tigers received for Doug Fister, the Cubs are overreaching in the current trade market.
So the Cubs can be making a lot of telephone calls to other teams, but it appears it will not be productive.
