Catch-all Trade Speculation Thread
by zambranofan on Nov 14, 2008 8:01 AM CST
158 comments
We've had several approaches to discussing the hot stove this offseason. DGU's WWG&WWCG fanposts were a great way to structure discussion. Someone will usually start a fanpost (or seven) when a rumor hits big or a minor deal actually happens, even if it doesn't involve the Cubs.
But since the GM meetings ended, we haven't had a thread to contain all the rumors and speculation. It seems for now the Peavy rumors have died down, and there is no clear next move for the Cubs, other than perhaps signing Dempster.
So, I present this fanpost as a place for everyone to toss in their ideas. If the community doesn't like this format, that's fine. Just giving it a try.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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LH Bat
Speculation out there that the Yankees aren’t going to go after Tex. Who does that leave interested in him? Is there anyway the Cubs make a move for him? Maybe get creative and trade DLee and free up some money, i don’t know, just speculating.
by McRipper on Nov 14, 2008 8:58 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I suspect that the Angels are option #1
if the Yankees change their mind. The Angels really have no other options and have shown a willingness to spend money. I’m sure Baltimore and Washington will put in offers but Anaheim offers a winning team and probably a higher offer.
by rlpete on Nov 14, 2008 9:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Scott Boras says starting point for Texiera is north of $150 million
I think this reduces the pool of serious bidders to just a handful. Not the Cubs.
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 14, 2008 9:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
In this economy, it may reduce the pool of serious bidders to zero.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 14, 2008 9:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Orioles
One of the guys on XM opined that the Orioles would go hard and heavy after Texiera.
by dmlichte on Nov 14, 2008 10:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If they get Teix,
Angelos won’t allow Roberts to be traded.
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 14, 2008 10:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Meh.
Angelos won’t allow Roberts to be traded if they don’t get Teix.
"Dad gum right this games gonna be played under protest. . . I guarantee this is gonna be one protest that's upheld." --Hawk Harrelson, 6/24/07
by RynoHoF on Nov 14, 2008 10:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
very likely true
but if they get Teix, Angelos won’t care if Roberts threatens to walk as a FA. Angelos will think they’ll start winning and expect Roberts to change his mind.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Nov 14, 2008 10:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Mark Texiera grew up in Maryland a huge fan of the Orioles
He has said on many occasions that he would love to play for his hometown Orioles.
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 14, 2008 10:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Right or wrong, here is what I think...
Ryan Dempster re-signs with the Cubs in a matter of days. For a contract that will make me gag.
Raul Ibanez is the object of Hendry’s affection. Not sure why because I don’t see how he could possibly go from being a DH a few years ago to a 36 year old trying to play the tough right field at Wrigley.
Hendry will acquire an important bullpen addition.
===
Look for AJ Burnett to sign with the Yankees very quickly. CC Sabathia? I think that takes a few weeks to play out.
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 14, 2008 9:05 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Sounds about right
Not to thrilled about Ibanez. If we’re going to stick a worthless fielder out there, I’d rather it be Dunn.
by McRipper on Nov 14, 2008 9:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll throw a +1 in here, too.
"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 14, 2008 10:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think part of the question here, though, may be
Would you rather have Dunn and Theriot or Ibanez and Furcal. Ibanez may be cheap enough to allow us to upgrade our defense where it really needs it.
Personally, I’d rather have Hermida and Furcal.
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 14, 2008 10:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hm, yeah, I'd roll with Ibanez and Furcal.
Win now, and all that.
"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 14, 2008 11:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Great point!
Is there really that much of a difference though? WIth the way Theriot can get on base and Dunn’s Greek God-like power, it seems like they would produce more runs then they would give up on D. I’d like Furcal, but at what price?
Don’t know enough about Hermida to comment.
by McRipper on Nov 14, 2008 11:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Royals are now saying Ibanez is priced up in the 10-12 M range.
So, he may not be that much less expensive than Dunn after all.
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 14, 2008 11:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Im Pro-Dunn
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 14, 2008 11:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Where do you get this shit ????
And why do you live on every rumor and printed word by baseball columnists as if it is gospel ??? How in the hell does Dayton Moore and the Kansas City Royals know the asking price of Raul Ibanez on day 1 of free agency?!?! And if they do, then why in the hell is he publicly announcing it???
You’ve become the National Enquirer of BCB. Give it a rest.
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 14, 2008 12:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
So, because I backup opinions with
published newspaper reports, instead of just making stuff up, I’m the National Enquirer. Right.
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 14, 2008 12:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I repeat, redundancy is saying the same thing over and over!
"The object of a ball game for the fan is not to be entertained. It is to win." - Max Lapides
by CaliCub on Nov 15, 2008 11:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This may be an economic, rather than baseball, decision.
Dunn is likely to demand at least 4/$52. Ibañez’s price might be more like 2/$16M. Even though Dunn is younger, he is not likely to age well since he is so overweight. Which is the bigger risk for the Cubs? They will get zero defense either way (will need a defensive caddy). Ibañez — at least by reputation — is very good at coming up with clutch RBIs. Dunn is more TTO, with fewer 2-out RBI singles.
Hendry has to seriously consider the shorter contract given that he has so many back-loaded contracts already.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Nov 14, 2008 12:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't see him...
as “so overweight.” The dude is 6’6". And rumor has it Ibanez is seeking 10-12…might factor in.
Free Ronny Cedeno
by Kansas25 on Nov 14, 2008 12:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I wish I could find some linkage for this...
…but I swear I heard on Dave Kaplan’s show that Dunn is undergoing some sort of special conditioning program this off-season to get in better shape. That said, I’ve never really considered him overweight either. He’s just a big dude.
"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 14, 2008 12:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Dunn
I don’t think he’s overweight at all. To me, it doesn’t make sense to be all about getting that LH corner outfielder with power to hit 4th, and settle for Ibanez. Sure he’s cheaper, but then what’s the point? Why pay 10-12 mil a year for Ibanez when you can get Dunn for a little more? He’s exactly what Lou is looking for. LH power hitter who can hit 4th. I think you put Dunn in this lineup and he goes berzerk. The guy loves Sheffield Ave.
by McRipper on Nov 14, 2008 12:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
But he can't play right field.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 14, 2008 1:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
What's your point here , Al? Don't confuse us with the
facts. It only slows down our rants.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 14, 2008 1:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He can play RF
as well as Ibanez or Abreu.
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 14, 2008 1:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't put Dunn and Abreu in the same category defensively. Abreu is a legitimate
right fielder. He may have lost a step, but he’s not wandering around out there like a wino.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 14, 2008 1:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Abreu's defense has gotten very bad.
But extra points for the wino imagery.
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 14, 2008 1:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the points.
I admit Abreu has gotten bad, but Dunn is in a category all by himself. Anyone that can make Ryan Braun look good in the field has reached new lows.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 14, 2008 1:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I know I'm reaching here...
…but I’d say he can’t play right field well. He is physically able to play it and if there’s any truth to that conditioning rumor I’m so desperately trying to substantiate, he may play it better than many of us would ever suspect. (Again, Cliff Floyd, Daryle Ward…need I say more?) I’d also point out that the Cubs will have Dome, RJ and, perhaps, Felix Pie to pick up some of the defensive slack.
And, of course, there’s always the outside possibility that they move Soriano over to right field and put Dunn in left. Now I’ve felt for a long time that we’ll never see Alfonso Soriano anywhere other than left field in a Cubs uniform but…well…who knows.
"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 14, 2008 1:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
There's no way Dunn is as "good" as Floyd or Ward.
We’ve watched Dunn struggle in left field, an easier defensive position. Sure, they could move Soriano to RF; get ready for quite a bit of angst if that happens.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 14, 2008 1:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno...
…I could at least see him matching Ward’s defensive prowess – Floyd’s, too, when you factor in Uncle Cliffy’s injuries. But, in any case, I fully recognize putting Dunn in right field would be a fairly large gamble.
I just keep coming back to the fact that Lou wants a “big lefty bat in the lineup” and, well, I think Adam Dunn is the premiere free agent who falls under that definition. Plus, Dunn knows NL pitchers and is fairly familiar with Wrigley Field (though, granted, not right field). And, FWIW, Jeff Passan agrees with me , stating in his free agent rundown:
You know you’re getting 40 home runs and 100 walks, and that’s worth about $14 million a year, regardless of the defensive inefficiencies and strikeouts.
I know, I know…Passan bugs me, too. But I’m impressed he has the cajones to put that in print.
"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 14, 2008 1:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Remember...
… you’d be asking Dunn to play 140 games a year in RF. Floyd played 63 games there in 2007.
Know how many games Ward played in RF in 2008? 3. That’s right, three. Big difference when you’re asking a defensive butcher to play a difficult position, made more so by the late-afternoon sun in home day games.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 14, 2008 2:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
They call me The Gambler.
"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 14, 2008 2:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
they'd
be calling you broke if did stuff 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 14, 2008 2:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Dunn =
Greg Luzinski in the latter part of his career. Except Dunn does not have the propensity for hitting in the clutch they way Greg did.
by azjazzman on Nov 14, 2008 3:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Also...
… Number of games Luzinski played in RF in his career = 1.
Number of games Luzinski played in the field after age 29 = 2.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 14, 2008 3:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
BCB is unfriendy to Poles!
i keed…
"The object of a ball game for the fan is not to be entertained. It is to win." - Max Lapides
by CaliCub on Nov 15, 2008 11:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder what are the chances that
they move Soriano back to 2nd. Now I know there are a lot of things against this like he is not a very good 2nd basemen and we already have a lot of 2nd basemen (Fontenot, DeRosa, Theriot).
However, he would be signifigantly above the normal 2nd basemen offensivley speaking. We could put Dunn in left and DeRosa/Fukudome in right.
by dlee25 on Nov 15, 2008 10:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No way.
Soriano was a butcher at 2B when he was a regular there. He hasn’t played there since 2005, except for two emergency appearances with the Cubs, one in ‘07, one in ’08. You’d be real sorry if the Cubs did this.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 16, 2008 9:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Why not just keep DeRo at 2B and put Sori in RF?
Sori is a terrible 2B — not Figgins terrible — but plenty bad enough that he belongs in the OF.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Nov 16, 2008 11:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not in a billion years.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Nov 16, 2008 9:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Isn't that when Soriano's contract is finally up?
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 16, 2008 10:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, this is where the eccentricities of Alfonso Soriano...
…come into play. The Cubs tried Soriano in centerfield in early ’07 and he seemed distracted to the point that it hurt his offensive production. He could have the same reaction to trying to play right field.
That aside, he certainly has the arm for right field and, come to think of it, he used to be a second baseman so it’s not like he’s unfamiliar with the right side of the field.
"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 14, 2008 2:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I alwys thought he was a better fit in RF when he first arrived here. As long as
he was changing positions, putting him in right would have allowed a more sane platoon of Cliff/Murton in LF. It’s all moot now, but it’s interesting to speculate how it would have worked out.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 14, 2008 2:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Nov 14, 2008 2:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Soriano
Is the Ben Gordon of baseball. He’s the most inconsistent player i’ve seen. I think the Cubs should just put him in RF and bat him 5th and tell him to piss off if he complains about it.
by McRipper on Nov 14, 2008 2:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Amen brother
I’ve had it up to here with the special treatment of Alfonso Soriano. There needs to be a new era of Soriano in this town. If he doesn’t like it, then tough shit.
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 14, 2008 2:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
When has Sori complained about batting 5th or playing RF?
Sori has said that he prefers to bat leadoff, but will bat wherever Lou puts him.
DeRo has said that he prefers to play infield, but will play wherever Lou puts him.
What’s the difference between the two?
The fact that Lou chooses to move DeRo around, and chooses to bat Sori leadoff.
I have never heard either player complain, and neither have any of my friends in the Ranger nation. Sori has batted wherever Joe Torre, Buck Showalter, Frank Robinson, and, yes, Lou put him — without a peep of complaint.
If you are upset that Sori bats leadoff and he shouldn’t, you need to complain about Lou, not Sori.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Nov 14, 2008 7:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Where did I say that?
I said, move him to RF and bat him 5th and IF he complains, tell him to piss off.
by McRipper on Nov 15, 2008 7:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sori will play anywhere Lou asks him to play.
Remember that, when he volunteered (and he freely volunteered) to try CF, he had had only one year of OF experience. Now he has three.
The only thing that might make the experiment go more slowly is if he misses a lot of ST for the WBC.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Nov 14, 2008 7:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
burnett
way not forgo demps big contract and make a run at burnett?
by madtown on Nov 14, 2008 9:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Because Dempster is a better pitcher.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 14, 2008 9:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Peavy Update
According to the San Diego Union-Tribune:
“We’ve had advanced discussions with the Cubs and Braves, which are Jake’s priority teams,” General Manager Kevin Towers said Thursday night, “but at this point in time, I do not see a potential deal with either club.”
Link: http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2008/nov/13/padres-towers-broaden-scope-peavy-123/?padres
I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on Nov 14, 2008 9:26 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Pure bargaining...
…going on here. I’ll bet Peavy is a Brave within a few days.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Nov 14, 2008 9:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, Towers really doesn't know how to keep his mouth shut, does he?
Compare that to Jim Hendry. Did any of us hear one rumor about Kevin Gregg becoming a Cub before yesterday?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 14, 2008 9:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I can not recall...
…any GM in any sport, that talks so much about potential deals etc.
He is in a league of his own.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Nov 14, 2008 9:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Dealing for a shortstop
I’ll hearken back to DGU’s suggestion from a month ago: Jhonny Peralta.
The Indians are prepared to move Asdrubal Cabrera to short, but one way or another they need another infielder, starting pitching, and possibly relief help. They do seem stocked at LH relievers. If the Indians are trying to cut salary, they might part with David Dellucci, but his performance has declined the last couple of years, and he really can’t play RF anymore.
I propose DeRosa, Cedeno, and Gaudin for Peralta and a lefty reliever. Not sure this exact mix would get it done, but I think some variation could work.
Fontenot (fon-te-no): Cajun for "scrappy"
by zambranofan on Nov 14, 2008 9:45 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I don't think Peralta fits what the Cubs are looking for right now.
Asdrubal’d still be a great pickup, but we’d really have to wow the Indians.
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 14, 2008 10:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, Cabrera would actually be the better trade target
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 14, 2008 11:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The benefit of Peralta
is that you improve defense at shortstop, while getting approximately the same expected offense as DeRosa. With Fontenot and Theriot at second, Fonty gets the full platoon time. Peralta is signed for a low amount through 2010, with a club option for 2011.
I just don’t see the Indians trading Cabrera except for a solid #3 starter. I doubt they see Marshall as that good, and they already have a lot of lefties.
I agree Peralta is not what Hendry seems to be looking for right now, but as GM, I would be interested.
Fontenot (fon-te-no): Cajun for "scrappy"
by zambranofan on Nov 14, 2008 12:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I like Peralta at one level
but I think Hendry is focused on the three goals and is willing to leave Theriot at SS if he can’t get a lead-off hitter or LH hitter there.
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 14, 2008 12:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Here's how I'm seeing things right now.
The Cubs are going to get a LH reliever. After that, they’ve got enough $$$ to get 1/3 of their remaining off-season goals: a LH bat, a SP, and a lead-off man. If they can clear enough salary (Marquis, Cotts, etc.), they’ll be able to buy 2/3.
The Options -
LH RF
High Ticket – Abreu
Mid-Range – Ibanez
Cut Rate – Hermida
SP
High Ticket – Lowe, probably Dempster
Mid-Range – Hendry wished Dempster
Cut-Rate – Edwin Jackson?
Leadoff man – Rafael Furcal
Mid-Range – Roberts
Cut-rate – Maicer Izturis? There may not be a cut-rate option here.
I think Hendry hoped to be able to get Demp and Ibanez cheap enough to be able to make a play on Furcal or Roberts. Dempster seems to be making that unlikely.
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 14, 2008 10:04 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I'd toss Andy Sonnanstine onto the mid-range/cut-rate pitcher pile
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 14, 2008 10:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Is he available?
I know one of those guys is gonna have to go now that Price will be starting
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 14, 2008 11:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, him and Jackson are both available, apparently
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 14, 2008 11:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Here's who I'd really like to add: Koji Uehara
Keith Law has him listed as the #22 free agent ahead of Ben Sheets. He also describes Uehara as an innings-eater because of his control. That would be spectacular for the Cubs.
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 14, 2008 11:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It's definitely an interesting name.
He could also be a Dome buddy. Jeff Passan’s got him at No. 20.
"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 14, 2008 12:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Correction: No. 30.
"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 14, 2008 12:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Uh, where does Adam Dunn fit into all this?
Or do you not think the Cubs would ever seriously consider him for right field?
"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 14, 2008 10:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Dunn is definitely a possibility in RF - his RF defense is better than Abreu's and Ibanez'
He’s high-ticket #2. I think Lou would prefer Abreu, because in Lou’s eyes Abreu would be “younger and more athletic” than Dunn.
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 14, 2008 10:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Which is negligible
This is what, 36 year old Abreu? Not the Philly Abreu…..Dunn would be amazing hitting at Wrigley b/t Lee and Ramirez, or some combo therein
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 14, 2008 11:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Lots of noise that Adam Dunn is going to take the money from the Washington Nationals...
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 14, 2008 10:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn't surprise me.
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 14, 2008 10:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, from the Reds to the Nats.
If that happens, Dunn sure can pick ’em.
"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 14, 2008 11:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
haven't made it all the way through this thread yet, but...
Nats just assigned Dmitri Young to AAA. He accepted too, guess he didn’t want to give up his ~$5M for next season.
If anyone can fill Dmitri’s space at 1B, it’d be someone the size of Dunn… ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Nov 14, 2008 2:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think you are correct on the structure
There in lies the budget balance. First figure out two points, 2009 liability # minus $2-3M for mid season acquisition and minus economic downturn—think 10% on ad rates, concessions and and even ticket sales.
Then future liability #’s although it looks that those numbers begin to fall in 2010-2012.
My thinking is that Wood showed the way, a closer role salary slot/liability slot was reduced. Same for the rest of the bullpen, Howry/Eyre slots opened. Guzman figures heavily here.
Removing Marquis’s salary slot would help alot….even 2/3’s of it, which if you think of it that was the short term attraction of Peavy. Thus I think the Cubs are counting on Hill or Samardz to fill the 5th starter role, with Z, Harden, Lilly and Open the others.
Okay where are the other slots. DeRosa is a place where there is value although $5.5 is not big and possibly a bargain at his ‘07-’08 OPS. The bargain is moving Fontenot/Theriot to 2B platoon and having Theriot back up SS where $5M could be used with the $9.8M for Marquis (let us say 2/3’s of that $6.5M) adds to $11M.
The $$ gains I can only see are moving Arb eligible players: Cotts, Wuertz, Cedeno, Johnson and Gaudin. But except for Johnson the others on actually on the margins.Harden $7M, Lilly & Fuku are $12M, Lee $13M, Rami $15.5, Sori $16M, Z $17M plus Blanco & Samardz ($1.75M) or about $97M not including DeRosa & Marquis or ($112M) (Cubs payroll for ’08 was $118M)…..just below the LAD and $3M under the ChiSox. NYM led the NL with 137M while the Phils had $95M.
My guess is that Cubs have a self imposed cap of $125M ($6M increase) with the $2-3M cushion or $127 or $128M. Not trading Marquis only allows Cubs to sign their Arb eligible about $10M plus their league minimum’s, and that runs about $5M.
So I think Hendry is looking to shed Arb eligible players (Cedeno, Cotts and possibly Wuertz saving at least $4.5M plus shedding Marquis’s $9.9M or $13.5M). Moving DeRosa allows the Cubs to seek a better SS and what Furcal demands/commands will do much.
This all means two things, what DeRosa and Marquis bring in return, plus the arb eligible and moves of Pie and Marshall. Here is where a player like Hermidia or the short term move of Ibanez could do.
So in the end think of it in this structure:
$125M minus $97M + ( arb & min sal) = available resources
This is even why Koyie Hill might make the club over Henry Blanco where the difference of $2M might be critical.
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 14, 2008 10:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
you think...
… that the Cubs are going to go into spring training with a rotation of Zambrano, Lilly, Harden and an fight for the last two spots in the rotation?
by dmlichte on Nov 14, 2008 10:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
no one...the open meant
Dempster or an acquisition from the moves, but I think Marquis is either the final fall back or he is traded.
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 14, 2008 10:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
oh and I forgot Gregg's arb eligible contract
that will be even more pressure to cut down where they can….other arb eligible and Marquis plus others.
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 14, 2008 10:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Kevin Gregg shapes up to be a solid and cost-effective addition to the bullpen
The more I look at Gregg and what he can do, the more I like his addition. Gregg does have the ability to be a primetime set-up man to Carlos Marmol as closer. And if Marmol proves that he isn’t up to being closer, then Gregg is somebody I am fine with in that role. Lets face it, the Cub bullpen was a problem as the season progressed in 2008. Hendry seems intent on improving the pen. I’m guessing he is going to make another meaningful addition of a middle reliever.
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 14, 2008 10:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Does this mean you're changing your perspective on Michael Wuertz too?
Seriously – what is it that you are liking the more you look at Gregg? What in particular has upped your opinion of him?
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 14, 2008 11:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Michael Wuertz sucks
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 14, 2008 11:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Wuertz will always be a mop-up man at best. He cracks under pressure and is afraid to throw the ball over the plate. The sooner the Cubs part company with him the better.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 14, 2008 11:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Did Michael Wuertz blow 9 saves last 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 14, 2008 11:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If he had 9 opportunities he would have.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 14, 2008 11:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
lol
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 14, 2008 11:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Odd you should say that
since Wuertz has a better career ERA, a better career K rate, a better BB rate over the past two years. It’s almost like Wuertz is better than Kevin 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 14, 2008 11:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting!!
Why did he get sent down last year? He had to have done something bad.
by McRipper on Nov 14, 2008 11:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
On Lou's team...
that doesn’t seem to always be the case.
Free Ronny Cedeno
by Kansas25 on Nov 14, 2008 11:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, Wuertz does have...
…a (5-year) career ERA+ of 127 vs. Gregg’s (6-year) career ERA+ of 110. But the big difference between them I see is innings pitched. Gregg has pitched 407+ innings vs. Wuertz’s 262+. It seems like Gregg has proved himself at the major league level much more consistently than Wuertz.
"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 14, 2008 11:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Gregg's pitched an extra year and has 5 starts
- there are a good # of your innings. 17 points of ERA+ are nothing to scoff at. 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 14, 2008 11:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Face meet palm...
Heavens to mergatroid. I’m not going to get into grand debate on Michael Friggin Wuertz. The guy sucks. Every inherited base runner on the planet scores against the guy. He walks people at the wrong time and overall is wholly unreliable. Lou Piniella lost total faith in the guy for very, very good reason. He sucks. And hopefully his career with the Cubs is 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 14, 2008 11:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't care to convince you that Wuertz is good.
I’m just enjoying the disconnect between your admiration for Kevin Gregg and your distaste for Michael Wuertz. Kevin Gregg walks people more often than Wuertz does. He isn’t exactly reliable himself – that’s why he lost the closer job last 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 14, 2008 11:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, your point about inherited baserunners is a little shaky...
…given that Wuertz was second in the National League (to Carlos Marmol) in stranding inherited runners in ‘07. He did, however, seem to take a huge step backward this year with his deserved demotion to Triple A and, IIRC, he didn’t exactly look fantastic when he came back up. My guess is Lou, and perhaps Jim Hendry, simply have no confidence that Wuertz will ever be consistently effective.
"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 14, 2008 11:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1 for the Snagglepuss reference
"The object of a ball game for the fan is not to be entertained. It is to win." - Max Lapides
by CaliCub on Nov 14, 2008 11:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Exit, stage right!
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 14, 2008 12:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I total
$109M for 9 players: Lee ($13M), Ramirez ($15.65M), Soriano ($16M), DeRosa ($5.5M), Zambrano ($17.75M), Marquis ($9.8M), Lilly ($12M), Fukudome ($12M), and Harden ($7M),. Add another $8M or so for Blanco, Gregg and Samardz and that means you have spent $117M + and still have 13 roster to account for. No wonder Hendry is treading lightly.
by azjazzman on Nov 14, 2008 4:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hendry has hit the wall...
…with his spending and now he is having to find money to address what the organization has indentified as the biggest needs.
I have said for a long time, these backloaded deals would bite back and they are starting to. What makes it worse, is the Tribune was planning to be out from under all this by now and that is contributing to this.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Nov 14, 2008 10:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
A "pound sand" moment brought to you by Kerry Wood
You know what is funny. All the talk in recent weeks over how Kerry Wood and Ryan Dempster would be only too willing to give the Cubs a “hometown discount” to stay with the ballclub. Well, as we are finding out you can throw that theory out the window. Sounds as though Kerry Wood told Jim Hendry to pound sand on any suggestion that he take a one or two year incentive laden deal.
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 14, 2008 10:39 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Can you blame him? An athlete only has so many
chances to earn top dollar. All the talk about hometown discounts and wanting to stay in Chicago because his wife is from here, goes away pretty fast when reality sets in. Kerry Wood has to do what’s best for his family. In this case, it didn’t include staying with the Cubs. Life can be tough sometimes, but we’ll all get over it and move on. I’m sure Kerry and the Cubs will.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 14, 2008 10:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Cubs made the smart move and I don’t blame Kerry Wood one iota. I hope he nets a huge payday from somebody.
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 14, 2008 10:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Good point
and important for all of us to remember from now on.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Nov 14, 2008 10:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh good grief
It’s not a good point. MDBNIU has no idea what the tone of conversation between Kerry Wood and Jim Hendry was. And it’s one thing for Kerry to take less money two years in a row. It’s another when his health is less suspect to leave 25 M or more on the table. Hendry and Wood may well have parted company with a handshake or a hug, agreeing that what was best for the Cubs and what was best for Kerry just didn’t match up anymore. We don’t know. MDBNIU doesn’t know. His speculation reveals more about himself than about the Cubs.
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 14, 2008 11:11 AM CST up reply actions 6 recs
Agree 100%.
Rec’d.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Nov 14, 2008 7:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It was reported on CTL tonight
that Kerry was willing to take a one year deal but Lou didn’t want him and that’s why they let him go.
by sue369 on Nov 14, 2008 6:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
GIve me a break lady...
Put your dripping sentimentality for Kerry Wood away for a moment and look at this thing objectively. Letting Kerry Wood go was the smart move by an organizaton that FINALLY seems committed to placing winning a World Series above all else. I am so sick and tired of the nostagia that has to drive everything with the Cubs that I want to puke.
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 14, 2008 11:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty much how I feel about the guest conductors
A cute touch that’s outlived its usefulness, unless they institute a rule whereby the celebs have to pay for everyone’s beer that day.
"The object of a ball game for the fan is not to be entertained. It is to win." - Max Lapides
by CaliCub on Nov 15, 2008 11:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Where did I say ANYTHING
that these were MY feelings? I didn’t. I was repeating what was said on CTL. Jesus get over your inflated self.
by sue369 on Nov 16, 2008 1:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I dont ....
believe that for a second.
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 15, 2008 12:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
There is probably no
way we will know for sure.
by sue369 on Nov 16, 2008 1:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
need info
can anyone post a complete list of our current big leaguers, their salaries, and a total team salary as of right now.
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 14, 2008 10:58 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Google "Cot's Baseball Contracts"
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 14, 2008 11:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
just too lazy
to add em all up and get a running total as of now lol
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 14, 2008 11:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
On my spreadsheet right now,
The Cubs 2009 salary total is $120,015,000. That does not include Edmonds, Dempster, Wood, Howry, Lieber, Blanco, Ward, Wuertz, Fox, either Hill, Cedeño, Pie, or Hoffpauir. It does include my projected raises for RJ, Gaudin, Cotts, Soto, Theriot, etc.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Nov 14, 2008 12:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
ewww
thats worse than i thought it was. are you including gregg?? I gotta bad feeling were looking pretty closely at our 2009 squad. I just dont see any big additions with a payroll already that high. I mean we dont know exactly what the budget is but ones gotta figure its between 135-140. maybe we can unload marquis and/or harden but I think that would come later in the offseason after most valuable players are off the table. hopefully I’m wrong but I just dont see a big name addition.
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 14, 2008 1:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
We'll see.
I think Hendry is being tight-lipped on the exact # to keep agents and rivals guessing.
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 14, 2008 1:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
I think we can expect the following moves before Jim Hendry, for all intents and purposes, closes up shop.
1. Let Kerry Wood go — done
2. Acquire a couple reasonable financial investments for the bullpen — Kevin Gregg is step one, I think there will be a step two
3. Re-sign Ryan Dempster — this is where Hendry blows his financial wad
4. Acquire a left-handed hitting run producer — probably in the Luke Scott, Ryan Church type price range, but maybe Raul Ibanez
5. Move a few of the ill-fitting parts (e.g., Felix Pie, Michael Wuertz)
Leadoff hitter? His name will be Ryan Theriot in 2009.
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 14, 2008 1:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
My total does not include Gregg.
He made $2.5M last season. As a 5 year man in arbitration, he could very well get $4M.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Nov 14, 2008 7:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This is for 2008
Chicago Cubs Zambrano, Carlos P $16,000,000
Chicago Cubs Ramirez, Aramis 3B $15,000,000
Chicago Cubs Soriano, Alfonso OF $14,000,000
Chicago Cubs Lee, Derrek 1B $13,250,000
Chicago Cubs Lilly, Ted P $8,000,000
Chicago Cubs Dempster, Ryan P $7,333,333
Chicago Cubs Fukudome, Kosuke OF $7,000,000
Chicago Cubs Marquis, Jason P $6,375,000
Chicago Cubs De Rosa, Mark 2B $4,750,000
Chicago Cubs Howry, Bobby P $4,500,000
Chicago Cubs Wood, Kerry P $4,200,000
Chicago Cubs Eyre, Scott P $3,800,000
Chicago Cubs Lieber, Jon P $3,500,000
Chicago Cubs Blanco, Henry C $3,175,000
Chicago Cubs Johnson, Reed OF $1,300,000
Chicago Cubs Ward, Daryle 1B $1,200,000
Chicago Cubs Wuertz, Michael P $860,000
Chicago Cubs Hill, Rich P $445,000
Chicago Cubs Marmol, Carlos P $430,000
Chicago Cubs Theriot, Ryan SS $428,000
Chicago Cubs Cedeno, Ronny SS $407,000
Chicago Cubs Fontenot, Mike 2B $405,000
Chicago Cubs Pie, Felix OF $401,500
Chicago Cubs Guzman, Angel P $401,000
Chicago Cubs Soto, Geovany C $401,000
Chicago Cubs Hart, Kevin P $392,500
Chicago Cubs Pignatiello, Carmen P $391,500
by azjazzman on Nov 14, 2008 3:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Keith Laws take on Gregg-Ceda trade
The Cubs say they’re going to move Carlos Marmol into the closer role, removing him from the seventh-eighth inning role where Lou Piniella was willing to stretch him out to get more than three outs in a single appearance. It also increases the chance that Marmol will be wasted in save situations where the Cubs have a three-run lead (that is, a relatively low-leverage save situation).
The Marlins, meanwhile, have picked up another free arm for a player they simply didn’t want or need for 2009, and this arm is very good. Ceda sits in the mid-90s with a sharp slider with hard diving action, and he has a good track record of missing bats in the minors, including 42 strikeouts in 30 AA innings this year. His stuff would play in the majors right now, and the Marlins aren’t afraid to promote guys with big velocity quickly.
You don’t give arms like Ceda away for one year of a middle reliever’s time. Nothing is guaranteed with pitchers and especially not with pitching prospects, but I could see Gregg posting a 4.50 ERA and leaving as a free agent while Ceda becomes a star reliever in Florida for the next six years.
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 14, 2008 12:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Law, Tim Dierkes (mlbtraderumors), others are just wrong
about having Gregg for only one year. He has been in the majors part of 5 seasons, but he was not active much of that time. The Cubs control him for a few years.
Hard to make sense of their analysis if they can’t even pay that much attention.
Fontenot (fon-te-no): Cajun for "scrappy"
by zambranofan on Nov 14, 2008 12:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The discrepancy is that they are all using Cot's for their input.
According to Cot’s, Gregg has 4.002 years of service time. However, Cot’s has not updated their service time to include 2008 yet. So, assuming that Gregg spent all of 2008 with the Marlins, he now has 5.002 years of time and will be a FA after 2009. Remember that time on the DL counts as service time, as does time on a minor league rehab assignment.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Nov 14, 2008 12:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I actually think Gregg's only being with us for a year instead of two is a very good thing.
Gregg is not going to work out with Lou. 8 months from now, Gregg will be despised by some guys on this site who are singing his praises right now.
That we only have him for a year is a good thing because he’ll have saves and at least some holds from the beginning of 2009 on his record so he’ll get us a draft pick or two at the end of 2009.
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 14, 2008 12:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wont the picks come if he declines arb?
A guy like that might take that offer, and I doubt he’ll be a Type A free agent. They traded away a potential diamond in the rough for a different Bob Howry, one with a slower fastball at that.
JIM HENDRY SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO TRADE WITH THE MARLINS!
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 14, 2008 2:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He'd only accept if he didn't think he could get a better deal
and he might want to pursue a closing job.
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 14, 2008 4:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
this says
he’s under are control until 2011 I believe. 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 14, 2008 1:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
So the Pointdexters and sabermagicians of cyberspace don't like the move
Big deal. Cubs are in win now mode and Kevin Gregg is quality addition to the bullpen. An addition that enables Carlos Marmol to move into the closer role. And an addition that is financially reasonable.
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 14, 2008 12:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree that Hendry made a good financial decision with Gregg/Wood
But I still don’t like giving up Jose Ceda for a guy who wouldn’t be the Marlins’ closer in 2009 or might have even been DFA’d.
by rynomite23 on Nov 14, 2008 1:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
If they were going to trade Ceda to the Marlins, why not put together a bigger package and try to get Hermida and/or Nolasco, too?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 14, 2008 1:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Here's some of my wonderings on that subject.
Hendry may have wanted to get Gregg before the free agent market opened to everyone to make the point he made with Wood (and possibly also to Demp). If there was a time factor here, he may have been willing to overpay to get it done.
It is possible that Hendry told the Fish “to keep the change”and please remember it when we come back later in the post-season to talk about Nolasco or Hermida." That kind of credit among GMs may or may not exist. Even if it doesn’t, I don’t think Hendry is ready to move on a trade for a RF until he gets a sense on what Dempster might cost or what lead-off options might cost.
So, if Demp signs with the Braves next week, there may be a Nolasco trade brewing. Or if Demp signs with the Cubs, but without much of a discount, well, then forget Ibanez/Dunn/Abreu, and Hermida trade may start going.
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 14, 2008 1:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I know GM's respect Hendry...
… and he has a good relationship with Beinfest. So you might be on to something.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 14, 2008 2:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Smart, very smart...
…why didn’t I think of that?
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Nov 14, 2008 2:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not going to live in worry of Jose Ceda coming back to haunt
This is a guy who has had a yo-yo professional existence to date. And a guy with weight issues and historical control issues. To go along with a guy who hasn’t pitched above A-ball. He might work out just fine. But chances are also legitimate that he craps out and is trivia question in two years.
It takes quality to get quality. Gregg is quality. And Gregg fits the “win now” strategy.
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 14, 2008 1:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That's not the issue here.
The issue is whether the Cubs could have gotten more for Ceda from the Marlins. I believe they could have.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 14, 2008 2:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Everyone believes it
(with one exception).
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 14, 2008 2:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Because again...
You know more and are smarter than Jim Hendry.
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 14, 2008 2:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You need to re-read my sig line.
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 14, 2008 4:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Explain to me this wondrous insight you have on Jose Ceda that says he is worth more than an affordable major league closer / setup man???
I’m dying to understand.
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 14, 2008 2:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
In most cases
i’m all for trading prospects for whatever helps the major league team. I think alot of people tend to over value are prospects. I’m not against acquiring gregg whatsoever but in this case we gace up way way way way way tooooooo 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 14, 2008 2:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not so sure about that...
… I just thought Ceda, plus others, might have brought more than a mid-range closer.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 14, 2008 3:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i really want dunn
hes a great player
"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"
by fischisgod on Nov 14, 2008 2:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
please
lord make it stop oh please make it stop
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 14, 2008 2:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Would there be riots in Cleveland if they traded Sizemore
Not that we could come close, but man, he’d be perfect.
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 14, 2008 2:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
dempster
turning down a 50 mill 4 yr deal?that doesn,t bode well for a return to chi-town.braves are no longer interested in peavy.maybe demp will go home to canada with toronto.
by NOMAR on Nov 15, 2008 4:53 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
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