Show Me The Money

It appears the Cubs did exactly what I thought they would do.

Talk about being surprised. The Indians, scheduled for a visit on Thursday, and the Cubs, scheduled for a Wrigley Field date on Friday, were left in the cold without making official contract offers, or even buying dinner at Harry Caray's.

Were the Cubs upset? Probably more disappointed than angry. General manager Jim Hendry had no comment, but sources say neither the Cubs nor Indians would have offered Percival more than a one-year deal, perhaps with an option, given his age (35) and history of elbow tenderness.

Its is a perfectly reasonable approach the Indians and Cubs took due to his age and health. With the Cubs or Indians unwilling to give atleast 2 years I can see why Percival didn't waste his time. But if Percival is the only closer on the market you would consider signing then it is a major blunder to not even consider giving him what he wants if you want to improve the bullpen. Again money gets in the way of winning in this case. Not signing Percival is only good if the Cubs get Benitez.

However, in classic Cub fashion other options pop up.

Shortly after hearing the news on Percival, who was scheduled to meet Friday with the Cubs, Hendry got an unexpected overture from free agent Matt Mantei, who made a sales pitch for a one-year deal.

That's just perfect. Mantei was once a gifted pitcher. He even had a cool nickname, "The Iceman." Those days are long gone. Injuries have taken it's toll on him physically and mentally. In other words he is the Cubs perfect candidate for closer. Another chance to try the lightning in the bottle trick.

All hope isn't lost, Cubs may have some interest in Benitez...

The Cubs have interest in free-agent closer Armando Benitez only if he lowers his price. They haven't seriously investigated yet but hear Benitez is asking for $6 million to $7 million annually for three years.

The Cubs would be interested in a one- to two-year commitment.

I am sure there are a couple teams that will give Benitez atleast a 3 year deal. If the Cubs are going to play the same game with him as they did with Percival, they will not sign him either and Matt Mantei will be our closer.