Cubs Non-Tender Stewart, Putnam, Chapman

The non-tender deadline is still a few hours away, but Carrie Muskat has details on the Cubs' contract tenders, and non:

#Cubs tender Garza, Samardzija, Russell, Valbuena. Non-tender list includes Stewart, Putnam & Chapman. Roster now at 37

— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) December 1, 2012

The only real surprise here, in my view, is Jaye Chapman, who pitched reasonably well in relief after being recalled in September. Paul Sullivan tweets:

Stewart non tendered by Cubs. Also let go were Jaye Chapman and Zach Putnam. Cubs hope to re-sign them.

— Paul Sullivan (@PWSullivan) December 1, 2012

That's all well and good -- maybe they want to sign them to minor-league deals, keeping them off the 40-man roster, for now? -- but there's no guarantee of that. Further note from Carrie:

Note re: #Cubs moves: RHPs Zach Putnam & Jaye Chapman were not eligible for arbitration

— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) December 1, 2012

So if those two aren't arb-eligible, why not tender them contracts? They'd be paid the minimum, most likely, right? Also, that note seems to indicate that Ian Stewart won't be back. Overall, 18 players from the Cubs 40-man roster were tendered 2013 contracts today -– the four arbitration-eligible players and 14 players not yet eligible for arbitration. Here's one final contract-related note:

Also, Casey Coleman cleared waivers and assigned outright to @iowacubs . #Cubs

— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) December 1, 2012

Coleman, I suppose, will get an invite to spring training. With three spots open on the 40-man roster, that leaves room for some free-agent signings, trades, or... (ominous music)... a Rule 5 pick.

Have at it!