What we've got & what we could get: Catcher

I'm all for keeping Hank White around for another season

He brings a decent bat and great defense.

Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #2/3 5-0 (1-0). Next up Okie State at home. Live on ESPN in primetime for the second week in a row. Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin for Co-Heisman!

by nji232 on Oct 13, 2008 11:06 AM CDT 0 recs

Agreed

Henry Blanco is a distinct strength on this ballclub. Imminently respected and trusted by the pitching staff and a mentor that Geovany Soto admires. $3 million for a backup catcher is the least of our worries.

"What pressure should I have on me? There's no pressure on me." -- Lou Piniella (10/3/08)

by MDBNIU on Oct 13, 2008 12:20 PM CDT up 0 recs

Agreed on both

And I think Geo still needs some mentoring — specifically, on blocking the plate.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Oct 13, 2008 2:36 PM CDT up 0 recs

Yep

by sue369 on Oct 13, 2008 6:16 PM CDT up 0 recs

3 million is a lot of money

The Cubs are going to have to get creative to free up cash. I´d say declining Blanco´s option is one of the easiest decisions Hendry will face this winter. I´m not saying he´s not valuable, but for the moment, that´s 3 million the Cubs need and could definitely do better use of.

by Luis on Oct 13, 2008 12:00 PM CDT 0 recs

3 Million is alot of money

to the Oakland A’s…its pretty much peanuts to us, I think its a cheap heck very cheap way to keep the position strong. And as MDBNIU mentioned the value he brings to our current catcher (Soto) is probably worth the price.

by StevenABQ on Oct 13, 2008 12:34 PM CDT up 0 recs

Henry Blanco v. Javier Valentin

Career #s v. RHP
JV: .258/.313/.424
HB: .222/.281/.352

That’s a .100 pts of OPS and Valentin has had some much better years than that. So, basically, we have to ask: Is Hank’s defense and mentoring worth 100 points of OPS? I’m not convinced Soto still needs mentoring. Does anyone have a read on Valentin’s defense and game calling?

The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.

by DGU on Oct 13, 2008 1:26 PM CDT up 0 recs

Great point

And I am not suggesting that we should ignore all other options, JV may be an improvement. I don’t know enough about his D to say for sure though.

by StevenABQ on Oct 13, 2008 1:44 PM CDT up 0 recs

Valentin's defense

I’m not getting a lot of details here, but the impression is that JV’s defense is poor. Still, my view is that the backup C should bring to the table what the starter doesn’t – and the only thing Geovany doesn’t bring to the table is a left-handed bat. I’m willing to take inferior defense from a C who may only start 3 games a month.

The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.

by DGU on Oct 13, 2008 1:58 PM CDT up 0 recs

I would disagree about taking inferior defense, but thats just me

I like having that solid defensive catcher every day and not having to worry about a stolen base and passed ball party 3 or 4 times a month.

Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #12 5-1 (1-1). Next up at Texas. Jeremy Maclin can still win the Heisman.

by nji232 on Oct 13, 2008 3:46 PM CDT up 0 recs

No kidding

Man I love those kinds of parties they are so much fun, but not as much fun as an infield of errors party…those are a blast.

by StevenABQ on Oct 13, 2008 3:50 PM CDT up 0 recs

Valentin's "defense"

Give DeRo one month in ST and he would be a better defensive catcher than Valentin. If the Cubs want a good bench bat who can masquerade as a catcher once a week, Valentin is their guy. What makes that difficult is that most managers don’t want to use their backup catcher as a PH except as a last resort.

Personally, I think the backup catcher needs to be a defense first guy. Remember that Henry doesn’t just tutor Soto, he also tutors the young pitchers.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Oct 13, 2008 8:01 PM CDT up 0 recs

Cubs Payroll

When you have backloaded deals and pending free agents who might get a great increase in salary (Wood, Dempster), you have to be creative to free up payroll. 3 million here, another million there, etc, in the end does matter, even to the Cubs. I think people are overestimating the money the Cubs have to play with. Seriously.

by Luis on Oct 13, 2008 1:42 PM CDT up 0 recs

Perhaps

But either way money will need to be spent on the backup catch situation, IMHO. Simply b/c Koyie Hill would not be a suitable replacement for Blanco over next season.

by StevenABQ on Oct 13, 2008 1:46 PM CDT up 0 recs

I think....

Soto is already in that class of great young catchers.

He showed off his defensive ability and what I think is really underrated is how he handled this pitching staff like a veteran.

He’s already one of the biggest components of this team.

by EJThunder on Oct 13, 2008 12:04 PM CDT 0 recs

Soto's class

You can make the case that Soto belongs in a group that would also include Martin, and maybe even Iannetta already. It’s just my opinion that McCann and Mauer are in a tier above the rest. That view shouldn’t downplay that I agree with you that Soto is “one of the biggest components of this team.” He should be the face of the team in the new decade.

The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.

by DGU on Oct 13, 2008 1:28 PM CDT up 0 recs

No thanks to Koyie Hill

I saw him play with the Cubs this September and he was not impressive this time around (compared to the year before)….methinks the injury to his hand makes him a little less of a good option.

"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.

by zevkalman on Oct 13, 2008 12:55 PM CDT 0 recs

Sure, Koyie Hill isn't good.

That’s why he’s a backup catcher available for the league minimum. But how much better can Blanco be than Koyie Hill, if either of them is only going to get only 130 PAs?

I has a blog. | Ask a sabermagician!

by cwyers on Oct 13, 2008 1:32 PM CDT up 0 recs

Soto is an ALL STAR

(And the first rookie all star at catcher EVER)

And the fact of the matter is you don’t trade an all star unless you accomplish 2 things (IMO):

1. You fill any holes that you have in your lineup/rotation. Arguably, the Cubs could use upgrades but really don’t have any weaknesses at any position. You could argue shortstop/second base/right field depending on if Theriot/Derosa/Fukudome are in the lineup, but really there isn’t anything wrong

2. You have a backup plan for the playou you are trading. Blanco is a good catcher but is he starter worthy? I love the guy, and I love his defense and his attitude and I agree with the many people who think that he’ll be a great manager/coach someday. But I think he is a better than average backup and nothing more when you have someone like Soto in your lineup.

As far as a backup, again, Blanco is great. Three million might be a little too much (I mean I’d shrink it down to the 2-2.5 range but hey for the majors that is chump change so whatever) but I think the Cubs owe him after the outstanding performance he has had over the past few years. Worst case scenario is that Blanco gets injured or just doesn’t hit as well as he did this year and you go with someone like Hill.

I’ll say this about Varitek: He is almost as big to Boston as Michael Jordan was/is to Chicago. They’ll resign him. And he’s too good to be a backup.

"If I were playing third base and my mother were rounding third with the run that was going to beat us, I'd trip her. Oh, I'd pick her up and brush her off and say, 'Sorry, Mom,' but nobody beats me." ~ Leo Durocher

by Musicdude10 on Oct 13, 2008 12:57 PM CDT 0 recs

First rookie starter in the NL ever

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Oct 13, 2008 12:58 PM CDT up 0 recs

Thats not fair to Victor Martinez

He was hurt all year. Id trade Geo for Joe Mauer, you lose some power, but you get a better hitter. Who knows, maybe Mauer would hit more homers in another park, but most people dont have faith that Mauer will be a catcher in a few years anyway, he’s too big.

But he’s a hell of a player, but I think Geo is gonna be one of the best catchers in the NL, I think he’s already on par with McCann, its just a matter of reproducing the number year in and year out.

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Oct 13, 2008 12:58 PM CDT 0 recs

If the Cubs were a rebuilding team,

they would have to seriously consider trading Soto to a contender for a boatload of prospects. However…

The Cubs are built. I don’t think you could consider trading Soto for anyone except Brian McCann, and that only because McCann is a LHB.

As for Henry Blanco, I think that what he brings to both Soto and the pitching staff is worth the $3M option, though it might be possible for Hendry to decline the option, pay the $300,000, and sign Blanco for $1.5M. There aren’t that many teams who are willing to spend $1.5M on a backup catcher, so Henry would most likely stay, though I’m not sure the potential ill will is worth $700,000.

A greater concern is the lack of a good AAA catcher in case Soto were to suffer a serious injury next year. I don’t think Blanco can catch 120 games at his age, I don’t think that Koyie Hill could shoulder the load with his bad hand, and I’m not sure that Wellington Castillo is ready. What happened to JD Closser? I hope Hendry addresses this, because I don’t want to see DeRo have to catch next season.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Oct 13, 2008 1:21 PM CDT 0 recs

Is DeRo still the emergency C?

I’ve wondered if they’d suit Marmol up in an emergency given his past. More seriously, if there was a catching injury, I can’t imagine it would be long before Bengie Molina or Ramon Hernandez showed up, given this club’s goals.

If Hendry wants Blanco – he’ll just exercise the option. It was a reward contract to begin with – the same year as the Neifi contract, if I recall. I’m just not convinced Blanco’s intangibles are worth enough, especially considering his health concerns.

The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.

by DGU on Oct 13, 2008 1:33 PM CDT up 0 recs

If voting "Someone Else"

who do you have in mind?

The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.

by DGU on Oct 13, 2008 2:12 PM CDT 0 recs

I voted someone else, but don't

have anyone in mind.

I believe the team will buy out HB. Hill will not be the backup. Castillo is not yet ready. Just guessing Valentin will be elsewhere by the time the Cubs are ready to act. Therefore, someone else.

Not much insight, sorry.

But the wind blew me back via Chicago, In the middle of the night

by N Oakley on Oct 13, 2008 4:31 PM CDT up 0 recs

FWIW

I intend to make a long post in the next few days about player changes I’d make.

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

by Al on Oct 13, 2008 2:56 PM CDT 0 recs

Good deal.

by EJThunder on Oct 13, 2008 3:34 PM CDT up 0 recs

I cant wait

I BELIEVE!!!! GO CUBBIES!!!!!!!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Oct 13, 2008 5:06 PM CDT up 0 recs

The suspense is killing me...

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Oct 13, 2008 8:05 PM CDT up 0 recs

I suspect

one of these topics will include the possibility of D-Lee going to the bay area for a young pitcher…

Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.

by blackhawk24 on Oct 14, 2008 10:39 AM CDT up 0 recs

Depends on

if we need to save some money. In an ideal world, I bring back Blanco, have Hill in AAA, have Castillo getting full time duties in AA. That said, as much as 2.7 million isn’t going to be much, considering our payroll, it could make a difference. I am fine with Koyie Hill as a backup, although I think Blanco calls the game better than Soto/Hill so I’d prefer him.

Short of it, Blanco or Hill, depending on money.

by toonsterwu on Oct 13, 2008 3:28 PM CDT 0 recs

DGU - do you plan on doing one of these for each position?

Otherwise, it just seems kind of odd that you chose the one position that this team is probably the most set at. Obviously the rumors of All Things Cubs’ demise are greatly exaggerated if we can generate several screensful of commentary about what essentially is the backup catchers’ spot.

Can’t wait to see what the shortstop post will generate. Oh wait… yes, I can.

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

by ballhawk on Oct 13, 2008 5:21 PM CDT 0 recs

My plan

was to start with the easy place – C,
then go middle IF,
corner IF,
OF,
Rotation,
‘pen,
and if anyone’s still interested – bench.

The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.

by DGU on Oct 13, 2008 5:49 PM CDT up 0 recs

Oh, and - any suggestions on what the middle IF poll question should be?

:)

The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.

by DGU on Oct 13, 2008 6:21 PM CDT up 0 recs

well, first suggestion would be to split it up - one for SS and one for 2B.

Otherwise, the comments are going to be all over the place and very hard to follow.

And all the choices for the SS poll question should be: None of the Above… ;-)

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

by ballhawk on Oct 13, 2008 7:15 PM CDT up 0 recs

I could go position by position

although I thought there was a bit of overlapping material for OF, CIF, and MIF. Anybody have any recommendations on this?

The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.

by DGU on Oct 13, 2008 7:20 PM CDT up 0 recs

rather than position by position, I'd concentrate on the areas of pain

Not that this fanpost wasn’t interesting, but c’mon – we all know Soto isn’t going anywhere for the next 5 years, at least. And it’s probably safe to say our corner IF spots are pretty well settled. Yes, I know Lee could be traded, but I could lose weight too. I just don’t think it’s likely to happen.

So I would suggest taking a slightly different look at this and zero in on the areas of pain – some are positions and some are roles. Here’s my list – more or less in order of pain:

- Leadoff
- Shortstop
- LH power bat
- Center field
- Fukudome
- Closer (if Wood isn’t re-signed)
- Starter (if Dempster isn’t re-signed)

Bottom line though – if you’re willing to take the time and do the research to write something as detailed as you did for catcher, then you’re entitled to do whatever you want.

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

by ballhawk on Oct 13, 2008 7:43 PM CDT up 0 recs

I'll give that some thought

and will be interested to hear feedback from others, too.

Part of what I wanted to do was consider what we had and what was available on the market, which can be a little convoluted for positions we might not expect.

The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.

by DGU on Oct 13, 2008 8:09 PM CDT up 0 recs

The ONLY person I would want to replace Henry Blanco at catcher

is Jason Varitek and that’s because he’s playoff proven. I want to load up the 2009 team with proven playoff winners because at this point – that’s what matters most IMHO.

by cubsonWGN4ever on Oct 13, 2008 6:28 PM CDT 0 recs

I think we might be able to talk Bernie Williams into playing CF for us next year, too.

I has a blog. | Ask a sabermagician!

by cwyers on Oct 13, 2008 8:03 PM CDT up 0 recs

Did any Cubs bench players even sniff playing time in the DNS?

I think it’s safe to say the starters will play every game, and the bench will be used to pinch hit, pinch run, and used for double switches. The only exception is if there’s a platoon in place, and I don’t think catcher will have a platoon.

My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.

by JohnM on Oct 14, 2008 5:52 AM CDT up 0 recs

Blanco

Not only do I want him here as long as he’s playing but the second he retires I hope the announcement is

“Henry Blanco has retired from playing and the Chicago Cubs have hired him as a coach”

Thngs of worth are worth fighting for regardless of the odds.

by cubstoseriesby100 on Oct 13, 2008 7:22 PM CDT 0 recs

For those who are pro-Blanco without question

here are two questions:

1) Do you expect him to hit in 2009 like he did in 2008?
2) If he hit .185/.225/.250 and was injured half the 2009 season, would you be in favor of re-upping him again next year?

The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.

by DGU on Oct 13, 2008 7:35 PM CDT up 0 recs

Blanco 2009

1. I don’t expect him to hit that well again, even in Little League.
2. That would depend on the nature of the injury (i.e., broken thumb is much different than bulging disc in back), Soto’s progress in game-calling, and Henry’s contract demands. It might also depend on whether Lou wants to make room for him on the coaching staff.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Oct 13, 2008 8:10 PM CDT up 0 recs

I didn't vote Blanco without question

but based on him being healthy. Of course I don’t expect him to hit like he did in 2008, but it’s such a small sample that I wouldn’t lose any sleep over it. Like DeRoMyHero said, I like a defensive backup. Having said that. I wonder if Hank’s defense can still be considered as good as it was in ’05-06.

My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.

by JohnM on Oct 14, 2008 6:00 AM CDT up 0 recs

Yes, I would.

Blanco has value to the team even if he doesn’ t hit.

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

by Al on Oct 14, 2008 7:43 AM CDT up 0 recs

Are you in favor of re-upping Blanco

as long as he wants to keep playing?

The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.

by DGU on Oct 14, 2008 9:12 AM CDT up 0 recs

I'm in favor of exercising his 2009 option.

2009 would be a good year to groom a successor, but I think Henry has one more year left in him.

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

by Al on Oct 14, 2008 9:15 AM CDT up 0 recs

There's no question that he has value.

I just doubt that it’s three million dollars worth of value. I’m not really so concerned about finding a successor at the backup catcher position – there are always backup catchers available. It’s just not worth the investment of that kind of cash.

I’d decline the option, and try to reach a 1 or even 2 year deal at a lower rate. (Can we do that, or are we barred until May or something?) In any case, if he walks, so be it.

MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown

by D98 on Oct 14, 2008 10:40 AM CDT up 0 recs

I just don't think $3 million is that much in this market.

When 4th and 5th starters are getting twice that much, is $3m — which is about 2% of the payroll — that much money for one of the best backup catchers in the game? Especially since your other option appears to be Koyie Hill?

It’s worth it for me. Keep him.

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

by Al on Oct 14, 2008 3:46 PM CDT up 0 recs

I think a 4th or 5th starter is infinitely more important and valuable.

The backup catcher is typically the last person off the bench, and on the occasional day that they do spell the starter, they’re not nearly as important as a starting pitcher.

What is the average backup catcher making these days? I’d guess that Blanco is at or near the top of his pay grade. Maybe I’m way off here, but I’d assumed that the average backup catcher is making less than half Blanco’s salary.

MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown

by D98 on Oct 14, 2008 4:00 PM CDT up 0 recs

well then, should we assume that all you want is an average backup catcher?

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

by ballhawk on Oct 14, 2008 7:38 PM CDT up 0 recs

Well, yeah.

We’re talking about one of the least important spots on the 25-man roster.

I have no problem with paying $500K for a league-average backup catcher — the difference between “Henry Blanco” and “League Average Backup Catcher” is probably zero point zero wins over 162 games, and 2.5 million that could be better spent toward signing a legitimate power hitter.

MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown

by D98 on Oct 15, 2008 11:22 AM CDT up 0 recs

Johnny Estrada

Free agent, switch hitter, terrible 2008 though.

Not bad the other years. Perhaps he just down on his luck?

I know he’s slow as rocks and has other problems, eh screw it, might as well not mix with team chemistry and just bring Blanco back.

by IllinoisCubs on Oct 14, 2008 9:07 AM CDT 0 recs

In four years with the Cubs...

… Blanco has hit .255 (147-for-576, about one full season’s worth of AB). In that time he has 27 doubles, 2 triples, 15 HR, 78 RBI.

I’ll take one more year of that as a backup, please.

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

by Al on Oct 14, 2008 9:22 AM CDT up 0 recs

But at $3 million?

I think that those resources could be better used elsewhere. Backup catcher is obviously important, as all roster spots are…. but realistically, it’s one of the 2 or 3 least important positions on the 25-man roster.

You start handing out 3 and 4 million salaries to every Howry and Blanco and Eyre who walks through the door, and pretty soon you’re coming up just short on the bidding for Furcal and Beltran.

And then, hypothetically, you panic and trade a bunch of guys for Juan Pierre.

MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown

by D98 on Oct 14, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up 0 recs

Yeah, but the thing is that you decline as you get older.

There’s no reason to expect that you’re GETTING one more season of that.

I has a blog. | Ask a sabermagician!

by cwyers on Oct 14, 2008 11:56 AM CDT up 0 recs

Blanco had the best offensive season of his career in 2008.

Granted, that isn’t saying much. Even if he regresses, he’s still the Cubs’ best option for 2009.

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

by Al on Oct 14, 2008 3:47 PM CDT up 0 recs

Not sure he wants to be a backup...

He went home after the Nats DFA’d him, and apparently didn’t listen to “backup” offers. Not sure if he’ll feel the same way in 2009.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Oct 14, 2008 1:34 PM CDT up 0 recs

Decline the option.

And work out a new deal, if possible. No one else is going to pay Blanco $3M, and the Cubs shouldn’t be so cavalier with their resources.

Those deals given to backups and middle relievers like LaTroy, Neifi, Blanco, Howry & Eyre should be artifacts of the past — when you can’t afford $12-15M for Tejada or Beltran, but you can throw $3-5M deals around to middle relievers like candy, some priorities are seriously out of whack.

Hendry seems to have this figured out now, but I wish that he would have come to this conclusion when Carlos Beltran was the big prize, instead of when Alfonso Soriano was the big prize.

MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown

by D98 on Oct 14, 2008 10:34 AM CDT 0 recs

You said exactly what was in my head. Exactly (np)

by Luis on Oct 14, 2008 10:50 AM CDT up 0 recs

To be fair

Corey Patterson hit 24 HRs and had 32 SBs in 2004 while also improving his BB:K ratio. It was still terrible at 1:3.7 but he could only have improved at the age of 25, right?

The Cubs used the 3rd pick of the 1st round in 1998 to get him. To outbid the Mets on Beltran would have been unthinkable at the time. Hindsight is 20/20.

by IllinoisCubs on Oct 14, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up 0 recs

Yes and no

Beltran could have probably signed with the Cubs for less money than he did the Mets, the problem is that that year the Cubs hadn´t opened up their wallets. It was very unfortunate that they decided to do so in 2006 when there wasn´t a lot available. Nevertheless, Hendry did have a lot of money tied up to average veterans that when added up could have certainly made a difference in the chances of signing a Beltran type. 3 million here, a couple of mill there and you could put yourself in line to get a real difference maked. Which is why I still don´t understand why anyone would want to take that option on Blanco.

by Luis on Oct 14, 2008 11:06 AM CDT up 0 recs

Btw

They could have moved Patterson or Beltran to a corner outfield position. Patterson wasn´t the reason the Cubs didn´t bite on him.

by Luis on Oct 14, 2008 11:08 AM CDT up 0 recs

Beltran was begging for an offer from Hendry.

Boras may have been trying to play us against the Mets – in fact, he was almost certainly trying to play us against the Mets – but there seemed to be genuine interest there, and it was definitely the talk of the town for a couple of weeks.

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by D98 on Oct 14, 2008 4:02

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