[fuhrdog]

From Rotoworld


The Diamondbacks designated Matt Williams for assignment following Saturday's game.
This is mildly surprising. Sure, Williams wasn't necessary with Shea Hillenbrand around, but with Craig Counsell on the DL for another month or two, Williams could have had some value off the bench, such as last night when he had a pinch-hit RBI double in the eighth inning. The D'Backs now have 10 days to trade or release Williams, who hit .246 with four homers and 16 RBI this season. They are responsible for his $10 million salary. Source: Arizona Republic

[top dog]

Originally posted by fuhrdog
. They are responsible for his $10 million salary. Source: Arizona Republic

Because of this, isn't it a given that someone will pick him up? At least for this season?

[taz]

How about the Cubs? Williams would be reunited with Dusty Baker, the Cubs are in the market for a 3B, and the Dodgers are apparently also in the hunt for Mike Lowell.

Rather than get into a bidding war with LA, the Cubs would see what they have in Williams before deciding to make a move.

[petben]

Originally posted by taz
How about the Cubs? Williams would be reunited with Dusty Baker, the Cubs are in the market for a 3B, and the Dodgers are apparently also in the hunt for Mike Lowell.

Rather than get into a bidding war with LA, the Cubs would see what they have in Williams before deciding to make a move.

Williams is way past his prime. I don't see how this improves the Cubs this year and then they also miss out on a possible long term solution.

I see Williams going someplace as a bat off the bench, but little more.

[Spaceman]

Red Sox could use him. They always like to have 6 or 8 DH's around

[Lewdawg]

What makes you think Williams will report to any team that picks him up. He doesn't want to leave his kids, knowing that this is the end of the road. He didn't want to go to Colorado for that reason, and I suspect it'd be the same thing now. If they release him, he'll be sitting in the stands watching the Dbacks or on the television.

[Young Guns]

Kinda makes one wonder how Uncle Mattie feels now about turning down the deal to Colorado, at least from a professional standpoint.

[The Dane]

I would think this would be a vote of confidence in ACintron. With SHillenbrand coming on, there was speculation that he would go, but I guess the DBacks feel he's more valuable to the team. I agree.

[taz]

Williams is way past his prime. I don't see how this improves the Cubs this year and then they also miss out on a possible long term solution.

From Rotoworld:

Cubs manager Dusty Baker is interested in bringing Matt Williams to Chicago.
''Right now we don't know exactly what is going to happen. Matt is one of my favorite guys. It's a matter of how he can play and how much he has left,'' Baker said. If Williams joins the Cubs, he might get the majority of the playing time at third base. It's best not to drop him in NL-only leagues just yet.

It may not be a long-term solution, but the Cubs are in first place without a viable 3B (unless you consider Bellhorn/Harris/Martinez a good alternative) and they have nothing to lose if they want to give Williams a shot.

As far as Williams: I doubt he'd turn down a chance to get back in the middle of a pennant race, and with his old skipper from S.F. I'd be shocked if the Cubs didn't sign him by the end of next week.