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A-Rod opting out of contract

Dscn3398_tiny by dtpollitt on

Sports Illustrated is reporting Alex Rodriguez is opting out of his contract...

Star-divide

Who can afford him?  I think the Cubs and the Angels are the only two teams that both have enough bank to get him and are in dire need of one of his two positions.  The Mets WOULD be a possibility, but their two best position players (Wright, Reyes) play both of A-Rod's positions.  

Seems to me the money that would have gone to A-Rod is now going to be banked on Johan Santana.  Watching this guy in real life for the last few years in Minnesota, he's worth of the biggest pitching contract in baseball history.  

This is huge news, folks, are the Cubs a front runner?  Or does the bending sale change things?

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/specials/playoffs/2007/10/28/rodriguez.contract/i ndex.html

Dan

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation, Bleed Cubbie Blue, or Al Yellon, editor-in-chief. FanPost opinions are, however, valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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appreciate the update
but I don't think anyone expected otherwise...it seemed a forgone conclusion he was going to opt out.  That doesn't mean he's going anywhere.  As I understand it, the Yanks are already throwing together a big contract offer for him as we speak, regardless of what the old man (or someone) had said that if he opts out he's gone.

by LuisSalazar on Oct 28, 2007 10:04 PM CDT   0 recs

I dont think that is the case....
The Yankees have stated that if he opted out, they would NOT negoitate with him.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3084583

I would certainly see the Red Sox as a possibility.

Let me get back to you, will ya, Charlie? I got a guy on the other line asking about some white walls.

by JB 23 on Oct 28, 2007 10:18 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

That's just wrong
It was definitely an open question whether he would opt out.  It's not George Steinbrenner who's been insisting the Yankees wouldn't negotiate with A-Rod if he opted out, it was both Hank Steinbrenner (who has largely taken over for his father) and Brian Cashman.  They have both said so repeatedly and without any equivocation.  Their credibility in future negotiations will take a huge blow if they now go back on that and offer A-Rod a huge deal.

He's done with the Yankees.  

I just wish someone would give Alan Trammel a job so the Cubs could get Torre as bench coach and A-Rod could come here and play for his second and third fathers.

by Porfi on Oct 28, 2007 10:18 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The Yankees were throwing together
an "extension" to ARod's existing contract, thereby keeping the $21M subsidy from the Rangers.  Once ARod opts out, the subsidy is gone and the Yankees would be responsible for ALL the money in whatever new contract might be negotiated.  Which is why Cashman and others in the organization have been so adamant that they will not be players in ARod's next contract.

I realize players, agents, and teams talk smack and deliver false ultimatums all the time (see Lance Briggs) but I think Yankees have been too public in this situation to go back on themselves.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Oct 28, 2007 10:21 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

That's what I thought...
...if he opted out, all that Ranger money goes bye-bye.  Now the Yankees are responsible for all that money, too.  

Dan

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Oct 28, 2007 10:27 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

And a big congrats to Fox...
...who despite the fact that the Red Sox are on the verge of winning the World Series decided to talk about (or break the news of... depending on where you heard it first) A-Rod opting out of his contract in the top of the 8th inning right after a pinch hit home run by the Sox put them up by 3.  Never mind the game fellas.
"Dad gum right this games gonna be played under protest. . . I guarantee this is gonna be one protest that's upheld." --Hawk Harrelson, 6/24/07

by RynoHoF on Oct 28, 2007 10:17 PM CDT   0 recs

You Can Fault FOX For Many Things
But I don't think this is one of them. They're covering a baseball game, and this is pretty big baseball news. It's not like they're cutting away from a postgame celebration to report it.

by markleonette on Oct 28, 2007 10:25 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I would agree with this
Not that this World Series isn't incredibly enthralling and diserves to be covered every second of play (sarcasm) but this is pretty big news, arguable the best player in baseball is now a free agent.  
"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Oct 28, 2007 10:44 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Don't blame
this on Fox (however, blame the lack of HD tonight on them), blame this on Boras. IMO, a very calculated move to announce the opt-out during the World Series and not after it.

by giddyup on Oct 29, 2007 12:25 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I'll believe it...
11 days after the World Series ends.  Scott Boras is infamous for reneging on "Gentleman's Agreements".  (Ask John Schuerholz.)  This might just be a grandstand move, especially since the BoSox haven't locked up Lowell yet.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Oct 28, 2007 10:29 PM CDT   0 recs

I can't see the Red Sox getting tangled up in this
...mainly because their payroll would absolutely through the roof.  Boston would definitely be #1 in payroll, but if you win the World Series, I guess you can do that?!

Dan

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Oct 28, 2007 10:29 PM CDT   0 recs

Boston, Anaheim, Cubs in that order *
Boston could easily do it - all they'd need is some fancy footwork on the first year of the contract until Manny's contract comes off the books.  Sure, ARod would cost a few more million per than Manny, but seeing as how he's coming from the Yankees, it'd be real easy to chalk up the $ difference to goodwill (or illwill depending on your point of view).  But I respect the baseball intelligence of Boston's ownership and front office and I think they've seen in 2004 and this year what chemistry means to success.  I think they re-sign Lowell (unless NYY  throws obscene amounts at him) and target their Manny money for some other big star (Santana?) in 2009)

Anaheim probably has the bucks to do it as well, but I just don't see Arte as being the type of owner to make this big of a gamble/splash.  Sure ARod is arguably the best player in the game now, but geez louise, it's still tough to justify $30M per no matter who you are.  Besides, I haven't heard who's taking over for Stoneham in their front office, but whoever it is, is this kind of deal the first order of business you'd want to make?

Cubs?  Yeah, ARod loves Lou and Lou loves ARod, but money makes the world go round - not love.  The timing is just not right with future ownership in limbo.  Replacing the drainage system on your way out is one thing - signing one player to a 10 year, $300M contract is quite another.

So why the asterisk in my subject line?  Because assuming the opt-out is true, somehow I just have a gut feeling that ARod will end up the Giants.  They've freed up money by saying bye-bye to Barry and it's the type of low-pressure situation that would interest ARod.  He can put up monster numbers and not be too concerned about winning championships.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Oct 28, 2007 10:40 PM CDT   0 recs

As for your asterisk...
I think that A-Rod is interested in a championship and is not just in it for the numbers.  I may be wrong, but he did waive his no trade clause to play for at a park (Yankee's) that is not nearly as inducive to putting up big numbers as his former (Ranger's).  He wanted to win a championship.  
"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Oct 28, 2007 10:47 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

You're being overly kind to A-Rod
First, let me say that I don't care if A-Rod seeks bases his decision on where he plays solely on money - that's a huge factor (if not the only factor) in how most people decide where they're going to work.

But A-Rod wanted out of Texas because he and Buck Showalter could not coexist.  He wouldn't have signed with the Rangers if winning were that important to him.

When the Rangers looked into trading him, there were very few teams willing to take on his contract.  The Red Sox tried, but they wanted A-Rod to defer more money than the union would allow.  Then the Yankees signed him.  As far as I know, no other teams talked seriously with the Rangers about trading for A-Rod.

by Porfi on Oct 28, 2007 11:14 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I may be
and I am not saying that he isn't concerned with making as much money as humanly possible.  But the state the Yankees are in now, I just don't see them winning a championship for a while, they are getting older and not any better.  I think, though I may be wrong, played into A-Rod's decision.
"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Oct 28, 2007 11:32 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Texas
was just one season removed from a 95 win season and a divisional championship when A-Rod signed there.  The idea that Rodriguez took a ton of money to sign with a loser is just bad memory.  Despite having a bad season in 2000, no one thought the Rangers were a bad team in the winter of 2000-1.  Sure, he signed for the money, but he had every reason to believe the Rangers were going to win for a long time when he signed there.
The artist formerly known as JoshinLA

by Josh77 on Oct 29, 2007 3:13 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Actually my memory is quite good
I also don't feel the need to make straw man arguments.  I did not say the Rangers were a loser.  I said that if winning were that important to him, he would not have signed with Texas.

That Texas won 95 games in 1999 is not all that relevant to the team A-Rod signed with after the 2000 season.  For one thing, the best offensive player on the 1999 team, Juan Gonzalez, was gone.  For another, the pitching staff had undergone almost an entire overhaul.  Additionally, and this detail I had to look up, the 1999 team outperformed its Pythagorean record by 7 wins.

Again, the Rangers were fine.  They were just a far cry from offering A-Rod his best chance of winning.

by Porfi on Oct 29, 2007 3:45 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I think it's pure speculation
to say that A-Rod is only interested in his numbers and not on winning.  What proof is there of this?  You say that the Rangers had no shot at winning a championship, but how was A-Rod to know that?  What team is guarenteed to win a championship?  None, so he took a shot with a team that won 95 games and it didn't work out.

I think A-Rod does want to win a championship in his lifetime and perhaps is why he struggles so mightily in the playoffs, he is trying to hard because he wants it so bad.  

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Oct 29, 2007 11:36 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Agreed. I have a hard time believing...
...he could be that much of a mercenary.  But it's not speculation to look at his track record.  You're right, Texas didn't work out.  So he twice engineered a deal to move on.  Assuming he and the Red Sox were in agreement on the parameters, I still can't figure out how the Players Association put a kabosh on that one.  I understand they could heavily advise, cajole, warn, and arm-twist against it, but to actually veto it?  I don't get it.

So he then engineered a deal to go to the Yankees - arguably the best team in MLB at the time.  Certainly the richest and with probably the most results-oriented owner to boot.  Loaded with talented superstars.  An All-Star at just about every position.  He was there for FOUR years.  I understand baseball's a funny game and there's better parity in MLB these days, so the days of the Yankees winning the WS every year are long gone.  But four years is a pretty good sample size for the most 'talented' team to not win it all.  I would have been willing to bet that the Yankees would never win a WS had ARod stayed for the duration of his contract.  I'd probably lose, but I would have made that bet.

Why?  ARod's salary is just too big a slice of the payroll pie.  Look, I know these teams are rolling in the dough, cooking the books, and uncovering new revenue streams every time they fart, but I maintain the disparity between ARod's $25M salary and everyone else's - even on the Yankees - is just too great an obstacle to realistically overcome.

And if Boras can work his magic and get some club to pony up $30M per year, then I'll gladly predict that whoever ARod signs with won't win a WS.  At least not in the first several years of the deal.  Maybe towards the end, when other salaries catch up (ahem - very relatively speaking), a title might be forthcoming.

So I guess if I fault ARod for anything, it's his unwillingness to reset his salary expectations to be more in line with his teammates.  Sure he's probably the best player in the game these days, so he should be paid the most.  But what he was getting (and what he's probably going to get) is just plain overkill.  Overkill better spent on other parts of the team.  

Assuming Hicks had listened to his baseball people (big assumption, I know), don't you think Texas could have put $5M a year towards some better pitching than Chan Ho Park?  Still don't think Texas would have won, but they would have been more competitive.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Oct 29, 2007 12:25 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

ARod's salary wasn't a problem in NY...
Sorry to nitpick, but I think that it's a bit silly to say that ARod's salary is the reason the Yankees haven't won.  For one thing, they were paying two other players contracts within $8 million per year of his deal (Jeter and Giambi) and those guys were far less productive than ARod.  That doesn't even consider the money that Rivera, Mussina, Pettitte, and Clemens made.  And when you consider that the Rangers paid a fair bit of ARod's money each year, it makes it even less of an issue.  In reality, ARod cost the Yankees just a tad more per year than Jeter.

The real reasons the Yankees didn't a championship in the 4 years ARod was there were (1) Rivera blew a lead, and they were really unfortunate not to win 1 of their final 4 games in 2004, (2) their pitching couldn't make 7 runs stick in game 3 against the Angels in 2005, (3) they ran into a buzzsaw of pitching in Detroit in 2006, (4) they ran into a buzzsaw of pitching in Cleveland in 2007, and (5) in a short series, anything can happen - the better team doesn't always win.

Moreover, playoff baseball series have tended to go to the team with the better starting pitching, not the dominant offenses.  And the Yankees have not had the starting pitching in a long time.  They've had the lesser of the two rotations in each of the last 3 years, and the results have been what you should expect in a short series.

by SouthernCub on Oct 29, 2007 9:30 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Anaheim
I disagree.  I think Arte would take that gamble.  He gambled with Vlad.  I think part of the reason Stoneman is gone is because he wouldn't take a gamble.  The Angels have everything they need except another big bat and they have a huge hole at 3rd.  

by rlpete on Oct 29, 2007 9:03 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Cubs payroll issue?
I really wonder how much of an issue payroll will be?  I know we're going to have a new owner, etc BUT  A-Rod will help generate more money for the team.  A-Rod will get higher ratings on TV, get Cubs more national exposure, thus whoever does own the Cubs will get a nice return on their investment.

Basically: If A-Rod wants to go to Chicago, The Cubs will find a way to sign him.  

by ak123 on Oct 28, 2007 11:26 PM CDT   0 recs

Upping the price
Wouldn't the Cubs signing ARod up the resale price of the team?  I know the cost would be high but wouldn't more revenue from TV, jerseys, etc. be enough to offset it?  Plus, the new owner would be loving the best player in baseball on his brand new team.

by TheHawk5 on Oct 28, 2007 11:36 PM CDT   0 recs

I dont care what has to be done
The Cubs better find a way to sign A-Rod, if it means they have to have a freaken bake sale, Hendry must find a way to sign him.

Im sick and tired of this "Loveable Losers" crap. Go out, sign the man.

If A-Rod and Lou have man crushes for each other great. SIGN HIM!

"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager

by Galvan316 on Oct 28, 2007 11:44 PM CDT   0 recs

i'm willing to bet....
anybody any price that A-Rod is gonna be in a Cubs uniform next year!!! (now that he has officially opt-ed out)

i have no proof whatsoever...but lou, shortstop, top contender & major market that is NOT new york just all seems like a way too perfect fit!!!  my fingers will remained crossed until this actually happens.

ps...i will NEVER understand how anybody on this board can say they wouldn't want him, his numbers alone make this team 110% better!!!

in 2007 we're goin' to heaven!!!

by ryno4ever on Oct 29, 2007 12:11 AM CDT   0 recs

All is perfect...
other than the ownership quandaries we have.
I would not fight Jason Kendall.

by TCobb1911 on Oct 29, 2007 12:20 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Don't leave out the Dodgers and Phillies
Dodgers need a 3B just as bad as the Angels do, and LA certainly has the money. Andy LaRoche is NOT the long-term answer at 3B for LA.

Phillies are in the #4 market, already have a payroll the same size as the Cubs, and are already a good team. They need a 3B. Can you imagine Rollins, Utley, ARod, Howard and Burrell hitting 1-5?

Besides these two, Boston, Cubs and Angels, I wouldn't COMPLETELY dismiss the Mets, Tigers, Giants, or even Cardinals and White Sox from the mix.

Mets--plenty of $$. Could always move Reyes to 2B to make room for A-Rod. But if he wants out of NY so bad, A-Rod clearly wouldn't want to move across town to the Mets, would he?

Tigers--good team. Rich owner. #6 TV market. Need a 3B. A-Rod may not be receptive though, I seem to recall he did not get along with Sheffield.

Giants--bad team not close to a World Series would seem to be the biggest hangup. They clearly have the need, and the $$ with Bonds now gone. And SF fans have shown they will dole out the love to a player, something A-Rod apparently wants. Is being loved more important to A-Rod than winning? We'll see.

Cardinals--need to reenergize that team. They have more money than you think. And they need a SS. Pujols and A-Rod hitting back-to-back gives me the willies.

White Sox--they made a play for him once before. A-Rod is on good terms with Ozzie (why?) Reinsdorf would pay for a star attraction. But two years removed from the World Series, the Sox have gotten REAL bad REAL fast. And A-Rod says he wants a ring.

by juanpizzaro on Oct 29, 2007 2:02 AM CDT   0 recs

Not sure where you got...
... the info that Detroit is the #6 TV market. It's not. It's 11th. (And I'm guessing in another year or two, it'll drop a couple more places.) Here's the 2007-2008 Nielsen DMA list. (Note: opens Excel spreadsheet).

FWIW, here are the rankings of all the major league cities by TV market:

  1. New York City
  2. Los Angeles
  3. Chicago
  4. Philadelphia
  5. Dallas/Fort Worth
  6. San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose
  7. Boston/Manchester, NH
  8. Atlanta
  9. Washington, D.C.
  10. Houston
  11. Detroit
  12. Phoenix
  13. Tampa/St. Petersburg/Sarasota
  14. Seattle/Tacoma
  15. Minneapolis/St. Paul
  16. Miami/Ft. Lauderdale
  17. Cleveland/Akron/Canton
  18. Denver
  19. St. Louis
  20. Pittsburgh
  21. Baltimore
  22. San Diego
  23. Kansas City
  24. Cincinnati
  25. Milwaukee
That's 29; Toronto is not ranked in the USA DMA (Designated Market Area) ranking. Among the cities that don't have MLB teams that are ranked higher than some who do are: Orlando (19), Sacramento (20), Portland (23), Charlotte (25), Indianapolis (26), Raleigh-Durham (28), Hartford (29), Nashville (30, and Columbus (32).
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Oct 29, 2007 8:55 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Hmmm
The Census Bureau combines Washington and Baltimore into a single entity.  And this makes a great deal of sense as the Maryland Suburbs of Washington DC essentially merge into the Maryland Suburbs of Baltimore.  If you live in Laurel, Maryland, for example, you may work in Baltimore or you may work in DC.   The only reason that Cleveland/Akron/Canton is one market and Washington/Baltimore is two markets is that Cleveland is really the dominant member of that market while Baltimore is still large on its own.

That being said, I think that if they want to be a player in the A-Rod derby, the Washington Nationals clearly could be a major player.   They have a new stadium, an owner with money, a very very very low payroll, and have said that the payroll will be going up a good deal next year.

by frustratedfan on Oct 29, 2007 9:52 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

But we're not talking Census here.
We're talking TV markets. Cleveland/Canton/Akron is one market. DC/Baltimore is clearly two.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Oct 29, 2007 10:43 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

yes and no
I go to school in DC and I can watch any Orioles game. Obviously I can watch any Nats game.

I can see all redskins games, not any Ravens game, but I get all of the Ravens post and pre-game stuff on certain channels.

I don't know what this means, but when I can see all the games of 1 of the 2 major teams in Baltimore at home in DC, the markets must be 1 in a sense.  Maybe 1.25 or something.

MURTON!!!

by tal1286 on Oct 29, 2007 7:08 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Detroit is under-sampled
I'm pretty sure in those rankings you have there Al, they have never counted cross-border heads--as a result, Detroit and Buffalo always get undercounted. There's over a half-million people on the Windsor, Ontario side of Detroit, and they all watch Detroit TV channels and attend Tigers games.

by juanpizzaro on Oct 29, 2007 1:58 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Yabbut...
... that's still not enough to raise Detroit a place or two. Many Windsorites are Blue Jays fans, as the Canadian media pushes Blue Jays fandom on all Canadians.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Oct 29, 2007 4:39 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

A ROD
Most likely Anaheim of Los Angeles in California, with San Francisco a close second.  I can not reveal my source.

by Comfortably Numb on Oct 29, 2007 8:16 AM CDT   0 recs

SF would be a real good fit.
And they're not as far from a WS as you might think.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Oct 29, 2007 8:43 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Agreed, SF is the perfect fit
I think he's most likely a Giant next year.  He's the perfect franchise replacement for Bonds, and will be able to keep the home run record "in house" by the end of his contract.

They've got the money, with Bonds' salary coming off the books.

by Wreckard on Oct 29, 2007 2:23 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

come
on over to north side chicago a-rod. we welcome you with open arms
WhErE's My CuBs?!?!

by tbizzle83 on Oct 29, 2007 11:14 AM CDT   0 recs

wishful thinking
i know this is all basically wishful thinking and not likely that the cubs pick up arod, but for those out there who think they could make an educated guess, what percent chance do you think the cubs would have, say 10% chance?  or do you think that this new ownership business puts the chances closer to zero.
Kevin Hart Watch: IP: 11 K: 13 ERA: 0.82 WHIP: 1.00 K/BB: 3.25 a productive farm system is a wonderful thing.

by kylejo on Oct 29, 2007 11:30 AM CDT   0 recs

I am glad the Cubs are too messed up to bid
I don't see anyway the team is going into a
200-300 million dollar contract without a new owner
in place and in agreement. Personally I don't think A-Rod in anywhere near worth what he is going to ask.

My favorite part of the opt out was the lame excuse Boras offered instead of just saying he wants more money and LONG term contract. He claimed A-Rod was opting out basically because the Yankee's had not
re-signed Posada, Rivera & Petite. As if this would have mattered. I am sure he would have said manager too had that been available ( Cashman would have told him if he asked).

Let him find out who wants to pay him 200 to 300 million and they can have him.

"It's the Cubbies. There's always a vibe. It's the greatest vibe in baseball." Greg Maddux on Cub fan's optimism even after the 06 debacle.

by jessica on Oct 29, 2007 12:24 PM CDT   0 recs

A-Rod is 32.
Who in their right mind is going to give him a 12-year deal?

Granted, he had what's probably the best year of his career. But he is 32 and isn't going to get better.

And this time, I'm guessing that Boras won't get owners bidding against themselves with false information. It says here that A-Rod won't get as much per year (total, between what the Yankees and Rangers were paying him) in a new deal as the one he just gave up.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Oct 29, 2007 12:59 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

who said 12 years ?
Boras has argued that A-Rod is in perfect shape and can play great til he is 42, thus he has stated A-Rod is worth about
30  million a year for 10 years. IF it were anyone else you would think it was a joke but not A-Rod.

JUST SAY NO !

PS I was kind of channel surfing with DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES
so I apparently missed the Red Sox fans chanting
" Don't sign A-Rod".  nice touch

"It's the Cubbies. There's always a vibe. It's the greatest vibe in baseball." Greg Maddux on Cub fan's optimism even after the 06 debacle.

by jessica on Oct 29, 2007 5:38 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

A-Rod is a distraction
I'd love to have A-Rod at SS for the Cubs, but you know the Cubs will never win a bidding war for him, especially with ownership in flux. My hope is the Cubs can use the A-Rod sweepstakes as a distraction to fly under the radar and make more realistic changes that can improve this team at lesser cost.
  1. Fukudome?
  2. Tejada? With Bedard? (!)
  3. Rowand? Andruw Jones on a short-term Furcalesque deal?
  4. Or trades for young talent: I'd really like to see Matt Kemp in RF for the Cubs the next ten years.

by juanpizzaro on Oct 29, 2007 2:01 PM CDT   0 recs

Yes to Fukudome and Bedard
no to Tejada and Jones.  Two players who are only getting worse every year.  Yes to Rowand perhaps, if we can't get Fukudome.

Mostly, though this is a broad generalization, the reason I want Fukudome is that Japanese position players seem to be very patient at the plate and this is something the Cubs need more of.  I'll admit, I don't know much about him, but would assume he possesses the above point.

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Oct 29, 2007 2:16 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Agreed.
Fukudome and Bedard. That's the bandwagon I'm going to start.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Oct 29, 2007 4:38 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I haven't paid too much
attention to Bedard coming to the Cubs because I think it's a fairy tale.  Who trades that type of pitching away?  Bedard could be considered a top 10 or top 15 starting pitcher next year.  The comparison to Jennings probably isn't all that valid as Bedard is much, much better.  

Since the Cubs really don't have prospects that are rated really high, like top 20, I don't see it happening.  Bedard should be able to fetch a lot on the open market.    

I would love to see him a Cub though.  Don't get me wrong on that.  

by NO100 on Oct 29, 2007 4:51 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Who trades that type of player away?
The Orioles, they have absolutely no chance of competing any time soon.  They might as well start dumping the players they have that have value while they can.  
"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Oct 29, 2007 5:28 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Bedard is only 28
While the Orioles won't be able to compete next year, if a major league organization doesn't think that it can turn thier fortunes around in 3 years they should not be in the business.  They aren't as bad as Detroit was in 2003 and they were able to make it to the WS in 2006.

Bedard is a guy a team builds with and the Orioles do have some payroll flexibility.  If I were them, I'd certainly shop Tejada because he's probably not going to be a part of thier future, but Bedard is a different story.

by NO100 on Oct 30, 2007 9:27 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The Fuku-n-EBed bandwagon...
oh wait, maybe not...

by eamuscatuli1881 on Oct 30, 2007 10:22 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Why not
sign A-Rod and leave him at 3rd base?  He is 32, and he hasn't played SS regularly (if at all) since he got to the Yankees.  Besides, how much longer will he be able to play high-level defense at a postion that demands high-level defense?  Which of the playoff teams this year had defensive problems at shortstop?  Has a playoff team EVER had defensive problems at shortstop?  I think the best bet would be to sign A-Rod and trade Aramis for 2-3 A level prospects (potential stars who will be ready within the next year or so).  The Angels still desperately need another bat and have a black hole at 3rd, so they would deal with the Cubs for Aramis.  Then you just let Ronny Cedeno and Ryan Theriot fight it out for the long-term SS job.

by jgn17 on Oct 29, 2007 8:19 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

aramis
has a no-trade in his new deal right?  i dont think this a-rod thing is going to happen.
Kevin Hart Watch: IP: 11 K: 13 ERA: 0.82 WHIP: 1.00 K/BB: 3.25 a productive farm system is a wonderful thing.

by kylejo on Oct 30, 2007 8:49 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

if your gonna start a bandwagon...
add aaron rowand to it!! he's a stud player and nothing short of a soon to be superstar!!! say what you want but pie is nothing more than a cpat!! as far as arod goes if boras didnt have a plan in place he wouldnt have let arod opt out(if he even really has). dont be a suprised to see a suprise team jump out and snag him with some ridiculous contract. i'd throw out my guesses but not sure if their's not many teams that cant or wont make a run. i'd be willing to bet its a suprise team that no one has mentioned. look what the tigers did. jumped out and snagged pudge and he alone turned that ship around.
GO CUBS GO!!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Oct 29, 2007 5:34 PM CDT   0 recs

Jones is perfectly fine it Center
IMHO, for one more year.  By that time we will know if Pie is for real or not.  If so, great, if not, well, we'll need a CF then.  Biggest concern is RF, and I'm throwing my hat in for Fukudome there.  Plus, with the way Rowand plays, he is a career ending injury waiting to happen playing at Wrigley for 81 games out of the year.  
"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Oct 29, 2007 5:46 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Meh...
Rowand is good, not great. He had a fantastic year, and he still struck out 119 times (he walked 47 times). His defense is awesome, and he's a solid hitter (I don't think he's a 27 HR guy, but probably a 15 HR guy). But another 100+ strikeouts is not what the Cubs offense needs. Not to mention he'd probably break something running into the brick sometime in early June.

Besides, Rowand is 30. I don't see a 30 year old budding into a super-star.

by WittyUserName on Oct 29, 2007 7:07 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

and...
fukodome is gonna come over and play american baseball and be a star???  besides we've saw what players like theriot can add to a team. hell look at
dustin peodria. we dont need pure talent. we need  
guys with  egos who can spark the team by example that dont overdue it by being a menus in the clubhouse. rowand gives you his all day in and day out and i think he is exactly what we need.    
GO CUBS GO!!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Oct 29, 2007 7:25 PM CDT   0 recs

Are you seriously comparing...
...Ryan Theriot to Dustin Pedroia?

Seriously?

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Oct 29, 2007 7:39 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Since nobody bit on this...
...and I have a bit more time now:

RYAN THERIOT:

.266/.326/.346

DUSTIN PEDROIA:

.317/.380/.442

You can argue that Theriot is a moderately better fielder than Pedroia, but not to the extent that it evens out the MASSIVE gap between them offensively.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Oct 30, 2007 12:27 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I didn't think it needed response...
there are so many reasons why the comparison is silly.  For one, Pedroia was so clearly a superior hitter to Theriot this year.  For another, Pedroia actually has a track record offensively (unlike Theriot).  Whereas Theriot has struggled to top .700 OPS at every level, Pedroia has regularly been a .800+ OPS guy.  Theriot is purely a slap hitter, whereas Pedroia actually drives the ball well.

I wouldn't even necessarily agree that Theriot is superior defensively, as Pedroia is known as a pretty solid defender to begin with.

About the only thing they have in common is that they're smallish and play middle infield.

So yeah, I agree that the Theriot/Pedroia comparison is pretty unfair to Pedroia.

by SouthernCub on Oct 30, 2007 8:42 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

ummm..
what i meant by that point was to point out the spark he gave this team when no one else was. lets also remember our 9 hole is filled with a for sure out 9 1/2 outta 10 times.
GO CUBS GO!!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Oct 30, 2007 5:54 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Fukudome love
He really does make a lot of sense for the Cubs, doesn't he?

by juanpizzaro on Oct 29, 2007 8:26 PM CDT   0 recs

The Angels Won't Sign Him For The Asking Price..
...Moreno has already said he wants to add a bat, but paying someone $30M is something he'll never do. However, if he wants to take significantly less to play for them, then he'll re-evaluate.

As for the Cubs, they should stay away. He puts up monster numbers in the regular season and then disappears. Every single time. He's lost in Seattle, Texas and now New York. Based on what proven track record will he be the missing piece that puts the Cubs over the top? Moreover, he's have to play shortstop, a position he's ill-suited for at this stage of his career. If anyone is hell-bent on having an over-priced big name player with limited range at short, by all means pursue Tejada. At least he'd be cheaper.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Oct 29, 2007 10:48 PM CDT   0 recs

True
on the fact that ARod does nothing in the post season.  But I do recall Barry Bonds doing nothing in the post season untill 2002 when he put up 8 homers and 16 RBI's.  You never know how these things workout.
PC load letter, what the f*** does that mean?

by cubfaninSTL on Oct 30, 2007 8:32 AM CDT   0 recs

Let me go ahead and clarify something here...
...just because if I don't it's going to bother me the entire offseason.

The idea that A-Rod can't produce in the postseason is a freaking LIE. It is about as true as what Dusty Baker says about walks.

Seriously, people, here is A-Rod's career line in post-season batting:

.279/.361/.483

That's an .844 OPS. That's not spectacular, but that's still better than, oh, most other baseball players.

Ok, so he had a few years like '06, where he put up a miserable .071/.071/.071. That's fourteen at-bats.

Why does nobody ever talk about 2000, where A-Rod put up a .409/.480/.773 line in a series against the Yankees, back when he was still a Mariner? Or 2004, where he went .421/.476/.737 in the ALDS against Minnesota, and then .258/.378/.516 in the series against Boston? Unless you're a batting average fetishist, even the series against Boston looks fan-freaking-tastic.

Just to go ahead and reemphasize, because if I have to hear this crap for the rest of the offseason I am going to lose my mind: A-Rod does not always choke in the postseason.

Derek Jeter's postseason OPS, for those curious? .846. That's right, folks, a whole TWO POINTS higher than Choke-Rod!

Here's what you have to understand, folks: if Derek Jeter were to kidnap Mike Celizic's child and hold him/her ransom, this would auger in a column about how Jeter provided this child with a massive character-building experience; if A-Rod were to cure freaking cancer, New York sports writers would complain about all the people who needlessly died while A-Rod didn't cure cancer sooner.

Once more, just for good measure: A-Rod does not always choke in the playoffs.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Oct 30, 2007 12:05 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Got it
Feel better? :)  Seriously, thanks for the clarification.  That's one of those things you hear a lot and I just accepted as true.  
"I took an IQ test and it came back negative." -- Woody Paige

by BlueSox on Oct 30, 2007 2:17 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Wide open
To me, the field for A-Rod is wide open.  
Both MLB Trade Rumors and John Heyman at SI ran through and gve the +/- for a bunch of teams.  There isn't a perfect fit.

Also, I really expect A-Rod to go somewhere where he is comfortable.  I know that with Bora$ as his agent, the assumption is that he will go to the biggest $$, but frankly, I think those were probably in NY.  He decide to leave the team with the highest payroll that ALSO had $21 Million to give him for FREE.  

I am certainly not expecting him to pull a Dawson and beg the Cubs to take him, but, I really believe that he is going to be thinking about where he will be most comfortable and where his legacy will be cemented.  

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Oct 30, 2007 12:03 PM CDT   0 recs

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