free agents that are out there that can help

by ualriv on Jan 23, 2009 10:28 AM CST Comment 44 comments

Catchers Johnny Estrada (33) Javier Valentin (33) Second basemen/Shortstops Craig Counsell (38 ) First basemen/Third basemen Rich Aurilia (37) Ty Wigginton (31) Starting pitchers Pedro Martinez (37) Livan Hernandez (34) Ben Sheets (30) - Type A, Jason Jennings (30) Middle relievers Joe Beimel (32) - Type B Chad Cordero (27) Eddie Guardado (38) some of these guys can help our team on one yr deals . there are three guys on this list . i would love to see on our team .at back up catcher Javier Valentin (33) , back up infeld Ty Wigginton (31), Craig Counsell (38 )

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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Wigginton, I suppose, could be useful.

Craig Counsell is about done and Javier Valentin doesn’t really catch any more (caught only 17 games last year, is mostly a PH).

Otherwise, this looks like just a copied/pasted free agent list.

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

by Al on Jan 23, 2009 10:31 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Valentin

as you say is a catcher in name only. If the Cubs sign him they still need a backup catcher. The Reds usually had 2 other catchers on their roster last season.

by rlpete on Jan 23, 2009 10:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree, Wigginton

could be a good choice. I believe he can play 3rd,1st and the outfield. Hes got some pop as well.

by xene on Jan 23, 2009 10:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If Wigginton hit lefthanded, he'd have been a Cub two months ago.

Maybe he can learn to switch-hit. That’s the only way Lou would want to sign him.

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

by Al on Jan 23, 2009 10:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hes gonna want more playing time than hed get here

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 Jan 23, 2009 11:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wigginton is looking for a starting gig at something like 3/$21M

Even the Twins, who are desperate for a 3B are passing on him until the price comes down.

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

by DeRoMyHero on Jan 23, 2009 9:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Counsell I believe...

Was just signed by the Brewers

"If I were playing third base and my mother were rounding third with the run that was going to beat us, I'd trip her. Oh, I'd pick her up and brush her off and say, 'Sorry, Mom,' but nobody beats me." ~ Leo Durocher

by Musicdude10 on Jan 24, 2009 1:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Another exquisitely composed and edited Fanpost.

Consistent. Championship. Tradition.

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 23, 2009 10:55 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Nicely done, Daver!

Is that a new one? I haven’t seen it before.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jan 23, 2009 10:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, it's fairly new...

…and it was actually created by znohitter. You can find it in the BCB Flickr Group.

Consistent. Championship. Tradition.

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 23, 2009 11:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Beimel and Sheets please

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 Jan 23, 2009 11:47 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

yes

Sheets no because of what the price tag will be. SOMEONE is going to give him a ridiculous amount of money. Nationals or Brewers I suspect.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Jan 23, 2009 5:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I have never understood why

the Cubs were never linked to Orlando Hudson. I guess it’s too late to want to get him.

Tamia Lynn Davis:
Born: August 18, 2008

by Unique on Jan 23, 2009 12:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Why?

The argument for him vs Roberts is less money but without all the SB’s.

Actually it’s his market value that will drive B-Rob’s trade value.

Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.

by blackhawk24 on Jan 23, 2009 12:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hudson was reportedly asking for a big deal

if I remember correctly what I read. He’s a guy I could see helping the Cubs, but not enough to justify certain levels of payment. I also have a feeling that Jim Hendry may think he got a reasonable facimile of Hudson, only much cheaper, in Aaron Miles.

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 23, 2009 1:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I believe he also would cost a 1st round draft pick.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Jan 23, 2009 4:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ben Sheets, Rich Aurilia

Ty Wiggington wants to play everyday and will probably be able to fulfill that wish because there are perpetually teams with need at 3rd base.

by BLou on Jan 23, 2009 1:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

+1

"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic

by Cubbie-Tim on Jan 23, 2009 1:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If that's the case, why is he still a free agent?

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

by Al on Jan 23, 2009 2:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think he's still a free agent because

he’s looking for a multi-year deal. I think several teams would sign him for one year but he’s holding out for more years.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Jan 23, 2009 4:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If he holds out much longer, he'll be begging for a job.

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

by Al on Jan 23, 2009 8:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sheets is the only one I would want

Everything else with the Cubs is pretty much done.

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

by Doggie Stalker on Jan 23, 2009 1:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, Sheets would be an interesting gamble...

…but I doubt Hendry would take it. I could see cases for Beimel or Guardardo as LOOGYs. Otherwise, the rest is either overpriced or detritus. No thanks on Craig Counsell – I respect his work ethic, but he’s always annoyed me. Hate his batting stance. He should work out a deal for another year or two with his hometown Brewers and then retire.

Consistent. Championship. Tradition.

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 23, 2009 2:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not that the Cubs were ever interested in him...

… but Counsell has apparently re-signed with the Brewers, one year, $1 million.

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

by Al on Jan 23, 2009 2:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Hmpf, I guess he took my advice.

Consistent. Championship. Tradition.

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 23, 2009 2:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Next time you watch the movie Stripes

Check out the guy who plays “Cruiser.” You know, the guy who likes fast cars and fast women. Also the guy who John Candy convinces to make up his bunk bed. Anyway, that Cruiser guy is DEAD RINGER for Craig Counsell.

I noticed these silly things.

by BLou on Jan 23, 2009 3:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll have to check that out.

It’s been a while since I’ve seen it, but I think I know who you mean.

Consistent. Championship. Tradition.

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 23, 2009 3:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

John Diehl!

LOL. He also played Det. Larry Zito on “Miami Vice.” Classic…and true.

"They say we live and learn. Often what we learn is what damn fools we have been." ~Thomas Sowell

by Goodie1969 on Jan 24, 2009 9:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's too bad

Now we can’t watch and imitate that goofy stance all year!

by KevinCorey on Jan 23, 2009 2:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

The Heckler once had a great article on that

The thing I remember was his wife threatening to throw him out of the house for continually breaking all the ceiling fans while practicing
inside.

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

by Doggie Stalker on Jan 23, 2009 5:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

None of them

We don’t need any body on that list. If we can’t make a deal for Peavy then we should stick with what we have and wait until mid-season to look for what we may be missing. Sheets may be the only one on the list worth looking at but only if his price tag is a bargain (6-8 mil).

by Crazy Uncle Lou on Jan 23, 2009 2:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Beimel

I would be a fan of signing him, depending on the cost. I’m a little concerned about the pen.

by elgato on Jan 23, 2009 2:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

see my sig

I dont care who the new owner is as long as he/she/them come equipped with a Jake Peavy and a Joe Beimel!!!

by cubsluver22 on Jan 23, 2009 5:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not a very exciting list there.

Sigh….well maybe we’ll get Peavy…

Erm, well if we are going to call Milton Bradley nicknames, mine is Fischer Price: yes, you heard it here first..

by Chanman25 on Jan 24, 2009 10:25 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

The type-A starting pitchers

It’ll be interesting to see what happens to three type-A starting pitchers mentioned above. The compensation rules expire at the time of the draft, in early June, and I could easily see Pedro waiting until then to sign…he seems like the kind of guy who wouldn’t mind a few months off.

What sorry organization would want Livan? Sure, he’ll never miss a start but the results will be atrocious. Elias determines the free agent classifications and I can’t imagine what bizarre standards they’re using under which Livan is a type-A free agent.

Between his price tag, the loss of a draft pick, and injury history, Sheets clearly scares a lot of teams despite his obvious talent. What’s the point of spending a lot of money, especially right now, and giving up a draft pick if there’s a good chance the guy will get hurt? Apparently, the Rangers are talking to Sheets. Texas is always desperate for pitching and, from reading that article, Sheets lives in Dallas during the off season so that would make sense. The two NY teams have been mentioned as possible destinations too, which also would make sense as they’re among the few organizations that could afford to take a gamble with a hefty contract.

"Some people will look at a glass of water and say it's half-empty, while another guy will look at it and say it's half-full. A Cubs fan looks at the same glass and asks, "When's it gonna spill?" - Mike Royko

by LaddieRenfroe on Jan 24, 2009 11:09 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I know what you are saying

but if he takes a low enough salary I bet Livan could find a job. The one thing in his favor is that he is supposedly a good clubhouse guy. The Nationals really wanted him to return before last season. Not sure though about this year after last season’s horrendous year.

by rlpete on Jan 24, 2009 1:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The compensatory draft pick is a bigger issue than salary

A few teams would probably want to kick Livan’s tires but nobody is (or should be) willing to give up a first round pick in order to do so. Moreover, unless he or his agent is dreaming, I can’t imagine Livan asking for more than a one-year deal at a rock-bottom price. His ability to eat innings earned him $5m last season but that was only a one-year deal, which was roundly criticized at the time, and the Twins wound up eating part of his salary when they waived him.

After the June draft, when the compensation rules no longer apply, I think that Livan will turn up somewhere, perhaps pitching on short-term AAA contract for a team that wants to see if he has anything left. As you note with his “good guy” reputation, he some other factors working in his favor such as his past postseason success and his all-around ability (Livan is good-hitting pitcher and he’s a very good fielder too). So somebody will take a chance on him, but not at the expense of a draft pick.

by LaddieRenfroe on Jan 24, 2009 2:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I did forget about that Type A thing

by rlpete on Jan 24, 2009 10:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Isn't

Pettite still available? Wonder what his contract demand is and what how he would look in our rotation

"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic

by Cubbie-Tim on Jan 25, 2009 2:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

yes, still available.

he turned down a 1 year $10M offer from the Yankees. He certainly won’t see anything close to that from the Astros, and may not see it again from the Yankees. I don’t know of any other teams he has a connection with, so I suspect he may retire.

Then again, once March comes around, he may get the itch again and explore his options. If he wants to win it all, he’d be foolish not to look at the Cubs and vice versa, assuming Peavy deal has not come to fruition.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jan 25, 2009 2:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

so why not

contact both Pettite and Sheets, have them coem in for an exam, and see what mutual interest there is, if any. Got nothing to lose with a phone call to see.

"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic

by Cubbie-Tim on Jan 25, 2009 2:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sure Hendry's already made the cursory phone calls, but it's still too early - the price will keep dropping.

Of course, the trick is to not wait too long. To paraphrase a scene from “Trading Places”…

Randolph Ricketts: Exactly why do you think the price of free agents is going to keep going down, William?

Billy Ray Hendry: Okay, free agent prices have been dropping all off-season, which means that everybody is waiting for it to hit rock bottom, so they can buy low. Which means that the agents who represent the free agents are saying, “Hey, we’re losing all our damn money, and Valentines Day is around the corner, and my wife ain’t gonna f… my wife ain’t gonna make love to me if I got no money!” So they’re panicking right now, they’re screaming “SIGN! SIGN!” to get out before the price keeps dropping. They’re panicking out there right now, I can feel it.

[on the MLB news wire ticker machine, the price keeps dropping]

Randolph Ricketts: He’s right, Crane! My God, look at it!

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jan 25, 2009 4:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs