Showcasing Murton

by oeosoto on Jun 18, 2008 11:46 AM CDT

It's been suggested that trade showcasing is a misconception. Nonetheless, Cubs beat writer Paul Sullivan believes they may be doing just that with Matt Murton right now. Murton was hitting .298/.397/.382 in Triple A, showing much less power than he had in the Majors. He did pick it up to a .495 SLG in May though. He has a chance to play left field regularly for the Cubs with Alfonso Soriano out.

Sullivan says the Cubs sent Special Assistant to the GM Ken Kravec to scout the Red Sox recently, perhaps with an eye on Coco Crisp. He says the Cubs might be willing to trade Boston native Rich Hill in a deal. Center field does not seem an immediate concern for the Cubs, as Jim Edmonds is hitting .309/.351/.515 in 68 plate appearances for them.

I don't think the cubs should be looking at Coco Crisp, Randy Winn, or any other OF for that matter i want to see some rumors about AJ Burnett start popping up then i'd be happy with Murton being traded.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation, Bleed Cubbie Blue, or Al Yellon, editor-in-chief. FanPost opinions are, however, valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Murton is being showcased.

Murton will be traded, to whom is the question. I’m sure somebody out there thinks that they can get some HR power out of his bat. He makes some decent plays in LF, but not enough speed. He will likely go for some pitching to either Toronto, Cincinnati, Cleveland or Oakland. If the Cubs can pry Crisp away, they should. As well they should jump on either Burnett or Harang from Cincinnati. I’m sure Hendry will get us what we need, and that he will be creative in the process.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Jun 18, 2008 12:11 PM CDT 0 recs

agreed

I think he will go for a midlevel pitching prospect.

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

by Hammer on Jun 18, 2008 12:15 PM CDT up 0 recs

Well

If Murton is being “showcased” they either better put a curtain at home plate to hide the results or plan on getting nothing in return. He was beyond brutal last night and belongs right back where he came from, Des Moines.

Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. -- Lee Constantine Elia, 1983.

by krummy12 on Jun 18, 2008 4:32 PM CDT up 0 recs

let's give him

more than a single game’s chance, shall we? It’s not like Kazmir didn’t make Aramis Ramirez look like a fool either.

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jun 18, 2008 4:36 PM CDT up 0 recs

Really?

The 8 games this season and the 40 or so against AAA pitching aren’t enough? Seriously? Not even Scot Thompson was as well liked yet average, as Murton.

Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. -- Lee Constantine Elia, 1983.

by krummy12 on Jun 18, 2008 10:14 PM CDT up 0 recs

Hill in a deal for Crisp..

Is ridiculous, I still believe Hill can be very successful, while Coco is just a platoon player.

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 Jun 18, 2008 12:15 PM CDT 0 recs

and somewhat of a jerk

...at least thats what I see from the outside looking in

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

by Hammer on Jun 18, 2008 12:15 PM CDT up 0 recs

Yup...

don’t like Crispy.

How does that make you feel?

by Kinky Reggae on Jun 18, 2008 1:08 PM CDT up 0 recs

Agree

I think that “Z” would be making Crisp a punching bag after a month of his antics.

I want my Macias!

by wombat on Jun 18, 2008 1:41 PM CDT up 0 recs

Didn't the addition of Johnson

kind of eliminate the need for Crisp or am I missing something?

Formerly NO100

by jerry morales rules on Jun 18, 2008 1:13 PM CDT up 0 recs

Not to mention Edmonds.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 18, 2008 1:49 PM CDT up 0 recs

Right...

we have Edmonds and Johnson who are currently doing an adequate platoon job in CF. Soriano is due back by August (if not potentially sooner). As long as the CF platoon holds up, there really isn’t a role for Crisp.

by SouthernCub on Jun 18, 2008 1:56 PM CDT up 0 recs

I think...

... the Cubs should look, let it be known that they want a big fish, and wait. I’m sure some great players will be available later in the year and that the Cubs should wait for them if possible. If we were in 2nd place, then make a trade sooner, but while we are first, we should wait for a big fish. Some teams, late in the season and out of the race, will be wanting to unload some somebody big. I don’t know who yet, but the Cubs should just wait… and then get the icing on the cake!

by TheHawkRules on Jun 18, 2008 12:29 PM CDT 0 recs

CC

Just read that was posted on mlbtraderumors.com talking about what CC could get the Indians said two or three close to ready prospects and it also stated Lou would trade for CC right now if he could.

http://www.cleveland.com/sports/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/121377782013490.xml&coll=2&thispage=1

by oeosoto on Jun 18, 2008 12:57 PM CDT 0 recs

BREAKING NEWS

If he could, Lou would trade for a former Cy Young winner…

We now return you to your regularly scheduled program.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jun 18, 2008 1:03 PM CDT up 0 recs

LOL!

+100

How does that make you feel?

by Kinky Reggae on Jun 18, 2008 1:09 PM CDT up 0 recs

I love when reporters or trade rumor sites bring up things that are obvious.

Wow Lou would like a former Cy Young winner who is a very good pitcher.

Does the next article say he would love to replace Theriot with Arod?

Go Cubs

by cubstoseriesby100 on Jun 18, 2008 3:16 PM CDT up 0 recs

FanPosts

If you are going to cut and paste from another website you should at least throw a link on it or it is blatant plagerism.

by okiecubbie on Jun 18, 2008 1:10 PM CDT 0 recs

Agreed...and I think well win tonight because...

I’m feeling lucky!

Credit to original site

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 18, 2008 1:18 PM CDT up 0 recs

Agreed 100%

Stealing is wrong oeosoto!!!!

by Wreckard on Jun 18, 2008 1:33 PM CDT up 0 recs

Original (uncredited) article

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/06/cubs-showcasing.html

by Wreckard on Jun 18, 2008 1:34 PM CDT up 0 recs

I credited it

i don’t know what you are talking about it says mlb trade rumors on there and the link to the actual original article is on there please tell me how i stole

by oeosoto on Jun 18, 2008 1:38 PM CDT up 0 recs

Where

Where are you crediting it? Where is the link to MLB Trade Rumors?

You copied and pasted the entire article, which is a no-no here. You preserved the article’s original links to Sabernomics and the Paul Sullivan article, but you don’t link to the MLBTR article at all, nor do you mention MLB Trade Rumors anywhere in your diary.

by Wreckard on Jun 18, 2008 1:43 PM CDT up 0 recs

Ok

i thought you were talking about the CC thing my bad on the top article your right just forgot to i take no credit in that it is all from mlbtraderumors which is an amazing site and has great info

by oeosoto on Jun 18, 2008 1:47 PM CDT up 0 recs

i can't tell...

...if my sarcasm meter is broken or if that’s serious about the

“amazing site and… great info”

by bobby h on Jun 18, 2008 2:09 PM CDT up 0 recs

i was serious

its actually how i found out about BCB

by oeosoto on Jun 18, 2008 2:10 PM CDT up 0 recs

I have my doubts

that CC is gong anywhere anyway. I just can’t see the Indians being out of it by July 31. I don’t think I’m being biased in saying this, but the White Sox just aren’t that good, at least not good enough to get out to a big lead and hide.

If CC gets traded, it will be a “white flag” trade and that would have major repercussions in Cleveland. Cleveland, IMHO, will be buyers, not sellers.

Formerly NO100

by jerry morales rules on Jun 18, 2008 1:11 PM CDT 0 recs

It is very likely the Indians are going to be in that in between land come late July.

too far out to be buyers but too close to be sellers,

The Cubs have been there a few times.

Go Cubs

by cubstoseriesby100 on Jun 18, 2008 3:17 PM CDT up 0 recs

Did he change his stance?

It seems like Murton has a different stance than he did when he was having success at the plate. That could be a big reason for his power drop off. Has anyone else noticed this?

It also seems, from interviews with him, that he might be overthinking at the plate. The impression I got was that he spends a lot of time analyzing his approach rather than being relaxed and able to react quickly. Just my impression.

by Mike Vails Evil Twin on Jun 18, 2008 1:31 PM CDT 0 recs

it did look

wider i was at the game, and his swing definetly looked different but, i have never seen him look so bad at the plate but, that could also have to do with Kazmir

by oeosoto on Jun 18, 2008 1:39 PM CDT up 0 recs

I noticed that too. Glad I wasn’t the only one,

Go Cubs

by cubstoseriesby100 on Jun 18, 2008 3:18 PM CDT up 0 recs

Getting back to this O-E-O Soto thing...

...oeosoto, could you tell me exactly where fans used to chant “OH EE OH SOTO”? And I apologize if you already answered this question yesterday; I’m too lazy to go back and search through the game thread.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 18, 2008 1:52 PM CDT 0 recs

To be honest

i am not sure i was told this and i thought it was a good chant something that I think should be used do you guys find it to be that bad of a chant it seems catchy to me

by oeosoto on Jun 18, 2008 1:53 PM CDT up 0 recs

I'm kinda on the fence about it.

What melody would you use? I keep hearing the evil flying monkeys song from “Wizard of Oz.”

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 18, 2008 1:56 PM CDT up 0 recs

actually I'm thinking of a chant

the Ewoks do in ROTJ. ooo EEEEEEE ooo. SOOOOOOOtooooh

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jun 18, 2008 1:59 PM CDT up 0 recs

not sure

what the first part of your comments means but that is how you say the soto chant

by oeosoto on Jun 18, 2008 2:02 PM CDT up 0 recs

you don't grock

Ewock?

If Chewbacca is a Wookie… you must acquit!

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jun 18, 2008 2:55 PM CDT up 0 recs

Yeah, c'mon, oeo...

...I suppose you’re not familar with the Sarlacc’s pit or the space port at Mos Eisley.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 18, 2008 3:13 PM CDT up 0 recs

Mos Eisley spaceport: You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 18, 2008 3:16 PM CDT up 0 recs

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jun 18, 2008 4:37 PM CDT up 0 recs

Did you just get pwned by George Lucas?

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 18, 2008 4:43 PM CDT up 0 recs

i cant remember

that melody, when i say it in my head it kinda just flows, havent been to wrigely this yr though yeat is there any new chants

by oeosoto on Jun 18, 2008 1:58 PM CDT 0 recs

Uh, well, there's the Fukudome thing.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 18, 2008 2:02 PM CDT up 0 recs

ive heard that

and actually started it at the Rays game last night when he pinch hit

by oeosoto on Jun 18, 2008 2:03 PM CDT up 0 recs

Cool...I think I heard it a little bit.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 18, 2008 2:20 PM CDT up 0 recs

My thoughts

Murton is much smarter than we give him credit for. He likes playing in Iowa, and wishes to remain with the Cubs. Therefore, when he gets called up to “showcase”, he whiffs a couple times, thus guaranteeing his spot as the regular left fielder for the Iowa Cubs.

< /sarcasm >

"Oh, I get a little tired now and then, but knowing my lifestyle, that's only natural." -- Harry Caray

by Cribbs463 on Jun 18, 2008 2:55 PM CDT 0 recs

Maybe he’s seen Field of Dreams many times and is convinced Iowa is heaven.

Go Cubs

by cubstoseriesby100 on Jun 18, 2008 3:19 PM CDT up 0 recs

I don't want an outfielder

I want starting pitching.

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

by wrigleyrocker12 on Jun 18, 2008 3:34 PM CDT 0 recs

I wanna rock.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 18, 2008 3:44 PM CDT up 0 recs

Matt Murton is being showcased ?!?!

For what? A can of Simoniz? Look boys and girls, Matt Murton has been very available since last winter. And not one single major league ballclub has pursued his services. Nary a one.

Rich Harden !! 8 starts, 3-0, 47 IP, 58 Ks, 2.85 ERA

by MDBNIU on Jun 18, 2008 4:23 PM CDT 0 recs

I've missed you.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 18, 2008 4:43 PM CDT up 0 recs

Lets see

Donald Veal, Soto, Marmol, Gallagher and just about any Cub player without a no trade contract
have been “available” since last winter but “no club has pursued them ” because they still play for the
Cubs.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Jun 18, 2008 4:47 PM CDT up 0 recs

Whatever...

I have a new policy. I shall no longer debate the loons. If you in your heart of hearts think Matt Murton has value and can net something above a used Juggs machine in trade then who am I to derail what keeps you going each day.

Rich Harden !! 8 starts, 3-0, 47 IP, 58 Ks, 2.85 ERA

by MDBNIU on Jun 18, 2008 4:49 PM CDT up 0 recs

So your going to talk to yourself from now on?

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 18, 2008 5:03 PM CDT up 0 recs

Sayyyyy....you might have a point there

Rich Harden !! 8 starts, 3-0, 47 IP, 58 Ks, 2.85 ERA

by MDBNIU on Jun 18, 2008 5:11 PM CDT up 0 recs

no, he said

he wasn’t going to debate the loons. Automatically, he qualifies.

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jun 19, 2008 12:08 PM CDT up 0 recs

you're Blue-Mike

it’s your self and your profession.

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jun 19, 2008 12:08 PM CDT up 0 recs

You mean you're going to give us the silent treatment? But we wuv you.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 19, 2008 12:21 PM CDT up 0 recs

correct

and that will continue until some foolish GM takes him.

by cubswin on Jun 18, 2008 5:20 PM CDT up 0 recs

I am more broad minded

because if I HAD a policy against debating loons I would not have posted a response to you but end of day and I have some time on my hands before the game starts.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Jun 18, 2008 4:54 PM CDT 0 recs

Is loon your word of the day or something? Also, if all our players are so worthless as you say, how the hell are we supposed to get Rich Harden??

by Canseco's Roid Party on Jun 18, 2008 5:38 PM CDT 0 recs

Error! Error!

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 18, 2008 5:54 PM CDT up 0 recs

no answer coming

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

by Hammer on Jun 18, 2008 6:01 PM CDT up 0 recs

Murton is not being showcased.

That’s just silly. He’s got nearly 3 years of service time and scouts watching minor league games are more than familiar with him to the point they probably don’t pay a lot of attention. The Cubs needed a left fielder and called one up. That’s it. No such thing as showcasing a player. Think about it.

by Maddog on Jun 18, 2008 5:49 PM CDT 0 recs