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Cubs interested in Reggie Willits?

Take it with a grain of salt....

http://brewersfandemonium.yuku.com/topic/10889/t/Cubs-sign-Alex-Cintron----foreshadow--trade--Brian- Roberts.html

A guy on their board posted this:

Quote:

 I will keep you posted, but I did just talked with someone I know who was John McDonough's (Cubs former VP) assistant who is still there and he told me that both the Willits and Roberts deals are hot right now and would be surprised if one of them is not done by the end of the week.

Names he told me the Cubs are willing to trade are Cedeno, Theriot, Gallagher, Fontenot, Marquis, Dempster, or maybe even Pie. Cubs AA former first round pick Tyler Colvin could be in a package as well.

I apologize for being a Brewer fan who knows someone in Cub hierarchy, by the way. Living in Chicago makes it tough to know any Brewer contacts.
/Quote

I know anyone could've posted that, but it makes little sense as to why they would post it on a Brewers board and not a Cubs board.  I don't see any reason why this guy would be making this up.  I still don't think it's guaranteed to happen by the end of the week.

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.

0 recs  |  Comment 63 comments

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Clancy Wiggum says
"Move along, folks, nothin' to see here."
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Feb 18, 2008 4:48 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Beat me to it
 I just posted this "rumor" in another diary because I didn't think it was "worthy" of it's own diary ;)
Lemon20Pie's 2008 PECOTA for Rich Hill: 204 IP 30 HR 75 BB 180 SO 1.35 WHIP 4.25 ERA

by lemon20pie on Feb 18, 2008 4:55 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

I say false
Too many infielders willing to be traded....

by ak123 on Feb 18, 2008 5:36 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Well.....
I'd take Willits in center field over Pie right now. The guy can play.
Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Feb 18, 2008 6:03 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

i hope this is true..........
i played with reggie about 1000 times in high school.
GO CUBS GO!!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Feb 18, 2008 6:03 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

cubsluver22
Where are you from?

by JDay on Feb 19, 2008 8:35 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

JDay
i now live in yukon. i grew up about 10 or so miles from where willits is from(ft. cobb) in another really small town. where are you from? if case anyone cared his sister i believe played in the wnba and went to school at arkansas.
GO CUBS GO!!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Feb 19, 2008 10:44 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

cubsluver22
I graduated from Leedey.

I knew his sister played in the WNBA.

It's funny the number of athletes that have come out of places in western OK that most people wouldn't even consider to be "towns."

by JDay on Feb 19, 2008 11:35 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

LOL...
you mean like Slapout, OK?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 19, 2008 11:50 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

jday
where do you live now? funny thing about willits is he was pretty good in basketball and wasnt that good in baseball if i remember right. i played leedey in high school a few times.
GO CUBS GO!!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Feb 19, 2008 11:59 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

"Deep Goat"...
... says nothing is going on.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Feb 18, 2008 6:40 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

lol
that's pretty good, I like that
"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Feb 18, 2008 7:29 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I know people
give you a hard time about your source, in particular the A-Rod thing (that you didn't actually say was going to happen, just that there was talk or something), but do you have any examples of when you posted things not otherwise known to the public that your source has been correct on? I tend to be naive and believe anyone who says they have a source, but it would be nice to know how historically accurate your source is. Not asking you to disclose who they are, just how accurate the info they've given you (that you've just to pass on to us) is.

Hope that didn't come across as critical of you, just trying to find out how much salt to take your source with.

by jazzypete on Feb 18, 2008 8:09 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

You can search this site...
... but I was one of the first to pass along the info that the Cubs' #1 target this offseason was Fukudome. Maybe not the biggest surprise -- everyone knew they were after him -- but I knew they were going to go all-out, which is exactly what happened.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Feb 18, 2008 8:33 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Lol...
The Almighty Al Hendy, huh? You know it all!!!

Who didn't think that Fukudome was their #1 target.....Hendry said they had been scouting him since 2004.

Super Mario Galaxy! Get it NOW!

by TheBeerBaron on Feb 19, 2008 7:48 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Fair enough
So your source is less a scoop-giver, and more someone that can tell you whether certain rumors are based on fact or made up by the media. Is that about right? Are you able to say if this person is inside or outside the organization?

by jazzypete on Feb 19, 2008 9:58 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Willits
Whether this rumor is true or not, Reggie Willits makes all kinds of sense for the Cubs.  

He's a switch hitter who can hit lefties, which means he can platoon with Pie.  

He's speedy and has nice OBP, which means he could bat 2nd when playing or even 1st when resting Soriano.  

He can play all three OF positions.  

He's blocked in Anaheim/LA by a half dozen other OFs, so he should be available.

The Angels won't want Murton (as in the Byrd trade), but a reliever may do the trick.  Wuertz for Willits?

Dunn, Duncan, Lee, Bay, and now Braun... I hope the Cubs are practicing hitting to LF!

by DGU on Feb 18, 2008 8:24 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

no way
there is no way they are going to trade a switch hitting center fielder who hit .290+ last year as a rookie with 27 stolen bases and wont see a payday for a long time for a reliever. They wouldnt trade him for pie and colvin combined in my opinion. They would be silly to.

by meandmycubbies on Feb 18, 2008 9:43 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Sarcasm?
Lemon20Pie's 2008 PECOTA for Rich Hill: 204 IP 30 HR 75 BB 180 SO 1.35 WHIP 4.25 ERA

by lemon20pie on Feb 18, 2008 9:58 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Where can they play him?
Anderson's in LF, Hunter's in CF, Vlad's in RF, Lil Sarge is now the most overpaid 4th OF in history, and then they've got Juan Rivera, too.  They'll trade him for the same reason we'll trade a LF whose OBP is one of the highest on the team and is far from a payday - we've got no place to play him.
Dunn, Duncan, Lee, Bay, and now Braun... I hope the Cubs are practicing hitting to LF!

by DGU on Feb 18, 2008 11:09 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Actually
Mathews is going to RF while Vlad DHs most of the time, and when that isn't the plan Anderson DHs with Mathews shifting to left and Vlad to right. But the numbers crunch remains the same. Juan Rivera is also bucking for time. I wouldn't mind him in a Cub uniform in center either.
Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Feb 19, 2008 12:16 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

get him
good complimentary player
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Feb 18, 2008 10:11 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Willits
I don't know alot about him but based on last year.........especially .390 obp, I'm all for it.
otta think getting him would take way more than a reliever though. Sounds too good to be true as far as him coming here though..........

by plenz on Feb 19, 2008 6:55 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

willits
is the type of player hendry has been looking for to be the 4th outfielder....How much will he give up for it though?

by cubsmania on Feb 19, 2008 12:16 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I think Willits would require trading DeRosa
The Angels could use a good defensive infielder to play second and third, with Kendrick seeing some time at first or DH, and Figgins continuing to move around the field.  

Once the Orioles get done with any other moves they think they can make (which might even include dealing Mora or others), they would send Roberts to the Cubs for players to fill whatever holes they have left (probably pitching and Cedeno).  Then the Cubs could send DeRosa and a young, cheap pitcher or two to LA for Willits and perhaps someone with a bigger contract.  

Free the upper deck!

by zambranofan on Feb 19, 2008 6:39 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

Perhaps Theriot is on the move?
He played a little bit at 3rd and we did just get super SS Cintron!  
MMMMM...Nutrisystem!

by Kinky Reggae on Feb 19, 2008 8:12 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Let's not get carried away
I'm "meh" on Willits but if the Cubs get him to platoon with Pie, ok.  However, no way is he worth Pie or DeRosa as mentioned above.  Willits is a 4th OF'er at best.  

Think about this fact, Ryan Theriot hit 25 points lower than Willits last year but had a higher slugging percentage.  Juan Pierre had a higher slugging percentage than Willits last year.  Willits does one thing at the plate, he walks.  So unless he is guaranteed to hit .290, he is basically useless.  He's also 27 this year so I'm not sure how much improve you could expect.  He's ok as a 4th OF but I wouldn't give up much for him.      

by rlpete on Feb 19, 2008 10:04 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

Well..
Reggie Willits makes loads of sense for the Cubs.   That being said, I think the chances of the Cubs and Angels agreeing to a trade package is an extreme longshot.  

by MDBNIU on Feb 19, 2008 10:07 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

I have no clue
did Willets start for the Angels during their stretch run last year and why would he not fit into their 08 plans?
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Feb 19, 2008 10:10 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

Right, thanks....
...he looks like he is a prototypical leadoff guy - speed, great OBP and virtually no pop.

I don't know what the price tag would be on this guy, but with his skills, I don't see how you could put him anywhere but leadoff.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Feb 19, 2008 10:26 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Reggie Willits
Willits is an "over-achiever" in the mold of Ryan Theriot.  He bounced around for a long time in the minors before seizing upon opportunity.   That said, he would be a nice addition to the Cubs and would go a long way to making me feel better about our center field situation.   Not the greatest defensive outfielder, but decent enough.  

But, the Angels are loaded and in "win-now" mentality.   What could we possibly offer them for Willits that would intrigue them??  

by MDBNIU on Feb 19, 2008 10:35 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

That is the question
I am pondering and I don't know if there is a very good match.  The Angels would want something to help them win now, and I don't know if the Cubs (being a win now club) are the right fit.

If this rumor is true, it could be Hendry looking at a possible backup if the Roberts deal does not work out.  It could also just be smoke he is blowing McPhail's way to get him to lower his demands.

One thing is pretty clear; the Cubs want more reliable speed and OBP at the top of the order, and I don't think Hendry or Piniella will be completely satisified until they get it.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Feb 19, 2008 10:41 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I guess...
... you all missed the note I put above in this diary: this rumor is false; nothing is going on tradewise at this time, from what I hear.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Feb 19, 2008 10:44 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Look at his splits...
Season numbers can be a bit misleading when looking at a rookie.  Some guys can take advantage of teams not having a good scouting report and post really good numbers in their first few months in the league (see Mike Fontenot, Ryan Theriot).  It may be the case that Willits is that type of player:

April:     .345/.424/.345
May:       .330/.430/.390
June:      .342/.432/.430
July:      .231/.337/.269
August:    .250/.367/.276
September: .279/.355/.338

Over the last three months, Willits had solid (not great) OBP, but he slugged around .300.  I'm worried that teams may have figured him out.  He may still draw some walks, but if your slugging percentage matches your average, that's not a good thing.

The question is whether that was just fatigue or whether the league started to figure him out.  I suspect it's more of the latter.  I wouldn't expect a shiny .390 OBP from him again - I'd expect an even lighter-hitting, but faster, Ryan Theriot.

by SouthernCub on Feb 20, 2008 8:05 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

re:
The question is whether that was just fatigue or whether the league started to figure him out.  I suspect it's more of the latter.  I wouldn't expect a shiny .390 OBP from him again - I'd expect an even lighter-hitting, but faster, Ryan Theriot.

You'll notice that his AB's declined during his slide, as well, so fatigue is not a likely culprit here. I agree that he's been firgured out and basically gives us a Theriot to play CF.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Feb 20, 2008 6:50 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

from Orioles Hangout
QUOTE:

As usual read into this as little or as much as you want. I was told late last evening that Roberts has spoken with upper management and ownership and requested a trade to happen soon if he is in fact going to be traded. AM wants him moved. The focus now is with the Cubs and Payton would be a part of the package going back to Chicago. With Roberts scheduled to report today he feels a deal could happen by the end of the week.

/QOUTE

take it for what it's what it worth. I'm not going to make a new diary out of it.

by Rezze21 on Feb 19, 2008 11:52 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

Orioles Hangout...
... has been notoriously wrong about just about everything this winter, particularly about this deal.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Feb 19, 2008 12:49 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

:( ... Boo!
Al has consistently been The Grinch with regard to Roberts deals.  I believe we ought to give up those diaries, here at least. - TL
"Why shouldn't we believe that we're going to win the World Series?" - Ted Lilly, 1/19/2008, Daily Herald interview w/Barry Rozner

by timlacy on Feb 19, 2008 1:59 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Not trying to be Grinch-like...
... just telling you what I know.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Feb 19, 2008 2:04 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Well, I don't know any athletes from Slapout
I know one or two from Hooker, though.

by JDay on Feb 19, 2008 11:53 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

I live up by Woodward now
Where did you go to school? Gracemont?

If he was better in basketball, that would have been fun to watch. That's the other thing about guys out here: there would be a lot of really good basketball players if anybody was taller than 6'2".

by JDay on Feb 19, 2008 12:12 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

i went to...
 binger
GO CUBS GO!!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Feb 19, 2008 12:33 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Hypothetically
Willits would probably not be a 4th OF for the Cubs, particularly if Pie is traded. If he could stretch that production into a full season -/+30 steals with a .391 OBP is something you want starting at the top of the line-up (I'm not familiar with his defense, is it serviceable?)

But realistically he's making minimum wage and those types of players are just not traded for packages involving relievers and de facto prospects so you should be able to tell there's nothing to this rumor without having any sort of inside scoop.

by morgane on Feb 19, 2008 1:05 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Ah, Binger
I remember playing them in Little League regionals. They had a kid who threw harder than any twelve year old I've seen outside of Danny Almonte (yeah, I know). That kid mowed us down.

by JDay on Feb 19, 2008 1:28 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Roberts Update
Some have been speculating that Roberts is on his way for a physical (yes, again), perhaps hinting of a trade to the Cubs.

Roch Kubatko from the Baltimore Sun reports something funny on this:

Brian Roberts isn't in camp today. But a team spokesman rained on our conspiracy-theory parade by informing us that Roberts has a stomach ailment and visited a local hospital this morning. His name is listed on the team's medical report. He hasn't been traded. He isn't taking a physical at the Cubs' camp. He isn't having breakfast with Ernie Banks.

I'm still checking to see if Ronny Cedeno has a stomach ache.

From another report, though, they are speculating that if a deal happens, we won't know one way or the other for a couple of weeks.  Perhaps then, we can have some closure on this.

Source

Jacque Jones is gone and I doubt Ivan DeJesus would mind this!

by initram on Feb 20, 2008 9:24 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

I already have closure on this
 It ain't happening.
Lemon20Pie's 2008 PECOTA for Rich Hill: 204 IP 30 HR 75 BB 180 SO 1.35 WHIP 4.25 ERA

by lemon20pie on Feb 20, 2008 9:41 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Good For You...
... for many others, though, there isn't closure.
Jacque Jones is gone and I doubt Ivan DeJesus would mind this!

by initram on Feb 20, 2008 9:49 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

yeah
im still 50-50 on this, one would think if the deal were truly dead, hendry would come out and say it to avoid any further distraction for derosa's sake.  i think roberts makes us a better team in 08 also, so im still hoping it happens.
Bill James Felix Pie 2008 Projection: .283/.333/.456 16 HR 21 SB

by kylejo on Feb 20, 2008 10:16 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Well...
... O's scouts are out there watching these guys.  Why they need to see kids work out is beyond me.

We'll see where it takes us...

Jacque Jones is gone and I doubt Ivan DeJesus would mind this!

by initram on Feb 20, 2008 1:06 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

ur right............
if it 's truly dead.........he would say it publicly.I agree.......he makes the cubs better...a much needed LH bat, speed and on base ability at the top of the lineup too.
I like Derosa alot.....but IMO Roberts fits this team better. Plenty of pt for Derosa filling in at 3B,LF and occasionally 1B and even a few games at SS to give the Riot a break.I think acquiring him is far more important than some believe here.............

by plenz on Feb 20, 2008 3:12 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

LSA!
At last, someone else agrees. Let's move on.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Feb 20, 2008 9:53 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Yes! Let's move to a topic we can all agree on...
...like cockfighting!
An open invitation to visit Des Moines and watch the Iowa Cubs...

by IowaCubs- on Feb 20, 2008 10:47 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I LOVE COCKFIGHTING!!!!!!
That's what she said.
MMMMM...Nutrisystem!

by Kinky Reggae on Feb 20, 2008 11:52 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I have an affinity for
discussing pocket lint.  Mine is kind of blue-ish grey -- except for right after a cockfight - then it's kind of pink-ish purple.
"Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem." Woody Allen

by BlueSox on Feb 20, 2008 12:29 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Guess What!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 20, 2008 12:31 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

What?
MMMMM...Nutrisystem!

by Kinky Reggae on Feb 20, 2008 12:43 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

If I explain it...
it won't be funny.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 20, 2008 12:49 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Chickenbutt.
See, it's not funny if someone explains it.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Feb 20, 2008 6:52 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Bleed Cubbie Blue
WBCB !!!   You're all Brian Roberts talk, all day long blog !!   Play it work, play it at home, play it whereever life takes you !!  

by MDBNIU on Feb 20, 2008 10:13 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

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