Again, anyone for Mark Teahen?

by jerry morales rules on Feb 17, 2009 11:01 AM CST

I found this out on MLBtraderumors.com:

"Orlando Hudson would like to play for the Royals, but currently they cannot afford him even at a likely salary under $5MM. They could free up most of the cash by releasing Mark Teahen, but Rosenthal's source says the Royals are "unwilling to make such a move." ..."

Here is the MLBTraderumors link http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/02/rosenthal-on-hu.html

And the original Rosenthal link:

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9230332/Hudson-interested-in-K.C.,-but-is-the-feeling-mutual?%3FCMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=49

It seems that Teahen isn't being offered a starting job anywhere, though he may have a shot at winning the KC 2B job. I'm not sure what type of fielder he'd make there but I can speculate that he probably won't be very good if he's just picking it up this year.

Anyway, I think we all feel that the Cubs still need a backup at 3B and 1B. I can't imagine that Teahen would cost all that much in terms of talent, but whether the Cubs would want to pay the $3M for a backup like this is another matter. I'd still like to see the Cubs add Garciaparra as 1) he wouldn't cost as much from a salary perspecitve, 2) he certainly wouldn't cost any talent, and 3) he can play SS, but I'd be really happy with Teahen instead.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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no

no and no!!

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

by cubsluver22 on Feb 17, 2009 11:10 AM CST reply actions

Mark Teahan is logical for the Cubs

He would fill the need for somebody who brings versatility to the table and can help out at 3rd, 2nd, 1st and RF. He also brings a lefty bat off the bench to pinch hit.

The PROBLEM is that Teahan is being paid $3.5 million or so in 2009. I don’t see Hendry having the flexibility to take on that salary. Not unless he can substract somebody else.

by BLou on Feb 17, 2009 11:11 AM CST reply actions 1 recs

So how about Vizcaino for Teahen straight up?

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

by cubzfan on Feb 17, 2009 11:21 AM CST up reply actions

Because Kansas City wouldn't do that

The Royals would presumbably want to pare salary in order to better afford Orlando Hudson or Orlando Cabrera. They would want a good prospect for Teahan. Vizcaino’s is in his middle 30’s and makes $4 million in 2009. That’s going to be tough to move in this economic climate, hence why the Cubs are better served to hang onto Vizcaino in hopes he can be the effective rubber arm reliever he has demonstrated he can be.

by BLou on Feb 17, 2009 11:28 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs

correct but if the Cubs found a way to move Vizcaino freeing up $2.5-$3M in salary

they could then free up the money if the $3.5 is hindering this kind of move.

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Feb 17, 2009 1:31 PM CST up reply actions

I still can't get over

the second half of Teahen’s 2006 season. I still think that there’s potential there, though I don’t think he’s a .300 hitter with 30 HR’s.

Yes, the salary is an issue. I don’t know who the Cubs could unload at this point, especially since they already unloaded DeRosa, but I would rather have Teahen than Miles if it were up to me. Not that I dislike Miles. I’m just stating a preference.

by jerry morales rules on Feb 17, 2009 11:27 AM CST up reply actions

I wouldn't scream...

if the Cubs signed him, but I wouldn’t want them to go out of the way to do it.

At this point — with free agents still on the board, and the likelihood that some teams may look at their squads further over the next few weeks and start dumping salaries early — I’d just as soon that the Cubs hold pat for now..

by Damen Jackson on Feb 17, 2009 11:13 AM CST reply actions

+1

Wait til teams have injuries in their bullpens, then pawn off Vizcaino!

I have nothing funny or creative to write.

by Canadian Cubs Fan on Feb 17, 2009 11:30 AM CST up reply actions

agreed

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Feb 17, 2009 11:32 AM CST up reply actions

Orlando Hudson would like to play for the Royals

Why?

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Feb 17, 2009 11:30 AM CST reply actions

It beats the unemployment line he stands in right now

by BLou on Feb 17, 2009 11:33 AM CST up reply actions

+1

Although I add more substantive reasons below. :) – TL

by timlacy on Feb 17, 2009 12:02 PM CST up reply actions

Because the Royals are...

…on the rise. There’s a lot of optimism in that camp because of very solid pitching a young core of maturing position players. They’re hoping to be the Rays of 2010. Of course that’s a tough act to follow, but baseball is a mysterious game from year to year. And 2nd base is one of their weakest spots on the field—-despite having Callaspo and Bloomquist and the Teahen-to-2nd project. – TL

by timlacy on Feb 17, 2009 12:01 PM CST up reply actions

I bet $20 to Cubs Care

that the Royals do not finish above 3rd in their division

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

by Cubbie-Tim on Feb 17, 2009 12:05 PM CST up reply actions

You might be right

but that doesn’t mean that’s not a winnable division, or at least they can make a run.

by jerry morales rules on Feb 17, 2009 12:08 PM CST up reply actions

History says...

…you’re right. But history has never shown a 1-to-1 correlation in the baseball analysis and prediction business. – TL

by timlacy on Feb 17, 2009 12:10 PM CST up reply actions

I wouldn't be surprised if

the Royals won the division. Look at the division – nothing’s all that exciting.

The Royals arguably have the best one-two punch rotation wise in Greinke/Meche. I mean, does anyone really expect Cliff Lee to be as good as he was last year? And Meche quietly turned in an excellent year in 08. With Hochevar, they should have a solid mid-end of the rotation arm. Can Davies repeat his performance? They probably need one more arm in the rotation, but they do have some assets in the minors that could reach the bigs this year and help. The bullpen should be solid. There’s some roles that need to be addressed, but Soria gives them an anchor back there, and their system should be able to provide some assets.

The biggest question is that lineup. The question is – is there enough power? They improved defensively by adding Crisp, but that means DeJesus is in LF. Thus, they need their power to come from Jose Guillen, Alex Gordon, hope Aviles can keep it up, or whoever ends up manning first base and DH. That’s a bit iffy, but not impossible. I think Gordon should improve, and if they give Butler a chance, I think he should be fine. Adding Hudson would improve the infield defense and upgrade the offense, as Hudson is likely better than their options next to Aviles right now.

I think, on paper, the Royals have as good a shot as any team in the AL Central this year.

by toonsterwu on Feb 17, 2009 1:41 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs

+1, I recommended this (of course).

And the Royals picked up a little power by by adding Mike Jacobs. He’s not the best 1st baseman in the game, but he’ll help that team in an area where they precisely needed help.

And the Sox will outperform projections. The division should be entertaining even if it isn’t the AL East. – TL

by timlacy on Feb 17, 2009 1:51 PM CST up reply actions

Seriously?

I have to think the favorites in that division is the Tribe. They had a great second half, added a good closer and a versatile infielder/outfielder. Maybe you’ve heard of those two.

KC’s pitching is VERY shaky.

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 17, 2009 2:35 PM CST up reply actions

Let's take a look at those rotations

And btw, I wasn’t saying the Royals were the favorites. I’m not sure who I would favor amongst KC, Cleveland, and Minnesota. I think the White Sox are a step back, and the Tigers are 2 steps back and a poor start away from a firesale.

But Cleveland vs. KC

Rotations:

Cleveland: Cliff Lee, Fausto Carmona, Carl Pavano, Aaron Laffey, and Anthony Reyes (there’s some other back end options, but Laffey had a solid year and Reyes finished strong)

Kansas City: Zach Greinke, Gil Meche, Luke Hochevar, Kyle Davies, and Brian Bannister

Everything comes down to if you buy Cliff Lee being as dominant as he was last year. I think the betting money is against, but who knows. I don’t buy him being as dominant as he was. I prefer Greinke to Lee, but let’s call that a draw. I prefer Meche over Carmona, as I know what Meche can offer, whereas Fausto has to bounce back. But I’m okay calling it a draw. Are the back ends of those rotations all that different in value? Don’t see it. So … while I prefer the Royals, I can buy someone calling it a draw on paper.

Bullpens: I’ll give the nod to the Indians, but it isn’t by much. Soria’s an excellent closer, and they’ve got enough arms there, along with the guys in the minors, to fill roles. But the Indians pen is a bit more proven.

Lineup: The Indians lineup doesn’t scare me, on paper, right now. Is Choo a dominant OF? I’m hesitant to think that. Can Martinez rebound and have a big offensive season? I’m iffy on that due to the wear and tear. I don’t think much is expected out of Pronk. Is the lineup a bit better than the Royals, on paper, right now? Perhaps, but it’s not by much. There’s enough power questions (Peralta may honestly their big power threat after Sizemore, and well, I wouldn’t want to depend on Jhonny Peralta coming through for my offense to excel).

For me, short of it is, I don’t see the big difference. I think the Royals have a slightly better rotation, I think the Indians have a slightly better pen and offense. Defensively, I think the Royals may be slightly better, unless the Indians get smart and slide DeRosa to 2nd, Cabrera to short, and Peralta to third.

I think I would put Minnesota first, but I’m very lukewarm on their rotation repeating their 2008 level of success as a whole, and their bullpen isn’t the dominant force that it once was. I think it is real close between all three. Cleveland has the strongest system, which could make a difference, although I think Carlos Rosa and Dan Cortes could help the Royals at some point in 2009.

by toonsterwu on Feb 17, 2009 2:56 PM CST up reply actions

FWIW...

…Sporting News is picking KC to finish third in the AL Central – between the Twins and the Indians in first and second and White Sox and Tigers in fourth and fifth. (Yes, I brought my 2009 yearbook in to work today.) Their writers expect them to “step up and contend.” I’d love to see the Royals pull a Tampa Bay Rays and shock that division.

"[It's going to be] a long, long spring. I will get tired of the prickly pear margaritas." - Lou Piniella, 2/16/09

by daver on Feb 17, 2009 2:52 PM CST up reply actions

I just don't see it.

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 17, 2009 2:58 PM CST up reply actions

That's natural.

I can understand Al. Even as a 20-year Royals fan, I can hardly believe it myself. But believe it. KC will be in the thick of things all year. No question. – TL

by timlacy on Feb 17, 2009 6:53 PM CST up reply actions

Dont we need a RH bat for the bench?

Ideally

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 Feb 17, 2009 11:42 AM CST reply actions

No, I think Lou wants the entire team to bat lefthanded.

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 17, 2009 1:27 PM CST up reply actions

Y'know, one other bright side to Micah Hoffpauir...

…is, when he does give DLee a rest by playing first base, Derrek would presumably be available as a PH. Just saying.

"[It's going to be] a long, long spring. I will get tired of the prickly pear margaritas." - Lou Piniella, 2/16/09

by daver on Feb 17, 2009 1:40 PM CST up reply actions

I should have used the sarcasm indicator there.

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 17, 2009 2:35 PM CST up reply actions

No, I knew you were being sarcastic...

…I just wanted to slip that comment in somewhere. I know I’m stretching.

"[It's going to be] a long, long spring. I will get tired of the prickly pear margaritas." - Lou Piniella, 2/16/09

by daver on Feb 17, 2009 2:46 PM CST up reply actions

Would love it. he could adeuately play Mark DeRosa

go get him

"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"

by fischisgod on Feb 17, 2009 12:12 PM CST reply actions

Adequately play Mark DeRosa?

Like, in a broadway musical?

"[It's going to be] a long, long spring. I will get tired of the prickly pear margaritas." - Lou Piniella, 2/16/09

by daver on Feb 17, 2009 12:14 PM CST up reply actions

That role has already been filled

by Michael Johns

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

by cubzfan on Feb 17, 2009 4:38 PM CST up reply actions

A back up and 3rd and 1st??

Hoffpauir is the backup at 1st. I think that is set. Barring injury, Aramis will not be out of the lineup very often but when he does Miles will do fine there. With an injury to Aramis, I believe the Cubs would install Vitters there for a taste of the action.

This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).

by mrcubsfan on Feb 17, 2009 12:21 PM CST reply actions

Vitters?

Vitters is not ready. Miles is not a good replacement for Ramirez offensively. They are totally different players.

Let’s not forget that Teahen could also fill in for Bradley (and Bradley’s LH bat) if Bradley were to spend any time on the DL.

Hoff is brutal defensively. Teahen is quite good, at least at 3B and RF. Teahen could also pinch run, not necessarily a Hoff strong suit. Flexibility has become a priority in MLB for bench guys. Teahen gives you a lot of that. Hoff does not.

by jerry morales rules on Feb 17, 2009 1:12 PM CST up reply actions

yep

vitters is at least another year away

by Cubinator on Feb 17, 2009 5:46 PM CST up reply actions

I think 2011

Is the earliest year we can have some expectations on Vitters. In a positive scenario, Vitters tears up Low A, High A, and perhaps gets a cup of tea at AA. In 2010, he starts at AA and reaches AAA and maybe is ready late in the year for a September call-up. That’s a really positive scenario, though.

A more realistic, while still hopeful, scenario, has Vitters in High A by the end of 2009. He starts 2010 in Daytona or Tennessee, and ends the year in AA or AAA He could thus get a shot in 2011 at the start, or be at AAA.

This is, of course, assuming all goes well. Considering Mike Moustakas struggled in the MWL last year, and considering most people though of Moustakas as the better talent then and still do now, I can easily see a scenario where Vitters struggles in the MWL.

by toonsterwu on Feb 17, 2009 8:49 PM CST up reply actions

DGU wants him bad also

and he would finish off most of the bench….still a true SS short….I would like Angel’s Izturis.

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Feb 17, 2009 1:32 PM CST reply actions

I'd rather have a SS

but I like the depth Teahen would bring for the days when Bradley or Aramis won’t be playing.

The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.

by DGU on Feb 17, 2009 8:19 PM CST up reply actions

This dead horse

is fun to slap a saddle on, I’ll admit it. He would be a very good player for this team to have, but I don’t think it happens because of all that would have to happen for it to happen. Uh, yeah.

I just saw that Corey Koskie is supposed to be healthy and coming back. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to invite him to ST.

by JodyDavis on Feb 17, 2009 1:33 PM CST reply actions

Kansas City is an up and coming team

I won’t pretend to think they can compete for the playoffs yet. But they do have something good brewing. Objectively speaking, I’d have to say this division will come down to a two horse race between Cleveland and Detroit. Both were horrendous underachievers in 2008, but both have too much going for them to stay that bad two years in a row.

I like what the White Sox are doing in terms of rebuilding on the fly. I dont’ however think they will be playoff bound in 2009. Not enough pitching and too one-dimensional of an offense.

by BLou on Feb 17, 2009 3:54 PM CST reply actions

While you can claim Cleveland underachieved...

they lost both hafner and martinez early on in the season. They have both of those guys back, plus DeRo, plus a healthy Carmona, not to mention Sizemore is still there. As for last year, after the All Star break I believe record wise they were the 2nd best team in the majors. Thats impressive with two of your top power bats…but yes, the Royals are on the rise. I think they are a year away from making a playoff push, an maybe would be willing to move teahen.

by MDavis on Feb 17, 2009 6:15 PM CST reply actions