Caravan kicks off

by Bruce Miles on Jan 14, 2009 5:21 PM CST Comment 85 comments

Lots of stuff from today's caravan kickoff from Harry Caray's in Chicago:

http://blogs.dailyherald.com/node/1241#comment-2861

Lou is ill and couldn't make it. Hopefully, he'll be OK for the convention. Hope to see some of you there. Got a chance to talk with Marshall, Samardzija, Gathright and Hendry. Marshall would like to start, but it looks like the Cubs want him to remain in the swing role. Also got a chance to meet Kevin Gregg. Seems like a good guy. Nothing like baseball when the temperatures are dropping well below zero.

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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For the record...

…“Bruce Miles” is in fact, Bruce Miles, correct? I’ve always assumed…but like my nun grade school teacher taught me…“To assume makes an ass out of u and me”.

Dan

PS – Hi Bruce!

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Jan 14, 2009 5:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yep, that's really him.

Thanks, Bruce! Bummer about Sean Marshall. I wanted to see him get a shot at the rotation this season.

RIP Ron Asheton (1948-2009)

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 14, 2009 5:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

For the record indeed

Would be Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald. I’m a frequent visitor here and friend of the court.

P.S. _ Hi Dan

by Bruce Miles on Jan 14, 2009 5:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks, Bruce!

It’s great to have you here and we do appreciate your inside notes :-}

"Truth does not do as much good in the world as the semblance of truth does evil," - Duc de La Rochefoucauld, Maxims, 64.

by Emelie on Jan 14, 2009 5:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the info Bruce!

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Jan 14, 2009 6:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Bruce!

I’ve seen you here for quite awhile, but with many monikers of players and the like, I’ve never asked if you were you! Thanks for being here.

Dan

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Jan 14, 2009 8:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Bruce

Bruce is not only the best Cubs writer in Chicago he is the best sportswriter period. Wish they’d clone him to have someone cover the bears.

Barbara V. October 14, 1941 - December 19, 2008. A great lady who was a friend to all and like a second mom to her children's friends (she was my best friend's mom)

by cubstoseriesby100 on Jan 14, 2009 5:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you

I appreciate the kind words, and I enjoy talking with the readers. I was the backup Bears writer in 1997 for the Daily Herald. It wasn’t nearly as much fun as covering baseball. I like a game every day and the day-to-day soap opera that is the baseball season (and off-season nowadays, too!)

by Bruce Miles on Jan 14, 2009 7:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So you weren't an Erik Kramer fan?

make*art

by neverAcquiesce on Jan 15, 2009 9:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not really

But Bryan Cox kept things interesting. He went through one phase in which he stopped talking to the media. And it was killing him. He’d sit by his locker during our very limited access time and say he wasn’t talking. But he wanted so badly to talk because that’s what he did best.

by Bruce Miles on Jan 15, 2009 9:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice.

By the by, Cox was the only Starting Lineup Bear I ever got.

make*art

by neverAcquiesce on Jan 15, 2009 10:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It better have come with the huge neck thing he wore...

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Jan 15, 2009 4:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It does!

My dad has a Jack Lambert one and it’s the same mold.

make*art

by neverAcquiesce on Jan 15, 2009 4:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the post and the informative link!

See you on Friday!

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

by Al on Jan 14, 2009 5:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Bruce Miles

Is there any info u can give us on the pie, cedeno, and rich hill fronts? I realize their out of options and don’t see them fitting in barring injury as of right now. thanks

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Jan 14, 2009 6:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Out of options

PIe looks to be a candidate to be traded. It looks like Gathright’s signing sealed Pie’s fate. Cedeno is still in the mix. Of course, both of these guys could be moved if a Peavy trade is ever done. Rich Hill? I wish I knew.

by Bruce Miles on Jan 14, 2009 7:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

On Cedeno

Do you see the Cubs carrying 4 MI’s again? Granted, in this case, Cedeno makes some sense as Theriot and Miles are below average at short, but still … I don’t see the Cubs signing Gathright to stash him at AAA and I gotta think that Hoffpauir has the edge (as a bench power bat option) over Cedeno.

We were discussing this in another thread, about what moves the Cubs may have left. Leaving Peavy aside for a moment, do you see anything semi-substantial happening down the stretch? Doesn’t seem like we’ll add a LOOGY. Bench bat? I think we go with Micah as the power option, but some others don’t think so. What do you think?

by toonsterwu on Jan 14, 2009 9:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Just a note,

Gathright is out of options and would need to be sent through waivers to be sent to the minor leages.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Jan 14, 2009 9:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Gathright

He’s here to stay. The Cubs have him as their fourth-fifth outfielder and pinch runner and pinch hitter.

by Bruce Miles on Jan 15, 2009 8:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Cedeno

I’m sure they’d like to move him. Lou doesn’t seem to like him, and Ronny doesn’t help himself in a lot of ways. If they sign Rich Aurilia, I think that would hasten Ronny’s exit, whether it be in a Peavy deal or something else.

by Bruce Miles on Jan 15, 2009 8:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Bruce

It looks like there is no way Pie is not traded. Is he being held on to as long as he can so Hendry can use him as part of a Peavy trade ( if new ownership approves)? I would assume that if Pie is traded in a different trade that ends any hope of Peavy?

by Jayjayblue on Jan 15, 2009 8:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No

At this point, Pie’s value is such that trading him to someone other than San Diego certainly would not kill that deal.

by Bruce Miles on Jan 15, 2009 10:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He's seen snow, at least...

Kevin Gregg, that is – he is a Christmas Tree “farmer” (he owns a lot of land with trees on it).

Maybe he’ll be able to pitch well in April and May, LOL!

by The E-Man on Jan 14, 2009 6:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Honesty compels me to say,

good stuff Bruce………Good stuff………..Thanks for posting.

Hey Lou, we're long overdue.

by deadcatbounce on Jan 14, 2009 7:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

The Cubs

I’ve found over the years that there is no shortage of interest in the Cubs, no matter what time of year it is or what the wind-chill is.

by Bruce Miles on Jan 14, 2009 7:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ahhhhmen, sir.

"It's hard to win 97 games, it's hard to win the division. Our attitude is if you get in every year, you get in most of the time, sooner or later you are going to knock that door down." -- Jim Hendry

by EJThunder on Jan 14, 2009 9:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Cubs in season

ALL season

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton

by CubFreak on Jan 14, 2009 9:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Bruce

I’m an ex Oak Parker living in New Hampshire, SoCal, and Quebec. You’re my “go-to” guy for Cubs news. Thank you.

by leothelip on Jan 14, 2009 7:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I am a current Oak Parker...

fun, isn’t it?

"Just win tonight" - derv

by derv on Jan 14, 2009 9:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Lou is "ill"....

Maybe he wants to reduce the amount of questions about the lineup he has to answer and wait til the weekend. ha

"It's hard to win 97 games, it's hard to win the division. Our attitude is if you get in every year, you get in most of the time, sooner or later you are going to knock that door down." -- Jim Hendry

by EJThunder on Jan 14, 2009 9:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for posting, Bruce!

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Jan 14, 2009 9:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

GREAT REPORTING BRUCE,

Knew we could count on you for the scoop……….

by cubs north on Jan 14, 2009 10:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Jose Ascanio

Bruce, if you happen to read this thread again…. has anyone said anything about Jose Ascanio and where and if he fits into the Cubs plans?

In the middle of a good time, Truth gave me her icy kiss. Look around, you must be joking. All that way, all that way for this? -Oysterband

by Ross on Jan 14, 2009 10:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Ascanio

His name didn’t come up yesterday, but I’ll ask at the convention. So many things can happen in spring training, especially with the bullpen. He’d be very much in the mix, I would think, especially if the Cubs decide to start Samardzija at Iowa.

by Bruce Miles on Jan 15, 2009 8:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the post; here's a question

You quoted Hendry on possible backup 3B saying,

We’re a long way from Opening Day. We’re a long way from camp. Maybe there’s a potential addition that we don’t even know about yet that could serve a different role in a utility situation.

Is Teahen on the Cubs radar as a backup 3B/RF? Anyone else?

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 Jan 14, 2009 10:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

+1 Also being a Royals Fan

I can tell you that Teahan is expendable

With the addition of Coco Crisp now in CF, David DeJeus moves to LF

They’re stuck with Jose Guillen in right (12 MM this season)

I would love to have Teahen here in Chicago to spell A-Ram & Soriano

plus he’s a LH bat off the bench, and will earn less than 2.5 MM this season

I would love to know if Bruce or Al, or anyone else have heard new rumors regarding Teahan

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton

by CubFreak on Jan 14, 2009 10:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I haven't.

For the right price, he might be a decent backup.

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

by Al on Jan 15, 2009 4:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Teahan is arb-eligible

and he made $2.3M last year. That’s much too expensive for a backup.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Jan 15, 2009 1:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

OK...

… I did say “for the right price”. You’re right, that’s too much.

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

by Al on Jan 15, 2009 3:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

2.3MM is high for a back up but

not for a player that will play often
back up OF (Bradley & Soriano)
& IF (A-Ram & D Lee)
plus a LH stick off the bench

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton

by CubFreak on Jan 17, 2009 5:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

On Teahen

Cubs were never as excited about his as was reported elsewhere. They would not view him as a backup. They’ve had a little interest in Rich Aurilia and would be more likely to go in that direction.

by Bruce Miles on Jan 15, 2009 8:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

thanks for the follow up

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton

by CubFreak on Jan 17, 2009 5:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Bruce for

keeping us informed. Looking forward to more.

by sue369 on Jan 15, 2009 9:33 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the updates Bruce

Any insight as to the going’s on in Baltimore and San Diego?

Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.

by blackhawk24 on Jan 15, 2009 10:25 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Baltimore and San Diego

Hendry will keep the Peavy thing going as best he can, but nothing can happen until the ownership situation is resolved. I don’t see anything happening with Baltimore.

by Bruce Miles on Jan 15, 2009 12:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Bruce!

Hopefully – for me at least – there’s a Roberts trade first. IMHO a pure leadoff guy with speed is needed more than another starter. I like Peavy, don’t get me wrong, I just think the dynamic of speed Roberts brings while pushing Fonzie down the order is huge.

Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.

by blackhawk24 on Jan 15, 2009 8:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Bruce,

Which is the truth?

A. Lou quoted during the Winter Meetings as saying he would be sick over losing Mark DeRosa;

and/or

B. Hendry saying that DeRo was expendable because that was the “easiest place” of add a left-handed bat;

and/or

C. Hendry had to dump salary (Marquis and DeRo) in order to afford Milton Bradley;

and/or

D. Lou wants to clear out guys like Kerry Wood and DeRo who were too “tuned” to Cubs History.

Thanks for your great work!

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Jan 15, 2009 1:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I can tell you this...

…A. is not true. B. is true. C. is partially true. D. is not true.

by Bruce Miles on Jan 15, 2009 1:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks! And as long as we're playing "Truth or Consqeuences"

When Kerry Wood said he’d do “anything” to stay a Cub, do you think that would have included taking a one-year contract that paid as low as 5 M or so?

by DGU on Jan 15, 2009 1:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the answers, Bruce.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Jan 15, 2009 6:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks!

Thanks for the updates, Bruce. I appreciate it!

I hope you get the chance to investigate some of the stuff you are interested in, and not just the stuff we are all suggesting. ;-)

Dave

by Dave in the basement on Jan 15, 2009 1:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

No

When Wood signed with the Indians, they had teleconference. I asked him specifically if a one-year deal were feasible with the Cubs. He said no. I think he got badgered so much in his exit interview with the media that after about the 10th time, he finally said, that theoretically speaking, he’d take a one year. But it was never going to happen. And there are no hard feelings on either side about it. I plan to visit him in Arizona during spring training. I did a one on one with him last spring. One of the things I’m most proud of is that I always maintained a friendly relationship with Kerry, even as he soured on the media in general and other media members in specific.

by Bruce Miles on Jan 15, 2009 1:45 PM CST reply actions 1 recs

Thanks again!

Glad to have that cleared up and even more glad that there’s no hard feelings.

by DGU on Jan 15, 2009 2:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for this explanation, Bruce.

Many of us were pretty confused by the Kerry Wood situation and this helps shed some light on it.

RIP Ron Asheton (1948-2009)

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 15, 2009 2:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Another question (with another thank you for your time)

Bruce, how do you think the Cubs will play Aaron Miles? Right now the Cubs.com depth chart has him as the starting 2B and at 2B only. Will Miles play more 2B than Fontenot? Will Miles play SS at all? Or are these questions the Cubs will wait till Spring Training to answer?
Thanks!

by DGU on Jan 15, 2009 2:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Miles (Aaron, not Bruce)

I’ll avoid any snarky comments about mlb.com’s depth chart. Aaron Miles will play all over the place. The Cubs made it very clear when they signed him that they did so because of his versatility. At this point, I suspect Fontenot will be given the opportunity to start at second on most days, with Miles getting the starts there on other days. Miles also will spell Theriot at short on days when Lou feels Theriot needs a rest. Lou handled Theriot much better in ’08 than in ’07, and it showed in the final results. Miles also will fill in from time to time at third and perhaps in the outfield during long games or games in which a lot of substitutions are needed.

by Bruce Miles on Jan 15, 2009 2:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Fontenot doesn't hit LHP very well..

… .247/.313/.370 career — so it would make sense to start Miles vs. LHP,

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

by Al on Jan 15, 2009 3:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

I see the 3 of Theriot, Fontenot, and Miles all getting between 350-450 at bats splitting up the 1300 or so at bats at 2B and SS. The guys who hit will get a little more as Lou will go with a hot hand.

by socalbob on Jan 15, 2009 3:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

whats the average height between those 3?

4’9"?

by bheidge on Jan 15, 2009 4:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

it will be our

own Eddie Gaedell lineup.

by socalbob on Jan 15, 2009 7:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Man, I'm exhausted just reading this...

…but it’s pretty much in line with what I’ve been guessing: He’ll play 2B vs. LHP and otherwise be used to rest either Theriot or Aramis. I just hope Miles stays healthy, because he really does seem like the Cubs only infield backup. And if Cedeno is traded away, there really will be no one BUT Miles to back up third base and shortstop.

Bruce, if you’re still out there, do you see Hoffpauir as having a pretty safe place on the team as a backup for DLee at 1B and a left-handed banger off the bench?

RIP Ron Asheton (1948-2009)

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 15, 2009 4:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Left handed banger?

Is that some sort of sausage?

by N Oakley on Jan 15, 2009 4:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

twsa

"Truth does not do as much good in the world as the semblance of truth does evil," - Duc de La Rochefoucauld, Maxims, 64.

by Emelie on Jan 15, 2009 4:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

thats what she ate?

"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella

by El Borto on Jan 16, 2009 10:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

kinky

"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano

by JohnM on Jan 16, 2009 6:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't say 'safe' at this point

Hoffpauir certainly is going to be given a shot to replace Daryle Ward. If he has a good spring, I’d think he’s made it. A poor spring will have Lou scrambling for somebody else. As of now, it looks to be his job to lose.

by Bruce Miles on Jan 15, 2009 4:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you. That's what we were speculating yesterday.

by N Oakley on Jan 15, 2009 4:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Then how does Aurilia fit into the equation?

if, as has been suggested, the Cubs get Aurilia, doesn’t that create a numbers problem?

We have Gathright, Johnson, Fontenot/Miles, backup catcher, and Hoffpauir currently (ignoring Pie and Cedeno who are sure to be traded, right?). Getting Aurilia would mean six reserves. Doesn’t Piniella prefer to carry 12 pitchers (especially with Harden in the rotation)? If so, then it would seem that Hoffpauir and Aurilia are in direct conflict for the backup 1B role.

by SouthernCub on Jan 15, 2009 4:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks, Bruce.

RIP Ron Asheton (1948-2009)

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 17, 2009 9:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Numbers 'problem'

Depends on if you think having all that “inventory” as Hendry likes to call it is a problem. if the Cubs bring in Aurilia, it may be on a minor-league contract. If he makes the team, it’s quite possible Hoffpauir will be the odd-man out and will be sent to Iowa. Much will depend on how much the Cubs value Aurilia’s ability to play third base.

by Bruce Miles on Jan 15, 2009 4:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Didn't mean to suggest it to be a problem for the team...

My statement of numbers problem was in respect to having Aurilia AND Hoffpauir on the big league roster. It just seemed that saying the Cubs are looking to bring in Aurilia to be the backup 3B/1B and saying that Hoffpauir is going to get a shot seemed to contradict each other.

by SouthernCub on Jan 15, 2009 6:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Bruce thanks for all of your input!

It is much appreciated. I have one quick query for you and that is are we really that confident with going Cotts as the only bullpen lefty all year? Or is it really looking like Marshall will be there also?

"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"

by fischisgod on Jan 15, 2009 5:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Lefties

If the Cubs keep Marshall, Hendry’s comments point to him wanting Sean as a swing guy. So I can see Cotts as a full-time lefty in the pen and Marshall going back and forth. That all could change with one trade or free-agent signing, whatever that trade or signing could be.

by Bruce Miles on Jan 15, 2009 6:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thans Bruce.

Any interest in Beimel?

"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"

by fischisgod on Jan 15, 2009 6:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Beimel

I’ve discerned none so far.

by Bruce Miles on Jan 15, 2009 7:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Quick other little question

I gues this is more procedural but when the Cubs are on the road do you, Gordon, and Paul all fly with the team?I was always interested in that

"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"

by fischisgod on Jan 15, 2009 6:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

No charters

No, we all make our own commercial flight arrangements. Years ago, I would catch the charter every now and then. Riggleman and Baylor were quite welcoming with it. Dusty didn’t seem to want anything to do with it. Lou would be fine with it; in fact, he’s invited us on occasion. The last time I chartered was right after 9/11, when Andy MacPhail invited us. It helped at the time.

by Bruce Miles on Jan 15, 2009 7:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you so much Bruce love your reporting and read every story you write!

"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"

by fischisgod on Jan 15, 2009 7:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Bruce...

… thanks for taking the time. Question regarding the DeRosa trade if you have a sec. I think what has be frustrated about the trade is not the loss of DeRosa, but the return. There were several teams rumored to be after DeRosa, including the Phillies and Twins. Was Stevens and two other minor league pitchers really the best that the Cubs could get in return?

The trade makes sense if the Cubs have another trade in the works and that trading partner wants these guys, but if not, for a team supposedly on the precipice of the World Series, the guys the Cubs got neither figure to be major contributors to that World Series run nor do they figure to help the Cubs reload in a few years when the vets are aging. I just figured that the Cubs could do better.

by dmlichte on Jan 15, 2009 8:36 PM CST reply actions 1 recs

DeRosa

The Cubs traded him as much to free up the money as anything else. It’s possible the pitchers they got will turn into something more, but DeRosa was really the only position player they could realistically trade. If DeRosa were to have gone to the Phillies or Twins, it most likely would have been part of a larger deal, such as Peavy.

by Bruce Miles on Jan 15, 2009 10:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

the trade

Maybe I’m missing something here. I understand why he was traded. It freed up money and it allowed the Cubs to fit another lefty bad into the line-up. But that doesn’t change the fact that DeRosa has some real value. Whatever reason that the trade was necessary for, that doesn’t change the value of DeRosa to other teams… and I really don’t get the Phillies or Twins angle. Its not like they cared if acquiring DeRosa just involved the Cubs or other teams, too. I am just surprised that the Cubs were unable to get any more for him. A starting infielder is only worth three pretty marginal prospects, the best of which barely cracks the Indians top 20?

by dmlichte on Jan 15, 2009 11:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

part of the return has to do with how much the players are paid

The prospects from CLE don’t cost anything against the payroll. A “higher return” might have meant money against the big league roster. Also, the fact that Derosa only has 1 year left on his contract takes away from his value, albeit that one year is a good deal for his production.

by philadelphiacub on Jan 16, 2009 11:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's an interesting point.

I wonder if 40 man roster space may have also factored into the players the Cubs wanted in return for DeRosa? The roster is now full and only one of the 3 players was advanced enough in professional service time to be on a 40 man roster.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Jan 16, 2009 1:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Another tidbit on the Padres

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jan/16/padres-tickets-below-two-million/?padres

And believe me Hendry knows this. Season Tickets are way down; IMHO partly economy, partly the team is not very good and another reason Peavy is going to be dealt.

With Peavy on the roster, they barely have enough to spend to fill 19 more spots at the MLB minimum of $400k. Only 8 players are signed thus far for 2009 at a total of $32.05M.

Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.

by blackhawk24 on Jan 17, 2009 1:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

You conveniently left out this quote from that same article.

Alderson and General Manager Kevin Towers had said the club might announce in mid-January that Jake Peavy, the subject of lengthy trade talks this offseason, will open the season with the club. Reminded of those comments Friday, Alderson said, "I would certainly think by the first of February, the players we intend to bring to camp will be the players we will bring to camp, and the same will be true for the other clubs. I’ve said before I think Jake will be with us on Opening Day, and I still believe that. The bottom line is I think he is going to be with us to open the season."

Look, I’m not saying Jake Peavy wouldn’t look good in the Cubs’ rotation or that I wouldn’t want him.

But the reality is different, no matter how you wish to read the tea leaves.

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

by Al on Jan 17, 2009 4:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs