Rozner Payroll Figure Estimate-115 million

by TC Cubby on Oct 31, 2007 8:02 AM CDT Comment 12 comments

From Barry Rozner, Daily Herald:
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=67739

Says the new figure will be around 115 million. With current players, that leaves 15 million or so to spend. Rozner suggests trading Jones and/or Dempster to create 25 mil for Torii Hunter or A-Rod.

Also says that because the new ownership won't be in place before 2008 roster is set, it is business as usual and the Cubs won't be checking with any prospective owners regarding roster moves.

As far as I can tell, Rozner gives no source for these numbers or this article as a whole.

Poll

At the start of next year, will the payroll be over or under 115 million?

Over

21 votes

Under

12 votes

33 votes | Poll has closed

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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Comments

Jones may very well be traded.

But how can Rozner equate the amount A-Rod will get with the amount Torii Hunter will get? They're hardly comparable players.

I'd steer clear of Hunter. Look at his numbers. He had a good, but not great, year in 2007; he's 32 (33 next July), and isn't going to be getting any better. Apart from last year, he's a right-handed-hitting Jones.

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

by Al Yellon on Oct 31, 2007 8:07 AM CDT reply actions

Though I agree with you

in staying away from Hunter. We need more offense and he doesn't fit that need.

However, Hunter plays perhaps the best CF in baseball, so he has that over Jacque. Plus, living in the Twin Cities, I know that Hunter is a clubhouse leader and absolutely beloved by fans.

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

by DTJchris on Oct 31, 2007 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions

Hunter is not coming to the Cubs

Didnt he say that when talking about the outfield wall? Team player? Maybe. Seems to me what he cares about is his home run robs. Unless the Sodfather screws up and raises the outfield grass he isnt robbing anything.

Hey.....Cubs win!!! Steve Stone is the most overrated scumbag in the business.

by Hammer on Oct 31, 2007 9:05 AM CDT reply actions

Please Hendry......

listen to Lou and recognize what this team needs to add the balance it desperately needs. Don't get sucked into bringing on more high K, low OBP hitters, or it will be more of the same streaky offense that good pitchers can shut down.

If Soriano is your leadoff man (which I imagine he will be) you are guaranteed streaky results from that position in the order and extended periods when your 2-3-4 hitters are hitting with no one on base. If Soriano is leading off, you have to find a stellar 2 hole hitter that can make up for Soriano's streakiness and provide some stability in the lineup.

The lineup has to be made more versatile and it sure would be nice to add a starting pitcher as well.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Oct 31, 2007 9:59 AM CDT reply actions

If all remains somewhat similar to this year

I fully expect next year to rise and fall on whether someone can convine Soriano to hit in the 5 spot. I really think it is that big of an issue. I think Piniella is the one who might be able to convince him to go there.

by TC Cubby on Oct 31, 2007 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions

I have said this for a long long time

and although Lou is saying Soriano will leadoff, he knows better in his head.

The Cubs have to be cognizant of the biggest questions they have going into 08:

can they rely on Pie being ready?
Will the staff produce the same results?
Is Theriot an everyday player?
How do they get more consistent run production?

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Oct 31, 2007 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions

And then leadoff with who?

Please not Theriot.

by rlpete on Oct 31, 2007 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Only 15 mill to spend....

That doesn't add up to a lot when you consider the contract that Wood could command to keep him and I'm really not sure where you unload J. Jones without eating some salary.

I agree the question "Will the staff produce the same results" is a big one. I think Lilly, Hill, and Zambrano, as a trio will stay about the same, although any of the three go up or down a little. Marshall is all a question of his health. But Marquis I think is destined to look more like his second half than first. If we can get someone to take his contract in full, I'd be happy. I think the Cubs' biggest target should be a high-reward pitcher like Freddy Garcia or Bartolo Colon depending on which their scouts think is the better health risk.

As for the other questions -
I think Pie deserves a shot.
I think Theriot makes a good platoon partner for Cedeno, who also deserves a shot.
OBP is Life.

by DGU on Oct 31, 2007 11:49 AM CDT reply actions

If Wood requires that much to keep him

then let him walk. Lou still babied him last year. No one knows whether he'll be able to handle a 50+ game season much less even more that ideally you would want.

A lot of posters are pushing for him to be auditioned for closer. If he is, he needs to be able to get ready a lot quicker than last year. Piniella can only take so long walking to the mound waiting for him to get ready.

by rlpete on Oct 31, 2007 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions

Closer

Actually, doesn't the closer usually have more heads up time than your other relievers?
I assume he would be a 9th inning only guy, and likely would have "no-pitch" days when Howry would fill in. But, I don't think getting warmed up would be a big issue.

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Oct 31, 2007 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Yep, let him walk and

find a real starter.

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Nov 1, 2007 12:06 AM CDT up reply actions

Marquis

If you look back at Marquis' numbers over his career, it isn't really a surprise that he slid in the 2nd half, he has throughout his career. So, as far as he goes, I wouldn't be surprised to see him produce in the same way as 2007 (some good some bad).

I even recall Maddux commenting on Marquis early in the season, where he said he was happy for him, knew he could do it, but added that he needed to do it over a full season.

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Oct 31, 2007 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions