I don't get the point of Bako

Why not just give Koyie Hill a shot? We all know the budget is tight. Sure, $500,000 is nothing ... but what's the point? Why not just give it to Hill, who offers that switch hitter?

about 3 years ago toonsterwu 18 comments 0 recs |

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My guess is management is thinking...

Paul Bako is a journeyman back-up catcher, he calls a good game, he’s worked with a variety of pitchers and managers over the years in both leagues, and while he’s not Henry Blanco, he’s probably able to offer some mentoring to Soto if needed.

While I wish Henry Blanco were coming back, with the hindsight of a few years, I’ve come to the conclusion Bako wasn’t the worst back-up catcher ever. He’s adequate with defense and keep in mind he’s never going to be a hitter. The Cubs could a lot worse than re-signing him.

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by brook on Jan 1, 2009 12:52 AM CST reply actions

Bako has worked with a few Cub pitchers

including Zambrano and Dempster.

And Koyie looked worse in ’08 than he did in ’07. And they are talking about a $500K salary – basically the same as Hill. And I agree with brook about the veteran backup angle for Soto.

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by JohnM on Jan 1, 2009 6:28 AM CST reply actions

There's going to be a competition...

… between Bako, Hill and Mark Johnson for the backup job.

Don’t be surprised if Johnson wins.

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

by Al Yellon on Jan 1, 2009 8:21 AM CST reply actions

Perhaps, but

if Johnson wins, we’re either cutting one of the above or carrying 4 catchers. The contract and 40 man does give a slight edge to Paul and Koyie.

by toonsterwu on Jan 1, 2009 9:27 AM CST up reply actions

Point taken...

… although, Bako can be cut at a certain point and they won’t owe him the entire salary. Plus, the deal he signed isn’t for much more than the minimum.

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

by Al Yellon on Jan 1, 2009 9:43 AM CST up reply actions

If Johnson wins...

we’ll probably cut both Bako and Hill. Or we’ll cut Bako and try to sneak Hill back through waivers (like we did last year successfully) and back to AAA. I don’t think there’s really any problem with the signing. It’s not very expensive, and provides insurance in case Hill or Johnson aren’t capable.

I suspect that Bako will be the backup catcher in the end, though. I think the organization trusts him more than Hill.

by SouthernCub on Jan 2, 2009 3:29 PM CST up reply actions

I assume Blanco is calling it a quits?

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by Chanman25 on Jan 1, 2009 10:10 AM CST reply actions

I would think so.

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

by Al Yellon on Jan 1, 2009 3:43 PM CST up reply actions

was there a report?

Can’t blame him if he does, long career, tough tragedy to deal with. That said, if he wants to play, I think a team would offer him a solid deal in a heartbeat, but we just don’t have the room.

by toonsterwu on Jan 1, 2009 4:31 PM CST up reply actions

I imagine too

hank white’s body cant take the grind anymore. he’s probably been catching for 30 years and he has a history of back problems etc. I feel horrible for him about the off the field issues he’s dealing with. once he gets past his horrible loss and is ready to get back to baseball, I would think he would be one helluva good coach. I would love too see a blanco/sandberg coaching combo in the dugout for the cubbies.

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by cubsluver22 on Jan 1, 2009 4:58 PM CST up reply actions