Cubs Acquire Closer Gregg

Rosenthal expects Gregg to replace Wood.

My guess is that he could be used as a setup man.

Remember, this is the guy who gave up the three-run game-winner to Daryle Ward last August. Me, I’d rather keep Wood.

I also presume if the Cubs DO re-sign Kerry, Gregg could be flipped to another team.

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

by Al on Nov 13, 2008 12:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

it's a nice

insurance policy. not great but a low cost descent one. I’m still waiting to see what we gave up but I’m in favor of this deal if it wasnt too much.

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2008 1:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly,

it creates options. He could pitch the 7th or 8th if needed or be a solid chip elsewhere.

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

by N Oakley on Nov 13, 2008 1:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly...

hopefully a chip for someone else.

You ARE freaking out MAN!

by crw89 on Nov 13, 2008 2:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Experienced arm with former closer experience in competition with Marmol. Ceda (once Todd Walker), says the Cubs are uninterested in the future, they have to win now, but can’t afford to sign Wood to a 3 or 4 year deal.

Watch Wood end up with the Cardinals.

As for Kerry, thank you, you were truly entertaining to watch from that cloudy day in May ’98 to this year. You defined overmatching hitters.

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Nov 13, 2008 3:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Could he be a Howry or Wuertz replacement?

Ive said Wood would be easier to replace, but its gonna be really sad to see him go, if that is indeed the case

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 Nov 13, 2008 1:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Just heard

Jose Ceda is going back the other way.

by Damen Jackson on Nov 13, 2008 1:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If thats true than I suddenly don't like the move.

by dakoose on Nov 13, 2008 1:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I do

I think Gregg is pretty solid. He’s surprisingly solid against lefties and he’s done very well in day games, which are both plusses in my book. Ceda looked good, but I’d rather have a solid reliever next year. Plus I expect Marmol to be closing for a long time (hopefully) so trading someone with closing potential makes sense. Finally, it’s not like Gregg is 40ish years old like a lot of the relief help on the market…he’s only 30 so we may get a solid number of seasons out of him.

by Cubinator on Nov 13, 2008 3:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It just seems like a lot higher level prospect

to give up for a player that was a non-tender candidate.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Nov 13, 2008 3:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting

This should really keep the Woods re-signing conversation in full swing

If the world didn't suck we would all fall off.

by carolinacub on Nov 13, 2008 12:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Wow AL,

Got rid of the Geo souvenir post quick, it was only there 3 minutes

If the world didn't suck we would all fall off.

by carolinacub on Nov 13, 2008 1:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It's possible...

Seems like Florida would want a decent prospect for him. Or maybe someone along the lines of Mike Fontenot, someone with experience who hasn’t gotten a full time roll, who is relatively cheap. Also, why hasn’t ESPN or MLBTR reported this?

"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 Nov 13, 2008 1:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

wander

if it could be a hoff for gregg deal just specualtion on my part but sounds good to me. hoff would get a chance to play I think.

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2008 1:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

They seem set

on giving Gaby Sanchez a shot at first.

My guess? Probably a low level prospect, perhaps an arm, or a pen prospect like a Schlitter, or in a worst case scenario, perhaps Pie.

Only time will tell.

by toonsterwu on Nov 13, 2008 1:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Pie for Gregg would be preposterous!

in this CF market, Gregg is a horrible return for Pie.

Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?

by Kinky Reggae on Nov 13, 2008 1:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And they have Logan Morrison right behind him

I bet this is for low level prospect(s).

by rlpete on Nov 13, 2008 1:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

oh they will be

2 hours from now and it will be breaking news from buster olney. hahahaha

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2008 1:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, I don't like this ... IF

We let Wood go. I don’t like this. Not one bit. This also suggests to me that Hermida might be harder to attain.

Gregg/Samardzija/Marmol in some fashion doesn’t inspire as much confidence as Samardzija/Marmol/Wood.

Now … if we can have Gregg/Samardzija/Marmol/Wood, I’d be pleased. But, considering all the rumors on our payroll, that seems iffy.

by toonsterwu on Nov 13, 2008 1:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I kinda

get the drift woody wants a max market deal. if so we need to cut ties with him.

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2008 1:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

re:

a market deal would be around 10 mil per year. if so, i’m not against it. as the phillies showed, a team, in this day and age, doesn’t need to be stellar across the board. having a strong pen to back up a rotation would be ideal.

only time will tell.

by toonsterwu on Nov 13, 2008 1:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Kinda ironic though

that the team you reference (Phils) have currently the best closer in the game, hands-down…

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Nov 13, 2008 1:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

but

he probably can get a 3-4 yr deal at 10 mil plus in this market. no way should we match something like that.

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2008 1:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

We can’t get sentimental about Kerry. He’s never shown the durability to be worth a long term deal. Closers are a fungible commodity. It’s how Gregg got to be a closer in the first place.

That being said, I hope Gregg is the Howry replacement and Marmol finally gets his shot.

by nuflattop on Nov 13, 2008 6:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Could Gregg be a piece in a Peavy deal?

Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?

by Kinky Reggae on Nov 13, 2008 1:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

That's what i was thinking

n/t

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Nov 13, 2008 1:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

it is a thought

their pen is a mess right now.

That said, a 30 year old pen arm doesn’t seem to fit in a rebuilding picture.

by toonsterwu on Nov 13, 2008 1:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Fits better than a 41 y/o Hoffman.

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

by N Oakley on Nov 13, 2008 1:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Great point.

by kanderber on Nov 13, 2008 1:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No

but a ML tested arm (albeit not a good one) might be a part of what the Pads want.

Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?

by Kinky Reggae on Nov 13, 2008 1:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It would if it would give them two extra picks in a year.

That is a Billy Beane trick.

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

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 13, 2008 2:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Nov 13, 2008 2:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I doubt it.

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

by MPH73 on Nov 13, 2008 1:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I can't see what the SD puzzle is

where Greeg is a piece for it.

by rlpete on Nov 13, 2008 1:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Why would SD want a reliever with only 1 year left on his contract?

Ceda would have more value to them than Gregg.

by Wreckard on Nov 13, 2008 1:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

1st thing that came to mind

And I hope we are both right!

by chicagodave on Nov 13, 2008 2:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The problem with Samardzija

is that if the Cubs think his future is as a starter then he needs to be in the minors starting. Last season, he was called up based on need but at some point a decision is needed.

by rlpete on Nov 13, 2008 1:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Sorry supposed to be the response to toonsterwu

by rlpete on Nov 13, 2008 1:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

re:

I don’t disagree with that. As I’ve noted before, I still wonder if Samardzija is a starter.

That said, if he is to try starting, he needs to be in the minors. The 5th starter wouldn’t be all that ideal.

a) When he pitches, you’d have strict control (pitch counts and so forth).

b) If he gets bumped, that doesn’t help, as what he would need is regular opportunities.

by toonsterwu on Nov 13, 2008 1:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed he needs to be a starter to begin with

Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?

by Kinky Reggae on Nov 13, 2008 1:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Gregg would be a good idea for San Diego.

Gregg’s biggest issues have stemmed from his fly ball tendencies, although he did give up far less fly balls this year than last. He could be a very good closer pitching in Petco. Of course that goes for a lot of relievers, but still.

by dakoose on Nov 13, 2008 1:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Further at $2.5M in 2008,

he’s cost effective, for a closer.

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

by N Oakley on Nov 13, 2008 1:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's too expensive for San Diego

I doubt Gregg is heading there.

You might be able to read something from who the Cubs gave up. If the deal was for cheap then it might just be insurance that Hendry couldn’t pass up. If the Cubs gave up some real value then Gregg might be part of something bigger.

by rlpete on Nov 13, 2008 1:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Supposedly it's Ceda going to Florida

link

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Nov 13, 2008 1:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Also, I think Gregg is a free agent

at the end of the 2009 season so I don’t think he would interest the Padres.

He’s definitely is useful in a set-up role assuming his knees are healthy. I understand that was the issue last season.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Nov 13, 2008 1:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought Petco walls were comin in though...

Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?

by Kinky Reggae on Nov 13, 2008 1:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Still,

the park will still hinder fly ball hitters and help fly ball pitchers. John Dewan had Petco’s park factor at about .75. Thats a huge advantage.

by dakoose on Nov 13, 2008 1:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

in other news...

cliff lee won the AL cy young award. a no brainer there.

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2008 1:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

First reaction

yuck

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 Nov 13, 2008 1:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

lmao

wander if he continues to wear those dorky glasses at wrigley?

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2008 1:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Um.....why get Gregg when you can just have Wood??

I seriously think he is another chip involved for a Peavy deal or something else. He does NOT fit in to our plans

THIS SIGNATURE HAS BEEN CONFISCATED BY THE GRAMMAR POLICE

by Chanman25 on Nov 13, 2008 1:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

miami herald

is reporting its for a hard throwing unidentified youngster.

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2008 1:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

re:

makes sense. they want some pen help. there’s a number of pen arms in our system, up and down. I could see rocky roquet or brian schlitter get a look up top. those guys could potentially help this year.

by toonsterwu on Nov 13, 2008 1:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

surley

not ceda—at least I hope.

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2008 1:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

surely I mean

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2008 1:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd give them

Ascanio though.

by rlpete on Nov 13, 2008 1:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I hope it isn't Ceda either

and Don’t call me Shirley

THIS SIGNATURE HAS BEEN CONFISCATED BY THE GRAMMAR POLICE

by Chanman25 on Nov 13, 2008 1:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's Ceda

n/t

by Damen Jackson on Nov 13, 2008 1:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

second reaction

yuck
yuck
yuck

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 Nov 13, 2008 1:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It could be Ceda.

And don’t call me Shirley.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 1:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

hah!

beat you to it!

THIS SIGNATURE HAS BEEN CONFISCATED BY THE GRAMMAR POLICE

by Chanman25 on Nov 13, 2008 1:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Curse you, Chanman!

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 1:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not liking this especially if Wood is gone

It will really make me sad if this is what we get to replace him. Hell, maybe we can still keep Wood and have Gregg as a set-up guy. But, I have a feeling Gregg won’t start the season with the Cubs.

So: Gregg, Pie, Veal, and another prospect for Peavy?

THIS SIGNATURE HAS BEEN CONFISCATED BY THE GRAMMAR POLICE

by Chanman25 on Nov 13, 2008 1:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

question

do we give woodie a 10+ million a year deal over 3-4 years?? if thats what he wants. I say no way in hell

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2008 1:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I guess the one thing you can say is that with Gregg

we have a package that could net Matt Holliday –
Pie, Gregg, Marshall is Gonzalez, Street, Smith.

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 Nov 13, 2008 1:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Why would San Diego do that?

They would take Marshall over Gregg.

What are they going to do with a 30 y.o. part-time closer who will probably make $2.5 million or more next year via arbitration?

by rlpete on Nov 13, 2008 1:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Crikey!

I didn’t see this comin’. Well, I recall Gregg looking damn good in ‘07 – not so much this year. I hope this doesn’t mean Woody is history. I could see Gregg working out as Howry’s replacement perhaps. Or maybe he’s a trade piece. It’s amazing how these things come outta left field. (Or the bullpen, in this case.)

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 1:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It IS CEDA....unreal.

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/fish_bytes/2008/11/gregg-to-cubs.html

Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right.
Henry Ford

by BLW Believes Esq. on Nov 13, 2008 1:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

CEDA CEDA CEDA

and now I need to look at my picture that is my icon to not get depressed.

Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right.
Henry Ford

by BLW Believes Esq. on Nov 13, 2008 1:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

There had better

be a good reason for this. I wish I would have eaten lunch awhile before reading this.

by StevenABQ on Nov 13, 2008 1:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think

I read he had the 2nd worse blown save pct in baseball last year. something like 27 for 38.

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2008 1:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Gregg did have some injuries

still CEDA? argh.

by toonsterwu on Nov 13, 2008 1:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

29 for 38..........yechhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

by plenz on Nov 13, 2008 1:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe the plan is to flip him to the Brewers.

That save conversion rate is just about right for them.

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 Nov 13, 2008 1:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Are you kidding me?

I’m blowing a gasket here. Ceda for Gregg? I think Ceda could do Gregg level work as a setup arm this year. Really? Ceda for Gregg?

by toonsterwu on Nov 13, 2008 1:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

me 2

this is a dumb ass deal here.

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2008 1:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

BULLSHIT!!

CEDA?!?!?!? You gotta be kidding me!!! This is rediculous

THIS SIGNATURE HAS BEEN CONFISCATED BY THE GRAMMAR POLICE

by Chanman25 on Nov 13, 2008 1:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

This is rather baffling.

Jim Hendry, explain thyself.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 1:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Must. Flip. Gregg.

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 Nov 13, 2008 1:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm gathering that that's the most likely justification for this move.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 1:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I really doubt it.

It’s possible, I suppose, but it’s not really Hendry’s MO to announce a trade acquisition and then send him out in another deal. If someone else wanted Gregg, but Hendry didn’t, he’d announce the 3-way deal all at the same time.

I think that this is Bad Hendry coming back again.

MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown

by D98 on Nov 13, 2008 1:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What about Omar

Infante??

"I love when they play that Go Cubs Win song."

by BMoney79 on Nov 13, 2008 2:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yes it is

this better be a gregg.marshall,cedeno, pie deal for peavy or i’m going to be livid and I’m a hendry supporter

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2008 1:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wouldnt the Pads want Ceda instead?

I wonder if this has anything w/ Lou not wanting to rely on a rookie-Couldnt they have gotten this guy for Ascanio?

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 Nov 13, 2008 1:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Pads did dump Ceda before.

Brining him back could be embarassing.

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 Nov 13, 2008 2:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Or a bit of redemption

It was only for Todd Walker

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 Nov 13, 2008 2:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What exactly was Ceda giving you..

that makes you so upset to lose him? The kid has a live arm, but looked to be another year away, especially on a Piniella team. I would imagine that any larger trade scenarios that the baseball people are working on didn’t inlcude him, so why not make a deal?

Gregg looks like a respectable replacement for Bob Howry, and a potential closer if Wood doesn’t resign. I like Ceda, but I really don’t get the man crushes on prospects.

by Damen Jackson on Nov 13, 2008 1:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Doesn't give you anything less than Gregg

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Nov 13, 2008 1:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

re:

a) I think Ceda could provide help as soon as this year. This is a kid that has elite stuff. This is almost a side note to

b) Giving up a high value talent like Ceda suggests that

1) Gregg gets flipped. Perhaps, although I don’t see the Peavy fit.
2) they value Gregg’s role for next year highly, considering market value for a setup arm wasn’t going to be that much higher than what Gregg will make in arbitration, which suggest a higher probability that Wood might be gone.

c) This depletes our trade chips. It’s not an issueon having prospects, it’s an issue on what value the prospects can bring. Unless the arm is elite, Pen arms can be found.

by toonsterwu on Nov 13, 2008 1:29 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

You do recall...

that we actually got him a few years ago for Todd Walker? Real good, to be sure, but I don’t know about the elite stuff and high-value talent part. It could be possible that the baseball people know some things about his makeup and maturation that we don’t.

I just didn’t see him playing a big role with the club in 09, if at all. Honestly, he’s looked like trade bait more than anything else. Either way, don’t lose too much sleep over middle relievers.

by Damen Jackson on Nov 13, 2008 1:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ceda was just rated a 4-star prospect

and our third best prospect overall.

Given the Nats-Fish deal, I’m seriously waiting to hear that Hermida is a throw-in.

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 Nov 13, 2008 1:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We're clearly going to have to agree to disagree...

If Gregg is spun off fine. if he stays, that’s fine too. But this is classic Lou, and getting breathless over this seems about the same as acting surprised that the dog is barking.

by Damen Jackson on Nov 13, 2008 1:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, look at the Nats/Fish deal.

I would rather have gotten Scott Olsen or Josh Willingham than Kevin Gregg – and the Nats got both of those players for essentially nothing.

We just traded our #3 prospect b/c our GM is in love with the save statistic. This is also, by the way, exactly how we got Antonio Alfonseca. The fact that we also got Clement is a happy coincidence, not a mitigating factor. Hendry was chasing saves in that deal, just as he was chasing steals in the Pierre deal.

MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown

by D98 on Nov 13, 2008 2:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

re:

Yes, I know we got him for Todd Walker.

The elite stuff has been noted in numerous scouting reports.

Here’s the thing – minor league pen arms are overvalued. They can be found. the Rocky’s of the world (Roquet/Cherry) are a dime a dozen, despite their heat.

Minor league closing prospects, though, get attention. And Ceda was certainly viewed as that. A high 90’s fastball with a plus breaker is quality. He’s basically a more developed version of Andrew Cashner, with better stuff.

Yes, Ceda was trade bait this year. Largely because our system is deep in pen arms and he had the best value of all of them. That said, even if you don’t think he helps this year, this depletes our trade assets.

by toonsterwu on Nov 13, 2008 1:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

also

Gregg isn’t better than some of the FA setup arms out there, and Gregg will likely make close to what market value is.

by toonsterwu on Nov 13, 2008 1:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The point is that

Kevin Gregg is not good. He has a 4.00 career ERA and he pitches in Florida.

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 Nov 13, 2008 1:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

An ERA that has dropped..

considerably since arriving in the NL.

I probably would have kept him a bit longer and for a bigger deal myself, but really, these are some middle relief prospects that we’re talking about. I just can’t see getting worked up about it.

by Damen Jackson on Nov 13, 2008 1:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

An ERA that has dropped since pitching in the massive Dolphins Stadium.

And an ERA that will go back up pitching in the Friendly Confines.

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 Nov 13, 2008 1:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Damnit DGU...

You got me spending way too much time on this.

I just checked the splits for the last two years. Don’t see a problem.

by Damen Jackson on Nov 13, 2008 1:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Too small a sample size for the splits to tell much, don't you think?

Still, let’s pretend that Gregg is ok. We got one year of Gregg for 6 years of a pitcher who profiles to be better.

Yuck.

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 Nov 13, 2008 1:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Is that your new word?

Kevin “Yuck” Gregg?

Baseball is littered with pitchers who’ve profiled as great, but never went anywhere. C’mon. At least wait until Ceda shows up on a major league roster for a few months before you damn Hendry.

by Damen Jackson on Nov 13, 2008 1:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not damning him.

I just don’t like this trade. If there’s anything the Cubs didn’t need it was a ho-hum right-handed reliever.

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 Nov 13, 2008 2:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well,

I’m going to at least wait until the season starts before commenting much further about it. Gregg could still be flipped — although I certainly don’t see to the Padres.

I’ve said for years that the Cubs turn out RH relievers like smokers go through cigarettes, so I see you point. But there are very few of them that I’d envision using in late-inning situations; especially if Samardzija is given a chance to start.

by Damen Jackson on Nov 13, 2008 2:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's the price for the goods received that annoys me.

If we had gotten Gregg for a low minors guy, I would have said, “Well, Lou likes him his veterans and this should make him happy (even if Mike Wuertz is better than Kevin Gregg).”

If we had traded Jose Ceda for a much better reliever, I would have said, “Well, we’re trying to win now.”

But we gave up our third best prospect for a reliever who is worse than two relievers we will discard this year. The nicest thing I can say about that is, “Yuck.”

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 Nov 13, 2008 2:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

DGU, you know better than to think ERA is a good metric for relief pitchers

by Wreckard on Nov 13, 2008 1:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's quick and dirty enough for a 5-minute reaction.

I’ll go look at Gregg’s WHIP.

Yuck.

How about his K/9?

Yuck.
Yuck.

BB/9?

Yuck.
Yuck.
Yuck.

But, you know, he’s a Proven Closer.

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 Nov 13, 2008 1:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If Wood leaves, no way Marmol isnt the closer

He can dominate in that role, easily

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 Nov 13, 2008 2:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

exactly how i feel

it was exciting looking at Ceda’s stats and thinking about him being part of a power bullpen in a few years….but it’s not like this guy was going to light the world on fire. We just got a reliable reliever who should do a much better job than Howry did for us in 2008. This was a good move for a Cubs team looking to win in the next two years.

bring up felix.

by kylejo on Nov 13, 2008 2:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Did Ceda have his arm blownoff?

Otherwise, what is Hendry hiding from us..

THIS SIGNATURE HAS BEEN CONFISCATED BY THE GRAMMAR POLICE

by Chanman25 on Nov 13, 2008 1:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

had minor knee surgery

but thats it. hendry isnt this stupid

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2008 1:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well...

let’s hope so… I’m a bit apprehensive now.

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Nov 13, 2008 1:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Rotoworld Has it best

“According to the Miami Herald, the Cubs are close to acquiring Kevin Gregg from the Marlins for a "hard-throwing, unidentified young pitcher.”

Jose Ceda? Donald Veal? Angel Guzman? Gregg would be a fallback if the Cubs lost Kerry Wood to free agency, but he’s a worse reliever than Carlos Marmol and maybe Jeff Samardzija. Most likely, he’d be the new Bobby Howry, both in role and in salary."

I especially agree with that last sentence

THIS SIGNATURE HAS BEEN CONFISCATED BY THE GRAMMAR POLICE

by Chanman25 on Nov 13, 2008 1:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Seriously

He likely does replace Howry. Gregg may not be a closer but he has been a very good reliever the past few seasons. I suspect this is a bit of insurance in case the Cubs can’t resign Wood.

by rlpete on Nov 13, 2008 1:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I struggle to find myself agreeing

that he has been a “very good reliever”

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Nov 13, 2008 1:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Look at the numbers

146 games the past two years. 152 innings, 114 hits, 77 walks, 10 HR’s, ERA+ of over 120. The walks are a bit high but the hits allowed is excellent.

by rlpete on Nov 13, 2008 1:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

In a pitcher's park, for a closer, I don't really value ERA

And ERA + is going to favor closers. I think 9 BS is a big deal, though. He has been a serviceable arm, but certainly not even a top 15-closer, probably closer to mid-20’s.

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Nov 13, 2008 1:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Jesus....What have we done.....

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Nov 13, 2008 1:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Well I hope Al is right

Some of the best Cubs trades have occured randomly. Hopefully this is true here..

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by Chanman25 on Nov 13, 2008 1:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Kevin Gregg

omg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He can’t be our closer………………..he will be flipped. Maybe in a Peavy or Roberts deal??

by plenz on Nov 13, 2008 1:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

If he remains on the team

The only way he is the closer is if Wood does not sign and Marmol gets hurt or Wood does sign and both he and Marmol get hurt.

I don’t really like the trade either but let’s hope their some great Louisanna Purchase Trade about to come that includes Kevin Gregg and his googles

"Sports are a crazy business. If there was a template, we'd all be champions, right? But there's one winner and 29 or 30 losers; one guy wins, everybody else is tied for last. That's the way it works" -- Mark Cuban

by TheRiot Police on Nov 13, 2008 1:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ladies and Gentlemen

We just paid more for Kevin Gregg than Jim Bowden paid to get Josh Willingham and Scott Olsen.

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 Nov 13, 2008 1:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

This is pathetic

Whet the hell is Jimmy doing?? Do we have that tool from Pittsburgh working for us or something??

by dakoose on Nov 13, 2008 1:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Greg Ceda

1 Year of Gregg for Ceda?

How come we keep giving up so much for 1 year rentals from the marlins

Los Cachorros!

by Laven on Nov 13, 2008 1:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

re:

Gregg is cost-controlled btw. Still hate it, but just pointing out that it could be long term.

by toonsterwu on Nov 13, 2008 1:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's not one year

He is arb-eligible for the first time this year, with 2+ years of ML service. We have him for 3 more years, if we want him.

Fontenot (fon-te-no): Cajun for "scrappy"

by zambranofan on Nov 13, 2008 1:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not true.

He has 5 years of big league service time, he pitched for the Angels before being traded to the Marlins.

He’s a free agent at the end of the 2009 season.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Nov 13, 2008 1:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Won't be the first time we'll regret giving up a good pitching prospect to Florida

Unless we flip Gregg in return for Peavy today or tomorrow

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by Chanman25 on Nov 13, 2008 1:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Gregg for Ceda

per the S-T RSS feed.

I’m OK with this. Ascanio and Ceda are both hard-throwing, control-challeged pitchers, so we probably don’t need both.

We do need a proven short reliever since Howry is likely gone, Wood’s return is questionable, and Wuertz is still in witness-protection.

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

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 13, 2008 1:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Assuming Gregg isn't going to be flipped...

…this strikes me as a solid summary of the Cubs thinking.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 1:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

"Proven" reliever = guy who accumulated some saves.

This is sucker GM thinking. This is how we wound up with Antonio Alfonseca, and how the southsiders wound up with Billy Koch. Any chump can rack up saves.

We have to look at the underlying stats, and Gregg’s are terrible for a closer. Not enough K’s, and a terrible conversion percentage.

Still, “install journeyman in closer role, accumulate saves, trade for prospect” is a classic Billy Beane gambit. I can’t believe we fell for it.

MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown

by D98 on Nov 13, 2008 2:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This seems to be overpaying

for a player that was a candidate to be non-tendered.

Kind of like the Mariners trading for Horacio Ramirez from the Braves a couple of years. Ramirez was certain to be non-tendered by the Braves but the Mariners gave up a promising young bullpen pitcher, Rafael Soriano.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Nov 13, 2008 1:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Its sinking in now and its still bothers me!

We’ve been hearing how he could be our next Marmol but now we don’t have him. We gave him up for a one year rental (well atleast for now)….

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by Chanman25 on Nov 13, 2008 1:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Gregg is Howry's replacement

I don’t think you can see this any other way. He’s not as good of a closer candidate as Marmol, so even if we don’t get Wood I don’t see them installing Gregg in that position.

People have strange reactions to good news sometimes.

by Wreckard on Nov 13, 2008 1:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

For everyone that thinks Gregg is going to SD:

Why would San Diego want Gregg over Ceda? It makes no sense for either team. Ceda is probably just as capable as Gregg at this point, has a higher ceiling and is much more affordable. I don’t see Hendy flipping Gregg to SD. It doesn’t make sense.

by dakoose on Nov 13, 2008 1:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

You're right.

But trading Ceda for Gregg makes no sense.

I’d rather have Howry than Gregg.

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 Nov 13, 2008 1:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What

I’d rather have Howry than Gregg.

What

by Wreckard on Nov 13, 2008 1:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

haha i dunno about that

wasnt howry’s era 5+ with less innings? lets be serious insert any MLB pitcher herE over howry

by Ratola on Nov 13, 2008 1:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

actually

considering how pen arm performance fluctuates, i’m not sure i necessarily disagree with that. Howry was effective for 2 years before falling apart. He very well could bounce back next year. And keeping Howry and not giving up Ceda? That’d be a plus in my book.

by toonsterwu on Nov 13, 2008 1:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think Gregg's odds of rebounding are much better

He’s younger, hasn’t lost 4-5 mph off his fastball in the last 2 years, and gave up an entire home run / 9 less than Howry.

Gregg’s only big problem is that his walk rate is a little high – hopefully Rothschild can fix that. He’s been pretty consistent for the past 3 years though – even his off year last year wasn’t really that far off his career peripherals.

by Wreckard on Nov 13, 2008 1:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's impossible to hit a HR in Dolphins Stadium.

And besides, Gregg’s HR rate only looks good in 2008.

Meanwhile his walk rate is increasing and his strikeout rate is decreasing.

Hm, let me think about this. Yuck.

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 Nov 13, 2008 1:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yuck is annoying, stop it.

if it’s impossible to hit home runs at dolphin stadium, how do the Marlins do it with such proficiency?

p.s. calm down

by morgane on Nov 13, 2008 2:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice

Second post bro, telling someone to “stop it”? Who died and made you hall monitor?

by StevenABQ on Nov 13, 2008 3:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What the what?

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 1:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I’d rather have Howry than Gregg.

Really?

Ok, but… what, REALLY?

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Nov 13, 2008 1:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I would rather have herpes than Howry

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Nov 13, 2008 1:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You should join us at Roxy's sometime.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 1:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Shower. Done.

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Nov 13, 2008 1:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Herpes>Howry
Howry>Gregg
Herpes=Your 2009 Chicago Cubs closer

"Hey! If the moon were made of ribs, wouldja eat it? I know I would!"

by cubs0505 on Nov 13, 2008 4:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I feel dirtier for having read this.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 5:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You MUST

be kidding

by leothelip on Nov 13, 2008 1:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Odds are

Howry is better than Gregg in 2009 – and he may be cheaper, too.

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 Nov 13, 2008 2:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't say that.

Howry wasn’t even MLB quality last year. Hopefully Gregg will at least meet that standard.

"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott

by Reddevil on Nov 13, 2008 2:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree...

Even though D Ward hit that 3 run bomb off him last year, he was throwing in the high 90’s. Howry however, was throwing 90, 91. Gregg isn’t an ideal fit but he could be an effective 7th/8th inning guy.

by dlee25 on Nov 13, 2008 2:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Much more to pitching...

…than the radar readings, but if this guy replaces Howry, it should be an upgrade.

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

by MPH73 on Nov 13, 2008 3:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I will bet beers on that if interested

by gocubsgo22 on Nov 13, 2008 2:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If Gregg sticks in Chicago

I hope he doesn’t mind setting up as much as he did in Florida – he was pretty upset to be removed from the closers role there late in the year.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Nov 13, 2008 1:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

well, this should remove anyone's pipedreams on howry

netting us two picks. there was little chance before, but after this, there’s no chance now that hendry offers howry arb and risks him accepting it.

by toonsterwu on Nov 13, 2008 1:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'm still hoping someone signs him before the date

like the Brewers did last year with Kendall.

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 Nov 13, 2008 2:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

guys this is obvious

the padres just said they weren’t going to resign hoffman, so they need a closer. Kerry Wood will most likely resign, given his love of being a cub and good relationship with hendry. gregg, and a couple other prospects get flipped for peavy.

GAME OVER!!

by WUSTLCubsFan on Nov 13, 2008 1:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Hmm, I like all of your strong support for those points...

…yet, I still find myself skeptical….

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Nov 13, 2008 1:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Did you look at Mike Adams numbers?

Looks like a potential closer to me. The Pads have no interest in Gregg.

by rlpete on Nov 13, 2008 2:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah Dude,

with reasoning like that, you sound more like a Fontbonne Student

by WashUBearCub on Nov 13, 2008 2:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

hahaha

good to see another wustl student on BCB

by WUSTLCubsFan on Nov 13, 2008 2:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Then why acquire Gregg now?

When you’re putting a 3-way trade together, you don’t acquire a bunch of guys you don’t want in the hopes that the third team will bite. You make all the deals contingent upon the agreement of all parties.

Welcome back, Bad Hendry! We hadn’t missed you.

MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown

by D98 on Nov 13, 2008 2:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Positive Spin...Maybe

If you are a believer in Shark being a starter at the ML level, this deal allows the team to throw the Shark down in Triple AAA to develop as a starter or to take Marquis’s spot if he is traded. Of course this assumes Guzman as being servicable in the 7th/8th inning as well. W/O a deal or signing such as this, Shark was probably in the bullpen next year thus stunting his growth as a starter.

Maybe this is the silver lining if you believe in Shark as a starter.

"Sports are a crazy business. If there was a template, we'd all be champions, right? But there's one winner and 29 or 30 losers; one guy wins, everybody else is tied for last. That's the way it works" -- Mark Cuban

by TheRiot Police on Nov 13, 2008 1:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I hope so

That had crossed my mind

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 Nov 13, 2008 2:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Weird trade.

The Cubs have plenty of in house candidates for back of the bullpen roles. It doesn’t make sense for Hendry to give up a prospect for a Kevin Gregg. I have to think that either Gregg is going to be flipped, or that he’s going to replace Shark or Marmol if/when they’re traded. I really hope it’s not Marmol, but you know the Padres would rather have him than Shark.

by kanderber on Nov 13, 2008 1:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Interesting...

Never thought of that angle… I doubt they would do that but who knows

"Sports are a crazy business. If there was a template, we'd all be champions, right? But there's one winner and 29 or 30 losers; one guy wins, everybody else is tied for last. That's the way it works" -- Mark Cuban

by TheRiot Police on Nov 13, 2008 1:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Cubs don't have an inhouse guy they can bank 70-80IP on

Even this year Howry pitched 70IP.

You take what Gregg did the last two years and he is going to be very valuable. Worthy of Ceda? That is unknown right now. Only time can tell.

by IllinoisCubs on Nov 13, 2008 2:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Perhaps Shark will be "traded" to Iowa to learn how to start?

Gregg + Marmol + Wood would give the Cubs that luxury.

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

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 13, 2008 2:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually,

I’m even more intrigued by the ability to now potentially dangle Chad Gaudin in the market a bit as a low-cost starter.

by Damen Jackson on Nov 13, 2008 2:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

From the Miami Herald

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/fish_bytes/2008/11/gregg-to-cubs.html

The Cubs had reason to be interested in Gregg. He owns four saves in four career relief appearances at Wrigley Field at has six saves in eight total relief appearances against the Cubs in his career.

“I’ve had a couple of good experiences there,” Gregg said. “I’ve always enjoyed the Cubs as an organization. But I’m always excited to be able to put the uniform on, no matter what city it’s in.”

by leothelip on Nov 13, 2008 1:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Well, based on a huge sample like that, I can now certainly understand Hendry's thinking.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 1:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Funny,

I remember watching him last season after closing out a game against the Cubs saying something along the lines of F$ck the Cubs. At least that’s what it looked like he was saying.

by dakoose on Nov 13, 2008 1:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Gregg Not a FA until 2011

I still think we got the worse end of this deal.

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2008 2:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2008 2:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Link

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_MLB_career.aspx?sport=MLB&id=3745

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2008 2:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's assuming we don't DFA him 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 Nov 13, 2008 2:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

A few stats from yahoo that catch my eye

His two years in Florida:

2007: BAA .206
2008: BAA .203

I’m not certain if everyone values this as highly as I do in a 7/8/9 inning guy, but Mr. Gregg can obviously pitch.

by leothelip on Nov 13, 2008 2:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Someone should remove the Marlins # from Jimbos phone

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 Nov 13, 2008 2:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

one thing to remember

Gregg will likely be a pretty high grade FA next year, either type A or B, so maybe we get the year of Gregg plus can turn him into something more than Ceda

I don’t like the value of Gregg for Ceda, but for a contending team trying to build bullpen depth, it makes sense. If we can get a comp pick for gregg at the end of the year, its not a bad deal

by DartmouthCubsFan on Nov 13, 2008 2:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

nevermind

as cubsluver posted, not a FA until 2011

sigh

by DartmouthCubsFan on Nov 13, 2008 2:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think that's correct.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Nov 13, 2008 2:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

if its not

then i feel better about things

i liked Ceda, and the kerry news really hurts today

but if we can turn Gregg into a comp or 2nd rd pick that’s not that bad

by DartmouthCubsFan on Nov 13, 2008 3:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

How

do you provide a link with a one word like “here”. please someone explain how to do this please.

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2008 2:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Above the comment box there is a chain or link icon. First type the word “HERE”. Now click it that icon. Paste in the URL to your website. Hit okay. ??? Profit.

Dan

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

by dtpollitt on Nov 13, 2008 2:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Highlight the word.

Click on the “chain” button in the post window. Paste the link into the box that pops up and click submit. Done.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 2:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

heck yes

got it!! thank you—always wandered how to do that.

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2008 2:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No prob.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 2:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You can also do it the old fahsion way...

and do this Your Catch Phrase Here URL immediately after the colon

"Sports are a crazy business. If there was a template, we'd all be champions, right? But there's one winner and 29 or 30 losers; one guy wins, everybody else is tied for last. That's the way it works" -- Mark Cuban

by TheRiot Police on Nov 13, 2008 2:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Damn it...

anyway, there is a why to hand type it if you choose to do things the hard way….

"Sports are a crazy business. If there was a template, we'd all be champions, right? But there's one winner and 29 or 30 losers; one guy wins, everybody else is tied for last. That's the way it works" -- Mark Cuban

by TheRiot Police on Nov 13, 2008 2:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

THIS TRADE AS A STAND-ALONE SUCKS BALLS

But I don’t think it’s a stand-alone.

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

by dtpollitt on Nov 13, 2008 2:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Flip-a-bitch

Free Ronny Cedeno

by Kansas25 on Nov 13, 2008 2:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

ROCK CHALK

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

by dtpollitt on Nov 13, 2008 2:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Jayhawk!

by polly on Nov 13, 2008 2:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

interesting earlier today

http://www.freep.com/article/20081105/SPORTS02/811050353/1048

by leothelip on Nov 13, 2008 2:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

That says he'll be a FA at the end of 09

Someone said not until ’11

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 Nov 13, 2008 2:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

he wont be a FA until 2011

heres the link.

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2008 2:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Cot's has just over 4 years of service time.

Link

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 Nov 13, 2008 2:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry

The date on the Free Press piece was Nov 5, not today. His stats still interest me however and, apparently, a few in Detroit as well…

by leothelip on Nov 13, 2008 2:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

link

here

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2008 2:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

GOOD JOB

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

by dtpollitt on Nov 13, 2008 2:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

(Editor's note: This is a link to Gregg's Rotoworld stats page.)

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 2:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

See told you guys that the Peavy thing was a smokescreen

Cancel the playoffs this trade puts us over the top and into the WS.

Your 2008 Missouri Tigers! #12 8-2 (4-2). Next up at Iowa State . Jeremy Maclin, Jeremy Maclin, Jeremy Maclin.

by nji232 on Nov 13, 2008 2:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I really doubt

I really doubt he’s coming here to be the closer. If they are planning on not resigning Wood Marmol would be moved in maybe he’s replacing Marmol in that scenario.

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

by cubstoseriesby100 on Nov 13, 2008 2:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Why does he persist on trading with the Marlins?

Ceda couldn’t have been included in some sort of deal involving Hermida?

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 Nov 13, 2008 2:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

could we all be

seriously over valuing Ceda here? Isn’t he known as a guy who has a great arm and very little command? It’s not like he was going to net an all star caliber player here……………

by plenz on Nov 13, 2008 2:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I believe this is the case- seems like a lot of hand wringing over a guy who has been in the system...

for a while & never quite fulfilled his promise.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 13, 2008 2:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

kinda like Pie????????????

by plenz on Nov 13, 2008 2:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Somewhat...

Ceda didn’t make it to the show, because of injury & others pitched better than he did. Pie didn’t stick in the show, (yet), because he was given the opportunity, played better than others in the minors & then couldn’t seem to hit at the ML level.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 13, 2008 2:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's not quite right either...

Ceda has yet to make it to the show primarily because he’s only 21 years old and is still working on his command.

I agree though that there’s really no comparison between Ceda and Pie yet. I’d even say not to completely close the book on Pie, but that’s another discussion altogether.

by SouthernCub on Nov 13, 2008 3:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And carrying over the discussion from the Pie diary

Are any of the hand-wringers here the same ones that complain that Hendry never sells high and only wants to trade when a player has lost all his value?

by rlpete on Nov 13, 2008 2:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't have a problem selling high on Ceda.

I have a problem buying high on Gregg.

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 Nov 13, 2008 2:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed...

Granted, there’s no guarantee that Ceda would have panned out. But trading him for a middle-of-the-road reliever makes no sense.

by SouthernCub on Nov 13, 2008 3:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

re:

Ceda’s command has actually improved quite a bit in the past year. Still work to be done, but it’s improving.

Thing is, while pen prospects are overvalued, closing prospects do have value. And Ceda, since moving to the pen 2 years back, has shown closing potential, with his heater and plus breaking ball. Whether or not he pans out, only time will tell.

But considering his age, he had good value, and one of my many problems with this deal is that Gregg won’t be saving us that much money from netting a free agent setup arm due to Gregg’s likely arbitration bump. If we’re going to spend, why not go after someone and save Ceda for another move.

by toonsterwu on Nov 13, 2008 2:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well

we are Cub fans!!

by McRipper on Nov 13, 2008 2:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Here's what it is...

Gregg is a younger replacement for Howry- simple as that. He’s not really a closer, as his stats. in that role will attest to- but the Cubs won’t be placing him in that role, even if Woody doesn’t return, (which I highly doubt). Someone mentioned as well that this would allow us to put The Shark in the rotation, what I want to know is Marshall going to be flipped, or will he be the 2nd LH in the pen, as the long man?

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 13, 2008 2:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

According to the Score

According to the Score Kerry’s done as a Cub. They say Hendry announced it at the press conference.

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

by cubstoseriesby100 on Nov 13, 2008 2:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Whaaa????

I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com

by digitalbenjamin on Nov 13, 2008 2:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The writing was on the wall weeks ago.

I has a blog. | Ask a sabermagician!

by cwyers on Nov 13, 2008 2:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not really

Him exploring free agency didn’t make it so.

If I’m not mistaken that makes Z the longest tenured Cub.

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

by cubstoseriesby100 on Nov 13, 2008 2:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't believe that for a second...

Why would Hendry announce something like that in a press conference announcing a trade? Doesn’t make sense, it’s not how Hendry does business.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 13, 2008 2:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He said

Jesse Rodgers reported Hendry said Kerry wants 4 years and they won’t do it.

I’m hoping Kaplan is on WGN this afternoon.

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

by cubstoseriesby100 on Nov 13, 2008 2:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So in other words... Negotiating between Hendry & Woody is intensifying- that's all.

Of course Kerry’s agent would start at 4 yrs., I expect that Woody will end up signing a 2 yr. deal with a mutual option year, and a generous buy-out to boot.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 13, 2008 2:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If this is true

. . .let me be the first to say that I’ll miss him and appreciate his tremendous loyalty to both the organization and his fans in Chicago. Kerry’s been through it all in Chicago and will be fondly remembered.

by leothelip on Nov 13, 2008 2:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

we’re gonna need more proof.

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Nov 13, 2008 2:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Calling Bruce Miles!!!

by John Q Freejazz on Nov 13, 2008 2:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

See the link below.

Kinda appropriate that KOW of all people broke the news.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 2:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Who is KOW???

"I love when they play that Go Cubs Win song."

by BMoney79 on Nov 13, 2008 2:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

cubstoseriesby100

Her previous user name was KerrysOtherWife (emphasis mine).

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 2:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Chillax people...

let this play out before getting your panties in a bunch.

I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com

by digitalbenjamin on Nov 13, 2008 2:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

...this is what's wrong with the offseason right here.

This is an imminently minor deal – trading a young relief pitcher with upside, but with serious control problems, who has never seen AAA for an arb-controlled year of a modest relief pitcher. I really don’t see what there is to get excited about here.

As for Ceda being our #4 prospect – okay, sure. But that doesn’t mean he’s worth any more than what he’s worth. It doesn’t make him good in the objective sense.

(Doesn’t mean I like the deal, necessarily. But I’m not excited about it either way.)

I has a blog. | Ask a sabermagician!

by cwyers on Nov 13, 2008 2:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Ditto

I’m not convinced that this will get us to the World Series but I’m not concerned over losing Ceda. The only reason he was rated so high is the Cubs minor leagues are poor in terms of impact prospects. Gregg is better than most of the FA pitchers so it’s necessarily a bad deal.

by rlpete on Nov 13, 2008 2:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This is not the case.

Ceda is a legit prospect. A four-star prospect, which means he’s in the range to be considered a top 100 prospect. He has more trade value than 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 Nov 13, 2008 2:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

His being one of our best prospects doesn't say much...

Considering everyone says we don’t have much in our farm system anyway.

It’s an insurance move, and while I may not fully like it, I understand why:

1) Gregg has “closer XP,” which while it might not count for a ton, it’s still marketable to other teams. (In other words, we could trade him.)

2) If Kerry leaves (and it appears he might now), we have someone to take over in case Marmol can’t handle the closer role.

3) While not stellar, he’s a decent RP who can fill Howry’s spot in the bullpen. I could also see us trading away someone in our bullpen, so if that happens we’re only down one arm (Howry) instead of two (Howry and whoever’s traded).

by varrys on Nov 13, 2008 2:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ceda is a legit prospect.

From BP’s Kevin Goldstein:

Perfect World Projection: He should become a dominating closer.
Glass Half Empty: Unless his control problems become a constant, or something else unpredictable happens, it’s hard to not see Ceda pitching in the late innings.

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 Nov 13, 2008 2:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

re:

I’ve repeated it before, but I think

a) Pen prospects are overvalued

b) Closer prospects have value

I agree with you, he was a legit prospect. Doesn’t mean he was going to succeed, but he did have value.

Furthermore, I would’ve preferred signing someone like Brandon Lyon at an AAV slightly higher than Gregg, while keeping Ceda.

by toonsterwu on Nov 13, 2008 3:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Or trading Ceda for something more valuable

Would you have been fine trading Ceda for Scott Downs? I would have.

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 Nov 13, 2008 3:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My thoughts

Ok I’ve thought about this and I will offer my 2 cents. I’ve had a feeling all along that hendry dont have alot of money to spend. Wood is gonna be just too high as is fuentes and k-rod. Hendry just went out and got us the best available given the cost restraints. I’m not real high on this move but as of right now I think marmol is in the 8th and gregg is our closer. maybe i’m wrong but I dont think I am about this.

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2008 2:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

so you think NOW

is when the Cubs start deciding to just settle? I gotta figure they’d do this after Lou leaves in two years.

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Nov 13, 2008 2:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

we have

alot of core players locked up for awhile. the money is about gone.

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2008 2:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Chicagosports.com confirms.

Kerry Wood is gone for good.

by HereComesASpecialBoy on Nov 13, 2008 2:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Chicagosports.com

Its also on chicagosports.com.

This seems weird before he even gets offers from other teams.

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

by cubstoseriesby100 on Nov 13, 2008 2:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

That makes me very very sad

Goodbye, Kerry.

"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 Nov 13, 2008 2:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Here's the...

…link.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 2:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's seems strange because it's probably not true.

I’ll believe it when I hear it from Hendry’s lips that Woody will not be re-signed. He’s a free-agent now & the Cubs could still sign him.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 13, 2008 2:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, I don't think Paul Sullivan would put it in writing...

…if he hadn’t heard it directly from Hendry. Very sad day.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 2:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wood

Hendry said they are cutting ties with him they aren’t going to resign him.

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

by cubstoseriesby100 on Nov 13, 2008 2:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This sucks.

by John Q Freejazz on Nov 13, 2008 2:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hendry hinted in the news conference that Kerry wants 4 yrs., the Cubs won't do that...

But he still could sign for less years.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 13, 2008 2:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Anyone have a transcript?

This could be hardball with Wood that the Trib has overblown a bit.

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 Nov 13, 2008 2:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Chicago sports media

Chicago sports media blowing something out of proportion? NEVER!

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

by cubstoseriesby100 on Nov 13, 2008 2:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I've been looking for the press conference audio or anything for substantiation...

Haven’t found anything yet. From everything I gather, it’s simply that the Cubs are not going to offer Kerry exactly what he wants, (4 yrs.). Sounds very much like a beginning point in negotiations. Sounds like an overblown story to me.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 13, 2008 2:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I dont think the headline on the Trib sports page would be

“Cubs, Wood Part Ways” if it wasn’t true

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Nov 13, 2008 2:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think it is highly likely that this is overblown, because it is on the net.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 13, 2008 2:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I just heard a soundbite of Hendry's teleconference...

…and the tone of his voice made it pretty clear that Woody is gone.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 2:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Denial??

"I love when they play that Go Cubs Win song."

by BMoney79 on Nov 13, 2008 3:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's one of the stages of grief.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 3:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll believe it when I see Woody in another uniform.

I’m not in denial, I just think this is negotiation. The Cubs are playing a little hard ball.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 13, 2008 3:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

But the whole basis of Hendry's comments

is that he has respect and admiration from Wood- this is not hardball, it’s giving Woody the chance to do what is best for him and his family. Hendry would not play hardball with Wood.

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Nov 13, 2008 3:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He wouldn't?

He played hard ball with Aramis.

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 Nov 13, 2008 3:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He doesn't have the relationship

with Aramis that he does with Woody.

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Nov 13, 2008 3:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's not about respect or admiration, it's about business.

Simply stating that they won’t sign him for the max. number of years that he wants, Woody is saying the same thing, wanting the max. number of years desired. It’s negotiation.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 13, 2008 3:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd be more than okay

if you turned out to be right. But I’m just gonna go ahead and try and make my peace with it now. Ugh.

"I love when they play that Go Cubs Win song."

by BMoney79 on Nov 13, 2008 3:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dude, I think you are in denial...

It sucks, but these things happen. It is what is most fair to Wood. MAYBE he comes back and bends, but Hendry made it quite clear that the Cubs are not going to ….

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Nov 13, 2008 3:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Here are some quotes:

“The obvious question to ask and address is, `What about Kerry Wood?’ " Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said. "We all feel Kerry is deserving of a three- or four-year, long-term contract. We’re just in a position now, as Kerry understands, that the length of that deal for the salary he would command right now is not our first priority.”

Hendry said he spoke in recent days to Wood about that and said that based on their tight relationship that it was only fair to Wood and his family to encourage him to seek the best deal he could on the free agent market rather than leave him “dangling” over a possible chance to return, possibly at a discount.

“I don’t think I’ve had a longer or more special relationship with anybody else in baseball,” Hendry said of the star-crossed Wood, a first-round draft pick in 1995 who won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1998 and earned All-Star recognition as both a starter (2003) and closer (2008).

From the Sun-Times

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Nov 13, 2008 2:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I read the story on the Trib & these quotes above from the Sun-Times...

No where does it say that the Cubs wouldn’t re-sign Wood for less years. The only thing it says, (not supported by quotes), is that the Cubs were only interested in signing Kerry to a 1-yr. deal- doesn’t sound right, either…

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 13, 2008 3:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He has to do what's

best for him and the fam. He is going to find a much, much more lucrative offer out on the market. And he’d be crazy to pass it up.

"I love when they play that Go Cubs Win song."

by BMoney79 on Nov 13, 2008 3:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Of course. Hendry is making it clear he won't stand in Woody's way.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 13, 2008 3:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Which means he is gone.

Which sucks.

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Nov 13, 2008 3:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Which means the Cubs have told Kerry

they understand he should be gone unless he really, really wants to be a Cub.

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 Nov 13, 2008 3:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think there's a small opening for both sides

but, Hendry’s basically saying publicly, if you can get 3 or 4 years, take it, because we won’t/can’t offer it.

If Wood really wants to stay in Chicago, he knows he’ll have to take less years and money.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Nov 13, 2008 3:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly.

So, in no way, shape, or form have the Cubs said they won’t sign Wood for less years. It is an overblown story.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 13, 2008 3:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm glad

you and Trey found each other.

"I love when they play that Go Cubs Win song."

by BMoney79 on Nov 13, 2008 3:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think it's overblown

Hendry’s basically saying, ‘we can’t compete to sign you if you get a 3 or 4-year offer’ which is what appears to be on the market right now.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Nov 13, 2008 3:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Doesn't sound

like hardball. Sounds pretty definitive. Bummer. Goodbye Kerry. Will not look right seeing him in another uni. Ugh.

"I love when they play that Go Cubs Win song."

by BMoney79 on Nov 13, 2008 3:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I hope he goes to the AL.

Or at least another division. If I see him in Cardinals red, I may go into convulsions.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 3:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh God

Don’t even joke about that.

"I love when they play that Go Cubs Win song."

by BMoney79 on Nov 13, 2008 3:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey, Cards need a closer.

Not sure whether they can afford him.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 3:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sure

hope not.

"I love when they play that Go Cubs Win song."

by BMoney79 on Nov 13, 2008 3:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I find it weird

that the Cubs dismiss him without waiting to see what type of offers he receives. They must have received word from other GMs that he will in fact get a large deal with more years than the Cubs are willing to go. At some point security and money outweighs one’s love for a city.

by PJA on Nov 13, 2008 2:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

it obvious

thats this will probably be woody’s last big payday. no way should we or could we afford what he’s gonna get.

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2008 2:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I mean the writing must have been made blatant to Jim Hendry

and he they just mutually agreed to move on. I highly doubt Hendry would give up without feeling out the situation and I am certain Kerry will thank the city of Chicago and explain his decision, even if it is about money. He has always been honest and sincere to the fans of Chicago.

by PJA on Nov 13, 2008 2:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Okay, positive thinking time

What’s done is done. I would’ve rather kept Ceda and spent a little more to net, say, Brandon Lyon (not saying that I like Lyon either).

That said, it’s over. Unless something last second happens, it’s done with.

What happens the rest of the offseason?

Well, if Wood is gone, as most expect, we have a bit more money to play with. Entering the offseason, loose expectations seemed to be that we might be able to bring back Wood/Dempster and perhaps add a bat.

I imagine, unless something chances on the Peavy front, that Dempster will be brought back, leaving us with some monetary flexibility. Most people agreed, entering the offseason, that we needed a leadoff option and a lefty bat.

With Wood not in the picture, I won’t be surprised if we pursue another FA pen arm. I’d prefer to look withiin first, though we needed a lefty arm anyways.

This could free up the money to perhaps make a run at a Rafael Furcal, while still allowing us to net a lefty bat. That would reshape the dynamic that struggled last year. We still have some pen arms in the system that could help, along with a guy like Angel Guzman who could provide big upside. There’s less margin of error now in the pen, but the pen potential still exists.

We’re going to be a bit limited in the trade front unless we get creative, though, as Colvin’s down and Ceda’s gone.

by toonsterwu on Nov 13, 2008 2:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, freeing up some money...

…to upgrade the offense does bring some positivity to this development.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 2:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We don't know how tight the money is

and this could be what that’s about.

So, let’s set aside that we overpaid and that Gregg may not be better than Wuertz for discussion going forward. The Cubs get two draft picks for Kerry and maybe two for Howry. There’s a decent chance the value of the draft picks for Wood exceeds the value of Ceda.

Other, that movement on Kerry, I don’t know that this changes the off-season plans.

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 Nov 13, 2008 2:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Just tuned into The Score.

Also heard that Nick Swisher has been traded to the Yankees.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 2:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like a salary dump.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Nov 13, 2008 2:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yes

for a pitcher nobody has ever heard of

by leothelip on Nov 13, 2008 2:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What do you know?

We paid more for Kevin Gregg than the Yankees did for Swisher!

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 Nov 13, 2008 2:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Here he is

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Jeffrey%20Marquez&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=457812

by leothelip on Nov 13, 2008 2:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

They also got Betemit and another pitcher (two pitchers total).

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 3:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Has it been reported who yet?

Originally, it was just Marquez involved. Marquez is an end of the rotation/pen arm type. Betemit is replaceable. Who’s the third arm?

by toonsterwu on Nov 13, 2008 3:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll try to write down the name if they say it again.

(I’m still listening to The Score.)

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 3:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

re:

Kanekoa Texeira and Nick Swisher for Jhonny Nunez, Wilson Betemit, and Jeff Marquez. Texeira is a decent pen prospect. Don’t think he’s late inning material, though. I think Marquez is a mid-end of the rotation type arm, and perhaps more a pen arm. Betemit is really an utility player that never panned out.

Nunez, on the other hand, is somewhat intriguing. I think he’s better than Kanekoa, and I think Nunez has late inning potential.

Overall, I still like the trade better for the Yankees. Betemti and Marquez are easily replaced, so gambling on Swisher seems worthwhile.

by toonsterwu on Nov 13, 2008 3:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The third arm is Johnny Nunez.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 3:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I wanted Betemit.

Can we have a do-over and get Betemit and Swisher for Ceda?

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 Nov 13, 2008 3:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

A strange three-team deal?

Who would get Ceda? The Yankees or the White Sox? Who would get nobody?

by SouthernCub on Nov 13, 2008 3:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We would KEEP Ceda

and get Betemit and Swisher for no one.

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Nov 13, 2008 4:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

WTF is going on??

Why didn’t the Cubs take Swisher for free? We could of used him in RF if we don’t get something else?

Maybe the Yankee’s will trade us Johnny “noodle arm” Damon. He could be the LH leadoff hitter we have been looking for. We would have everyone running on us if we put him in RF, but he would play good D as a former center fielder, or put him in center and hope Kouske learns how to it.

In regards to the Marlins trade, the Marlins own us in trades, we get fleeced everytime besides the Derrek Lee trade. Its quite simple, Kevin Gregg’s main problem was control, if he gets a handle on his control, he could be a very solid setup man!

If Kerry Wood is really looking for a 4 year deal from us, I am shocked. I know he took a discount to play this year, but he has earned a lot of money from this organization through his career. To think or say he needs a big pay day is wrong. He is just greedy, and I don’t blame him, but I am with the Cubs. If he doesn’t want to stay here, let em go!
There is no way that guy pitches 4 years in a row without at least 2 DL trips!

by MrShowtime on Nov 13, 2008 3:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It was time to let wood go

He blew 6 saves and still missed a month of the season. Nice guy but baseball is a business.

by sanks on Nov 13, 2008 3:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I thought he had a solid first season as a closer.

I was looking forward to seeing him build on it. But, yeah, if he’s looking for four years…that’s a bit much.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 3:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's a different game now

Wherever Kerry goes, I will hope that team does well, as long as it is not at the expense of the Cubs. He was the last modern day version of those guys who spend their entire career with one team, a la Ernie, Billy, etc.

Tommie Agee was out.
"This field, this game, is a part of our past. It reminds us of all that was once good, and it could be good again." TM

by Weeghman Park on Nov 13, 2008 3:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If true...

…its sad to see a guy who gave it his all go. With that said, if any team gives him 4 years guaranteed, they are taking a huge huge risk and I agree with Hendry backing away and letting him get what he can.

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

by MPH73 on Nov 13, 2008 3:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Maybe the Yankees acquiring Swisher

means they won’t re-up Abreu, and he falls to the Cubs.

Fontenot (fon-te-no): Cajun for "scrappy"

by zambranofan on Nov 13, 2008 3:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Goodbye Kerry Wood is what I get out of this...

I’m not sure what to think. But if Jim Hendry feels it unwise to meet the salary demands of Kerry Wood then can we really blame him??? I wouldn’t give Wood anything more than a lucrative, incentive laden two year deal. Perhaps Wood has said no dice to that. Given Wood’s health history perhaps this is Jim Hendry letting OBJECTIVE and SMART decision-making take over.

McGrath: I got a good deal on those boys. The scouts said they showed a lot of promise.
Reggie Dunlop: They brought their f***in' TOYS with 'em!
McGrath: Well, I'd rather have em playin with their toys than playin with themselves.
Reggie Dunlop: They're too dumb to play with themselves. Boy, every piece of garbage that comes into the market and you gotta buy it!

by MDBNIU on Nov 13, 2008 3:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I expect that Kerry already knows

who will offer him 4/40 and communicated to Hendry that is what he will get and offered Jimbo a chance to match.

Hendry, after choking, acquired Gregg to fill the spot, and got on the radio to let the fans know so we all don’t mob chase him tomorrow when Kerry signs elsewhere.

I’m still going to sharpen my pitchfork just in case there is a good mob chase.

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

by N Oakley on Nov 13, 2008 3:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

She's a witch

burn her

Tommie Agee was out.
"This field, this game, is a part of our past. It reminds us of all that was once good, and it could be good again." TM

by Weeghman Park on Nov 13, 2008 3:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

dont get this deal

but i do like gregg. i just dont know why we didnt just wait for him to get DFA’d or why we gave up so much. But in the short term which is next year i think he helps us more than ceda.

"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"

by fischisgod on Nov 13, 2008 4:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Fisch,

(and others) read: http://www.freep.com/article/20081105/SPORTS02/811050353/1048

by leothelip on Nov 13, 2008 5:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Detroit for Wood?

Possible.

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

by Al on Nov 13, 2008 7:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Keep in mind

Gregg will most likely be a Type A free agent next offseason. So with the draft picks the Cubs would get for losing Wood, and possibly Gregg next offseason. We should have no problem drafting a prospect with simliar or better potential then Ceda. Kevin Gregg is solid, and will be a good 8th inning guy and is a decent closer. I’m ok with the trade, of course Ceda turning into a stud is scary. But there’s alot of concern about him long term, and his value might not be as high as some think.

by cubsfan25 on Nov 13, 2008 5:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

That part of this is ok.

The problem is that we may need every trade chip this offseason.

And we still, almost certainly, could have gotten a better reliever.

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 Nov 13, 2008 6:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Reflections on Wood out, Gregg in, Ceda gone.

1.) We probably sold high on Ceda. I was never a big fan.
2.) We definitely overpaid and bought high on Gregg.
3.) Letting Wood walk is a solid business decision if he can get a Billy Wagner contract.
4.) Plus, we get draft picks for Wood. That’s nice.
5.) If we dump Wuertz later in this season, it will be maddening since Wuertz is better than Gregg.

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 Nov 13, 2008 7:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I hope this doesn't turn out to be

Matt Karchner-ish. Remember him? Just wanted to throw that name out there. I think Gregg’s better than that, but I saw something on Karchner and had me, uh, reminiscing. Funny, I think he’s more known, within Cubs fans, for the Mitchell report.

by toonsterwu on Nov 13, 2008 8:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Jesus Christ

With all the wailing and gnashing of teeth going on in this thread, you’d think we just traded the bastard child of Mariano Rivera & F-Rod. Ceda is Kyle Farnsworth v2.0 (who was once the Cubs #2 prospect once upon a time). This is much ado about nothing, get a grip.

I reject your reality and substitute my own.

by WayneCampbell08 on Nov 13, 2008 10:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I always thought Ceda was overrated

and I hoped we traded him while his value was high.

But the point of that was to get something good.

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 Nov 13, 2008 11:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

re:

The issue isn’t necessarily what we gave up, but what we got and whether or not it was worth it.

All that said, a quick side note, which is that I don’t ever remember Farnsworth’s scouting reports coming up as good as Ceda’s was. I never saw Farns coming up, so I can’t say personally, but I don’t recall anyone suggesting that his fastball, outside of having top velo, was as good as Ceda’s.

by toonsterwu on Nov 13, 2008 11:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

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