Interesting Contract Situations
by cubs2410 on Aug 3, 2008 6:53 PM CDT
125 comments
By Cot;s Baseball Contracts here is our contract situation and some interesting side notes:
Contract ends 2008
- Jim Hendry
- Jim Edmonds ( We only paid 290,000 for his services)
- Ryan Dempster
- Rich Harden ( Club option for 2009)
- Kerry Wood
- Bobby Howry
- Scott Eyre
- Jon Lieber
- Henry Blanco ( Club option for 2009)
- Chad Gaudin
- Reed Johnson
- Daryle Ward
- Michael Wuertz
- Chad Fox
- Neal Cotts
It then goes on to state that Fontenot, Hill, Marshall, Pie, Soto, Theriot, Cedeno, Hart, etc.... all have 1 year contracts, but I believe this is misleading because aren't they under club control for so many years because of MLB years of service????
Interesting tidbits from the contract info:
Soriano and Fukudome have perks in their contract. Soriano gets a suite on road trips and 6 tickets to each home game. Fukudome gets 8 first-class roundtrip air tickets from Japan to Chicago for family each year, personal trainer, masseuse, interpreter, visa expenses, $25,000 annually in moving expenses, vehicle during spring training and regular season
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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That is very interesting about the perks
So do players like fontenot sleep on the couches while Soriano sits in his suit. I realize not, but still wouldnt you be a little upset about the fairness of the hotel situation and tickets to families and a masseuse and 25000 for moving expenses (fukudome).. it doesnt seem very fair. I mean does Ramirez have tickets to go to DR? Seriously?! Oh well, I dont care too much, just thought it was interesting
"This balls got a chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannce, GONE!" - Pat Hughes
by SouthsideCUBSfan on Aug 3, 2008 7:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If Fontenot has a 40/40 season he will get a suite as well
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 3, 2008 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus..
I doubt Soriano always keeps to himself at hotels. I could see him sharing his suite every once and a while. But he DID earn it…..
DEROSA: How did it feel when you're sitting in Baton Rouge and it came across the ticker that Mark DeRosa had just signed to play second base with the Chicago Cubs.
THERIOT: In all honestly, when I saw it, I really felt like punching you right in the mouth and or breaking your leg.
by EJThunder on Aug 3, 2008 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
100% no question that Felix Pie shared that suite with Soriano
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 4, 2008 8:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no
fontenot and the other non-suite players know that they could have attempted to negotiate for such perks in their deals and, indeed, may negotiate for such perks in future contracts.
the pink hat guy is my father
by joeschmitt on Aug 3, 2008 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
fair?
you’re talking about a sport that pays grown men millions of dollars to play a game. Fairness has nothing to do with it.
Fontenot makes a ton of money, is a fan favorite, and may very well get a WS ring this year. I doubt he cares very much that Soriano gets two rooms instead of one.
’’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 Aug 3, 2008 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
plus,
Fonty’s probably too busy fighting off the ladies to really care about a suite.
by thinskull on Aug 3, 2008 9:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he's really
nose to bra-hook, I’m sure.
’’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 Aug 3, 2008 9:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think
hendry will renewed as well as reed,gaudin,wood,cotts,demp and harden’s option is a lock to be picked up.
I think we will see a few new faces in the pen next year as well as a new backup catcher.
One thing I find interesting will be what Kerry wants. That is assuming he stays healthy. I love him and so does all Cub fans but do we really pay him big money long term?? I would say no but I’m sure something can be worked out if he dont price himself through the roof.
But really were in the middle of the best season Ive ever seen. Lets rehash this after the season.
from the mouth of Uecker:
"Am I the only one who’s glad it’s only a 4-game series? If was a 9-game series, I think the Cubs would win them all."
by cubsluver22 on Aug 3, 2008 7:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If Kerry's asking for the moon...
I’d rather they ponied up the extra dough for KRod.
Demp and Rich: proof that people that live in igloos and say "eh" can contibute!
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Aug 3, 2008 8:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not me,
with all of the innings that K-Rod has racked up, that raises serious alarm bells to me. I don’t have his stats in front of me, but he seems to put a lot of guys on bases, including quite a few walks. I believe I also heard that his strikeout rate has been falling over the last couple of years which also raises a red flag for me.
With the money and years he is asking for, you could get multiple players for the same price. Do you really want to pay a closer $15 million a year for 4 or 5 years?
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 3, 2008 8:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're right
I follow the Angels closely, and K-Rod, his saves notwithstanding, has lost something this year. He used to throw the fastball a lot, but now he throws almost nothing but that hard slider. Sometimes he works in the new changeup he’s developed, but his fastball is almost gone. He’s getting the saves, but he’s having to work a lot harder. His huge save total is more a product of the Angels great starting pitching and bad lineup that keeps games close.
Rodriguez is likely to continue to be a solid closer for years. But you can get a solid closer for a lot less money and a lot fewer years than he wants (or is likely to get).
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 4, 2008 1:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are we forgetting about
Marmol….if Wood bids himself away from the Cubs….its Marmol’s job to lose…
Although, Marmol is heading towards a K-Rod warning level of overuse….
D-LEE!
by airweino on Aug 4, 2008 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
argh...
’’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 Aug 4, 2008 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Too. Soon. For. This. Post.
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 Aug 3, 2008 7:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
i.e., "what's the point" . . .
seriously . . .
/fine Al I won’t do it!
the pink hat guy is my father
by joeschmitt on Aug 3, 2008 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
never too soon
not implying anything about this season, but just up for discussion on an interesting website I found
by cubs2410 on Aug 3, 2008 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here come the post police
Again. What’s right? What’s wrong? Guidelines people, we need them!
by lamentir on Aug 5, 2008 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No policing, just an opinion....
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 Aug 5, 2008 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wondering...
... why you only post to complain about things here or point out something you think I have or haven’t done, never contributing to the baseball discussion.
I’ll wait for your explanation, Mr. (or Ms.) Lamentir.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 5, 2008 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, this again
I answered this already. Just check out the Cuban thread, the one where Gary Varsho absolutely ruled you, there’s plenty of discussion I contributed.
I’m not sure what else you mean…but if you want, we can open this up.
by lamentir on Aug 5, 2008 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Domes springs training car
If this was prison I would shank you.
by brownbuddha on Aug 3, 2008 7:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Springs training?
What did he borrow it from his moms?
by StevenABQ on Aug 4, 2008 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hendry's contract has a renewal if the Cubs are sold.
by cubswin on Aug 3, 2008 7:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hendry deserves an extension...... Lou said it too.
DEROSA: How did it feel when you're sitting in Baton Rouge and it came across the ticker that Mark DeRosa had just signed to play second base with the Chicago Cubs.
THERIOT: In all honestly, when I saw it, I really felt like punching you right in the mouth and or breaking your leg.
by EJThunder on Aug 3, 2008 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you sure ?
My understanding was Hendry could opt OUT if the Cubs were sold though since his contract
was up this year it seemed irrelevent.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 4, 2008 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think what happened...
...is as a favor to Hendry (and with the impending sale) the Cubs put an automatic renewal in Hendry’s contract when the club is sold. Now, this will not stop the new owner from bringing in a new GM (if they so choose), it only means Hendry gets another year of salary if he is let go.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Aug 4, 2008 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's my take:
Pick up Harden’s option / work out new contract
Re-sign a well deserving Dempster
Give Kerry an incentive laden contract, again (1 – 2 years depending on how he is through October)
Trade Michael Wuertz (Tigers?)
Re-sign Gaudin as starter / reliever
Deal Marquis / Howry for prospects
Re-sign Reed Johnson
I’d say Hoffpauir could replace Daryle Ward at this juncture of the season. Also I’d have Koyie Hill / another FA replace Henry Blanco. Jon Lieber seems likely to move on to another team and start or retire.
DEROSA: How did it feel when you're sitting in Baton Rouge and it came across the ticker that Mark DeRosa had just signed to play second base with the Chicago Cubs.
THERIOT: In all honestly, when I saw it, I really felt like punching you right in the mouth and or breaking your leg.
by EJThunder on Aug 3, 2008 8:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Johnson
I could see him getting a 2 year deal of sorts. I don’t think anyone would have figured he’d be such a fan favorite in Chicago.
by ak123 on Aug 3, 2008 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why not, he was a fan favorite in Toronto
The way Reed Johnson plays the game of baseball, he will always be a fan favorite. It looks like Toronto is really missing him.
http://mvn.com/mlb-bluejays/2008/06/15/reed-johnsons-return-reminds-jays-of-what-they-are-missing/
A good day for me is a cubs win and a sox loss.
by diehardmark on Aug 3, 2008 11:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe it's just me
I really hadn’t heard of him until he signed with us so maybe that’s why?
by ak123 on Aug 4, 2008 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fan favorites don't have to be famous...
I bet there are plenty of non-Cubs fans who didn’t know who Ryan Theriot was prior to the season (maybe even now), and he’s certainly a fan-favorite. Same for Mike Fontenot.
by SouthernCub on Aug 4, 2008 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who's Mike Fontenot?
Sorry, that’s the response everyone in NY will say if I mention his name. They do know Theriot now.
by ak123 on Aug 4, 2008 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just saw a Fontenot jersey out on Michigan Ave.
LBR has got it goin’ on.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 4, 2008 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Blanco should return...
As far as backup catchers go, hes as good as it gets, hes got a good glove, a sweet mullet and hes hitting for a pretty decent avg; so I say keep him, he seems to be a good teacher for Geo.
I dont care what else happens, Gaudin and Harden should be here for a long time.
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 Aug 3, 2008 11:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's also
37 next year and not helping us too well offensively (yes, he is batting .289, but also has an OPS+ of 83). He’s not too bad for a backup catcher and his glove does help, but his offense won’t help at all, he’s definitely on the decline, and there’s no point to resign him when we could be doing much better at that spot. (That looks like a run-on but I’m really too tired to fix it.)
by rea5661 on Aug 4, 2008 1:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Minor nitpick
An OPS+ of 83 for a backup catcher is pretty solid. For his role on the team, Hank White has been great this year.
by kanderber on Aug 4, 2008 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think
Wellington Castillo will be ready to take over the back-up catching duties. If he’s not ready by Opening Day, Koyie Hill could serve as the backup catcher until he is.
It’s time to thank Hank White for his services and move on. It’s not entirely unlikely that Blanco might retire at the end of the season, too.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 4, 2008 1:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Aug 4, 2008 6:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've said it before and I'll say it again:
I hope Hank White does retire after ‘08 and the Cubs find a way to retain his services in a coaching capacity.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 4, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
He’s played well enough this year, though, that he probably would like to play at least one more year. If so, I hope the Cubs do keep him. Welington Castillo may not be quite ready by 2009.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 4, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, he does appear in remarkably good shape...
...given his injuries last year. I definitely wouldn’t be opposed to the Cubs keeping him on another year.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 4, 2008 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sign Hank
period
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
by Grockcubs on Aug 4, 2008 8:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
his forearm tattoo's demand it!
I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on Aug 4, 2008 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You can't really trade Howry , Eyre or Marquis
You can put Howry or Eyre on waivers NOW and someone would probably pick them
up. Their contracts are up so you can’t trade them for anything next year.
As often stated Marquis will make 10 million next year. You could trade him IF the Cubs
will eat the majority of the salary and maybe you get a “C” prospect thrown in. Not really worth doing
as he is a reasonable 5th starter and we face the real possibility of losing Dempster.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 4, 2008 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we lose Dempster, Marquis will stay...
If we re-sign Dempster, I’m sure the Cubs will actively pursue a trade. With a rotation of Zambrano, Harden, Lilly, and Dempster and guys like Gaudin, Samardzija, Marshall, and (hopefully) Hill all capable of being a cheaper (and likely equally effective) alternative, it might be worth their while to eat some/most of the contract to clear space.
If Dempster is gone though, there will be two spaces in the rotation available and less of a need to get rid of an overpaid #5 starter.
by SouthernCub on Aug 4, 2008 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How would they be cheaper
best guess Cubs would take on 5 to 7 million of the ten. That is a LOT of money to pay
someone to pitch for another team. If you have a stud or really need to move someone in, it could be worth it but it won’t be cheaper.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 4, 2008 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
$7 million plus $350,000 is cheaper than $9 million...
If the team thinks that any of those guys will outproduce Marquis, then trading him and taking on up to $8.5 million of the salary would still be cheaper than paying Marquis his $9 million to block progress. So yes, it WOULD be cheaper to trade him for a meaningless prospect and take on $5-7 million of his salary next year.
by SouthernCub on Aug 4, 2008 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think any of those guys is league minimum
I am pretty sure Marshall and Gaudin and possibly Hill have enough service to
get arbitration. Shark makes 2 Million.
Not saying Cubs might not want to eat salary but they are very unlikely to save money
doing it.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 4, 2008 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Those guys will all be on the team already...
so their salaries are irrelevant to the equation. We’d be paying Marshall, Gaudin, and Samardzija one way or the other, either to be in the rotation or in the pen, but they’d be there either way. So you’d be clearing bullpen space for a guy like Ascanio, who most certainly IS league minimum. You’d be saving money by reallocating a rotation spot and freeing up a bullpen spot for a cheaper player.
Even if that weren’t true and that one of the guys wouldn’t make the team because of Marquis, it’d still probably be cost-saving. Marshall is actually league minimum, Hill probably will be as well, and Samardzija will make $1.3 million next year. Gaudin will be more, but as I said he’d be on the team either way. None of those guys make the difference between $5-7 million and the $9.875 million that Marquis will make next year.
by SouthernCub on Aug 4, 2008 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't see any way those guys are minimum next year
Which is what I meant. Again between what one pays them and what one would
pay someone to take Marquis would most likely be a wash. They are also very serious chips if a trade in needed ( well not Shark but the others) I think the reason to get rid or Marquis is if Demp is re-signed and you really have nowhere to let good young guys get a start. If Demp leaves, I think you keep Marquis because one thing you do NOT want to do is go starter shopping among free
agents
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 4, 2008 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
League minimum is based on service time...
As such, I believe that Marshall, Hill, and Ascanio haven’t yet amassed the service time to get more money. I know this for a fact with Ascanio and I’m pretty sure it’s true with the other two as well. Either way, if it’s not true for Hill and Marshall, they’d make no more than about $1.5 million. And with how Hill pitched this year, I doubt he’ll get a big bump in arbitration.
But again, you’re missing my point. Firstly, I agreed that if Dempster is not resigned, Marquis won’t likely be traded. The whole scenario is based on the premise that Dempster is retained.
If Dempster is retained and Marquis is kept, then you’re paying Samardzija, Marshall, and Gaudin to pitch in the pen. If you trade Marquis, you’re paying two of Marshall, Gaudin, and Samardzija to be in the bullpen and one of them to start. You then pay Ascanio the league minimum to pitch out of the pen. So you would be saving money by trading Marquis and taking on even up to $9+ million of his salary in that scenario, because you’d be replacing Marquis with Ascanio and his ~$350,000 salary.
by SouthernCub on Aug 4, 2008 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This assumes that Ascanio is effective
Which so far he has not been. Also remember the Cubs will lose
Howry, Eyre ,Lieber ( ok no one will probably miss them) and possibly
Cotts ( though I thought he was still under team control/ and Wood
Marshall, Shark and Gaudin may ALL be needed in the BP. There
was an interesting FINANCIAL breakdown be a sports economist re
Joba Chamberlin that the Yankees were making a mistake because
set up men were harder and more exspensive than 5th starters of course
Joba is not a 5th starter and Marquis is getting his nearly 10 million wherever he plays but overall I think he is underated as a 5th starter.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 4, 2008 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Contracts
I’d say the only players on that list a lock to be gone are Scott Eyre, Bob Howry, Jon Lieber and Chad Fox. The biggest wildcard will surely be Ryan Dempster who should have zero problem commanding a $45 million plus contract given the continuing hyper-crazy market for pitching. I’ll bet both Jim Edmonds and Reed Johnson are back, which I’ll be happy about.
by MDBNIU on Aug 3, 2008 8:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Dempster's case will be interesting to watch.
In particular, I’m comparing him to Kyle Lohse in my mind. It may be that guys like Dempster with not much track record of success will get short-term contracts while the contracts for more certain blue-chippers go through the roof. Or it may be that all the contracts go crazy. It may depend on who is in the market and who is not. I don’t know and am curious to find out.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Aug 3, 2008 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No chance
Ryan Dempster is not Kyle Lohse for crying out loud. Plus Lohse was guilty of over-playing his hand by insisting on a 4 year, $40 milion deal. If Dempster hits the free agent market he is going to generate a boatload of serious interest. Once CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets are off the market teams will be lining up for his services. Dempster is in line for a HUGE payday.
by MDBNIU on Aug 3, 2008 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're very likely right.
But Dempster’s an interesting test case I’ll be watching.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Aug 3, 2008 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
how scappy were you
and what is the value of scappiness?
"You would never guess that a little innocent walk like that could lead to two runs" -- Dusty Baker
by KyCubsFan on Aug 3, 2008 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How scrappy?
Well, in T-Ball, I was king of the inside-the-park HR, making sure to hit it to the guy who had taken his glove off to pick a dandelion and then refusing to stop running, counting on someone making an error, like not having anyone cover home. I think that’s about as scrappy as it gets.
And the value of scrappiness? That’s like asking what the value of world peace is. All I know for sure is that scrappiness is more valuable than passable infield defense.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Aug 3, 2008 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he was alluding to the spelling of "scrappy/scappy" in your signature...
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 Aug 3, 2008 10:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aw man
that was just the scrappy spelling of “scrappy” – uh yeah, that’s it. Yeah.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Aug 3, 2008 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dempsters contract depends on
Us making the post-season and how he performs. It would not surprise me to see him being an MVP for any series. Then again, in the post season a player like Theriot could pick up hits like no other and get a .600 BA in any series and be a MVP too.
by ak123 on Aug 4, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dempster will get good money regardless...
Remember: Ted Lilly got 4 years, $40 million coming off a decent year. Jason Marquis got 3 years, $21 million coming off a terrible year. Carlos Silva got 4 years, $48 million coming off a mediocre/decent year. None of those guys were coming off the type of season that Dempster is having.
Now, he could put himself WAY out of the Cubs price range with a strong postseason (if he desired to chase the money). But either way, he’s going to be looking at at least a $6-7 million per year raise after this year.
by SouthernCub on Aug 4, 2008 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe I have my Cubbie Blue Blinders on (say that five times fast)...
...but I could see Dempster giving the Cubs a hometown discount to stay with the club. He seems to genuinely enjoy being here.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 4, 2008 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure he would do that...
but the question is, “how much of a discount would he give?” If he’s got a shot at $14-15 million per year, a discount would be $11-12 million, which would be a $6-7 million pay raise. I think $11-12 million per year is well below what he’d pull on the market based on this season.
by SouthernCub on Aug 4, 2008 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I could see
2 years, $25Mil or 3 years $38Mil. The question is, can he have a season like this again?
by ak123 on Aug 4, 2008 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
only one way
to find out.
’’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 Aug 4, 2008 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Arbitration
I believe Neal Cotts, Michael Wuertz and Chad Gaudin are also under club control next year and are arbitration eligible.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 3, 2008 8:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Prepare to say goodbye to a few guys
some may think this is early to discuss, but if you are thinking long term it isn’t. I am glad that the Cubs are really appearing to become a top-flight organization, not just a teaam that put out a good roster every few years.
I doubt Howry or Eyre come back. Eyre isn’t even pitching now. Harden is an automatic, and he probably gets the deal. Dempster probably feels very underpaid, he should after this year. You have to start moving in some people. Marshall, Hart and maybe others need to start moving up.
Johnson stays because he is a Lou type player and there is nobody pushing their way up from the minors. Edmonds? Probably a firm handshake and an atta boy. He may even retire. He’s been dinged up all year. That is no fun when you are in your late 30’s. you probably resign Wood with some of the money that you get back from Howry and Eyre.
If the Cubs want to be like the Braves have been you need to start blending in young talent every year. That is what I was driving at earlier. Seems like the Braves brought in one position player and a pitcher every year that contributed.
by Nibbles on Aug 3, 2008 9:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
With all due respect..
You say that no one is pushing their way up from the minors? The Cubs, in fact, have a guy who plays amazing defense (27 errors in 7 minor league seasons), is hitting .287 in AAA, and the guy hit .362 in limited time in AAA last year. He’s also a .299 career hitter and projects out as a 5 tool player. Oh, and he’s going to be just 24 next spring. Maybe you’ve heard of him, he’s kind of a big deal? Felix Pie? (And dont start with the ‘he cant hit minor league pitching’ stuff, because he never got a fair shot. Guess how many consecutive AB’s he got at ANY POINT during the year? Less than Edmonds or Johnson. Give the kid a shot!)
As for Eyre and Howry, fine, let ‘em go. Bullpens are a crap-shoot and the Cubs have shown the ability to build one from within. Just look at Marmol, The Shark, Marshall, Wuertz, Hart (last year), etc.
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought you ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth.
Joe Garagiola
by Ryan at Cubshub on Aug 3, 2008 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought
that the most consecutive AB’s a player could get is one. Sorry, I’m a smartass at heart. I do think we need to give him a real shot at CF next year, though.
by thinskull on Aug 3, 2008 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Naaa... You can get 2
I went to a Royals game a few years ago and the leadoff hitter went to the plate and lined out… and then it turned out he was slated to hit 2nd, so the REAL leadoff hitter never got to see the plate and just got an automatic 0-fer, and the old leadoff guy got a 2nd AB and actually got a hit… it was weird… Was it technically an AB? No, but it WAS a PA I think.
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought you ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth.
Joe Garagiola
by Ryan at Cubshub on Aug 3, 2008 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the same thing happened
to the Reds earlier this year. I can’t remember who it was (because it’s the Reds) but someone accidentally hit in Corey Patterson’s place, flew out, and then batted again. Patterson was credited with the flyout (don’t worry, it didn’t hurt his BA too much; can’t get much worse than .189).
by thinskull on Aug 3, 2008 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
At that Royals game...
We were all confused, and a Royals fan turned to us and said “its ok, its the Royals, it makes sense to us…” and then went on to explain how it hadnt happend in years.
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought you ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth.
Joe Garagiola
by Ryan at Cubshub on Aug 3, 2008 10:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Felix Pie will be gone this winter
Cubs have written him off ever working in my estimation. And for good reason.
by MDBNIU on Aug 3, 2008 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why?
I dont want to get into some long, drawn out debate, but why was he written off for good reason?
He’s 23. He’s proven he can play well above average in the minor leagues, and he only got 63 AB this season.
A fairly close comparison given age and performance, Todd Hollandsworth was called up at the age of 22 and hit .233 in 104 ABs. He went on to have a solid major league career. He’s not a player that was amazing, but he was a very useful player in his career and I think that Pie, at worst, could be a similar type player. His defense is major league quality, and he’s never had a chance for his bat to come around.
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought you ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth.
Joe Garagiola
by Ryan at Cubshub on Aug 3, 2008 9:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Felix Pie is 23
I’m 11
For your information, the Supreme Court has roundly rejected prior restraint.
by Less is Walrond on Aug 3, 2008 11:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's a legit 23
And if anyone’s 11, its Ronny Cedeno.
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought you ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth.
Joe Garagiola
by Ryan at Cubshub on Aug 4, 2008 1:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow - I think I can honestly say I'm a Cubs fan now
sure I post here a lot and I love me some Cubs, especially when they hit the long ball a lot out onto Waveland, but truth is, I love it when Lily, Rusch and Trachsel are/were serving them up too. I grew up idolizing Roberto Clemente (still do) so I was a huge Pirates fan when I was a kid, and growing up near Cleveland and living there for many years, naturally I have a great affinity for the Indians.
I moved to Chicago in 1990, have pretty much lived in Wrigley’s backyard the whole time and of course love going to games and cheering for the Cubs. But I’ve always recognized, and been a little saddened and jealous, that I wasn’t a die-hard like many of you.
But when I saw the above comment “And if anyone’s 11…”, the first thing that popped into my head was Ivan DeJesus. Now the fact that I – someone who hardly ever goes inside Wrigley to watch a game, didn’t move here into 1990 and didn’t watch WGN religiously in the late 70s, early 80s – knew Ivan DeJesus was #11 and that that factoid instantly popped into my head… well, maybe there’s a little bit of legitimacy to my Cubs allegiance after all…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Aug 4, 2008 6:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
#11 will always be Don Kessinger
For me. When I first became a fan , Don was my favorite player. He had the public personality of a root vegtable and no woman would call him attractive but what can I say, I fell in love with his fielding and the delayed steal. What does a 10 year
old know about these things
Strangest things about numbers and who you remember is that I was at the Cubs
Yankees series in New York a few years ago and I loved seeing what jersey’s Cub
fans where wearing especially retro ones. Someone had a classic #10 without
a number and I kept thinking wow someone is really a Leon Durham fan until
I remembered Santo.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 4, 2008 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Same here
There will never be another 10, 26, 14, or 23, but #11 will always be Kessinger and 18 will be Beckert. Same for #31/Fergie and #30 For Kenny Holtzman.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Aug 5, 2008 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you keep saying this
it keeps not happening.
’’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 Aug 3, 2008 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
For crying out loud....Kevin Hart ???
Kevin Hart sucks. He produced one good month after his callup in 2007 then proceeded to prove that you really CAN’T trade Freddie Boom Boom Bynum for the great pitching riches of others.
And the Cubs are not going to “clear space” for Sean Marshall. He’s going to have to earn a spot on a rotation that will have as locks Zambrano, Harden, Lilly and hopefully Dempster. And keep in mind Jason Marquis is due $9.3 million next season and is therefore virtually unmoveable. Also, you may want to acquaint yourself with Jeff Samardzija.
by MDBNIU on Aug 3, 2008 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did you read my post?
I said “Hart (last year)”... not that he was any good overall, but he produced last year and was VERY GOOD last year.
I also never suggested that Marshall make the rotation. He can pitch out of the bullpen too.
And before I get harpooned for only providing a few examples of homegrown bullpen possibilities for next year, let me finish the list… Marmol, Marshall, The Shark, Wuertz, Angel Guzman (if healthy), Rich Hill (if mentally healthy), Billy Petrick or Carmen Pignatiello.
Thanks for reading the whole post, tho.
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought you ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth.
Joe Garagiola
by Ryan at Cubshub on Aug 3, 2008 9:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
MDBNIU doesn't need to read our posts...
...he can knock any of us out with one punch and he played baseball in college.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 4, 2008 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So he says
Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.
by sue369 on Aug 4, 2008 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Notice how is getting pretty snarky again
every post begins with sigh or crying out loud or something negative. Good to have him back.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on Aug 5, 2008 6:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Add Blanco
I can’t imagine him not coming back if he is healthy. There is nobody in the minors ready to go. With a young Soto it is nice to have a veteran like Blanco. And, it is unlikely we would have to get into a bidding war with anyone to keep him.
by Nibbles on Aug 3, 2008 9:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Blanco will probably be back for one more season...
The Cubs have Wellington Castillo in the minors, currently in AA after being named a FSL (high A) All-Star and was also named to the Futures game. I’d imagine that he’s in the plans for the future, but at what level, who knows?
There are plenty of soon-to-be free agent catchers, some of which could fit the Cubs well as a backup. Maybe guys like David Ross (team option) or Jason LaRue could fill in for a year if Blanco doesnt come back.
That being said, it seems VERY likely that Blanco comes back. Lou uses his backups quite a bit, and he’s more likely to get decent money and playing time here than anywhere else. The only way I see him leaving is if he has personal reasons to do so.
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought you ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth.
Joe Garagiola
by Ryan at Cubshub on Aug 3, 2008 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blanco is a solid catcher and hopefully will be back
by MDBNIU on Aug 3, 2008 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree
I have always liked Henry, there’s not a big drop off in performance when he spells Geo. Maybe a little offensively, but none defensively.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Aug 5, 2008 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Will Hendry want to come back?
GMing’s a tough job. If we win it all this year, anyone think he might consider walking away?
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Aug 3, 2008 10:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That's an interesting question.
What about Lou Piniella? Do you think he would retire if they won this year?
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 4, 2008 1:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We were discussing that in the bleachers yesterday.
Dave said yes. I say “maybe”. If they do win, how does Lou top that?
But, he does have a year left on his deal. I think he’d honor it.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 4, 2008 4:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don't top it (unless you go back-to-back)
but that final year could be something of a low-pressure victory lap for Lou.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Aug 4, 2008 6:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True enough.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 4, 2008 7:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
tell you what...
if folks were concerned about Lou’s extra poundage now, just wait ‘til next year (no pun intended) if we win it all. Lou (and a lot of other Cubs) will never have to pay for a meal (and drinks) again in this town.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Aug 4, 2008 7:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Victory lap
I like it. Get your rings, go to the White House, manage the National League team in All-Star game…. and let Trammell manage another pennant chase from the bench.
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 Aug 4, 2008 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm in the camp . . .
That defense up the middle (C, SS, 2B, CF) is more important than offense. Any offense you get from those positions should be viewed as gravy. If we’re going to play Soto, Theriot and Derosa up the middle (who are all above avg offensively) then we can afford to have a guy in CF who struggles a bit. So using that theory I hope the Cubs resign Reed Johnson, and platoon him with Felix Pie next year. Let Pie hit 8th against RHP and play great defense. I think I heard a stat somewhere that Pie has only started 3 consecutive games his entire career. So I don’t think anybody can say for sure what his offensive capabilities. With his outstanding defense and speed, I wish we could just let him play for a month and see what he can do . . . One man’s opinion
by TheRiot02 on Aug 4, 2008 11:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
’’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 Aug 4, 2008 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Correct me if I'm wrong
But I think it was the first four games of the season before he was benched. Might have been 3, I dont recall, but I know he only got 14-16 AB in that stretch.
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought you ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth.
Joe Garagiola
by Ryan at Cubshub on Aug 4, 2008 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, it was four games...
and 15 AB. After that, he got only 11 more starts the rest of the year, scattered over the next 1.5 months.
by SouthernCub on Aug 4, 2008 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey now; he had his chance -
it was at least twice as long as Eric Patterson’s first two chances in ‘08.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Aug 4, 2008 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
To be quite honest, I'm pretty sure Dempster is leaving
the fact that he’s pitched so outstanding this year makes me believe that there will be some dumbass team(Yankees) who will give him a ridiculous 4, 5-year contract around 60-70 million. I could see the same thing happening with Wood; people like gushing over the fact that he “loves to be here” and will never play for another team. A lot of things can change with money, folks. Just ask Carlos Boozer.
You’re wrong about Harden, by the way. I remember reading on The Cub Reporter about Rich Harden having the possibility of leaving after THIS YEAR. Here it is:
So if the Cubs had acquired Harden this past Saturday instead of waiting until yesterday, they would absolutely control the rights to Rich Harden through the 2009 season ($7M salary in 2009), with a nice convenient club option (with no buy-out) following the 2008 season in case Harden blows out his shoulder or elbow before the end of the season.But by waiting to acquire Harden until after he had accrued five seasons of MLB Service Time, the Cubs gave Harden the leverage to either force the Cubs to trade him post-2008, or else give him the option to be a FA one year earlier than he otherwise would have been eligible (but with no compensation draft picks).
So, that sucks. Hopefully things work out so that the Cubs can keep the good players(read: the ones I like) on the team next year(Harden,Wood,Dempster,Gaudin,Cotts).
"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk
by NittanyCub on Aug 4, 2008 1:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
And Blanco, and Johnson, and Edmonds(that's weird to say).
Damn, this team is awesome this year.
"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk
by NittanyCub on Aug 4, 2008 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dempster is going to command A LOT of money in what will be another insane market for starting pitchers
But I think he winds up staying with the Cubs.
by MDBNIU on Aug 4, 2008 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Guess we'll have to wait and see.
It’s pretty fun speculating, though.
"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk
by NittanyCub on Aug 4, 2008 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kerry and Sarah Wood
were on CTL Friday night. Kerry said he loves the Cubs and that they are the only team he has been with and wants to stay a Cub. They have in fact made Chicago their home and want to raise their children there. I’d be real surprised if he leaves.
I’d love to see Dempster stay too. There is a good article in the last Vine LIne magazine about Kerry and Ryan switching places on the team. Ryan talks about Lou giving him the chance to be a starter and how much he appreciates that chance. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.
by sue369 on Aug 4, 2008 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But why would Harden want to leave?
If he forced a trade, the way I understand it is that he would still be under his current contract; i.e. Harden forces a trade and the Cubs trade him with the new team picking up the $7MM option. Pretty sure that Harden would only become a FA if, upon his forcing a trade, the Cubs would not comply. Which obviously they would, as if Harden stays healthy, the rights to him at $7MM for 2009 would get us a very nice package in return. I can’t imagine why Rich would want a trade in this scenario, as it doesn’t get him a larger salary unless i am grossly misunderstanding the CBA. I’d guess this provision would come in handy if a player’s new team didn’t give him the playing time he desired, especially heading into a contract year..guessing that’s why the clause was written into the CBA.
by Canseco's Roid Party on Aug 4, 2008 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Dempster...
...finishes strong, he will command a big contract, but I still think Wood will be affordable for the Cubs.
In regards to Harden, he or his agent would be crazy to demand a trade from the Cubs. He is on one of the best stages to show his talents and this will pay off for him if he stays healthy through 09.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Aug 4, 2008 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Boozer
is from my hometown. Couldn’t find a nicer guy, so cut him some slack. You’d take the money too in his situation.
"Hey! If the moon were made of ribs, wouldja eat it? I know I would!"
by cubs0505 on Aug 5, 2008 3:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't think money was the whole issue.
Wish I followed the Cavs as close as I do the Indians, but from what I recall, it wasn’t just money. I think by now most of us share the philosophy that if there’s someone out there crazy enough to offer obscene amounts of money, we can’t begrudge the player that takes it. I think in Boozer’s case though, it was pretty much a done deal for him to stay but something happened at last minute, and he backed out and signed with Utah I think. Whether he was provoked by mgmt, or it was his agent pulling the strings, I don’t know. But I do know it left a bad taste in a lot of Cavs fans’ mouths. And not too many of them were pissed at mgmt.
Again, I can’t speak from first-hand knowledge, but when fans side with mgmt, that’s usually pretty telling.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Aug 5, 2008 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think
Woody, Demp and Harden all stay.
sure, they could make money with another team. But even if we don’t make the WS this year, we’ll be a threat to do that next year, and they all want WS rings with the Cubs.
’’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 Aug 4, 2008 1:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Good point
I have read and viewed a few interviews with Wood and he has always stated the Cubs are the only team he wants to play for. I’m confident that Dempster and Harden stay, too.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Aug 5, 2008 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Young back-up catcher?
I just don’t see that. You have a young Soto already. Castillo has a good shot at being a starter too someday. It would retard his growth to just be Soto’s back-up. That is why I see Blanco coming back for one more year.
Pie has been given a decent shot. His giant looping swing and poor plate discipline are keeping him off the major league roster. I am rooting for the kid. He has tremendous tools, and a great personality for the game. But, he has to prove he can get on base.
by Nibbles on Aug 4, 2008 7:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
he's hitting over .350 in AAA
and that’s after his TERRIBLE start back there.
How can he prove that he can hit major league pitching… IF HE ISN’T ON THE MAJOR LEAGUE TEAM???
’’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 Aug 5, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, he's hitting over .280 in AAA...
If you ignore the terrible start, then yes, he’s hitting really well since that time.
I don’t think he’s been given a chance to develop at the MLB level. And I don’t think he WILL be given a decent shot unless we win the World Series this year and the pressure is off for next year.
If we don’t win it all this year, I think Pie will be shopped, because I don’t think Piniella will want to into his final year as a manager with a question mark in CF.
by SouthernCub on Aug 5, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we don't win this year
the only rookie on the team next year will be Samardzija and even he’s got a shot of not being technically a “rookie” next year. I suppose it’s possible Yu Darvish could be a “rookie” on the team next year.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Aug 5, 2008 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As long as we're hashing out who next year's backup C will be
let me throw out Gregg Zaun’s name. I like Blanco, but the Cubs have a good defensive RH C in Soto. It’s nice to get something different from the backup, especially when the Cubs lean so RH. Zaun’s a switch-hitter with a track record of good OBP. Another switch-hitter, Jason Varitek will also be on the market, but he’s kind of looked D-O-N-E this year and may not be interested in ending his career as a backup.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Aug 4, 2008 8:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Zaun's almost 40, isn't he?
I’d rather have Blanco.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 5, 2008 4:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Zaun will be 38 at the start of next season.
Blanco is only 4 months younger.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Aug 5, 2008 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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