Saturday Morning Headlines

by Al Yellon on Dec 1, 2007 7:48 AM CST in Chicago Cubs News

Just a few things today:

Gordon Wittenmyer: The Fukudome pursuit continues, even with Kaz Matsui signing elsewhere.
And don't worry, Fukudome is definitely coming to the US, says Jerry Crasnick.
Paul Sullivan: Kerry Wood will get his shot to close, but needs to show he can "handle the workload" first.
Bruce Miles: says the catching job is Geovany Soto's, and center field is Felix Pie's.
Season-ticket prices are going up an average of 16 percent. Get ready for the single-game $50 bleacher ticket. That link also says the Cubs are "are considering more advertising in the ballpark."
Troy Percival signs a two-year, $8M deal with Tampa.
Cesar Izturis signs with the Cardinals. Prediction: by July 31 they'll desperately be trying to dump him.
No Santanas were harmed in the making of this post.

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Comments

You forgot to mention that Lou Pinella

will be at the grand opening of the new Binny's downtown. Anyone else heading out there?

Dallas Green!

by SonnyJ9 on Dec 1, 2007 7:50 AM CST reply actions

I had forgotten about this.

Here's the info:

EXCLUSIVE BOTTLE SIGNING WITH LOU PINIELLA
Saturday, December 1, 12:00-2:00pm
Cubs Manager Lou Piniella will throw out the first pitch at Binny's South Loop Saturday, December 1st, 12-2pm. $20 per person includes wine & beer tasting. No charge for children under 18. All proceeds will be donated to The Foundation for Retinal Research.
Call (312)768-4400 or email southloop@binnys.com for more information.

Hope Lou enjoys getting stuck in the ice/snow/sleet storm that's heading our way after this event is over. The address of the store is 1132 S. Jefferson Street, Chicago, IL 60607

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 1, 2007 7:53 AM CST up reply actions

And perhaps also...

http://money.cnn.com/2007/11/30/news/companies/tribune.ap/index.htm?postversion=2007113019

It seems the Tribune purchase has officially cleared the FCC hurdle.

by Damen Jackson on Dec 1, 2007 9:23 AM CST up reply actions

How can anyone say that CF is Pie's?

He might be an overhyped prospect but he's not a vet and nothing is going to be handed to him. Sure, he might be the leading candidate, but to say it's his, is irresponsible.

If Pie struggles in ST or even in the beginning of the season, the Cubs will not have much patience with him, especially if some others in the system, are hitting.

Especially if the Cubs somehow do pull off the Fukudome signing, then Pie definitely won't be handed the CF job as Fukudome could play CF in need be and Murton and Pagan can platoon RF.

"Thanks bro, see ya later" Tony Larussa to Jupiter cops after being informed he was asleep in the middle of an intersection.

by lemon20pie on Dec 1, 2007 8:38 AM CST reply actions

Ok, so Piniella said it lol

But I still don't buy it and am taking it with a grain of salt.

If anyone wants to make a friendly wager on whether or not Pie will be the starting CF at the All Star break, I'd be more than willing to take them up on it.

"Thanks bro, see ya later" Tony Larussa to Jupiter cops after being informed he was asleep in the middle of an intersection.

by lemon20pie on Dec 1, 2007 8:44 AM CST up reply actions

Who would be your alternative in CF?

I'm excite for Pie to know the job is his...from the get-go. And watch him succeed.

Dan

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

by dtpollitt on Dec 1, 2007 11:49 AM CST up reply actions

Good question

well, first off, I do want Pie to succeed and I do want him to someday put it all together, because he does have a ton of potential, I just don't think that he's ready for ML yet. Not from what I saw last season, he still is raw and has to work on some things in his swing.

To answer your question, like I said, if the Cubs do sign Fukudome, that would take a little pressure off of the Cubs of committing to Pie in CF this season, because Fukudome could man down CF this season if need be and Pagan and Murton could platoon in RF.

"Thanks bro, see ya later" Tony Larussa to Jupiter cops after being informed he was asleep in the middle of an intersection.

by lemon20pie on Dec 1, 2007 11:56 AM CST up reply actions

Pagan...

... will he even be healthy and ready to go in spring training? He was very, very sick, so much so that he missed half the season.

I'm not sure you could count on him in a platoon role.

Pie's ready. He has been mashing AAA pitching for a year and a half. If you'll look through his career, he has always struggled when moved up to the next level, then adjusted and raked. He'll be 23 in March. It's his time. Remember that last year he never really got consistent time actually in the lineup for more than a few days at the major league level.

It's time to either give him the job or trade him. His value in trade will never be higher. Personally, I'd just put him out there in CF and let him start.

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 1, 2007 12:16 PM CST up reply actions

Pagan

I thought he was going to be ready to go by ST?

I"m not so sure that the Cubs are at the point where they let Pie sink or swim yet. He's still only 23 years old and if he's working on things with his swing in Winter ball, than maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to let him solidify those changes in AAA for a bit.

But I agree that that's best case scenario because the Cubs might not have anyone other than Pie to play CF next season.

Man I hope you're right and every other Cub fan that is about Pie, because I'm not so sure Pie is the real deal and the Cubs CF of the future. Looks like, we'll find out one way or the other in '08. Hope I'm wrong.

"Thanks bro, see ya later" Tony Larussa to Jupiter cops after being informed he was asleep in the middle of an intersection.

by lemon20pie on Dec 1, 2007 12:27 PM CST up reply actions

Are we forgetting someone?

Center Field is Fuld's main position and I expect he will compete
with Pie for the starting job in spring training . May the the
best 5'10" nice Jewish boy win. Just kidding. I like Pie and his
arm is fantastic but he needs to work not only on his bat but
on his baseball I.Q.

"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 Dec 1, 2007 12:41 PM CST up reply actions

why on earth

would Fuld be a more appropriate candidate than Pie

last season minor league #'s

Fuld (AA, age 25) .290/.372/.388 in 335 ABs
Pie (AAA, age 22) .362/.410/.563 in 229 ABs

at a higher level Pie posted significantly better numbers

why on earth would this even be a comparison....

i understand we like Fuld because he's the underdog gritty little guy who made a nice defensive play in RF in 1 game....

but c'mon.... Felix Pie is a SIGNIFICANTLY better player RIGHT NOW than Sam Fuld will likely ever be

by DartmouthCubsFan on Dec 1, 2007 1:43 PM CST up reply actions

It's because

Pie reminds Cubs fans of Corey Patterson and Fuld reminds us of Ryan Theriot.

But you are exactly right with what you say.

by DGU on Dec 1, 2007 2:10 PM CST up reply actions

Just want to point out, for the record...

...that Corey Patterson is a better hitter than Ryan Theriot.

That is all.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Dec 1, 2007 5:33 PM CST up reply actions

Seriously?

Corey career:

.258/.298/.414

Theriot career:

.276/.341/.379

Yes, I'm aware that Patterson has nearly five times as many career AB. Looks like a wash to me, though.

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 1, 2007 6:05 PM CST up reply actions

Oh, come on, Jessica.

Sam Fuld is a spare part, possibly a valuable one, but nothing more. He just turned 26, and still doesn't have a major league hit.

There's no way Fuld wins the starting job. Want to owe me some more Big Gulps? Let's bet, shall we?

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 1, 2007 2:53 PM CST up reply actions

I agree

and I guess it's possible Fuld has had a "light bulb" moment and has found his stride, but I highly doubt it would hold up after a period of time in the bigs.

This Fuld/Pie talk is really what you would expect from a GM before they start trying to make deals. What's he going to say, we are screwed in CF?

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

by MPH73 on Dec 1, 2007 5:06 PM CST up reply actions

According to "Vineline"

With the Solar Sox of the AFL, Fuld reached base safely in 21 of his first 22 games, was leading the league in hits, and ranked among the Top 5 in BA (.398) slugging (.634) and OBP (.495)
(This, at press time of Vineline.)

Quoting Solar Sox infielder Joe Simokaitis:

What he's (Fuld) doing is amazing. Everybody is in awe. He is playing head and shoulders above everyone else."

So, the experience Fuld picked up at the tail-end of last season, and the glimpse of talent he displayed shouldn't be discounted. Maybe he needs another year at Iowa, but he could be one to watch. Or, at the very least, valuable trade material for another need.

The kid may be able to play.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Dec 1, 2007 3:06 PM CST up reply actions

wow

that's really impressive

oh wait the arizona fall league is filled with rehabbing pitchers and low level guys.... and EVERYONE their rakes....

and Fuld is 6 and 7 years older than all these players....

by DartmouthCubsFan on Dec 1, 2007 3:16 PM CST up reply actions

Thanks for the sarcasm, DCF

But I didn't say put the guy in the starting line-up, did I?

What I IMPLIED is that the talent in the system shouldn't be discounted. To use a Bill James axiom, 'players tend to have career years at 27 or 28.' The career year for a star would be HUGE -- but for a guy like Fuld, enough to get a couple of years of MLB service, at that age, he might be able to possibly be used as a role player.

Or, as I said -- trade bait.

Ease off -- sorry to have irritated you so.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Dec 1, 2007 3:23 PM CST up reply actions

and

what i'm implying is if we started Fuld off in high A and he hit like this it wouldn't improve his trade value much either

the vast majority of the pitchers pitching in the Arizona Fall League are not advanced guys, so its not a great league to evaluate a 27 year old

by DartmouthCubsFan on Dec 1, 2007 3:25 PM CST up reply actions

Fuld is 26.

And he does appear to have enough talent to be a spare-part outfielder at the major league level. Maybe his upside is Doug Dascenzo or John Cangelosi. Both of those players contributed as bench players in the major leagues.

Fuld will go to spring training with a chance to make the team. I think he's earned at least that.

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 1, 2007 3:55 PM CST up reply actions

If you want to see his AFL stats as fluke

fine but the AFL is not a league where everyone rakes and pitchers suck.The players there are anything BUT "low level" in terms of teams' talent. Fuld outhit every highly toughted young player teams put there. The AFL is a showcase for a teams best close to MLB ready players. Last years stars included Braun ,Tulowitski,Pence, etc. Yes Fuld is older than the others but
A. He has lost two seasons to injury and B what the hell difference does it make because he was hitting against the same
pitching and he was better. So yes maybe the AFL was some sun stroke aberation in Fuld's career but is not some crap league that any player can just hit .402 in. Fuld already has a great arm,
great speed and the best intangible he is a smart player ( and not because he went to Stanford).
Odds are he will end up a bench player but don't be surprised if
he gives Pie a real competition for the starting job.

"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 Dec 1, 2007 4:34 PM CST up reply actions

few things

we're talking about 109 AB's
here's the list of pitchers on the Solar Sox (as an example)

Matt Avera
Jim Bartheimer
Justin Berg
Mitch Boggs
Tim Dillard
Daniel Haigwood
Kyle Jackson
Brad James
Dave Johnson
Grant Johnson
Hunter Jones
Jason Motte
Josh Muecke
Chris Perez
Stuart Pomerantz
Chad Reinke
Rocky Roquet
Mitch Stetter
Jose Vaquedano

there isnt a "top" prospect in the bunch

top pitching prospects arent sent to the AFL unless they were hurt and hadn't pitched much, because most teams don't want to overextend their top prospects. So the pitchers in the AFL are usually low level guys or guys organizations want to take a look at to evaluate a bit more before they decide to protect them in the rule 5 draft

a quote from John Sickels about the AFL in 2001 (granted its dated)

"The level of hitting in the league is very strong this year, but the pitching is weak. This is a chicken-egg thing of course, and the problem has gotten bad enough that the league instituted a "10 Run Rule" like in Little League: if one team is ahead by 10 or more runs in the seventh inning, the game ends. I saw four games, and the rule was invoked twice."

3) all other OF's on the Solar Sox were born in 85 or 86, Fuld was born in 81

with the exception of guys that were injured throughout the season, the league is filled with 21-23 year old players.

Now is it an impressive 109 AB span for Fuld, yes it is. But i'll take the longer history of his minor league career and the comparisons to all other minor leaguers posting similar statistics at similar ages to draw a very simple conclusion that Fuld is no better than a 4th OF for his career and shouldn't be considered a competitor to Pie for the CF job

of course this organization has done some silly things in the past.... so maybe there's a chance of it happening

by DartmouthCubsFan on Dec 1, 2007 5:50 PM CST up reply actions

Maybe we could platoon Fuld

so he only hits against 21-23 year old pitchers; then we could sign Steve Finley to hit against the older ones.

by DGU on Dec 1, 2007 6:54 PM CST up reply actions

And again

I didn't ever imply that Fuld is going to be the next superstar outfielder. Nor do I believe that Sam is a legit competitor to Pie (Sorry, J) but I just think this guy shouldn't be cast aside. I think he's going to wind up on an MLB roster, even if it isn't with the Cubs.

Al's thoughts about equivalent players to Fuld is where I really think this guy is going to end up.
Or he's going to be a "4A" guy. But still, if a guy dominates what you describe to be a 'weak' league, it means something -- it probably means that he's far and away too good for that league.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Dec 1, 2007 7:22 PM CST up reply actions

I saw Fuld in the AFL about 6 times...

.....this year and not 1 game I attended did he play CF. Now that doesn't mean he won't be added into the CF mix, but I thought that was interesting then and even more so now, when it would make a lot of sense for the Cubs to play him in CF atleast a couple games.

Only thing I can think of is that CF in Arizona is brutally harder than anywhere else.....anywhere. Many times pop flies dropped due to CF losing the ball in the high skies and maybe didn't want to expose him to that??? Then again, the Cubs do have ST in AZ so that really doesn't make sense.

Naturally I was impressed with Fuld in the AFL but again I took it with a grain of salt, because this years crop overall was really poor. Like Jessica mentioned, in years past the AFL has seen some of the best prospects in the game and I believe I read somewhere that last years All Star game included something like 23 players who played ball in the AFL. The thing though that impressed me about Fuld, is he had a not great arm, but a very good arm and all his throws I saw were bullets and very accurate.

"Thanks bro, see ya later" Tony Larussa to Jupiter cops after being informed he was asleep in the middle of an intersection.

by lemon20pie on Dec 1, 2007 7:39 PM CST up reply actions

The arm...

... which we saw in action at Wrigley Field, too, in September, already makes him a more valuable outfielder than Jacque Jones.

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 1, 2007 8:26 PM CST up reply actions

Pie played consistently in June

last season when he was handed the starting CF job. He ended up the month with 99 plate appearances. But his batting average of .218 landed his ass back on the bench.

I hope he's the greatest player to ever put on a baseball uniform but if he tanks this time the Cubs won't even have a JJ quality back up on the bench. He'll be playing without a net and it could be ugly.

by TR on Dec 1, 2007 2:20 PM CST up reply actions

The net

will be Fukudome moving from RF to CF, or if it's not Fukudome, then I expect the player the Cubs trade for will be able to slide over to CF.

Honestly, when you look at their minor league numbers, Cub fans should be more confident that Pie will succeed than you are that Soto will.

Over the course of one month last year, ROTY candidates...
Delmon Young hit .257/.276/.396
Chris Young (AZ) hit .196/.245/.392
James Loney hit .244/.303/.344
Dustin Pedroia hit .182/.308/.236
Troy Tulowitzki hit .244/.340/.390
Reggie Willits hit .231/.337/.269
Josh Fields hit .218/.274/.333

Growing pains are part of the game. Of course, then there's also your "established" stars who never struggle:

Again over the course of one month and about 100 ABs:
Ryan Zimmerman hit .236/.288/.327
Vernon Wells hit .221/.277/.298
Carlos Beltran hit .238/.267/.436
Alex Rodriguez hit .235/.361/.422

by DGU on Dec 1, 2007 2:44 PM CST up reply actions

Agreed Al

For a long time the mantra was "He's not ready". Well I think he is now. He may not tear up the league but I think having a job and consistent at-bats would help, plus not being new to the majors. We probably won't mistake him for Mickey Mantle, but that's because he's not Mickey Mantle. He's Felix Pie and now is as good a time as ever to see what we've got. Maybe he'll blossom and pleasantly surprise us, or maybe he'll bomb. I'm ready to find out.

I just hope he's taking Perry's advice seriously and working on getting on base, hitting the ball to left etc.... If he can do that the rest will come around. I wouldn't expect to have him hitting in the top of the lineup but that's okay too. Just give him a chace and hope for the best.

I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. - Robert McCloskey

by pageian on Dec 1, 2007 11:47 PM CST up reply actions

I'm really scratching my

bald head over the Cardinals signing Izzy. The Cardinals typically know what they're doing, don't they? Al, I have to agree with your prediction, but goshdarnit sometimes, the Cards make moves like this that turn to gold.

Hey Lou, we're long overdue.

by deadcatbounce on Dec 1, 2007 8:43 AM CST reply actions

Izzy

My guess is that Pujols is looking for a little extra love in the dugout. Perhaps, A-Ram provided a reference.

But you're right, Izzy could be the 2008 version of Bo Hart. The cardinals treat 2B/SS like most NFL teams treat kickers....dime a dozen....and somehow it usually works out for them.

by Ghost of Fred Merkle on Dec 1, 2007 8:56 AM CST up reply actions

A middle IF of Izturis and Adam Kennedy

puts a big smile on every Cub pitcher's face. I know it puts a smile on mine. There will be a great competition in '08 between Izturis/Kennedy and Everett/KazMat for most total defensive and offensive outs made. Now, if the Cards can just trade Rolen and sign Pedro Feliz, their IF will be complete. With these NL Central infields, the Cards and Astros need to check the rule book to see if they can have 3 DHs during interleague play.

by DGU on Dec 1, 2007 1:06 PM CST up reply actions

Maybe LaRussa could

bat the pitcher 7th next season with Kennedy and Izzy 8th and 9th. I really think the Cards are going to struggle next season. Rolen and Edmonds will be another year older. Who knows with Carpenter. Eckstein at least had a decent year for them. I don't expect Izzy to match his numbers.

by rlpete on Dec 1, 2007 2:24 PM CST up reply actions

Mozeliak

Really seems to want to prove that he can do the job by signing his own fa's, signing others fa's. All in the name of putting a competitive team on the field I'm sure but he probably wants to create his own identity after the well liked (by the fans) Walt Jockety was shown the door. Piniero and Izturis aren't going to make him look real smart though. He's either doing managements bidding or just not real smart. Either way he won't be around too long, not nearly as long as Jocketty imo.

I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. - Robert McCloskey

by pageian on Dec 1, 2007 11:54 PM CST up reply actions

Although the Cubs

don't sound too broken up about Matsui signing with the Astros, one of the messages that came through in one of this morning's beat writer articles was that they are still looking for a left handed hitting infielder.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Dec 1, 2007 9:16 AM CST reply actions

Ticket price increase

And I quote from my season ticket renewal package..."The Cubs average ticket price remains significantly lower than the Boston Red Sox, the only other team still playing in a park as old as ours". I would have no problem paying the price increase with the biggest smile ever on my face if we were perennial contenders and had won two World Series in the past five years as the BoSox have. No problem at all if they spent their money wisely, didn't sell low on players, developed minor league players and taught them the value of on base percentage and pitch selection, if Dusty had got off his fat ass in game six to go calm down his 23 year old ace, addressed the teams needs by signing Fukudome NOW and didn't throw first pitch fastballs to Chris Young. Thanks for listening, I've now vented a little and look forward to more angst in 08.

by Southside Steve on Dec 1, 2007 9:29 AM CST reply actions

Don't tell us, tell the Cubs

You're pretty much preaching to the choir here. I'm not a season ticket holder, but I definitely share your sentiments. If I were you, I would forward that rant to the Cubs front office and/or whoever signed that letter (Frank Maloney?). Well, maybe leave out the part about Dusty and his fat ass. ;-)

I think it was a big PR mistake to include a comparison to the Boston Red Sox in their price increase rationale. Huge mistake. About the only thing we have in common with the Red Sox is an old park. Well, that and Julian Tavarez. I think there have been enough good things in the Cubs recent history, i.e. last couple years, to justify a price increase on its own without mentioning the Red Sox. This assumes of course, that you can accept the high prices of these tickets to begin with.

I mean, c'mon, we all knew this was coming. So it's not so much what they're doing as it is how they're saying it. And by invoking the Boston Red Sox, they're just scratching a huge scab and making trouble for themselves.

That's not their job. It's our job. ;-)

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

by ballhawk on Dec 1, 2007 10:50 AM CST up reply actions

Prior to the Padres?

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20071201/news_1s1padres.html

Looks like he wants to pitch for San Diego. The article says that the Cubs have inquired about three different players in the SD farm system in a possible deal for Prior.

by amisaid1 on Dec 1, 2007 10:44 AM CST reply actions

just posted a diary about this

And I got the impression the Cubs had inquired about the three named minor leaguers, but not in regards to Prior.

by elgato on Dec 1, 2007 11:05 AM CST up reply actions

Yankees blink first; include Hughes in offer

This isn't so much about a certain pitcher from the Twins as it is about the constant battle (and intriguing dynamics, I might add) between the Yankees and the Red Sox.

<< After two days of internal discussions among front-office executives, the Yankees swallowed hard Friday and decided to offer Phil Hughes to the Twins as part of the trade package they hope will land them Johan Santana.

"We're going for it," was the way one club source put it. >>

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/2007/11/30/2007-11-30_yankees_decide_to_offer_phi l_hughes_in_p-2.html

Now it's Boston's turn - it will be very interesting to see if they blink as well, and include Ellsbury.

I'd rather see that certain pitcher from the Twins in a Red Sox uniform than Yankees, but if he does end up in the Bronx, I think that pushes Jeter down to 3rd place on the salary list, maybe 4th if Clemens comes back for full year (doubtful I think). Could we be seeing Bronx Zoo II?

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

by ballhawk on Dec 1, 2007 11:10 AM CST reply actions

If that is true

Santana will definitely go. At this point, Minnesota is probably waiting to see if anyone will top that but with Hughes offered I can't see Minnesota saying no.

by rlpete on Dec 1, 2007 2:33 PM CST up reply actions

Zero chance Ellsbury is part of any deal..

...Unless Babe Ruth is availible.

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 Dec 1, 2007 11:48 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah, now the latest intel seems to say

if Boston increases their offer, it will be with Bucholz, not Ellsbury.

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

by ballhawk on Dec 2, 2007 12:05 AM CST up reply actions

What I got out of the Lou quotes

"Fukudome can play CF" lemon20pie is right that with Fukudome's versatility, Pie will have a chance, but the Cubs like the idea of a lefty bat that can play CF and RF so that they can fall back to Fukudome in CF if Pie bombs. Good plan.
"If Fukudome goes elsewhere the bat would have to come by trade." Can we scratch Brad Wilkerson, Milton Bradley, Aaron Rowand, Sean Green, Andruw Jones, Geoff Jenkins, and Trot Nixon off the list now? Lou is not as careful in what he says about the Cubs trade/sign plans as Jim (remember, "get me someone that can catch the...ball"). So, who are the options by trade with Church gone? Josh Hamilton can play both CF and RF, but that's in-division. Maybe the fact that we helped the Reds acquire Hamilton in the first place would make a trade more likely. Throwing names out there which I haven't heard before - if the A's are going into fire sale mode, any chance Nick Swisher could be available? He'd be expensive.
"If you hit left-handed and have speed we're interested." Ok, so with KazMat and LuCast gone, who is there? How much speed does this person need? And if he's just a bench player what is wrong with Eric Patterson having that role (is what they're really looking for a platoon partner for Theriot and that's why Eric's not an option?)
All this open talk of Fukudome being THE OPTION - they must think they are frontrunners if not The Frontrunner if he comes to America. Of course, that doesn't mean the Giants won't swoop in and offer 18 mill a year.
Samardzija had a set # of changeups he had to throw. Is it MPH73 who I remember really pushing for the Cubs to do exactly this with all their pitchers. I'm bullish on the ND PITCHER (not WR and not just a THROWER either).
DeRosa as super-utility guy "that was the intention when we signed him a year ago" - is that news to DeRosa? He seemed to think the Cubs had promised him the full-time 2B job. So, maybe they aren't necessarily looking for a SS, but a 2B. Brian Roberts seems more and more likely, to me.
"If Demp wants to start, we'll give him the chance in SPRING" The leash is short and Dempster will have to beat at least Marshall to win the job.

by DGU on Dec 1, 2007 12:44 PM CST reply actions

Yes, it was me

pushing the development of changeups for Cubs pitchers. To me, it has to be a critical part of a pitcher's arsenal (especially with today's free swingers) to really maximize their potential.

Hopefully they come around and get this going in the right direction.

Regarding CF; Piniella, Hendry and the gang are saying what they should be saying, and that is they feel the team is ok with either Pie or Fuld. Beyond that, would they jump at the opportunity to upgrade with a proven player in CF, I would think they would but it may not be something they can do. Fukudome is becoming more important as each day goes on. If they can't get him, it could be scramble time to load up some prospects in a trade. Fukudome only cost them dough, so it's clearly what they want to do.

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

by MPH73 on Dec 1, 2007 1:07 PM CST up reply actions

Scramble time

I'm not sure they'd need to scramble; they'd just need to pay a lot by trade to get what they want.

How much do you think it would cost to get Hamilton from the Reds to play RF/CF?

by DGU on Dec 1, 2007 1:39 PM CST up reply actions

At this point

I would think all the other GM's know the Cubs are banking on Fukudome. If they don't get him, other GM's will know the Cubs will need to be pretty aggressive in a trade to get the player they want and they will raise the ante.

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

by MPH73 on Dec 1, 2007 1:52 PM CST up reply actions

Yes, but

there will be a good number of options for us to choose from in trade. As long as we are window shopping at several stores, if what we are offering is of interest, someone should be willing to bring their prices down to lure us from another store. Not all of these will definitely be available, but some should be:
Reds - Hamilton/Griffey
A's - Buck/Swisher
Jays - Lind (can he play RF?)
Red Sox - Drew
Yankees - Matsui (the good one)/Abreu
M's - Balentien
Rangers - Catalanatto
D'backs - Quentin
Royals - DeJesus/Teahen

And if someone beats the Cubs out for Fukudome, I'm expecting it to be the Giants, which would mean Winn should be available (although his splits heavily favor him hitting as a right-hander, so he's not quite what we're looking for).

I also think that if the Cubs miss Fukudome, they should just forget about "balancing the lineup" and look to upgrade at SS, which gives us a whole other batch of trade options.

by DGU on Dec 1, 2007 2:26 PM CST up reply actions

options not that great....

teams arent in the habit of trading away cost controlled MLB ready bats for the next 6 years unless they're getting something significant in return

and as you can see from a lot of these trade rumors floating around this year that the Cubs aren't involved in... we dont have a lot of SIGNIFICANT pieces. We have a lot of B or C level pieces. We have quantity for the most part and not as much quality

so cross off: Buck, Swisher, Lind, Balentin

contending teams without excess arent in the business of trading away key pieces unless the contract is HORRIBLE

so cross off: Matsui, Abreu

so now we're down to dejesus, quentin, jd drew, griffey, and catallanotto

Griffey comes with some significant injury concerns, which we've all re-hashed here before and the other guys well.... lets just evaluate them offensively with another Cubs mystery player

Player OPS/OPS +

Dejesus .723/89
Teahen .763/98
quentin .647/63
drew .796//105
mystery cub .790/100

i think the mystery cub would deserve a chance at playing.... as oppose to using current assets to acquire potential players that arent even as good as the current guy we have...

but maybe thats just too crazy of an idea

by DartmouthCubsFan on Dec 1, 2007 3:17 PM CST up reply actions

From what I've read recently...

...about Griffey's defense in right field, he's probably more valuable to his team while he's injured.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Dec 1, 2007 3:58 PM CST up reply actions

Fukudome's not a "great" option

he's just a lot cheaper. These guys range from decent to good (Fukudome being a "very good" option) and of course Matt Murt- I mean, "mystery Cub" is an option, too; he's just one the Cubs don't seem to think is the way to go. I'd go with Murton, personally, unfortunately, I highly doubt the Cubs will.

Reviewing your comments from bottom to top - Quentin, DeJesus, and Drew all had down years and on each I'd bet for them to improve in '08 rather than stay where they are or regress. Your citing their OPS+s is deceptive. Is there anyone who would bet for Murton to have a better career than Quentin? Quentin is also better defensively in RF.

Teahen I won't bet on, but I know a lot of people think that was a down year from him. With Teahen, Drew, and DeJesus, you can platoon Murton.

Griffey with Murton as a backup who spells him regularly could be extremely productive.

Matsui/Abreu were being talked about as being on the trading block prior to Melky getting included (supposedly) in the Yankees Santana offer. If Melky stays, the Yanks will at least listen on Matsui/Abreu and may even shop one.

Balentien is blocked in Seattle and the M's need pitching. Lind just got blocked in Toronto. The price may be too high, but those teams will at least listen, and there's a chance the price goes low, if they like what the Cubs are offering. Remember what Seattle gave for Horacio Ramirez last year. Why wouldn't Sean Marshall be worth more than that?

I doubt Buck would be traded and Swisher is admittedly a longshot that would be very expensive.

by DGU on Dec 1, 2007 4:08 PM CST up reply actions

Based on Murton's stats and Japanese trends...

I'd expect similar production from Murton and Fukudome offensively (though Fukudome may end up with a better AVG/OBP). Where I expect to see a difference is in defense and batting LH. Apparently to the Cubs, that's worth ~$10 million per year.

I'd be okay with a Griffey/Murton semi-platoon, provided the trade cost is not too great. Griffey is a patient, diciplined hitter with terrific power, and would be a plus defensive player in RF. And he'd fill the #5 hitter role pretty much perfectly. The question would of course be what it would cost to obtain him.

by SouthernCub on Dec 1, 2007 8:01 PM CST up reply actions

Griffey couldn't stay healthy...

....in less than 10 games last season. He would be the riskiest of options that I could possibly imagine.

I was for a Griffey trade last year, but it really is too much to ask for him to stay healthy for a full season anywhere and especially at Wrigley.

"Thanks bro, see ya later" Tony Larussa to Jupiter cops after being informed he was asleep in the middle of an intersection.

by lemon20pie on Dec 1, 2007 8:27 PM CST up reply actions

*10 games at Wrigley.

"Thanks bro, see ya later" Tony Larussa to Jupiter cops after being informed he was asleep in the middle of an intersection.

by lemon20pie on Dec 1, 2007 8:28 PM CST up reply actions

The cost is an interesting question

Who would cost more - Josh Hamilton or Griffey if you offer to take the whole contract? And whose health is riskier?

I realize both have big health question marks, but if you believe Murton is plenty fine as the RF, then getting an injury-risk, high-reward player for that spot makes sense enough.

I'd rather have Griffey play only 50 games and Murton get a chance to shine then Geoff Jenkins play 150 games.

Anyway, the biggest problem with dealing with the Reds is that you would have to give them pitching and that's really hard to do in-division.

by DGU on Dec 1, 2007 9:07 PM CST up reply actions

I would think it would cost more...

....in the way of prospects for Hamilton, than Griffery. I don't think there's much doubt about that.

Hamilton has much more upside than Griffey, who is on his last leg literally and figuratively. I don't think there is a question on who is more injury prone between Hamilton and Griffey.

Then there's Griffey's contract, which would lower the level of prospects you would have to give up for him.

If the Cubs don't sign Fukudome, than Griffey is certainly an interesting option, albeit a very riskiy option and would strictly platoon. That's a lot of money to pay for a platoon player however.

"Thanks bro, see ya later" Tony Larussa to Jupiter cops after being informed he was asleep in the middle of an intersection.

by lemon20pie on Dec 1, 2007 9:23 PM CST up reply actions

Matsui to the Astros...

...gives Fuk-u-dome new meaning

by coral on Dec 1, 2007 3:01 PM CST reply actions

As B.Levine stated today:

"Keep your eye on Brian Roberts."

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Dec 1, 2007 7:42 PM CST reply actions

Interesting.

Unlike Matsui, Roberts is pretty much exclusively a 2B (51 of his 53 career SS games were in his rookie year). He has good plate discipline and a bit of power, and is a switch-hitter.

I'd guess that'd make Mark DeRosa a supersub. Or traded. Too bad, I like DeRosa.

Unless they think Roberts can be converted into an outfielder... hmmmm....

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 1, 2007 8:37 PM CST up reply actions

I don't think Roberts

was moved off of SS because of an inability to play the position (there was talk of playing him there in '04 before they signed Tejada). I wonder where his arm is at now, though, after that horrible injury he suffered a while back. The arm may keep him from both the OF and SS.

Roberts is a hard worker and would be a great addition to the Cubs if we have to have a lefty-speedy IF. He's one of the few I'd be glad to see.

by DGU on Dec 1, 2007 8:55 PM CST up reply actions

I think Roberts may be an upgrade over DeRosa...

He's a switch hitter and should match DeRosa's output at the plate while also adding an element of speed.

That would allow DeRosa to be a super-utility guy, filling in at 1B, 2B, 3B, and RF (probably spelling doom for Murton if it happened). I wouldn't have agreed with the move if it had been Matsui replacing DeRosa, but with Roberts we wouldn't be taking a step backwards.

That said, it would depend greatly on what it took to get Roberts via trade. There doesn't seem to be a reason to want to move him on Baltimore's part: he's productive and I don't think they have a better player to replace him at 2B. The only reason I could see would be to try to get young pitching or if they're afraid they'd lose him to free agency.

by SouthernCub on Dec 1, 2007 9:58 PM CST up reply actions

Al - no way

"I'd guess that'd make Mark DeRosa a supersub. Or traded. Too bad, I like DeRosa."

No way. Absolutely Mark DeRosa would stay as an incredible super sub. You've seen hi, play 3B! Think A-Ram is going to play every game?

I would think IF Roberts came over, DeRo would still play 4X a week or more.

He is "cheap" by this years' standards, too.

I would be truly surprised if he went in a deal - he is very valuable, terrific production, TEAM player. After his 2007 Playoff GIDP, I think he'd do what he'd have to...

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Dec 1, 2007 10:18 PM CST reply actions

Hypothetically

If the Cubs did trade for Roberts, how do you figure Derosa would play 4 or 5 times a week?

If the Cubs did get Roberts in a trade, Derosa becomes expendable and even a nice piece to a trade to address another position.

Having said that, I think it's a long shot the Cubs trade for Roberts.

"Thanks bro, see ya later" Tony Larussa to Jupiter cops after being informed he was asleep in the middle of an intersection.

by lemon20pie on Dec 1, 2007 10:27 PM CST up reply actions

If the Cubs traded for Roberts

we would trade DeRosa, just like you said.

In my mind, to trade for Roberts you probably need to get some prospects by trading DeRosa to flip to Baltimore in order to be able to pay the price. I'm imagining a three-way trade with Philly, where they get DeRosa for 3B, the Cubs get Roberts, and the O's get an appropriate haul of prospects from both teams.

by DGU on Dec 1, 2007 11:15 PM CST up reply actions