I’m still optimistic that Hendry can offer Wood arbitration and I think Wood would accept it.

As for position players, I think you will see the Cubs go for an under the radar type player, much as they did with Barrett from the A’s/Expos a few years back, and I think it’ll be someone who we wouldnt expect.

Speculation: Austin Kearns from the Nationals for Ronny Cedeno, who would fill in at 2B for the Nats. Then Kearns platoons with Pie/Fukudome or DeRo, who in turn would yield 2B to Fontenot when DeRo is in right.

Thats all speculation, but I think its just as likely to happen as the Cubs signing a big name player (Dunn, Ibanez, etc).

I noticed you pushed Marquis… which would almost wash with Randy Johnson’s salary. That leaves us with about $5M to get us to $150M. Without creativity, Dunn/Abreu/Ibanez are out of their league. Hermida may be possible, but can he bat 4th or 5th? Teahen may be doable financially, but I heard they are asking for Marshall and Fontenot.

That leaves no room for a LOOGY, Woody, Peavy (who makes $11M next year), or Blanco.

The Cubs have pretty much told him they want him to be in their organization as a coach/minor league manager when he’s done playing. I think they sign him, as was suggested in another thread, perhaps to a minor league deal with a handshake agreement that he’ll make the team — that’s a good way of saving a 40-man roster spot until the end of spring training.

I agree that Kerry Wood returns, somehow.

Of all the somewhat bad choices for RF, I’d take Huff. He’s coming off a career year, true, but it’s also a walk year for him — good incentive to have another topnotch season. He is, FWIW, a .433 lifetime hitter in Wrigley Field. Yes, I know, small sample size — 30 at-bats — but still. (6 doubles, no homers.)

And I think we can stop the Peavy stuff now.

I had forgotten all about that connection. Kerry’s childhood hero was Nolan, who is now, of course, working for the Rangers (in a capacity that escapes me). Kerry’s a Texas guy to begin with. Looks like an ideal summer destination for him.

I don’t follow the AL too closely at all, and especially the AL West due to the time the games usually start. Does Texas even need a closer? What’s their bullpen situation look like?

(After all, I’ve applied for the job of GM!)

Position Players
C: Soto
1B: DLee
2B: DeRo
SS: Riot (yes, Virginia, he will get one more year from Lou)
3B: Ramy
LF: Sori
CF/RF: Dome
CF/RF: (see #1 below)

C: Blanco
IF: LBR
IF: 4A FA (Cintrón?) (see #2 below)
OF: RJ
PH/OF: Hoff or #5 OF (see #3 below)

—

Pie will be traded unless Lou resigns before the Winter Meetings.

#1: I don’t think that we will see a “big ticket” FA with the possible (not likely) exception of Ibañez. They will target Teahan, DeJesús, Church, Scott, etc. with Edmonds as the fallback option. Dome plays CF or RF depending on this acquisition.

#2: Onedec is arb-eligible, so is more expensive than needed for a utility guy. Judging by last year, Lou won’t use him for anything else (like sharing time with Riot), so he will be traded or non-tendered. If the Cubs get an everyday CF/RF, this slot will be a cheap 4A UI. If they strike out on an everyday guy and end up with a platoon-type guy, this slot might go to a RHB 2B (Loretta?) to platoon with the LHB RF.

#3: This slot will go either to a RHB OF platoon-mate for the RF (RJ platoons with Dome in CF) or a LHB PH (probably Hoff).

—-

Starting Pitchers
1: Z
2: Lilly
3: Demp
4: Harden
5: Marshall or Shark

I think that Marquis will be traded for financial reasons. (The trade won’t net anything better than a C-level prospect.) Marshall and Shark will battle for the #5 spot with the other beginning the season in AAA to stay stretched out for Harden’s inevitable stay on the DL. Both have options remaining.

—-

Bullpen
1: Marmol
2: Gregg
3: Guzman
4: Cotts
5: LHP acquired in trade (Mahay?)
6: Gaudin, Harden’s bullpen buddy
7: Ascanio/Hart/Wells

Wuertz will be freed from the Canine Hotel California via a trade.

i also want pie to be given a freaking chance…. No matter what happens though he wont be given a chance… he had a great ST last year and then got three starts before lou said no more…

that Kerry doesn’t sign before being offered arbitration and then resigns with the Cubs. I have mixed opinions on this because I love what Kerry has done for this team and he would definitely be missed but on the other hand our farm team could certainly use the prospects we gain if he leaves.

beimel somehow someway.

I will bet all comers that Johnson is NOT a Cub. I am not THAT big on coffee but happy to get lots of free cups at the convention or a coke. As if the Dodgers rotation is not depleted enough, today comes word that Billingsley fractured is fibula slipping on ice in PA. He is EXPECTED back by April and he is their ace. Dodgers need Randy and he wants to play there. I could see him as long shot with the Angels but he ain’t leaving SoCal unless he has no other offers and he will have offers. Also to you get how comical the idea is that you can somehow dump Marquis and get Johnson EVEN IF WERE WILLING TO COME and not eat 5 million or more in salary. The theory goes something like teams are DESPERATE for pitching so some one will take Jason at 10 million ( or very close) but RJ has a HARD TIME finding takers and decides he will play for the Cubs. I do think the Cubs can get rid of Jason but again will probably eat at least half the contract so unless they do get Peavy it makes little sense especially with Marshall being a top trading chip.

says the a’s offered him 4/48 with 2 mil in incentives!