Chicago Cubs: Latest Rumor Updates Surrounding the Club

With the MLB offseason still underway, there have been many rumors, new and old, surrounding the Chicago Cubs. 

According to Cubs' president Theo Epstein, the Cubs are not done dealing and making moves to improve the ball club for the short and long-run.

While the Cubs already dealt lefty reliever Sean Marshall this past week, it appears that the Cubs will continue to make moves that could dramatically change the roster from what it was just a year ago.

The Cubs have already added pieces in David DeJesus, Ian Stewart and Travis Wood. None of those moves put the Cubs over the top, but they are all valuable decisions in improving the ball club for the future while saving money in the present.

Here is the roundup of the recent rumors surrounding the Cubs this offseason.

Is Matt Garza Staying or Going?

Most of the Chicago Cubs' rumors these days revolve around starting pitcher Matt Garza.

The Cubs have been said to be open to looking at deals for their star pitcher, but their asking price hasn't exactly been low.

It isn't for sure known how Epstein feels about really moving Garza, as he has been quoted as saying "[Garza is] exactly type of pitcher we want to build around."

The point he makes is true, and Garza being only 28-years-old doesn't take him out of the equation of what the Cubs are looking to be in the future.

Still, Garza is the player with the most value, outside of Starlin Castro, and he could really bring in some huge pieces for the Cubs.

It was rumored that Garza could be heading to the San Diego Padres for an unproven first baseman in Anthony Rizzo, but up until this point nothing has really developed on that.

From the way things are looking, Garza should be with the Cubs in 2012. Still, anything can happen. If he does get traded, the Cubs will likely get a majority of the pieces they need to rebuild.

Chance Garza Gets Traded: 20 Percent

What Is the Deal with Prince Fielder?

A few weeks back, the Chicago Cubs were rumored to be favorites in the Prince Fielder sweepstakes.

Since then, things have certainly toned down, and it is looking more like they really won't be getting as involved as some had initially thought.

The most recent rumor comes from ESPN's Buster Oleny, who tweeted that the Cubs are still interested in bringing in Fielder, as long as it is "on their terms." That means the Cubs will not touch the 10-year deal that Fielder is hoping to attain.

The Cubs could still find themselves in luck if Fielder decides that the Cubs suit him best, as it seems to be the norm around the league that nobody wants to offer him more then six years at the most.

With there being no hard-fact evidence pointing Fielder anywhere, he still remains very much intact for the Cubs in 2012.

The Washington Nationals have been rumored to be a favorite in recent days, but general manager Mike Rizzo declared on Saturday that "Adam LaRoche will be the club's first baseman in 2012."

For the time being, Fielder remains up for grabs.

Chance the Cubs Sign Fielder: 50 Percent

Who Else Could Play First Base?

The most rumored option in recent days for the Chicago Cubs at first base would be the San Diego Padres' Anthony Rizzo.

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports confirms the Cubs interest, tweeting that both the Cubs and Rays have inquired about the Padres' young infielder.

In 2011, Rizzo appeared in 49 games for the Padres. During his time in the majors, Rizzo wasn't that effective, hitting only .141 with nine RBI, one home run and 46 strikeouts in 128 at-bats.

While his numbers weren't promising, Rizzo is still highly regarded as one the better first base prospects.

If the Cubs were to attain Rizzo, it would in all likelihood involve moving pitcher Matt Garza. The Cubs would certainly be giving up a lot on potential talent, but Rizzo was drafted by Theo Epstein and Jason McLeod while they were with the Boston Red Sox organization.

Outside of the interest in Fielder and Rizzo, there hasn't been any other word on possible targets to play first base. The Cubs could always settle the matter internally, but they really don't have any option that boasts a great resolution to the problem.

Chance the Cubs Trade for Rizzo: 20 Percent

Are the Cubs Looking at Coco Crisp?

Last week, Oakland A's outfielder Coco Crisp's agent Steve Comte informed Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports that Crisp was interested in joining either the St. Louis Cardinals or Chicago Cubs.

Now that the Cardinals have signed outfielder Carlos Beltran, one would assume you can eliminate them from being a possible suitor.

While the Cubs do have a full outfield with Alfonso Soriano, Marlon Byrd and now David DeJesus, along with prospect Brett Jackson emerging as a candidate, one would have to wonder how much interest the Cubs would have in bringing in Crisp.

Apparently, they have some.

Last season, Crisp did steal 49 bases—a career high. The Cubs could definitely use a player with speed, and that is what Crisp could provide for the Cubs. He also will be a relatively cheap option, as he has never played over 145 games and also only batted .246 last season.

The Cubs would be wise to not spend a lot on Crisp, and they probably wouldn't, as he would most likely be sharing time in the outfield and pinch-running.

Outside of the Cubs and Cardinals, there hasn't been any other recent rumors surrounding any other teams having interest in Crisp.

Chance the Cubs Sign Crisp: 40 Percent

What's the Stance on Jeff Francis?

Before the Chicago Cubs traded Sean Marshall to the Cincinnati Reds for left-handed pitcher Travis Wood, they were rumored to be interested in signing free agent left-hander Jeff Francis.

With the acquisition of Wood, it seems unlikely now for the Cubs to sign another lefty, especially with the rotation potentially filled out. If the Cubs do make a move involving pitcher Matt Garza, as previously mentioned, perhaps the Cubs would once again open the possibility of attaining Francis if he were to still be available.

Recently, Jon Morosi of Fox Sports tweeted that the Seattle Mariners have been interested in signing Francis.

But, nothing has happened as of yet, so there is a chance that he could remain on the market for some time to come.

Chance the Cubs Sign Francis: 5 Percent

Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State Football.