Hendry's Offseason Strategy

Bruce Miles has an interesting article up with some good quotes from Hendry on his off-season strategy.
"As we've been saying from Day One, we need them to play better. But you're also going to see good players available late. I'm sure there will be some quality non-tenders. There will be some free agents that will be available late in the year as it was last year, maybe even more so this year.

"I think it's going to be an important winter for us if we can pick up some pieces that are good, quality depth-type of guys or guys that can play a few positions."

To me, this sounds like lesson learned - rather than have an off-season fixated on one answer and moving quickly to achieve that goal, Jim intends to lay back, build depth, and employ the ability to get bargains he so excels at in-season.

So, here's my question - anyone have some ideas on non-tenders we should keep our eyes open for

over 2 years ago DGU 23 comments 0 recs |

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Pretty much what I figured

I also think it’s the way to go (waiting … after moving MB that is). There aren’t many, if any, “ideal” fits, particularly considering the combination of open positions and needs. Might as well wait and bide your time, see if a good player pops free. I haven’t contemplated it deep enough to come up with a list of names, although mlbtr does a very good job of that with possible non-tenders listed at the bottom of their team by team reviews. Now, I could see a scenario where teams get proactive in making trades for potential non-tenders, as we’ve seen with the Hermida and Hardy deals. That might change things a bit, but still, at the end of the day, without many ideal fits, waiting isn’t the worst idea.

In general, I think the focus is going to be heavy on the OF. I’ve long felt that Castro was going to be impacting this offseason’s planning. If there’s a middle infield signing, it’ll be something small. I think we’ll be looking at CF and pen help first, with the others a backup areas that may get pondered.

by toonsterwu on Nov 11, 2009 8:56 AM CST reply actions

What about a guy who can give us plus defense at both SS and CF?

Could the Fish non-tender Alfredo Amezaga? Or do we figure we already have him in the combo of Fuld and Blanco?

Is he traded yet?

by DGU on Nov 11, 2009 9:19 AM CST up reply actions

Amezaga?

Ugh. 32 years old, and his OPS was barely better than Aaron Miles’ last year.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Nov 11, 2009 9:37 AM CST up reply actions

really glad to see this

If Hendry had tried waiting last year, we might have had Abreu on a one-year deal rather than MB for (possibly) three.

by elgato on Nov 11, 2009 10:56 AM CST reply actions

Maybe

take a chance on Chien Ming-Wang?

by Bradsbeard on Nov 11, 2009 12:53 PM CST reply actions

Depends on the MB return

but Wang is interesting.

Is he traded yet?

by DGU on Nov 11, 2009 1:01 PM CST up reply actions

Game threads would be much more fun with Wang on the roster.

Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.

by daver on Nov 11, 2009 1:58 PM CST up reply actions

yep - 2009 game threads were not as much fun as 2008...

…but I guess losing your Woody will do that to you.

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

by ballhawk on Nov 11, 2009 2:33 PM CST up reply actions

Bah-dum-BAH

"When you're going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill

by vonde6 on Nov 11, 2009 3:00 PM CST up reply actions

I'd been advocating that

He was actually looking better before the arm injury, and this was after the Yankees screwed up his rehab the previous winter by … telling him not to rehab. It’d likely be a cheap gamble.

That said, I get the feeling that Wang will be non-tendered, and subsequently signed to a cheaper deal. If not, I could see the Mets or Dodgers get involved (amongst others), and both clubs may appeal to him more than Chicago (Mets allows him to stay close to home, and Dodgers have the Torre connection).

by toonsterwu on Nov 11, 2009 3:48 PM CST up reply actions

Or

Brett Myers.

Not a non-tender, but if he lingers on the open market long enough, I’d wouldn’t mind grabbing John Smoltz as a swing man.

by Bradsbeard on Nov 11, 2009 12:55 PM CST reply actions

Yeah, I like what I'm hearing (reading) here.

It sounds like Hendry is focused on depth and intends to be somewhat patient (uh, Grabow aside, I suppose). Let’s just hope he doesn’t get drawn into a Halladay obsession.

Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.

by daver on Nov 11, 2009 2:03 PM CST reply actions

I maybe in the minority

But I would pull out the stops to get Halladay. To me he is the difference maker. Toronto will not be able to pay him, he will be dealt. Why let the Phillies, Mets, Red Sox or some other big market team get him. Why not the Cubs?
You could argue he is the best pitcher in baseball. Pitching in the AL and in the AL East, Halladay has been beyond impressive.
Granted there has to be some other moves to be made, one being Bradley, but if I was GM for the Cubs I would not let other teams out bid me for Halladay.
The only concern I would have is his innings he has accumulated at the age of 32. That being said I would be confident he could throw at a high level until at least when he is 37.
To me this is a no brainer. I would not include Cashner or Castro, beyond that I would offer up anyone in the farm system.
Imagine a rotation with Halladay in it, The Cubs become the favorite in the Central.

by Grockcubs on Nov 11, 2009 3:39 PM CST reply actions

I believe it when

Others have said that the Cubs will inquire on Halladay. Problem is

a) The system’s good, but not great. Tearing it down by offering multiple top talents from our top 7 might not be enough … and it would certainly hamper the young development aspect.

b) Even if we go all-in, there’s no guarantee that we could win a bid. Our system is much improved, but there are still some systems that would top us

c) Every indication is that we have 6-10 mil or so, pre-Bradley deal, to spend. Even if we somehow fit Halladay in there, there’s no room for other changes, and I think that, combined with Halladay’s age and contract status, may hold the Cubs back from an all-in aggressive type bid.

by toonsterwu on Nov 11, 2009 3:50 PM CST up reply actions

Halladay is signed through this year.

Dome’s money comes off the table next year, that will free up some money.
I can see a offer of Wells, Jay Jackson, Vitters, Colvin to be the main pieces. I just think with the caliber of Halladay you have to be in the mix and make a serious offer.
Cubs need to flexible and creative when it comes to Halladay, this type of pitcher comes along about every 10 years.

by Grockcubs on Nov 11, 2009 4:38 PM CST up reply actions

Yes he is signed at over $15 million

Assuming the Cubs get a comparable salary in the Bradley dump, where are they getting the money for that. Also Halladay will be 34 in the first year of free agency. That isn’t necessarily something I break the bank for either.

by rlpete on Nov 11, 2009 4:58 PM CST up reply actions

Imagine a rotation with Halladay in it, The Cubs become the favorite in the Central.

kind of like how the cardinals were the favorites to win the pennant this year, right?

"hey

by jesus christos on Nov 11, 2009 4:05 PM CST up reply actions

Come on

Halladay is one of the best pitchers in the majors if not the best. Sure if the Cubs add Halladay other factors ( injuries, bad performance etc..) could have the Cubs fail again to make the playoffs. I will however take my chances with the addition of Halladay.

by Grockcubs on Nov 11, 2009 4:41 PM CST up reply actions

I think most people just don't see it happening

The Cubs won’t have the money and players to swing it.

Assuming the Cubs move Bradley, you have to assume that the contract trade get back is comparable in terms of dollars. Adding Halladya to that just seems unlikely.

by rlpete on Nov 11, 2009 4:14 PM CST up reply actions

Wow there was some bad English and misspelling there

but you get the point.

by rlpete on Nov 11, 2009 4:29 PM CST up reply actions

I'd rather have Granderson, at the trade/$$$ cost he'll require

because Granderson fills a system void, and fills an immediate need.

Sure, I’d like to have Halladay, but I don’t think we can trade for both.

Is he traded yet?

by DGU on Nov 11, 2009 4:15 PM CST up reply actions

November or January

I don’t care, just get the right players.

The trend last year for the smart GMs was to wait. Unfortunately Hendry was maybe stil mesmorized by Zell’s funny money, had no read on the economy, which is strange considering it was an election year and was the top story starting in September. That he was a season behind the trend doesn’t bode well IMO.

With the WS ending late, this will be an even shorter off-season. And my guess is there will be more players available as free agents this year. With less and less GM’s willing to offer the “extra” year in contracts, and more players willing to take one year deals to prove themselves or hope for something more lucrative next season, I feel we are heading to a place where soon maybe close to half of the league will be FA’s. And if teams still want to wait until January of February to sign players, soon we could have FAs in a minor panic as they may not have any offers. If it ever gets to the point where jobs are on the line, you might see players wanting to sign early for securities sake, at dicount rates….meanwhile your team’s GM is saying “last year the trend was..” when there is a new trend already starting. Point is not to get locked in to convictions, I guess.

I would hope the Cubs know what their needs are and have figured out which free agents they believe could fill their needs. When the pool starts shrinking, maybe it’s time to make a move instead of ending up with the last man standing.

"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman

by BucknerKongCardenal on Nov 11, 2009 6:46 PM CST reply actions

Hendry's plan...

Clear your mind and be the ball.

That’s not true!!! WHY THE F*CK WOULD YOU SAY THAT YOU AHOLE!! Ok maybe your right but you gotta give a little something here for it to work. I don’t know what I’m going to do this is the worst thing I’ve ever read, this day could not get any worse. Fine, F*ck it, you’re right.

by Ditkavsworld

by gaclaudy on Nov 11, 2009 9:34 PM CST reply actions