Free Agents No One's Talking About
by DGU on Nov 20, 2008 7:22 PM CST
156 comments
We've covered free agents from Abreu to Zaun and certain names have come up a bunch - Ibanez, Furcal, Dunn - what about the names that haven't come up? None of these guys are Type A or Type B free agents. But maybe they could be of use.
LH corner OF
Eric Hinske - "Could someone please tell me what the difference is between me and Mark Teahen?"
Cliff Floyd - Floyd won't be there all the time, but if that gives both Pie and Fukudome a chance, is that all bad?
Brad Wilkerson - "Hey, I was once traded for the guy that was traded for Alex Rodriguez. Um, I was also DFA'd last year."
LH speedy IF
Cesar Izturis - "So, last year I was just as valuable as Ryan Theriot, oh, and I also switch-hit and steal bases without getting caught and play some of the best SS defense in the game, which, I don't know, if you believe Lou, might have helped in the playoffs."
Felipe Lopez - His defense is atrocious, so playing Lopez at SS would be like playing Ryan Theriot, except a switch-hitter with better odds of repeating a year of helpful hitting.
Nick Punto - See "Piranha."
Starting Pitchers
Pedro Martinez - "I was the original Tim Lincecum!"
Mark Mulder - Let Mulder be a placeholder name for all the injured pitchers coming back from Kris Benson to Jason Jennings. Any of them stand out (besides Freddy Garcia whom we've talked about quite a bit?)
Anyone else have any ideas?
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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I hear from Aramis that Cezar Izturis is also pretty "friendly" in the dugout.
"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 20, 2008 7:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Hey, who could the Cubs get in trade for Aramis Ramirez?
Because I’m pretty sure he’d waive his NTC if Hendry brought Izturis back.
"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 21, 2008 11:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
wait
what am i missing?
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Nov 21, 2008 11:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Here's a blog post...
…that should clarify matters. And the video clip even still works!
"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 21, 2008 11:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I have to ask
Where is the none of the above option?
by Galvan316 on Nov 20, 2008 7:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
+1000
"It's probably similar to being in New York City and having a cab driver behind you and you're driving too slow. It's not the most pleasant thing."
Barry Sanders, on what defensive backs who played against him compared him to.
by Jettero2112 on Nov 20, 2008 7:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
how does eric hinske
not help the team?
bring up felix.
by kylejo on Nov 20, 2008 9:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If I had added "none of the above"
it would have received 80% of the votes. This post is about bargain shopping.
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 20, 2008 9:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
fair enough - let us know when some bargains are available...
seriously – what kind of scenario do you envision that would include the Cubs signing any of these guys?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Nov 20, 2008 9:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, in all fairness...
Someone is going to sign Mulder, and hide him away for awhile. I wouldn’t begrudge a incentive-laden, one-year deal.
And Lopez? I don’t think he’s a Lou guy, but…
by Damen Jackson on Nov 20, 2008 9:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
well, if you add, you must then subtract
I don’t doubt that most of these guys will get signed or worse case, get spring training invites. But when I look at their positions, roles, potential, etc. I’m trying to see where they’d be an improvement over what we already have. And I ain’t seeing it.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Nov 20, 2008 9:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You honestly think that...
Lopez on even his nuttiest day isn’t an improvement over Ronny Cedeno? Really?
I hate to side with Blue Mike, but saying he has three brain cells is giving Ronny a compliment.
And Mulder could continue his rehab in AAA for a while, until you see what he has. I’m not advocating the idea, just acknowledging it wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.
by Damen Jackson on Nov 20, 2008 9:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
just seems to me that these guys are basically a bunch of spare parts
and the only way they’d find their way on to the Cubs is if a bunch of the existing spare parts get bundled up in some 5 for 2 trade or something like that.
So yeah, if Cedeno, Hoffpauir, Pie, etc. get traded then somebody has to fill those spots and I guess they could come from this list.
But to answer your question… yeah, I’d rather stick with the evil I know, Cedeno, than go with Lopez. The only thing that gives me pause on Lopez is that he is a switch hitter.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Nov 20, 2008 9:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
My fingers are crossed that Cedeno...
finds his way out of town this offseason.
But yes; for the switch hiitting, basestealing, and versatility, if Lopez leaned toward the low side cost-wise, I’d sign him. Interesting that he was a good player before he went to Washington, and turned into one again once he left. He’s a very undervalued signing, in my opinion.
by Damen Jackson on Nov 20, 2008 9:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree about Felipe Lopez
and I think it’s time for the Cubs to ship Cedeno off in this market where many teams want SSs and there aren’t many SSs to get.
The one thing I don’t like about Lopez is his defense, and so while he has upside, Punto’s sure-handed glove may make him a better backup option for us.
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 20, 2008 10:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
"Bunch of spare parts"
I’d contend that while people are thinking we might make a trade for Teahen or Lugo, there are options on this list who are as good as Teahen and Lugo without costing us anything in trade.
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 20, 2008 10:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
well then, you can probably guess what I think about Teahen and Lugo
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Nov 20, 2008 10:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Here's part of what I'm thinking.
We’ve got a 97-win team that was superb on both sides of the game – offense and defense. Rather than blow our trade chips and our budget in the off-season, why not try some spare parts and see if we can find this year’s Carlos Pena. This team is good enough to go into next year with some holes. Then, when the trade deadline rolls around, we’ll still have flexibility in the budget and still have trade chips to patch the holes if need be.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Nov 20, 2008 11:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
ok but...
who are you getting rid of? If you want to try some new spare parts, they have to replace somebody, right? And it seems to me that a lot of folks around here don’t view Cedeno, Hoffpauir, et al as spare parts – they are viewed as trade chips. Not sure if you do or not. Regardless though, who do you get rid of if you bring Lopez and Punto on board? Or Hinske or whoever you had in mind.
I just don’t see an overwhelming reason to sign any of these guys now at the expense of taking up a spot on our roster. Come February, and any of these are still unsigned, by all means, bring ‘em into camp as a spring training invitee. That’s the ultimate in no cost approaches…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Nov 21, 2008 12:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Cedeno's value in trade is higher than it is for us to keep him.
So, I’d trade Cedeno and sign Punto.
I’d also take Hinske or Floyd over Hoffpauir.
There are a lot of injury-risk pitchers I’d throw in the mix for the #5 spot if we could get someone to take Marquis’ contract.
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 21, 2008 9:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Cedeño isn't tradable (except as a throw-in) until Punto is off the market.
You would have to sign Punto first, then hope someone else signs Jerry Hairston. Then you might be able to trade Cedeño.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Nov 21, 2008 12:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree
Cedeno is still young and some one will remember him as a Top 100 prospect of yesteryore. His market may surprise some Cub fans.
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 21, 2008 4:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
There is one team that is absolutely, totally, completely desperate for a SS,
preferably one who is not too expensive and good defensively: The Baltimore Orioles.
Why did the Orioles not want Cedeño last year in the Roberts trade? Why aren’t they asking about him this year?
Maybe Andy McPhail knows a little something about Ronny Cedeño…
If the Orioles don’t want him, who would? Someone looking for a 25th man. Remember that he is arb-eligible and out of options. That means that it is much more risky for a team (say, the O’s, Dads, or Twins) to take a chance on him as a starter.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Nov 21, 2008 4:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
As far as I understood those negotiations, Cedeno was a target.
And I’ve also heard that Toronto and San Diego have interest in Cedeno.
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 21, 2008 4:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Orioles appear to have some interest in Cesar Izturis.
Why they’d want Izturis and not Cedeno is beyond me.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 21, 2008 5:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
They're the Orioles. Conventional wisdom and common sense
don’t seem to cut much with that bunch. I seriously wonder if that team will ever improve under the current management group. It’s really a shame because that was once one of the top oganizations in baseball. I am firmly convinced that Angelos doesn’t have a clue.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 21, 2008 6:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You're right.
That team will never improve until Angelos sells.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 21, 2008 7:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe they want someone who is reliable?
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Nov 22, 2008 12:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I was going to
ask that too. Thanks Galvan for asking.
by sue369 on Nov 20, 2008 9:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yes exactly what I was goin to say you forgot to have a none of the above option. Why would we go after Floyd after we let him go this past offseason and go after Cezar um lets see how he fared his first time here…oh wait not very good!! And Pedro Martinez who is 834 years old and gets hurt every few starts or gives up 7 runs every game.
by Eric16 on Nov 20, 2008 7:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
You know, if you used commas
You’d be NOMAR
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 21, 2008 12:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think he's NOMAR's kid brother.
On the plus side, he does seem to have a functional Shift key.
"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 21, 2008 12:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Those young kids are usually more computer savvy than the older ones
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 21, 2008 12:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Nomars bro played in the Mariners organization
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 21, 2008 3:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No, not THAT Nomar, the other one.
Y’know, the one whose user name is in ALL CAPS but otherwise can’t be bothered to hit the Shift key or even the space bar sometimes.
"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 21, 2008 4:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Theriot and Izturis
Izturis hit 263/309/628, umm yeah I would take a downgrade defensivly to get 307/387/745(also had 166 AB’s more then Izturis) offensivly. It’s so funny how people still treat Theriot on this board. Oh well the guy will be playing everyday for us next year, no matter what dumb comments people continue to say on here.
by cubsfan25 on Nov 20, 2008 7:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
theriot has his defensive inabilities...
but I still don’t see izturis as being equally as valuable…id take theriot instantly over izturis.
by cubsmania on Nov 20, 2008 9:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If you don't like hearing that Theriot's defense makes his value negligible
take it up with Sky Kalkman at Beyond the Box Score. The link is above. Theriot and Izturis are polar opposites – one can’t get on-base but fields beautifully; the other gets on base but can’t range more than two steps. They end up, once you account for defense, being equally valuable.
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 20, 2008 10:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
and Miguel Tejada was barely better then Theriot and Izturis last year. If you judge players according to that system thats fine. But put it this way, Theriot value around the league is ALOT higher then Izturis right now, because Theriot was ALOT better last year. Thats all I’m gonna say about this silly topic.
by cubsfan25 on Nov 20, 2008 11:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No one's talking about...
these options because they’re all terrible options.
by kanderber on Nov 20, 2008 7:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
These options look terrible
when all you’re talking about the rest of the day are Type A free agents. The question is – can we find a diamond in the rough.
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 20, 2008 10:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The way Lou treated Izturis and Floyd the last time, there is no way either would sign with the Cubs again.
Brad Wilkerson used to be a good ballplayer; the guy who has been wearing his uniform the last three years is worthless.
Felipe Lopez is a talented headcase; I’m not sure he fits on a winning team.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Nov 20, 2008 7:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Wilkerson has been ugly the past few years.
At one time, I thought it was the shoulder injury, but now I’m really wondering if he has anything left.
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 20, 2008 10:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The way Lou treated Floyd?
I seem to recall Floyd always getting the benefit of the doubt, often playing hurt ahead of a healthy Murton, who never got much playing time with Lou, and ahead of Jacque Jones, Doghouse Pioneer. Seemed to me like Cliff was treated with kid gloves by management, fans and media all year last year (2007), despite being mediocre.
My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.
by JohnM on Nov 21, 2008 6:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
LOL, "doghouse pioneer."
Yeah, Jacque built that doghouse, baby.
"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 21, 2008 11:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
course, it took him fifteen whacks with a hammer to drive a single nail.
not enough power in the arm.
"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 21, 2008 2:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Cliff Floyd: “I sucked then and I suck even more now!”
Cesar Izturis: “Wow! Someone else will let me steal money?”
Mark Mulder: “Think of all the tickets you’ll sell because people want to see my arm literally fly off my body.”
Worf: “Please shut up, all of you.”
The worst beer I had was pretty good.
by Worf on Nov 20, 2008 7:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Worf adds, "Oh, and quitcherbitchin'!"
"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 21, 2008 11:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
how he lives with himself is simply unknown.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Nov 21, 2008 12:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
multiple personalities???
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Nov 21, 2008 1:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Why is no one talking about Eric Hinske?
Maybe because a 100 career OPS+ isn’t that special for a COF who is -11 defensively.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Nov 20, 2008 8:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Mark Teahan
has a 98 career OPS+ and a +4 COF rating defensively. He’s also four years younger.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Nov 20, 2008 9:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
at this point
hinkse has exponentially more power.
bring up felix.
by kylejo on Nov 20, 2008 9:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If Teahen was a free agent
or if his trade cost is nothing we want, he makes sense. But if he actually costs us something valuable, why is he a better option than Hinske?
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 20, 2008 10:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Remember that you will likely have Dome in CF, not Pie.
Hinske’s defense is significantly worse than Daryle Ward’s — he’s almost in Ken Griffey country. Dome can’t really cover that.
And, I guess I’m not overly impressed with a .438 career SLG from a poor fielding COF.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Nov 21, 2008 12:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
haha Uncle Cliffy back in a Cubs uni?
that would be funny
To see your idol player whom you have grown up watching be cast aside by his loyal organization can make even a grown man choke up...We'll miss you #34!
by Chanman25 on Nov 20, 2008 8:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I can't imagine Hendry would even consider...
…bringing back either Floyd or Izturis – especially the latter after Lou kicked Cesar to the curb in favor of Monsieur Double-Clutch. And though Uncle Cliffy seems like a great guy, he was a pretty big disappointment in ’07 – at least in terms of home runs. He had nine, which is one less than Fukudome hit this year.
"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 21, 2008 11:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
How 'bout Bernie Williams?
In Hendry We Trust
by initram on Nov 20, 2008 8:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I'd be for that.....
…but….
1) does he have anything left in the tank
2) does he want to play for anyone besides the Yankees
If I recall, a couple offseasons ago he found out he wasn’t going to get a lot of playing time so he decided to call it quits. I’m pretty sure he made it clear that he only wanted to play for the yanks.
I wouldn’t be opposed to him in a cubs uniform though.
by EJThunder on Nov 20, 2008 11:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Cubs could use a good classical guitar player
Perhaps that was the real secret behind the Yankees’ postseason success – Bernie’s guitar.
"I see great things in baseball. It's our game - the American game." - Walt Whitman
by hip2bsquare on Nov 21, 2008 7:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually...
Lopez made my Free Agent short list, but until there are signs of him being willing to do a one year — or an affordable multi — I wouldn’t be interested.
However, I’d have a great deal of interest in bringing Bartolo Colon into camp.
by Damen Jackson on Nov 20, 2008 8:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
How about Sergio Mitre? :-)
Oh, yeah, the Yankees just signed him.
"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 20, 2008 9:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
What about...
…Kerry Wood? No one’s been talking about his picking him up. I mean, he’s good and stuff. Why not take a chance? Last year’s numbers were pretty good. – TL
[In 2008] Kila Ka’aihue had the best on-base percentage of any hitter in the minor leagues. - Joe Posnanski, 11/9/2008 ... Ergo, let's give him a shot at first base in KC in 2009.
by timlacy on Nov 20, 2008 9:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Never heard of him.
(Actually, there’s a slim chance Kerry could wind up being offered arbitration and accepting it.)
"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 21, 2008 11:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Forget Kerry
We need LaTroy Hawkins to be our closer. Oh, you mean the Cubs already tried that and it didn’t work. Oops!
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on Nov 21, 2008 3:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
What about...
Mark Grudzielanek, Kyle Farnsworth, and Moises Alou? I mean, as long as we’re talking former Cubs and all.
(Where is that sarcasm key on this board?)
Whoever said you can't mix business with pleasure never owned a PuttPutt course---Andy Bernard
by carmen_fanzone on Nov 20, 2008 9:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Neifi is still available
or Enrique Wilson
To see your idol player whom you have grown up watching be cast aside by his loyal organization can make even a grown man choke up...We'll miss you #34!
by Chanman25 on Nov 20, 2008 9:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ask and ye shall receive.
"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 21, 2008 11:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
thanks daver... :)
Whoever said you can't mix business with pleasure never owned a PuttPutt course---Andy Bernard
by carmen_fanzone on Nov 21, 2008 3:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
3/4 of our Roster are already secondbaseman
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 20, 2008 9:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Cuban slugger, Dayan Viciedo is signed...
… by the favorite team of the U.S. President Elect, Barack Obama!
by DrCrawdad on Nov 20, 2008 9:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Congratulations
My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.
by JohnM on Nov 21, 2008 6:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully he works out for you.
Everything you read has him the second coming of Miguel Cabrera and even after trading Swisher, the Sox have too many first basemen.
But the wind blew me back via Chicago, In the middle of the night
by N Oakley on Nov 21, 2008 8:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Dayan Viciedo plays...
… 3rd and OF.
even after trading Swisher, the Sox have too many first basemen.
I don’t see that. The Sox have Konerko, Betemit (more of a utility IF) and Thome. But Thome hasn’t played regularly at 1B in years.
The Sox do have an abundance of sluggers, but at this point not too many 1st basemen.
by DrCrawdad on Nov 21, 2008 6:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Why even mention Izturis or Floyd?
They found their way to Piniella’s doghouse and were shown the door. You can pretty much bank on the fact that they aren’t coming back here.
by SouthernCub on Nov 20, 2008 10:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Floyd was NOT
in Lou’s doghouse. He just wasn’t all that good in 2007.
But he’s not a Cub last year. He’s become more brittle and there’s no way the Cubs will put him in right.
by elgato on Nov 21, 2008 9:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would take my 10 year old sister at short over Izturis
That guy is a bum…. Mulder pitched 2/3 on an inning last year… pedro is no longer effective.
by cliffyhoops03 on Nov 20, 2008 10:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
He has been written about a bit, mostly by me,
but what about signing Juan Cruz as another late inning option. The kid can flat out pitch and has closer stuff.
by dakoose on Nov 20, 2008 10:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Juan Cruz is a Type A
and for good reason. I’m not sure I want to give up the draft pick for him. If the cost was low enough in dollars and year, I might just do it. What would you be looking for?
A suggestion like this is what I was hoping to see more of in this fanpost.
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 20, 2008 11:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The draft pick is the biggest downside to the deal.
Tell me, can Hendry still offer arbitration to Howry and Woody? If so, he could afford to give up a pick if he gets some for those two players. I realize that the situation with Howry is much iffier than the Wood situation but if he could get some picks it would make it that much easier to bring in Cruz or any other bigger name free agents.
Here are some other free agents that could end up being worthwhile pickups. I haven’t bother to check whether they will cost picks but here goes.
Ray Durham- Any deal which would cost us Mike Fontenot or Mark DeRosa would open a hole at second base. Durham makes for a nice bench player with a “veteran presence”(whatever that means) and gives us some insurance if Fontenot regresses more than I expect him to. Durham performed at a pretty high level this year and could very well perform as well as any of the the options we currently have on the team. Of course, like I said, this signing would only make sense if a trade or two were to go down.
Rafael Soriano- He hasn’t been able to stay healthy but when he has, wow. Ideally, he could be had for a short term, incentive laden deal, one that is perfect for a team that shouldn’t be looking to make any more long term investments.
by dakoose on Nov 21, 2008 12:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
offering Arb to Howry
remember there’s a cost associated with the pick that we’d make as well. Just something to factor in when thinking about the idea of offering arb to Howry and getting caught with an extra say 3-4 million on the payroll. If we had that pick we’d likely spend close to a million on it
so is it worth 2-3 million to have the chance at a pick, i think it is, especially when some teams are already showing interest (like the Giants)
by DartmouthCubsFan on Nov 21, 2008 7:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I totally agree on Howry
and I hope the Giants will just sign him before the arb deadline.
Durham and Soriano are two I almost included above. You’re right with Durham, though, we’d have to trade at least one of our 2B first, and I think if we trade one, it’s because we like the other one playing 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 21, 2008 9:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I havent heard much intrest in him.....
But how about Milton Bradley? He is a switch hitting outfielder who can flat out rake. Ya he’s had troubles in the past but last year he made it through with no incidents. I bet we could get him cheaper than Ibanez. Not to mention the stat lines last year read(avg/OBP/SLG/OPS): Ibanez (.293/.358/.479/.837) vs. Bradley (.321/.436/.563/.999). Looks like a clean sweep for Bradley!! We should at least look into him. Also I would to question everybody’s hateful attitudes toward Ryan Theriot, I mean all he did was hit .307 steal 22 bases score 85 runs and play better defense then people are giving credit. I know he got caught 13 times stealing but he is not in there to steal, but to more put pressure on the pitcher and catcher. Lou said it himself.
A name few people are talking about is Jose Ascaino, i like him alot. Hard slider 90s fastball should provide good relief this year. Also Papelbons lil bro is really turning out good. He threw some 30 or so odd straight scoreless innings last year.
Gimmie your thoughts
ps Milton Bradley is 6 years younger than Ibanez as well
by nick_reny on Nov 21, 2008 2:05 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Jeremy Papelbon...meet Billy Ripken
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on Nov 21, 2008 7:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
At least Billy made it to the bigs, for parts of 12 years
And had the best baseball card error in history
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 21, 2008 8:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Roger that...
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on Nov 21, 2008 8:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I like Milton Bradley a lot for us when I just look at his stats.
It’s the clubhouse presence and injury status that give me caution.
The debate about Ryan Theriot really comes down, I think, to what you believe he did on defense. Almost all of his supporters seem to say something just like you did or “he makes the plays he’s supposed to.” When I watch him in the field, it seems to my untrained eyes that he’s missing plays left and right, that he makes dives for balls other SSs get standing up and BB then says, “What a great effort by the Riot.” If you believe his defense is ok, then there’s nothing wrong with giving him another chance. If you believe he’s already a liability in the field and on the basepaths, then the good chance that his AVG falls back to career levels makes it scarily possible that he’d be a liability in every section of the game.
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 21, 2008 9:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a theriot supporter
but heres the thing: we all know his shortcomings. thing is , he cost us near nothing. I keep seeing everyone say replace him, replace him,dump him,get rid of him. who do we replace him with?? cedeno isnt any better. if furcal doesnt sign with us then who?? I dont see anyone out there any better as a whole than theriot. the likes of cabrera etc are gonna cost.
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 21, 2008 9:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
What's the cost?
The cost of a poor offensive player is outs. Theriot in 2008 did a good job of not making outs from the batter’s box.
The cost of a poor defensive player is outs. He doesn’t make them, you extend your staff, you chew up your ‘pen. Most fans don’t see the building cost of missed outs.
The question of who to replace Theriot with isn’t easy, although you could certainly make the case that Nick Punto would be just as good as Theriot – not as valuable with the bat, but more valuable with the glove.
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 21, 2008 12:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
given the fragility in our pitching lineup
both mental and physical, and given that even with Riot’s scrappy-single-to-right bat we still had huge numbers in the RBI division, I’d suggest that for the Cubs 09, defense is more critical to gain than offense…
"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 21, 2008 2:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I still think
Yuniesky Betancourt would look really nice in Cubbie Blue!
"I lof to hit de home ron!"
by Tekboy on Nov 21, 2008 6:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
look at his stats and reconsider
Id love to see that lifetime 305 OBP in wrigley
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 21, 2008 7:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Theriot defense
isn’t nearly as bad as you make it out to be. PMR has Theriot at 100.17(100 is average). Theriot was 24th of the 39. He’s not good defensivly, and Lee saved him on a bunch of errors last year as well. But If Theriot was as bad defensivly as you make him out to be, the Cubs wouldn’t keep him at SS. Hendry only puts up with subpar defense for so long, remember when he wanted to dump Todd Walker after 2005, because of it.
The Funny thing is the Cubs aren’t really even considering replacing Theriot, but yet some people on here are talking about it. The only guy the Cubs might consider replacing Theriot at SS is Furcal, and if that happens Theriot is our everyday 2b. But it’s very unlikely that will happen, because the Cubs are unlikely to afford Furcal contract. I know you and others assume Theriot offensivly was a fluke, so he needs to earn a starting job. But the Cubs don’t feel that way at all, and thats why they stuck with Theriot last offseason. Hendry and Piniella always felt the guy could hit.
As saying Theriot is a bad baserunner, is another thing that is overblown. Was Theriot a bad baserunner in 06 when he stole 13 of 15, or in 07 when he stole 28 of 32. Last year Lou tried to run him alot in April and early May, because he was trying to get Theriot be a 40 stolen base guy. So Theriot started 9 of 17 in SB in May and struggled, so Lou stopped asking him to run so much. After that Theriot went 13 outta 18 the rest of the year, still not great, but much better then before. Theriot is a effective base stealer when he picks his spots, and can get 20-25 SB. But if Lou is gonna run him alot almost everytime he gets on base he’s gonna struggle like he did early last year. So Theriot will be in our everyday line-up next year most likely(unless he’s traded for another good player), and there’s no reason to continue to talk about replacing him, because it’s probably not going to happen.
by cubsfan25 on Nov 21, 2008 3:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
What we're seeing here
is that you and I cannot even agree on the methods of evaluation.
1) baserunning – you dump half the year’s data with a debatable explanation, then call the remainder 72% SB rate “effective.” In all this, his baserunning apart from SBs is ignored.
2) fielding – I don’t know this PMR statistic. Every other statistic, I’ve seen has him as at least below average. I believe THT’s zone rating when it says Theriot was about as good as Keppinger last year, because that matches what my eyes saw.
3) argument from authority – This is basically what I think it really boils down to for a lot of people:
If Theriot was as bad defensivly as you make him out to be, the Cubs wouldn’t keep him at SS.
I know you and others assume Theriot offensivly was a fluke, so he needs to earn a starting job. But the Cubs don’t feel that way at all
In other words, Theriot is good because the Cubs play him which means that Jeromy Burnitz is good and Bob Howry is good. Or, it is possible that the Cubs made a mistake. Is that possible?
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 21, 2008 4:15 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Doesn't make sense
In other words, Theriot is good because the Cubs play him which means that Jeromy Burnitz is good and Bob Howry is good. Or, it is possible that the Cubs made a mistake. Is that possible?
Huh? What mistake the Cubs did the Cubs make with Theriot? LOL
Didn’t the guy hit 40 points higher last year, and have a OBP over 50 points higher? Theriot was one of the better average hitting/OBP shortstops in baseball last year. He wouldn’t only be a everyday player with the Cubs, but with PLENTY of other teams. There’s a big difference from playing a guys who have contracts, or not really other good options. Then playing a guy because he’s producing offensivly on the field. Yes the guy is average to a little below average defensivly. But hitting over 300 with over a 380s OBP at his cost per year makes him a value everyday player. Thats why he plays, because he’s pretty good for a SS.
fielding – I don’t know this PMR statistic. Every other statistic, I’ve seen has him as at least below average. I believe THT’s zone rating when it says Theriot was about as good as Keppinger last year, because that matches what my eyes saw.
http://www.baseballmusings.com/archives/030070.php
Hopefully looking at some other stats, will help you give Theriot a bit of a break.
by cubsfan25 on Nov 21, 2008 5:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually,
Theriot plays because he is the best option on this team. Don’t put your faith entirely on Cub’s management. Hendry signed Fukudome so he must be good, right? Wrong. Theriot had a nice offensive year. Not very good, just nice. He hit for a solid average and got on base at a very high clip, but he hit for no power and was poor defensively. It’s not like it’s just the stats that give him a bad name defensively; he doesn’t pass the eye test either. He doesn’t range well to either side, struggles quite a bit transferring from glove to hand, has below average arm strength and is not an accurate thrower. In his best offensive year, he ranked as the sixteenth most productive shortstop, and it would come as no surprise if he gives back a little of what he gained this year.
Theriot is a nice little player but on team like the Cubs with World Series expectations the bar needs to be set a little bit higher.
by dakoose on Nov 21, 2008 7:54 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Actually
Theriot is a nice little player but on team like the Cubs with World Series expectations the bar needs to be set a little bit higher.
I never said Theriot was awesome, I said he was a solid player, and was productive last year, and was even productive most of 07.. Remember I only brought this up because somebody was making dumb comments about how guys like Izturis or Punto were equal or better then Theriot. I was just saying he’s a fine role player on this team, and we could use a guy who gets singles/doubles and can take walks, batting infront of our sluggers.
I just never seen a guy hit over 300 with a 380 plus OBP in almost 150 games, and get so disrespected. It’s really just pathetic, and really just on this board. On NSBB, Cubs.scout and even PSD fans can at least accept Theriot was good last year(and were pretty happy with what he gave us), even if they don’t like him. Their not going out of their way to replace him or don’t try to mention that why he isn’t good all the time. It’s almost like some go out of their way too bash the guy on here. I’m starting to think some of these guys are jealous of Theriot, because their girlfriends/wives think he’s cute or something. Because this crap is just starting not make sense. People we can’t have an allstar at every postion, I rather have a guy who is productive offensivly(even if he doesn’t hit for power), then a no hit SS who is a good defensivly. Yes his defense is average at best, but it’s not as bad as some are trying to claim it is.
Put it this way if Theriot defense was really this bad, don’t you think the Cubs might consider moving him from SS or might have even heard his defense wasn’t good somewere? We haven’t even heard whisperers of the Cubs not happy with Theriot defense. So that either tells me many of these defensive stats are overrated(or flawed), or people are overreacting on the stats, or the Cubs are just clueless. Well personally I think Lou, Hendry and the Cubs scouts have seen and been around enough baseball, to know by now if Theriot defense was killing the Cubs as much as some of you guys claim. Sorry but the Cubs aren’t idiots, even if some wanna believe so.
by cubsfan25 on Nov 22, 2008 5:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Your arguments are ridiculous.
Let me clarify, I don’t hate Theriot. I just realize that even in his best offensive season, his lack of power and poor defense made him a league average shortstop. If he gives back even ten or twenty points of BA/OBP then he loses a lot of his value.
Once again, you said that he must be good because the Cubs decided to play him. Every single franchise makes errors, some huge some minor. The Cubs continued to throw him out there because his offensive production last year made him more valuable in their eyes than Cedeno, not because his defense is anything special. Same goes for Jim Edmonds. He was a great hitter while he was with the Cubs, but lets not pretend he is still the defender he once was. He was six runs below average out there, but his bat gave him value.
by dakoose on Nov 22, 2008 8:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Theriot sucks at defense.
And possesses overrated offensive stats.
Free Ronny Cedeno
by Kansas25 on Nov 21, 2008 11:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
PMR looks awfully suspicious
when Hanley Ramirez and Bobby Crosby rate ahead of John McDonald and Adam Everett.
Your arguments run in circles, by the way.
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 21, 2008 11:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
PMR
Is a stat some are using over at NSBB, and most seem to think it’s one of the better defensive stats for range. Personally I think most defensive stats are flawed for many reasons. I don’t think the stats correctly show how good or bad a player is defensivly. He’s either not nearly as good or not nearly as bad IMO.
My arguments aren’t running in circles.I’m just point out that the guy was pretty solid last year, and deserves a starting job going into next season. The Cubs know that, and there isn’t any question that Theriot won’t be starting. First of all do you think it’s even possible the Cubs would consider replacing Theriot? There’s almost no chance that happens, and if there was a small chance it happen, the Cubs wouldn’t be doing with Izturis or Punto. So whats the point of these comments?
by cubsfan25 on Nov 22, 2008 5:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Circles
Your argument is
A The Cubs wouldn’t play Theriot if he wasn’t good.
B Theriot is obviously good because the Cubs play him.
A After all, the Cubs wouldn’t play him if he wasn’t good.
B Which proves you’re jealous of Theriot’s soul patch, since we know he’s good because the Cubs play him.
Let’s try this argument in similar situations.
A The Reds wouldn’t play Corey Patterson at lead-off if he wasn’t a lead-off hitter.
B Corey Patterson is a lead-off hitter, because that’s where he hit.
A After all, the Reds wouldn’t bat him there if he wasn’t suited for it.
B Which proves that Corey Patterson is an underrated lead-off hitter, since we know he’s good because the Reds play him. Also, if you go to xtreamstats.gov.arcadia, you can find a chart which shows that Patterson had a higher modified batting average than Albert Pujols and Ichiro combined.
How about
A The Pirates wouldn’t trade for players who wouldn’t be good.
B Adam LaRoche is good, because the Pirates gave up their closer for him.
A After all, the Pirates wouldn’t trade for LaRoche if he wasn’t good.
B Which proves that you have unresolved psychological issues with your brother, because that’s the only explanation for why you wouldn’t think the LaRoche brothers are the best corner infielders in baseball. Plus, if you take out games played in between April 23-June 4 and June 7-August 29 and September 2 – October 12, neither LaRoche was caught stealing more than once every 4 games.
How about this argument:
1) Ryan Theriot only deserves a starting job next year if he’s the best option available to us.
2) Of course, the Cubs shouldn’t publicly question replacing Theriot, because doing so unnecessarily angers the player, especially if you don’t acquire the replacement you want (see DeRosa, Mark, 2008), and also lowers his trade value should you want to trade him (see Barett, Michael, 2007).
3) Therefore, silence on acquiring a player at a postion we already have a player doesn’t prove anything, and yet we are hearing rumors about the Cubs interested in SSs, most recently Rafael Furcal.
It seems fairly obvious to me that Ryan Theriot is the Michael Barrett of the middle infield. He’s only defensible so long as the bat performs. The minute it doesn’t his liabilities become overwhelming. Why wait for the bat to falter?
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 22, 2008 7:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
One reason would be that the team needs
an inexpensive option somewhere. Signing Furcal would mean adding another $10mm player, which may not be realistic. Also, even with his shortcomings, Theriot offers a skillset that the team needs- OBP in front of the 3-4-5-6 hitters.
Theriot will likely be ~$1mm player in ’09. Would Furcal provide a $9mm upgrade and justify another long-term commitment?
"Enough foreplay- let's get crackin'"- Fred Garvin
by davidalanu on Nov 22, 2008 7:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The problem is that it's hard to get SSs mid-season; it's hard to get them anytime.
I really oversold Theriot when I said he was the Michael Barrett of the middle-infield. Barrett could do more than one thing with the bat. Theriot has one skill. One. He hits for a high AVG. And AVG is the hardest stat to repeat year-to-year. Plus, it is exceedingly difficult for low-power players to maintain good walk rates, because pitchers would rather force you to make contact and see what happens. So if Theriot’s AVG and walk rate regress, he won’t just have no value, he will have significant NEGATIVE value. I don’t care how little $$$ we’re paying him, negative value never becomes a bargain.
Sure, it’s possible that Theriot will hit .300 and OBP .375 again. It’s possible but unlikely. If we have to take a risk with Theriot starting somewhere, then put him at 2B where his defense isn’t a black hole and Mike Fontenot can be an insurance policy against suckitude. And if the argument is that we need cheap players somewhere, sell Marquis and put in Marshall and let Pie and Reed platoon in CF. There are cheap players who are more likely to produce positively than Theriot.
So, yes, as long as we won’t play DeRosa at SS, I think Furcal is worth it. There are other low-cost options I’d rather try, but Furcal is obvious and gives Lou something he wants.
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 22, 2008 7:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Cubs aren't serious about Furcal
Hendry has always loved him,and if they can get him at a reasnoable price they would get him. But most likely Furcal is gonna want something like 4y at 56m and the Cubs can’t afford that. Plus even if Furcal became a Cub, then your new starting 2b will be Ryan Theriot.
by cubsfan25 on Nov 22, 2008 12:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Are you seriously suggesting
that you would start Theriot at 2B over both Mark DeRosa and Mike Fontenot?
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 22, 2008 1:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Nope
But thats whats going to happen, if we get Furcal, Theriot goes to 2b and DeRosa in RF. But yes Fontenot will stay on the bench and get spot starts to rest Theriot. But your also the same guy that said Fontenot shouldn’t be on a major league roster back in spring training. The point I’m making is the Cubs like Theriot, they like what he brings the offense, and as long as he’s hitting he will be playing everyday. Just think about, name the last guy to hit over 300(with a high OBP) in almost 150 games, and not a everyday player the next season? It just doesn’t happen.
by cubsfan25 on Nov 22, 2008 2:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
How about Matt Murton?
In 2006, he had a better season with the bat than Theriot’s 2008, and had no starting job in 2007. This happens all the time. What is more frequent, however, is that a guy has one fluke year with the bat and then team’s count on him the next year and are disappointed. Remember Scott Podsednik’s 2003 and 2004? How about Reed Johnson’s 2006 and 2007? Dan Johnson’s 2005 and 2006? Angel Berroa’s 2003 and 2004? I’m guessing you don’t remember those guys, but you do remember I was wrong about Fontenot at the beginning of last season. Well, good for you. We’ve replaced circular arguments with You-were-wrong-a-year-ago-so-you’re-probably-still-wrong-now.
Can you not even hear yourself – that the pro-Theriot argument boils down to one thing – AVG – and that the flukiest of all things?
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 22, 2008 4:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
To be fair,
Ryan did show an improved batting eye last year, an 11.2 BB%, and it’s not the first time he posted a walk rate that high, as he did so in 2006, albeit over a small amount of at bats(160). You’re right in that too much of his productivity is attached to his BA, but if he can keep his BA over .280 and keep the gains he made in the plate discipline department he should be all right. My problem with Ryan, aside from his defense, is that even if he is able to replicate his .307/.387/.359 line next year, he still is just an OK shortstop. This year he ranked 10th in among all SS in VORP, which is solid, but ranked 18th in VORPr, which I feel is a better stat. 18th is all right, but if his numbers end up regressing he would rank in the bottom third of all SS. For the record, both Bill James and the MARCEL projections expect him to regress slightly and post a similar line minus about 15-20 points of BA/OBP.
by dakoose on Nov 22, 2008 6:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't expect Theriot to be able to sustain that BB%.
Players who have hit for more power than Theriot have had trouble getting walked once pitchers learn an occasional double is the worst that can happen if they put the ball straight over the plate.
But let’s say he does. .290/.370/.342 is acceptable if you are playing average defense and not running into outs. Again, as I said at the beginning, it comes down to how bad you think his fielding is.
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 22, 2008 7:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
???
In 2006, he had a better season with the bat than Theriot’s 2008, and had no starting job in 2007.
If Murton was a SS with those numbers, he would have stayed a starter. There’s no doubt a corner OF is expected to perform alot more offensivly then a SS is.Not to mention Murton only had 455 AB in 06, and wasn’t a 100 percent full-time player.
What is more frequent, however, is that a guy has one fluke year with the bat and then team’s count on him the next year and are disappointed. Remember Scott Podsednik’s 2003 and 2004? How about Reed Johnson’s 2006 and 2007? Dan Johnson’s 2005 and 2006? Angel Berroa’s 2003 and 2004? I’m guessing you don’t remember those guys,
There’s one main flaw with all the players you mentioned. Dan Johnson hit 275/355/806 in 109 games and his first 375 AB’s. Then he was never the same hitter after that season. Because most likely pitchers figured him out. Which was already coming into happening towards the end of 05 when he hit under 200 his final 100 AB’s.
Podsednik was very good his first year as well, and even though he had a solid 05, he wasn’t nearly as good. But again this is example of a player who was good in his first 500 AB’s. The same thing happen with Berroa, and he was never the same player after his first year. I think using these guys as examples would be better used if you had concerns with Soto. Or if you felt what Fontenot did last year was a fluke, when you consider the amount of AB’s he has had.
Reed Johnson seriously? I guess you didn’t take into account that the guy had back surgery in early 07, that probably caused him to struggle? Johnson was healthy this season and had a pretty good season hitting over 300 again. His power wasn’t the same especially early in the season, but that happens with guys after back surgery. In the second half he had a 492 SLG after a 376 SLG in the first half, probably because his back was getting stronger.
As for Theriot he’s beyond getting lucky because pitchers haven’t figured him out. Theriot has played in 359 games and had 1264 AB’s in the majors and is hitting 290/362/731 in his career. Theriot hit when he got a chance to play in 06, and even hit pretty well for most of 07. Theriot just faded over his last 20-25 games like alot of young hitters who aren’t use to playing over 120 games in a season. Then last year he came back better and most consistent. The guy had at least a 360 OBP every month of last season. But actually you took what I said the wrong way I meant that guys don’t have as much success as Theriot did and not have a starting job going into the season. Theriot had the second highest batting average and OBP among SS last year. So there’s no doubt Theriot will be starting for somebody next year. Last year some were saying Theriot numbers will drop off from 07. When some were saying he’s fine as number 8 hitter. But then he improves and has a good year and now some are saying his numbers will drop off a ton again? Can it be possible that the guy can just hit? Why can’t some people just give this guy a break, and keep expecting him to fail.
I’m sure I’m coming off as more of a Theriot fan then I actually am. I don’t think Theriot is a great player, and if the Cubs traded him and got a new SS I wouldn’t really care. But I just think it’s crappy to bash the guy the way some are. He was pretty good for us last year, and deserves better. So please have more of a open mind, it’s almost like you labeled this guy something and no matter what he does thats what you think he is. Theriot is just a verison of David Eckstein, that can walk more. Their numbers in their first 1200 AB’s a very simliar.
by cubsfan25 on Nov 22, 2008 11:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And David Eckstein
is not a very good player. Overrated, sure. Good, not really.
by dakoose on Nov 23, 2008 12:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously
your comparing Reds, Pirates to the Cubs? We can go out and add a new SS if we wanted to, while those teams are stuck with the best options out there. We choose to keep Theriot at SS last offseason, because Lou and Hendry thought he could hit and would improve. He did, and is now a pretty solid hitter.
by cubsfan25 on Nov 22, 2008 12:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Why
There are cheap players who are more likely to produce positively than Theriot.
This makes little sense, it’s like you have a based opinion of this guy at one time, and won’t change it. When Theriot was called up you must of labeled him bench player or journeyman minor leaguer or something. Now that he’s hitting and been starting for almost two years now, you can’t think it will last. The guy hit over 300 his last two minor league seasons, and it only took him two full major league seasons to do it in the bigs. The guy isn’t as crappy defensivly as you think and is a better hitter then you think. It’s as simple as that.
by cubsfan25 on Nov 22, 2008 1:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No, he's just as crappy at defense...
as we all think. And no, he’s not a better hitter than we think. Same for baserunning.
Free Ronny Cedeno
by Kansas25 on Nov 23, 2008 10:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd be more inclined to give Scrappy a longer leash...
…if he’d just get rid of that damn double-clutch he does before throwing over to first.
But I have a feeling that falls into the category of “you can’t teach a scrappy dog new tricks” so it probably ain’t gonna happen.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Nov 21, 2008 11:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That and the fact that
if he has to take more than 1 or 2 steps to his right, there is no way he is throwing out the batter.
I appreciate everything Theriot did last season and replacing him isn’t priority number 1 but I wouldn’t mind another alternative.
by rlpete on Nov 21, 2008 12:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Clubhouse
I haven’t heard too much about Bradley being bad in the clubhouse. He definitely has anger issues, but all the incidents I can think of involve fans, umpires, managers and, uh… announcers. I think his teammates love him, and I can’t remember him having a problem with a manager since Eric Wedge (I am going off memory here) got on his ass about not running out a pop-up.
Anyway, I am just sticking up for him a little since he seems to get the blanket negative response from nearly everyone. He’s a good hitter and decent enough outfielder, but I think he might cost a lot and if his behavior regresses, you don’t want to be stuck with him for 3 or 4 years.
by JodyDavis on Nov 21, 2008 12:11 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
How many years would you give Bradley?
If we could get him on a two year deal, I’d do it.
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 21, 2008 12:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Bradley is demanding a three-year contract.
The thought of Gameboard and Lou in the same clubhouse (a small one at that) is at least mildly disturbing.
More disturbing is the fact that Gameboard managed to find the DL last year despite playing only 20 games in the OF. The Cubs only have a DH about 9 times a season.
On a one-year contract I would be willing to take a chance. Three years? No way.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Nov 21, 2008 1:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think
I’d pass on him altogether. The only way he seems worth the risk is at a bargain rate, and that’s just not going to happen. A one year deal wouldn’t be that bad, because he’d have the incentive to not only do well, but try to go a year without an incident. But overall, if it were up to me, I’d let someone else grab him.
by JodyDavis on Nov 21, 2008 6:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Check out this fanpost for all your BCB Milton Bradley needs.
"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 21, 2008 11:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The one name I haven't heard much about is....
Jimmy Ballgame. I’m not advocating for him or against him, but there has been zero talk about keeping him. No news, is probably bad news for anyone that wants to see him in a Cubs uniform next year.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Nov 21, 2008 10:50 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I imagine
that he’s waiting to see how he feels as well as how the market looks. There’s a ton of free agents and guys on the trading block, so it may very well be next year before the Cubs decide if they want him back or he decides if he wants to play at all.
by JodyDavis on Nov 21, 2008 12:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree.
And who says that players HAVE to be acquired via free agency?
Why hasn’t anyone mentioned Aubrey Huff lately? I’ll bet you could get him cheaply (in terms of players) and his $8 million deal wouldn’t break the bank.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 21, 2008 1:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Why would you trade for Huff when you can just sign Hinske?
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 21, 2008 4:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Um...
… because Huff’s a better player?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 21, 2008 5:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He'd be pretty cheap
But he’s a fairly bad outfielder, isn’t he? It seems if we’re going to give up that much defense (from Fukudome last year, who I thought played a brilliant RF,) they should have a huge bat. Huff has a good bat, but he’s not enough of a sure deal for me.
That being said, if we can’t trade for something better and the budget is too tight, then he starts to look a lot better. He’s been mentioned as someone Hendry’s looked at before, hasn’t he?
by JodyDavis on Nov 21, 2008 6:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
As long as you had a suitable defensive replacement...
… I think you could live with it.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 21, 2008 7:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
My case for Dunn.
n/t
Free Ronny Cedeno
by Kansas25 on Nov 21, 2008 11:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Huff's a better outfielder than Dunn.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 22, 2008 4:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
But not a better hitter
and I think that’s what he’s saying. If you are going to replace Dome’s defense with a below average defender, why not get the best bat?
by McRipper on Nov 22, 2008 8:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I see what you're saying...
… I just think that Dunn is so much worse than Huff that the extra hitting would be negated.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 22, 2008 10:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree.
But I do understand the risk of a Dunn signing. As Ripper said, I think his offense would make up for it. The argument against Dunn is certainly valid though.
Free Ronny Cedeno
by Kansas25 on Nov 22, 2008 11:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The biggest problem with taking a less-famous RF
is that if he can’t cut it in the first two months according to Lou’s standards for a LH slugger, we’ll have to get another one by the trade deadline and who knows how that slugger will be forced into the lineup. If you go with Dunn or Abreu, you should have the LH slugger taken care of. The problem seems to be that if you go with Dunn or Abreu, you take a triple defensive hit – 1) their position, 2) CF, and 3) you can’t upgrade SS. It’s basically pick your poison here.
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 22, 2008 12:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If my choice is Abreu or Dunn...
… I take Abreu. He’s at least competent in RF, and his bat is good enough.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 22, 2008 1:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Fielding Bible
actually had Abreu as worse in the field than Dunn – if you can believe it.
I think the Cubs would like Abreu better, too, though, because of his speed. When Lou complains about all his batters being right-handed and slow, it seems to me like he’s crying out for Bobby 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 22, 2008 1:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Probably so...
… that sure doesn’t sound like a description of Raul Ibanez to me.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 22, 2008 2:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I know one thing about Abreu
He’s really afraid of walls. So who knows what he would get himself into playing half his games at Wrigley — we might see some hilarious stuff.
by JodyDavis on Nov 22, 2008 3:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I totally missed Huff's pretty awesome year last year.
I guess I should take a second look at 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 21, 2008 11:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I took a second look at Huff.
Interesting in that he, like Ryan Dempster, claims his success is due to a new off-season routine.
Huff would work as a bat, assuming Lou likes him (he managed him as a D’Ray). The problem is that he costs 8 mill so he runs up your salary and you have to trade for him, which empties your trade cachet. I think the Cubs would rather do only one of those two – sign an Ibanez type or trade for a Hermida type.
The one situation which could make it work, however, is if the Cubs could work a mega-deal for both Huff and Roberts. Doubtful.
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 22, 2008 1:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll bet you could get him for a mid-level prospect...
… just for taking the $8 million.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 22, 2008 2:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If you're right, Huff might be worth it.
I have a feeling Andy wants more.
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 22, 2008 4:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
In that case, I'd forget about it.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 22, 2008 4:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
BRING BACK ENRIQUE WILSON!
To see your idol player whom you have grown up watching be cast aside by his loyal organization can make even a grown man choke up...We'll miss you #34!
by Chanman25 on Nov 21, 2008 11:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
nomar
I FEEL THE LOVE.THANK YOU ALL,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
by NOMAR on Nov 22, 2008 5:21 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
Great post, NOMAR
in one post you caught up all the commas you left out of the previous posts. I’m impressed and rec’d
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 23, 2008 8:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll third that rec...
…and, hey, NOMAR’s Shift key really does work in the comment box. Look! Hey, Mikey! He likes it!
"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 24, 2008 10:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, either the shift key or the CAPS LOCK key....
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 24, 2008 2:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I like the looks of Hermida,
we should try putting Wellington Castillo out on the table and see if the Marlins bite. I think the Marlins would be interested in catcher seeing as how their starter as of now is John Baker.
I was just browsing teams depth charts and i noticed the Indians RF Shin-Soo Choo a 26 year old LH who hit .309/.397/.549 along with 16 HR and 66 RBI and 44 BB in 317 AB. Now I have no idea how much value he has in the trade market but his stats were pretty appealing.
by nick_reny on Nov 28, 2008 8:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
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