Now starting in Left Field, for your 2006 Chicago Cubs...

by Whitebacon on Sep 27, 2005 5:39 AM CDT

Nomar???

And though it may seem like a far-fetched scenario, Garciaparra wouldn't discount the idea of moving to left field for the Cubs, if they asked.

"Whatever," he said. "If you're where you want to be and you want to be part of a great organization and a great team ... I have a hard time saying it's a sacrifice. It's just something you do because we're a team."

From here: http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-050926cubs,1,4775097.story?coll=cs-c ubs-headlines

Sounds like he'd do it if asked. Now the question becomes, will he be asked? Could he possibly play Center for us, leaving left open for Murton, and right open for a FA/Trade option (B.Giles, A. Kearns, A.Dunn <crossesfingersbutrealizesI'vegotthesamechancesasDunn>)?

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Well...

... it's clear Nomar wants to stay. I think he could provide, IF healthy, offense suitable to a corner OF. I don't think he has the speed any more for CF, so LF is the only option.

That would leave SS for a free agent or trade (Furcal) and 2B for Cedeno, and lots of money to go get a CF and RF.

by Al Yellon on Sep 27, 2005 8:36 AM CDT reply actions

What about Murton then

If Nomar plays LF, what do you do with Matt? It doesn't make sense to me to risk a loss of an excellent prospect so an aging player can tryout LF. If we had no decent options in LF, then OK. But with all the other holes in the team, why displace a position that seems to be set for many years.

Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on Sep 27, 2005 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions

You are the new GM

so you tell us. LOL!

Murton needs a chance to play everyday and I agree with you. I think Nomar needs to move to CF if he's not our SS.

by socalbob on Sep 27, 2005 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions

Obviously I was wrong

It appears that there are some Cub fans who aren't idiots. :)

Now i have to go and turn my expense report into Al.

Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on Sep 27, 2005 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions

If he wants to stay...

... he should do an Andre Dawson on a one year contract. Seems like he's one of the few who "gets it" and if he can stay healthy would be a great help. Also, let's remember that Griffey Jr. went through a number of injury seasons before staying mostly healthy until the end of this season, so a comeback and a full season of Nomar is not an impossibility.

by Bill M on Sep 27, 2005 9:13 AM CDT reply actions

Nomar for CF

period. He has plenty of speed and he has natural instincts from being a life-long SS. There is no debate if he's willing to move.

by socalbob on Sep 27, 2005 11:38 AM CDT reply actions

i am guessing centerfield

will be discussed the day after corey patterson leaves town for another club. any prior talk would be public admission that he has become obsolete.

by dc60123 @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Sep 27, 2005 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Nomar also may want to stay

to realize some real estate profits. Didn't he just buy a lakefront house in Wilmette, that is one expensive piece of real estate.

Probably pennies to what Nomar has, but still I think he and Mia like Chicago as well. If he doesn't sign with the Cubs look for the Sox to make a run at him.

"You know what God told the cubs. Don't do anything until I get back!" Pete Rose

by Will71081 @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Sep 27, 2005 1:47 PM CDT reply actions

If you mean...

the White Sox, which of course you do, I was thinking the same thing. Especially when I remember a lot of criticizing on sports shows and articles that the White Sox had the worst offense at shortstop. Especially because the White Sox need offensive help, but don't have much money. It is probable.

Cubbie blue always sPaRkLeS in my eyes.

by sparkles721 on Sep 27, 2005 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions

Nomar in Center

I like the idea of Nomar in Center, but is he fast enough to play the position. Another question is in regards to his groin injury history. Center fielders rely heavily on their first step when they're going after fly balls. First steps are explosive muscle movements and put a lot of quick strain on muscles. My ? is, can Nomar's repaired groin hold up throughout a season of playing center? I'm afraid that everytime he goes after a fly ball he'll pull his groin again.
There aren't many alternatives to play center other then Pierre and... um....err... ok Pierre and Pie, so this may be their best bet because Corey will be driving the L train in a few months.

by pmenadue on Sep 27, 2005 4:44 PM CDT reply actions

If A, then B

If Jeremy Burnitz can play center, Nomar could play center.

My only fear is that he has been pretty brittle the last three years. Still, with Pie in the wings, it might not be a horrible idea.

I still like the idea of Nomar in left and Murton in right. Burnitz can be hitting coach. :)

Corey Patterson, please go be potentially good somewhere else.

by Ross on Sep 27, 2005 8:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Why Wait?

I know the Cubs are limited by injuries, but why wait to try some of these guys in the outfield? You're out of the playoff race, why not throw Nomar and Murton into various spots in the OF and see how they do? Try them both in LF, CF, and RF. Who cares if it sends a message to Korey that he's not the first choice next year. I think his time in AAA and his stats should make that obvious. And Burny knows he probably won't be back, at least not at his current salary.

Go into the off season with as much information as possible. Know ahead of time whether these guys can play (or are willing to play) in various positions.

by BringBackRyno on Sep 28, 2005 12:33 PM CDT reply actions

I thought the problem was money.

I might have the rules wrong but I thought that the cubs were not going to bring back Nomar because they are not allowed to give him that large of a pay cut. I could be wrong on that. Nomar might be worth it at 4-5 mil per year but I am not so sure about a second 8 mil deal.

by Boilerfan on Sep 28, 2005 1:28 PM CDT reply actions

It's different...

... when you are a free agent. Corey isn't eligible for free agency, so the Cubs' choice, if they don't trade him, is either to cut him the maximum 20%, or non-tender him.

Nomar is a free agent so the Cubs could offer him arbitration, or not and try to sign him at a market-value contract.

by Al Yellon on Sep 28, 2005 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions

I dunno..

but I think we need to wait for the domino effect to start. If they fill leadoff at centerfield(and who knows maybe have a leadoff guy at a corner)first, then we know that they will need a shortstop that doesn't have to be a leadoff guy. If the outfield is full and there is still no leadoff guy, then we obviously can assume that Nomar shouldn't come back. It is going to be a big domino effect.

Cubbie blue always sPaRkLeS in my eyes.

by sparkles721 on Sep 28, 2005 7:31 PM CDT reply actions