Counsell Watch: Omar Vizquel, plus a note about the Cubs

First, re: Omar Vizquel.  NBCsports is reporting that the White Sox have offered Vizquel a $1 million contract.  It's worth pointing out that the 42-year-old hasn't been good since 2006, but he's supposed to be a nice guy, so good for him. 

I mention it because Bustre reported last week that up to a dozen teams were looking at Craig Counsell, and although I can't believe there was a lot of interest in Vizquel, he and Counsell are two of only a handful of FAs who can play third, short, and second. Personally, I think Counsell will sign before the winter meetings, and probably not with the Brewers.

If you were wondering, yes, Adam Heether has played short in Nashville and Huntsville last season, though only 22 games, and with a .917 fielding percentage. It's a work in progress.

As for the Cubs: as interesting as it is to watch DM purge salary, it's just as interesting to examine the Cubs' payroll right now.  They currently have 8 players who are making at least $10 million in 2010, and 7 of them are making $13 million or more. Cots lists the known 2010 salaries for 9 of the Cubs; combined, those salaries (plus the $500,000 they're paying Luis Vizcaino to not play for them) put their payroll at $120 million, a good $30-40 million more than what the Brewers will likely pay for their whole roster.  For that matter, the Cubs are already on the hook for $96 million for the 2011 season, before considering 9 players like Giovanny Soto hitting arbitration.   No one likes hearing people complain about the disparities among different markets, but it's clear the Cubs are in a different neighborhood altogether from the Brewers.