What about Jay Gibbons

by RynoHoF on Jun 12, 2008 9:46 AM CDT Comment 18 comments

With Soriano out anywhere from 4 weeks to 10 weeks (really Eric Young?, I think you're flat wrong), the Cubs are in need of a left fielder. Lou's been wracking his brain trying to find a lefty with some pop.

What about Jay Gibbons? After being named in the Mitchell Report, Jay Gibbons was released by the Orioles and since, seems to have done just about everything he can to atone for his errors .

Gibbons apparantly will be joining a team in the independent Atlantic Division. In that same article, it says that Gibbons "agreed to a Major League Baseball-imposed suspension" so that would of course be an issue. I'm not sure how long the suspension was for and if it were for any great length of time, it would certainly negate the reason for signing him. My guess is though that the Cubs could sign him for the pro-rated league minimum.

Here are his stats from Baseball Reference .

Disclaimer: I'm not sure exactly how I would feel about signing a known PED user, but I feel like the whole thing has humbled him and I'm generally for giving people second chances if they've shown themselves worthy of a second chance which I think he's done.

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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Signing Gibbons...

I have no issue with giving the guy another chance, but do we really need to go out and sign another mediocre player while Soriano is on the DL? I seriously believe that the Cubs have the depth to handle this without having to sign Kenny Lofton, Jay Gibbons, etc. If I remember correctly, just a few weeks ago, everybody was trying to get rid of Soriano asap. Now, there seems to be a panic to replace him. Theriot, Johnson or maybe even Fukudome can fill in at the leadoff spot in his absence and they should be fine. Not sure why everybody is scrambling to sign somebody…

by bergs55 on Jun 12, 2008 10:05 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree

I’m pretty sure the Cubs can fill the hole from within as well, but I think Gibbons is relevant in light of Lou’s searching for a lefty with power.

Signing Gibbons may make more sense if Edmonds ultimately ends up not working out. Although it’s doubtful Gibbons could play center. He would give the Cubs the pop Lou’s been looking for from the left side.

Ultimately though, the Cubs are probably best served by replacing from within rather than signing someone else.

"Dad gum right this games gonna be played under protest. . . I guarantee this is gonna be one protest that's upheld." --Hawk Harrelson, 6/24/07

by RynoHoF on Jun 12, 2008 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

BTW

Eric Young is just bitter that he has the biggest head in the world, literally.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on Jun 12, 2008 10:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

jay gibbons

oh hell no

by cubs on Jun 12, 2008 10:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Just in case anyone didn't feel like clicking the link...

A sad excerpt from the letter Jay Gibbons sent to every MLB team.

“Writing this letter is both painful and humiliating…

I know that my agents at ACES have tried to land me an opportunity in the minor leagues but have been met with negative responses by each and every Organization. I am not blind to the fact that I have made a mistake and that mistake has raised doubt about my character and ability….

I am so willing to prove myself as a player, and a person, that I will donate ALL of my minor league earnings to your Club’s charity. In the event that I earn the right to play at the major league level, I will gladly donate a significant sum to that same charity.”

by HereComesASpecialBoy on Jun 12, 2008 10:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That could be a good signing

if only to fundraise for Cubs Care or Project 3000.

by cubsonWGN4ever on Jun 12, 2008 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I liked

How as he earned more, the % he was willing to donate became less, and less clear.

His letter kinda sickened me. sorry

by patron on Jun 12, 2008 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Check the magic of a winning season and there are always reasons beyond the talent." Ned Colleti

by wrigleyrocker12 on Jun 12, 2008 10:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

we really dont need

a replacement for 6 weeks when we have guys like derosa,hoff. our reserve options are better than somes 1st options.

Dear SBnation, We need our own server here at BCB seeing how its became very slow due to enormous amounts of traffic. P.S. Impeach Bud Selig!!!

by cubsluver22 on Jun 12, 2008 11:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

if we are going to sign someone

We should sign Barry Bonds. Lou loves LH power and there is no better LH power hitter than Bonds. He clearly can still play as last year he slugged .545 and had an OBP of .480. His defense is only slightly below average and probably isn’t any worse then Soriano’s.

by cubfan2201 on Jun 12, 2008 11:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

His D isnt any worse than Sorianos?

HAHAHAHAHAH, oh wait, HAHAHAHAH…Right now he is probably in pain getting off his couch to answer a phone call from his lawyer. It wont happen.

Where do you suggest he plays? LF? Aghh no. Where does he play when Sori gets back?

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on Jun 12, 2008 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How do you back that up

Bonds’ defensive problems have been overplayed in the media. Bonds Fielding Runs Above Average(FRAA) last year was -12. Soriano was at +6. If it wasn’t for his plus arm Soriano would’ve ranked below average. Who cares where he plays when Soriano comes back. He would be a killer bat to come off the bench. The Cubs need to win now. This year might be their best chance in a while and I’m not going to let the media’s perception of Bonds get in the way of a championship.

by cubfan2201 on Jun 12, 2008 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I dont need FRAA to tell you that

Yes its my opinion, Im not attacking you and sorry if it seemed that way, my eyes told me he is a DH.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on Jun 12, 2008 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"to yell ME that"

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on Jun 12, 2008 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

As discussed in the recap, if Gibbons is willing to sign a minor league deal and doesn’t have to impact the 40 man roster, what’s the harm? Either he comes in and performs and the Cubs need another option in LF or he doesnt perform or the Cubs don’t need another option in LF and he’s released.

Bonds will demand millions, require space on the 25 man roster, and be a circus. His defense would be the same.

by N Oakley on Jun 12, 2008 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Snitches get stiches

...not minor league deals.

by Wreckard on Jun 12, 2008 3:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Watched

ebough of Jay GIbbons when in Baltimore. No thanks
Only when he was on juice he performed. He looked like a linebacker not a baseball player.
Use the farm not Jay Gibbons

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

by Grockcubs on Jun 12, 2008 6:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs