Assuming we can't get Lee, Soriano, Zito, Mulder etc...
Assuming, as past free agent markets have dictated, that we are unable to land one of the 'big guys' mentioned above.....and assuming Pierre is re-signed and J.J. stays in Right (of which I hope they can trade him for something soon!)....our needs would be a 1. power hitting outfielder 2. run-producing second baseman 3. possible conisderation of upgrade at SS and 4. probably TWO starting pitchers (assuming Z, Prior, and Marshall or Marmol can stick).
That said, thinking reasonable, there are still some potential FA's out there who would seem to fit in here well if given the chance. For instance:
2B: Luis Castillo would be a Great fit, and unlikely to break the bank
OF: Jermaine Dye (unless the Sox pick up his option), Jose Guillen (if he can stay healthy), Garciapara (?any convincing to try the outfield again?), Trot Nixon (if given the opportunity to play everyday, might show a little more pop), or even Moises Alou for a one year shot
SS: Lugo, Counsell (may have some left in the tank)
SP: Gil Meche, Mike Mussina (doubtful to see his Yankee option picked up at that price), Mark Redman, Cory Lidle
Sure it'd be great to get one of the big guys, but the alternatives may not be too far off(with the exception of the OF opening with Carlos Lee) and certainly cheaper.
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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58 comments
Comments
I would like
I would go after Lugo and Castillo and Lee on the market and maybe attempt to trade for a starter, a good one. Who, I don't know. Singing someone off of the Suppan/Lidle/Redman heap may be necessary but it won't make us a decidedly better team, it should be a last resort. And if we really think we have to resort to that then I probably wouldn't bother. Maybe Hendry can find a salary dump and get lucky again, someone durable and good, who isn't prohibitevly expensive.
by pageian on Jul 25, 2006 11:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Also
Nixon has had durability issues in the past too but I would feel better about signing him than I felt about signing Jones. I think he can hit a little bit, I just wouldn't want to count on him for a whole season. And I hate to say it but weren't his best seasons at the height of the steroid craze? I don't know, I'm just saying....
by pageian on Jul 25, 2006 11:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
who would want alou?!!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!
by Old Style Heavy on Jul 26, 2006 12:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I said
by pageian on Jul 26, 2006 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A team that is
by Mike63 on Jul 26, 2006 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
amen
by TerryS on Jul 26, 2006 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dye...
by dtpollitt on Jul 25, 2006 11:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Define
I think it has more to do with talent than being able to mysteriously raise your level of play, and if you look at the overall stats you'll get a better understanding of the talent level. Players absolutely do choke or rise to the occassion, just not every time they are in a "clutch" situation. Do it once when people are watching and you are clutch, fail to come through when people are watching and you aren't. Truth be damned.
by pageian on Jul 26, 2006 12:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dye's going nowhere.
The LF choices are probably Floyd & maybe Nixon.
Adam Kennedy is my bet for 2b.
I think they'll invest in a right handed hitter who can platoon w/ Jones, as well. Perhaps put a couple million into that.
Altogether, the $20-25 million or so Hendry has to spend will be invested into 4-5 guys. The Trib & McFail will be smiling ear to ear. God forbid that money goes towards Lee & Zito. Quallity doesn't win!
by CubFaninCA on Jul 26, 2006 12:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Jose Cruz Jr.
He has a team option for $4.5 next year, which I highly doubt LA exercises. Their outfield is loaded. He makes $2.9 million this year. The Cubs may be able to get him for around $3 million. Am pretty sure he still has a good glove. He won the Gold Glove in 2003.
I'll take a .900+ ops from RF for $8 million.
by CubFaninCA on Jul 26, 2006 12:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You've GOT To Be Kidding
by BeerCub on Jul 26, 2006 12:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
alternatives?
by CubFaninCA on Jul 26, 2006 12:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah,
by davidalanu on Jul 26, 2006 6:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Quote.....
by BeerCub on Jul 26, 2006 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah right
by pageian on Jul 26, 2006 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What Part Of....
by BeerCub on Jul 26, 2006 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because...
by Al on Jul 26, 2006 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Murton is that guy...
by ontheuptick on Jul 26, 2006 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No Murton in right
by Mike63 on Jul 26, 2006 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is no way
Murton in RF is a horrible, horrible idea.
by NO100 on Jul 26, 2006 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The solution is getting Jones
by Santos Sorrow on Jul 26, 2006 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep, and
If they sign Floyd, I'd much prefer seeing Cruz in LF in the 8th & 9th, with the Cubs trying to hold a lead. Floyd lumbers around in LF.
by CubFaninCA on Jul 26, 2006 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was the worst argument I've ever read.
by Santos Sorrow on Jul 26, 2006 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ding Ding Ding...
by ontheuptick on Jul 26, 2006 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just threw up
by Pa on Jul 26, 2006 1:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
First things first...
- ARam does not opt out of his deal and leave us looking for a 3B as well.
- Zambrano is locked up long term or dealt for 3-4 major league ready prospects as suggested by someone, I forget who, elsewhere (I hope not that later though, as Z provides us our only excitment at all).
- Pierre is locked up for a 2 year deal with an option for a 3rd year to keep us from having no leadoff man again. I think his recent play is more in line with what we could expect next season.
But again, there has been too much resting on the laurels of a magical 2003 and expecting a repeat performance, and that my friends, as has been argued here far too often is a top-down problem that can only be solved with new leadership (i.e. owners, GM, manager, coaches)...
by airweino on Jul 26, 2006 12:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
About Castillo...
If the Cubs look elsewhere for a 2B, Marcus Giles would be the guy I'd want.
by Al on Jul 26, 2006 9:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
No to Castillo
by rlpete on Jul 26, 2006 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
FORGET - Cedeno!!!
by Santos Sorrow on Jul 26, 2006 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
by Mike63 on Jul 26, 2006 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would like Giles too
by pageian on Jul 26, 2006 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Giles is exactly the type of guy....
by ontheuptick on Jul 26, 2006 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't think so
by pageian on Jul 26, 2006 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly my thoughts....
Maybe they'd like some fabulous pitching prospects (hello Rich Hill and JK Ryu)..
by ontheuptick on Jul 26, 2006 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
FA in 2007
I'll bet it takes 2 good prospects to get him. Not sure the Braves would consider any of the Cubs guys, not named Pie, as good.
by CubFaninCA on Jul 26, 2006 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah but...
by Lablover on Jul 26, 2006 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Braves aren't dumb tho
by CubFaninCA on Jul 26, 2006 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Random Thoughts
by NO100 on Jul 26, 2006 9:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
In the right situation
by pageian on Jul 26, 2006 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously...
by ontheuptick on Jul 26, 2006 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Disagree
by BeerCub on Jul 26, 2006 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well then please educate us...
by ontheuptick on Jul 26, 2006 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Read The Post Below,,,,,
by BeerCub on Jul 26, 2006 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kennedy is a bad player
by Santos Sorrow on Jul 26, 2006 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
re
Career: .279/.331/.398/.729
2006: .264/.317/.373/.690
He is not a .280 hitter nor does he steal 20 bases anymore as the post below states. He's also dead last in the AL in Range Factor and near the bottom in Zone Rating.
by VS on Jul 26, 2006 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can you field at a Gold Glove level?
He's by no means a superstar, but he's a fine player that will more than hold his own and be a contributor in multiple parts of the game.
by NO100 on Jul 26, 2006 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rebuttal
B. Marcus Giles is one of Bobby Cox's favorite players. With the departure of Rafael Furcal, Giles has been asked to be leadoff man this year and has not taken well to the role. I'd be surprised if the Braves wave goodbye to Giles.
C. Adam Kennedy is classic Cub move, therefore I think he stands the best chance of becoming a Cub with respect to the names being bandied about. Kennedy is Mark Grudzielanek Lite. Still, that is major upgrade over what we have right now.
D. My hope for shortstop is Cesar Izturis. An infield of Ramirez, Izturis, Kennedy and Lee is pretty decent, and a big upgrade defensively.
E. I think Cliff Floyd will be the main target for left field.
- Pierre - CF
- Kennedy - 2nd
- Lee - 1st
- Floyd - LF
- Ramirez - 3rd
- Jones - RF
- Barrett - Cat
- Izturis - SS
The key to the offseason will be how Hendry addresses the starting rotation.
by Mike63 on Jul 26, 2006 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still do not see...
Set your sights a little higher, please. And don't keep saying "classic Cub move", because they HAVE TO do better.
by Al on Jul 26, 2006 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
To Tell The Truth....
by BeerCub on Jul 26, 2006 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But having Said That....
by BeerCub on Jul 26, 2006 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cesar Izturis
by Mike63 on Jul 26, 2006 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It doesn't suck too badly?
The Cubs need better hitters. Forget this guy.
by Al on Jul 26, 2006 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Adam Kennedy
by BeerCub on Jul 26, 2006 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice summary
Unquantifiable intangibles aside, Adam Kennedy isn't a good player. We can do better.
by pageian on Jul 26, 2006 10:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Kennedy is a good player
by NO100 on Jul 26, 2006 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It Was....
by BeerCub on Jul 26, 2006 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs





















