Milton Bradley Trade Overflow Thread
Over 700 comments in two hours on the main thread -- so have at it.
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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...and more interesting days should be to come
Hendry now has time and a budget to make some more moves.
unfortunately, it's still Hendry making those moves
so reacquiring Aaron Miles, and signing Spellcheck to an extension are probably already in the works
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Dec 18, 2009 2:06 PM CST up reply actions
I do wonder about the change in leagues and how pitchers usually benefit
Lilly was a .500 pitcher at around 4.50 ERA and came into the NL and is down to a 3.85 ERA and is one of our better pitchers. Perhaps Silva could take the league change and upgrade to a innings eater? Just a thought. and if not, cut him and take the money you saved.
Probably the best we can hope for.
That or he somehow returns to a form resembling a couple years from his Twins days. I just worry about how many hits he gives up every year, including those “good” Twins years.
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on Dec 18, 2009 2:16 PM CST up reply actions
Right, but...
… he rarely walks anyone, so in those “good” years his WHIP is at an acceptable level.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
So maybe he can be like a younger Bob Tewksbury then. :)
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on Dec 18, 2009 6:09 PM CST up reply actions
We'd take that, right?
For the record, Tewksbury put up horrific ERA’s that looked a lot like Silva’s, before he was let go by the Cubs and signed by the Cardinals.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
But granted, Tewks's Cubs numbers were pretty horrible.
The sample size was also limited, though. He was good with the Yanks in ’86.
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on Dec 18, 2009 7:03 PM CST up reply actions
considering Safeco is the most pitcher friendly park in baseball,
I’d say it’s probably a wash in terms of ERA…
Not to mention...
the M’s are one of the best defensive teams in baseball.
they are now...
they weren’t during Silva’s first year.
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Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Dec 18, 2009 2:52 PM CST up reply actions
yeah...
they pretty much were. especially at short and second which would impact Silva the most. Betancourt has been overrated ever since he got fat and Lopez has always been fat and lazy at second.
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Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Dec 19, 2009 4:21 PM CST up reply actions
Um, Lopez has always been around a league average defender.
Ibanez was bad along with Betancourt. They also had some great defensive players like Beltre and Ichiro.
They were below average but no terrible.
Ibanez was bad along with Betancourt
quite true

Say no to Marlon Byrd, Scotty Pods, and Rick Ankiel.
by jesus christos on Dec 19, 2009 7:32 PM CST up reply actions
Lopez...
is fat, lazy and has incredibly poor fundamentals and is prone to mental lapses. Not much average about him except his bat. He can hit for some power, but he hacks at everything and gives up way too many at bats on pitches out of the zone instead of taking a walk.
When Beltre was healthy, nobody (except maybe Rolen) was better. But he’s only one guy. They haven’t had a good defensive first baseman since John Olerud… haven’t had a good second baseman since Bret Boone… and haven’t had a good short stop since Alex Rodriguez.
And in less than a year, their GM has turned all of that around… except Lopez… and he’s working on that.
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Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Dec 21, 2009 3:15 AM CST up reply actions
Well if he does as well as Lee
and gets his ERA down by .65 THAT WILL TAKE HIM JUST UNDER 7.00
YIPEE!!!
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 18, 2009 2:36 PM CST up reply actions
Sarcasm noted
Sorry for trying to put a positive spin on it. If you look at it in terms of a percentage drop then Lilly’s drop was about 15%. So then Silva’s ERA would then be almost a run lower down to about 5.5 (based on his 08 stats since he barely pitched in 09).
I know this isn’t realistic, but there is SOME upside to it. If not then drop him.
I also think Seattle has had some huge misses with coaching their pitchers.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
The sun 'ul come out tomorrow...
…you can bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow…
Now only 12,859 on the "Cubs Season Tickets Waiting List"...
Hendry
Has he apologized yet for signing Bradley in the first place? Because I think he owes it to everyone associated with the Cubs. Either that or he gets a big fat “I told ya so” from everyone.
Dood, if he starts apologizing for every bad contract he's offered
It’s gonna be one LOOOOOOOONG speech
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Dec 18, 2009 2:08 PM CST up reply actions
Well, heres what he said in the Trib.
http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2009/12/cubs-hendry-takes-blame-for-bradley-fiasco.html
Now only 12,859 on the "Cubs Season Tickets Waiting List"...
why would he?
Sorry i signed a solution to the fact we haven’t had a quality RF since Sammy Sosa, and sorry that he underachieved. Sorry our All Star LF and 3b were on the DL or playing injured much of the year. Sorry we had pitchers spend time on the DL and I haven’t signed an Ace to a team that has made the playoffs the last two years despite a nut bag as its #1 starter.
Don’t worry though because we’ve got a great young shortstop that will be in the majors about the time everyone of our productive players are past their prime! Its all good.
Apparently ...
Theriot said “thank god Bradley’s gone” — or something similar — on ESPN 1000 this morning.
Didn't hear the original interview
I’m paraphrasing a paraphrase.
said it again!
Paraphrasing Theriot as “Thanks god he’s gone!” Thanks, ESPN1000.
I heard that
He kept changing the subject: “How about them Saints?” “I went to see Princess and the Frog last night. It ranks right up there with The Lion King, but it’s no Little Mermaid.”
But he did say that he tried all year to help the situation [with Milton in the clubhouse] and that the Cubs just got better.
Fontenot (fon-te-no): Cajun for "scrappy"
How bout those Saints ?
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 18, 2009 2:37 PM CST up reply actions
Please vote in the poll on the right sidebar.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
re-post
Many here were suggesting that the Cubs should just cut MB loose and eat the loss, as it was obvious that he wasn’t coming back and seemingly impossible to trade. They can do the same to Silva, assuming he’s as bad as many here fear, and we’re still 6 million ahead.
I, for one, say good job, Jim.
Numbers may not lie, but they don’t tell the whole truth (and nothing but the truth), either. -- Doug Glanville
by leothelip on Dec 18, 2009 2:11 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Repost here too
Folks: is it just possible that this trade will work out for BOTH teams?
Maybe both players will benefit from the change in scenery and be productive for their clubs. It’s certainly happened in baseball before and can again.
Or Silva may be flipped to another team. There’s still a lot of off-season left.
Why don’t we wait to see what happens before being the judge, jury and executioner all in one.
Now only 12,859 on the "Cubs Season Tickets Waiting List"...
by Zeke on Dec 18, 2009 2:12 PM CST reply actions 5 recs
this trade looked terrible
… until it was clear the Mariners were sending $9 million. I can live with this.
Agreed
With no cash trading hands: Yikes!
With cash coming back: Less Yikes-y.
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on Dec 18, 2009 2:19 PM CST up reply actions
Do we get to pick which version of Matt Capps we get?
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on Dec 18, 2009 2:23 PM CST up reply actions
Where is this?
MLB article says 6 mil is coming to the Cubs which is basically the difference in contracts. Where are you getting 9?
they're giving $9 mill
but Silva gets $3 mill more than Bradley. That makes $6 mill.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 18, 2009 2:24 PM CST up reply actions
The contract math on the wires may be wrong - they quote the number owned MB as $22M
and the numbers I see show $21M. So the net savings is $5M, $6.5M in 2010 with the Cubs paying Silva $1.5M MORE in 2011. Another Hendry “mortgage the future” special.
Bradley/Silva
Bradley had to go Period.
To get anything for him is a miracle.
Carlos Silva is bad version of Jason Marquis. Innings eater, Low BB, ground ball double play pitcher. He pitches fast and keep the defense engages in the game.
If he is healthy, he’ll help the Cubs.
The Cubs will be great in 2008!
Bruce Levine calling the deal ...
“much better” than one for Burrell.
also said he doesn't know if Fuld is the answer in center
and thinks the Cubs are sure that he’s not.
He's thinking of adjectives to describe Silva.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 18, 2009 2:20 PM CST up reply actions
hah
something to like about this trade. :P
Let me be clear — the $6mill in cash is what I wanted should Bradley be traded, but I sure wish Silva was a better pitcher.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 18, 2009 2:23 PM CST up reply actions
silva still can be released during ST and cubs still keep the 6 mill
could be worse i guess
Say no to Marlon Byrd, Scotty Pods, and Rick Ankiel.
by jesus christos on Dec 18, 2009 2:27 PM CST up reply actions
I was wondering
where he was. Must be a dark day for him.
OK I don't know shit about basketball.
by SoulEater7 on Nov. 5, 2009 9:51 PM CST
not really
hes wrong about him not being traded, but having silva should be more than enough fodder for him. he hass complained about stupider things
Say no to Marlon Byrd, Scotty Pods, and Rick Ankiel.
by jesus christos on Dec 18, 2009 2:48 PM CST up reply actions
Over/Under on his position being
keeping Bradley is better than getting Silva+cash?
at daver's request, Let's frontload this B**ch!
Winter stats
in case anyone was curious Silva is currently pitching in the Venezuelan Winter league. Here are his stats.
4 G 9 IP 16 H 8 ER 3 BB 2 K
They are hitting .410 against him. Obviously it is a small sample size but basically this guy is done. The Cubs essentially released Bradley with the possibility of getting a handful of starts out of Silva.
Done like Jim Edmonds?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 18, 2009 2:22 PM CST up reply actions
If funny that people were so willing to believe Milton's behavior was going to change from his past performance...
but none of those people believe Silva’s production could change from his.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 18, 2009 2:24 PM CST up reply actions
interesting point
But Bradley HAD been relatively well behaved in Texas (aside from the thing with the KC broadcaster) AND he seemed to do all the right things with Hendry.
AND he seemed to do all the right things with Hendry.
yup, he knew not to slurp his soup and to not burp at the dinner table
Say no to Marlon Byrd, Scotty Pods, and Rick Ankiel.
by jesus christos on Dec 18, 2009 2:28 PM CST up reply actions
Did he keep his elbows off the table too?
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on Dec 18, 2009 2:29 PM CST up reply actions
Soup slurping is OK in Soup Club.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 18, 2009 2:29 PM CST up reply actions
what about burping?
Say no to Marlon Byrd, Scotty Pods, and Rick Ankiel.
by jesus christos on Dec 18, 2009 2:34 PM CST up reply actions
I'm NOT defending Milton
I’m saying why predicting crazy behavior wasn’t THAT cut and dried.
i didnt say you were defending MB
Say no to Marlon Byrd, Scotty Pods, and Rick Ankiel.
by jesus christos on Dec 18, 2009 2:31 PM CST up reply actions
Nor did I...
I was just being a goofball. Friday afternoon and everything.
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on Dec 18, 2009 2:31 PM CST up reply actions
Please
Behavioral attitude and athletic performance are not comparable. Also, nice job saying “none” as if you knew what we all were thinking.
Are you familiar with the old robot saying, "Does not compute"?
by dr stabbingworth on Dec 18, 2009 2:30 PM CST up reply actions
because there’s a pretty big difference between personal behavior and performance on the field.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 18, 2009 3:19 PM CST up reply actions
a lot harder
to change your talent level
than to change your personality
by DartmouthCubsFan on Dec 18, 2009 3:29 PM CST up reply actions
You could say the exact oppisite as well, though...
… how are people talking themselves in to Silva being better next year when there is “zero chance” Bradley will behave?
I anxiously await the reasonable trading of Milton Bradley.
Dum spiro spero... | Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on Dec 18, 2009 10:16 PM CST up reply actions
Not even close
Edmonds was at least coming off a year of league average production. Silva hasn’t even been league average for 2 years.
Edmunds probably could have held the Venezuela Winter League to a BA below .410
and he was a center fielder.
Pay No Attention to the Man Behind the Curtain
The great and powerful Al has spoken!
Doesnt matter if 99% of the Cubs nation dislikes the trade. Al is telling his minions to open their arms and accept it..and he knows more than you! Remember he’s been to like 100 games.
by mikew on Dec 18, 2009 2:29 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
LOL. Thanks for shining your light of truth into the darkness here.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 18, 2009 2:30 PM CST up reply actions
well
its hard to say you aren’t a little dense thinking Carlos Silva is going to magically become good at baseball.
And the next person to call him an innings eater is going to make me scream. He doesnt eat innings because he isnt healthy and he sucks when he does pitch which leads him to get yanked early.
Dude, it's not like I'm COUNTING on Silva being a sub 5 era 200 inning pitcher...
Sheesh.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 18, 2009 2:37 PM CST up reply actions
i know
its just this trade is extremely aggravating for me. Also I hate the term innings eater.
I never called him that, and I understand your aggravation...
but now all we can do is wait and see what else happens and hope for the best.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 18, 2009 2:40 PM CST up reply actions
Yellon is always right!
Say no to Marlon Byrd, Scotty Pods, and Rick Ankiel.
by jesus christos on Dec 18, 2009 2:31 PM CST up reply actions

Are you familiar with the old robot saying, "Does not compute"?
by dr stabbingworth on Dec 18, 2009 2:31 PM CST up reply actions
99% you say,
hmmm…take a look at how that poll is going. Right now most are voting Yay!
"Fasten those seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
Why do you come to this site.
She asked: Are you a hopeless romantic?
I answered: I'm a Cubs fan, of course I am.
by Zy Toro Young on Dec 18, 2009 3:10 PM CST up reply actions
Al can tell his "minions" anything he wants
it doesn’t make it so. What exactly is your point?
There have been maybe two people who have said they’d want ANYTHING to do with Silva if it wasn’t as a way to get rid of Bradley.
People are saying they “hope” Silva can improve, I don’t think I’ve seen anyone claim it was fact.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Dec 18, 2009 3:17 PM CST up reply actions
Hey...
… all I’m doing here is expressing my opinion, like everyone else.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I think Nunya was defeding you .. kind of
At least disagreeing with the OP
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 Dec 19, 2009 12:34 AM CST up reply actions
Yeah, I see that now.
I probably should have put that comment under the OP’s.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
major fail on your part Bub.
OK I don't know shit about basketball.
by SoulEater7 on Nov. 5, 2009 9:51 PM CST
oy
The Mariners pulled off a major heist here. Yes, Bradley had to go. But we’re still talking a middle of the order hitter who was jettisoned for someone who has no business being on a major league team. At this point, all Cubs fans can hope for is that Silva gets off to such an awful start that the Cubs pull the plug entirely and release him.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 18, 2009 3:23 PM CST up reply actions
"A middle of the order hitter"?
When was that EVER true about Bradley?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
that's a good point ...
MB never could do the RBI thing.
And so begins the Seattle Fans Dissapointment of 2010.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 18, 2009 4:15 PM CST up reply actions
Hehe...
Misery enjoys company! lol
Yeah… it looks like a lot of the reporters are talking like we got the bad side of the deal. I wonder, if MB does rebound… and Silva continues to suck… how is this going to make Hendry and co look?
Personally… i’m so so on the deal. I don’t think there was any way we could really win in a situation like this. If this was the best Hendry could do, then so be it. The 6 million could really help if Hendry uses it wisely. Wish him, and us, the best!
by TheHawkRules on Dec 18, 2009 4:27 PM CST up reply actions
they're talking about
batting him third.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 18, 2009 4:55 PM CST up reply actions
They're going to be sorry.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 18, 2009 4:58 PM CST up reply actions
we'll see.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 18, 2009 5:05 PM CST up reply actions
His career numbers batting 3rd aren't his best.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 18, 2009 5:14 PM CST up reply actions
Although he's bat there a lot.
Just not very well.
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on Dec 18, 2009 6:17 PM CST up reply actions
Well he can't bat one or two
with Ichiro and Figgins
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
Well, technically
During his career Bradley has 3785 plate appearances.
1330 PAs batting 3rd
828 PAs batting 4th
577 PAs batting 5th
So Bradley has been a middle of the order hitter for 72% of his major league plate appearances.
by circuitclout on Dec 18, 2009 6:44 PM CST up reply actions
That doesn't make him an EFFECTIVE middle of the order hitter.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
well that's a horse of a different color
you just asked when he was a middle of the order hitter, and i told you.
no fair changing the game. :0)
by circuitclout on Dec 18, 2009 10:21 PM CST up reply actions
Yes, always
Career .460 slugging, and it was ~.550 in 07 and 08. Besides, OBP is just as important in the middle of the order as it is at the top.
by vivaelpujols on Dec 18, 2009 11:19 PM CST up reply actions
My favorite part of that was:
… except that Silva’s final parting shot was gift-wrapping the Mariners the 2010 AL Division title.
So I guess they’re figuring that Bradley and Lee will get them at least +7 while the Angels will go -6 from last year. Seems a bit lofty IMHO.
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on Dec 18, 2009 6:15 PM CST up reply actions
...and Figgins
…and improvements at shortstop and catcher over last year. They got really lucky with Gutierrez being as good as he was and Lopez hitting in most of his games. They have a much better bench this year too. Their rotation is incredibly deep and they have lots of options at bullpen… and they still can improve at 1B too… although they’re really high on Mike Carp.
Lee himself COULD be +7… nobody knows how much better he’ll be in SafeCo.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Dec 18, 2009 7:17 PM CST up reply actions
yes
in seattle
Say no to Marlon Byrd, Scotty Pods, and Rick Ankiel.
by jesus christos on Dec 18, 2009 2:41 PM CST up reply actions
I wonder if Silva will get a start in that series?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 18, 2009 2:42 PM CST up reply actions
I wonder
if Bradley will be healthy for the series
or eligible to play.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 18, 2009 2:45 PM CST up reply actions
I wonder if Silva gets more than 5 starts
for the Cubs all year. Ranking the starters for the Cubs, I get pretty far down the list before Silva enters the picture.
1. Z
2. Lilly (If Healthy)
3. Dempster
4. Wells
5. Gorz
6. Marshall
7. Shark
and I know there are more I didn’t list.
at daver's request, Let's frontload this B**ch!
by N Oakley on Dec 18, 2009 2:44 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I would add
Mitch Atkins, Andrew Cashner, the rest of the Iowa staff, Ron Santo, Milt Papas and Al Yellon to the list of people I want starting over Silva.
add Mike Parisi
that Rule 5 pick to the list as well.
and diamond
Say no to Marlon Byrd, Scotty Pods, and Rick Ankiel.
by jesus christos on Dec 18, 2009 3:01 PM CST up reply actions
Right -
Silva should not be in a Cubs’ rotation except in the most dire of injury circumstances. He may however have value as a ROOGY.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
ruh roh, Raggy!
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 18, 2009 3:23 PM CST up reply actions
Please please please
please pleasepleasepleasepleasevpleasepleasepleasepleasepleasevvvvvpleasepleasevpleasepleasepleasepleasepleasevpleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleaseplease
This whole spiral really
stems from the fact that Fukudome has never produced as the corner outfielder he was signed to be- Bradley never would have been needed, nor considered if Dome was adequately performing as a corner outfielder at the plate. Considering this, I really, really hope the Cubs don’t continue to compound this problem by making another compensory signing like Byrd. Let Dome bat leadoff, and play stellar D in Rt- these things he can do. Re sign Johnson, and let him platoon w/ Fuld in Center. Give them to July to prove their worth, and then re evaluate. The reactionary cycle must end- I think this starting point.
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
agreed on Fukudome
But we don’t know how much Byrd would cost. I’d do two years, $14 million. And, frankly, Fuld/Johnson is not the answer.
No - the whole spiral started with
1. Hendry missing out in the bidding on Beltran,
2. Getting stuffed by Furcal the next year,
3. Followed by the misguided belief Soriano was a leadoff hitter who was enough of an athlete to play CF.
4. Then “needing” a power LH bad and signing Fukudome to be that guy.
5. Then the playoff performance against the Dodgers and being too right handed to what is now Silva.
Hey Jimbo, stop compounding errors.
at daver's request, Let's frontload this B**ch!
by N Oakley on Dec 18, 2009 3:09 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
+1 Billion
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Dec 18, 2009 3:18 PM CST up reply actions
Um you are missing Pierre in that background
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 18, 2009 6:01 PM CST up reply actions
Re-signing Johnson may still be an option
At least according to what Jim Hendry was saying on Chicago Tribune live on CSN this evening. Of course, that may just be lip service, and there’s always the question mark of Johnson’s health…
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on Dec 18, 2009 6:21 PM CST up reply actions
Something positive
2009 Defensive stats (UZR):
Fukudome in CF: -11.3
Bradley in RF: -4.1
Fukudome in RF: +7.9
Byrd in CF: -6.0
R Johnson in CF: -0.3
Are you familiar with the old robot saying, "Does not compute"?
by dr stabbingworth on Dec 18, 2009 2:53 PM CST reply actions
wow ...
didn’t realize Byrd was such a downgrade (defensively) from Johnson …
Byrd
probably doesn’t value his body as little as Johnson. :P
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 18, 2009 3:30 PM CST up reply actions
Neither did I
But both are still and upgrade over Fukudome, and Fukudome is an upgrade over Bradley.
Are you familiar with the old robot saying, "Does not compute"?
by dr stabbingworth on Dec 18, 2009 3:40 PM CST up reply actions
Where are you getting those UZR stats from?
The ones I’m looking at at fangraphs are different.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
I picked the stats for CF, not OF
Is there a difference?
Are you familiar with the old robot saying, "Does not compute"?
by dr stabbingworth on Dec 18, 2009 3:37 PM CST up reply actions
Er, I mean
I would assume that OF is a compilation of all outfield positions, whereas I looked strictly at the stats for CF.
Are you familiar with the old robot saying, "Does not compute"?
by dr stabbingworth on Dec 18, 2009 3:39 PM CST up reply actions
Can you point me to where you got these stats?
They don’t seem to match up with fangraphs.
http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=1702&position=OF#fielding
Are you familiar with the old robot saying, "Does not compute"?
by dr stabbingworth on Dec 18, 2009 3:59 PM CST up reply actions
UZR/150, I used their career numbers
since using UZR (especially for OFs) over fewer than about 1000+ innings is not something I’d recommend. I prefer Dewan (which is at billjamesonline.com) but it’s always good to see agreement between the two methods.
Did you pick them off fangraphs?
I’m not trying to call you out here – just trying to see where your stats are coming from and if there’s a different UZR out there or something.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
I used fangraphs
I looked at 2009 and then CF. Maybe I looked at the wrong line?
Are you familiar with the old robot saying, "Does not compute"?
by dr stabbingworth on Dec 18, 2009 3:55 PM CST up reply actions
Ok I see now.
I’m looking at the UZR/150, which helps adjust the stats for when you’re comparing players who have played more or less time at the position.
Andronicus above appears to be looking at career #s, although his # of -14.5 doesn’t reconcile exactly with fangraphs’ -14.8.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
The trade wasn't for Silva.
It was for 9 million bucks. If we can turn that into a center fielder we’ve won.
Better than releasing Bradley and getting nothing.
And I don’t think Silva will ever throw a pitch for the Cubs.
That is exactly right
Carlos Silva is human batting practice. Expecting him to be anything more than a batting tee is silly.
Thank goodness MIlton Bradley is gone. Now if JIm Hendry can follow him mh Christmas shall be complete.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
Six Million but I agree
My belief all along was that while I thought keeping Bradley was OK it was not going to happen so the best thing was just trade him to team offering to take as much of his contract as possible and I figured around 5 million. Silva is just a warm body who probably does not even make the 25 man roster.
This is probably the best they could get. Now let’s see that six million buys you.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 18, 2009 3:31 PM CST up reply actions
Cutting Silva means eating a lot of salary when you add up the transaction
But that said I see no possible way Silva can help the Cubs. He is absolutely terrible.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
how can you possibly
take Silva, at $12mill+ a year for two years and NOT put him on the 25 man roster???
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 18, 2009 4:56 PM CST up reply actions
How can you let a guy likely to have an ERA over 5.00 ON the roster
Silva is WINDOW dressing for saving the six million. Cutting him will be easy, watching the Cardinals take him and having Duncan make him good , that will be hard.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 18, 2009 6:03 PM CST up reply actions
Silva's career ERA is 4.72.
Tell me again how that makes him “likely” to have an ERA over 5.00.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
If you remove his stats as a reliever...
His ERA as a starter is probably 5.00 or worse. He posted a 3.21 and 4.43 ERA his first 2 years as a reliever, and his past 3 years’ work don’t really help his case either.
But as I’ve said before, maybe he can be the “good” Silva of a few of his earlier years. It’s either feast or famine with him, it seems. There’s not much middle ground there.
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on Dec 18, 2009 6:33 PM CST up reply actions
Ah creatative Baseball again
We discount Bradley’s first two months, and anything that makes MB trade even have any usefullness. I’m telling you, now that MB is gone we are the Chicago Nationals. We will be lucky to win 30 games next year without MB. Silva will lose 30 games, and destroy this team. The Cubs will end up moving to Mexico before the year is over.
I’m telling this is the end of the team! Cats and Dogs living together, THE END!!!!!!!
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
And we can say we were around to see it!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 18, 2009 6:38 PM CST up reply actions
Doesn't the $6M that Seattle sent with Silva now move us into a higher tax bracket too?
I’m telling you that nothing is good about this trade. The worst pitcher that will 40 games and now we have to pay more taxes.
We are going to be 20-142 next year and will never see a winning season again. Say Hola to the Mexico City Cubs.
Wrigley Field will be turned into a red light district and BCB will end up as a porn site.
This trade will start the end of the world
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
I'm trying to interpret this
And failing. Maybe I’ve been staring at a computer screen too long today…
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on Dec 18, 2009 7:11 PM CST up reply actions
It just kinda "whoosh"ed over my head.
Maybe I’m suffering from high density… :)
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on Dec 18, 2009 7:38 PM CST up reply actions
Sorry
Went after the lowest common demonanator. Most people went beyond a 2nd grade education.
You probably not the only guy who went “The the F is this idiot talking about”.
It’s all good, I’ll try to a little less childish.
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
Because he has been beyond awful for the last two seasons
With an ERA over 7. He had ONE very good year FOUR seasons ago. It’s like he was great for a few years and had one bad year, he is very, very , very bad. Miracles can happen but I am not holding my breath. If the Cubs are in fact saving 6 million , he is just a body they can cut but I hope they are getting that much.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 18, 2009 7:32 PM CST up reply actions
He had an effective year in 2007.
That season was very similar to the years Jason Marquis had as a Cub.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
On the roster or not, the Cubs will pay Silva $13.5M in 2011
Screwing up another year’s salary budget.
How do you figure that?
With the salary relief they are getting, it will be far less than that.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
According to Cots, the salaries owed are
Bradley – $9M in 2010, $12M in 2011
Siva – $11.5M in 2010, $11.5M in 2011, $2M buyout for 2012 (paid in 2011).
The Cubs got $9M NOW, giving an effective savings of $6.5M in 2010 (maybe money for CF). For 2011, both team owe the straight salaries.
I heard otherwise...
… that the $6m of savings is split over the two years. In any case the total owed is the same.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
One hopes not
This guy wasn’t good even when he was good, and he isn’t t anymore.
by bringbackbanks on Dec 18, 2009 3:32 PM CST up reply actions
Please no Marlon Byrd
Please. He is bad. Surely there has to be SOMETHING else better. Why not swing a deal for Melkey Cabrera or Brent Gardner from the Yankees given that their cup runneth over with outfielders.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
you're a no on Byrd -- at any price?
If he agreed to one year, $5 million?
Do not want at any price
Byrd is not good in centerfield and really truthfully a 4th or 5th outfielder type. I far prefer of scouring the bargain bin instead….either that or see if Cabrera or Gardner in New York could be had reasonably.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
Agree
I think Hendry could get a better CF through a trade…
by TheHawkRules on Dec 18, 2009 3:35 PM CST up reply actions
Agree as well....
And really, I think Hendry would have to be overly confident about his job security to go that this road.
by Damen Jackson on Dec 18, 2009 4:44 PM CST up reply actions
I didn't realize...
How bad of a fielder Byrd was in CF. Man, those are some ugly numbers out there. Melky Cabrera is “meh” but improving, and Gardner is limited sample size.
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on Dec 18, 2009 6:38 PM CST up reply actions
I'm not seeing
where Byrd is bad in CF. His career UZR/150 is 0.0 and he’s had more positive than negative seasons.
by circuitclout on Dec 18, 2009 7:18 PM CST up reply actions
I was primarily looking at last year
Where he had the most time in CF since 2004. He had some decent years in limited sample size, but the 2009 numbers (especially the arm rating) just seem odd.
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on Dec 18, 2009 7:41 PM CST up reply actions
It seems
UZR can vary quite a bit from year to year but it’s just something I’ve noticed anecdoteally and have no idea if its true or why that would be. So I’m not sure that last year is indicative of Byrd’s skill level in CF, but even if it is he’s still quite an upgrade over both Fukudome and Reed Johnson.
by circuitclout on Dec 18, 2009 8:12 PM CST up reply actions
That's what im hoping for.
Something to get excited about now that this awful chapter has drawn to a close.
me and blou are in agreement
it feels wierd…
Say no to Marlon Byrd, Scotty Pods, and Rick Ankiel.
by jesus christos on Dec 18, 2009 3:28 PM CST up reply actions
Count me in
…but I’d prefer a Fuld/Johnson platoon in center. Both players would absolutely bust their asses for us.
Numbers may not lie, but they don’t tell the whole truth (and nothing but the truth), either. -- Doug Glanville
If they could get better offense out of Fukudome in RF...
… that might work.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
If they'd put him where he belongs at leadoff, he could.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Are we going to platoon him?
I don’t see him as an everyday player. And if he is part of a platoon, who’s the other part?
Fuld
whose splits are backwards and could be a decent top of the order hitter in limited use.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
OK ... then who's in center?
Reed Johnson every day?
Probably Marlon Byrd.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
I thought you were against that signing
Or are you just saying it will likely happen, despite your reservations?
Personally, I still think the Cubs need to take a hard look at Ankiel.
I'm undecided on Byrd.
I was probably more agaisnt Byrd earlier in the off-season before someone pointed out to me that Byrd hits RHP better than LHP.
Looking at Ankiel is the kind of move I tend to like in general, although with Ankiel in particular I’m bearish. It’s his bad CF defense that really sets me against him. If he could play CF better than Byrd, then I’d go for risking his bat. But with bad defense, a bad bat, and a reported high asking price…
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
the asking price is the real stumbling block
Because Ankiel, next to Granderson, fits our offensive needs better than anyone else. I don’t look at defensive metrics much, but I’ll take your word for it.
Ankiel's 2009 #s
.231/.285/.387 with -9.4 career UZR/150 in CF.
He’s projected to hit .253/.310/.453 – so it’s really only by hoping for a comeback that he fits our offensive needs. I mean, yea, it would be great if he could go back to being the Ankiel of 2007-08 and fit in at #5 in the order, but if you get Ankiel on anything more than a 1 year deal, he could hurt a lot more than Byrd who will have uses.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
that's an awful UZR
Argh. There’s just no good solution, now that Granderson’s a Yankee. Maybe Fuld/Johnson IS the best way to go, if the Cubs can use the money to significantly upgrade at second.
The problem
is that none of the 2Bs project better than our current crop, despite the bad year Fonty had and the names they have.
On the other hand, that’s not a problem if you believe the projections, since Fonty and Baker are cheap.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
I vote for putting Baker out there everyday and letting him play.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 18, 2009 5:31 PM CST up reply actions
UZR says
Reed Johnson can’t play CF. Why does everyone want to bring him back to do just that?
by circuitclout on Dec 18, 2009 7:24 PM CST up reply actions
Because...
…he’s cheap… still a solid player, good teammate…
and having him gives the Cubs a chance to get a much better CF’r either during the season or next year.
If we spend a lot of money on a player that isn’t that great, we will be stuck with him for prolly more than one year… and we need a good player…
by TheHawkRules on Dec 18, 2009 7:58 PM CST up reply actions
Johnson
made $3 million last season so he isn’t exactly cheap. He’d need to take a huge pay cut to stay with the Cubs. And that still wouldn’t change the fact that he really is only an asset defensively in LF.
by circuitclout on Dec 18, 2009 8:16 PM CST up reply actions
He makes cool diving catches
which makes him seem a better defensive CF than he really is.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
and he's white!
winner, winner chicken dinner!
by circuitclout on Dec 18, 2009 10:22 PM CST up reply actions
Are you freaking kidding?
Where in the heck did that come from? I could careless if he was green, orange or purple.
Let’s not start this whole race thing.
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
nitwit
A woman's guess is more accurate than a man's certainty.--Rudyard Kipling
by cooliogirl47 on Dec 18, 2009 10:41 PM CST up reply actions
that's plenty worse
than Milton Bradley.
Oh, the headache I’ve got right now…
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 18, 2009 4:58 PM CST up reply actions
not really the point ...
Milton can’t play center. I guess you could argue Ankiel can’t either.
If you play him better than we have
he could be more effective.
1) He needs to be told a role and left there – preferrably that role is top of the order hitter.
2) He needs to sit against LHP.
3) He needs additional rest from time to time.
Fukudome has hit ML pitching at a very valuable rate for good stretches – and then gone amazingly cold for long stretches, too. There has to be a way to make better use of him.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
I HATE this logic
Kosuke can only hit well if he’s in the leadoff spot and stays there. Fontenot can’t hit well because he was asked to play a new position. Soriano has to lead off.
Do the Cubs have the NL’s biggest collection of unadaptable players?
No, just unadaptable fans.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 18, 2009 4:17 PM CST up reply actions
The sheer volume of wharrgarbl anytime the slightest thing happens for one...
we traded Jake Fox and you’d think the British had invaded China.
We give our managers and GM’s about 6 months to fix things, regardless of what constraints the ownership has put in place, and we’re all too quick to chew each others faces off over differences of opinion. Cubs fans generally do this every single year, regardless of how well the team performed.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 18, 2009 4:27 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Well I could be wrong about Dome
but it is a different kind of hitting to be moved from lead-off to #5 and I’m searching for some answer for why he can get so screwed up just after looking so awesome. What do you think?
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
I think he's a streaky hitter
We don’t try to explain away Soriano’s streakiness. That’s just what he is — and it’s what makes him less valued than what his contract would indicate. Same with Fukudome.
I agree that Fukudome could be best utilized as our leadoff hitter. I’m just saying I don’t think he’s going to hit any better even if he’s in that spot all year.
Maybe I'm exaggerating it in my memory
but Dome’s streaks seem more extreme.
In general, I agree that most hitters are streaky and it’s not worth getting worked up about. Baseball’s hard. Keeping your timing is hard.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
Let's say you're right -- and Kosuke's streaks are more extreme
I’d chalk it up to his goofy whirly bird style, and leave it at that.
That could be it, too.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
the Fukudome signing
Was arguably worse than the Milton signing, because it’s failure PROMPTED the Milton signing AND because it includes an NTC, another year and 18 million more dollars.
I know Kosuke isn’t a problem child, and that he’s fundamentally a pretty good ballplayer. But $12 million a year for a good defensive right fielder who has to sit whenever a lefty starts?
I know that other teams were willing to pay more. I really wish Hendry would have let them.
Agree with this. I don't think he should be handed a spot in spring training.
He is decent but not 12 million decent.
But in Hendry’s defense, unlike the Bradley deal where he was bidding vs himself for no reason, Others were trying to make the same mistake as the cubs with Dome.
Well ...
Kosuke will be our primary right fielder next season. There’s no one in the system who will compete with him, and they won’t replace him with a free agent because of his salary.
And Dome
actually does fill a role on this club of providing LH OBP from the top of the order. That’s something we need.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
I don’t think he should be handed a spot in spring training.
o.0
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 18, 2009 5:00 PM CST up reply actions
Hey TJ!
o.0 – Can mean that the writer is confused, raising an eyebrow, and/or shocked but not about to say it.
I anxiously await the reasonable trading of Milton Bradley.
Dum spiro spero... | Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on Dec 18, 2009 10:36 PM CST up reply actions
Thanks for the info, I guess I am not up on the fancy lingo.
I would have said-“why do you think that?”
To explain.....
His stats are not all that different that dozens of other OF in the league. He is a decent hitter, who has issues with LHP, and a good fielder.
If he was not making the big bucks, I believe he would not just be handed a starting spot.
I NEVER EVER EVER
…..thought I’d say it but…………………………Given our options….Byrd, Ankiel, Pods, etc, etc……..i’d sooner have Felix Pie back
Dunno. I liked him and am sorry the Cubs didn't stick with him longer...
Now only 12,859 on the "Cubs Season Tickets Waiting List"...
Lou basically said Pie couldn't cut it
and there are a decent number of Cub fans who take Lou’s word.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
From what I saw of him Pie had a swing that was wrong for his game
A long, for-the-fences swing that led to way too many Ks. Fast as he was/is, he should have a much shorter swing designed for pure contact and ground balls, then let speed take over and produce hits.
why
did he have so much success in the minor leagues with that swing then?
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer
by DartmouthCubsFan on Dec 19, 2009 1:05 PM CST up reply actions
less breaking balls to miss
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
It was only sucess in the minors
Every player who gets to the majors was a hero at every level below that. Then you find out which of them can make the adjustments required to play MLB.
Ever notice how many 1st-round NFL draft picks don’t pan out? Same problem.
that's not accurate at all...
very few players consistently post OPS above .900 at every minor league level
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer
by DartmouthCubsFan on Dec 19, 2009 7:43 PM CST up reply actions
That's just not true.
Minor league numbers do correspond to ML success – not at a perfect rate, but then ML #s don’t correspond to ongoing ML success at a perfect rate either.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
I'm not sure an OBP of .326 in a platoon role is "breaking out"
He still strikes out too much (>20% of PA), and was pretty bad away from Camden Yard (OPS of .698).
What does Rick Ankiel want?
Because I’m far inclined to pursue him on a favorable contract versus Marlon Byrd.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
i read he wanted 3 years
not sure about the money, but no let me say no thank you to ankiel
Say no to Marlon Byrd, Scotty Pods, and Rick Ankiel.
by jesus christos on Dec 18, 2009 3:37 PM CST up reply actions
that first no shouldnt be there
Say no to Marlon Byrd, Scotty Pods, and Rick Ankiel.
by jesus christos on Dec 18, 2009 3:37 PM CST up reply actions
No Byrd. No Ankiel
… if we want a CF, we will prolly have to look to trading.
If we want something decent out there anyway.
by TheHawkRules on Dec 18, 2009 3:38 PM CST up reply actions
I want none of the available
for more than a year
Wow, he really wants 3 years...
After hitting .231 last year? Yikes. Even if those numbers were an aberration (which they probably were to some extent), that’s a pretty major gamble.
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on Dec 18, 2009 6:44 PM CST up reply actions
What else was included the Bradley trade?
Just Silva and $9MM? Please, I know some other assets swapped hands here. What do you think could have been included in the trade?
- - From Chicago to Seattle – The land west of Wrigley Field – sorry Triangle building
- - From Chicago to Seattle – A 2010 Bears’ draft pick. Do we have any left?
- - From Seattle to Chicago – Cab vouchers for Patrick Kane
Name your favorite Sports or Chicago “assets” to include in the trade.
Seattle can have Jay Cutler.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 4:06 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
why
Do they have a real offensive line? Because that’s the problem with the Bears, not Jay Cutler.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 18, 2009 5:01 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Good I hate having to say this...
Drew is correct here. Jay’s problem is that he has no time back there in the pocket. That and poor play calling by the OC
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
So he has no blame?
Don’t understand why everywhere this guy plays there are always excuses about why his teams lose, through no fault of Cutler. He has never lead any team (college or NFL) to any sort of championship. He doesn’t have any sort of leadership qualities, unless you like a leader that likes to go pout on the bench and blame everyone else for his interceptions.
by LT on Dec 18, 2009 6:04 PM CST up reply actions
He is not the issue with the Bears....
…did he have a bad year?….no question but that organization is so flawed with so little talent, no front office direction or leadership that blaming Cutler for years of Angelo’s total ineptitude is crazy
I'm willing to give
Jay another year and better players around him to prove himself.
OK I don't know shit about basketball.
by SoulEater7 on Nov. 5, 2009 9:51 PM CST
Mark Giangreco for a fish
from Pikes Place market.
Al, no comment expected here.
at daver's request, Let's frontload this B**ch!
Ankiel might be too expensive and not healthy enough
But he’s worth examining.
And not good enough playing CF
that is the real problem. I’d rather see a banjo hitter who can actually play the position than trying to get that mythical extra bat and still not having a decent CF.
Carl Crawford
I heard somewhere that he will be a free agent after next season. Can’t he play some CF?
Maybe we could work something up to trade for him, or… have reed/fuk out there for one more season and try signing him next year.
Won’t he be OK in CF and in leadoff?
TB will probably lock him not
Say no to Marlon Byrd, Scotty Pods, and Rick Ankiel.
by jesus christos on Dec 18, 2009 3:45 PM CST up reply actions
up, not "not"
Say no to Marlon Byrd, Scotty Pods, and Rick Ankiel.
by jesus christos on Dec 18, 2009 3:45 PM CST up reply actions
I'd be ok with that...
… than signing any of the free agents on the market.
by TheHawkRules on Dec 18, 2009 3:47 PM CST up reply actions
I could live with that ...
if, and only if, the Cubs get someone to play second (and hits left handed) not named Mike Fontenot.
I don’t want a lineup of Theriot, Fukudome, Lee, Ramirez, Soriano, Soto, Fontenot/Baker, Fuld/Johnson. If Soriano and Soto don’t bounce back, the bottom of our order could be really, really bad — and the top wouldn’t be that great, either.
I get the hesitancy to sign a guy who might be mediocre (after a career season) — considering what’s happened in the past two years. But if we don’t upgrade in center, we should upgrade elsewhere.
How about a platoon of Baker and Fontenot
with Baker getting most of the at bats?
Maybe Castro will be ready by midseason and Theriot moves to 2b.
Although I think Castro’s ETA is 2011.
by Clark Addison on Dec 18, 2009 3:55 PM CST up reply actions
well, two things
1) The Cubs just got some money to spend. If not center, and not 2B, what should they do?
2) If Baker gets most of the playing time, Fukudome and (gulp) Fuld are the only lefty bats in the lineup.
At least those two guys have high OBP.
That’s a useful skill.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I know someone else who does, too . . . .
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 Dec 19, 2009 8:56 AM CST up reply actions
Given the Byrd, Ankiel, Pods alternatives, I agree
BLou brings up an interesting trade partner in the Yankees, but I don’t see anything of value that the Cubs have to offer, unless they would be willing to take a flyer on a prospect.
by Tangled Up In Blue on Dec 18, 2009 3:47 PM CST up reply actions
You have to assume Johnson stays healthy for that to work
And that is far from a sure thing. Plus, that sets Fuld, with a career 124 PAs to date, up for a 405-500 PA season. Another overexposure waiting to happen.
Johnson's injury problem last year....
… was mostly the ball he fouled off his foot, not the back trouble.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Holy Shit he's gone!
Just got home from work and saw the news!!
Silva sucks REALLY bad……Somebody please fill me in on the details, please!!!!!
2 more
Say no to Marlon Byrd, Scotty Pods, and Rick Ankiel.
by jesus christos on Dec 18, 2009 3:55 PM CST up reply actions
through 2011
like Bradley. The cubs getting $6MM (net) back from Seattle.
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 18, 2009 3:57 PM CST up reply actions
i'm not going to read through this blog ... its too long
so is silva gonna get flipped or is he a cub for life?
COOL BEANS!
he has no trade value
my guess is he gets released by the summer if the team is in contention. he’ll might be useful as a starter if the team bombs and a fire sale ensues…
Just a thought......
Any chance Silva gets flipped, now that Hendry can eat $6,000,000 of contract and still break even? I mean, he could theoretically eat $9-10 million bucks and still be ahead of where we thought he’d be before this trade.
That’s a decent chunk of eaten contract if there’s another player out there who has an undesirable contract and needs “a change of scenery.”
"Bite my shiny metal ass!" -- Bender Bending Rodriguez
"Life is just one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead."
by The Jade Scorpion on Dec 18, 2009 3:56 PM CST reply actions
No one wants Silva
That’s why the Mariners fans are so ecstatic that they got a relatively productive player for a player everyone had given up on.
sounds like we're close on byrd
anything over 4 million and 1 yr and i vomit
http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/12/bradley-to-seattle-byrd-to-cubs.html
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer
by DartmouthCubsFan on Dec 18, 2009 4:00 PM CST reply actions
PLEASE GOD NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Someone step in and give Jim Hendry an INTERVENTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Bite my shiny metal ass!" -- Bender Bending Rodriguez
"Life is just one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead."
by The Jade Scorpion on Dec 18, 2009 4:01 PM CST up reply actions
That sounded like speculation on the part of the writer.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
"I'm hearing that Marlon Byrd is close to getting a deal done with the Cubs."
Doesn’t sound like speculation to me.
Well...
… he’s not the best answer. But at relatively low cost and for one year only? Sounds pretty low risk to me.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I'll believe the..
low cost and one year deal baloney when I see it.
I’m betting 3 years, 20 million, and a NTC. This IS Jim Hendry we’re talking about……
"Bite my shiny metal ass!" -- Bender Bending Rodriguez
"Life is just one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead."
by The Jade Scorpion on Dec 18, 2009 4:13 PM CST up reply actions
don't forget
the backloaded part of the deal.
by portlandcubfan on Dec 18, 2009 4:31 PM CST up reply actions
IF he's signed at a low cost and for only one year.
That’s the part that worries me.
by Tangled Up In Blue on Dec 18, 2009 4:14 PM CST up reply actions
There has to be....
a better OF available whose contract is unsatisfyting to his current team. We can eat a decent chunk of money now and soften their landing in exchange for said player.
Come on, are we really going to just instantly give-out another bad contract out of desperation? What the hell is with Hendry’s OCD?
"Bite my shiny metal ass!" -- Bender Bending Rodriguez
"Life is just one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead."
by The Jade Scorpion on Dec 18, 2009 4:12 PM CST up reply actions
Who?
I’ve dug around on CFs and if you’re willing to take someone like Jordan Schafer – then, yes, he’d be a better option. But we don’t even know that Atlanta would make him available. At least Byrd hits RHP.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
I'd "suffer"
with Fuku at CF if a corner outfielder fit said mold.
"Bite my shiny metal ass!" -- Bender Bending Rodriguez
"Life is just one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead."
by The Jade Scorpion on Dec 18, 2009 4:14 PM CST up reply actions
me, too
But I don’t think a good option is out there — and I don’t think the Cubs have the money to spend.
That's fine....
But then, for goodness sake, don’t spend money on Byrd!!!
"Bite my shiny metal ass!" -- Bender Bending Rodriguez
"Life is just one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead."
by The Jade Scorpion on Dec 18, 2009 4:26 PM CST up reply actions
Well, the Yankees just turned Melky Cabrera into a spare wheel
and they must need prospects to try to restock their farm system.
Just don't post pictures.
1/4 doesn’t seem realistic, given that RJ just made 1/3 last year and Byrd is a better player. It’s the third year I want to avoid more than anything.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
i'm no swl
no pics coming i promise
i want to avoid the 2nd year at all costs
sure everyone is really coming off in 2011 but if we can avoid all these small crap contracts in 2010 we might be able to convince Ricketts to extend payroll for one year to target a guy like Crawford (or Lee for those who like comiting long-term money to SPs)
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer
by DartmouthCubsFan on Dec 18, 2009 4:04 PM CST up reply actions
today is just a bad day
Say no to Marlon Byrd, Scotty Pods, and Rick Ankiel.
by jesus christos on Dec 18, 2009 4:04 PM CST up reply actions
jim ... you're the biggest idiot ever
milton bradley – former ranger with career year
marlon byrd – former ranger with career year
end of story.
COOL BEANS!
by lexmarklover on Dec 18, 2009 4:06 PM CST up reply actions
Mark DeRosa
former ranger with career year.
story goes on.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
but mark derosa is a saint
Say no to Marlon Byrd, Scotty Pods, and Rick Ankiel.
by jesus christos on Dec 18, 2009 4:09 PM CST up reply actions
Soriano
former ranger, career year (but with Wash)
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
Byrd
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before “coming off of a great year with the Rangers.”
Why do we continue to make the same mistakes? For all indications, Byrd is a marginal player coming off of an above average year. JH please don’t commit to another multi year, big money deal in hopes that a player can maintain an above career average output. Please.
by Tangled Up In Blue on Dec 18, 2009 4:07 PM CST up reply actions
Byrd's value
Really hinges on how much we’re going to pay him. Let’s not judge the signing too soon.
Agreed
His signing wouldn’t be bad unless there are mulit years and high costs involved.
by Tangled Up In Blue on Dec 18, 2009 4:15 PM CST up reply actions
So...
If he was signed and then traded, Hendry would do what I wanted to do to him at points last season.
Wait for it…
Flip the Byrd!
at daver's request, Let's frontload this B**ch!
Someone is really going to have
to explain why a GM wouldn’t sign Church, and bring back Johnson, as opposed to giving Marlon Byrd a multi-year deal?
by Damen Jackson on Dec 18, 2009 4:53 PM CST up reply actions
I'd be interested in a platoon of Church and Johnson.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
We don't know Church is healthy.
But you know I like Church in theory.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
Church
I do too… low risk, high reward. Downside is we go to a Fuld/Johnson platoon if Church is too injured or unproductive. I’m game.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Dec 18, 2009 7:22 PM CST up reply actions
I don't think Church's reward could be considered that high right now.
Isn’t he like 30 now? But league average hitting and slightly below average defense – he’s like a Mark Teahen who can’t play 3B but can play CF.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
yeah...
and if we can get that in center, i’d be pretty happy… especially not having to pay anything or give up anything for it. Especially since he’s lefthanded and gets on base pretty decently. He swats right-handers even more than i thought he did.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Dec 19, 2009 12:44 AM CST up reply actions
Closing the book on Milton Bradley
What we know – Milton Bradley will cost us 16 M over the next two years just so we can get him off the team. I can see a scenario with Carlos Silva where we remake him into a reliever – pulling him whenever a LH batter comes out – and find someone to take him next off-season (with us eating 5 M). So, we could yet get the cost of MB down to 6 M this year and 6 M next year. Sigh. That’s liveable with our payroll, but a big mistake for everyone involved – a mistake for both managers who shouldn’t have let it get to this point.
What we don’t know – What was the behind-the-scenes cost to the 2009 team that MB’s presence in the clubhouse caused? Why were the Cubs so intent on doing this? I generally believe that winning creates good chemistry, not the other way around but the Cubs have taken an extreme move today (one I do believe is better than the reported Burrell deal) which implies an extreme clubhouse situation. We can hope that translates into wins, but I’m doubtful.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
by DGU on Dec 18, 2009 4:00 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
About winning and chemistry.
I think there’s elements to both “sides” in this argument. Winning definitely creates good chemistry. But I also believe that BAD chemistry on a team can hurt said team.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
This is much better than the Burrell deal.
Silva can be buried in the bullpen.
Burrell was going to be pretty useless.
Or maybe Silva might get back to solid form.
He could be #5 or #4.
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
I smell the pen
I May even go a step further and suggest he may be a good closer candidate? Either way, the Silva national bank is a bit safer than the Bradley come next offseason.
There goes one over the fence...a Tru-Link fence.
by truelinkfence on Dec 18, 2009 10:52 PM CST up reply actions
for what?
He’s a $12 million platoon outfielder.
if u can trade bradley u can trade fukudome
COOL BEANS!
by lexmarklover on Dec 18, 2009 4:19 PM CST up reply actions
and what Silva clone
do we have to eat to do it?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 18, 2009 5:03 PM CST up reply actions
Horrible Day
Were gonna end up with just enough of a team to be pretenders next year. Our talent will be paid like contenders! Were no where close to playing on the same level as the big dogs! Now go make us proud Hendry and spend every remaining penny you have left in the budget on wanna be players like Byrd and Matt Capps!
Excuse me while I go vomit!!
I would sleep with Blou if it meant the Cubs would win a WS. by Doggie Stalker on Aug 22, 2009 4:11 PM EDT
want me to hold your pigtails back?
Say no to Marlon Byrd, Scotty Pods, and Rick Ankiel.
by jesus christos on Dec 18, 2009 4:19 PM CST up reply actions
pigtails?
I would sleep with Blou if it meant the Cubs would win a WS. by Doggie Stalker on Aug 22, 2009 4:11 PM EDT
Exactly my thoughts!
I think the only way we contend next year is for Ramirez to have a big year and hope our others starters can have above average years. Lets hope the real Soto was the 2008 Soto. For starts that would sure help.
Burrell deal better?
Let’s say the Cubs did eat pretty much all of MB’s contract for 2011, which they obviously were balking at (on Ricketts orders, me thinks) would it not have been better than getting Silva? I’m not saying it would be, just wondering out loud…
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Dec 18, 2009 4:16 PM CST reply actions
Deal
Remove Silva from the deal because he represents a sunk cost for 2010 anyway. Either the money goes to MB or him. The deal was made with Seattle, IMHO, because of the 9 million. Now JH has room to make an additional move.
We don’t know all the factors in the Burrell deal, but it sounded like it was almost a straight up one-for-one deal. If that is indeed the case, the deal JH made is better.
by Tangled Up In Blue on Dec 18, 2009 4:19 PM CST up reply actions
Where's Blou?
I thought he said the trade wasn’t going to happen. I thought Wreckard said the trade shouldn’t happen? Where are these guys destroying the trade?
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
blou already posted
he was quite “calm”
Say no to Marlon Byrd, Scotty Pods, and Rick Ankiel.
by jesus christos on Dec 18, 2009 4:21 PM CST up reply actions
Wreckard
has posted in the other thread saying he thinks this is a mistake.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 18, 2009 5:04 PM CST up reply actions
I'd say Silva lasts 1 year as a Cub max
If he’s not a starting pitcher next season, they’ll move him to the bullpen and see if they can either deal him or just get rid of him.
Wrigley Bound in the Summer of 2010
I will take that bet
I give him two months max. Totally useless in the bullpen.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 18, 2009 6:08 PM CST up reply actions
I say he pitches better than Maddux did in his second stint in Chicago.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 18, 2009 6:17 PM CST up reply actions
I wouldn't go that far.
But I’ll say he could give the Cubs about what Jason Marquis did.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Not a chance!
That’s absurd
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
Absurd?
Silva’s 2007 season looks a lot like Marquis’ years, with fewer walks and fewer strikeouts.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
This isn't 2007!
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
Stop living in the past
That’s the point!
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 Dec 19, 2009 11:01 PM CST up reply actions
Who's living in the past?
I’m simply suggesting that a player might perform as he did in a recent season.
Perhaps I should tell everyone who thinks Silva will put up an ERA over 8 to “stop living in the past”, because that 8 ERA happened last year.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Your reeling Al
Aaron Miles had a good year 2 years ago!
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
That wasn't really a "good" year.
He had a good batting average. His other numbers were mediocre, and there’s no way he will “recover” to even that level, playing in the Oakland Mausoleum.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
some would say
moving from SEA to Wrigley is similar for a pitcher…
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer
by DartmouthCubsFan on Dec 21, 2009 3:00 PM CST up reply actions
Is it Viva el Birdos?
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 Dec 19, 2009 8:58 AM CST up reply actions
Oh please how much will you bet on that ?
Maddux’s ERA was roughly 4.4 in his 2 1/2 seasons back and he pitched just under 500 innings and never missed a start,
I will bet a pair of my season tickets to any game in 2011 he is nowhere near that. What you got ?
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 18, 2009 7:37 PM CST up reply actions
And if Silva dont work out
we can always trade him to Oakland for anything from them with a snap of a finger cuz Billy and Jimbo are buddies they work together
"Women...you can't live without them, and they can't pee standing up." Rube Baker
If only we could....
Combine Beane’s smarts with Hendry’s payroll!
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
That would be a match made in heaven
"Women...you can't live without them, and they can't pee standing up." Rube Baker
Aww yes where do we find one of his kind?
Do we have to make a road trip to the North East? Thats what I want for Xmas
"Women...you can't live without them, and they can't pee standing up." Rube Baker
Who also makes his share of mistakes.
Renteria-Alex Gonzalez-Lugo
Add in a Wily Mo Pena and a dropping of Carlos Pena a tad early…
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
and they say women are fickle....
………even if MB is better next year it’ll probably be b/c he likes the city better…..if Silva sucks, our guys will be happier and hopefully play better. To me its a win/win for Bradley and the Cubs. They may not have improved, but they’re really not any worse. I’m going to the Most Memorable Game Thread. ;)
A woman's guess is more accurate than a man's certainty.--Rudyard Kipling
that's a good point
If Milton has an All-Star year next year, there are reasons that we can be pretty sure he wouldn’t have performed the same way in Chicago.
yes,,,,why?
A woman's guess is more accurate than a man's certainty.--Rudyard Kipling
by cooliogirl47 on Dec 18, 2009 5:46 PM CST up reply actions
Just seems absurd...
If Silva sucks, our guys will be happier and hopefully play better? What does that even mean?
He's referring to Bradley being gone
this makes people happy.
thank you :)
A woman's guess is more accurate than a man's certainty.--Rudyard Kipling
by cooliogirl47 on Dec 18, 2009 6:00 PM CST up reply actions
isn't he a she?
i dunno but name and signature tag make me kinda think so
by doofus cubs guy on Dec 18, 2009 8:36 PM CST up reply actions
yes she is....
A woman's guess is more accurate than a man's certainty.--Rudyard Kipling
by cooliogirl47 on Dec 18, 2009 9:02 PM CST up reply actions
Not what to do in CF...
I am not on the Marlon Byrd bandwagon. another ranger off a career year, no thanks. not to mention the dude could show up at 240 pounds like last yr and thats not exactly an athletic weight to cover centerfield. I still like the idea of Rick Ankiel. 30 years old, strong arm. he is athletic, in ’08 hit .264 25 hr 71 rbi. yes, last year the numbers were down, but he went head first into a wall, give the guy a break. if not ankiel then i really like Church, but then we need to lock up a right handed OF, maybe reed for the right price, or maybe take a shot at Xavier Nady or Randy Winn
I'm late to chime in with my thoughts...
I was busy at work all day though.
This is just an awful, awful trade. Carlos Silva is hands down one of the worst pitchers in baseball. Are we really a better team by making this deal as opposed to just releasing Bradley outright?
Jim Hendry has done such terrible things during his time here, but the whole Milton Bradley fiasco easily takes the cake.
And Al, I’m sorry but comparing this situation at all to Hundley is absurd. Grudz and Karros were at least servicable the year prior to being acquired. Silva could (and probably would, if not for that contract) conceivably be out of baseball right now after his awful last two years.
Terrible trade. Hendry has done a remarkable job of effing this team up since the final out of the 2008 season.
And it'll get him fired
Maybe we should start the countdown to the end of Jim Hendry’s tenure as GM. Steve Phillips gambled on Mo Vaughn and that cost him his job in New York. Without a World Series ring to excuse Hendry from this major screw up, the Milton Bradley saga will eventually sink him if the Cubs don’t contend next year.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
Hey we ended up making money
Silva is getting paid $4M more than Bradley but we are getting an extra $2M from Seattle, so this is one step above eating his contract and cutting him. We got an arm (can he be any worse than putting Patton on the 25 man roster and sitting him for 3 weeks at a time) and $2M back on sunk costs.
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
Grudz was "serviceable" in 2002?
He had a .665 OPS. If a Cub 2B had those numbers for a full year, we’d be at him with the pitchforks.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Fontenot had a .677 OPS last year.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 18, 2009 5:46 PM CST up reply actions
Those are torches, not pitchforks.
And a lot of that mob would have been chasing Fontenot after last year’s performance.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
He still hit .271 that year.
The point is, Silva wouldn’t be in baseball if he didn’t have that contract. Period. And Hendry just traded for the guy.
Just when you didn’t think it was possible, he made our team worse. This guy has gotta go.
I agree that no one would sign Silva as a free agent.
But this wasn’t a normal situation. Hendry got some financial relief. That does count for something, especially if he can spend it on help in other areas.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
BS
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
BS to what, exactly?
If you’d like to rebut my argument, “BS” isn’t usually a good way to do it.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Spend it on help?
All signs have him spending it on Pods or Byrd! Not exactly my idea of help. I keep pinching myself hoping what I’m reading is a nightmare but sadly it’s not. At this point were gonna be in a heated race for 3rd place in the central!
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
Your crystal ball...
it’s magic?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 18, 2009 6:37 PM CST up reply actions
your glasses...
They covered?
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
The ones that let me see into the future? Yes.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 18, 2009 6:45 PM CST up reply actions
What about the mirror on the wall?
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
Mirrors show you as you are....not as you will be.
Are you guys the ones in the gamethreads that declares the game over in the 4th inning when we’re down by 3 runs?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 18, 2009 6:49 PM CST up reply actions
Oh no,
Sorry Sarcasism font failed again.
I was referring to Mirror Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?
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
All I see..
Is the Cards and Brewers going out and getting better. All I see the Cubs doing is going out and getting worse!
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
Do you really think
that’s the case? I sure don’t.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Dec 18, 2009 6:59 PM CST up reply actions
How have the Cubs gotten better?
Hell, how have they gotten better since 2008? Look at the roster in October of 2008 and compare it to the roster today. In what area is it better?
Hendry is a failure.
I don't think the Cubs
are all that different (on paper) now than they were back then. And I don’t see the Brewers being better at all.
If the Cardinals sign Holliday, they’d be better. Don’t know if they can afford both him and Pujols.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Dec 18, 2009 7:15 PM CST up reply actions
true
considering our team has done absolutely nothing to improve.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Dec 19, 2009 12:46 AM CST up reply actions
And, BTW,
who put together that October 2008 roster you love so much?
Kanderber is a failure.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Dec 18, 2009 7:16 PM CST up reply actions
Listen...
don’t be an idiot and a jackass.
Yes, Hendry built that, for which I give him a lot of credit. Yet he’s also the one that ripped it apart for some stupid reason, for which he deserves a lot of blame.
He didn't 'rip it apart'
And I’d consider you a success if you could manage to be an idiot OR a jackass, not necessarily both.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Dec 18, 2009 8:19 PM CST up reply actions
'Don't be an idiot and a jackass'
was not written by me.
Stuff it, kb.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Dec 19, 2009 12:58 PM CST up reply actions
TWSS
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
Bradley was a horrible signing
But for the love of god, he’s better than Carlos Silva, who wasnt exactly the mayor of Seattles Lockeroom either.
Anyone still not think Mark Cuban wouldve been a good owner?
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.
I'm think Ricketts is letting Hendry dig his own grave over this deal
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
Wouldn't be the first owner to do that
Last season simply wasn’t enough to fire Hendry, but it would have been enough for me.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
Then fire him
Sure he saved some money, but the team and pitching staff is now undoubtedly worse off. Meanwhile, Bradley is going to drive in a shitload of runs with Ichiro and Figgins hitting a head of him. And Ricketts hasnt done anything to prove he’s going to take this team to the next level.
Hes kept on the man whos dug our graves, as you say, and continues to do so, and he apparently likes open troughs….I think we shouldve been careful what we wished for with Ricketts
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.
Yeah, we would probably have Cliff Lee, Curtis Granderson and possibly Holliday by now.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 18, 2009 6:00 PM CST up reply actions
At least if the fans get mad
we know he can survive if someone puts him through a table.
Has Ricketts made any sort of statement?
Now only 12,859 on the "Cubs Season Tickets Waiting List"...
Only statement...
He needs to make is Hendry……Yourrrrrrrrrrrr Firedddddddddd!
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
Like This?

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 18, 2009 6:27 PM CST up reply actions
I'd rather fire
a lot of Cubs fans than fire Hendry at this point.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Dec 18, 2009 6:31 PM CST up reply actions
That might result in less tickets/merchandise sold, resulting in less revenue, forcing the team to shrink payroll, which could lead to more problems.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 18, 2009 6:36 PM CST up reply actions
Not until 2012
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Dec 18, 2009 6:46 PM CST up reply actions
So I guess
this means you won’t pay attention to the Cubs until then?
by Not Bruce Froemming on Dec 18, 2009 7:00 PM CST up reply actions
I think he was referring to the "Apocalypse."
"I have the time and hatred but not the knowledge." ~Madison Cub Fan (Aug. 25, 2009)
Is that supposed to happen in 2012?
I better get my affairs in order, then.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Dec 18, 2009 7:23 PM CST up reply actions
Is this in the key of Vince McMahon?
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Dec 18, 2009 6:46 PM CST up reply actions
A lot of you people amaze me...
a lot of this group has been “trade bradley at all costs, cut bradley, blah blah” is silva a cy young winner? no. but Hendry got $6MM of wiggle room, plus when u look at the dumped contracts of miles and heilman he cans startin to correct some mistakes. this was a good move. burrell can barely play the outfield and the rays wanted money. so it would have cost more to pull the trigger on that deal. the clubhouse was not feelin bradley. another negative. instead of all your negative bullshit, try and look at the positives movin forward. we got rid of a major problem in bradley. got a guy who can maybe serve in the bullpen. received some money for flexibility to go after a couple free agents. its dec 18. everyone chill out. people throwin this team under the bus until 2012 need to get a damn grip. lets see the CF brought in, lets wait on the rest of the moves. its gonna be alright people, just chill out.
"Extreme character issues"?
Wow, is that wrong.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
If you were expecting reasoned perspective
I must remind you of this:
I think we all could see this coming…
"I have the time and hatred but not the knowledge." ~Madison Cub Fan (Aug. 25, 2009)
Yawn
So the Cubs will eat Carlos Silva’s contract rather than Bradley’s…how exciting. From purely a baseball talent perspective, this deal is atrocious for the Cubs. Carlos Silva is bad. Carlos Silva is very bad in fact. He’s got a great chance to be booed out of Wrigley Field by May.
Obviously this deal wasn’t made from a baseball perspective so the analysis is different. I don’t however buy into the notion that the Cubs are now better just because Bradley is in Seattle. They still have a gaping hole in the OF…the entire OF…that probably can’t be patched in 2010 in order for them to compete. Taking into consideration their other glaring issues both with the pitching staff and up the middle of the diamond and they are absolutely not a better team right now with or without Bradley.
Of course the offseason is still an ongoing process but nobody should be excited or expect to see a much improved Cubs club just because Bradley is gone. More than anything, those players that are still around have lost their one final excuse for poor fundamental baseball.
Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?
I'm sure you'll be leading the boos
before he even hits the mound.
I’m kind of funny, I guess. I like to wait to see teams play for a while before I render judgment on them. Maybe that’s old-fashioned anymore, I dunno.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Dec 18, 2009 7:43 PM CST up reply actions
I'm with you on that.
But would you have expected anything different from krummy?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
not just krummy but many
people too often jump to conclusion and cannot be changed about how they are. MB was called DHL before he even signed, and was never given a chance either. I felt MB would be better than he was, and was wrong, dont get em wrong on that part.
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
Let me sum this up.
Silva SUCKS and he is worthless EXCEPT the Cubs save 6 million. Probably the best deal they could have gotten. Let’s not delude ourselves into thinking Silva has any value but let’s admit 6 million is better than releasing him. Situation was badly handled by Bradley ( most of the blame) Lou and Hendry ( the rest of the blame). If anyone wants to take a bet on who had a better 2010 season I will take Bradley over Silva in a heartbeat but what’s done is done so lets go spend the six million on someone who can play CF or trade for one.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 18, 2009 7:45 PM CST reply actions 4 recs
This is about as reasoned an analysis
as I’ve seed today. Nice work, Jess.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Dec 18, 2009 7:48 PM CST up reply actions
Or "seen" today,
for that matter.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Dec 18, 2009 7:59 PM CST up reply actions
Yes
My expectations on Silva are zero. Zilch. If he performs anything better than that I’ll be pleased. Ecstatic.
But Bradley’s trade value was so very low that it is a miracle the Cubs were able to shift him at all. There were plenty of people advocating dumping him after he wasn’t traded at the winter meetings. Cubs are now $6 mill better off than that scenario.
I wanted the Cubs to keep Bradley, and I sure would have prefered that to this outcome. But it has happened. I’ll try and bite my lip if Bradley exceeds Cub expectations next year, because its time to move on.
Silva is crap. Horrendous. It’s been quite funny reading some people’s inflated expectations for him now that he is a Cub. But he’s here now and there’s no use bitching about a move that’s done.
Let’s just put this saga behind us and get ready for next season. Focus on the positives.
For those who think he is a bad guy in the clubhouse...t
this Twins analyst seems to think he will be a nice addition.
What crisp in cf
Filed for FA with KC. BA so so, but a pretty good cf. Maybe best of what’s left. Be nice to have a solid defensive cf for a change.
Can someone explain the math of the Cubs saving $6 million
They owed Bradley $21 million. They now owe Silva $25 million – $6 million or $19 million.
I see that as saving $2 million but saddled with Silva. I guess if they release Silva instead of Bradley that saves $2 million.
I hate to say I told you so but I knew dumping Bradley was going to be expensive. The rumors of interest were BS.
I thought they got $9 million
and I also think miltie is owed $22 not $21 mil – and Silva has a $2 million buyout, right?
by doofus cubs guy on Dec 18, 2009 8:39 PM CST up reply actions
If you use the numbers on Cot's Baseball Contracts, the net to the Cubs is $5M
$6.5M in 2010, then the Cubs owe $1.5M more in 2011.
But then there is the $2 million buyout of Silva
So the $6 million is what the Cubs might save in 2010 but overall the number looks closer to $2 million for the whole deal? It depends on whether the Cubs get $6 million or $9 million.
$9M was the cash number I saw
Which makes Silva’s effective cost $2.5M for 2010 and $13.5M in 2011 (including the 2012 boyout, which will be exercised if he doesn’t receive gene replacement therapy from Roy Halladay).
Bradley is owed closer to 22 and the Mariners are sending over 9 million
Hence total savings roughly six million but it APPEARS that this figure maybe split with the six million in extra money basically coming in 2011.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
It is a net gain of 6 Million between what is owed to both players
Silva is owed 3 million more than Bradley thus total savings is six million but I am not clear when it all gets paid. It appears that it is 3 million this year and six million next year so in theory there is little effect on this year’s payroll.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 18, 2009 9:32 PM CST up reply actions
Do I understand correctly
that part of what people are saying is the 25 M Silva is owed is a 2 M buyout for 2012? If that’s the case, we save more for 2011, but at the cost of 2 M in 2012.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
Probably, but...
… the total dollars are the same. The NET savings to the Cubs is $6 million.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Is that assuming the Cubs get $9 million?
Per Cots, Bradley gets $21m, Silva gets $23m and has a $2 m buyout.
Per every article I have read...
… the Cubs are getting $9 million.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Muskat said the same thing.
$3m of that is to equalize the contracts.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
well milton bradleys traded, cubs get 6 mill, and i got a baseball autographed by fergie jenkins
life is good
Say no to Marlon Byrd, Scotty Pods, and Rick Ankiel.
by jesus christos on Dec 18, 2009 10:19 PM CST reply actions
Um where did the ball come from ?
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 18, 2009 10:40 PM CST up reply actions
The RF throw it into the bleachers eariler this year ;o)
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
he was signing them a store at yorktown mall
they were just there and he signed them
Say no to Marlon Byrd, Scotty Pods, and Rick Ankiel.
by jesus christos on Dec 18, 2009 11:00 PM CST up reply actions
Good thing you didn't offer that baseball to the Cubs
Then you would have needed to figure out what to do with Milton Bradley…..

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