The Cubs are preparing to enter the 2012 as a revamped franchise with a new look starting at the top and working its way through the minors. Still, two familiar faces remain and figure to do so through the start of the season. In speaking with ESPN Chicago yesterday, Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer touched on a pair of players that have had their names tossed around the rumor mill quite a bit this offseason, Matt Garza and Alfonso Soriano.
Hoyer admitted that, at this point in the offseason, it is unlikely that Soriano will start the season with another club. Chicago has taken calls on the aging slugger this offseason, and ownership has made it clear that they’d be willing to eat a large portion of Soriano’s remaining salary to facilitate a deal. Still, talks never appeared to get serious and Soriano is preparing for yet another Spring Training with the Cubbies.
Hoyer said that the Cubs are hoping Soriano can enter the 2012 season in better shape. This will hopefully result in better health throughout the year and better production on the field. Chicago hopes Soriano can improve his OBP, but Hoyer liked the power numbers and RBI total from 2011. All in all, Hoyer said the Cubs believe “there’s something left in Sori”.
Garza finds himself on the other end of the spectrum as someone the Cubs are expecting big things from in 2012. The 28-year-old developed into the ace of Chicago’s staff in 2011 and thus, during an apparent rebuilding effort, became a prime trade chip this offseason. Garza can become a free agent following the 2013 season, and many expected the Cubs to shop the right-hander this winter.
Trade talks ebbed and flowed regarding Garza, and at some points it appeared the Cubs would in fact deal their ace. In the end nothing was agreed upon as many reported the Cubs would look to hold onto Garza until this summer’s trade deadline.
While this could ultimately be the case, Hoyer did say that Chicago would consider locking Garza up long-term. Cubs president Theo Epstein has said on several occasions that Garza is a player he’d love to build a rotation around. Chicago certainly has the means to lock up Garza for the long haul, so it will be interesting to see how the club handles the right-hander this summer.
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