Buried Treasure

by Al Yellon on Jan 3, 2006 9:02 PM CST in Chicago Cubs News

Buried in the announcement we all knew was coming, that Marquis Grissom has been signed to a minor-league deal with a spring-training invitation, was this note:

The Cubs also signed infielder Augie Ojeda and outfielder Mike Restovich to Minor League contracts and invited them to Spring Training as well.

Ojeda, 31, has batted .219 in 178 big league contests for the Cubs (2000-2003) and Minnesota (2004). He spent the 2005 season with Triple-A Rochester, batting .224 in 105 games.

Restovich, 27, has seen Major League action over the past five seasons, batting .254 in 127 games. The right-handed hitting outfielder saw his most extensive big league time in 2005, appearing in 52 games for Pittsburgh and 14 games for Colorado.

I've always been a fan of Augie -- and clearly, the Cubs would have been far, far better off having him as the 25th man the last two years instead of Jose F. Macias.

But the part of that note I'm most interested in is the signing of Restovich. He's no kid any more -- in fact, he turned 27 today (cue the balloons!) -- but at one time he was one of the top outfield prospects in the Minnesota organization. His minor league numbers show pretty good plate discipline, at least at the lower levels, although that seems to have vanished in the last couple of years. Restovich was buried behind, among others, Jacque Jones in Minnesota, and then slogged his way through a couple of miserable years with a couple of miserable organizations in Pittsburgh and Colorado.

His very limited ML experience (228 AB) suggests he might be able to translate that plate discipline to this level. His lifetime numbers vs. lefties are .281/.336/.467 -- an .802 OPS -- which might, just might, make him a decent platoon partner for Jones.

I'd much rather have him on the roster than Grissom, anyway.

Buried treasure? Probably not. But it's sure worth a shot.

Tweet Comment 43 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

augie

Augie is a far better value than Neifi. The differences in OBP and SLG do not warrant the extra money paid to Neifi. And the much discussed propensity of the manager to play Neifi makes it worse.

by Seamer on Jan 3, 2006 9:08 PM CST reply actions

I dunno...

... if you give Augie that much playing time -- even the 150 AB we think would be about enough for Neifi -- he's going to deliver mediocre numbers.

In 2001 the Cubs did that, and Augie went .201/.269/.271 -- and lifetime he's .219/.294/.304. Both are WAY worse than Neifi.

Augie's a great clubhouse guy and a good defensive replacement, and will draw a walk from time to time. Just the sort the Cubs could have used, as I said, in place of Macias.

Most likely, he'll head to Iowa and be available if anyone gets hurt.

by Al Yellon on Jan 3, 2006 9:11 PM CST up reply actions

comparison

Neifi's lifetime .270/.301/.380 with a most of the "gaudy" numbers compiled in Colorado.

But I think we agree that the 50 pts. in batting average and 76 pts. in SLG aren't worth the money.

by Seamer on Jan 3, 2006 9:23 PM CST up reply actions

What critical part.............

........of Augie's great Cubs career did I miss?

Certainly recall that "Mendoza-esque" BA, and the 3 dingers were huge. I don't recall the 2 bases he stole in 3 attempts, but maybe those were they games I missed over his 4 glorious seasons with the Cubs........

Trust me when I say I'm no fan of JFM (nor Neifi for that matter), but what on earth would make folks believe that he is/was a better option than either of these guys?!?!

Please, no "great clubhouse guy" replies. I heard Len and Brenly talk all season about how JFM was a "great guy", so Augie can't have much more to add from this perspective.

Enlighten me, please.

by tville on Jan 3, 2006 9:21 PM CST reply actions

glove off the bench

My argument is that the Cubs can get Augie for the minimum but instead choose to pay millions for Neifi. Neifi who has the added problem of Dusty playing him too much.

Both have stats that should relegate them to roles as backup middle IF/defensive replacement/the guy you can PH when you need a bunt. So why pay that guy more than the minimum?

by Seamer on Jan 3, 2006 9:26 PM CST up reply actions

Let's remember.............

..........the Cubs have the $$$$$ to pay more than the minimum for bench fodder. And amongst the bench guys in the game, some are better than others and they are paid accordingly.

Frankly I'm not a fan of Neifi at $5 mil/2 years, but he's a far, far better option in the late innings than Augie. I would contend Hendry could have done better than Neifi, but I can't agree to have a guy on the roster for the minimum just because he's the last man on the bench.

And think about the impossible: The Cubs starting SS goes down for months. Now the "get a bunt down/defensive replacement on the cheap" plan really looks like a bad idea.

If this was a Pirates site, then okay on the budget concerns, but our team has the dough; they just need to spend it properly.

by tville on Jan 3, 2006 10:30 PM CST up reply actions

Thanks

I was going to post something like this. The Cubs have saved money that was supposed to be spent elsewhere. Go out and get some quality bench players. Augie is fun, he's not a good bench player, though.

DmL

by dmlichte on Jan 3, 2006 11:36 PM CST up reply actions

Augie is more than his stats could ever show

If you can't remember the energy level that Augie use to bring to the ball park every day, then I guess you just were not paying close enough attention. Now I'm not saying he should be put on the roster automaticaly, but at the very least his presence in Iowa will be an inspiration to the young-sters. Just watching him play defence could help some of our young talent develope in the field. For my full story on Augie see my comments on my home page.

Click CubbieJake to see my all-time favorite line-up.

by CubbieJake on Jan 3, 2006 10:51 PM CST up reply actions

I just wanted to compliment Al...

on the winter ivy picture on the home page. You are SO with the times man!

Anyone can have a bad century...

by Kinky Reggae on Jan 3, 2006 9:22 PM CST reply actions

Thanks!

... and there are more where that one came from. Stay tuned!

(And thank Mike for the designs, they're all his variations on the original)

by Al Yellon on Jan 4, 2006 9:04 AM CST up reply actions

restovich

And I agree w/Al on Restovich. Maybe we won't have to worry about Angel Echevarria being on a plane to Chicago any more.

by Seamer on Jan 3, 2006 9:31 PM CST reply actions

Or...

... Trenidad Hubbard, who ought to be getting his AARP card pretty soon.

by Al Yellon on Jan 4, 2006 9:04 AM CST up reply actions

Too bad...

Ricky Henderson hung up his glove and cleats.

Anyone can have a bad century...

by Kinky Reggae on Jan 4, 2006 6:11 PM CST up reply actions

i like this idea

i like the offers to auggie and restovich. i think it makes our bench fairly deep, and i would like to have them on the roster. regardless, these are the small-time piddle paddle types of moves that arent going to add many wins to our total. personally, whether it be tejada, zito, somebody....ANYBODY!!! im waitin on that blockbuster hendry hopefully has up his sleeve

by geetarnwhiskey on Jan 3, 2006 10:58 PM CST reply actions

Answer and question

A couple of people have commented that they don't see how others claim that Augie's a better option than Neifi. I don't think anyone's saying that Augie's a better player, but that given each's numbers, Augie at the league minimum (or thereabouts) is a better option than Neifi at $2 mil. I'd agree with that for the most part.

And because I'm relative newcomer to the site, I want to ask a Macias question: does the F stand for freakin', as in "Jose Freakin' Macias" or is simply a legitimate initial?

"If it takes forever."

by JDay on Jan 3, 2006 11:17 PM CST reply actions

The answer..........

.......to the "F" in JFM is as you have surmised: "Freakin'", or a word similar......

If I'm the Cubs and I really plan on contending, I'm not going to litter my bench with relatively worthless guys like Augie. No doubt he is inexpensive, but price is (or should be) no object to this organization.

by tville on Jan 3, 2006 11:25 PM CST up reply actions

The answer to the answer

If I'm a Cubs ticket, I'm not going to litter my bleachers with relatively worthless Cubs fans like you tville.
I'm just kidding tville....Augie-Augie-Augie

Click CubbieJake to see my all-time favorite line-up.

by CubbieJake on Jan 3, 2006 11:34 PM CST up reply actions

It's one thing.............

.........to like a player; quite another to have to count on that player to deliver at the major league level.

Like you, Jake, I recall the "AUGIE!" chants at Wrigley and loved it. But if we're talking about putting a winning team on the field, I'm sorry, but Augie can't realistically be a part of such a plan.

I sense you know that, but your heart is pulling you in another direction........

by tville on Jan 3, 2006 11:43 PM CST up reply actions

I like the Restovich Move Also..

He hasn't done much at the big league level but the guy might have the talent to be a 5th OF and a possible platoon partner for Jones like Al said. Not that he'd get used that way by Baker, but I digress. I don't see what the big deal is. These MLC's aren't costing us a damn thing. If we want to sign Luis Rivas, Steve Buechele, and Al Cowens to MLC's right now, it doesn't bother me in the slightest.

by mikew on Jan 3, 2006 11:54 PM CST reply actions

Augie Doggie

I like Augie for a couple of reasons: he's a scrapper and his name is Augie. But otherwise, I'm with you guys, we could do better for our bench.

But at least he has to earn his sport. I was just saying, I agree that Augie for his money is smarter than Neifi at that money.

I'm not one of those guys who thinks the Tribune Co. acts like a bunch of tight-wads with this team...90-100 mil is a lot, especially when you consider how many teams who spend much less than us have been more successful...but I wholeheartedly agree that we don't make smart decisions with our money.

"If it takes forever."

by JDay on Jan 4, 2006 12:09 AM CST reply actions

Of course

his name isn't Augie--it's Octavio. I seem to remember that somehow his teammates in the minors just decided it was easier to call him Augie.

Baseball can be summed up in one word--you never know--Joaquin Andujar

by Josh Timmers on Jan 4, 2006 2:20 AM CST up reply actions

Yes, my heart does pull me in another direction.

But one of the key components that we were missing last year was heart. As you know, Augie has a lot of heart and that's why I am happy to see him as a part of the organization. If his job is to stay in Iowa and stay sharp just in case we need him, at some point during our 162 game campaign next season, I am confident that he will be ready if he gets called up. Either way; he will work hard and play hard in Iowa and his big league experience can help some of the players, along the way, that do have a legitimate shot at being a part of a championship team.

Click CubbieJake to see my all-time favorite line-up.

by CubbieJake on Jan 4, 2006 12:12 AM CST reply actions

Well put

And maybe he'll eventually coach in the organization and instill that heart into the prospects that pass through.

by greggie44 on Jan 4, 2006 12:15 AM CST up reply actions

Okay, wait a minute:

Marquis, Pierre and Jacque?

Au Francais, mon ami?

by Floyd on Jan 4, 2006 1:27 AM CST reply actions

Welcome back Augie!

Augie will never be a guy you want to PLAN on contributing. That said, he always gives 110%, is a great glove at 3 infield positions (when you just need somebody to make defensive plays), and is valuable as a AAA backup. As a roster spot....earthshaking? no. But he's a guy who'll do what's best for the team, no ego, and you never know......who all remembers the Rey Ordonez fiasco of 2004? Would Augie be worse?

there's no time like the present

by cubrandy on Jan 4, 2006 1:30 AM CST reply actions

I'm still irritated

that Hendry locked up Neifi for two years in November and then failed to sign Furcal at the Winter Meetings. He could have used the extra money to counter the L.A. offer, but he thought it best to sign his back-up before he had a starter.

As far as Augie, I'm sure he has a great work ethic and energy level, but what about minor leaguers like Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot. These guys are young and ready for an opportunity and if they don't fit into the Cubs future plans then Hendry needs to showcase them a little bit. Look how Atlanta was able to use minor leaguers like Charles Thomas and Nick Green as trade bait just by giving them 200+ AB's in the ML's.

by ThadBosley27 on Jan 4, 2006 8:15 AM CST reply actions

If his name was Jim Ojeda

or Mike Ojeda or Frank Ojeda or even Juan Ojeda his popularity here and throughout Cub Nation would automatically be cut by 80%. If you have the luxury of a team so loaded that you can carry a guy for his glove only with no intention of batting him, then Mr. Ojeda's your man. Unfortunately, as of January 4th, the 2006 Cubs do not appear to be loaded.

by TR on Jan 4, 2006 9:02 AM CST reply actions

Spin

Spin it however you want, fellow Cubs fans. But if you ask yourself "is this a team that can compete?", what answer to you honestly give yourself?

by drone1047 @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jan 4, 2006 9:09 AM CST reply actions

Compete? For What?

Perhaps the NL Central, but can this team - as it stands today - be a factor in the pennant?

I do not see how and my name is not Chuck or Gaius.........

by tville on Jan 4, 2006 10:44 AM CST up reply actions

What?

Seriously Guys?? This team is going to be better equipped than the 2003 team that was on the doorstep of doing something none of us have ever seen. Be positive my friends, the 2006 Cubs will something too behold!!

I'd rather look at the glass half full, rather than half empty!!

by bolson1076 on Jan 4, 2006 6:58 PM CST up reply actions

You can't be serious.

I'll start with the most obvious: Murton and Jacques better than Sosa and Alou?

Okay, Lee is better than Karros and Pierre is an upgrade over Korey. Dempster gives them a better closer. Other than this, on what basis is this squad better than 2003?

You're exactly what the Trib ordered: Blind acceptance of their every move.

by tville on Jan 4, 2006 11:39 PM CST up reply actions

Yes...

... if Wood, Prior and Zambrano are healthy. However that's something that Hendry depended on last year and came back to haunt him. As this team is currently comprised, the offense is good enough if the top three starters are doing what they are capable of. They have yet to show they are capable of doing that.

DmL

by dmlichte on Jan 4, 2006 11:10 AM CST up reply actions

That is absolutely correct...

... and I remind all of you that a year ago at this time, did any of you (or any Sox fan, for that matter) think the White Sox were a 99-win team as constituted? I doubt it.

Yes, the Cubs will need a lot of things to go absolutely right, and a lot of luck, to win with the roster as presently constituted.

But those things do happen.

by Al Yellon on Jan 4, 2006 11:23 AM CST up reply actions

What does a minor league............

.........contract "cost" these days? There is some form of payment involved - correct? These guys don't just show up for nothing only hoping to land a job.

I know it's inexpensive relative to handing out contracts/salaries, but what would the typical ML invite cost the Cubs financially?

by tville on Jan 4, 2006 2:26 PM CST reply actions

yeah

and how can i get invited? i went to spring training two years ago and chashed the party i guess, since i wasn't invited. i need to find out how to get on the invite list, pappa needs a new pair of shoes.

by tomas21 on Jan 4, 2006 2:37 PM CST up reply actions

Since...

I'm a loser and wasn't a die-hard Cubs fan earlier, I barely know who Augie is. I have just heard of him.

Happy Birthday to you!Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Resto, happy birthday to you!

It's belated but who cares. He sounds interesting too, and I hope he can help us out.

Cubbie Blue always sPaRkLes in my eyes. Time to sPaRkLe Jimmy!

by sparkles721 on Jan 4, 2006 4:57 PM CST reply actions

You're not a loser...

... but Augie Ojeda was a Cub as recently as 2003.

by Al Yellon on Jan 4, 2006 7:00 PM CST up reply actions

I know...

but I barely remember him. I didn't watch half of the 03 season, and I just remember him because of his name.

What I meant to say was I was a loser because I didn't follow the Cubs earlier. I would've been a die-hard fan by 03, but instead I was just another regular fan that thought the Cubs were cool. I'm not a loser, I'm sparkles!

Cubbie Blue always sPaRkLes in my eyes. Time to sPaRkLe Jimmy!

by sparkles721 on Jan 4, 2006 7:18 PM CST up reply actions