Cubs have till Monday to negotiate....for Podsednik

by kylejo on Aug 10, 2007 8:19 AM CDT

On ESPN radio, I heard the Cubs have claimed Scott Pods off of waivers. Unreal. Thats all I have to say. Pods is and always was overrated, his stats are bad this year, he's not stealing as much, his OPS is abismal. This seems like a move just to make a move, Theriot is doing a great job leading off, Murton would look real good in the two-hole if I was the manager. I see no point to this move, all it does is take away playing time from more deserving Cubs players.

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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Keep in mind...

this (and other claims) could be being made to block other teams as well. It may be that Hendry has no interest in acquiring Podsednik. Who knows?

by SouthernCub on Aug 10, 2007 8:11 AM CDT reply actions

Good point

Could the Brewers be interested in bringing him back? For all those that say Hendry does nothing, this could be a defensive move by him.

by rlpete on Aug 10, 2007 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions

Murton

hits too many ground balls. His career ratio for GB/FB is horrid.

Why doesn't anybody like Pods. How can you say he is overrated when he was a big reason the White Sox won in 05. He gets on base, he has speed, and above all that, he has EXPERIENCE. The Sox would have never won the World Series if they didn't trade Lee for him.

PC load letter, what the f*** does that mean?

by cubfaninSTL on Aug 10, 2007 8:27 AM CDT reply actions

He had one good year....

Podsednik had one good year, his rookie year. He was above average in 2005 in getting on base and batting. However, this season and last, he is below average in every batting statistic you can think of. What in the world would he bring to the cubs?

He doesn't get on base at a LEAGUE AVERAGE RATE. He doesn't steal bases at a good rate (71%, which over the long haul actually hurts your team). Experience only counts for so much if you're constantly making outs.

by jtlight on Aug 10, 2007 8:33 AM CDT up reply actions

Before you

back up Murton and his 2 solo homers that meant nothing in both games, you need to realize that he hasn't done much but hit into doubleplays. At least Pods can probably beat out the doubleplay

PC load letter, what the f*** does that mean?

by cubfaninSTL on Aug 10, 2007 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions

Sorry

I meant to reply to the next message.

PC load letter, what the f*** does that mean?

by cubfaninSTL on Aug 10, 2007 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions

Matt Murton has grounded into one double play...

...this entire season, in 144 at-bats. Scott Podsednik? Six double plays, 122 at-bats.

I mean, seriously, do some of you people think? Your opinion in this matter is largely based on you having no idea what the hell you're talking about.

2:1 odds on you responding to this by making some comment about how stats don't matter and continuing to hold your flawed conclusion in the face of actual fact. I swear, it's like a broken record around here sometimes.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Aug 10, 2007 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions

Stats do matter

I am a stat head myself, but I have to think to myself, there is something about Murton that must be bad if Lou doesn't play him all the time. It's clear that Lou cares for him becasue if he did he would have never sent him down to AAA. And listen, I don't Pods either, I'm just saying don't knock the guy as a bad player because if he was he would not be a veteran ML ballplayer.

PC load letter, what the f*** does that mean?

by cubfaninSTL on Aug 10, 2007 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions

so...

to recap

stats do matter but things outside of stats such as:

Lou's opinion
Veteran status

matter much more when evaluating a player?

by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 10, 2007 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions

"Stat head"

Come on... You don't even acknowledge the several comments about how wrong you are about Murton and double plays. It is pretty simply. Murton does NOT hit into many double plays.

And if you are a stat head, you wouldn't have any interest in Pods. By almost every statistical metric he is a lousy player.

visit the mindful mission.

by big_lowitzki on Aug 10, 2007 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions

Again

I'm not a big Murton fan but 2007 numbers:

Pods: 122 AB's, 6 GIDP
Murton: 144 AB's, 1 GIDP

It's 2007 not 2005. Neil Cotts also appeared in 69 games for that Sox team.

by rlpete on Aug 10, 2007 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions

Liar

Liar. Murton has grounded into ONE double play this year. Even under the most "Orwellian" use of the word much, ONE is not much (in fact even the use of the plural is wrong). As for the home run last night, it was important. It immediately got back the run that the Cubs had given up, and frankly, if you believe in chemistry, may have caused the rest of the batters to relax.

by frustratedfan on Aug 10, 2007 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions

yeah what the hell?

That run did a lot last night. Maybe not the night before but cmon!

Blatent disregard for facts just to lay into Murton who is CLEARLY outplaying Floyd at this point.

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Aug 10, 2007 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions

re: Before you

This is the kind of irrational hatred for a player that I just don't understand. You want to call Murton mediocre, fine, call him that. But don't make stuff up.

Brew Crew: We have arrived. (Er, at least we did for a day or so. Um, just stay right there. Seriously, keep losing. We're almost there. Help!!!)

by daver on Aug 10, 2007 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions

yeah

murton hits too many grounders, but two homers in the last week coincides with his histroy of strong second halfs.

pods does not really get on base well, he's avg. i guess. the last three years,

.351
.330
.328

and his 7 steals this year have to suggest some lost speed.

Big Z on Cuban: "Plus, I can be signed by him. You know, I know he has the money for me. Hopefully he can buy the Cubs."

by kylejo on Aug 10, 2007 8:35 AM CDT up reply actions

Pods gets on base?

2007 OBP: .328. 2006 OBP: .330. That's Jacque Jones territory. And I don't think he was really a big reason the Sox won in 2005 - he played 129 games for a team that hit 200 home runs and had the best starting rotation in baseball.

by jamie @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Aug 10, 2007 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions

Stupid work computer.

Make that "what they said".

by jamie @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Aug 10, 2007 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions

2005 was

well 2005. It's now 2007 and Pods does nothing for the Cubs that Murton can't do and I'm not even one of the big Murton supporters. I'd be interested in Stewart but have no interest in Podsednik.

by rlpete on Aug 10, 2007 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions

Stewart would be a great p/u.

n/t

by DrCrawdad on Aug 10, 2007 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions

Here's that quote again...

"How can you say he is overrated when he was a big reason the White Sox won in 05...The Sox would have never won the World Series if they didn't trade Lee for him."

Don't overlook the pitcher the Sox got from the Brewers, Luis Vizcaíno. After a rough start Vizcaino did very well for the '05 Sox and certainly contributed to the Sox World Championship.

Interestingly, when the Sox traded Lee, Al stated this:

"(The Sox will) be hard-pressed to win 70 games next year." - Al Yellon, Dec 14 2004

2005 Sox:
99-63
161 days in first place
7-1 in playoffs
4-0 in World Series

by DrCrawdad on Aug 10, 2007 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions

That prediction was a typo....

it was for the 2007 Sox and every year thereafter...

by DudeVf11 on Aug 10, 2007 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions

A prediction for ...

the Cubbies

'06 66 wins
'05 79 wins

by DrCrawdad on Aug 10, 2007 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions

Little behind the times huh?

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Aug 10, 2007 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions

re: A prediction for ...

Dude, there's no way the '06 Cubs are only going to win 66 games. For one, we're gonna have Juan Pierre, and that guy rules. Second, Prior and Wood will definitely return to form. Mark my words, WE WILL WIN IN '06!!!

Brew Crew: We have arrived. (Er, at least we did for a day or so. Um, just stay right there. Seriously, keep losing. We're almost there. Help!!!)

by daver on Aug 10, 2007 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions

Did Al point in the mirror with that prediction?

It seems that Al's prediction for the '05 Sox came closest to coming true on the Cubbies, considering the Cubbies records since Al's comment.

And while this years Cubbie team is in a great position (in the worst division in MLB) they are on pace to win a mere 84 games, not exactly a powerhouse team.

by DrCrawdad on Aug 10, 2007 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Ohhhh

how sad. Trolling through to take out frustrations about being a lowly Sox fan on us.

Poor widdle widdle angwy sox fan...

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Aug 10, 2007 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Projecting...

Who's "angwy?" Who's "frustrated?" Not me. I can always enjoy my memories of the '05 World Champion White Sox.

"Angwy?" "Frustrated?" Sounds like you are projecting your feelings as a Cubbie fan.

by DrCrawdad on Aug 10, 2007 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Hmmmm

odd statement. Why would I be angwy when the ubs have remained within a game of first for over a month now and have been playing good baseball (for the most part)?

Projection I think not friend. I am most certainly experience some negative counter transference though. It's cool if you want to hang here and project, but please don't project your projection.

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Aug 10, 2007 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions

NL central is worst division?

Tell me, what's the other Chicago baseball team's record against the "worst" division this year? Just curious.

by cubboy89 on Aug 10, 2007 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions

Just curious, if you can find for me...

... one or two people (other than Cubbie fans) who'd say that the NL Central is better than the AL Central.

You clearly know the answer to your question and I know it as well. What does that prove?

The Sox have a winning record against Detroit this season. Does that prove that the Sox are better than Detroit? No. What will that mean for the Sox come post-season? Nothing.

The NL Central was last season, in spite of what the Cardinals accomplished, and it's that way again. If you disagree, what division do you feel is the worst?

by DrCrawdad on Aug 10, 2007 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions

What does it prove????

Well, it proves I probably shouldn't be wasting my time with you anymore......The other Chicago team goes 3-9 against the NL Central and you wanna bash that division. Unbelievable.

"If the ignornant were blessed, you'd be a saint".

by cubboy89 on Aug 11, 2007 1:09 AM CDT up reply actions

Basher

The Sox have a losing record against the NL Central. That's a fact.

The NL Central is worst division in baseball. That's a view held by many people who follow baseball. I've heard that stated by Cubbie fans too.

It's not bashing to state that widely held opinion. Don't get your feelings hurt. Embrace it. Because of it your team is in a very good position to win their division. In fact, the Cubbies should win the division.

http://tinyurl.com/2zhla2

by DrCrawdad on Aug 11, 2007 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions

What does it prove????

Well, it proves I probably shouldn't be wasting my time replying to anything you have to say anymore. Shame on me for doing so now. The other Chicago baseball team goes 3-9 against the NL Central and you wanna bash that division. Unbelievable.

"If the ignorant were blessed, you'd be a saint". ---Father Majeski to Archie Bunker

by cubboy89 on Aug 11, 2007 1:12 AM CDT up reply actions

i still dont see

how that white sox team isnt a better team with carlos lee that year, instead of pods and the 4th option out of the bullpen.

Big Z on Cuban: "Plus, I can be signed by him. You know, I know he has the money for me. Hopefully he can buy the Cubs."

by kylejo on Aug 10, 2007 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions

Because

They didn't have a good leadoff hitter. When I watched the Sox that year, all I saw was Pods getting on base, Pods stealing a base, Pods getting a run.

PC load letter, what the f*** does that mean?

by cubfaninSTL on Aug 10, 2007 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions

um

he scored 80 runs that year as a leadoff hitter. carlos lee scored 85 as a cleanup hitter. no way the sox are a better team with pods that year than clee. iguchi scored 74 runs that year hitting all over the lineup, had he been leadoff like pods, i see no reason why he couldnt have scored 6 more runs that year.

Big Z on Cuban: "Plus, I can be signed by him. You know, I know he has the money for me. Hopefully he can buy the Cubs."

by kylejo on Aug 10, 2007 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions

Agreed...

Podsednik is way overrated based on that season. The REAL reason the 2005 Sox won the World Series? Their entire pitching staff was out of its mind. Nearly every starter was at least 0.5 runs below their career norms in ERA, the bullpen was fantastic. And it didn't hurt that they hit a bunch of HR.

Podsednik had a solid year, and was certainly a part of the team. But he didn't lead them to the World Series. The pitching defined that team. And it was the lack of pitching the next year that defined them not making it.

by SouthernCub on Aug 10, 2007 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions

Murton doesn't have Pods'

speed but that's it. I'd take Murton over Pods any day, he's younger, cheaper, and has better plate discipline. Pods' once outstanding speed is leaving him as he hits the 30+ years and that's normal. There is no need for Pods, I'd rather go with Murton and Patterson.

by DudeVf11 on Aug 10, 2007 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions

Be it that 10 teams in the NL and 7 in the AL

are reasonably vying for 8 playoff spots it will be hard to pull off a significant waiver wire trade unless it is considered high risk..

Pods might be overrated for 162 games but he might be the ticket for 20-25 games in a platoon system.

BTW; Murton continues as he has he might hold down a starting spot while Soriano is out anyway.

Milw-09-24-98--Brown in for defense--bases loaded--flyball--HE DROPPED THE BALL!!!NO NO NO, cubs lose 8-7

by Ivy Walls on Aug 10, 2007 8:29 AM CDT reply actions

there you go

I'm not saying Pods is the answer because nobody out there is, but I do think he can contribute while Soriano is out.

PC load letter, what the f*** does that mean?

by cubfaninSTL on Aug 10, 2007 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions

i dont like this idea

I don't see what he brings to this team that we don't currently have.

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Aug 10, 2007 8:49 AM CDT reply actions

that was my problem

with stewart though also, this all just seems like redundancy, pods just seems like a no power pagan, and do we really need to replace pagan? stewart is just a faster murton.

let murton and pie play everyday and see what happens.

Big Z on Cuban: "Plus, I can be signed by him. You know, I know he has the money for me. Hopefully he can buy the Cubs."

by kylejo on Aug 10, 2007 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions

However

Stewart is hitting almost .300. He is a much better player than Podsednik. Will Stewart push the Cubs over the top? I doubt it but he could be useful player if the price is right. He's also gone at the end of the year so there is no long-term salary consideration.

Podsednik brings nothing to the Cubs.

by rlpete on Aug 10, 2007 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions

i agree about pods

but i think we should either do something significant, or nothing at all. we've seen this move before with matt lawton and fred mcgriff. stewart wouldnt have a defined role on the team, and neither would pods. let the guys who are on the team sort it out.

Big Z on Cuban: "Plus, I can be signed by him. You know, I know he has the money for me. Hopefully he can buy the Cubs."

by kylejo on Aug 10, 2007 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions

Obviously Podsednik came off...

...the DL at some point. Did I miss it?

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Aug 10, 2007 9:10 AM CDT reply actions

We also claimed Casey Blake

Honestly, Blake is almost the perfect addition for our situation. He has one HR fewer than Ramirez.

That being said, there's no way CLE is going to trade him at this point. I'm surprised they even played the waiver game with him.

by ClosingTime on Aug 10, 2007 9:15 AM CDT reply actions

That is a surprise.

I'd take Blake in a heartbeat. Wonder what they'd want for him?

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

by Al Yellon on Aug 10, 2007 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions

Blake:

Outside of Cleveland:

.299/.378/.526/.904

Got some pop. We'd probably get 8-10 dingers from him down the stretch, and about 15-20 RBIs.

If his cost isn't astronomical, I think he'd fit well. At least they'd have a little bit more pop for the time being.

Plays better at night - lots of night games left (especially if in the playoffs). Also seems to do much better outside of Cleveland.

Could be worth a look.

Bad stats: much better numbers with nobody on base, seems to slow down in the later months of the year.

Still, the power and OPS makes him worth a stab.

"Bite my shiny metal ass!" -- Bender Bending Rodriguez

"Life is just one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead."

by The Jade Scorpion on Aug 10, 2007 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions

he's one of the guys

that gets put on waivers as a distraction from the "real" guys teams are trying to put on waivers

Casey Blake is the Tribe's everyday 3B and they're one of the best team's in baseball

they have no replacement for him since Andy Marte has really struggled outside of the ATL organization

Blake isnt going anywhere

by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 10, 2007 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions

I know there

is no chance we get Casey but his wife Abby is a huge Cubs fan and would love it if Casey were a Cub.

I love this team!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 10, 2007 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions

re: I know there

Interesting. Do you know them personally or did you just read that somewhere? Just curious.

Brew Crew: We have arrived. (Er, at least we did for a day or so. Um, just stay right there. Seriously, keep losing. We're almost there. Help!!!)

by daver on Aug 10, 2007 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions

I have family that know

them.

I love this team!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 10, 2007 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions

hell yeah

casey blake is a carbon copy of mark derosa with more power, i would LOVE blake here, i dont see how that would ever happen though

Big Z on Cuban: "Plus, I can be signed by him. You know, I know he has the money for me. Hopefully he can buy the Cubs."

by kylejo on Aug 10, 2007 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions

at this point in the season

I welcome any addition. I have a question, When is the last time the cubs made a move for a player on a "down" year and that player completely tore it up. Off the top of my head i cant really think of anyone besides Aram.

by Kchance on Aug 10, 2007 9:36 AM CDT reply actions

see Kendall, Jason

currently...

by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 10, 2007 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions

Kendall???

I didn't know that Kendal was "tearing it up."

visit the mindful mission.

by big_lowitzki on Aug 10, 2007 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions

re: Kendall???

I'm not sure I'd use the term "tearing it up" either. But he's gotten hits in 8 out of his last 10 games, including three multi-hit games. Yeah, they're mostly singles, but I'll take that over what Bowen was giving the team or what Koyie Hill still is.

Oh, and he's drawn a walk in 6 of his last 10 games, too.

Brew Crew: We have arrived. (Er, at least we did for a day or so. Um, just stay right there. Seriously, keep losing. We're almost there. Help!!!)

by daver on Aug 10, 2007 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions

I know...

Don't get me wrong, Kendall has been a pleasant surprise. But I wouldn't say he is tearing it up.

And it is also WAY to early to call the trade for Kendall a success or that he came here and got better.

visit the mindful mission.

by big_lowitzki on Aug 10, 2007 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions

.286/.385/.393 as a Cub...

that's pretty solid if you ask me. And it's especially good when you consider that he started off 1 for 15.

Since his slow start (in 41 AB), he has the following numbers: .366/.447/.512. That is most certainly tearing it up, in my opinion. Granted, it's a small sample, but it's definitely tearing it up.

by SouthernCub on Aug 10, 2007 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions

re: .286/.385/.393 as a Cub...

Well, damn...I should have looked at the numbers more closely. His OBP is definitely sweet. And that's really what I look for with Kendall.

Brew Crew: We have arrived. (Er, at least we did for a day or so. Um, just stay right there. Seriously, keep losing. We're almost there. Help!!!)

by daver on Aug 10, 2007 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions

trust me

i'm not a kendall supporter....

but i'm giving the man credit where credit is due

the questions was this:

"I have a question, When is the last time the cubs made a move for a player on a "down" year and that player completely tore it up."

Kendall:

as an A: .226/.261/.281
as a Cub: .286/.385/.393

so while again, i am no Kendall fan (and have made that point clear a # of times on this site), he has proven me wrong and a 240 point swing in OPS probably meets the criteria of player in a down year "tearing it up"

of course "tearing it up" for Jason Kendall is a relative thing

by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 10, 2007 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions

and... no

i dont think this will continue

nor do i think he should hit in the 2 hole

and i have staked my allegiance to the good gentleman from Iowa, Mr. Soto

by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 10, 2007 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions

soto or bust

just please get koyie hill off this team, if he could only have caught that foul-tip with two strikes on Clee, zambrano would have given up 4 less runs...obviously the 4 runs werent hill's fault, but man if you're going to hit .150 CATCH THE DAMN BALL.

Big Z on Cuban: "Plus, I can be signed by him. You know, I know he has the money for me. Hopefully he can buy the Cubs."

by kylejo on Aug 10, 2007 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions

Randall Simon, sorta.

Actually, he was in the middle of the second of his 2 best years.

But he picked it up after the trade - I think he had 6 HR and 20 RBI for us in about 100 at-bats... while simultaneously being a "keep the team loose" jokester AND leading the team in badass staredowns.

by ClosingTime on Aug 10, 2007 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions

I think i just threw up a little in my mouth

Scott Podsednik???

here's my question to all the Dusty bashers out there that think he had an infatuation with little speedy guys that cant get on base

are we sure it was Dusty?

cause if Hendry's going after Pods... and Baker's not here anymore....

Pods OBP over the last few years

.379
.313
.351
.330
.336

Pods OPS over the last few years

.822
.677
.700
.683
.725

one of these keeps not looking like the others... the 2004 year and if you take that career season out of his career numbers

they go from this: .274/.341/.378

to this: .262/.326/.358

oh Jim.... this is a bad bad choice

by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 10, 2007 9:58 AM CDT reply actions

argh

meant to say 2003 season

by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 10, 2007 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions

Please no

to Posednik. Yuck!!!

I love this team!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 10, 2007 10:26 AM CDT reply actions

If you'd like a cheaper alternative to Podsednik..

...I have Two - count 'em - TWO good hamstrings. And I too can't bat worth a lick.

Seriously, though, I agree: probably a defensive Hendry claim.

"Bite my shiny metal ass!" -- Bender Bending Rodriguez

"Life is just one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead."

by The Jade Scorpion on Aug 10, 2007 10:40 AM CDT reply actions

many people

can say he helped the Sox to a WS win in 05. So did Contreras, Cotts, and others who are not performing like it is 2005.

Speed? yes when not injured this year. Otherwise, blech.

Take Blake...hey I like that rhyme.

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Aug 10, 2007 10:45 AM CDT reply actions

Forget Pods!

I agree that he's overrated and the Cubs don't really need his speed. The Cubs also don't need another injury-prone outfielder who can't hit.

Lastly, appropos of nothing, I've always found a Pods smarmy and annoying. I could accept Jermaine Dye in a Cubs uniform, I guess, but not Podsednik.

Brew Crew: We have arrived. (Er, at least we did for a day or so. Um, just stay right there. Seriously, keep losing. We're almost there. Help!!!)

by daver on Aug 10, 2007 10:46 AM CDT reply actions

im just curious

to all the people who are saying NO to all the rumors. What would you do. There problably isnt much out there. I dont think Pods would be that bad. Maybe the cubs can get lucky and he will return to form. Isnt it about time things start to go out way. Why cant we be extremely lucky. sorry for the little rant. I agree pods wouldnt be my first move, it cant hurt to try.

by Kchance on Aug 10, 2007 10:53 AM CDT reply actions

OUR*

our way*

by Kchance on Aug 10, 2007 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions

do nothing

why spend a prospect just so that we can add redundancy to this team and limit young players like pie and murtons development and playing time?

Big Z on Cuban: "Plus, I can be signed by him. You know, I know he has the money for me. Hopefully he can buy the Cubs."

by kylejo on Aug 10, 2007 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions

because any time you "try something"

a roster move has to be made to accomodate it

so we'd have to send someone down

thats why you evaluate if the current players on your roster are better than what you'd acquire

the quick answer with a guy like Pods is no he's not better than what we currently have on the roster

he's a sub .700 OPS guy who's injury prone and plays average defense in LF....

not exciting at all

by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 10, 2007 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions

Exactly.

Pods is not a commodity the Cubs lack, plus, he's a speed guy, who, one, can't get on base consistently, and two, can't play CF or RF. So, he's not even Angel Pagan. This would be Hendry making a move solely to make a move. Pods adds nothing, and when Sori comes back, he's got no position, because he can only play left, and that at only an adequate level.

"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth." - Joe Garagiola

by gary varsho on Aug 10, 2007 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions

didnt he

play center for the brewers?

by Kchance on Aug 10, 2007 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions

Not very well

which is why he's played exclusively in left for the Sox. He's an average to poor outfielder, who gets terrible reads on the ball, takes odd routes and has an average arm. Plus, with two gimpy hammys, he's losing the makeup speed that has covered for his poor defensive skills. If he could play ceneter, the Sox wouldn't have needed to bring in Erstad, nor bring up Owens.

"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth." - Joe Garagiola

by gary varsho on Aug 10, 2007 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions

Well for one, or two

if we consider the claims to be real and not defensive as AL has stated, then there is Blake or Stewart.

Pods is just weak these days man, not to mention, K Williams would probably ask for Big Z in return!

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Aug 10, 2007 10:55 AM CDT reply actions

Podzilla...

Would the Sox have won w/o Pods? Maybe. You can analyze & critique his stats but as someone who watched nearly every game of the Sox in '05, I'd say he was an invaluable part of that team.

The key question for Cubbie fans though is would Pods help the Cubbies?

The Cubbies could play Pods in LF and when Soriano comes back put Soriano in RF. That's an option, but it would make for a poor OF. That said though, IMHO Pods main weakness as a fielder is his arm, or lack thereof.

As a Sox fan, I have no problem with dealing Pods to the Cubbies, even if it turned out that Pods (or any other Sox player) helped the Cubbies to win so long as the move helped the Sox.

by DrCrawdad on Aug 10, 2007 12:36 PM CDT reply actions

re: Podzilla...

No, no, no. Soriano isn't going to right field. He's not going to centerfield. He's not going to second base. He's going to be playing left field indefinitely -- probably for the duration of his contract. He's too sensitive a hitter to do anything else and he's too valuable a hitter to risk doing anything else.

Regarding Scottie Pods, I wouldn't disagree with you there. I probably didn't follow the Sox playoff run as closely as you but -- yeah, I'll admit it -- I watched or at least kept track of most all of that postseason and Pods was definitely a huge asset for that team.

But that doesn't really change my opinion of him right now. He had a great year in '05, probably the best of his career. Since then, he's been either injured or far less productive. And I still don't think he'd do much if anything for the '07 Cubs.

Brew Crew: We have arrived. (Er, at least we did for a day or so. Um, just stay right there. Seriously, keep losing. We're almost there. Help!!!)

by daver on Aug 10, 2007 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Of course you'd be happy.

Pods isn't really a good player any more. I'm sure you'd be happy to get some usable prospect in return.

No thanks.

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

by Al Yellon on Aug 10, 2007 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions

Pods is better than...

Who?

Pagan? Floyd? JJ? Murton? Pie? Pie kind of reminds me of Pods, in fact. But why take the older and more expensive version?

Soriano's Contract: Approximately one dollar for every pitch in the dirt he swings at

by Ryno8 on Aug 10, 2007 4:00 PM CDT reply actions

Pagan...

... is probably a better comp.

Pods cannot even dream about what Pie can do defensively.

visit the mindful mission.

by big_lowitzki on Aug 10, 2007 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions

I was thinking offensively

which is why Pagan's "power" threw me off. But either way, there is comparison in which Pods comes out favorably as far as what we already have. And I just don't like him (my ex-girlfriend always used to talk about how "hot" he was and now every time I see him on TV I think he's glaring at me and mocking me personally).

Soriano's Contract: Approximately one dollar for every pitch in the dirt he swings at

by Ryno8 on Aug 10, 2007 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions

How's Pod's in CF??

Pagan's struggled of late and on the DL. Could use a backup.

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Aug 10, 2007 11:32 PM CDT reply actions

The guy hasn't been able to WALK...

...for most of the season and you're asking about how his play is in center field? He hasn't played there since 2005. He hasn't played right field since 2003. He hasn't been able to stay out in left field at all this year - he's only played thirty games this season. I don't understand at all.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Aug 10, 2007 11:47 PM CDT up reply actions