Trade Deadline is Tomorrow
by JohnM on Jul 30, 2008 5:41 AM CDT
97 comments
Do you expect the team to stand pat? Do you want them to make a certain move?
The Cubs have really been pretty quiet on the trade front all month, but I can’t believe that Hendry isn’t in full Trader Jim mode.
This is the year, everyone keeps saying. Zell wants to sell when the team is at its most successful, so there isn’t going to be a payroll roadblock. And although Piniella won’t be drawn on specifics, other than to hint that they’re not looking for bullpen help, he said last night that "if you can improve the team, why not?"
The Tribune this morning talks more about who could be dealt away from the Cubs than who their target might be.
The Sun-Times thinks they could or should be targeting Raul Ibanez, speculating that Jedmonds is out of gas.
The Herald says all they need is a lefty bat off the bench. Funny –all the talk last week was about the Cubs needing a right handed bat off the bench….
In my opinion, I think they should focus on getting the best hitter available, and find a place for him in the line-up or off the bench. The pitching remains deep, with a variety of spare parts available for trade.
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.
1 recs |
97 comments
Email
Print
Comments
Also, I know that some are fed up with the increasing number of wacky trade-related comments
so maybe for the next day or two they can all be contained saely in here.
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 Jul 30, 2008 5:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Eyre for ARod?
I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on Jul 30, 2008 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the Edmonds experiment
is about over. So a bat would be good.
I’d also like to see a better option besides Daryle Ward
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on Jul 30, 2008 7:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
How the heck can you be saying this
when he is laying out the way he did the other day to sag that line drive? Or when the guy has hit consistently since coming here and heating up. I never thought I would be defending him but the guy does not appear to be done IMO.
You on the other hand seem to only bitch about this team. It doesn’t make sense to me.
Calm down.
by Kinky Reggae on Jul 30, 2008 7:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Edmonds has a knee problem.
He’ll be OK in a few days. He’s still hitting. I don’t have a problem with the CF platoon.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 30, 2008 7:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He has made a career out of laying out...
And what happens if that ball goes to the wall? It’s 9-6 with a man on third and two outs? Or, at worst, 9-7 with bases empty and two outs?
Big hairy deal
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on Jul 30, 2008 7:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That ball was going to the wall either way...
if Edmonds doesn’t lay out for it. He had no chance of cutting that off. It was a great play by Edmonds. It was the right play by Edmonds. I’m not sure what you’re getting at with complaining about that catch. He MADE the catch. What ifs don’t apply here.
Edmonds is showing very solid defense and has an .825 OPS in July. I think the experiment is far from over. I don’t think he’ll have a 1.000+ OPS like he did in June, but he’s doing just fine.
by SouthernCub on Jul 30, 2008 8:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Left Center...
I believe that ball was in the gap anyways and if he doesn’t come up with it Soriano would have been able to retrieve it. So it was well worth the try.
With Cubs legend Ron Santo...
by PatHughesFan on Jul 30, 2008 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Soriano was nowhere near it.
And Edmonds wasn’t going to be able to cut it off if he let it drop. Diving was not only worth the try, it was the only play Edmonds had.
by SouthernCub on Jul 30, 2008 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Addendum..
If Edmonds misses it, it goes to the wall and Soriano picks it up (giving the hitter a double or triple). If Edmonds doesn’t dive, it rolls to the wall and Edmonds picks it up for a double or triple).
The outcome was the same regardless of whether Edmonds dove and missed or didn’t dive. So he dove, and didn’t miss.
by SouthernCub on Jul 30, 2008 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
replays
showed Soriano wasn’t exactly close, but it wasn’t going to be a game winning hit.
Edmond’s showed that he still has it.
’’If somebody had told me we were going to lose Soriano for eight weeks, lose [Carlos] Zambrano and Kerry Wood for a couple of weeks apiece, and then at the same time lose [Reed] Johnson, and then when we played the American League not have a DH [then-injured Daryle Ward], and be in first place by two games, I’d tell you we were pretty fortunate.’’ Lou Piniella (7/23/08)
by drewishdrewid on Jul 30, 2008 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, what if?
What if, you were to take a different approach to your evaluation of a team you claim to be a fan of?
We could all have some sense of peace not having to expect these type of comments from you?
Isn’t happening though right?
Calm down.
by Kinky Reggae on Jul 30, 2008 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and we still win that game.
Give me a break.
’’If somebody had told me we were going to lose Soriano for eight weeks, lose [Carlos] Zambrano and Kerry Wood for a couple of weeks apiece, and then at the same time lose [Reed] Johnson, and then when we played the American League not have a DH [then-injured Daryle Ward], and be in first place by two games, I’d tell you we were pretty fortunate.’’ Lou Piniella (7/23/08)
by drewishdrewid on Jul 30, 2008 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, I am okay for now too.
Calm down.
by Kinky Reggae on Jul 30, 2008 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When the roster expands, the Big Hoff might be back
If he performs significantly better than Ward, and we make the post-season (don’t want to jinx anything), Hoff may get the post-season roster spot over Ward.
Although, they could favor Pie over Hoff… for late inning defense and base-running.
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
by SackMan on Jul 30, 2008 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The experiment is over...
...and has been deemed successful.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jul 30, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heh
And when I said “the Cubs have been quiet on the trade front all month,” I meant, of course, BESIDES the blockbuster deal they did with Oakland on July 8th.
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 Jul 30, 2008 7:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Would really like another solid bullpen arm.
Righty or lefty.
Just not sure how we could pull that off in the inflated market for bullpen help.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
by Bildo1805 on Jul 30, 2008 7:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
See I think Shark may have helped with this.
I think, with the Angels picking up Texiera, they are the team to beat. I think we need to add more offense, mind you, I do not think this offense is stagmnant…just want to know we are keeping pace with teams like LAA. They were already holding the best record in the bigs, now they are even scarier IMO.
Calm down.
by Kinky Reggae on Jul 30, 2008 7:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who can we trust in this pen?
Wood (when healthy)
Marmol
Shark (BIG MAYBE)
Marshall
Cotts (LATELY, MAYBE)
That’s 3.5 pitchers we can trust if you count the maybes as .5. Not enough.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
by Bildo1805 on Jul 30, 2008 7:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who can we trust?
Blister Boy? Not until Sept. 1
Marmol? Until his arm falls off
Shark? Let’s see him pitch more than three times, first
Marshall? To do what, exactly? Come in during the 5th to keep a 6-1 deficit from becoming a 10-1 deficit?
Cotts? Possibly.
Meanwhile…
Howry? No
Eyre? Should be packing for Baltimore
Lieber? Who?
I don’t trust the bullpen at all.
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on Jul 30, 2008 7:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Marmol's arm hasn't fallen off...
and we have Gaudin. And Wood will be back. Marshall has been solid. Cotts has been solid. I trust the bullpen a lot more than you, especially once Wood comes back. In fact, the only ones I don’t trust back there are Howry and Eyre, and Eyre isn’t going to pitch any more for the Cubs it appears.
by SouthernCub on Jul 30, 2008 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Forgot about Gaudin.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
by Bildo1805 on Jul 30, 2008 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sniff...sniff I wonder was that a bridge I just passed over
and aren’t there trolls that live under bridges….or just DaBard….
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on Jul 30, 2008 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
DaBard, the best thing is that
no one really cares who you trust. The Cubs certainly don’t and apparently no one here does either.
Have you thought about applying to a team so you could put your knowledge to use?
by cubswin on Jul 30, 2008 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You took the bait...
Let my ashes blow in a beautiful snow from the prevailing 30 mile an hour southwest wind...
When my last remains go flying over the left field wall, I'll bid the bleacher bums adieu,
And I will come to my final resting place, out on Waveland Avenue. --Steve Goodman
by NotSure on Jul 30, 2008 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Weren't you the one who said...
My knowledge is only surpassed by my stupidity?
That WAS you. I’ve been meaning to ask you.
When you wrote that, did you think you were being profound? Because if the only thing greater than my knowledge is my stupidity, doesn’t that in turn mean that my stupid ideas are better than your smart ones?;
And if that is true, how would you know the difference? I mean, do you presume to tell Bill Gates that his ideas for making money are lousy because they don’t make sense to you?
Pluto will always be a planet to me!
by DaBard on Jul 30, 2008 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So outside of that Mrs. Lincoln
How did you like the play?
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 30, 2008 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which makes it hard to understand
why Lou would imply they don’t need more bullpen help. None of Howry, Eyre, Weurtz and Lieber panned out as planned, and Ascanio and Hart didn’t cut it either.
Of course, maybe Lou’s unspoken point was that they would be looking for bullpen help regardless of Wood’s injury. Hmmmm….
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 Jul 30, 2008 7:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
umm...
... I think you are forgetting Gaudin.
And Cotts has been good all season.
visit the mindful mission
by big_lowitzki on Jul 30, 2008 8:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cotts hasn't been with the team all season.
And yes, forgot about Gaudin.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
by Bildo1805 on Jul 30, 2008 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Depends on how you look at it
also depends if you want to include Gaudin who seems to be pretty solid.
Calm down.
by Kinky Reggae on Jul 30, 2008 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You'd a thought that
With all the money the Cubs pay Jim Hendry, that at least he’d havea blackberry or something. Heh
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager
SORIANO WATCH: AVG: .285 17 HR 45 RBI
by Galvan316 on Jul 30, 2008 8:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hey, don't knock the Motorola V547
I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on Jul 30, 2008 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I suspect that Hendry
is looking but after the Harden trade, he has lost some of his trading chips. I definitely don’t expect anything major and it wouldn’t surprise me if there isn’t any deal.
by rlpete on Jul 30, 2008 8:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think another bullpen arm
Or another bat. You mentioned Ibanez. That wouldn’t be a bad move.
"Check the magic of a winning season and there are always reasons beyond the talent." Ned Colleti
by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 30, 2008 8:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Getting Ibanez...
... would force Fukudome to CF full time. That would hurt the Cubs defensively, since Ibanez really isn’t a right fielder (he hasn’t played there for more than a handful of games since 2001).
Offensively, I think Edmonds stacks up well against Ibanez.
It ain’t broke. Don’t fix it.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 30, 2008 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree...
That’d be a BIG step backwards defensively. And while I think Ibanez is an upgrade offensively over Edmonds at this point (Ibanez has been an .820+ OPS guy for several years now in a pitcher’s park), it’s not worth the dropoff in defense.
by SouthernCub on Jul 30, 2008 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe Ibanez is meant for the bench
maybe a utility role or maybe they move Soriano to 2B or RF…..just joking
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on Jul 30, 2008 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree.....getting Ibanez is confusing activity with accomplishment
"When I got to Chicago, fans came to Wrigley Field just to have fun, now they come to see us win. The expectations have changed, for the players and for the fans. It’s about winning." Kerry Wood, 7/14/08
by JB 23 on Jul 30, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
do we really..
need outfield help? Iread a comment on another website that we need outfield help. I disagree I think we have a good outfield. Yea with a big name player trade we could get better but I dont want to give up everyone for a guy for 3 months. I think the team we have is fine. Another off the bench hitter would be nice but I dont see any out there that are worth going after. I think last nite shows we can do it with this team in many ways. Power, some speed and timely hitting by everyone one from 1-9 in the line up.
by pickupman21 on Jul 30, 2008 8:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
the only change to the outfield
will be Pie coming up to be a defensive replacement and spot start. Over the past week or so, the guy’s practically hitting .500.
’’If somebody had told me we were going to lose Soriano for eight weeks, lose [Carlos] Zambrano and Kerry Wood for a couple of weeks apiece, and then at the same time lose [Reed] Johnson, and then when we played the American League not have a DH [then-injured Daryle Ward], and be in first place by two games, I’d tell you we were pretty fortunate.’’ Lou Piniella (7/23/08)
by drewishdrewid on Jul 30, 2008 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the only move the cubs will make is
addition by subtraction and saying goodbye to eyre sending him to an al team….i always liked eyre, he seemed to be well liked by his teammates, but something is going on behind the scenes between him and lou
the way i see it, the cubs trade eyre (who they weren’t using anyway) as a preemptive move they would have to do anyway when wood comes back
by cubswynn on Jul 30, 2008 9:03 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That Makes sense
Sinse their obviously not sending Jeff Spellcheck back down, who somehow vaulted past everyone else into the organization into the most trusted reliever position.
BTW, interesting reading about Howry’s perspective on his struggles. It sounds like he and Lou are both confident there is more gas in the tank and that he can bounce back.
With Cubs legend Ron Santo...
by PatHughesFan on Jul 30, 2008 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jeff Spellcheck... LOL. nice.
I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on Jul 30, 2008 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can't take the credit
Saw it on here a few days ago
With Cubs legend Ron Santo...
by PatHughesFan on Jul 30, 2008 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
if that name sticks for him, it's gotta go in the BCB Dictionary.
I think it’s hysterical.
I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on Jul 30, 2008 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd like to have an actual backup OF'd
Besides the CF platoon, of which Reed can obviously play LF…I wouldn’t mind having a guy for LF/RF off the bench who is a little better defensively than Ward/DeRosa. Don’t get me wrong, I like DeRosa as much as the next person, but I wouldn’t mind seeing someone like Wynn rather than Ward.
by jbertram on Jul 30, 2008 9:05 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Winn would be good
on defense, plus as a switch hitter. Good call. Not sure it can happen, but you never know!
Demp and Rich: proof that people that live in igloos and say "eh" can contibute!
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2008 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he's available...........
..............Winn would be a good choice. In addition to the points you have raised, he could improve team speed as well.
He’s signed through 2009, but if the Giants are serious about their youth movement, they might make him available.
"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns
by tville on Jul 30, 2008 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brian Fuentes
I know many teams are kicking the tires on this guy, and the Rockies likely are asking way too much, but I think having a lefty specialist in the pen would be a huge boost. We need a guy who can face the big lefty bats in big situations. Lots of those guys come playoff time. Maybe Howard & Utley, Delgado, Fielder, and many more.
Demp and Rich: proof that people that live in igloos and say "eh" can contibute!
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2008 9:20 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Would love...
Ron Mahay.
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
by Bildo1805 on Jul 30, 2008 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That, from what I hear...
... is still a possibility.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 30, 2008 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What really are the options and needs
The options are not many. BTW Jedmonds as he is now gained a new name is OKAY and will not be replaced but the Cubs will probably be careful with him as they should. As for the idea of getting rid of Daryl Ward….someone must have a fantasy pick they can’t get rid of since Daryl is a valuable piece on this team, teams actually pitch around him.
What he needs a week where he plays a couple of games to get some AB’s.
So what are the options? Eyre is an obvious one, if it is true that Det or TB want Eyre, maybe they can throw in Lieber as well and get something in return…like a IF/OF who has a bat?
I heard from someone who says they know the Rox that they asked for Marshall for Fuentes and the Cubs said no, too much….Cubs probably are offering a AAA pitcher….Marquis will not willingly nor productively go to the pen….My guess is that SD will put Maddux on waivers to see who might pick up his contract and then go to Greg and say do you want to go to?
Thus the most glaring weakness is someone to replace DeRosa in the utility OF/IF role and who can play SS and/or CF.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on Jul 30, 2008 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wouldn't you
jump all over Fuentes if indded the Rox ask for Marshall? Fuentes…........like Harden is a difference maker….......a high end Lefty and insurance Woody
by plenz on Jul 30, 2008 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't want to trade away
another young arm who will be a potential 3-4 starter for us.
’’If somebody had told me we were going to lose Soriano for eight weeks, lose [Carlos] Zambrano and Kerry Wood for a couple of weeks apiece, and then at the same time lose [Reed] Johnson, and then when we played the American League not have a DH [then-injured Daryle Ward], and be in first place by two games, I’d tell you we were pretty fortunate.’’ Lou Piniella (7/23/08)
by drewishdrewid on Jul 30, 2008 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Niether do I
but i believe this is our year and we should move all in with our chips…if that means Marshall than so be it
Theriot, Fonty, and Johnson = The Scrappy Pyramid of Victory
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 30, 2008 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the Cubs said PASS
Marshall is on the ‘in’s’
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on Jul 30, 2008 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No Mahay!
Saw him enough here a few years ago. He’s not much better now.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 30, 2008 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Um, except that's wrong.
You’re talking about the 5-0, 1.78 ERA lefty specialist that we need Ron Mahay, right? Not some other Ron Mahay?
"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman
by Bildo1805 on Jul 30, 2008 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maddux in our rotation?
Marquis (if not traded) is sent to the bullpen for additional middle inning support?
"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella
by Lou In Blue on Jul 30, 2008 9:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
ugh are we starting the trade marquis discussion again?
by cubswynn on Jul 30, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes
"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella
by Lou In Blue on Jul 30, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not gonna happen...
Moreover, why should it? We have a very deep rotation already. Is Maddux, who has had an ERA of 4.71 in June and 5.27 in July, and a 4.29 ERA and 1.29 WHIP for the season despite pitching in spacious Petco that much of an upgrade over Marquis at this point (4.69 ERA and 1.45 WHIP)?
We have Marquis, Marshall, and Gaudin capable of being a solid fifth starter. None of them are going to be starters in the postseason (if we make it), and neither would Maddux. It just doesn’t make much sense to me at this point.
When Maddux was pitching well early and we didn’t have Harden (and there were a lot of starts left), this was a point of discussion. But the difference between Maddux and Marquis at this point in the season is just not substantial considering how few starts there are left.
by SouthernCub on Jul 30, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Much as I would have liked Maddux...
... when I first wrote about that in May, with the Harden acquisition we no longer need him.
Plus, Maddux has made it clear that the ONLY team he would accept a trade to is the Dodgers. It still could happen today.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 30, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Clubhouse
I think I like the idea of having a future hall of fame guy in our dugout for the stretch more than his on field abilities. It’s like adding another coach in the dugout.
"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella
by Lou In Blue on Jul 30, 2008 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Maddux going anywhere
..is a dead issue, though.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 30, 2008 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He nixed a trade to the Phillies today.
It is Dodgers or stay . They actually could really use him BUT their big priority is hitting and
Ned is in danger of losing his job so I don’t think he has a free hand because I am pretty sure
he would grab him.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 30, 2008 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know Ibanez would not be a bad pickup
Cubs would add another left handed bat to a platoon lineup, moving Edmonds to a pinch hitter role in September. The question is who would be replaced? They place Edmonds on the DL, till September when the roster in increased or Aug 30th when Cedeno could be optioned for a day and then recalled.
Piniella is always looking for double switch flexibility. The Cubs could pick up a LHP and bat moving Reed Johnson to a RH bat off the bench…..
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on Jul 30, 2008 10:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Let's repeat this again.
Ibanez has no position with the Cubs. It’s a pointless acquisition.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 30, 2008 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Strongly agree.
My guess is that any inquiry about Ibanez was just a due-dillegence move on Hendry’s part, to see how much he would cost the Cubs. If the rumored price of “two quality prospects” is correct (and I have every reason to believe it is) then there’s no way a deal happens.
"I see great things in baseball. It's our game - the American game." - Walt Whitman
by hip2bsquare on Jul 30, 2008 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You do that...
and you make us worse defensively in both CF and RF. Fukudome is a downgrade defensively in CF from Edmonds/Johnson and Ibanez is a big downgrade defensively from Fukudome in RF. And Ibanez isn’t going to be THAT much more productive (if at all) than Edmonds/Johnson anyway.
If there was a RH bat for Ibanez to platoon with, it might make sense. But there isn’t. Fukudome is a LH bat. Ibanez can’t play CF. So it doesn’t make sense. It would be a marginal upgrade offensively and a substantial downgrade defensively.
by SouthernCub on Jul 30, 2008 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No trades before the deadline
First guess is no trades are forthcoming before the trade deadline. This is because Hendry recently commented that there wasn’t anybody he wanted to get rid of. He acknowledged injury status of players in his comment.
If there is a trade, I think it will be Eyre or Ward or maybe Howry. I don’t think they would trade or release both Eyre and Howry.
The team needs seem to lean toward having a better bullpen. But if Samardzija stays and comes through, then he will do alot to help that cause. The team could also use another lefthanded hitter off the bench. This would be somebody more effective than Ward has been this season and somebody who can take a field position. I don’t think they are eyeballing any changes in the outfield and I’m assuming Edmonds’ knee is not a serious issue. Edmonds is a player who can come through when he is not injured and is playing. The Cubs were very lucky to pickup both Edmonds and Reed Johnson.
by AboutTheCubs on Jul 30, 2008 11:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
FONTENOT!!
I think he has been that left handed bat off the bench who can play the field. He has surprised everyone with his power. We knew from last year he could hit and play SS and 2nd but I dont think we knew about his power. Granted other teams will pick up on that but look how long he has been hitting with power and the brewers played him shallow. I think he will be a big spark for us down the stretch.
by pickupman21 on Jul 30, 2008 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I knew about the power
Before the season I said I thought his bat was better than Theriot’s.
However, he can’t play SS. Lou tried him there very briefly last season and he had 2 errors and 2 putouts. Lou’s afraid of him there. This is the one problem with Fontenot. He can only play 1 position. There aren’t many teams carrying a backup infielder who can only play 2B.
by rlpete on Jul 30, 2008 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's right
I forgot about Fontenot. He’s been great off the bench. I still think they can do better than Ward, but don’t off-hand know what field positions need reinforcement the most. I’d say the outfield because Soriano, Edmonds and Johnson have all had ailments this season. Other than that it is back to the bullpen. They probably wouln’t get much for Ward anyway.
by AboutTheCubs on Jul 30, 2008 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Barry Bond$?
just kidding…........seriously that would be the end of my Cubs fandom
"Look at it this way: If you're a Cubs fan, the Greatest Day of Your Life is yet to come." ~ Cubs Forever
by IvyOnTheWall on Jul 30, 2008 1:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Uh-Hu
What did you say about the Edmonds signing?
Theriot, Fonty, and Johnson = The Scrappy Pyramid of Victory
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 30, 2008 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nope
Theriot, Fonty, and Johnson = The Scrappy Pyramid of Victory
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 30, 2008 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
although I shuddered at the news of Edmonds initially I came around.
I would not be against Bond$ based on his skills…..it is his treatment of fans/media and obviously the whole steroid (ahem I mean Flaxseed Oil) thing.
"Look at it this way: If you're a Cubs fan, the Greatest Day of Your Life is yet to come." ~ Cubs Forever
by IvyOnTheWall on Jul 30, 2008 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What if we just Duck tape him to his lazy boy when he's not playing?
That way he can’t talk or bother anyone. After all he would basically be an upgrade of D-Ward (which I’m all for) without having to give anything up (expect, I admit, a little self-respect, but I’m willing to do so for a chance at a world series ring).
Theriot, Fonty, and Johnson = The Scrappy Pyramid of Victory
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 30, 2008 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No I want a World Series without a tarnish….or in this case an *
"Look at it this way: If you're a Cubs fan, the Greatest Day of Your Life is yet to come." ~ Cubs Forever
by IvyOnTheWall on Jul 30, 2008 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
what about trading Ward and some pitchers to Cincy for Adam Dunn…not to be used as an OF but just as a bat off the bench. Dude’s got 30 HRs.
"Look at it this way: If you're a Cubs fan, the Greatest Day of Your Life is yet to come." ~ Cubs Forever
by IvyOnTheWall on Jul 30, 2008 1:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
J.P. Riccardi would disagree with you there....
Let my ashes blow in a beautiful snow from the prevailing 30 mile an hour southwest wind...
When my last remains go flying over the left field wall, I'll bid the bleacher bums adieu,
And I will come to my final resting place, out on Waveland Avenue. --Steve Goodman
by NotSure on Jul 30, 2008 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah no kidding.
I wonder if he could taste the soul of his shoe as he was making those statements on the radio
"Look at it this way: If you're a Cubs fan, the Greatest Day of Your Life is yet to come." ~ Cubs Forever
by IvyOnTheWall on Jul 30, 2008 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
MLBTR is talking about Dodgers inquiring about Cedeno & Eyre
Who would we go after from them? Mets are also looking for starting pitching. Is Marquis an option for the Mets? I wouldn’t mind seeing Randy Winn in Cubbie blue, as others have mentioned. He’s a decent stick and a good defensive OF with some versatility.
by billybuck on Jul 30, 2008 2:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Correction to earlier comment on Randy Winn, signed
thru 2009 at $8.5 mil per year. That’s too rich for me for a bench/role player. I would avoid that contract at this point unless we are unloading an equally unattractive contract for next year, like Marquis.
by billybuck on Jul 30, 2008 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can't let Cedeno go
The team wouldn’t have a backup SS if they let Cedeno go and didn’t get another major league SS in return. So, that would have to be more than a two team arrangement. The Dodgers are probably just kicking the tires.
I would let Eyre go in a minute. I read that the Dodgers have inquired about Maddux and that Maddux said he would release his no trade clause to be traded to the Dodgers. Maddux probably wants to pitch in a pitcher-friendly ballpark and be out West during the final months of his career. I would still like Eyre to LA, Maddux to Chicago and the Dodgers would probably send a low level prospect to San Diego. From an emotional standpoint, it would be great to have Maddux on this team that has a chance of winning its first WS in 100 years. As for performance, I can’t see Maddux doing more damage than Eyre would. Hard to compare though, since one is a relief pitcher and the other a starter.
by AboutTheCubs on Jul 30, 2008 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As mentioned above Cedeno has to stay
The Cubs need a back-up SS and please don’t suggest Hu of the Dodgers. He can’t hit. He got a couple of fluke HR’s last year but this year’s line of .159 / .224 / .206 is more representative of his ability. The Dodgers don’t even want to play him after losing two shortstops already this year.
by rlpete on Jul 30, 2008 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Cubs By The Numbers
Cubs By The Numbers is a history of the ballclub by uniform number, but the biographies help trace the history of our beloved team in a new way. For everyone who's a Cubs fan, anyone who ever wore the uniform is like family. Cubs By The Numbers reintroduces readers to some of their long-lost ancestors, even ones they think they already know.
Click here to order your copy, available now!
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
