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Around SBN: 2011 In Extreme Home Runs

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.

Comment 491 comments  |  3 recs  | 

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...and more interesting days should be to come

Hendry now has time and a budget to make some more moves.

by Qixotl on Dec 18, 2009 2:02 PM CST up reply actions  

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  

haha.

Thanks. I needed a laugh.

by CubsWin!Oregon on Dec 18, 2009 8:22 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.

by gizmo6d9 on Dec 18, 2009 2:02 PM CST reply actions  

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 4:03 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 6:20 PM CST up reply actions  

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  

Not to mention...

the M’s are one of the best defensive teams in baseball.

by cubfan2201 on Dec 18, 2009 2:29 PM CST up reply actions  

they are now...

they weren’t during Silva’s first year.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.

by redwolf75 on Dec 19, 2009 7:21 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.

by gizmo6d9 on Dec 18, 2009 5:54 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by DGU on Dec 18, 2009 3:07 PM CST up reply actions  

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"...

by Zeke on Dec 18, 2009 2:04 PM CST reply actions  

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.

by TJ3117 on Dec 18, 2009 2:07 PM CST reply actions  

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  

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.

by KyCubsFan on Dec 18, 2009 10:57 PM CST up reply actions  

Apparently ...

Theriot said “thank god Bradley’s gone” — or something similar — on ESPN 1000 this morning.

by elgato on Dec 18, 2009 2:09 PM CST reply actions  

Seriously?

Now only 12,859 on the "Cubs Season Tickets Waiting List"...

by Zeke on Dec 18, 2009 2:10 PM CST up reply actions  

said it again!

Paraphrasing Theriot as “Thanks god he’s gone!” Thanks, ESPN1000.

by elgato on Dec 18, 2009 2:51 PM CST up reply actions  

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"

by cubzfan on Dec 18, 2009 2:13 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 2:10 PM CST reply actions  

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

I agree

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 2:13 PM CST up reply actions  

this trade looked terrible

… until it was clear the Mariners were sending $9 million. I can live with this.

by elgato on Dec 18, 2009 2:13 PM CST up reply actions  

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  

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?

by cubfan2201 on Dec 18, 2009 2:23 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by ClarkFan on Dec 18, 2009 9:24 PM CST up reply actions  

Turn it green.

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 4:03 PM CST up reply actions  

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!

by Scott G F on Dec 18, 2009 2:12 PM CST reply actions  

on the bright side

blou is wrong yet again

Say no to Marlon Byrd, Scotty Pods, and Rick Ankiel.

by jesus christos on Dec 18, 2009 2:19 PM CST 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  

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

by sue369 on Dec 18, 2009 2:47 PM CST up reply actions  

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  

Oh I know.

OK I don't know shit about basketball.

by SoulEater7 on Nov. 5, 2009 9:51 PM CST

by sue369 on Dec 18, 2009 2:50 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!

by N Oakley on Dec 18, 2009 3:05 PM CST up reply actions  

Hmmm, not sure.

OK I don't know shit about basketball.

by SoulEater7 on Nov. 5, 2009 9:51 PM CST

by sue369 on Dec 18, 2009 5:52 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by cubfan2201 on Dec 18, 2009 2:21 PM CST reply actions  

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.

by elgato on Dec 18, 2009 2:26 PM CST up reply actions  

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  

No Soup For You!

Now only 12,859 on the "Cubs Season Tickets Waiting List"...

by Zeke on Dec 18, 2009 6:13 PM CST up reply actions  

I'm NOT defending Milton

I’m saying why predicting crazy behavior wasn’t THAT cut and dried.

by elgato on Dec 18, 2009 2:30 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by cubfan2201 on Dec 18, 2009 2:25 PM CST up reply actions  

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

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.

by CalCalender on Dec 18, 2009 2:32 PM CST up reply actions  

i know

its just this trade is extremely aggravating for me. Also I hate the term innings eater.

by CalCalender on Dec 18, 2009 2:38 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by katie casey on Dec 18, 2009 3:01 PM CST up reply actions  

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  

maybe he's a minion

"Fasten those seatbelts"-Pat Hughes

by katie casey on Dec 18, 2009 3:12 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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 4:04 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 19, 2009 8:06 AM CST up reply actions  

Is a minion a small onion?

Now only 12,859 on the "Cubs Season Tickets Waiting List"...

by Zeke on Dec 18, 2009 6:15 PM CST up reply actions  

major fail on your part Bub.

OK I don't know shit about basketball.

by SoulEater7 on Nov. 5, 2009 9:51 PM CST

by sue369 on Dec 18, 2009 5:53 PM CST up reply actions  

Little high on that 99%

I would say 50/50, just a tad off on your 99%

by Grockcubs on Dec 18, 2009 6:23 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 4:05 PM CST up reply actions  

that's a good point ...

MB never could do the RBI thing.

by elgato on Dec 18, 2009 4:06 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  

yeah

i would be disappointed if i was pitching F. Hernandez and Cliff Lee 40% of the time

by KyCubsFan on Dec 18, 2009 11:02 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  

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

by gaclaudy on Dec 18, 2009 5:47 PM CST up reply actions  

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  

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  

Do we play Seattle in interleague?

by 10 14 23 26 on Dec 18, 2009 2:39 PM CST 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 Bradley will be healthy for the series

by CubsFan87 on Dec 18, 2009 2:43 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by CalCalender on Dec 18, 2009 2:56 PM CST up reply actions  

add Mike Parisi

that Rule 5 pick to the list as well.

by CalCalender on Dec 18, 2009 2:58 PM CST up reply actions  

I knew I forgot something serious.

at daver's request, Let's frontload this B**ch!

by N Oakley on Dec 18, 2009 3:06 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by DGU on Dec 18, 2009 3:12 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by redwolf75 on Dec 19, 2009 2:13 AM CST up reply actions  

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

by Slakkr on Dec 18, 2009 2:46 PM CST reply actions  

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.

by elgato on Dec 18, 2009 2:48 PM CST up reply actions  

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 …

by elgato on Dec 18, 2009 2:58 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by DGU on Dec 18, 2009 3:15 PM CST up reply actions  

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  

reed johnson is an awful CF

UZR: -14.5/Dewan -17. Byrd is a definite upgrade 0.0 UZR/Dewan -6

by Andronicus on Dec 18, 2009 3:46 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.

by Andronicus on Dec 18, 2009 4:08 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by DGU on Dec 18, 2009 3:50 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by DGU on Dec 18, 2009 4:06 PM CST up reply actions  

Now only 12,859 on the "Cubs Season Tickets Waiting List"...

by Zeke on Dec 18, 2009 6:18 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by Clark Addison on Dec 18, 2009 3:20 PM CST reply actions  

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.

by BLou on Dec 18, 2009 3:24 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by BLou on Dec 18, 2009 3:32 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 6:21 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by gaclaudy on Dec 18, 2009 6:37 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

by gaclaudy on Dec 18, 2009 6:44 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by gaclaudy on Dec 18, 2009 10:42 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 9:37 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 9:37 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by ClarkFan on Dec 18, 2009 10:17 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 19, 2009 8:07 AM CST up reply actions  

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  

I agree.

Silva is a spent force.

6 mill is what we got for Bradley. Nothing else.

by AussieCub on Dec 18, 2009 7:25 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.

by BLou on Dec 18, 2009 3:26 PM CST reply actions  

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.

by BLou on Dec 18, 2009 3:30 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

Still many trade possibilities.

How about Carlos Silva for Aaron Rowand? I keed, I keed….

Fontenot (fon-te-no): Cajun for "scrappy"

by cubzfan on Dec 18, 2009 4:43 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.

by AussieCub on Dec 18, 2009 7:28 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by leothelip on Dec 18, 2009 3:34 PM CST up reply actions  

If they could get better offense out of Fukudome in RF...

… that might work.

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 4:05 PM CST up reply actions  

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?

by elgato on Dec 18, 2009 4:12 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by DGU on Dec 18, 2009 4:14 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by DGU on Dec 18, 2009 4:18 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by elgato on Dec 18, 2009 4:21 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by DGU on Dec 18, 2009 4:27 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by elgato on Dec 18, 2009 4:29 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by DGU on Dec 18, 2009 4:36 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by elgato on Dec 18, 2009 4:39 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by DGU on Dec 18, 2009 5:29 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

by DGU on Dec 18, 2009 9:21 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

by gaclaudy on Dec 18, 2009 10:25 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by elgato on Dec 18, 2009 5:12 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by DGU on Dec 18, 2009 4:12 PM CST up reply actions  

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?

by elgato on Dec 18, 2009 4:16 PM CST up reply actions  

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

wharrgarbl is brillig!

we do tend to gyre and gimble in the wabe…

Cubs Supreme in Baseball World.

by Emelie on Dec 18, 2009 4:34 PM CST up reply actions  

mmmm

face

at daver's request, Let's frontload this B**ch!

by N Oakley on Dec 18, 2009 4:34 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by DGU on Dec 18, 2009 4:18 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by elgato on Dec 18, 2009 4:20 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by DGU on Dec 18, 2009 4:28 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by elgato on Dec 18, 2009 4:30 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by DGU on Dec 18, 2009 4:36 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by elgato on Dec 18, 2009 4:41 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by TJ11 on Dec 18, 2009 4:44 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by elgato on Dec 18, 2009 4:46 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by DGU on Dec 18, 2009 5:30 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

Dr. Linkenstein

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  

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.

by TJ11 on Dec 19, 2009 8:20 AM CST up reply actions  

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

by plenz on Dec 18, 2009 3:34 PM CST reply actions  

Bring ALL the Lugnuts back!

Now only 12,859 on the "Cubs Season Tickets Waiting List"...

by Zeke on Dec 18, 2009 6:20 PM CST up reply actions  

Pie is looking rather good in Baltimore.

What made Cubs fans dislike him when he was in Chicago?

by redwolf75 on Dec 19, 2009 2:15 AM CST up reply actions  

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

by DGU on Dec 19, 2009 9:26 AM CST up reply actions  

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.

by ClarkFan on Dec 19, 2009 11:18 AM CST up reply actions  

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Dec 19, 2009 1:58 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by ClarkFan on Dec 19, 2009 2:03 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by DGU on Dec 19, 2009 8:36 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by BLou on Dec 18, 2009 3:34 PM CST reply actions  

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  

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?

  1. - From Chicago to Seattle – The land west of Wrigley Field – sorry Triangle building
  2. - From Chicago to Seattle – A 2010 Bears’ draft pick. Do we have any left?
  3. - From Seattle to Chicago – Cab vouchers for Patrick Kane

Name your favorite Sports or Chicago “assets” to include in the trade.

by RiskyBusiness on Dec 18, 2009 3:35 PM CST reply actions  

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

That's part of the problem, yes.

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 5:10 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by gaclaudy on Dec 18, 2009 5:36 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by JB 23 on Dec 18, 2009 8:35 PM CST up reply actions  

Welcome to Cutler World

And as a Broncos fan, I can say, “Good luck escaping from it.”

by ClarkFan on Dec 18, 2009 9:44 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by sue369 on Dec 18, 2009 6:10 PM CST up reply actions  

Mark Giangreco for a fish

from Pikes Place market.

Al, no comment expected here.

at daver's request, Let's frontload this B**ch!

by N Oakley on Dec 18, 2009 4:26 PM CST up reply actions  

+1

on Ankiel over Pods and Byrd

by plenz on Dec 18, 2009 3:35 PM CST reply actions  

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.

by ClarkFan on Dec 18, 2009 9:46 PM CST up reply actions  

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?

by TheHawkRules on Dec 18, 2009 3:43 PM CST reply actions  

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  

My choice for cf

is a platoon of Fuld and Johnson.

by Clark Addison on Dec 18, 2009 3:46 PM CST 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.

by elgato on Dec 18, 2009 3:50 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by elgato on Dec 18, 2009 4:08 PM CST up reply actions  

At least those two guys have high OBP.

That’s a useful skill.

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 4:11 PM CST up reply actions  

GREAT!

So Sam Fuld can hit behind Ramirez and in front of Soriano.

by elgato on Dec 18, 2009 4:17 PM CST up reply actions  

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  

heh heh heh....

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

by ballhawk on Dec 20, 2009 11:25 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.

by ClarkFan on Dec 18, 2009 9:48 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 9:49 PM CST up reply actions  

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!!!!!

by TJ11 on Dec 18, 2009 3:48 PM CST reply actions  

Thank You

How many years is Silva signed through?

by TJ11 on Dec 18, 2009 3:52 PM CST up reply actions  

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!

by lexmarklover on Dec 18, 2009 3:55 PM CST reply actions  

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…

by Andronicus on Dec 18, 2009 4:01 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by AussieCub on Dec 18, 2009 7:36 PM CST up reply actions  

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  

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 4:12 PM CST up reply actions  

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  

OK, 3 years at $25M

$6M, $9M and $10M, with a $12M player option for the 4th year.

by ClarkFan on Dec 18, 2009 9:50 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

by DGU on Dec 18, 2009 4:13 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by elgato on Dec 18, 2009 4:23 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by ClarkFan on Dec 18, 2009 10:21 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by DGU on Dec 18, 2009 4:03 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by DGU on Dec 18, 2009 4:08 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Dec 19, 2009 2:00 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by elgato on Dec 18, 2009 4:10 PM CST up reply actions  

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!

by N Oakley on Dec 18, 2009 4:30 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 4:56 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by DGU on Dec 18, 2009 5:31 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by DGU on Dec 18, 2009 9:23 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 4:08 PM CST up reply actions  

This is much better than the Burrell deal.

Silva can be buried in the bullpen.

Burrell was going to be pretty useless.

by TJ11 on Dec 18, 2009 5:28 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by gaclaudy on Dec 18, 2009 5:38 PM CST up reply actions  

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  

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

by cubsluver22 on Dec 18, 2009 4:16 PM CST reply actions  

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

by cubsluver22 on Dec 18, 2009 4:24 PM CST up reply actions  

LOL!

OK I don't know shit about basketball.

by SoulEater7 on Nov. 5, 2009 9:51 PM CST

by sue369 on Dec 18, 2009 6:14 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by Saratoga on Dec 18, 2009 6:18 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by gaclaudy on Dec 18, 2009 4:20 PM CST reply actions  

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

by Chanman25 on Dec 18, 2009 4:31 PM CST reply actions  

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 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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 6:22 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by cubsluver22 on Dec 18, 2009 6:24 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 6:32 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by cubsluver22 on Dec 18, 2009 6:37 PM CST up reply actions  

And what's your point, exactly?

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 9:37 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 20, 2009 9:13 AM CST up reply actions  

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

by cubsluver22 on Dec 20, 2009 8:38 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 21, 2009 10:38 AM CST up reply actions  

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

by Eric16 on Dec 18, 2009 4:36 PM CST reply actions  

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

by cubsluver22 on Dec 18, 2009 4:41 PM CST up reply actions  

That would be a match made in heaven

"Women...you can't live without them, and they can't pee standing up." Rube Baker

by Eric16 on Dec 18, 2009 4:42 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by Eric16 on Dec 18, 2009 4:46 PM CST up reply actions  

well played

at daver's request, Let's frontload this B**ch!

by N Oakley on Dec 18, 2009 4:58 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by DGU on Dec 18, 2009 5:33 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by cooliogirl47 on Dec 18, 2009 4:47 PM CST reply actions  

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.

by elgato on Dec 18, 2009 4:49 PM CST up reply actions  

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?

by kanderber on Dec 18, 2009 5:52 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by MDavis on Dec 18, 2009 4:49 PM CST reply actions  

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.

by kanderber on Dec 18, 2009 5:29 PM CST reply actions  

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.

by Ace Venom on Dec 18, 2009 5:43 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by gaclaudy on Dec 18, 2009 5:43 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 5:43 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 6:22 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by kanderber on Dec 18, 2009 5:55 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 6:23 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by cubsluver22 on Dec 18, 2009 6:24 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 6:33 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by cubsluver22 on Dec 18, 2009 6:36 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by cubsluver22 on Dec 18, 2009 6:43 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

by gaclaudy on Dec 18, 2009 6:47 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by gaclaudy on Dec 18, 2009 6:52 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by cubsluver22 on Dec 18, 2009 6:49 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.

by kanderber on Dec 18, 2009 7:06 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by kanderber on Dec 18, 2009 8:14 PM CST up reply actions  

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  

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

by gaclaudy on Dec 18, 2009 6:44 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by bren on Dec 18, 2009 5:43 PM CST reply actions  

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.

by Ace Venom on Dec 18, 2009 5:44 PM CST up reply actions  

*thinking

And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.

by Ace Venom on Dec 18, 2009 5:44 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by Ace Venom on Dec 18, 2009 5:48 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by bren on Dec 18, 2009 5:51 PM CST up reply actions  

Has Ricketts made any sort of statement?

Now only 12,859 on the "Cubs Season Tickets Waiting List"...

by Zeke on Dec 18, 2009 6:24 PM CST reply actions  

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

by cubsluver22 on Dec 18, 2009 6:26 PM CST up reply actions  

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  

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.

by MDavis on Dec 18, 2009 7:04 PM CST reply actions  

Are you aware of the extreme...

character issues with Silva? I’m guessing now.

by kanderber on Dec 18, 2009 7:07 PM CST up reply actions  

"Extreme character issues"?

Wow, is that wrong.

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 9:38 PM CST up reply actions  

If you were expecting reasoned perspective

I must remind you of this:

Fox, Miles Traded To Oakland.

I think we all could see this coming…

"I have the time and hatred but not the knowledge." ~Madison Cub Fan (Aug. 25, 2009)

by Goodie1969 on Dec 18, 2009 7:27 PM CST up reply actions  

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?

by krummy12 on Dec 18, 2009 7:25 PM CST reply actions  

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 9:39 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Dec 19, 2009 2:02 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.

by AussieCub on Dec 18, 2009 7:57 PM CST up reply actions  

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.

by GHCF2314 on Dec 18, 2009 8:08 PM CST reply actions  

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.

by rlpete on Dec 18, 2009 8:32 PM CST reply actions  

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  

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.

by rlpete on Dec 19, 2009 8:13 AM CST up reply actions  

$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).

by ClarkFan on Dec 19, 2009 11:23 AM CST up reply actions  

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

by Doggie Stalker on Dec 18, 2009 8:39 PM CST reply actions  

Muskat is saying $6 million

If it is $9 million then it isn’t quite as bad.

by rlpete on Dec 18, 2009 8:51 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by DGU on Dec 18, 2009 9:35 PM CST up reply actions  

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2009 9:40 PM CST up reply actions  

Is that assuming the Cubs get $9 million?

Per Cots, Bradley gets $21m, Silva gets $23m and has a $2 m buyout.

by rlpete on Dec 19, 2009 8:15 AM CST up reply actions  

Per every article I have read...

… the Cubs are getting $9 million.

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 19, 2009 9:05 AM CST up reply actions  

Except Muskat on MLB.COM

I guess we should consider the source

by rlpete on Dec 19, 2009 10:13 AM CST up reply actions  

Muskat said the same thing.

$3m of that is to equalize the contracts.

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 19, 2009 1:07 PM CST up 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

by gaclaudy on Dec 18, 2009 10:44 PM CST up reply actions  

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…..

by ClarkFan on Dec 19, 2009 11:24 AM CST up reply actions  

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MLB.com Cubs Top 20 prospect list
A position ranking of the NL central by ESPN.
Draft Pick Currency and the Cubs
Yoenis Cespedes

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How many games will the Cubs win in 2012?

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It Is Only...

It Is Only...

Cubs By The Numbers

Cubs By The Numbers is a history of the ballclub by uniform number, but the biographies help trace the history of our beloved team in a new way. For everyone who's a Cubs fan, anyone who ever wore the uniform is like family. Cubs By The Numbers reintroduces readers to some of their long-lost ancestors, even ones they think they already know.

Click here to order your copy, available now!

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Managing Editor

Alyellontoppscard_small Al Yellon

Front Page Contributors

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Marvin_the_martian_small Shawn Domagal-Goldman

Other Contributors

Dsc_0139_small David Sameshima

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