Additional Possible Bullpen Help

I reported earlier my thoughts about the possibility of signing John Smoltz as a temporary starter/set up man.  The website BleacherReport.com lists the following additional options for the Cubs' bullpen woes:

Manny Corpas (Rockies)
Corpas is a competent reliever with lots of upside. He was forced out of his closer role last season by the Huston Street acquisition, then out of the bullpen altogether by injury.
But Manny looks like he's healthy this year, and is expected to be ready for Opening Day after his elbow surgery last season. Unfortunately for him, the combination of Street and Rafael Betancourt is a talented one that leaves him a bit out in the cold in Colorado. This writer is wondering if this isn't a good time for Colorado to send the ex-closer packing, if only for chemistry's sake.
Dustin McGowan (Blue Jays)
There's been a lot of talk about Toronto trading away either Jason Frasor or Scott Downs after their signing of Kevin Gregg. But little has been said about the anticipated return of McGowan, arguably the most talented of them all.
According to press reports, he's throwing smoothly, and is looking great. The problem for the Jays, however, is that he's a pitcher out of options. In other words, they'll need to keep him on what looks like an already competent staff, or place him on waivers and release him.
A better solution might be to move him for a similar talent who at least has options available, allowing them to get out in front of the issue now, and not lose value if he has a bad camp. The Cubs might be better able to take a risk on him, working him into the role as he competes for setup innings with Grabow.
Ramon Troncoso (Dodgers)
If you believe the rumor mill, the Dodgers would much prefer to make George Sherrill contract away (because of his contract) and keep Troncoso instead. And this writer would prefer to have Troncoso. But Sherrill isn't going anywhere, and economic conditions prevent L.A. from addressing the back of their rotation without that relief, well, almost.
If the Cubs are confident about the medical status of Ted Lilly, and if they believe that the combination of Parisi, Samardzija, Marshall, and Silva can provide adequate innings for the first six weeks or so of the season, then quietly moving Gorzelanny for Ramon might be an adequate solution for all involved.
Given the spacious parks of the NL West, and fly ball graveyard that is Chavez Ravine, this might even be great for the Dodgers, as they would alleviate the Gorzelanny fly-ball tendencies.
Personally, I think the Cubs might do well sticking it out with Guzman for awhile in that role, given some of the options available. However, if they're going to beef up the bullpen, the low-risk/high-upside players mentioned are likely a much better play than the solutions that have been discussed to date.

Is the Cubs' Offseason Over?

Are the Cubs done making moves?  Or are there deals in the works?  Here's what Hendry says:

"Obviously, we're always on the lookout," Hendry said. "Maybe it's something we will do in camp. We do like our club. We have a pretty good roster, body-wise, and we also have more people coming to camp internally (minor-leaguers invited to big-league camp) than we ever had. There will be opportunities for some of our young players to make the club."

Asked if additions are forthcoming outside of the organization, Hendry said: "We'll keep our eyes open. We have some ideas of people we want to scout in camp. But if something got going before we started camp, in the next week or two, we'd certainly look into that."

The Cubs are reportedly looking for help in the area of middle relief and/or setup pitchers.  One name being batted around (no pun intended) is Toronto's Jason Frasor.  The Blue Jays' signing of former Cubs closer Kevin Gregg may free up Jason Frasor for a trade to the Cubbies.  Frasor could be a dominant set up guy for the Cubs.

Another name being mentioned as a possible addition to the Cubs' roster is San Diego's Luke Gregerson, who is also a set up man.  His numbers are similar to Angel Guzman's but with a lower price tag.  I would not be surprised to see Guzman traded for Gregerson.

In any event, it looks like the Cubs may still have an offseason move or two left to do.

Former Cub Kevin Gregg a Blue Jay?

Reports are that Kevin Gregg has signed a one year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.  Gregg started off last year as the Cubs' closer, only to lose the job to Carlos Marmol before season end.  Gregg was 5-6 with a 4.72 ERA and 23 saves in 72 appearances with the Cubs last season

Gregg is reportedly receiving a guaranteed salary of $2.75 million but could net more than $8 million over 2 years or $12 million over 3 years. 

If Gregg can command money like that, Carlos Marmol's chances of getting more via arbitration had of just went up. 

Millar signs minor league deal with Cubs

Kevin Millar has signed a minor league contract with the Cubs and has been invited to spring training.  Millar is hoping to compete for a spot on the Cubs' bench. 

Millar batted .223 in 78 games with the Blue Jays last season but is a .274 career hitter with 170 home runs in 12 seasons with Florida, Boston, Baltimore and Toronto.

If Millar can snap back to form, he will make a nice addition to the Cubs' bench.