Day 2 Winter Meetings Thread!!

For all of the action we were promised, this is

getting to be frustrating.

Dallas Green!

by SonnyJ9 on Dec 9, 2008 9:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Who promised us that?

I think our team is pretty set, sans a few bench players and MAYBE a outfield switcheroo. We can make it with most of the guys we have already. Sure we may trade for Jake or someone, but I have never expected this off-season to be a monster one like last year.

Dan

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 9, 2008 9:21 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Rec'd

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

by Al on Dec 10, 2008 3:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Definitely don't need action just to make a trade

I’d rather they make a very good trade than do something for the sake of doing something. That’s just plain not good business sense. I imagine the economy has a bit to do with it. I’d still like to the the Cubs dish off Marquis and get Peavy but a LH bat is more important to Sweet Lou.

"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 Dec 10, 2008 8:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Really

What Winter meetings. Seems every team is waiting for the other team to make a move. Money appears to be finally an issue.

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Dec 9, 2008 9:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

nats near deal for tavares

link How many more crappy outfielders does Jim Bowden need?? are they ever gonna fire that clown??

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 9, 2008 9:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I found this kinda amusing

an post over gas lamp ball

Sandy Alderson and his posse came up with nine recommendations for bat manufactures. The article doesn’t actually tell us what the recommendations are but we can guess that Alderson suggested playing with younger bats that are less expensive. The Padres are taking it a step further and using players that can’t make contact thus cutting down on bats being broken.

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 9, 2008 9:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Speak (post) for yourself

my consensus #1 is the Dunn-inator… I need him to help balance out my Sheffield to Waveland homerun ball ratio. Currently it’s way overweighted to Waveland,

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Dec 9, 2008 9:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Showing off your range again, eh

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 Dec 10, 2008 3:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Id be okay with Ibanez

Mildly intrigued by Bradley; hes intense and a switch hitter, but I just dont think he can hack in in RF. Abreu would be great at the right price and for no more than 3 years, I think Ive made my Pro-Dunn stance by now.

Tim Kurkjian was on espnnews talking about Dunn and he said that Dunn prefers to pay for a winner, but unfortunately for him, the winners who might be interested in him can only give him around 8M per year.

If DeRosa gets dealt, then our MI becomes an intriguing spot as well.

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 9, 2008 9:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

No on Ibanez.

Too old, could decline quickly, and horrible defensively.

Give me Jeremy Hermida.

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

by Al on Dec 10, 2008 3:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You keep saying that, but I dont think they have what it takes

which makes you wonder why they didnt try to include him in the Gregg talks

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 10, 2008 11:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think the Gregg deal...

… was a knee-jerk reaction to Wood being cut loose and Lou probably saying “Get me someone with ML experience”.

You may be right that the Cubs don’t have what it might take to get Hermida, but I’m guessing Hendry is trying anyway.

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

by Al on Dec 10, 2008 5:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well now theres some Figgins talk

the Angels might need bullpen help if they dont get Fuentes….not sure how the Cubs would fit their needs, but if we were to lose DeRo, Figgins would be a hell of a replacement

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 10, 2008 10:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Of all the good people to ask about in Anaheim

Figgins is near the bottom of my list. Yech.

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 10, 2008 10:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

youre a tough one to please

who else would you want? Brandon “Pie” Wood, Kendrick isnt going anywhere neither is Adenhart

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 10, 2008 11:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Given relative prices

I’d take Maicer Izturis over Figgins. Maicer, at least, can play SS, which would help us. What position does Figgins play that helps us? He plays “lead-off hitter”? Well, just sign Furcal then!!

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 10, 2008 11:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Could that be why DeRo seems to have been pulled out of the Peavy deal?

The Fish don’t need DeRo, but he represents the value they would want for Hermida. They can flip him to the Twins or Dodgers (doubtful that he would go to the Mets or Phils) for young pitching or whatever else they need.

I definitely think DeRo is gone, but there are three different sets of circumstances:
1. In Peavy deal to clear salary if Hendry can’t unload all of Marquis’ salary.
2. In a separate deal to clear salary for a FA RF.
3. As the “value” required to trade for a RF — possibly DeJesús, Hawpe, or Hermida

I’m not sure which part will ultimately prevail…

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Dec 10, 2008 10:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't want

Ibanez only because it will cost a first round draft pick to get him. Milton Bradley would be my #1 option considering he will probably be the cheapest out of the people avalible. I’d be totally fine with Abreu too depending on how much he wants. I’d think he would be a bit more expensive than Bradley. Hopefully we get one of these guys within the next few days…

Marquis needs to be traded now! I don’t care who we get back for him as long as the person we get is cheap. He is the only obstacle keeping this Peavy trade from happening.

And then we obviously need to get the Peavy trade done. Sign Aurilla if DeRose is involved in the deal and we are set. Perfect offseason.

:)

by illini23 on Dec 9, 2008 10:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

DeRosa*

ha DeRose…my bad I had Derrick Rose on my mind. :)

by illini23 on Dec 9, 2008 10:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

bradley

scares the hell out of me. all the injuries,blowups, and defense. I still think on top of getting peavy and a LH bat, we need a dominant left reliever.

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 9, 2008 10:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

those are hard to come by

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 9, 2008 11:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think we need a dominant lefty reliever.

Could we use a great lefty arm, absolutely, but we need to be realistic in our expectations coming into next season. No team is perfect in every single spot. Here’s my take on next year’s bullpen: Marmol is the clear cut choice to be the closer, or at the very least the relief ace, if Lou even would think of adopting such a strategy. Looking at who is going to be the setup man, there are several options, and Kevin Gregg is not the best choice. I’m a Michael Weurtz fan, and while Lou isn’t, I think he’ll be open to anything when he realizes that Gregg is not a very good reliever. Jeff Samardzija is in the mix as well, but I don’t think he’s ready. He pitched well last year but I think he could still use some more work, maybe in the minors. Realistically, he won’t be sent down but I still think he should be eased into the setup role. Sadly, Jose Ceda could very well have been our second best bullpen arm but he’s now in Florida and not part of Lou’s plan. I think Jose Ascanio could play a prominent role in the bullpen. My point is that we have a decenty, potentially pretty good bullpen right now and if I were to look to add an arm I would just look for talent period, handedness non-withstanding.

by dakoose on Dec 10, 2008 12:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ibanez

and right field at Wrigley—ouch. People are going to be going first to third on us all season long.

Ibanez is a very underrated hitter though. He might make up for it with his bat.

by Josh77 on Dec 9, 2008 10:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I keep catching myself

saying ouch everytime I think about one of the available players in right field in wrigley. this may be a dumb question but would it be any better if we put whoever we sign in center and leave dome in right??

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 9, 2008 10:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No

because then we’d be screaming even worse every time a ball is hit to CF.

by Josh77 on Dec 10, 2008 2:44 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

we already have a great center-fielder on the Cubs

Pie.

"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 10, 2008 11:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

the latest...

Has Mark Derosa moving in the Peavy deal too. Fuck this Hendry… you trade Derosa… your nuts…

by cliffyhoops03 on Dec 9, 2008 10:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Easy Pal with the F Bombs

It’s not that F’N serious

I asked this Q earlier, what will will you more games; Peavy’s arm or DeRosa’a bat?

Case F’N closed! Bring On Jake!

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton

by CubFreak on Dec 9, 2008 11:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think it's that cut and dry.

DeRosa is valuable from a cost standpoint, can play just about every position, etc. We can look at some numbers when I get a bit here about their win shares and whatnot.

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 9, 2008 11:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Remember

not to expect a repeat of DeRosa’s 2008 – that might be the best he has in him since he is not getting younger at 33.

100 years would have been nice, but 101 years still has a nice ring to it.

by airweino on Dec 9, 2008 11:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not sure?

DeRosa is a beast

Still has a couple of solid years left

That’s why teams want him

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton

by CubFreak on Dec 9, 2008 11:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Which is why

if we are going to trade him, we should do so right now. We can get a LOT for Dero at this point. You hold onto him for another year or two and you might not get anything. The question is whether his performance over the next 2 years (all he probably has in him even generously) will equal what you can get from what you trade him for over the next 4-5-7 years.

This team often holds onto its players a bit too long and ends up not maximizing the value (see: Fuld, Sam; Patterson, Corey; Pie, Felix)

"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run [i]for[/i] Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray

by Archie on Dec 10, 2008 8:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

DeRo will have zero trade value after the 2009 season.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Dec 10, 2008 10:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Somewhat ironic

coming from “DeRoMyHero”?

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 10, 2008 11:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Free agents can't be traded...

It doesn’t matter how much I like him — facts are facts, and free agents can’t be traded. Now, if you want to talk about his value on the open market…

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Dec 10, 2008 11:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 11, 2008 12:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds a lot like what Cubs' fans were saying in 2006...

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Dec 9, 2008 11:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

DeRo was a great sign by Hendry

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton

by CubFreak on Dec 10, 2008 12:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes he was

and it may be time to deal DeRosa while his value is high. Remember too, he’s a FA after this season.

The only problem is that I’m not real wild about Mike Fontenot as our starting second baseman. Maybe we can pick up a SS and move Theriot over.

by Josh77 on Dec 10, 2008 2:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

O-Dog at second?

if DeRo is traded Hudson might make sense

Derrick Rose-2009 ROTY Tyrus Thomas-2009 MIP...hope I'm at least half right

by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Dec 10, 2008 3:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i doubt it

unless other moves are made as well. the point in trading derosa would be to clear the money to fill our other needs. hudson could land an AAV equal or greater than orlando.

by toonsterwu on Dec 10, 2008 5:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

oops, equal or greater than mark

by toonsterwu on Dec 10, 2008 5:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LETS C

Before we talk about moving THE RIOT or getting Hudson, lets see what happens with DeRo 1st

We might get Peavy and still not lose DeRo

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton

by CubFreak on Dec 10, 2008 11:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You wouldn't

be willing to trade DeRo for an ace? I like DeRo too, but if you have an opportunity to add an ace he is expendable. Plus, you would be clearing out more cap space and this is the last year off his contract. Sign Rich Aurilla to be the backup utility man type guy and start Fontenot at 2nd. Having Font’s LH bat in the lineup would balance it out a little bit.

by illini23 on Dec 9, 2008 11:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

you gotta do it

this is Jake Peavy were talking about here!

It’s not every year that a solid ace is available and wants to play here!

If we can keep DeRo cool, if not oh well

Bring the Jake!

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton

by CubFreak on Dec 9, 2008 11:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

GUYS! I GOT A NEW NAME!

Just finished watchin the KC news…Mark Teahen’s name apparently thrown around with discussions with the Cubs and Royals.

Anybody? Played his first two years at 3B, has played RF, CF, LF, 1B, and DH. Career OPS+ of 98, went .255/15/59 last year. I’ll check on some pretty fun graphs.

Oh, and I have no idea what we would (1) use him for or (2) give up for him.

Dan

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 9, 2008 10:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

fyi

if this is meant as sarcasm … i apologize for not catching it as it’s late at night.

but if not, fyi, teahen came up a few weeks back in a, i think, bob dutton article.

he was part of the carlos beltran trade from the a’s to the royals many moons ago. at one point in time, some thought he might become a slugging, middle of the order bat. good glove.

i’d have some interest … but not that much because, well .. i’m not sold that he’s better than kosuke fukudome and he’d be an expensive bench player that we likely couldn’t afford if he couldn’t win a starting job. he may very well still develop, but i’m not sure, depending on the cost, that is a risk that is worth taking. a few weeks back, the rumors were fontenot or marshall. i don’t think i’d trade either for him personally.

they might move him because they have gordon at 3rd, they are loaded with options at first, and they have crisp/dejesus/guillen in the of. they’d probably prefer moving guillen, but that’s not likely.

by toonsterwu on Dec 9, 2008 11:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry dtollitt but Teahen's old news

His name has been thrown around before. But the guy I would love the Cubs to get from the Royals is David DeJesus,

This kid had the BEST BA in the majors with RISP! He’s young (turns 29 on the 20th of this month) and yes he bats lefty!

HERE’S MY TRADE PROPOSAL

Trade Marquis, plus some cash (to help pay for Jason’s Marquis’ contract,)
maybe throw in an outfield prospect & pitching propspect.

DeJesus played in only 135 games and check out these numbers:
scored 70 runs, slugging 452; avg. 307; Rbi 73; doubles 25 + stole 11 bases!

this kid can play!

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton

by CubFreak on Dec 9, 2008 11:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Which are you trading for?

DeJesus or Teahen? I don’t think the Royals would be that willing to part with David, he’s a pretty solid player and part of their young core.

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 9, 2008 11:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Both have been rumored to the Cubs.

Free Ronny Cedeno

by Kansas25 on Dec 9, 2008 11:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I would love DeJesus they can keep Teahan

they can keep Teahan

They do have CoCo in center, Jose Guillen in right, DeJesus in left

Teahan is expendable, but with the right offer..maybe Teahan can play LF

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton

by CubFreak on Dec 9, 2008 11:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't see why DeJesus is so valued.

He’s a solid player, but he’s not special by any means. He also will be tenty-nine in a little over a week, so he’s not all that young. His highest OPS over a full season is .818, which is a nice number for a center fielder, but not all that good for a left fielder, which is his best defensive spot.

by dakoose on Dec 10, 2008 12:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

DeJesus: Younger, Cheaper, Relaible & Better than

Abreu last year 100 rbi with in a Yankee line up played in 156 games

Bradley last year 77 rbi in a Rangers line up played in 126 games

Ibanez last year scored 85 runs in 162 games slugging was 479
avg & rbi totals were good, but free agent year :) and is much older

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton

by CubFreak on Dec 10, 2008 12:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

regarding dejesus

i don’t think they are in a rush to move david. this is a team looking to move forward next year, with an outside shot at competing for the playoffs, although 2010 is more realistic. DeJesus is valuable and affordable for them in LF.

I think they’d listen, as they are looking at all avenues at building the team, but I don’t see a match. Their system pitching depth is pretty solid up and down. Now, they do need some more rotation help (or they can sign a closer and move Soria to the rotation, which would give them a pretty solid Greinke/Soria/Meche/Hochevar foursome, and they have options for the 5th spot).

What they need, imo

a) A Middle infielder (hence the suggestion of Fontenot). Aviles is overrated, imo, due to his hot end of the year, but maybe he’s a late bloomer. That said, they need another guy.

b) As noted, an arm somewhere, closer or starter.

The last thing they need is something we can’t do much about – they need gordon/butler to develop as middle of the order anchors.

by toonsterwu on Dec 9, 2008 11:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

NO WAY JOSE, UM JOAKIM

Soria stays as closer

They do have Davies as a fifth starter, not A bad pitched, he did very well in September.

Marquis can help. I argued that they need another veteran on their staff.

Aviles over rated? Not sure, just a rookie. Terrific rookie season.
He might be moved to second IF they can someway land Furcal.
If not keep Aviles at short and maybe offer Fontenot and a couple of other prospects, picks,

Either way I’d trade for DeJesus instead of Teahen. Add something else if you gotta!

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton

by CubFreak on Dec 9, 2008 11:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I dont know...

theres been an awful lot of rumbling about Soria being a starter, hes got a large enough repertoire.

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 9, 2008 11:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Closing is a serious business

Just ask the Mets. Their bullpen sucked last season.

If they had Joakim last year they would have won the east…

The playoffs would have been different. No Brewers or no Philly!

That’s why the Mets are signing K-Rod to serious biz

For the Royals to compete they need to keep Soria as closer

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton

by CubFreak on Dec 9, 2008 11:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

the royals dont win enough to need a closer

they need starters to get to the closer; Soria, Meche, Greinke and Bannister is a solid rotation

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 10, 2008 11:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

the royals need

another top of the rotation starter. For a small market team, what’s easier to find? A closer, particularly in this market where there’s an excess of them available.

I’m not saying Soria to the rotation will happen. Rather, what I am saying is that there is a strong rationale behind the idea.

by toonsterwu on Dec 10, 2008 2:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

RE: Gordon & Butler

Both are good player.

I have not seen many Royals’ game, but know enough that

Gordon strikes out way too many times

Butler should NOT be your DH, when your rookie SS has superior offensive numbers than your DH, NOT GOOD
Unless your SS is Micheal Young or Jhonny Peralta
Butler is young enough to spell 1B LF & DH and develop

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton

by CubFreak on Dec 10, 2008 12:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

butler and gordon

i think gordon can improve. he’ll still whiff quite a bit, but he showed improvement last year. If he can get it to around 20, I think he’ll be okay (currently around 24).

The two biggest issues I have on Gordon -

a) Can the power continue to develop? It improvedt this year, and it has to continue improving. He has the potential for it, but production has to happen.

b) Along with A, can his bat play well enough for a corner OF? Because if Moustakas pushes up hard and fast, then Alex Gordon will likely move. 1st is a thought, but their 2nd best prospect is Eric Hosmer. Albeit, it’s way too early to tell on Hosmer, so they may go that route, but they also have a lot of options at first.

_______________

As for Butler, he did post a .815 OPS with a .305/.341/.476 SLG after the ASB. He has the raw bat potential to really dominate, but he got in a funk early and the FO, and in particular, Moore, doesn’t seem huge on him and demoted him.

________________

As for the reason as to why I don’t buy Aviles just yet, although acknowledging that some folks are late bloomers, I would note, amongst other things, that there was no minor league indication of said power and he had a ridiculously high BABIP.

by toonsterwu on Dec 10, 2008 2:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

DeJesus

Can someone please explain the infatuation over DeJesus by KC or anyone else?

Am I missing something here?

100 years would have been nice, but 101 years still has a nice ring to it.

by airweino on Dec 9, 2008 11:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Infatuation?

Ok fine! The truth is I think he’s a beautiful man and I want to see him in Cubbie Blue instead of Royal Blue

MADE YOU LOOK!

REALLY THIS KID CAN PLAY!

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton

by CubFreak on Dec 10, 2008 12:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

DEJESUS I'll say it again

DeJesus is young, bats lefty, and had the best BA with RISP in the MAJORS!

played in only 135 games and check out these numbers:
scored 70 runs, slugging 452; avg. 307; Rbi 73; doubles 25 + stole 11 bases!

this kid can play!

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton

by CubFreak on Dec 10, 2008 12:01 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Can he play? Yes. Is he special? Not by any means.

Like I wrote above, he is not all that good of a player. He’s merely a solid everyday player, and is more of a left fielder than center fielder according to UZR. The fact that he had the best BA/RISP in the majors and still posted unimpressive counting stats should make you skeptical of his 2008 performance, as the chances of repeating that clutchness are minuscule at best. The best wOBA of his career is .355 and he has very, very little power. He can hit for average and walks enough to get on base at around a .365 clip, but that’s about it. He’s Ryan Theriot plus sixty SG% points.

by dakoose on Dec 10, 2008 12:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

who's special?

Bradley: Needs special attention!

Ibanez: Might need special care, getting old

Abreu: Might work work if we get special deal

I would NOT be mad if we got DeJesus. He can have a very productive year in Cubs line up!

or I got someone else that NO ONE has mentioned, left handed bat, but its getting late

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton

by CubFreak on Dec 10, 2008 12:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

posted this in another thread but they are kind of dead, but

have you ever seen so many rumors be created and shot down…in ONE day?

1) The whole Peavy debacle
2) Sabathia: whether or not he has accepted his contract offer from the Yanks
3) an alledged Fukudome-Silva swap
4) Livan Hernandez signs with Reds, wait nevermind!
5) some hack out in San Fran thinks they are aggressively pursuing Lowell, but he doesn’t have a source
6) Pat Burell may or may not go back to the Phillies
7) Greinke for Francoeur looks emminent, wait nevermind…
8) Lock in Dye for Bailey, wait..
9) Furcal may go to Oakland or not

and I am sure I am missing a few..Sheesh it is all overwhelming

"Charles Tillman is one of the best strippers in the NFL" - John Madden 11/30/08 Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings game

by Chanman25 on Dec 10, 2008 6:31 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I didn't catch the Fuku-Silva swap

Derrick Rose-2009 ROTY Tyrus Thomas-2009 MIP...hope I'm at least half right

by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Dec 10, 2008 7:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

it wasn't exactly a rumor

unless i missed something as well. it was actually a suggestion that jason churchill made over at his prospectinsider site. He’s a very knowledgeable guy with a lot of resources, but he comes up with some odd trade suggestions and rumors once in awhile.

short of it is that he’s suggesting lou wants kosuke gone at all costs. i don’t buy it …

a) silva would be a middle reliever for us

b) imo, if lou hated kosuke that badly, he would’ve hated him by the end of the regular season. That is, i doubt three postseason games would’ve changed his mind that badly, so if he hated him that badly, would he have really given him the starts? albeit, derosa’s health might’ve played a factor, but i don’t buy lou hating kosuke that badly.

now, in saying all this, if we can deal kosuke and cut some salary from the ledgers, i think we would. i just don’t buy carlos silva as a target (even if the mariners tossed in 8 million – jason suggests that with 8 mil, the cubs would jump all over the deal – don’t buy it due to the length of silva’s deal). Marquis is better than silva, and randy wells can probably give us silva level performance out of the pen … and heck, might give us silva level starting capability (more an indictment on how I feel about silva).

by toonsterwu on Dec 10, 2008 8:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

and lest we forget

Pitching wasn’t our concern in the post season, it was clutch hitting and crappy defense (4 errors by 4 infielders!). Peavy doesn’t necessarily give us those wins that we need..

"Charles Tillman is one of the best strippers in the NFL" - John Madden 11/30/08 Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings game

by Chanman25 on Dec 10, 2008 6:41 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Is ESPN jumping the gun on the CC Sabathia deal?

I cannot find anywhere that he has said he has accepted the contract offer from the Yankees, but they are saying he has..

"Charles Tillman is one of the best strippers in the NFL" - John Madden 11/30/08 Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings game

by Chanman25 on Dec 10, 2008 6:45 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

They're crediting the NY Post

as the source. Of course, he would have to pass a physical, which might involve bending down to tie his shoes, so the jury’s still out. I’d be worried about the wear & tear on that guys arm if I was giving him $140 million!

Demp and Rich: proof that people that live in igloos and say "eh" can contibute!

by Canadian Cubs Fan on Dec 10, 2008 6:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Buster Olney reports....

…the Sabathia deal is 7yrs/160 million.

Whoever said you can't mix business with pleasure never owned a PuttPutt course---Andy Bernard

by carmen_fanzone on Dec 10, 2008 8:12 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

NY Post article...

… says “at least” $140 million. I’d be surprised if the Yankees came up on their original offer, considering they were basically competing against themselves.

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

by Al on Dec 10, 2008 8:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I was kind of surprised by those numbers....

But, then again, I’ve heard nothing but “he’s going to wait to make a decision” all week. Then Cashman flies out to the West Coast (where CC was talking w/ the Giants), and all of a sudden, it’s a done deal with the Yanks.

Maybe they got spooked about him talking with SF/Anaheim and upped the offer?

Whoever said you can't mix business with pleasure never owned a PuttPutt course---Andy Bernard

by carmen_fanzone on Dec 10, 2008 8:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think that's a large part of it

The Yankees figured if they let CC get a feel for living and playing for a west coast team, then they stood a better chance of losing him. Hence, the extra year and $20 million.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Dec 10, 2008 9:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He can opt out after three years as well.

they were just discussing that on XM

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 10, 2008 11:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I saw that

Should make things interesting in the winter of 2011.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Dec 10, 2008 1:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

DeRosa and the Twins?

A lot of people have rumored at a potential match with the Twins since the offseason began, and this is the first time I’ve seen it in an article. Supposedly, we will meet and give them a list of pitchers influenced by the Padres.

by toonsterwu on Dec 10, 2008 9:52 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

my side thought

and i think i expressed this potential in a post somewhere, although it might be another board, is that I wonder if a Theriot and DeRosa, giving them a 2nd and 3rd baseman, is a possibility, if we can get the right package in return (perhaps Span, the arm for the Padres, and perhaps another arm for the Padres or for us). I have doubts that we can net one of their main 5 arms (Liriano/Slowey/Perkins/Baker/Blackburn), so I’ll be curious where these discussions go because the Twins pitching depth is actually a bit thin in the upper levels right now in terms of quality, unless Humber/MulveySwarzak step up.

by toonsterwu on Dec 10, 2008 10:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Twins also like to add a veteran arm into their rotation

so I keep hoping they are one possible landing place for Marquis. What kind of return do you think there could be for Marquis-DeRosa-Theriot?

Oh, and they aren’t trading Span.

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 10, 2008 10:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i think they will

definitely trade an of. For all the talk about dealing Delmon Young, I still have my doubts about that happening. Too much upside to pass up on. Furthermore, there’s a very good chance that Span was an overachiever. Some guys can consistently overachieve, most can’t.

Now, in saying all that, I’m not big on Span, but if we did deal Theriot and DeRosa, I’d want an OF in return (because well, they don’t have a MI to fill short for us, as they aren’t moving Casilla).

As for the Twins pitching, it somewhat comes down to who the Padres like, but I’m not completely sold that they would deal someone from their rotation. If they don’t deal anyone from their rotation, they have no need for Marquis. Even if they do … they might not want or need Marquis, since their opening would be a 5th starter job that they can turn to Mulvey or Humber for.

The truth about the twins system right now is that it is somewhat weak, due to the graduations. That said, it is weak with upside, but we don’t need Low level kids.

by toonsterwu on Dec 10, 2008 10:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

They will definitely trade an OF

and I think their preference is to trade Delmon or Kubel. They like Span.

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 10, 2008 11:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wouldnt the cost for Young have dropped?

Seeing as they just acquired him, was it last off season or the one prior? Either way, to give up on him so quickly would lessen his value I hope.

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 10, 2008 12:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Lessening value

It all depends. If the Twins have concluded that Delmon Young will never break out in the big leagues (for whatever reason), then now is the time to trade him, even if you get less than you gave a year ago.

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 10, 2008 1:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He could help, but it doesnt seem the power is there like projected

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 10, 2008 1:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

How bout bringing back some old Cubs?

Mark Grudzielanek, Juan Cruz and even Jerry Hairston Jr. The first you could make a strong case for, Cruz really turned it around in Arizona and Mark G was near 300avg and 340 OBP the past two years.

Hairston came out of nowhere in Cincy this year,though he might have the Dusty stink on him still

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 10, 2008 2:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Hairston Jr.?

As what, full-time RF? Pass. We don’t need any outfielders that won’t be starting in RF batting left-handed.

Ron Santo should sing TMOTTBG everyday. Period.

by Schwa on Dec 10, 2008 3:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Royals signed Farnsworth.

I like it. I’ll be watching him at Kauffman this spring. Here.

Dan

(new window)

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 11, 2008 3:35 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Dr. Tightpants has been pretty bad the last couple years.

I think he’s about done. Two years, $9.25 m? Insanity.

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

by Al on Dec 11, 2008 9:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He had a 3.65 ERA with the Yankees

He had a weird season.

3.65 ERA with Yanks in 44 IP, but 11 HR given up

6.75 ERA with Tigers in 16 IP, but 4 HR given up

And that’s less than he made each of the last 3 years (about $5.5 mil). I don’t think it’s THAT bad of a deal…

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 11, 2008 11:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

craziest offseason

Ive ever seen

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 11, 2008 6:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs