The Only CF That Fits for 2010
by DGU on Nov 10, 2009 3:04 PM CST
129 comments
The Cubs want to move Fukudome back to RF and get a CF. There is a good CF available in Mike Cameron. He wouldn't be a bad acquisition, but he's RH and strikes out a lot and is old enough that sudden decline could be a big problem. Plus, with a tight budget, he could easily be cost prohibitive. The Cubs would obviously prefer a LH CF, a younger CF, and a CF with better speed. Curtis Granderson and Carlos Beltran would both be great, except their teams would have to be foolish to trade them for anything but an overwhelming offer. Indeed, both players have had trade rumors debunked.
This has led some people to look at other free agent options. There's Marlon Byrd, but he's basically the poor man's Mike Cameron. Rick Ankiel is projected to have a .310 OBP and has below average CF defense. When people look at him, squint, and say, "He's the best option," well you know things aren't good. Why not stick with Sam Fuld? Randy Winn, for example, has been good in the past, but like Ankiel had a bad season, and isn't really a CF upgrade on Dome. Why play him over Fuld? Ditto Coco Crisp.
There is, though, a young CF who is left-handed, plays great CF defense, has speed and power and is actually available. Bill James projects this player to hit .272/.325/.443, a projection that offers slight improvement on this player's 2009 #s. Of course, there's hope that he could hit even better than that since his second half numbers in 2009 were .290/.346/.497. Most importantly for the Cubs, he's still only due the league minimum - with a team who has a lot of young talent coming up, giving this player a chance makes even more sense.
The only player who makes sense for 2010 CF is Felix Pie. Baltimore doesn't have a place for him with Markakis-Reimold-Jones. We'd obviously have to offer more than we got when we traded him. Maybe Sean Marshall, expendable with Grabow, Gorzelanny, and Gaub, would do it.
He offers everything we're looking for in a CF - the only reason he wouldn't be on the top of our list is the shame of recognizing the horrid mistake of dumping him last year for Milton Bradley and Joey Gathright. Lou needs to get over the shame, though, and recognize what's best for the team now. Felix Pie is our best option for CF in 2010.
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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Whatttttttt??
Give up Sean Marshall for Felix Pie? Omg no no and no. I can’t believe I’m even reading this.
I would sleep with Blou if it meant the Cubs would win a WS. by Doggie Stalker on Aug 22, 2009 4:11 PM EDT
by cubsluver22 on Nov 10, 2009 3:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Nice thought, but Piniella doesn't like him.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 10, 2009 3:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I voted for that in the poll. Had I read more carefully, I would have chosen a different option. . . .
No, I still don’t believe he’ll hit ML hitting.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 10, 2009 3:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I really hope this is tongue in cheek,
DGU. On what planet does Jim Hendry reacquire a farm hand one year later, especially in the midst of another personnel debacle? And give up pitching to do it.
by Damen Jackson on Nov 10, 2009 3:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Not tongue in cheek exactly.
Honestly – if there was a player with Felix Pie’s profile who wasn’t traded by the Cubs for a non-tender candidate last year, i.e. who wasn’t Felix Pie, wouldn’t we be hearing calls to trade for him?
Is he traded yet?
by DGU on Nov 10, 2009 4:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ryan Church, your 2007 offseason is calling.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Nov 10, 2009 4:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't get this.
But I don’t know much about Church.
Is he traded yet?
by DGU on Nov 10, 2009 4:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He was the flavor of the offseason before Soriano was acquired.
He was in the same position as Pie. Semi-regular 4th outfielder, could play CF and looked like he had some promise. The Nats had a couple of other guys who could play CF and he looked like an “on the rise” possibility and was wanted to fill the post Patterson CF mess.
Hendry signed Soriano instead.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Nov 10, 2009 5:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Byrd vs. Cameron
Byrd 2009 Stats: .283/.329/.479, 20 HR, 89 RBI, 8 SB
Cameron 2009 Stats: .250/.342/.452, 24 HR, 70 RBI, 7 SB
Byrd is 5 years younger and can play all fields. I’m officially on the Bryd over Cameron bandwagon.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Nov 10, 2009 3:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Byrd is the word?
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 10, 2009 3:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 10, 2009 3:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't get the first picture?
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Nov 10, 2009 3:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sheesh, I must be getting old.
You really don’t know who that is?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 10, 2009 3:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps you should have gone with
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 10, 2009 3:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I guess I could have gone with
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 10, 2009 4:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I got the first picture Al. Yes, we are of a "certain vintage"
Remember his sidekick,
Jim Fowler?
http://www.wildkingdom.com/nostalgia/index.html
Now only 12,859 on the "Cubs Season Tickets Waiting List"...
by Zeke on Nov 10, 2009 5:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It's the guy from Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom.
Ah I get it now….Marlin Perkins.
"Fasten those seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Nov 10, 2009 5:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And now here's Rusty up on the tundra
tagging elk, while using tranquilizer darts, shot from a rifle, while leaning out of a helicopter…
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Nov 10, 2009 3:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
vs.
"Fasten those seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Nov 10, 2009 5:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
ISWYDT
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 10, 2009 9:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Since we're on this topic in this thread...
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 10, 2009 9:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 10, 2009 9:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sam Fold?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 11, 2009 7:44 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, that's about as close as you'll get to "Fuld" easily.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 11, 2009 9:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
How about?
"Fasten those seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Nov 11, 2009 7:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice.
You hit the target… unlike this players’ fastball.
Is he traded yet?
by DGU on Nov 11, 2009 8:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that one was pretty good.
I was focusing on Mags below, so I didn’t get this right away.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 11, 2009 9:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't get this one.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 11, 2009 9:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It was a better way of saying
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 11, 2009 10:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I get it now.
Good one.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 11, 2009 10:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This will take a few minutes
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 11, 2009 9:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hmmm.
I got “Jordan Lee Fingers Oar Homer Video Game”.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 11, 2009 9:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
here we go
Mag- Lee- O, Oar-D’oh- NES
MIlwaukee is Chicago's largest suburb
by Chubby Hugs on Nov 11, 2009 9:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Nicely done - both you and DGU
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 11, 2009 9:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
When I started
I thought I could center it around Eeyore, but that didn’t work for me.
Is he traded yet?
by DGU on Nov 11, 2009 10:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
WOW
That makes much more sense than the"Michael Derrek Triangle Paddle Dough Controller" I guessed.
"Fasten those seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Nov 11, 2009 9:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
that deserves a round of applause
"Fasten those seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Nov 11, 2009 9:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
I would sleep with Blou if it meant the Cubs would win a WS. by Doggie Stalker on Aug 22, 2009 4:11 PM EDT
by cubsluver22 on Nov 11, 2009 9:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
OK, the gauntlet has been thrown.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 11, 2009 9:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Longshot
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 11, 2009 10:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Outstanding.
I’m going to make a post just for doing these.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 11, 2009 10:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Tyler Colvin
that one took me a little bit
Some people say the glass is half empty, some say half full. I say, are you going to drink that?
by BleedsbluinMI on Nov 11, 2009 11:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Good one!
Took me awhile. I confess you had me so confounded that I came up with a way to cheat so I could figure out who that first guy was.
"Fasten those seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Nov 11, 2009 10:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
♪♫ ba ba ba ooh mau-mau mau ba-ba ooh mau-mau ♪♫
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Nov 10, 2009 3:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Problem is
Byrd will probably command more years than Cameron. Cubs don’t need to lock themselves into another contract with an aging outfielder.
by Bradsbeard on Nov 10, 2009 3:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Right.
I would only sign Byrd to a two year deal. Besides that I would look at signing someone for a one year deal, like Dye in RF (keeping Fukudome in CF).
But if it comes down to Byrd or Cameron, give me the 32 year old over the 37 year old.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Nov 10, 2009 4:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Cameron can play all fields,
gets on base at a higher rate, and hit more HRs without having a home park in Arlington, TX.
Byrd is the poor man’s Cameron.
Is he traded yet?
by DGU on Nov 10, 2009 4:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This coming from someone
Who wants to trade Sean Marshall for a player who can’t MLB pitching whatsoever at all.
I would sleep with Blou if it meant the Cubs would win a WS. by Doggie Stalker on Aug 22, 2009 4:11 PM EDT
by cubsluver22 on Nov 10, 2009 5:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
LOL
Just keep ignoring Pie’s stats and you’ll do fine.
Is he traded yet?
by DGU on Nov 10, 2009 5:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't understand how anyone could say he can't hit ML pitching
Last year he OPS’ed 99+. So basically he was league average (in about half a season’s worth of ABs). Those good numbers are brought down by numbers produced when he got an extended look in 2007. He was 22 at the time. 22! At 24, he still has room to grow and even if he never is a superstar, he could be a solid CF for a team like ours.
by madcow256 on Nov 10, 2009 6:05 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
5 years older!!!
Sorry if I don’t have faith in a 37 year old for PED user.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Nov 10, 2009 6:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The failure of the Felix experiment ...
regardless of who’s to blame for it, is the reason MB and Gathright were signed. And I don’t think this is a matter of shame. It’s a matter of the Cubs not having confidence in Felix.
by elgato on Nov 10, 2009 3:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
It should be a matter of shame.
Lou gave up on him without giving him a chance and Felix showed this year that Lou was wrong.
Is he traded yet?
by DGU on Nov 10, 2009 4:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No he didn't
I would sleep with Blou if it meant the Cubs would win a WS. by Doggie Stalker on Aug 22, 2009 4:11 PM EDT
by cubsluver22 on Nov 10, 2009 5:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Playing the diplomat...
…I would say the answer lies somewhere in between. Felix put up a .763 OPS in 281 PAs this year. That’s not exactly setting the world on fire, but it’s also not failing by any means – especially when you factor in his defense. He’s still got a ways to go – his wOBA was .326, which I believe is a bit below league average. But considering he, once again, got very uneven playing time and did all this vs. mostly AL East pitching, I think he’s earned the right to try to take another step forward in 2010. Now exactly where he’ll do that, I’m not really sure.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Nov 11, 2009 9:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Dang! Until I got to the word "young", I was really hoping you were going to suggest bring back Edmonds... ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Nov 10, 2009 3:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
This is a bold assertion...
…and I wish Hendry had kept Felix around as a backup OF if nothing else. But if it would take Marshall, Da Gorz and Gaub – or something along those lines – to get him, that seems too rich for my blood. Plus, as others have pointed out, I just can’t ever see Hendry swallowing his pride to this extent. Maybe if Pie was released and could be signed to a minor league deal…something like that. But to give up valuable trade pieces for him? No way.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Nov 10, 2009 4:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Why should Hendry have to swallow his pride?
It was known that Hendry wanted to give Pie a chance but decided to give in to Perry and Piniella. Well, Perry’s gone now. Time to bring back Pie.
Is he traded yet?
by DGU on Nov 10, 2009 4:45 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I'm not sure where to find a link from so long ago.
Maybe Al or someone can confirm.
Is he traded yet?
by DGU on Nov 11, 2009 6:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't recall hearing that about Hendry, which isn't to say it's not true.
Maybe, in a vacuum, Jim would like to get Felix back. But I’d guess that, when he thinks about the mountain he’d have to climb to get Lou to play Pie regularly, not to mention the beating he’d probably take from the media and a number of fans, Hendry would probably consider the whole thing more trouble than it’s worth. I have a feeling he’s going to focus on Byrd.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Nov 11, 2009 9:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I still don't understand why Baltimore would give up on him
He’s an excellent 4th outfielder, and can play with plus defense at all 3 outfield positions.
by Wreckard on Nov 10, 2009 4:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
If they could get a major-league-ready starting pitcher?
Why not?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 10, 2009 4:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
One with 4 years of service time?
Seems like a bad way to rebuild.
by Wreckard on Nov 10, 2009 5:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't see a need for them
to get an end of the rotation arm. They’ve got a bevy of young rotation arms to fit in there next year. At best, a guy like Marshall fits in at the back end for them as well. By midseason, there’s a chance Arrieta and Erbe could be fighting for spots.
by toonsterwu on Nov 10, 2009 5:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Where would they play him?
They have Scott, Reimold, Jones, and Markakis all to play OF besides Pie. It’s not “giving up;” it’s trading for a resource you can fully utilize.
Is he traded yet?
by DGU on Nov 10, 2009 4:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Plenty of spots
Reimold could easily DH or split time with Pie in left. Scott may be the first baseman to start the year, or he could be traded. I don’t see why they would simply flip Pie back for a piece like Marshall who doesn’t do much for their long term building plan.
by Bradsbeard on Nov 10, 2009 4:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ha, I was just typing almost the same post.
Marshall is a free agent in 2 years. If the Orioles were going to trade Pie they’d flip him for someone with less MLB service time, not more.
While I think they have the potential to contend in 2011, flipping valuable guys like Pie for short-term, mediocre starters isn’t the best way to get there.
I’m actually a big fan of Pie’s and while I agreed with most of Jim’s moves in the off-season I thought flipping him for, essentially, Aaron Heilman was really really dumb. I’m glad he ended up on the other team I cheer for though.
by Wreckard on Nov 10, 2009 5:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, what do you think the right offer would be?
I’m not convinced Marshall for Pie would work. Marshall just represents, in my mind, a significant upgrade on what we got for Pie in the first place.
Is he traded yet?
by DGU on Nov 10, 2009 5:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think the Orioles
would want an up the middle talent, and maybe another arm tossed onto it, if we are solely talking about “prospects”.
by toonsterwu on Nov 10, 2009 5:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Cashner maybe?
I imagine the price would be either 1) an MLB-ready pitcher or 2) an MLB-ready shortstop or third baseman.
Those are the big holes for the O’s right now; frankly, I’m not sure we really match up all that well with their needs.
by Wreckard on Nov 10, 2009 11:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Would you trade Randy Wells for Felix Pie?
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Nov 11, 2009 9:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would hope he wouldn't
I would sleep with Blou if it meant the Cubs would win a WS. by Doggie Stalker on Aug 22, 2009 4:11 PM EDT
by cubsluver22 on Nov 11, 2009 9:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't but that sounds like a more realistic offer
That’s more the kind of thing the O’s would be asking for.
Personally I’d rather have Pie than Carlos Gomez, and look what he got in return.
by Wreckard on Nov 11, 2009 9:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I have a feeling they'd ask for Wells, too.
Again, in a vaccum, I might actually consider it. But the idea of Hendry trading a “good will” player like Wells to get a “failed” prospect like Pie back seems virtually impossible. And I agree about Felix over Gomez.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Nov 11, 2009 9:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Players like Pie and Reimold should get more playing time than this.
This is why Hendry traded Pie in the first place. It isn’t fair to them to stash them on your benches when they have a limited window to prove that they are major league starters.
Is he traded yet?
by DGU on Nov 10, 2009 5:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well
I’m essentially saying there is plenty of playing time for all of them. Pie in left, Reimold at DH. Reimold can get starts in left on occasion or more often if Pie doesn’t develop, which is certainly not a given even considering his late season break out. No reason for Baltimore to give up on Pie though due a perceived lack of opportunity to play him.
by Bradsbeard on Nov 10, 2009 5:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Trading him for a different asset
doesn’t equate to “giving up.” The fact is that Pie’s value is greatest at CF and he’s not going to play CF in Baltimore. In their long-term plans the only way they weren’t trading him is if Adam Jones flopped.
Is he traded yet?
by DGU on Nov 10, 2009 5:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That should read
“the only way they weren’t trading him eventually…”
Is he traded yet?
by DGU on Nov 10, 2009 5:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I really hope you were kidding
when you suggested trading Marshall for Pie. Please tell me that was a joke.
As for Cameron or Fuld, Cameron clearly is the better move. Fuld is a backup OF.
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Nov 10, 2009 5:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Bottom line
Look at the results of the poll.
Felix Pie was given a chance early in the 2009 and he flopped badly and was benched. Later on he got some playing time again and went on a pretty hot streak and made his overall numbers seem somewhat respectable. I at least, and it seems the majority that responded to the poll as well, don’t see much a trend with that. Even Corey Patterson had a very good half a season in 2003 before he was injured.
None of us has a crystal ball, but adding Pie to a team that is already offensively challenged doesn’t excite me much at all. If it comes down to that, I just rather they blow up this team and started rebuilding.
by Luis on Nov 10, 2009 5:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn't adding a young player like Pie be a step in the "rebuilding" direction?
Or at least building for the future? He’s young, cost controlled, and certainly still has potential to improve. Not that Sean is old or expensive (yet) but he’s definitely more of either of those things than Felix, and currently isn’t being used as a player of his type should be on this team (long relief instead of LOOGY).
by madcow256 on Nov 10, 2009 5:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Corey Patterson
(SARCASM)
The Cubs need to get Patterson away from the Brewers organization. He might do well for Nashville and keep the Iowa Cubs from winning a divsion title in the PCL.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on Nov 10, 2009 5:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Divsion=Division
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on Nov 10, 2009 5:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Oboy
File this under the argument that Pie will be too expensive.
Kevin Goldstein does a supplement to his usual top 10 prospects for clubs, where he also ranks all under 25 players. Look where Felix lands – ahead of 4-star prospect, Josh Bell.
Top 10 Talents 25 and Under (Born 4/1/84 or later)
1. Matt Wieters, C
2. Adam Jones, CF
3. Chris Tillman, RHP
4. Brian Matusz, LHP
5. Felix Pie, OF
6. Josh Bell, 3B
7. Jake Arrieta, RHP
8. Zach Britton, LHP
9. Matt Hobgood, RHP
10. Brandon Erbe, RHP
Oh, and, as a reminder, these lists are made by summarizing the views of scouts around the league. That means that the majority of ML scouts (that Kevin Goldstein talks to) still believe Pie has a good chance of succeeding.
Is he traded yet?
by DGU on Nov 10, 2009 5:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately, all of those scouts are wrong
Didn’t you see that BCB poll? He can’t hit ML pitching. Nevermind that he’s only 24 and plays a position where his 2009 season provides plenty of value. BCB readers know better!
by madcow256 on Nov 10, 2009 5:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
damn peoples opinions
DAMN THEM TO HELL
"hey
by jesus christos on Nov 10, 2009 7:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You usually make well thought out posts...
this one, not so much. Felix Pie? Seriously? For Marshall? Come on. That’s about as unrealistic as it gets.
by kanderber on Nov 10, 2009 5:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Why unrealistic?
Unrealistic in not offering enough or too much?
Is he traded yet?
by DGU on Nov 10, 2009 6:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
unrealistic then
Offering Marshall is too much.
I would sleep with Blou if it meant the Cubs would win a WS. by Doggie Stalker on Aug 22, 2009 4:11 PM EDT
by cubsluver22 on Nov 10, 2009 6:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, Marshall alone might not be too much.
It was all three LHPs mentioned above that seemed too rich for me.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Nov 11, 2009 9:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think you misread that
or at least I may have…I took it as Sean is expendable when we have Grabow, Gorz, and Gaub all right there. I didn’t take that as trading all four of them for Pie.
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Nov 11, 2009 12:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ohhhhhhhhhh, OK...I should go back and change my poll vote then.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Nov 11, 2009 1:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Makes it a lot better now, doesn't it :)
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Nov 11, 2009 2:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would like to get Felix back
but no way do I see it happening. First Hendry is swallowing enough pride with the MB thing, then you have the fact that he will be expensive to get (I don’t see just Marshall cutting it, perhaps just Wells, but not Marshall), and finally our manager hates him.
Mike Cameron remains the best fit IMO. Lou loves him, he loves Lou. He fits right in.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
by nji232 on Nov 10, 2009 5:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I think this is a discussion worth having -
People discuss Hendry bringing back DeRosa, which implies as much admission of mistake as Pie.
People discuss acquiring Ankiel, who is an inferior option to Pie.
Is the pride of managment (either Hendry or Lou) the only reason Pie isn’t considered a realistic option? If so, that bears a lot of discussion.
Is he traded yet?
by DGU on Nov 10, 2009 6:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Here's another thing I see wrong with Pie....
He may have been a tad bit better in Baltimore. The difference is Baltimore is a low pressure, nothing to lose situation. Chicago is just the opposite. Sold out stadium each and every day expecting big things every time he steps foot on the field. I admit at times I think we expect too much but the fact of the matter is that’s just how’s it’s gonna be in our market.
I would sleep with Blou if it meant the Cubs would win a WS. by Doggie Stalker on Aug 22, 2009 4:11 PM EDT
by cubsluver22 on Nov 10, 2009 6:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Pie's attitude was always praised by scouts.
In many ways, he is the anti-Bradley.
I don’t think he struggled in Chicago because of the pressure.
He struggled in Chicago for one, maybe two reasons:
1) Lots of prospects struggle their first time up. See Colby Rasmus.
2) It is exceedingly difficult to remake your swing at the ML level, which Perry and Piniella tried to do to Pie.
Is he traded yet?
by DGU on Nov 10, 2009 6:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Lou's doghouse is the Hotel California...
Once you get in, there is no way out. Why do you think that Hendry never even called Ibáñez’s agent last winter?
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Nov 10, 2009 7:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I know, right?
Piniella wanted Hendry to take a run at Nate McLouth and, if the GM couldn’t trade for the then-Pirates standout, to sign Raul Ibanez.
by shoemile on Nov 11, 2009 2:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I am 50/50 on this deal
I like Pie, always have. Him working with one of the better hitting coaches in Terry Crowley at Baltimore has helped. He came on late in the season when he finally got consistent playing time.
I never do get the infactuation with Marshall. He really is just a OK pitcher. Pie for Marshall straight up to be honest I don’t think the Orioles would make the trade.
by Grockcubs on Nov 10, 2009 9:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
After seeing Kevin Goldstein's top 10 under 25 list,
and after reading some good comments here, I don’t think they would either. What would we have to offer for Pie? It should still be less than what we’d have to offer for Granderson, despite the fact that Pie’s pricetag is easier to fit in the budget than Granderson’s.
Is he traded yet?
by DGU on Nov 10, 2009 9:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps Marshall and a prospect?
Tony Thomas? Ryan Flaherty? I would certainly make the trade if it involved Thomas, maybe if it included Flaherty. Thoughts?
by Pat19 on Nov 10, 2009 10:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
::Summons the Spirit of BLou::
“Heavens to Mergatriod!”
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Nov 10, 2009 9:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
How bout Heilman for Pie ?
That works for me and heck I’d throw in Aaron Miles too.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 10, 2009 10:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Joel Sherman reporting Granderson is available.
Alright, forget Pie, this needs to be Target #1 for Jim Hendry. With Castro up and coming, Theriot should be made available to help get this done – not that he;d even be close to the full price for Granderson.
Is he traded yet?
by DGU on Nov 11, 2009 2:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
If Hendry could make this happen, I'd be very happy...
…though I’m a little wary of Granderson’s splits. Re-signing Reed Johnson to play vs. lefties would be ideal.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Nov 11, 2009 2:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Or we might just roll the dice with Sam Fuld hitting LHP
but, yeah, Granderson’s splits are an issue. And even with Granderson on board – could we get that – I’d still like to upgrade Reed Johnson so we could have an OF to rest both Soriano and Dome.
Is he traded yet?
by DGU on Nov 11, 2009 2:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Two other good things about Granderson.
1) He’s a Chicago native — always nice to have the hometown guy.
2) He’s a great clubhouse guy and has done a lot in the community.
These, of course, are secondary to his talent, but it’d be nice to have an overall package of good stuff.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 11, 2009 4:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed!
Go get Granderson. He’s a perfect fit.
by shawndgoldman on Nov 11, 2009 3:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
the thing i dont like about grandy is that hes a younger soriano without the power
"hey
by jesus christos on Nov 11, 2009 3:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I beg to differ.
Granderson career SLG: .484
Soriano career SLG: .510
Not that much difference, and Granderson makes up for it with a higher OBA (.344) than Soriano’s (.326).
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 11, 2009 4:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i guess i should have said less power
"hey
by jesus christos on Nov 11, 2009 4:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Don't forget -
Grandy is playing in Detroit, which saps power, too. They are similar players, but the big plus is that Granderson can play CF well.
Is he traded yet?
by DGU on Nov 11, 2009 4:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
to wit:
.284/.353/.516 avg/obp/slg.
Those are Granderson’s career road numbers.
by shawndgoldman on Nov 11, 2009 4:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Small sample size alert
In the three games he played @ Wrigley in 2006, he went 5-for-13 with a double, two triples and a HR, and also walked twice. Of course, that could be due to the quality of the horrendous 2006 Cubs pitching staff.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 11, 2009 6:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
But the ability to play a strong defensive centerfield...
…which, y’know, Soriano couldn’t do.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Nov 12, 2009 10:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It's interesting to compare their SLG over the last three seasons.
Kind of a wash – about equal in ’07, Soriano was higher in ’08, Granderson higher in ’09.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Nov 12, 2009 10:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Did Pie cut down his swing in Baltimore?
If not, he’ll have the same issues in the NL that he had before. He was a chop-and-run guy with a long swing and left-handed pitchers owned him in the NL.
by ClarkFan on Nov 12, 2009 3:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
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