Guess Jim Hendry's next move!
by hip2bsquare on Dec 31, 2008 1:25 PM CST
135 comments
Within the last 48 hours, the Cubs have:
-Agreed in principle to trade Jason Marquis to the Rockies for reliever Luis Vizcaino
-Signed utilityman Aaron Miles
-Traded Mark DeRosa to the Indians for three pitching prospects
...thus freeing up a fair bit of salary and a spot in the starting rotation, and probably also making Ronny Cedeno even more expendable, which I never even realized was possible. Obviously this is all leading to something... so what's next? Milton Bradley? Jake Peavy? Brian Roberts? (Just kidding.) I'll leave it to you to guess what happens next. But remember, this is Jim Hendry we're talking about - any previously rumored signings or trades are probably red herrings. So use your imagination! The more ludicrous-sounding, the better...
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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Bowel?
I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on Dec 31, 2008 1:31 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
+100
“Bowel?” is the new “First!”
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Dec 31, 2008 1:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
shouldn't it be the new "2nd"?
I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on Dec 31, 2008 2:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The DeRosa deal was just to free up the everyday 2nd base position...
for the best 2nd baseman on the roster….Theriot.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 31, 2008 1:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
And then who plays SS?
Cedeno?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Dec 31, 2008 1:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't care.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 31, 2008 1:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
we could just leave the position empty.
Riot could stand on second for every pitch, and break left or right, depending.
"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 Dec 31, 2008 1:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That might actually increase his range factor.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 31, 2008 1:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
as the roster stands that is a platoon system known as they dynamic bayou duo
the thing is who is Robyn?
Either way if that is the case Piniella plays Fonty more in the lefty/righty platoon
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on Dec 31, 2008 5:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Then we can put a fourth outfielder out there
which will give Dunn/Bradley/Abreu less ground to cover
"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella
by El Borto on Jan 1, 2009 10:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Aaron Miles?
I don’t think so. If no other shortstop is acquired, then we could be looking at Fontenot at 2B and leaving Theriot at SS. I haven’t seen much of Fonty versus LHP. I can only hope that the Cubs acquire a “real” everyday middle infielder.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on Dec 31, 2008 1:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It's all part of Hendry's evil plot to corner the market on "scrappy."
Next up is to sign Grudz and brink Walker out of retirement. Jimbo calls it is 7 Eckstein defense.
by N Oakley on Dec 31, 2008 2:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
DeRosa
If the move was just to trade him the Cubs could have gotten more. This is not a move for a team in contention… to get a few bodies with the hope that someone will pay off. The Cubs had other suitors that could have given them a good reliever or other major league ready parts. Someone else wanted these guys (I hope).
by dmlichte on Dec 31, 2008 1:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Fontenot's EQA was 60 points higher than Theriot's last year
I don’t think Theriot’s better than him by any stretch of the imagination. Theriot’s OBP is trumped by Fontenot’s power and better baserunning.
by Wreckard on Dec 31, 2008 2:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry, what is EQA?
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Dec 31, 2008 4:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s just a nice easy way to measure overall offensive production.
by Wreckard on Dec 31, 2008 4:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks!
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Dec 31, 2008 7:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Bradley signs, Viscaino gets flipped, Prospects+ out...
….Peavy comes here.
Guessing, not promoting.
"Baseball is like church- many attend, few understand." ~ Leo Durocher
by The Lip on Dec 31, 2008 1:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I can't see payroll room for BOTH Bradley and Peavy.
Can you?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Dec 31, 2008 1:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe not.
If I remember correctly, prior to the last few days the 2009 payroll was going to be about $137 million. The savings of the last couple of days is about $8 million. Flipping Viscaino saves an additional $3.5 million. So 137-8-3.5= $125.5 million. Bradley signs at $10 million and Peavy at $11 million this brings 2009 up to $146.5 million- about what we heard prior to the winter meetings.
All pure speculation. Just the cocktail napkin logic I used to guess the next moves.
The alternative is that the last couple of days activity was necessary to sign whatever free agent RF we are looking at- which makes whoever it is not worth the trouble imo.
"Baseball is like church- many attend, few understand." ~ Leo Durocher
by The Lip on Dec 31, 2008 1:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, it seems to me
the REAL payroll problem with getting both Peavy and Bradley is in 2010. I think they could make it work for 2009 but 2010 seems to be more of the problem.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Dec 31, 2008 4:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hendry must be assuming...
… that new ownership will be in place by the end of the 2009 season and that they would sign off on a higher payroll for 2010.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Dec 31, 2008 4:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Or that he'll unload more players in 2010.
Dome could re-establish trade value, for example.
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 Dec 31, 2008 4:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
But...
… if Dome does well enough to re-establish trade value, wouldn’t you want to keep him?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Dec 31, 2008 4:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hendry's bet
He field’s the best NL team and they win 100 games and also get into the WS to play the NYY’s or BoSox in a series that saves 2009 for MLB.
The bet is he maintains the turnstile sales and they hold to form on the auxiliary revenues against the league(s) justifying his position.
His next move is that he makes another minor set of moves;
Pie, Cedeno Vizcaino and Wuertz are moved to pair of trades acquiring a cheaper 5th starter (Olson or like) and a true SS. This then free’s up the last move.
All this is done before Bradley who has agreed in principle and the only part of the deal for him is how much he gets in 2009 for that is why he is waiting for 2 weeks.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on Dec 31, 2008 5:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Depends.
We look like we might be stocking up on other LH options.
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 Dec 31, 2008 10:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hendry on XM...
… said he expects the ownership to be resolved in the next month or so.
by dmlichte on Dec 31, 2008 5:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If that's true...
… then maybe this activity is related to that — i.e. they already know who the winning bidder is and they’re just working out the details.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Dec 31, 2008 6:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
$$$
Its also possible that Hendry now knows what his budget is and its less than thought. Perhaps he does need to clear payroll just to acquire someone like Milton Bradley. Thus we see DeRosa and Marquis sent elsewhere… but I still think that the Cubs could have gotten more for DeRosa.
by dmlichte on Dec 31, 2008 8:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That all depends on what the next move is.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Dec 31, 2008 10:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Brought this up in another post
why not wait to trade Dero until AFTER you signed Bradley or whoever. If they don’t sign, then at least you still have Dero’s bat for Right Field as a last resort. We certainly did not rob the cleveland farm system so I can’t imagine that Dero’s trade value would plummet so much so after Bradley or whoever signed that we would need to eat salary or take less players. If there is no flip coming, this is a very oddly timed move.
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on Dec 31, 2008 11:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That's my thinking.
Either moving DeRosa and Marquis was necessary to bring in the lefty power bat- or it’s the set up for a trade plus the left handed hitter.
Until now, I thought moving Marquis was all that was being contemplated to move $s before picking up a free agent. If that’s true, moving DeRosa for prospects makes little sense- unless there is a trade in the works as well.
Adding any of the free agents we’ve heard about minus DeRosa doesn’t add much, if anything, to the team in 2009. I can’t believe a lefty bat is that important to anyone.
"Baseball is like church- many attend, few understand." ~ Leo Durocher
by The Lip on Jan 1, 2009 11:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought the same thing...
when the Yank’s signed Sabathia…then Burnett…then Tex…the payroll room is there, the Cubs are just to damn cheap to spend the money…just like the Bears…I’m sick of being a fan of Chicago sports teams…and lets not even bring up the Bulls.
by Glen Bishop on Dec 31, 2008 2:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You must be talking about the pre-Hendry Cubs.
They no longer operate as cheap, in fact, they have one of the highest payrolls in MLB.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Dec 31, 2008 4:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Zambrano and Harden
To the Royals for some crappy single A catching prospect.
At this rate… I wouldn’t be surprised.
by hmlee on Dec 31, 2008 1:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
not needed...
we’re getting Paul Bako
I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on Dec 31, 2008 1:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Mark Johnson is going to be the backup C...
… unless Blanco is re-signed.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Dec 31, 2008 3:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Whomever it is,
I’m hopefuly it will be the same catching tamden for the entire season. I thought that made a big difference in the 2008 season as opposed to the merry go round of catchers during the 2007 season.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Dec 31, 2008 4:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i'd guess the next move
is the one that has been anticipated for awhile, milton bradley. after that, it’ll probably come down to whether or not new ownership allows them to spend more. if not, then i’d guess shark in the rotation. if they do allow them to spend some more, i imagine the cubs would explore arms, with peavy at the top, but i’m not sure what permutation of talent allows us to net Peavy right now.
by toonsterwu on Dec 31, 2008 1:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Toons I don't think so....
The delay for Bradley invites a “tell” that in principle they have the overall years and final number of the contract, like 2 years plus club option with a 100 game, 120 game and 140 game bonus clause where if he plays 120 games for two years the club option is automatically exercised. The only question is 2009 dollars.
I think Hendry has another deal (marginal) in the works involving Pie (Gathright showed that move) and then Cedeno and Wuertz (Miles and Stevens) showed that tell. Both are arb eligible where I now bet Detroit is an interested pursuer. Cubs acquire Santiago (switch hitting SS) where the Cubs gain more salary ($1M) or so with arb eligible players. Santiago is a switch hitting middle infielder who .411 OBP and .282 and rates above Guzman and Reyes on the infield. He is a FA next year. Cubs also acquire another minor leaguer.
Pie and Vizcaino are dealt in another deal, that sheds Vizcaino’s salary ($3.5) so the Cubs now have $5M adding in Marquis’s $9M and DeRosa’s $5.5M (minus Miles $2M) or 17.5M
Now Hendry assembles for one more trade, how big is anyone’s guess.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on Dec 31, 2008 5:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ummm
Any chance this is a change of philosophy that will bring Derek Lowe via FA and a Hermida-type RF via trade, rather than Bradley?
Gotta love the Ragin' Cajun!
by TheRiot4Life on Dec 31, 2008 1:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Wishful thinking
And that can’t happen. Since those trades would make me mildly happy, which means they’re automatically ruled out.
by hmlee on Dec 31, 2008 1:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
how?
Umm…sign Lowe, then trade the 3 pitchers we just received plus another piece or two for Hermida…
Gotta love the Ragin' Cajun!
by TheRiot4Life on Dec 31, 2008 2:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry...
You misunderstood, I was using the form of expression “and how”, not the question (and how?).
I.E. I was agreeing with hmlee, that this would actually make me happy; from urban dictionary…
And how :
An expression of agreement. Can be used in place of ‘indeed.’
by jbertram on Dec 31, 2008 2:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
got it...my bad
Gotta love the Ragin' Cajun!
by TheRiot4Life on Dec 31, 2008 2:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hmmmm let's see
Based on:
Ceda for Gregg (overtrading a prospect for a veteran)
Marquis for Vizcano (overtrading a veteran for a veteran)
DeRosa for Three minor leaguers (overtrading a veteran for prospects)
All he really has left is overtrading a prospect for veterans!
Let’s see, perhaps Vitters for Luke Scott and Kevin Millar?!
by IllinoisCubs on Dec 31, 2008 1:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Genius…pure genius
Gotta love the Ragin' Cajun!
by TheRiot4Life on Dec 31, 2008 1:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Vomit.on.oneself
+Gregg, Miles, Vizcaino, 3 minor league P’s, Gathright (ranked in order of possible worth)
-Wood, DeRosa, Edmonds, Marquis
= This being 100% Kosuke Fukudome’s fault. (or really Hendry’s for giving him the contract)
by jbertram on Dec 31, 2008 2:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You should come up with a few likely (and unlikely) choices...
…and add a poll.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Dec 31, 2008 1:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
done.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 31, 2008 2:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd post a picture
but Al wouldn’t be too happy :(
BCB Works Miracles: It saved my English grade!
by Chanman25 on Dec 31, 2008 2:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Mobile strippers.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Dec 31, 2008 2:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
now that is funny :)
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
by CubFreak on Dec 31, 2008 3:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Question?
Does the side of this van display “Jimbo’s Useles Prospecting Van”?
by GeneticCubsFan on Dec 31, 2008 4:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sorry...
but unless we get Peavy, and I don’t actually think we will…this team has gotten worse.
Lets see Fukudome = 12M, Derosa+Kerry-Gregg (I’ve heard 5M for him for arb) savings = 10.5M
Excuse me while I vomit all over myself.
by jbertram on Dec 31, 2008 1:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Epic-super-mega-trade.
3 new pitching prospects, Cedeno, Theriot, Fontenot, Pie, Vitters, Marshall, Guzman, and Hart for Babe Ruth. Then we fill the 5th rotation spot and have our lefty, power hitting right fielder with the same person. Of course no one told Jim that the Babe would be played by John Goodman…
If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving an infant's life, she will choose to save the infant's life without even considering if there are men on base. - Dave Barry
by zm1217 on Dec 31, 2008 1:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I
dabbled in pacifism once, not in Nam of course…
by jbertram on Dec 31, 2008 2:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Are the Brewers gonna hurt us?
No Donnie, those men are cowards.
by TheHawk5 on Dec 31, 2008 3:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No CC No Ben Ben No Playoffs!
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
by CubFreak on Dec 31, 2008 3:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Geovany Soto to the A's in exchange for Rob Bowen
Hendry: “We liked the stuff he had as a Cub two seasons ago and thought he’d be the perfect fit.”
BCB Works Miracles: It saved my English grade!
by Chanman25 on Dec 31, 2008 2:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
how about...
we forget all about wanting a lefty, throw Marshall in at #5 and sign Manny to play RF. Pull a LaRussa and swap the pitcher and the 9 hitter to form this:
Fontenot
Soriano
Manny
Lee
A-Ram
Soto
Fukudome
Pitcher
Theriot
Gotta love the Ragin' Cajun!
by TheRiot4Life on Dec 31, 2008 2:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Not possible
That actually makes a tiny bit of sense.
by hmlee on Dec 31, 2008 2:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
McDonalds for a Big Mac Combo
Diet Coke, hold the cheeze and one Fajita wrap
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 Dec 31, 2008 2:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Why didn't...
we just keep Jason Marquis, he hit LH…and he probably could have played RF and then we could trade him for Rick Ankiel and turn Ankiel into a SP!
by jbertram on Dec 31, 2008 2:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
There is no way in hell that we are done making trades...
If all we got for DeRosa was three prospects (we all know how good prospects are in this city), Hendry should be let go. Now if this move is to go after Peavey again (which it really looks that way) then I’m ok with the deal. Other wise, DeRosa is a huge loss for the Cubs.
by Glen Bishop on Dec 31, 2008 2:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Posted this in the other thread, but...
Cedeno, Pie, Cleveland prospects for Peavy. Done and done. It’s no coincidence that Marquis’ rotation spot is now open, as well as money has been saved by trading him and DeRo.
by kanderber on Dec 31, 2008 2:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I would actually be semi happy...
if you are right.
by jbertram on Dec 31, 2008 2:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't believe Hendry when he says he wants to restock the minor league system.
I have to believe there is a small sense of urgency and he wont want to wait for these guys to either pan out or bust.
There is going to be a trade involving some of the prospects we’ve acquired and I will not be the least bit surprised if it has to deal with Peavy.
I can see Hendry giving Kevin Towers a jingle and saying ’Let’s negotiate’ ::evil smile::
by EJThunder on Dec 31, 2008 2:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well...
he better get our “Ace in the Hole” then or he deserves “A boot in the ass”.
by jbertram on Dec 31, 2008 2:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
an Ace Hole?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 31, 2008 2:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thats what our new RF...
Gameboard can be called after he attacks Quade for not sending him to tag from third on a ball hit to Jacque Jones (once Jones signs with the Pirates of course) and the Buccos take the division from us!
by jbertram on Dec 31, 2008 2:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Marquis' sport?
It’s not Marquis’ spot.
It’s Marshall and Chad Gaudin’s spot. They are both pitchers who could match Marquis and possibly pitch better!
by IllinoisCubs on Dec 31, 2008 2:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
In this order
Milton Bradley signs
Pie and Cedeno to Baltimore for Olsen.
Olsen, Clevelands 3 prospects, Hart for Peavy
Visciano or Wuertz and prospects for Mark Teehan
by cubdreamer on Dec 31, 2008 2:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Cats and Dogs living together....
mass hysteria!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 31, 2008 2:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
crazy shit huh?
BCB Works Miracles: It saved my English grade!
by Chanman25 on Dec 31, 2008 2:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
1. Pie for Olsen
2. Bradley signs
3. Peavy for 6 players
Would be crazy for the Cubs to dump DeRo for a mere $3.5 million in savings, and not add someone who can help this upcoming year… Why retain Reed Johnson or Chad Gaudin, who aren’t nearly as valuable, or sign Gaithright, if the budget’s so tight??
SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!
by CubFaninCA on Dec 31, 2008 3:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
YOU SIR
are making far too much sense. Why did we resign Reed only to dump DeRo?…unless those pitchers were eye candy to the Dad’s I don’t get it either. I understand the CF platoon deal, but I’d still rather have DeRo than Reed.
by jbertram on Dec 31, 2008 3:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, Hendry really likes Reed Johnson.
I’ve heard him really talk up RJ in interviews. Plus, DeRo has greater value – trading Mark may have allowed Hendry to get the three specific pitchers he (read: the Padres) wanted.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Dec 31, 2008 3:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe just maybe another trade for a bat
Because I hope MB does not sport a Cub Jersey
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
by CubFreak on Dec 31, 2008 3:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Boatload of players to the pads
for Peavy.
Sign Orlando Hudson for 2B
No effin’ idea for RF
"Enough foreplay- let's get crackin'"- Fred Garvin
by davidalanu on Dec 31, 2008 3:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Jimbo's Mission...
To go where no GM has gone before:
Resurrect The College of Coaches, but this time keep trading vets for useless prospects, and let the prospects rotate weekly in the Cubs New College of Prospects Coaches!
by GeneticCubsFan on Dec 31, 2008 4:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Jimbo's Mission Part Two...
Of course another part of the salary dump would be to trade Uncle Lou in the futures market for a Patterson brother PTBNL (Player To Be Named Later).
by GeneticCubsFan on Dec 31, 2008 4:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Jim Hendry's next move? That's easy! To starboard.
Because he always goes to starboard in the bottom half of the hour.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 31, 2008 4:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
that's crazy
Ivan.
"This is a game to be savored, not gulped. There's time to discuss everything between pitches or between innings." -- Bill Veeck
by MOCubsfan on Dec 31, 2008 9:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He will live in Montana.
And he will marry a round American woman and raise rabbits, and she will cook them for him. And he will have a pickup truck… maybe even a “recreational vehicle.” And drive from state to state.
"The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible." ~Arthur C. Clarke
by Goodie1969 on Jan 1, 2009 6:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
For whatever it is worth....
Steve Stone in talking to Doug Buffone on the radio he is certain the Cubs are done chasing Jake Peavy. In his view (granted he doesn’t have insider information) the Cubs are done at acquiring Aaron Miles and Milton Bradley and getting rid of Jason Marquis.
Stone says the addition of Miles is a real head scratcher. He also think the move to get rid of DeRosa was more a salary dump in order to afford Bradley and less a move to get something of real value in return.
by BLou on Dec 31, 2008 4:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I just hope the nats really do want bradley for CF
so we dont get stuck with him. no peavy,no beimel, I cant stand bradley, and I loved dero. terrible terrible offseason for me thus far.
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 Dec 31, 2008 5:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Saving $3.5 million from DeRo makes zero sense
considering they signed less valuable guys like Reed Johnson and Chad Gaudin. Maybe the Cubs don’t get Peavy, but these prospects are going elsewhere…
SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!
by CubFaninCA on Dec 31, 2008 5:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Or the Cubs are opening 2B
for a LH bat, who could just be Fontenot, but could also be Hudson or Roberts.
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 Dec 31, 2008 10:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
can understand the move
if it’s for roberts of hudson… I can’t imagine 3 prospects being the end product of DeRo trade.
SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!
by CubFaninCA on Jan 1, 2009 1:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Based on Hendry's previous history...
He signed Soriano to play CF, but he can’t play CF, so he creates a logjam at LF and hole at CF.
We need a SS, so we sign (fill in the blank 2nd baseman), but he can’t play SS, so we have a logjam at 2nd and no real SS.
We need a 5th starter. So we trade away a 5th starter in Marquis for an expensive journeyman reliever that we don’t need.
We need some salary relief, so we trade away DeRosa and his $5 mil salary for a bunch of crap, and spend half that savings on Aaron Miles (more if you count his 2010 salary), who will be much less productive and versatile.
So based on that, I’d guess we’ll sign Adam Dunn to a backloaded contract. Mostly because Hendry would just assume that he can play right field. But he probably wouldn’t be able to. So then we’d have two left fielders again, and no RF.
Many of the Cubs current problems were created because Fukudome is a complete and total failure. Raise your hand if you could make a 48 million dollar mistake at your job and then get an extension. The Fukudome signing also led almost directly to the dumping of two of the most popular players in recent Cubs history. BOooo.
DEJESUS!!!
by tomas21 on Dec 31, 2008 5:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I don't think ...
… you can totally write Fukudome off, just yet. Give him one more year.
And I’d take Adam Dunn as a consolation prize.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Dec 31, 2008 5:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hendry has really created a mess...
Fortunately for him the Cubs play in the NL Central, a division that is stagnating other than the Cincinnati Reds.
We will have moved Kerry Wood (good move in my view), Jason Marquis, Jim Edmonds, Felix Pie (will never hit), Henry Blanco, Jose Ceda, Mark DeRosa (UGH).
We have added Kevin Gregg (OK), Luis Vizcaino (expensive bullpen filler that robs spot for Angel Guzman), Aaron Friggin Miles (UGH), Milton Bradley, Joey Gathright and probably Paul Bako.
by BLou on Dec 31, 2008 5:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Except that
they are apparently ready to give his replacement (Bradley) a 3 year deal. So someone is basically writing him off. He’s a good defensive rigth fielder, so if they weren’twriting him off, wouldn’t they go looking for a center fielder?
DEJESUS!!!
by tomas21 on Dec 31, 2008 7:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You're right...
He has partially been written off. The minute they sign Bradley, Fukudome is a bust at what he came here to be… the starting RF. A $12 million/year platoon CF? Wow, that’s almost as bad as the Knicks paying Stephon Marbury $23 million to not practice and sit on the bench in a suit.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Jan 2, 2009 6:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
agree and disagree
we might want a ss but theres not ne out there right now worth messing with.
I like the marquis deal; had to take a little garbage back to get rid of a bigger piece!
trading dero unless something bigger is coming was insane insane insane.
how did we dump wood?? he isnt worth 2yr 20 million period!
I dont like aaron miles one stinking bit. why did we need another 2b/utility player? dont we have 100 of these??? you can get aaron miles type of the scrap heap for minimum money!
signing bradley makes me throw up in my mouth every time I think of it.
I will not fault hendry for the dome signing I would have did in a heartbeat and most people here would have at the time.
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 Dec 31, 2008 5:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 31, 2008 5:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Again you guys way ahead of yourselves
First let me recall the head scratching and screaming when we first signed DeRosa, to a person people screamed how we could sign a utility player to a multi-year 3yr $13M contract in his prime years. In 2 years he became a hero and now he is traded for 3 pretty solid arms, one a lefty with some heavy K ratios and another RH who is MLB ready.
In case you haven’t realized it the economics of baseball have changed so three minor league pitchers who have real MLB capability are more valuable than a $5.5M super utility player.
Okay let me repeat, the next move will not be Bradley, even though there is a handshake and principle if the rumors are correct are in place. The next deal or deals is clearing more salary and finalizing the middle infield, moving Pie, moving Wuertz & Ceden (before arb hearings),
Then Hendry has a final bigger move….all before Bradley
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on Dec 31, 2008 6:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I don't think Hendry
can take credit for the DeRosa signing now that he has traded him while at his peak value for a pretty marginal return. DeRosa was relatively inexpensive, was versatile, and was one of the Cubs most consistent offensive players. He didn’t get back any of the Indians top 10 prospects, and he didn’t get anyone that helps this year (unless those prospects are headed off in another deal).
He cut 5.5 mil in the deal, but he already spent over 2 mil on DeRosa’s relplacement, who is inferior in every way, and who could be fairly easily replaced by someone making league minimum.
If this is salary dumping to get Bradley (who we only need because Fukudome can’t play), then it’s stupid. If it’s a precursor to something like Peavy, then I’m ok with it, because you have to give up value to get value.
DEJESUS!!!
by tomas21 on Dec 31, 2008 7:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It's not a marginal return...
3 for 1, with money freed up is a precursor move. Miles is not inferior in every way. Miles is a switch hitter, with a better average than DeRo, he makes more contact. It is a precursor to Peavy I think, and those arms are probably what the Dads want.
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Dec 31, 2008 7:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Disagree
It is a very marginal return. None of the arms acquired are elite. More of the same like the rest of the middle relievers, or mop-up men currently toiling at the extreme back end of bullpens…at best. Miles is indeed far inferior to DeRosa. Sure he makes contact…soft contact…can’t run and is a liability in the field at nearly every position. He’s just plain bad.
But there is more to it than just this. If there isn’t, then the Cubs are in full payroll reduction mode which would be a much, much larger embarrassment than how the team fizzled in the playoffs. For a big money team to raise ticket prices and then cut payroll, it would be an absolutely deplorable business practice.
There has to be more.
Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?
by krummy12 on Dec 31, 2008 8:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, there does have to be more.
And I’m 99.9% certain there will be. You cannot look at today’s moves in a vacuum.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Dec 31, 2008 10:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Cubs got three non-spectacular pitching prospects for DeRosa
I have poured through everything I can get my hands on regarding these three prospects. None of them is a certainty.
by BLou on Dec 31, 2008 11:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Disagree...
Towers already came out and said that the Cubs acquisition of those 3 arms had nothing to do with the Padres and Peavy. He could have just beat around the bush, or not commented, but he flat out denied having anything to do with it. He’s been pretty upfront and honest about all the rumors so far this offseason, why would he lie now?
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Jan 2, 2009 7:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Jim's positioning for getting Peavy...
He is shipping out Marquis & almost all his salary for ’09. He cleared money & took pitchers to trade for Peavy, (if need be). Miles will be better than most of us think…
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Dec 31, 2008 6:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
My guess on Hendry's next move is signing Orlando Hudson.
He seems to be the free agent no one is talking about in rumors. Maybe Hendry will swoop in and get him for a bargain.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Dec 31, 2008 7:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Interesting idea.
Platoon him with Fontenot? I realize he’s a switch-hitter, but maybe that’d work.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Dec 31, 2008 10:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hudson will be a starter
not a part-time platoon-mate with 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 Dec 31, 2008 10:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Then there's really no point to doing that, is there.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Dec 31, 2008 10:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Some people would see Hudson as a better overall 2B
than Fontenot, although, if I recall correctly, Hudson’s one-time flawless defense was shaky last year, and I worry about his bat outside of the hitters’ parks he’s called home his entire career. I wouldn’t sign Hudson, but the Cubs could do worse. After all, we could trade for Luis Castillo.
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 Dec 31, 2008 11:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
FWIW
During an interview with Dave Kaplan very early in this off-season, Gordon Wittenmyer did predict that Hudson would be the Cubs opening day leadoff hitter. He readily admitted it was a shot in the dark, but I wouldn’t be totally blown away if Hudson suddenly entered the picture.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Jan 2, 2009 12:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
a possibility, but
they’ll have quite a 2b stockpile with miles and fontenot.
SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!
by CubFaninCA on Jan 1, 2009 1:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
So what's new?
Hendry loves 2nd basemen. Remember Walker, Grudz, Neifi, who else was there?
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Jan 2, 2009 7:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm really sorry to say this
But as someone who remembers the Ed Lynch days, I think you may be putting too much faith in Hendry.
I truly hope I am wrong, but I think this is more of a slary slash, and we will get sheap owners, AGAIN, than a precursor to a good trade.
I really do hope I’m completely wrong, but my gut tells me I am not, and we may be destined to revisit the 82 team really soon.
by chrisw95 on Dec 31, 2008 9:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Hendry is in clear salary slash mode
The only spending he is doing of consequence is on Ryan Dempster and Milton Bradley. Other than that he is subtracting pieces and switching out pieces to make the math work. It’s painfully, painfully obvious. There is no other shoe to drop. But if all of you want to wait in the pumkin patch for the Great Jake Peavy to show up then go for it. You’ll be waiting for a long time.
by BLou on Dec 31, 2008 11:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
LOL, good one
As someone frollicking the in the pumpkin patch at least for now, I’d ask: how can they justify raising ticket prices in this environment, without completely alienating ticket buyers?
"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano
by JohnM on Jan 1, 2009 6:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
hendry????
given what he,s done so far i see hendry signing tenacious d to replace theriot and fontenot. jack black at ss.
by NOMAR on Jan 1, 2009 9:46 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
That would rock.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Jan 2, 2009 12:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hendry has done a great job this offseason
as the GM of the Cleveland Indians. Because of his moves, the Indians are a much better team. As for his real job with the Cubs: bad, bad, bad.
by ChicagoRobb on Jan 1, 2009 4:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
thats an incorrect staement
your saying he gave wood to the Indians. wood isnt worth 10 million a year and neither is any other closer for that matter. f-rod isnt worth that 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 Jan 1, 2009 5:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
"he gave wood to the Indians"
…snicker..
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Jan 2, 2009 12:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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