Bedard Deal Nearly Done?

by The Ryno and I Know on Feb 8, 2008 8:15 AM CST

I didn't see this posted anywhere else, so thought I'd pass along in case anyone hadn't heard yet. Bedard in Seattle for physical today. Please refrain from skewering me over yet another Roberts related diary. Just the messenger here.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-bedard207,0,7467653.story?track=rss

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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closure to this topic is a good thing

im not sure there is any more to talk about with regards to this leading to a roberts trade, the merits of roberts, the value added of a trade, etc. hopefully we will just find out soon whether or not a roberts trade is still on the horizon, or if it is indeed dead as Al has said.

Bill James Felix Pie 2008 Projection: .283/.333/.456 16 HR 21 SB

by kylejo on Feb 8, 2008 8:21 AM CST reply actions

Over on mlbtraderumors

It has Rosenthal reporting the o's would "insist on getting Pie" he says that wont happen...

I agree...

by dus22 on Feb 8, 2008 8:31 AM CST reply actions

the o's must not be too keen on

moving roberts. they know we wont trade pie in that deal. they know its stupid to ask for our best young player for their 30-year-old career .760 OPS second baseman.

this is just helping to cement in my head the fact that this trade is not happening.

Bill James Felix Pie 2008 Projection: .283/.333/.456 16 HR 21 SB

by kylejo on Feb 8, 2008 8:46 AM CST up reply actions

Yawn.

Wake me up when this is over.

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 8, 2008 8:41 AM CST reply actions

This thread, nearly same subject line

http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/story/2008/2/4/16239/80064

by Arbusto on Feb 8, 2008 8:46 AM CST reply actions

i dont think you can blame the guy

this is obviously newer information and that diary is burried under almost 20 newer diaries.

Bill James Felix Pie 2008 Projection: .283/.333/.456 16 HR 21 SB

by kylejo on Feb 8, 2008 8:55 AM CST up reply actions

I think he's just pointing out...

...the fact that we're all living out some baseball version of Waiting For Godot.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Feb 8, 2008 9:15 AM CST up reply actions

Yep, it's just like this:

ESTRAGON:
He should be here.
VLADIMIR:
He didn't say for sure he'd come.
ESTRAGON:
And if he doesn't come?
VLADIMIR:
We'll come back tomorrow.
ESTRAGON:
And then the day after tomorrow.
VLADIMIR:
Possibly.
ESTRAGON:
And so on.
VLADIMIR:
The point is--
ESTRAGON:
Until he comes.
VLADIMIR:
You're merciless.
ESTRAGON:
We came here yesterday.
VLADIMIR:
Ah no, there you're mistaken.
ESTRAGON:
What did we do yesterday?
VLADIMIR:
What did we do yesterday?
ESTRAGON:
Yes.
VLADIMIR:
Why . . . (Angrily.) Nothing is certain when you're about.
ESTRAGON:
In my opinion we were here.
VLADIMIR:
(looking round). You recognize the place?
ESTRAGON:
I didn't say that.
VLADIMIR:
Well?
ESTRAGON:
That makes no difference.
VLADIMIR:
All the same . . . that tree . . . (turning towards auditorium) that bog . . .
ESTRAGON:
You're sure it was this evening?
VLADIMIR:
What?
ESTRAGON:
That we were to wait.

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 8, 2008 9:30 AM CST up reply actions

yeah, but who's Lucky?

It it midnight. It is raining.

"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Feb 8, 2008 10:15 AM CST up reply actions

hahaha

what a perfect reference.

Bill James Felix Pie 2008 Projection: .283/.333/.456 16 HR 21 SB

by kylejo on Feb 8, 2008 9:30 AM CST up reply actions

Well

.....I have a sad prediction for Bedard. I think he is going to get hurt.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Feb 8, 2008 8:55 AM CST reply actions

Seatlle Just Hopes...

... that his injury takes as long as it was to sign him, cuz that may not be until November...

This is the Cubs new #1!

by initram on Feb 8, 2008 9:25 AM CST up reply actions

I agree Hammer

He hasn't been overly reliable in the past, has he? I'd be very wary of trading my best prospect for a pitcher that could be headed down the Chris Carpenter or Ben Sheets path. Yeah, you get some good starts (or even seasons) but you cannot really rely on them. Zambrano may be up and down but at least you can rely on him to make all of his starts.

-no Mark Prior's were injured in the creation of this post-

by Kornchex on Feb 8, 2008 10:22 AM CST up reply actions

The point I keep coming back to is...

I remember when the trade on the table appeared to be Tejada and Bedard for Prior, Hill, and another player (I understood to be Corey Patterson but Angelos didn't want him). in retrospect, it appears it would have basically been Hill and another player, for Bedard and Tejada.

That is killin me. Before you say it was never done, I can only say that a family friend is Tejada's agent (or represents the agency that represents Tejada) and he said that the only hold up then was the third player from the Cubs. Of course a physical may have killed the Prior inclusion anyway but still...

MMMMM...Nutrisystem!

by Kinky Reggae on Feb 8, 2008 9:39 AM CST reply actions

My understanding was...

... that when the Cubs asked for those two, the Orioles asked for Zambrano and that killed the deal.

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 8, 2008 9:41 AM CST up reply actions

That was just what I had heard...

I think other requests may have arisen later in the negotiations but I remember being told that Hendry wanted them to take Patterson as the third player and the O's said no way.

Who really knows and sure no sense in getting upset over something that never came to pass but it was just seeing how Bedard was viewed only a couple of seasons ago bums me out.

Heck if the deal were just Bedard back then, the price could have been much more affordable. Tejada? Meh, whatever.

MMMMM...Nutrisystem!

by Kinky Reggae on Feb 8, 2008 10:17 AM CST up reply actions

That's how I remember it too.

Most of us were probably on board with dumping Prior at that time.

by Kornchex on Feb 8, 2008 10:23 AM CST up reply actions

That doesn't bother me

Tejada is clearly on the downside. Getting Bedard without keeping Hill means that the rotation is still a pitcher short.

by Shanghai Badger on Feb 8, 2008 9:44 AM CST up reply actions

And

as Al mentioned, the 3rd player could have been anyone (Zambrano?). Without knowing the 3rd player, it's hard to get upset about a trade that from all indications was never completely ironed out.

by rlpete on Feb 8, 2008 10:11 AM CST up reply actions

Did Soriano Really Say That?

Steve Rosenbloom wrote in his RosenBlog that:

"At Cubs Convention last month, Soriano said he would be willing to hit lower in the lineup if Roberts joined the Cubs."

I must've missed something... did he really say that?

Regardless, this is likely what he had to say.

This is the Cubs new #1!

by initram on Feb 8, 2008 10:05 AM CST reply actions

I sure hope so

If there's a manager in the bigs right now that can tame a player and keep him in line and not be selfish its Lou.

I absolutely refuse to accept Soriano will always lead off, regardless of the teams' situation. This is just pure selfishness.

He's a big boy, he knows he has a lot of value to the team in many lineup positions. I sure hope he really said that and if he did, he really meant it.

by blackhawk24 on Feb 8, 2008 10:32 AM CST up reply actions

Amen

I saw it but there wasn't a lot (any?) of commentary on it in the press. It would have been nice to hear him say it instead of just reading it so we could have an idea of whether he was serious or not or just saying the right thing. I think the underlying message is that he's maturing as a player, is more comfortable in his baseball skin and doesn't need to cling to what used to make him comfortable. I think he can move to another spot in the lineup and adjust and thrive. Wouldn't that be great, add a big bat to the middle of the lineup while (hopefully) adding more .OBP at the top?

I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. - Robert McCloskey

by pageian on Feb 8, 2008 11:25 AM CST up reply actions

What a concept.....

...a slugger hitting in a slugger's position.

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

by MPH73 on Feb 8, 2008 11:29 AM CST up reply actions

Amazing isn't it

Think how many fastballs A-Ram will see in front of Fonzie, them batting 4/5.

Then with DeRo at #6 say, he of the highest Cub 2007 in #pitches/PA along with A-Ram, the Cubs 1 through 7 could be devastating.

Roberts
Fukudome
Lee
Aram
Fonz
DeRo
Soto

by blackhawk24 on Feb 8, 2008 12:33 PM CST up reply actions

re: Amazing isn't it

I like that lineup for the most part, though its success would be contingent on DeRo getting and staying hot. This is something I've harped on before but, if Soriano is dropped in the lineup, he needs protection. Otherwise, pitchers will just throw him breaking junk and, Alfonso being Alfonso, he'll probably swing at it (unsuccessfully). I could maybe see starting the season like this and then flip-flopping DeRo and Soto once Soto starts mashing the ball. (And he is gonna do that, y'know.)

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Feb 8, 2008 1:51 PM CST up reply actions

What I don't get...

Is why I keep reading sporadic threads about Soriano being selfish. He's never been the one to imply that he would only hit leadoff; in fact, he's been flexible with just about every single thing the team has asked of him. He did say, at the time of signing, that he was brought in to hit leadoff (which he was) and play left field. I've read a few articles over the last year or so where he's stated that he'll hit just about anywhere, because he just wants to play.

Knowing that he's a better hitter in the top spot is WHY the Cubs have kept him there, and why they continue to say they will. It's not because Soriano refuses to hit anywhere else.

by NocNoc on Feb 8, 2008 12:33 PM CST up reply actions

There were also posts

about DeRosa being selfish when he commented that he preferred to start at 2nd base instead of playing all around the field as a somewhat regular super-sub.

by rlpete on Feb 8, 2008 1:01 PM CST up reply actions

Marshall's Name Dropped

Check this out!

* Once Baltimore wraps up the trade of lefty Erik Bedard to Seattle, the Orioles figure to conclude a trade of second baseman Brian Roberts to the Cubs for a package that could include left-hander Sean Marshall.

Imagine we were able to put together a package for Roberts where Gallagher stays with the Cubs??

This is the Cubs new #1!

by initram on Feb 8, 2008 10:26 AM CST reply actions

Looking at that entire article....

... it reads like a compendium of rumors.

I still think this thing is dead. And with pitchers and catchers reporting next week, it ought to be.

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 8, 2008 10:30 AM CST up reply actions

the timing is irrelevant and you know it

Deals are made all the time. With that line of thinking the cubs would have never acquired G Matthews and B Dernier at the end of spring training in 84. As a GM you make a deal if it improves your club. Period. End of story.

Clearly Hendry thinks Roberts would be an upgrade to the team otherwise this story would have died months ago. It all comes down to cost. Until a deal is actually made it is just speculation.

Clearly you don't agree with him on that but when this happens is a non-issue.

by CA Cub Fan on Feb 8, 2008 10:42 AM CST up reply actions

Agree

I believe they also acquired Sutcliffe just the before the season started in 84, and that was a nice move.

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

by MPH73 on Feb 8, 2008 10:47 AM CST up reply actions

Didn't We Get The Red Baron...

... in June?

This is the Cubs new #1!

by initram on Feb 8, 2008 10:48 AM CST up reply actions

Spring training moves happen...

...as teams look to finalize their rosters and get one last idea of where they have depth versus weakness. It's early-season trades (say, pre-June) that are rare and largely inconsequential.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Feb 8, 2008 10:51 AM CST up reply actions

You are correct

n/t

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

by MPH73 on Feb 8, 2008 10:59 AM CST up reply actions

Yup...and it was a deadline-like deal

IIRC the (non-waiver trade) deadline was mid-June as opposed to 31Jul, which is today's deadline.

Rick made some 20-21 starts and went 16-1 for the Cubs' 96-win season.

by blackhawk24 on Feb 8, 2008 12:30 PM CST up reply actions

Anything yet?

That Andy McFail, he's a rebel, man. Goes with his first gut reaction.

"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004

by ctcoff99 on Feb 8, 2008 11:46 AM CST reply actions

Rosenthal Reports Deal is Done...

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7777230/After-long-process,-M's-finally-nab-Bedard

This is the Cubs new #1!

by initram on Feb 8, 2008 1:45 PM CST reply actions

Quick, write a diary!!!

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Feb 8, 2008 1:51 PM CST up reply actions

Too...

late!

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 8, 2008 1:54 PM CST up reply actions

ohhhhh, pwned!!!!

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Feb 8, 2008 1:58 PM CST up reply actions

Finally...sigh!

Now who's taking bets on when Angelos will allow a Roberts trade...

You ARE freaking out MAN!

by crw89 on Feb 8, 2008 3:11 PM CST up reply actions

It's officially official.

Orioles website article.

Mariners website article.

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 8, 2008 4:44 PM CST reply actions

Comments from Oriole and Mariner fans...

... From Camden Chat -- they still think they're getting Gallagher and Pie. Mmm-hmmm.

From Lookout Landing -- they're sick of talking about it.

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 8, 2008 4:47 PM CST reply actions

Don't be surprised

if it ends up being; Gallagher, Colvin, Marquis and cash.

With Soriano, Pie and Fukudome, Colvin could be blocked for 3 years anyway.

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

by MPH73 on Feb 8, 2008 4:55 PM CST up reply actions

That'd be a real bad deal.

I like Gallagher and that could come back to haunt the Cubs. Same for Colvin -- what if Pie washes out? He's good insurance.

Marquis, I know a lot of people don't like, but he's an inning-eater. The alternative is Dempster, which is like the old "and death is not an option" phrase.

Don't do it, Jim. Not worth it.

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 8, 2008 5:09 PM CST up reply actions

It's not a bad deal if...

...you win the NL pennant, or dare I say World Series.

It's time for the Cubs to stop pussyfooting around and take some chances. No better time than the present.

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

by MPH73 on Feb 8, 2008 6:16 PM CST up reply actions

If I thought...

... that Roberts was "the final piece of the puzzle" who would guarantee a World Championship, damn right I'd do that deal.

But I don't think he is -- not even close. That's why it's not worth it.

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 8, 2008 6:29 PM CST up reply actions

Al - question for ya

don't you feel that if Roberts is aquired then DeRosa plays SS everyday and that upgrades the offense immensely from last year?

Roberts is an upgrade to DeRosa, but DeRosa is a HUGE upgrade to Theriot? Not to mention Soto versus Barrett/Kendall/Hill behind the dish.

Agree or not? I think that's why getting Roberts would be a great thing. I wasn't sure on your take about a position for DeRosa switch eliminating Theriot.

by socalbob on Feb 8, 2008 6:42 PM CST up reply actions

Speculation.

I doubt DeRosa has the range to play SS every day. Occasionally, sure. But I'm guessing if the Cubs ran him out there every day, in a month people here would be bitching about his defense.

I know Ryan Theriot isn't some people's idea of a great SS. I know his offensive numbers are mediocre. If he continues in that vein, perhaps an upgrade can be obtained at the trading deadline. Right now I'm satisfied the Cubs can go into camp with the team they've got.

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 8, 2008 8:56 PM CST up reply actions

still though

roberts makes us better, gallagher has no real effect on the 2008 team unless someone gets injured, and the cubs have plenty of pitching depth in the minors, i dont understand the staunch oposition to this trade, where we'd be giving up a few pieces that we really dont need.

Bill James Felix Pie 2008 Projection: .283/.333/.456 16 HR 21 SB

by kylejo on Feb 8, 2008 10:51 PM CST up reply actions

Roberts

Mark DeRosa isn't suited to play shortstop on more than an occasional pace. So what's he supposed to do if Brian Roberts shows up on the scene?!? Serve as backup to the four biggest names in the lineup in Ramirez (3rd), Roberts (2nd), Lee (1st) and Kosuke (RF). How many at bats are going to be in that job description?!? You won't have to worry about DeRosa seeing time in CF because I guarantee if a deal for Roberts were to go down then Andy McPhail will insist the Cubs take on Jay Payton as part of the deal.

I continue to believe this Roberts thing is dead. But God forbid it still has a pulse then the only thing I can think of is that Hendry is going to spin DeRosa in another trade. Which will lead me to be violently ill.

by MDBNIU on Feb 8, 2008 11:14 PM CST up reply actions

It's a pretty sad indictment of...

...the Mariners as a franchise right now that their fan's reaction to pulling off one of the biggest trades of the offseason is to just bury their heads in the sand. Yikes.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Feb 8, 2008 5:43 PM CST up reply actions

Not really...

considering how they act while the games are being played.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 8, 2008 5:48 PM CST up reply actions

how

the shit do you find this stuff?

Bill James Felix Pie 2008 Projection: .283/.333/.456 16 HR 21 SB

by kylejo on Feb 8, 2008 10:51 PM CST up reply actions

DO IT!!!

look............if it makes the cubs better to get a proven player in roberts and give up "PROSPECTS"then do it now!i don't know about the rest of you cub fans but i am sooo... ready for a ws ring!!

by cubz409 on Feb 8, 2008 10:51 PM CST reply actions

So am I.

But to decimate the farm system? I'll say it again: if Roberts were "the one last piece of the puzzle" that would guarantee a WS title, sure, do it.

But he's not. He's a marginal upgrade over what we already have. That's not worth giving up, say, what the Mariners gave for Bedard. And that's about what Baltimore wants.

No thanks. Let's move on.

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 9, 2008 4:13 AM CST up reply actions