Cubs to be players for C.C., Roberts

I don't think any of htis is the Cubs' problem

They were 3rd in the league in ERA with 4 oustandings starters, and 1st in BA. Lilly could be a #2 starter with some teams, I believe. Hell, he was out #2 last year. That’s what really angers me; the fact that it wasn’t the players inadequacy to win, it was the team’s inadequacy to win.

And how the hell do you fix that?

by NittanyCub on Oct 6, 2008 1:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Furcal is exactly what this team needs

He would be a huge defensive and offensive upgrade at our weakest position, would give us a bona fide lead-off hitter, and would give us a switch hitter in a lineup that’s a little heavy with righties.

However I’d be surprised if he reaches free agency – I think he’s going to be a very high priority for the Dodgers to resign and may re-up before the bidding even opens.

The only hope is that 1) Dodgers brass spends stupid money to keep Manny (expecting him to repeat his performance despite his age, poor defense, and nutso attitude) and 2) the Dodgers decide their internal options at short will come through next year (though the Dodgers don’t ever seem to have faith in their youngsters, and Hu played like crap this year when Furcal was out).

by Wreckard on Oct 6, 2008 1:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I dont know...

They have Chin-lung Hu, who theyre pretty high on and theyre gonna need $$ to try and keep Manny or even to make a run at CC.

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 6, 2008 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hu is going to be a bust

He showed nothing this season. I suspect they will try and retain Furcal.

by rlpete on Oct 6, 2008 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hu might be a bust

But they’ve got Ivan DeJesus right behind him.

by Cubinator on Oct 7, 2008 12:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

To make this clear...

… that’s Ivan DeJesus Jr., son of the Cubs coach. He’s a legitimate prospect.

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

by Al on Oct 7, 2008 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think the answer is to sign a shortstop with back problems.

That just seems to invite problems.

Joe Crede is an example of a player that played well for a while after having back surgery and then had more back problems.

With relatives with back problems, they never seem to go away, even if you have surgery.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Oct 6, 2008 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

I can’t believe I’m speculating on Cubs moves, they are seriously like a drug I’m atticted too.

Why get a guy with back problems, waste of money.

James Loney, seriously?

by slocs55 on Oct 6, 2008 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's a gamble we have to take

The fact is that there were 2 spots where we got very below-average production this year: Shortstop (both on defense and offense) and right field.

I just don’t see Hendry giving up on Fukudome yet – and it may not yet be time to see that contract as a sunk cost anyway.

If we want to improve at shortstop Furcal is by far the best option, even with the injury risk. He’s a huge improvement on both sides of the ball.

by Wreckard on Oct 6, 2008 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is shortstop really a problem

or are we just desperate to think about moves to make?

Chicago Cubs Jokes, News and Parody at The Cubs Brickyard

by AceCubbie on Oct 6, 2008 8:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The latter.

Look at the team’s stats, Ace. They topped the league in almost every major offensive category. I for one hope very little changes happen (I’d like to see Ward let go and Hoffpauir come off the bench), and have this team cemented for a couple more years before making any major offseason transactions.

by NittanyCub on Oct 6, 2008 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't see why

A signing like Brian Roberts would make things any worse though. If we make any moves this offseason, my best suggestion is to get Roberts, move DeRo as your permanent RF and since we’ll be obligated to play Fukudome next season (probably), move him to CF.

Or, you train DeRo at SS again, play Roberts at second, and stick with an outfield of Fukudome and Pie at RF and CF. A lot of things can be done…

by AeroZach on Oct 6, 2008 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why? So they can

get swept in the first round again? We obviously have a good team coming back, but I think it may also be obvious that a few changes need to be made to get the team to the next level. I don’t know what those changes are, but doing the same thing again next year would probably bring the same result.

by qccub on Oct 6, 2008 10:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, shortstop is really a problem

Theriot’s defense is just awful, and people must have blinders on to not have seen that hurt us in the playoffs.

There were 3 positions where we got below-average production on offense – SS, RF, and CF. Some combination of those positions is where we can most easily show improvement.

by Wreckard on Oct 7, 2008 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

So this is how it ends.

by dat cubfan daver on Oct 7, 2008 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

So this is how it ends.

by dat cubfan daver on Oct 7, 2008 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Furcal plays SS, but...

he’s going to probably cost more and he’s recovering from a back injury. And Roberts has been more productive the last few years. That said, the tradeoff is that with Furcal we at least have a real shortstop, and it would allow us to consider options with our three 2B.

by SouthernCub on Oct 6, 2008 1:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

There was some speculation last winter

that Roberts would get moved to SS with the Cubs. He had been a SS in the Baltimore organization until Tejada was signed.

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 6, 2008 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think that's quite accurate...

Roberts has played 2B almost exclusively since the 2001 season. Tejada didn’t come along until 2004. In 2003, Roberts played 2B in favor of Deivi Cruz at SS. In 2002, the primary SS in Baltimore was Mike Bordick.

Moving Roberts to SS sounds similar to the decision to move Theriot back to SS.

by SouthernCub on Oct 6, 2008 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Adding to that

Given the Orioles had an absolute black hole at shortstop this year (seriously – look at the production they got from that position this year) and given that they would probably want to increase his trade value if they can’t extend him, I would think that they would have played him there this year if he were capable of it.

I think he would end up looking like Theriot or Derosa – capable but completely overmatched at the position.

by Wreckard on Oct 6, 2008 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's accurate in the way campaign commercials are accurate.

I lived in MD back then and remembered that before the Tejada signing the O’s were talking about Roberts back at SS for 2004. Roberts played some SS in the minors in 2003. But you’re right that he hadn’t played in any at 2002 and not much in 2003 (my memory was faulty on that).

I think Roberts would be better than Theriot at SS, but not great.

And there was speculation in the Chicago press about moving Roberts to SS, but please don’t ask me to go find that. :)

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 6, 2008 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"recovering from a back injury"????

Yeah, he sure looked like he was recovering from a back injury, when he was busy kicking the Cubs ass in the playoffs.

SS is DEFINITELY a position of need for the Cubs. Theriot’s BA was good, but he’s strictly a singles hitter with no speed and is less than average Defensively as a SS with a powder puff arm.

Furcal, “recovering from a back injury” or not, would be a great pickup for the Cubs. That way they can get a leadoff hitter and move Soriano 3rd, where he’d see more fastball.

It’s a no brainer. Having said that, I doubt it happens.

Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen

by lemon20pie on Oct 7, 2008 2:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sabathia

I think the Cubs will enter the bidding just to up the price for the Brew Crew.

He has shown that he can handle the innings up until now but I was reading an article about his historical comparables for the numbers he is putting up and 8 of the top 10 similar guys were done by the time they were 30. With Zambrano, Harden, Lilly, Marquis, the possibility of re-signing Dempster at least somewhat of a discount and Marshall, Smaradjiza, and Gaudin in the wings, I doubt the Cubs sign a contract that could cost up to $25M a year for 6-7 years.

by IllinoisCubs on Oct 6, 2008 1:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think Sabathia will end up in SoCal or with the Yankees...

I don’t think the Cubs or the Brewers are realistically players in the Sabathia sweepstakes.

by SouthernCub on Oct 6, 2008 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed.

The Cubs are already weighted down with so many huge contracts — it’s hard to imagine them ponying up for CC. Frighteningly enough, seeing as how he wants to be on the West Coast and loves to hit, I could see him going to LA.

So this is how it ends.

by dat cubfan daver on Oct 6, 2008 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think there's no chance CC ends up with the Cubs

with the amount of money they already have locked up in their rotation.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Oct 6, 2008 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

MLB Trade Rumors; "Sabathia Open To All Teams"

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/10/sabathia-open-t.html

"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."

by flachimesa on Oct 6, 2008 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Of course he's open to all teams right now...

A free agent wants EVERYONE to think they have a shot at him. That’s how you drive up the price. He’s going to likely go to a team that will pay the most money, and that’s likely to be one of the LA teams or the Yankees.

by SouthernCub on Oct 6, 2008 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's because "Sabathia Open to All Teams (Not Based in Pittsburgh)"

was too long a headline.

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 6, 2008 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ha, I was gonna say...

…that does sound vaguely like a headline from The Onion.

So this is how it ends.

by dat cubfan daver on Oct 6, 2008 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

HA, those poor pirates

If only BALCO was located in pittsburgh, think of how their fates may have changed

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 6, 2008 8:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or the Giants

by DudeVf11 on Oct 6, 2008 8:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The information in this article is suspect at best

This is probably what went down…

Reporter: Are you interested in CC
Hendry: We will probably kick the tires but will need to see how the market goes

Reporter: What do you see needs to be done with the offense
Hendry: Need more speed and a left handed bat..

There are no quotes, etc in this article so I would chalk this up to conjecture by the writer of this story. Of course, they cubs are going ot listen to offers in the offseason and it does not cost them anything to flip a proposal to CC. Heck…just taken Alf’s contract, change the name and lower the # of years and see what happens.

"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey

by TheRiot Police on Oct 6, 2008 1:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Exactly.

by sue369 on Oct 6, 2008 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think the the reason we'd go after C.C.

is because of the issues with Z’s shoulder, Harden is a huge question mark, Dempster could be gone, and the fact that the fans are getting really uneasy.

Devin Hester, you are ridiculous! -Jeff Joniak

by ARAM FOR MVP on Oct 6, 2008 1:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yep

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 6, 2008 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I expect Harden to be in a different uni

at the start of next season. There is too much need and the team can use his option to secure talent elsewhere.

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

by N Oakley on Oct 6, 2008 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think this would be a good thing to explore:

anyone think he may be worth more now than we gave up for him? Or at least a similar amount as we got him+Gaudin for, without Gaudin? We could maybe net a positive outcome talent-wise by giving him up in the offseason…although I hate to because i love him. In a purely hetero way, that is. Ok wel 95% hetero. Let’s face it, we have few net-positive contracts except for nearly impossible to justify trading players (Marmol, Soto); we may have to consider moving some of the more attractive deals to net farm talent, especially at high levels in the system. We’ve got Harden and DeRosa that carry solid value, in addition to MAYBE still some value in Pie, Cedeno, Marshall (actually Marshall could be solid value- I’d like to keep him if possible), and potentially even a bit in Lilly depending in how high the SP market gets.

Ehhh we need some breakout players. now, please.

by Canseco's Roid Party on Oct 6, 2008 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Silly off day article

Cubs also in market for Furcal, Lowe, Texeira and anything else that SOUNDS good. Cubs are not in market for anything right now after the season ends and things become a little clearer fine. No way they go after CC as starting pitching is the least of their problems and they won’t be spending 120 million plus on ANYONE.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Oct 6, 2008 2:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sigh

Lots of off-days for us now…

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

by dtpollitt on Oct 6, 2008 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lowe has Yankees written all over him

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 6, 2008 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would be surprised if the Dodgers let him go.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Oct 6, 2008 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i say

he goes back to boston

WhEn WiLL ThIs EnD!?!?!?!?!?

by tbizzle83 on Oct 6, 2008 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's what I took from the article

At least one member of the Cubs is a classless crybaby. Using a bat to damage the plumbing in a visiting locker room?

Grow up.

I suppose I should make a joke about how they finally hit something, but c’mon, that is garbage.

The worst beer I had was pretty good.

by Worf on Oct 6, 2008 2:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Probably isn't the first time

a major league team did some sort of damage after a playoff series. Childish? Yes. But never seen before? Probably not.

by serbianking33 on Oct 6, 2008 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You didn't see the way that toilet looked at him.

So this is how it ends.

by dat cubfan daver on Oct 6, 2008 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh whatever. He vented his emotions. Who cares.

Do you really need some soapbox to act all self righteous about this? Jesus Christ. There are plenty of things I hit on saturday night.

by sackings108 on Oct 6, 2008 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hit the ball, not a defenseless toilet

But that’s just me. I roll my eyes whenever I see guys destroying innocent water coolers.

The worst beer I had was pretty good.

by Worf on Oct 6, 2008 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe it was Walter Kuehler, A Typical Dodgers Fan

Never, but NEVER, put ketchup on a hot dog.

by CaliCub on Oct 6, 2008 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sabathia would be a great fit here

His career postseason E.R.A. is 7.92. He’d be perfect on the Cubs.

by Jody Jody Davis on Oct 6, 2008 2:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

haha

by PieFan08 on Oct 6, 2008 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

im not going to think about what te cubs may or may not do for at least another month.

---AC 00 00 00 - Believe

by mjk83 on Oct 6, 2008 3:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Adding Sabathia would be great.

IMO. But I doubt it would happen. A rotation of Zambrano-Sabathia-Harden-Lilly-Marquis would be too good to believe.

Tamia Lynn Davis:
Born: August 18, 2008

by Unique on Oct 6, 2008 4:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Yankees will be #1 for CC

Giambi, Abreu, Mussina, Pettitte, Pavano ($11Mil!) are all free agents. They are going to have a ton of cash to throw at who they want. CC seems that he would be at the top of that list.

by rlpete on Oct 6, 2008 4:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

CC might not go for the most money.

But you’re right. Aside from all the cash coming off their books, they also have the new park and what amounts to blank checks with several different names on them. After missing the playoffs, the Yankees will not sit this offseason quietly.

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 6, 2008 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There's a reason for the 75 word minimum

It’s so that there’s more content than “75 75 75 75 75 75 75”

by Arbusto on Oct 6, 2008 5:03 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Why wouldn't the Cubs,

if they were able to sign another good, 2-3 arm, keep Harden? If they left Marshall in the ’pen, they could give Harden the proper days off, and rest him when needed?

Its funny, you spend most of your life gripping a baseball. And in the end, its almost always the other way around.

by TCobb1911 on Oct 6, 2008 7:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Keep Harden...

the Cubs will REGRET getting rid of him if they do. I realize he’s not going to give you 30 starts in a season, but replacing him with a ho-hum #2 or 3 starter won’t help us in the long run, or in the playoffs…

I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com

by digitalbenjamin on Oct 7, 2008 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly.

Harden is dime lottery ticket – if he’s healthy in the playoffs, he’s the best pitcher there is. For 7 mill, this is a no brainer.

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 7, 2008 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you agreeing with me.

I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com

by digitalbenjamin on Oct 7, 2008 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think there may be one thing that people are not considering:

The 2009 Cubs doesn’t have to have Zambrano on it. If that’s the case, signing CC makes much more sense.

Formerly NO100

by jerry morales rules on Oct 6, 2008 7:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

What?

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 6, 2008 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

All I'm saying is that Z could be traded.

The one thing I am positive of is that the team in 2009 will not look exactly like 2008. I think that at least one of the big guys will be gone and that would be either Z, Ramirez, Soriano, or Lee. I have a hard time believing that Soriano can be moved with his contract, but the other 3 certainly can.

Formerly NO100

by jerry morales rules on Oct 6, 2008 8:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I understand your speculation...

but I think we’ll have all of those guys back…and if they trade Ramirez for some reason I’ll throw up all over myself.

by jbertram on Oct 6, 2008 8:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ramirez should be the last one traded

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 6, 2008 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How can we be sure

all of those guys want to come back? If I were Lee, Ramirez, or Soriano I would seriously ponder that thought.

Formerly NO100

by jerry morales rules on Oct 6, 2008 10:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Z won't go anywhere

He’s one of the ones that performed half-way decently in the playoffs.

by Cubinator on Oct 7, 2008 12:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

z

is the last person who we need to be trading

WhEn WiLL ThIs EnD!?!?!?!?!?

by tbizzle83 on Oct 6, 2008 8:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If the Cubs replaced him

with CC, would that be so bad? Not to mention that they could get an important piece back if they did.

Formerly NO100

by jerry morales rules on Oct 6, 2008 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hi jerry

refer back to my replies to your pregame threads on Saturday if you want to know my opinion of you and your ideas.

You look like you'd fit in the trunk of my car.

by mambochicken23 on Oct 6, 2008 9:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey Mambo!

How’d that lineup work out for ya?

But seriously, I’m not suggesting that they trade Z, but I am saying that if they were to consider signing CC, that would say to me that they probably would part ways with Z.

Formerly NO100

by jerry morales rules on Oct 6, 2008 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously though Mambo

Didn’t that lineup on Saturday work out EXACTLY as I had predicted it would? I think I’m actually looking pretty good with my thoughts on that day cause they were spot on. The same can’t be said of your thoughts that day.

Formerly NO100

by jerry morales rules on Oct 6, 2008 9:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And finally

what’s your problem with me? I did noting but treat you respectfully. If you don’t like differing opinions then I recommend you get off of this site. You especially look like a jackass now because your still mouthing off and you were horribly wrong then.

Formerly NO100

by jerry morales rules on Oct 6, 2008 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just because the Cubs lost...

doesn’t mean that you were right and I was wrong. You were 100%, all the way wrong. You don’t have a lineup all year with Soriano leading off and then move him down in response to 2 shitty playoff games. You just don’t. It’s idiotic.

You can make the case, and I don’t disagree with it, that Soriano shouldn’t have been hitting leadoff at all this season. I can see that argument. I cannot in any way justify changing it up in the playoffs because of two poor games.

And my problem with you is your glee in the failure of the Cubs, so that you could come back to that earlier thread and say, "Neener neener, I was right and you were wrong!’ like a douchebag. And make no mistake, that was a move rife with douchebaggery. A Pyrrhic victory if I ever saw one.

You look like you'd fit in the trunk of my car.

by mambochicken23 on Oct 7, 2008 12:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The only reason I did that

was because you were so disrespectful during the other thread. I wasn’t going to sit there and take that.

However, the playoff rules are different. Pitchers come out earlier than they do during the regular season, for example. Different switches are made because they are must win situations. I recognize why anyone would want to remain consistent in difficult times, however, there’s a difference between that doing something again that the opposition had an effective plan against. It wasn’t just that the Cubs were cold. The Dodgers knew how to attack them. It was systematic and predictable. I do not support following a strategy that will fail.

And, sorry, but look over the thread again. You must not remember it. I was completely right.

Formerly NO100

by jerry morales rules on Oct 7, 2008 6:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also

If you think I took glee in the Cubs’ loss you know nothing about me. I was hoping against hope that I was wrong, but intellectually I knew I was right.

Formerly NO100

by jerry morales rules on Oct 7, 2008 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why not trade Z?

I know to say that is heresy around here, but I don’t think he is untouchable. I’d hate to see them trade him, but he isn’t even the best pitcher on the staff at this point. They paid 12 mil this season for 14 wins and a 3.91 ERA. Not great value in my opinion. He did win 18 last year, but has averaged out to be about a 14-16 win per year guy. Very good, but not a staff ace if you ask me. His ERA has also steadily risen each of the last four years. I hope we keep him, but there are other players I would keep before Z.

by qccub on Oct 6, 2008 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We need a let off hitter

I wish it were winter so we could freeze it into ice blocks and skate on it and melt it in the spring time and drink it!

by brownbuddha on Oct 6, 2008 9:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm not letting anyone off the hook.

So this is how it ends.

by dat cubfan daver on Oct 7, 2008 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sign Abreu!

by sanks on Oct 6, 2008 9:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

-1

by Cubinator on Oct 7, 2008 1:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Meh.

This sounds like an old school Cubs move to me.

So this is how it ends.

by dat cubfan daver on Oct 7, 2008 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

JUst what we need. Another over-the-hill fat contract. Next!

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Oct 7, 2008 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would really be surprised...

…if Jim (no trade clause) Hendry will have the dough to go after CC.

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

by MPH73 on Oct 6, 2008 9:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

If I Was a GM, I Would NEVER Give Out an NTC

Never, but NEVER, put ketchup on a hot dog.

by CaliCub on Oct 6, 2008 9:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I would throw around

a Ramirez and a arm for David Wright. Now the Mets would probably be reluctant, but Wright has gotten beat down with his failures late in the season. Change of scenery for both. I would take Wright for Ramy.

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Oct 6, 2008 9:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Which arm

do you anticipate being necessary to get that deal done?

by Cubinator on Oct 7, 2008 1:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

thats tough

Cause the Mets would want a hard thrower out of the pen, Shark, Marmol, and of course they are off limits, IMO. Maybe a young arm Like Veal or Cashner, but I think the Mets would be willing to make a move.

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Oct 7, 2008 8:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Those who think the Cubs are going to be players in free agency are in for a disappointment

I think this is going to be a quiet winter with the biggest drama for the Cubs coming in the form of negotiations with Ryan Dempster (who I think the Cubs should take a pass on signing). Hendry stands a better chance of engineering a couple of modest trades than he does making foray into free agency.

All those backloaded contracts and no-trade clauses will start to come back and bite. Add to this the unsettled ownership situation and I think Hendry will do remarkably little this winter.

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

by MDBNIU on Oct 6, 2008 10:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

What Are Your Sources Hearing About the Ownership Situation?

Ricketts family still in the lead?

Never, but NEVER, put ketchup on a hot dog.

by CaliCub on Oct 6, 2008 10:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

From what I hear...

… nothing’s happening right now.

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

by Al on Oct 6, 2008 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This much we know....

It’s going to be somebody with a lot of cash given the current investment banking and credit market crisis. That would seem to rule out the LaSalle Street consortium and the group of names with Wall Street ties. I think it comes down to the Ricketts family and Mark Cuban. Never in a million years would I have guessed Cuban had a shot to get into the MLB ownership fraternity, but economic times they are a changin.

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

by MDBNIU on Oct 6, 2008 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree.

It seems as if it will be one of those two. The only question is, how long will this all take to play out.

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

by Al on Oct 7, 2008 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Not only are the Cubs out of money, but they don’t have many bullets left in the farm system. I’d be just fine with a quiet winter. The only possibilities I see are Hendry going after Will Ohman and maybe going after Furcal (and only if he’s able to raise the payroll).

by Cubinator on Oct 7, 2008 1:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

why would you be "fine" with a quiet Winter???

Is it because you enjoy watching this team suck it up in the playoffs? Because the “Cubs are out of money”??? THat’s the most ridiculous thing I think I’ve ever read on this board. Like you care about how much money the Cubs have and should spend.

Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen

by lemon20pie on Oct 7, 2008 8:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why are the Cubs "out of money"?

I have seen no evidence of that.

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

by Al on Oct 7, 2008 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

+1

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 7, 2008 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Levine reported...

…that the books showed the Cubs making 31 million (that was probably 07). Who knows whether that was accurate, but he probably got the number from a source that either saw the books handed out to prospective buyers or knew someone who did.

Anyway, they have the financial means to add a good bit of payroll if they want to. The question is will they?

At this point, I would guess that any significant rise in payroll would be run by the top prospective buyers before approved. I could be wrong, but I would imagine an addition of 20-25 mil on the books for 09 would have to pass that scrutiny.

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

by MPH73 on Oct 7, 2008 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs