Cubs Winter Meetings Preview
by Al Yellon on Dec 5, 2010 9:01 AM CST
in Chicago Cubs News
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The baseball Winter Meetings begin tomorrow in what is called The Happiest Place On Earth, a Disney resort in Orlando, Florida.
Only time will tell if the meetings will bring happiness to Cubs fans. Instead of more agonized handwringing over the players the Cubs did not sign or acquire over the last couple of days, I thought I'd give you a chance here to discuss the needs the team has and who they might acquire to fill those needs.
One of those might be free agent 1B Adam LaRoche, who had a down year (.788 OPS after being over .800 four straight years) even though he drove in 100 runs. He strikes out a lot -- but then, so does that entire Diamondbacks team. He'd be a relatively inexpensive stopgap at first base, if signed for only one year.
Instead of trying to make an entire 25-man roster, let's look at the players who appear to be guaranteed a spot on the Opening Day roster in 2011. Even some players who were tendered contracts last week aren't absolutely locks to be on the team. You may not agree with all of these selections, but here's how I see it, given players currently on the 40-man roster and not considering any possible trades.
Catcher: Geovany Soto
Infield: Blake DeWitt, Jeff Baker, Starlin Castro, Aramis Ramirez, Darwin Barney
Outfield: Alfonso Soriano, Marlon Byrd, Kosuke Fukudome, Tyler Colvin
SP: Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster, Randy Wells, Carlos Silva, Tom Gorzelanny
RP: Carlos Marmol, Sean Marshall, Andrew Cashner, John Grabow
That's 19 players, which would leave six openings -- more if some of the players the Cubs would probably like to trade (Fukudome, Silva) can be dealt. There's a first baseman needed -- right now, LaRoche is a possibility, as is Chris Davis, who could be acquired from the Texas Rangers. I've got five starting pitchers listed, but Casey Coleman and possibly even Chris Archer could be considered for the rotation if a deal could be made.
A backup outfielder or two is necessary. Will Sam Fuld make the team again? Should the Cubs go with 11 pitchers to give them more bench flexibility? (I would, but managers today don't seem willing to do that.) The Cubs could use a veteran relief pitcher; obviously, Kerry Wood fits the bill, but he may be too expensive to bring back to the North Side.
Will the Cubs make a Rule 5 pick who will get significant playing time in spring training and possibly stick with the team? The last three picks -- Tim Lahey, David Patton and Mike Parisi -- were all basically a complete waste of time and roster space. This year, I hope the Cubs say "pass" when their turn comes up in this draft on Thursday morning. The only recent Rule 5 pick who had an impact on the Cubs (and don't say Josh Hamilton here, please) was Randy Wells, who was taken in 2007 by the Blue Jays, pitched in one game for them, and then returned to the Cubs.
We haven't heard many rumors attached to the Cubs and that is likely because Jim Hendry doesn't like to negotiate in the media, which I'm sure his fellow GM's appreciate. Let's hope he's got several good deals up his sleeve this week.
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OK trying to stay positive
The best thing the Cubs can do for this week and the rest of the offseason:
- Skip Rule 5.
- Sign LaRoche or Pena for one year. At this point I don’t care which.
- Trade a catcher to Texas for Chris Davis.
- Pending results of the physical, sign Brandon Webb for one year and club option for a second.
- Sign another RH reliever.
- Inquire about Conor Jackson of the A’s.
- Start preparing for the 2011 draft today.
And remaining positive:
- Hope that every possible break in 2011 goes the Cubs way.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
You really think Pena is better than LaRoche?
Pena has declined three straight years.
I like the Brandon Webb idea, too.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I'd prefer LaRoche
but I’m not sure it makes much difference for 2011. Pena should be cheaper.
It would be advisable to pick up a RH 1B/OF if they get Pena. He really struggles vs. LH’ers.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
I kind of like Overbay
of the leftovers. Konerko would cost our 1st round pick, which seems like a bad idea. There is also Yonder Alonzo of the Reds. Not sure what he would cost (Cashner?) or if it would be worth it.
I think Putz would be good for the set-up man.
I’ll bet we start hearing some rumors about Soriano and ARAM too. There’s lots of teams looking for bats out there (Tigers, A’s, Angels, Red Sox, Yankees, Nats, Orioles) and really only 4 quality hitters left in FA: Crawford, Worth, Konerko and Beltre.
I know I’ll get ripped for that, but I’ll bet they could be moved.
by SouthWabashSoul on Dec 5, 2010 10:48 AM CST up reply actions
I won't rip you
but I wouldn’t hold my breath for anyone looking for a league average LF’er getting paid $72 million for the next 4 years. Feel free to dream though.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
TJ11 you're just gettin'
nasty now… :]
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
If the Cubs could move Soriano and save half the money he is due, they should jump at the chance
He is on the path to being a replacement-level player by 2013.
They should just DFA him and eat his contract.
NO ONE is going to sign the 2nd WORST outfielder in the majors behind Manny Ramirez. Unless he can go to the AL and DH. God, that would be nice.
Yes'm
I doubt Pena will be cheaper
His agent is Boras and rumor mill has him wanting more money than at least the O’s want to pay.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 5, 2010 10:57 AM CST up reply actions
Not interested.
Not interested in Overbay, either. He’s two years older than LaRoche and never has had even a single dominant season.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
What qualifies as a dominant season?
I’m genuinely curious what you’re getting at. To me, the only guy of the second-tier first basemen who had ever been dominant was Berkman — though I’m not saying the Cubs should have given him $8 million.
I'm not really looking for dominant.
That ship has sailed. WS teams are made of pitching, defense, timely hitting, team chemistry and luck. I’m looking for a consistently tough out who can catch the ball. LaRoche is streaky and strikes out a ton.
by SouthWabashSoul on Dec 5, 2010 1:10 PM CST up reply actions
yes, let's choose our starting 1B in 2011
by who had a better season in 2006, lyle overbay or adam laroche.
by circuitclout on Dec 5, 2010 3:22 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
And for the record
LaRoche’s WAR the last 3 years were 1.7, 1.0 and 1.2. Overbay’s were 3.2, 3.5 and 2.4 and he was injured the 1st half. If the Cubs got a 3.0 war from Overbay for 5 or 6 million that would be a great acquisition.
by SouthWabashSoul on Dec 5, 2010 1:45 PM CST up reply actions
Fangraphs has Overbay as 2.0, 2.4, 1.5 WAR the last 3 years.
And LaRoche at 1.7, 2.6, 2.1.
It seems like 6 of one, half dozen of the other.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Dec 6, 2010 9:03 AM CST up reply actions
Forget Adrian Gonzalez
It’s just not realistic right now for the Cubs to trade 3-4 prospects to the Padres for Adrian Gonzalez and then sign him to a 4-year $180 million deal. A more realistic option would be to sign a Carlos Pena or Adam LaRoche. Of the two, I prefer LaRoche because he’s younger, has a better career OBP and he’s got experience in the National League. Pena is good, but he’s not consistent. And, like Al said, he’s been in decline for the last 3 years.
To me, the Cubs’ biggest need is speed. They badly need a leadoff hitter and I would try like heck to get Jacoby Ellsbury from the Red Sox. Maybe even Brett Gardner formerly of the Yankees. Speed is an area the Cubs have been lacking in years and I’d like to see Quade be more aggressive than Lou was.
by jeffmills1972 on Dec 5, 2010 6:46 PM CST up reply actions
Well, you can't argue his point that it's not realistic!
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 5, 2010 10:09 PM CST up reply actions
There is NO WAY I would give Gonzalez 4/180.
45 million dollars a year is way too much for Adrian Gonzalez.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Dec 6, 2010 9:05 AM CST up reply actions
im hearing
pena will be very expensive so i doubt we will be seeing him. too bad as he has a great attitude and would make a nice addition. the cubs keep slinging the b.s. that they are a couple of players away from contending but dont seem willing to spend money. the reds are stacked and the cards just got a whole lot better. time to step up jimbo.
MAybe the Cubs are actually trying to build a team from the ground up for the first time in decades...
…Instead of relying on guys like Brian McCrae and Fred McGriff and Lance Johnson, not that I don’t love those guys.
Yes'm
If I were GM
1. Deal players who are possibly at the peak of their value because of low salary relative to performance, but who are not stars
- Find out the market value of Wells, Gorzellany, and the second tier of pitching prospects (Carpenter, Jackson, Dolis, Russell): hope to use one or two of them in a deal to acquire one top-of-rotation starter.
-Find out the market value of Marlon Byrd. The deal I’ve proposed before is Byrd and Wells for Jurrjens.
2. Go young and cheap at 1B, with two players competing with Colvin (and an eye to 2012). Give Alfonso Soriano a try at 1B in Spring Training. I don’t expect him to be very good there, but it would be one way he could be an example to the rest of the team that he is willing to try something that would help the team.
- Preferably, acquire Alex Gordon from KC for a pitcher. He could possibly go back to third for 2012.
- Chris Davis is fine as one option.
3. Don’t waste time trying to deal Fukudome, Silva, Grabow, or Zambrano. All of them will have more value (and be more wiling to accept a deal, if they have no-trade protection) at mid-season anyway.
4. Pay market rate for one RH late-inning reliever, even though salaries are a little unreasonable this offseason.
5. Consider an overpay offer for Soto. If you don’t get a catcher in return or if Chirinos and Castillo aren’t ready, you can look for another catcher later. I don’t know which teams might be interested, but I think Hendry might get calls.
No one should be untouchable on this roster unless his name is Eliot Ness...or Starlin Castro.
Wells
I don’t know how many times I have to keep repeating this….RANDY WELLSS HAS LITTLE TO NO TRADE VALUE!
http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/chicago-cubs-wrigley-bound/
HOW DO YOU KNOW THIS?
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Dec 5, 2010 10:29 AM CST up reply actions
I guess you can say it
As many times as you want to be wrong. A league average starter making the minimum with four years of control left has some value
No one should be untouchable on this roster unless his name is Eliot Ness...or Starlin Castro.
by cubzfan on Dec 5, 2010 10:31 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
RE:
Prove 100% that I am wrong and you are right. Some ppl on this site might be Cubs fans but I usually find myself shaking my head at how off base they are when it comes to understanding how real baseball front offices conduct themselves. Wells is a fringy SP and if you don’t understand that teams look at scouting reports and Wells isn’t that pretty.
NO TEAM is gonna take Wells and 1 of our 2nd tier pitching prospects for a TOR starter i’m sorry to have to be the 1 to get on and school you on this fact. I’m not being a jerk it’s just fairly ridiculous to think that’s an option.
Things like ppl saying after the Yanks lost out on Lee that we should deal Lilly for Montero. That statement is so laughable do you really check the landscape of baseball. THings is Lilly MIGHT be the #5 during the regular season for the Yanks and at best a long man in the playoffs. It’s statements like these, that Wells has trade value, shows that some ppl don’t have a grasp on the reality’s of baseball. Just like AL kept trying to act like I was some moron for saying for a fact Dunn would get 4 years.
Let me try and explain in depth why a team would not be willing to give up much if anyhting for Wells. W/ a return to norms of LOB% from his 76% in 09 to a more league avg. 72% and a return to a more normal .320 BABIP is why he posted a sub .500 record and a rise in ERA by 1.2 His stuff is fringy at best. FB has fringy velo @89.4 mph and fangraphs.com shows the pitches value (wFB) being worth -14.4 and his CU being -5.8 w/ a less then ideal seperation of just 5.8 mph. Yes hi slider is good but 2 below average pitches out of 3 is not something that will garner much trade value
http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/chicago-cubs-wrigley-bound/
Hee Hee. Self-important much?
It’s hard to assess the value of a pitcher like Wells in a deal because guys like that hardly ever get traded.
Some more precise points and clarifications.
1. I never said it would only take Wells and a 2nd tier pitching prospect to get a TOR starter. I said try to find out if they could be included in a deal for one. As in, along with other players.
2. My proposed deal of Byrd and Wells for Jurrjens left out the part where we take back Nate McLouth’s bloated contract to even out the money. We might also need to add another player.
3. Let me try and explain in depth why a team would be willing to give up something for Wells. His ERA+ over two years has been 146 and 102. His strikeout rate improved in 2010, and his sophomore troubles were mostly confined to a few games in June and August with horrible game scores. He has only been pitching for seven years, has a big strong body, and has never been injured. He came within one start of pitching 200 innings last year. With the additional innings pitched, he posted nearly as good a WAR in 2010 (2.9) as in 2009 (3.2). That’s using B-Ref’s numbers. FanGraphs has his WAR in 2010 slightly higher than in 2009. He gets groundballs, gives up less than 1 HR per 9, and holds lefties to a low slugging %. On FanGraphs, James and others have him projected as a 200-inning, 4.0 ERA pitcher with a value of 3.6 WAR for 2011. 2010 pitchers with about that value or below: Max Scherzer, Wandy Rodriguez, Ryan Dempster, Shaun Marcum, Dallas Braden. And Wells makes $0.5 M.
In his second year, Wells’ BABIP went up and his velocity went down. He was still as effective as most teams’ third starters. Let me put it this way, if he had his 102 ERA+ in 2009 and 146 in 2010, would you look at him differently? Why do you think what happened in 2010 is a better indicator of what is to come than the average of his last few years?
No one should be untouchable on this roster unless his name is Eliot Ness...or Starlin Castro.
Since we
are effectively operating as a small market team for the next year or two, why would we trade Wells? You make a good case why a team like ours should keep him.
DEJESUS!!!
Well, I'm overstating a bit
because I like yanking cubsfan1’s chain now and then. I respect his analysis of prospects a lot. I think he just is more pessimistic than necessary about Wells’ ability to maintain his performance given his stuff.
I would advocate trading Wells because the Cubs are stuck with Zambrano and Dempster, ought to have at least one lefty starter, and have at least 2-3 prospects coming up with TOR potential. It would be nice to have Wells again this year, but I don’t think they’ll miss him in 2012 or 2013, and his value is higher now because of his salary and the years of control he has left.
No one should be untouchable on this roster unless his name is Eliot Ness...or Starlin Castro.
he has trade value,
but it would be dumb to trade a decent, cost-controlled starting pitcher. These are the kinds of players you keep when you’re rebuilding.
I agree with everything Zambranofan says above and have advocated trying Soriano at 1st from the moment DLee was traded…
Numbers may not lie, but they don’t tell the whole truth (and nothing but the truth), either. -- Doug Glanville
Soriano at 1B would be a disaster.
Good defensive 1B need two things: good hands and good footwork. Soriano has neither.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I am not sure about that.
It seems like an awful lot of hard-swinging, moderately coordinated, super fat guys have played 1B at all levels, from HS to MLB, since time immemorial.
There are like 3 “plays” to learn, and they aren’t hard. Heels on the base, reach with one leg, catch the ball. Sometimes you get to throw to second. That’s pretty much it.
Granted, it’s not ideal for a guy who has a mental block causing him to jump whenever he catches the ball. But still, I wouldn’t say it’s impossible. It’s just “trickier.”
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Dec 6, 2010 9:10 AM CST up reply actions
Loney is 1st choice
In a trade high avg. hitter and decent fielder. Pena next for D and some pop, then Konerko (he’d be higher except for age and right-handedness), then LaRoche then a flyer on someone like Davis/our own Colvin. Overbay/Nick Johnson types are last ditch but still might produce more than D-Lee did last year. I think they’ll be fine, and may be just lying in woods for Pujols to possibly become available. (fine at this position, not overall, Rogers has it right their pitching is far below playoff standard).
I am sure this week will make us all happy!
Jim Hendry has us in a position to maybe get a player here and there that will put the Cubs over the top and make us World Series contenders!
I have full confidence in Jim Hendry to get it done!
What, you don't believe that JH will get it Dunn?
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Actually, yes, and I guess I just don't understand why
you feel the need to clog up the discussion with constant, useless comments. Maybe I just don’t follow bcb enough to truly understand the brilliance of the humor.
"Enough foreplay- let's get crackin'"- Fred Garvin
by davidalanu on Dec 5, 2010 2:16 PM CST up reply actions 7 recs
If you think TJ is clogging up the discussion
you are missing his humor. He is the perfect antidote to all the Chicken Littles’.
One Day!
by CubFanInChina on Dec 6, 2010 2:32 AM CST up reply actions
I thought I got it, you know, the first couple hundred times. Now I'm not so sure.
"Enough foreplay- let's get crackin'"- Fred Garvin
It's actually somewhat subtle.
At first, you just see an annoying troll. Then, you see that there’s a consistent, sardonic undercurrent that’s a bit vicious, and start to read every comment as the polar opposite of what’s written. Then, it comes full circle and you start to look forward to his take, whether you agree with it or not.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Dec 6, 2010 9:13 AM CST up reply actions
This cannot be green enough
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Dec 6, 2010 8:24 AM CST up reply actions
Dude, TJ is on fire.
Keep it up! You and elgato keep me coming back.
Come on Lisa, I'm trying to impress people here. You don't win friends with salad. ~ Homer J. Simpson
Amen
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Dec 6, 2010 8:23 AM CST up reply actions
Stopgap at 1st base
Al, I mentioned this in the Gonzalez thread, but why would the Cubs even consider a stopgap now at 1st base for 2011. Besides Prince and Pujols, what 1st baseman’s will be available in 2012 that are worth signing a stopgap for?
That's probably it.
It could be that LaRoche would be better than a stopgap and could be kept. Maybe Tyler Colvin develops as a hitter and could be moved to first base.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
And that's why...
Myself and everyone else (for the most part) were so negative on the Gonzalez thread. I believe everyone accepted the fact we would be getting a stopgap for 2011 at 1st base and then we would make a big play for A Gon. Now that A Gon. is practically signed and no longer available, there is nothing to look forward to after signing a stopgap (in regards to signing a proven, big bat). I know Prince and Pujols will be available in 2012, but the chances are slim, compared to the availablity of A. Gon (before the trade).
The thing is...
… getting one of those guys guarantees you nothing, other than having to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on one player.
Let’s move on. This team can be built into a winner in other ways.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Could not agree more Al
And that’s why I think Laroche makes sense for this year. Devote attention to other positions.
Sweeter words have rarely been spoken: "...and the cardinals are down to their final out."
by scottsdalecubs on Dec 5, 2010 10:17 AM CST up reply actions
Then why even try at ALL?
If it’s all completely random and there are no guarantees – or even probabilities – that players who have enjoyed massive success in the past will be successful in the future, why bother getting ANYONE for more than league minimum?
Why not field a team consisting entirely of players chosen at random from that day’s fans? Why not field a team of 65+ year olds? Why not try our #1 starter in the bullpen after 4 starts! There’s no guarantees as to what will happen!
Fact is, good players win games, and good organizations do what it takes to get good players. The Cubs have decided to sign second-tier players, spend less money, and hope to get lucky with career years.
I don’t even know what you’re getting with with “getting (Pujols, Fielder, Gonzalez) guarantees you nothing”. I mean, yes, you may sign the player and he immediately gets hit by a bus. But in the world of likely probability, it guarantees a major, elite performer at the MLB level for several years.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Dec 6, 2010 9:18 AM CST up reply actions
I don’t even know what you’re getting with with "getting (Pujols, Fielder, Gonzalez) guarantees you nothing". I mean, yes, you may sign the player and he immediately gets hit by a bus. But in the world of likely probability, it guarantees a major, elite performer at the MLB level for several years.
I repeat. How many combined playoff appearances do the teams that have those three players have since 2007?
Two. The same number as the Cubs. If you are looking to guarantee yourself a playoff spot, spending hundreds of millions of dollars on one player doesn’t do that.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
great analysis
if you want to guarantee a playoff spot you have to commit hundreds of millions of dollars to multiple players like the cubs have done with alfonso soriano and aramis ramirez and carlos zambrano
you know, share the wealth.
by circuitclout on Dec 6, 2010 12:39 PM CST up reply actions
Well, I can't compete with that kind of logic.
Al, we both know that those teams were flawed in different ways.
The offensive contributions of Fielder, Gonzalez and Pujols had absolutely nothing to do with their teams missing the playoffs in any of the last 3 years. It was the parts of the team that didn’t work that hurt those teams.
There are lots of teams with very good, very expensive 1B… who DO make the playoffs all the time.
Are you trying to argue that acquiring an elite bat would in some way hamper a team’s ability to compete?
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Dec 6, 2010 1:01 PM CST up reply actions
Of course not.
But it might also hamstring a team’s ability to add other useful parts.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I'm still not seeing it.
STL isn’t missing the playoffs b/c Pujols’ herculean MVP seasons cost them too much cash – it’s missing b/c it made other mistakes.
For the Cubs, adding Adrian Gonzalez at $20MM per isn’t going to hamstring us – it’s the $14MM going to Kosuke Fukudome, and the $4.8MM going to John Grabow, and the $18MM going to Alfonso Soriano.
Paying elite prices for elite players isn’t a bad thing – it’s an unfair advantage that the Cubs should be enjoying.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Dec 6, 2010 1:48 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Al
I don’t respond to many posts that I read on BCB. But I have to say, I’m actually laughing reading your posts….
How can you defend not getting an elite 1st baseman, actually one of the elite position players in all the game, because it doesn’t guarantee anything?
LOL! Why, should I go to work? I mean there is no guarantee that it will benefit my life.LOL!!!!!
THE FONZ HAS ARRIVED!
Let's start looking ahead
at Cano. A middle field of Soto, Cano, Castro and Brett Jackson would be pretty sweet. Maybe the Yankees will feel they have too much $ tied up elsewhere and don’t want a $250 mil. payroll.
by SouthWabashSoul on Dec 5, 2010 10:51 AM CST up reply actions
There is no way that will happen.
First off, he’s not a free agent until 2014. The Yanks have options for 2012 and 2013.
Secondly, at that time, they’re going to have all of the AJ Burnett money coming off the books. And the Swisher money. And the Granderson money.
The odds of Cano ever reaching free agency are absurdly long. The odds that the Cubs will outbid the Yankees for him are zero.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Dec 6, 2010 9:20 AM CST up reply actions
LaRoche
That’s not a bad idea. You never know when a down year is an aberration or the beginning of a long-term decline. If he had done well last season, he would be out of the Cubs price range. He’s worth a shot.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
Chris Davis
Living in Dallas, and watching the Rangers on the side, I will say Davis is not a good option. He is great defensively, but his offense is terrible every time he’s been brought to the majors. My two cents.
She said, "I know a town where real life's a game
Baseball's all that's real
At night all the faces light up
As the players take the field"
-Widespread Panic
by DallasCub on Dec 5, 2010 10:16 AM CST via mobile reply actions
Haven't you heard?
Hendry won’t be satisfied until he has a team that is as good as his 2005 team!
Come on Lisa, I'm trying to impress people here. You don't win friends with salad. ~ Homer J. Simpson
Just because he has failed in limited trials..
…. doesn’t mean he will continue to do so. He has raked at every minor league level.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
As has Hoffpauir?
Sorry, had to be said.
[...]when Giants coach Steve Owen, a certified defensive genius, was asked how he planned to stop Nagurski, he said: "With a shotgun, as he’s leaving the dressing room."
by NobodySpecial on Dec 5, 2010 10:47 AM CST up reply actions
Well at least this guy can FIELD!
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 5, 2010 10:59 AM CST up reply actions
And Jake Fox
Al will give credence to massive PCL offensive stats, but only if they’re coming from OK City or Omaha. Iowa stats are suspect.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Dec 6, 2010 9:22 AM CST up reply actions
...
“Jim Hendry doesn’t like to negotiate in the media, which I’m sure his fellow GM’s appreciate.”
Well, I hope his goal is making rival GM’s happy instead of Cubs fans. Because he fails at the latter.
What is it you want from him?
Instant gratification? Hourly news conferences with detailed updates on what he’s working on? A completed 25-man roster on December 5?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
how about some positive moves on behalf of the Cubs?
So far, we’ve seen very little of those.
And Al, when you include a preventive apologetic oft-repeated mantra in your post like that, surely (hat tip to LN) you shouldn’t be surprised when that draws a reaction.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Dec 5, 2010 11:57 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
No, we haven't seen any moves yet.
Remind me again when Opening Day is? Is it tomorrow?
Since it’s not, I can wait. And many of the same people bitching that the Cubs haven’t done anything, are the people who say “WHYISHENDRYALWAYSSIGNINGPEOPLETOOSOONANDBIDDINGAGAINSTHIMSELF!?!?!?!?”
Can’t have it both ways.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
That's true.
But there’s waiting for the market to develop, and then there’s letting all the good options slip by. I’m not saying that’s happened — and with your stated preference of LaRoche I can see why you certainly don’t think it has.
But here’s a question for you, Al. Who will be the Cubs first baseman in 2012?
I don't know.
But I do know it won’t be Scott Moore, Bryan LaHair or Jeff Baker.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Then why not wait instead of bitching that these three are the only 1B on the roster?
I know YOU aren’t doing that. If others are being sarcastic or joking about it, sorry, that’s not coming through.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
"Can't have it both ways."
can I quote you on that?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Because he fails at the latter.
It’s not that he fails at the latter. It’s that the latter isn’t his job.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 5, 2010 11:25 AM CST up reply actions
Directly, no
Indirectly, by fielding a consitently contending team, most definitely. And he has failed.
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 5, 2010 12:04 PM CST up reply actions
Hendry
bears no responsibility to the fans. None.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 5, 2010 5:25 PM CST up reply actions
You're right, Drew. He doesn't need to field a winning team.
Well played.
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 5, 2010 5:39 PM CST up reply actions
that's not what I said
and you know it.
Hendry works for the Ricketts. He doesn’t work for the fans.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 5, 2010 8:18 PM CST up reply actions
If you can twist what I say, I think that I can do the same.
You knew damn well what my point was, but ignored it.
Hendry is responsible for putting a good team together. That would make the fans happy.
You disagree?
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 5, 2010 10:10 PM CST up reply actions
no.
But I disagree that he’s responsible for making the fans happy.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 6, 2010 11:10 AM CST up reply actions
Are you incapable of following the logic?
Because either you are being obstinate, which is admittedly a very real possibility, or you are indeed having trouble following the entire comment.
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 6, 2010 1:26 PM CST up reply actions
I haven't met too many fans...
…who aren’t happy when their team is winning, regardless of who the players are, or who manages the club.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
nope.
He’s responsible to his boss.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 5, 2010 8:18 PM CST up reply actions
Hasn't Hendry's poor performance
at his job led to a decrease in fan attendance recently? Doesn’t that affect the team’s bottom line and his boss’ bottom line?
Come on Lisa, I'm trying to impress people here. You don't win friends with salad. ~ Homer J. Simpson
Hendry
doesn’t play the games. the players do.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 6, 2010 11:10 AM CST up reply actions
Yes...
…but who has the final say on all roster decisions?
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Can't tell is this is supposed to be sarcasm or not.
If so, I’m glad you have a sense of humor. If not, all I can say is you are entitled to your opinion, and I think most people would strongly beg to differ. Just because the fans do not actually sign his paycheck is irrelevent. Another losing season that sees the Cubs total season attendance dip below 3 million for the first time in 8 years most likely gets Big Jim his pink slip. That’s responsibility, my friend.
"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004
If that happens, it’ll be because revenue is down, not because the fans don’t like Hendry. Many fans have been calling for Hendry’s head for three years and more. Clearly, he doesn’t work for them, because he hasn’t been fired.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 5, 2010 8:19 PM CST up reply actions
I have a philosophical disagreement with that statement.
The Ricketts not merely the owners of a business. They are the stewards of something a lot bigger.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Dec 6, 2010 9:25 AM CST up reply actions
even if I agreed with that
and I’m not saying if I do or if I don’t, that’s still not Hendry or his responsibilities.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 6, 2010 12:20 PM CST up reply actions
What is a GM's responsbility?
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
You're not going to get Drew to move from his entrenched position over these semantics...
he’s perfected the art of applying them just carefully enough to always be able to dismiss your arguments.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 6, 2010 3:37 PM CST up reply actions
Well, kind of
Not convincingly, anyway.
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 6, 2010 3:39 PM CST up reply actions
I wish I saw a coherent plan in all this
I realize the hands are tied for 2011, but I’m not seeing consistent moves being made either to get ready for 2012 with Hendry on board or moves being made that spell Hendry leaving after his contract is up.
[...]when Giants coach Steve Owen, a certified defensive genius, was asked how he planned to stop Nagurski, he said: "With a shotgun, as he’s leaving the dressing room."
There has never been a coherent plan, and there will not be a coherent plan under Hendry.
The Cubs front office is full of guys who seem very nice, but who are quite obviously a little bit over their heads in a cutthroat industry, and who are consistently bested by their smarter, and apparently better funded competition.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Dec 6, 2010 9:27 AM CST up reply actions
Well said...
…and to sum up, the Cub’s baseball organization is not unlike a lot of the rosters Hendry has put together – some nice parts, but the parts don’t fit well together to give you what you want from a TEAM.
Hendry, has always been a reactive type of GM and that is his personality in general. The problem with that, is it tends to limit objectivity and bring in too much emotion and inhibit the ability to lead with a solid long term plan and organizational philosophy, and that is key to building a consistent winner.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I am
confused by the talk of getting a FA IB as a stop gap for a year. Maybe I am missing something, but what are the long term plans. And please, the Cubs will not sign a Fielder or the like next year.
I still say go after a minor leauger IB that has an upside and is blocked by the parent team having a quality IB already.
Is it April yet?
There is no long term plans at first, right now...
OT: Wook at the cute doggy!!!!!
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
"They played like son of a guns......lord have mercy." Mike Quade
All you people
getting down on Hendry are mulling over things that are pointless. Hendry is the GM for at least another year. He has shown in the past to pull off some pretty good moves. Conversly you do have to question some of his less than positive moves. Have we forgotten Hundley?
Maybe like players he has been in a slump. Be positive and see if he can have a good off season. I think it is possible.
Is it April yet?
What's that I hear?
It’s the pitter patter of little TJ feet.
The people getting down on Hendry (myself included) are doing so for the reason you pointed out in your earlier post: We are now looking for a stopgap to a stopgap. Hardly inspiring.
Anyway, it’s hard to ‘be positive’ after so many failures.
TJ11 stop it!
JH did land us “MelTdown BraTley”! how quickly you forget… I know a lot of fans hope he’s got something similar in store…
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
A slump?
If you go into a 4 year “slump”—regardless of your profession—you should be looking for employment elsewhere.
Come on Lisa, I'm trying to impress people here. You don't win friends with salad. ~ Homer J. Simpson
Good one
Point being regardless we have Hendry for one more year. So let us all hope that he still can pull the rabit out of the hat trick.
Is it April yet?
Thank you for the optimism.
It isn’t blind optimism, nor is it an unheard of idea. Hendry has made some pretty decent moves, and some bone-headed moves. Here’s to hoping for the better of the two, cause this year will decide Hendry’s future with the club.
Because his career numbers are better, i feel like Pena could ask for a 2-3 year deal
In which case I’d say no.
Given the Adrian Gonzalez trade (if it happens), I think the Cubs would be better off trading for a James Loney or Chris Davis, someone who still has a shot at turning their career around and could stick around Chicago a little longer. A one year stop gap isn’t horrible but given that we probably aren’t going to get Fielder or Pujols, I’d like to give someone who has the potential to stick around longer a chance.
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
why do we need two backup outfielders
when we’ve already got four on the roster?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
No, he's not.
TJ, your act is funny most of the time. Perhaps you could take this a bit seriously.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Who is right now? I like that he is a lefty masher!!!!
At this moment,
LaHair
Moore
Baker
Which is your choice for 1b?
Remind me again when Opening Day is?
Is it tomorrow? Oh, right. It’s almost four months from now. So I’m thinking the Cubs have time to find someone other than those three.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
It's a meaningless point.
The Cubs will have more options by opening day. And you know that.
honestly, lahair
the knock on him in seattle was that he looked the part but didn’t have enough power. over the last two years at AAA he’s finally shown some power development. he’s not ever going to hit LHP but i wouldn’t mind the cubs placing a league minimum bet that they can get acceptable production at 1B out of a platoon of lahair and baker.
i’m not saying that lahair is a viable long-term option at first, just has a chance to be a useful guy during his pre-arb years if used correctly. i feel the same way about moore, if he’s healthy.
Good job answering the question!!!!
Again for the other 2, the question was RIGHT NOW, who is our 1b?
Why do we need anyone else???
AMAZING!!!
Did you notice Brad Snyder is back?
Signed a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite.
No one should be untouchable on this roster unless his name is Eliot Ness...or Starlin Castro.
Yeah, I noticed.
I’m not sure why they are bothering.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Soriano
Byrd, Fukudome, Colvin. We need one more OF, but I don’t think we need two.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 5, 2010 5:26 PM CST up reply actions
We're at roughly $ 118M
for 22 guys. According to Cot’s Contracts, we’re on the hook for $ 103.7M for 10 players in Zambrano, Soriano, Ramirez, Dempster, Fukudome, Silva, Byrd, Samardzija, Grabow & Baker. This figure factors in the $ 5.5M we get from Seattle for Silva’s contract.
Marmol, Marshall, Gorzelanny, Hill & Soto are eligible for arbitration. Granted, these are estimates, but I am alloting $ 4M for Marmol, 1.5M each for Marshall & Gorzelanny, 1M for Hill & 2.5M for Soto. That brings us up to $ 114.2M for 15 players.
Dewitt, Colvin, Barney, Cashner, Castro, Russell (or Maine) & Wells should all make the team. None are elible for arbitration and none should make any more than .5M, except for maybe Wells. Add in let’s say 3.8M for 7 more guys. This brings us to $ 118M for 22 players.
The needs are 1B, a RH outfielder, a reliable RH relief pitcher, maybe another starter and a little more pop off the bench. I’m just going to look at free agents here. I know some deals can be made, like the Chris Davis rumor, but who really knows what can be done?
Taking a look at the right handed hitting OF free agents first, I see Austin Kearns, Lastings Milledge, Matt Diaz, Scott Hairston, Francouer, and if you really want to look deep, Jermaine Dye. Kearns and Diaz seem to stick out as a good fit. I think you could probably get one of them for $ 3M or less. Diaz seems to be a better fit, but hasn;t played much RF in his career.
There are a ton of RH relief pitchers available. Kerry Wood, Dotel, Rauch, Guerrier, Crain, Coffey, Carrasco, Juan Cruz (can you believe he’s only 30?), Okajima, Chris Ray, Saito, Uehara, Dan Wheeler and others. I believe that we can get a bargain(relatively speaking) here. While my heart wants Kerry Wood back, only if we can get him for the same or less than what it would cost to get Saito or one of the others. Let’s say another $ 3M.
That brings us to $ 124M for 24 guys, leaving 1B as the last spot we NEED to fill. Everyone seems to agree that we need a left handed bat with some pop. The options are Pena, Laroche, Nick Johnson, Lyle Overbay and a name that few have mentioned, Brad Hawpe. Can we get one of these guys for $ 6M or less? Overbay & Nick Johnson for sure, but I think they’d be plan D & E out of these 5. Hawpe should be less than $ 6M also. I say offer $6M on a one year deal to Pena and Laroche and the the first one that says yes is ours. This brings us to $ 130M for 25 guys.
Taking a look at the roster, I’d like to see better depth on the bench. If Baker & Hill’s contracts aren’t guaranteed, I’d like to see us cut them both loose. That would save 2.2M. Keep Castillo as the backup catcher. He’d be at the minimum, 400K. Jorge Cantu & Ty Wigginston are available and I think they’re both better options for our needs than Baker. They could platoon with Pena or Laroche and provide a solid backup for when Ramirez misses his 20-30 games again. Would $ 3M for one of them get it done? That would put us at $ 131M.
I apologize for the length of this post, just got rolling. This would give us a solid team, not commit any long term dollars, and give Hendry the option of making deals at mid-season to pick up a high priced guy if need be. Thoughts?
by Southside Steve on Dec 5, 2010 11:28 AM CST reply actions
Diaz would be a great pickup for a platoon outfield situation - he rakes LHP
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Not sure where you get the 2.2M savings figure on Baker/Hill
I believe Baker is getting 1.175 and Hill .750,000. Whoever you would replace them with would
be paid around $820,000 ( together) for a savings a bit over one million. We can go on endlessly about Hill, I kind of like Baker, but in any case I don’t think this kind of savings is worth being a factor in roster decisions.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 5, 2010 12:36 PM CST up reply actions
Figured Hill would get $ 1M in arbitration
added to Baker’s $ 1.2M eqauls the 2.2M.
I kind of like Baker myself, but feel that Wigginton or Cantu better fit our needs. Would you really want Baker as the 3B if Aram goes down for any extended period of time? Barney is more than capable as our backup middle infielder.
Granted, we’re not talking big dollars with these moves, but I think there are better ways to utilize these dollars and roster spots.
by Southside Steve on Dec 5, 2010 12:49 PM CST up reply actions
I think Hill is getting $750.000 but in any case
the replacements get over $800.000. FYI don’t know if Wiggington or Cantu would sign for league minimum which is the only way you save.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 5, 2010 1:13 PM CST up reply actions
I factored that in.
Hill made 750K last year and is eligible for arbitartion this year, hence the 1M figure.
I deducted the 2.2M for Baker & Hill combined using those figures and then added the salary of Castillo(400K) and alloted 3M for a Cantu/Wigginton type.
by Southside Steve on Dec 5, 2010 1:19 PM CST up reply actions
OK . Sorry I read to quickly
I can’t see Hill getting a million but the differenc is chump change.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 5, 2010 3:06 PM CST up reply actions
I've got a bad feeling ...
that the Red Sox trade won’t happen, and that A-Gon will wind up going somewhere other than Chicago.
What are you saying?
That the Cubs were relieved they did not have to pay for Agon? That they were happy to not give up prospects? That since it got out that they finished 2nd to the Red Sox, they would be the natural place for him to go next. That they realy happy he went elsewhere?
All impossible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Cubs are in it to win it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Heh. Well, I'm saying I hope to hell the situation you outlined isn't actually the case.
But I’m also not assuming that it is.
WOW are you a psychic?
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/12/red-sox-gonzalez-have-short-negotiating-window.html
THE DEAL FEEL THROUGH THIS MORNING
JoeFlah
There were indications that it was heading that way.
It would be very much in keeping with the Cubs if A-Gon ends up somewhere else now.
Note to Al and others: This isn’t a jab at Jim Hendry.
There are so many unknown variables, at this point.
Would San Diego just keep him rather than taking a different (lesser?) offer?
They had indicated before that it was Boston or nobody for right now
of course that could have been bluster, positioning, smoke screen, etc. Given the leadership types involved (no hotheads or reactionary types), I imagine a deal with Boston could still happen this offseason – plenty of time.
Also possible that some other team, previously thinking AGonz wasn’t going anywhere in the offseason, now realizes it’s at least a possibility so is now very interested and is taking stock of all their trading chips in the hopes of engaging the Padres in a game of poker at the Winter Meetings.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
The deal fell through because Boston could not get an extension
So unless you think the Cubs can offer more money to him than the Red Sox the Cubs have no real chance at least this season. My guess is that the Padres will just hold him till the deadline and then take what they can get for a rent a player if they are out of the race. I thought Boston would offer enough to get it done. The players were agreed to and the physical was taken so the extension was the only thing that blocked it.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 5, 2010 2:52 PM CST up reply actions
Agreed
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
"They played like son of a guns......lord have mercy." Mike Quade
To be fair I don't think any team can get him now
Hard to imagine who would outbid Boston for a 1B in terms of the contract Gonzalez wants. Perhaps he just decided it is better to wait and try the market
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 5, 2010 3:08 PM CST up reply actions
it's also possible they will come up with a different package
that would be acceptable for a trade only, forgetting about the extension.
Most likely that means Boston would decrease the value of their package, and SD would have to be willing to accept that. I don’t see that happening right now, but maybe later in the offseason, SD will rethink their strategy and might come to conclusion that even a lesser offer now is better than rolling the dice come trading deadline.
Another possibility is Boston keeping the overall value roughly the same but maybe going more the quantity over quality route. Maybe swapping out Fuentes and the PTBN for three lesser ranked prospects.
Normally I’d view any of this to be highly unlikely, but seeing as how the SD execs have a pretty good understanding of Boston’s farm system…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
It is possible but I don't see it
San Diego is a contending team and A-Gon is their most popular player. Boston would have to be willing to give up some top prospects and it might be in the Padres interest to wait until deadline as they might get a better offer. However I do agree that Boston usually gets what it wants unless the Yankees area also bidding.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 5, 2010 3:46 PM CST up reply actions
Huh?
The snag in the deal is the extension, not the players involved.
Boston coming up with a better package doesn’t get them any closer to what AG and his agent want for a contract extension.
I didn't say that at all
Academic now. I was assuming that the deal was blown because Boston would not give up the prospects with a deal in place and since I did not think anyone could PAY more for Gonzalez now, they Padres would wait till mid season. As I said does not matter now. I should have stopped when I posted that Boston would do the deal without the signed extension a while back.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 5, 2010 8:18 PM CST up reply actions
According to reports
they may still do the deal without the extension.
And some folks think they may have just decided to postpone the extension until after Jan. 1st so they don’t get hit with a luxury tax this year.
I think the "avoid the luxury tax hit" thing...
…comes into play after the season starts, i.e. April 1, not Jan 1.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I think it will happen
It looks like the Red Sox are willing to take the risk and make the trade WITHOUT a contract extension. That is the only thing holding up the deal. It will be interesting. Something like 20 minutes left. In any case no real effect on the Cubs unless you believe they could actually spend more than the Red Sox and give a package the Padres would accept.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 5, 2010 12:38 PM CST up reply actions
adam laroche=avg
If our big addition to a 75 win team is a guy who defines average major leaguer, we have zero chance. Might as well try to go real young, and try to market marmol, soto, byrd, wells, and dempster. What the difference between 75 wins and 65 wins. If you want to start over, start all over. Look for conor jackson, chris davis or other failed prospects and give them a second chance. I’ll just write my check to the cubs as usual (like a sap) and wait for 2013.
www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/the-five-average-est-position-players-of-2010/
Interesting only in what the Padres fans are thinking.
We lost A-Gon, but at least we have Aaron Harang!
If the Gonzalez thing goes through
They will bring back D-Lee. He will bounce back and almost match Gonzalez production and the Pads will win 88 games again.
by SouthWabashSoul on Dec 5, 2010 12:39 PM CST up reply actions
Yawn?
I just got really excited that the Cubs won’t sign him.
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Dec 5, 2010 9:09 PM CST up reply actions
The Happiest Place On Earth???
Place of fake, plastic phantasies is more like it…
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
phan•ta•sy
variant spelling of fantasy, usually restricted to archaic uses…
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Why no love for the Rule 5 draft?
Agreed that it has been less than rewarding for the Cubs in past years and I would sincerely hope that the Cubs have not made Rule 5 picks just for the sake of making Rule 5 picks.
But assuming the Cubs are doing their due diligence and have identified some players that have a little intrigue and/or potential, why not give it a try?
I mean, seriously, if ever there was a year in recent memory where the Cubs could safely carry a less-than-productive-at-the-major-league-level-but-with-a-lot-of-potential player on the big league roster all year, it’d be 2011, wouldn’t it?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Not much there this year
Maybe someone for the RHP role like Wynn Pelzer, Adam Ottavino or Aneury Rodriguez
by Southside Steve on Dec 5, 2010 12:31 PM CST up reply actions
Good point.
Just because the Cubs have not had past success in the rule 5 doesn’t mean quality big leaguers can’t be found in it.
by Dcr18 on Dec 5, 2010 12:43 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Hey!
the Cubs made a cool $300,000 off of Josh Hamilton.
That’s big league money!
Come on Lisa, I'm trying to impress people here. You don't win friends with salad. ~ Homer J. Simpson
While there are a few great Rule 5 stories it is rare
Last year of 17 picks all but 3 were returned to their team and many of those got dumped after anyway. The three that survived are all marginal. If Smith is considered a candidate to be taken how great is the rest of the selection?
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 5, 2010 1:16 PM CST up reply actions
Sure.
But the Cubs haven’t taken guys like that — they’ve taken projects that failed.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Doing it three years in a row and failing all three times...
… tells me unless they are pretty darn sure they have a major league player, they shouldn’t bother.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
We do not have the roster space to waste on a chance player this year.
As Al said as he set the roster at the top, we only have so much room. So why take a roster spot and use it on someone who will play maybe once a week. Unless we all enjoy Z PHing all the time.
What's left out there...nothing!!
Dunn was available and a difference maker, but, everyone thought he was too expensive. A-Gon was available and a difference maker, but, Hendry evidently thinks our prospects are TOO good or SD thought they sucked. I’ll say it again…re-sign Nady then stand pat and see if that 34-23 record to close the season out was for real or just smoke and mirrors. Maybe Quade was the difference maker. There’s nothing out there that makes you wanna jump for joy, so, why try? Find a RP or 2 and be done with it. Like the post above said…“What’s the difference if you win 75 or 65?” Maybe that .614 winning % of Quade’s is for real. Stranger things have happened.
"I don't care who the manager is OR who they sign in the off-season...I just want a frickin' World Series winner" - Easy Ed
by Easy Ed on Dec 5, 2010 12:35 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
I wouldnt say Cashner is a lock.
If they have him start again, he could very well start at AAA. And Al I know for some reason you’re against giving Cashner a fair chance to start. But what regardless of what role you believe he should be in, you can’t rule it out that they make him start again and he’s in Iowa on opening day.
by Dcr18 on Dec 5, 2010 12:40 PM CST via mobile reply actions
byrd and silva
should not be on next year’s roster, but for different reasons.
given the rotation depth the cubs have there is no reason to keep carlos silva on this team, even if it means just releasing him and eating all but the league minimum portion of his salary.
byrd should have plenty of trade value and would likely be movable without eating a significant (or even any) portion of his salary. with colvin/jackson/guyer in the mix he’s more likely to be someone that blocks a better player than he is to be a contributor on a contending cubs team and his salary ($12 million over two years) would be better spent in other areas.
Byrd's trade value arguably won't be any higher than it is right now.
Also, trading him would allow the Cubs to start Colvin and Kosuke every day (albeit with a weak defense). Kosuke leads off and maybe plays well enough to be dealt in July to a contender. Colvin’s not blocked and the Cubs get prospects for Byrd.
Then maybe, just maybe, Jackson continues to be a beast
and joins the Cubs after the trade deadline! A perfect scenario
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
"They played like son of a guns......lord have mercy." Mike Quade
I agree with you about Byrd
but the Silva thing makes no sense. He proved in the 1st half last year than he can be a very productive player. If you release him there’ll be half a dozen teams on the phone with his agent asap.
by SouthWabashSoul on Dec 5, 2010 12:49 PM CST up reply actions
Overweight pitchers with heart problems ...
aren’t in high demand. He’d get picked up by somebody, but you’re seriously overestimating his appeal.
and he proved in the 2nd half
that he can still be very bad.
from a baseball business standpoint the best thing that could happen would be if silva can’t pitch because of his heart problems and his contract is covered by insurance.
but if half a dozen teams want silva, i’d be happy to let them fight over him.
What exactly will Byrd get you?
He is of great value to the Cubs, one of the few guys on the team that gives his all. Now if giving him up even in a package of prospects was going to land you a much needed good long term starting 1B than OK , but really what are you going to get ? I think Byrd’s value to the Cubs far outweighs his trade value.
Dumping Silva is just silly. He had astonishing first half of the season certainly he gets a chance to repeat that.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 5, 2010 1:20 PM CST up reply actions
trading byrd
opens CF for colvin and clears money both this year and next to address other needs. i think marlon byrd is a good hitter and thought he was a good signing last year but his contract is tradeable, the cubs have in-house replacements ready, and the money would be better spent elsewhere.
giving silva a rotation spot at the expense of andrew cashner is sillier.
Colvin is a sub par fielder.
I don’t want him anywhere near CF. Of course Byrd’s contract is tradeable, but not worth saving 5 million to trade a very good player for a B plus prospect or a subersub which about what you would get.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 5, 2010 2:55 PM CST up reply actions
Yes he has and he hates it
Seems to make him a worse hitter. I just don’t see any point in trading Byrd for what will be a 2nd rate player or prospect.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 5, 2010 3:10 PM CST up reply actions
not necessarily
the money, whether saved or reallocated, plus the opportunity to see if colvin can continue to develop plus having a spot for jackson and/or guyer in late 2011 or 2012 is all the return you’d need. any return in talent on byrd is just a bonus.
Really it is worth trading a very good player like Byrd
for 2nd rate players to save 5 million a year with very little likelyhood of replacing him with a better player. 2011 looks depressing enough without
getting rid of the one guy on the team who gives 110% in every inning he plays. For something realy good, OK , but to save very little money, have Colvin in CF and maybe opening a spot in Sept for Guyer/Jackson ain’t worth it.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 5, 2010 9:50 PM CST up reply actions
based on what?
his 173 major league innings in CF? colvin might well not stick in CF long term but i think he would be adequate there for a year or two.
He has been bad in RF
I don’t want him going in CF.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 5, 2010 9:46 PM CST up reply actions
LaRoche is seeking
more than a one year deal, and he will most likely get it. The Nationals also need a 1st baseman and are looking at LaRoche.
If LaRoche was willing to take a one year deal, he would have accepted arbitration.
You're probably right,
but he could be left with just a one year deal like he was last year after turning down a 2 year offer from SF.
There aren’t many teams looking for a 1B, so if the Nats sign either Pena or Laroche, the one remaining may not have any other options
by Southside Steve on Dec 5, 2010 1:02 PM CST up reply actions
There could still be a few teams looking.
Cubs, Nats, Padres for sure and potentially the White Sox, Rays, O’s and D-Backs.
As for candidates: Pena, LaRoche, Konerko, Lee, Overbay.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Well, the reason he passed up the 2 year deal
with the Giants was that he thought he could put up some numbers at Chase Field and that would put him in line for a multi year deal this year.
He did in fact have a pretty good year with a bad D’Backs ball club.
One thing I have not seen mentioned is that Adam is an outstanding fielder. When I heard that the D’Backs weren’t bringing Adam back, my initial reaction was, “well, so much for Mark Reynolds improvement as a third baseman”.
I thought
that he turned it down because he thought he could get more $$ elsewhere. The Gaints then moved on and signed Huff, leaving Laroche with few options.
by Southside Steve on Dec 5, 2010 1:16 PM CST up reply actions
Well, as always
it was a little more complicated than what got reported at the time.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/03/the-giants-offer-to-adam-laroche.html
All we can say for sure is that the Giants were interested, and when LaRoche did not accept their initial offer, they turned to Huff instead.
LaRoche took a lot of heat for accepting a one year deal when he had been offered two. One suspects he won’t do that again, especially now that he has turned 31.
A big deal was made at the time he signed with the D’Backs that he wanted to rejoin his former teammate Kelly Johnson, who also signed with the D’Backs last off season.
I think you can subtract the Padres & D'backs.
They likely won’t spend the dough. Konerko is going back to the White Sox. That leaves the Cubs, Nats, O’s and Rays for Pena, Laroche, Lee & Overbay & maybe Hawpe.
Reply fail
That was meant for ripete above.
by Southside Steve on Dec 5, 2010 1:14 PM CST up reply actions
I somewhat agree
If Blanks is healthy the Padres could go that route. I could see them offering a low contract to someone like Overbay.
As for the D-Banks, are they really going with Brandon Allen? Maybe the azjazzman knows what is up with the D-Backs.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Actually the thinking here (in AZ)
is that they are going to give a shot to this guy that they got from the Yankees (Miranda?). Apparently Towers became infatuated with him when he was with the Yankees.
But, who knows? Most of the moves Towers has made since he became GM range from perplexing to bizarre. Being a near 100 loss team with little money to spend is not a great situation, to say the least.
Boy, watching THIS OLD CUB again is really tough sledding. Watching Ronnie at Hohokam, listening to clips of Cubs broadcasts, and hearing so many of his contemporaries talk about how he absolutely should be in the Hall of Fame just makes one feel the loss ever more. Spring Training just won’t be the same this year…
A. GON DEAL FELL THROUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
UAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
"They played like son of a guns......lord have mercy." Mike Quade
We might be drawing the wrong conclusions.
http://twitter.com/SI_JonHeyman/status/11505519348940800
Heyman’s tweet is open to interpretation.
Heyman is ruining my optimism
"All right, you ragtag bunch of misfits! You hate me, and I hate you even more. But without my beloved ringers, you're all I've got. So I want you to remember some inspiring words that someone else might have told you over the course of your lives, and go out there and win!"
by Lord Palmerston on Dec 5, 2010 2:03 PM CST up reply actions
your 2011 Opening Day lineup:
Castro SS
LaRoche 1B
Byrd CF
Ramirez 3B
Colvin RF
Soriano LF
Soto C
DeWitt 2B
World. Series. Champions.
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
"They played like son of a guns......lord have mercy." Mike Quade
What's funny is
that’s potentially an actual professional baseball lineup!!
Here’s hoping the Packers go deep in the playoffs.
Come on Lisa, I'm trying to impress people here. You don't win friends with salad. ~ Homer J. Simpson
I think this is the class of the NL Central!!!!!!!!
Nobody matches up with us!!!!
Jim Hendry could be GM of the year already!
Your comments are becoming more and more difficult to pass over
Without spewing vulgarity, lol
by bilbosbuttons on Dec 5, 2010 4:39 PM CST up reply actions
I doubt Castro would be batting leadoff
Since he batted 2nd over 300 times in 2010.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 5, 2010 7:05 PM CST up reply actions
My hope
Is the Cubs strengthen the bullpen with either Balfour or Rauch.
I would not mind LaRoche at first or even Overbay
Try to trade Dome everyday from this day on.
Sign Webb for a incentive laded deal.
Hope and pray.
moves #1 and #4
are not like the others. Shopping for free agent middle relievers and project 5th starters is a luxury best left for contending teams, no?
Pass on Balfour
He’d cost us our 2nd round pick (1st is protected). Rauch or any one of many others would not cost us the pick.
by Southside Steve on Dec 5, 2010 4:22 PM CST up reply actions
One thing I think we can all agree on ...
the fact that Adrian Gonzalez still might be in play for the Cubs after 2011 is a big deal. Now, the Cubs can get a stop gap guy like LaRoche and trade for Chris Davis. If Davis really is a diamond in the rough, then there won’t be any need to get Gonzalez. If Davis isn’t worth much, the Cubs can live with LaRoche for 2011 and go all in for Gonzalez next winter.
Mind you, the Cubs aren’t benefiting from anything they actually DID.
I'm realizing for the first time today how much of an unfair advantage the
American League has over the National League in courting players. American League teams can afford to tack another year or two to a contract for a big power hitter because they have the opportunity to make them a DH later in their career. National League teams have to be so much more careful.
I know this isn’t a new phenomena, but I think something has to be done about this—whether it’s adding it to the NL or subtracting it from the AL. It’s a stupid difference.
I’ve been thinking who the Cubs need to go after for this first base hole—Gonzalez, Fielder, (at one point ) Dunn… My point is that the American League can sign any one of these guys to a 6+ year deal with the security of putting him at the DH later. I was so against the Dunn being a Cub, but if the NL had a DH spot, I might not be so opposed. It’s so much more of a risk signing big deals for the National League.
With the Gonzalez deal fallen through, I really hope the Cubs go out and spend the money that the Red Sox were not willing to spend. I can’t believe they won’t give him 8 years even with the DH security. The Cubs need to send what it takes to get the deal done and then give him the 8 year contract.
You act like its not fair soriano can't be a DH!
We need his arm in LF!!!!
I bet ARam would like to DH too!
I. Hate. The. D. H.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
by eths on Dec 5, 2010 4:10 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Nationals just pulled a Cubs
signed 31 year old Werth to a 7 year deal
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
"They played like son of a guns......lord have mercy." Mike Quade
Ouch.
That one’s going to hurt 3 years from now.
A 5 year deal would have been OK.
All in all, I do like the Nat’s aggressiveness…
by mic on Dec 5, 2010 3:54 PM CST up reply actions
Bad deal
by the Nats. Good news about Gonzalez, but I still believe he will end up with the Red Sox. I still want Chris Davis as he has the most potential of the options left, and also, Al, Levine said that the Cubs were moving Cash back to the rotation..Thankfully.
yeah
signing good players is often a recipe for disaster.
Imminent Vicente Padillia signing?
Come on Lisa, I'm trying to impress people here. You don't win friends with salad. ~ Homer J. Simpson
Lol
Werth is going to be making a stupid amount of money for the next 7 years. Probably far more than any other team was going to give him. In his case, who cares how good the Nats are?
I might be OK with going 0-162 for seven years straight for that kind of money.
by mic on Dec 5, 2010 7:36 PM CST up reply actions
Limited possibilities
We’ll find out soon enough if the Gonzalez trade goes through. I think Gonzalez has the same agent as Mark Prior.
In addition to signing a 1st baseman, Hendry might make some progress in acquiring or trading for a reliever during the upcoming meetings. Anything else would be more out-of-box.
Looking at it on the bright side, they haven’t done anything to make the roster worse than what it was at the end of last season. Even though it didn’t matter, they still had that good stretch before the end.
Hopefully there's another John Grabow out there
Jimbo is itching to pull out that checkbook for another awful 7th inning arm.
I just don’t think $4.8M is enough for the brilliance of a John Grabow. I almost feel bad for him.
We should take out a collection.
Come on Lisa, I'm trying to impress people here. You don't win friends with salad. ~ Homer J. Simpson
As long as he doesn't sign a deal with the Sox
then the Cubs still have a chance with him, next year
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
"They played like son of a guns......lord have mercy." Mike Quade
Ain't happening...move on...
they wouldn’t deal for him without being able to lock him up. The deal is there…just waiting to see how his shoulder is doing.
There's probably an agreement to sign an extension.
I don’t think that’s against MLB rules, and the Sox stand to save a ton of luxury tax if they announce the extension in April 2011 instead of right now.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Dec 6, 2010 9:38 AM CST up reply actions
My Wish List
1. Acquire a 1B: Pena, LaRoche for 1 year or trade for Davis or Ka’aihue.
2. Shore up Bullpen: okay with bringing Wood back as set-up guy. Balfour, Uehara, Crain or Putz coudl work too. Maybe a Fuentes if he can be had cheap.
3. Another SP: Webb on an incentive-laden deal, otherwise maybe Millwood or just go internal.
4. Improve Bench: A guy like Wigginton who plays mulitple spots or Hawpe as an OF/1B.
5. O-Dawg at 2B: If the money can work. He just seems to be a winner each year.
I know it cannot all work, but maybe we can trade a guy or two to help free up some cash.
Overall, most of these are just band-aids and do not address any bigger problems though, so if the chips do not fall into place, we need to go young, try to stock the farm system, and just play the kids – sick of teams that overpay past-their-prime players instead of their youngsters. Go Cubs!
You just laid out the keys to the World Series!
I’m making hotel arrangements now.
Come on Lisa, I'm trying to impress people here. You don't win friends with salad. ~ Homer J. Simpson
I am AMAZED
the Cubs are considering Brandon Webb.
I realize Hendry has a history of dumpster diving, but Webb hasn’t thrown in a real game in 2 years and when he did throw in a simulated game, it was not good. He was in the low 80’s.
On top of that, Webb and his agent have a rather inflated idea of what Webb is worth at this point. His agent has thrown out comps such as Tim Hudson, Rich Harden, Brad Penny and Ben Sheets.
What are you guys hearing that the Cubs are going to offer Webb?
For those who don’t recall:
- Brad Penny: Penny had shoulder concerns, but in December the Cardinals gave him a guaranteed $7.5 million with the chance at another $1.5 million in incentives. Big difference: Penny made 30 starts in 2009. Outcome: Not good. He made nine starts this season.
- Rich Harden: Despite an extensive injury history, the Rangers gave him $7.5 million guaranteed with more to earn in bonuses. Big difference: Harden made 26 starts in 2009. Outcome: Not good. He made 18 starts with a 5.56 ERA and a diminished strikeout rate.
- Tim Hudson: He missed the last half of 2008 and the first five months of 2009 due to Tommy John surgery, but he still landed a three-year, $28 million extension with the Braves. Big difference: Hudson finished 2009 by making seven solid starts and Tommy John procedures are not considered risky like shoulders. Outcome: So far, so good. Hudson was a Cy Young candidate.
- Ben Sheets: After missing all of 2009 due to elbow surgery, Sheets got a $10 million deal from Oakland. Big difference: Sheets missed one year, not two. One thing Sheets did that Webb will need to duplicate if he’s going to land this kind of deal: He threw really well for scouts in January, reportedly hitting 92 mph multiple times. Outcome: Sheets made 20 starts and has not approached his All-Star levels of old.
Wait 'til next off season!
Someone had to say it.
If I was Hendry I’d try to sign Pena to a one year deal.
Trade the catcher for Davis if they can. I think Davis played some 3B in the minors, maybe he can serve as an insurance back-up for Ramirez.
Sign Kerry Wood. The Cubs are in need some good news. If not Wood I’m sure we will be looking at the last RPers remaining.
Get salary relief where we can. Remeber if we deal Fukudome or Byrd we will need another CFer. I laughed at this option last year, but Rick Ankiel could fill that bill. Offer Soriano to the Dodgers. They might be the only ones crazy enough to take him. Billy Beane has money to spend and dropped 10 million for one year of Sheets last year. Maybe offer to eat half of Soriano’s contract? Someone might be willing to bite on Ramirez at the trade deadline, Silva and Byrd too if the have good seasons.
Bring up Jackson and whoever might be ready in June…Guyer? Archer? Carpenter? And of course, the guy no one is talking about right now, bring him up, too.
Other than Castro and IMO Marmol (even though dealing Marmol makes sense on some levels), the Cubs should be willing to deal anyone, including Soto (although I’d rather they didn’t).
Another option….Russell Martin for 2B. I know DeWitt is cheap, but I’m thinking about punting on him as an every day second basemen. I’d guess Martin has never played 2B, but I think he can pull a Biggio here and add some hustle to the team. How much better would the Cubs have been last year if they had signed Kelly Johnson for 2.4 million last offseason? I feel like we have been needed a 2Bman for a few years now.
Rule 5? Taking shots never hurts.
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Dec 5, 2010 9:47 PM CST reply actions
Can't tell if this is serious
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
"They played like son of a guns......lord have mercy." Mike Quade
YES!! NOW WE'RE TALKING!!
Come on Lisa, I'm trying to impress people here. You don't win friends with salad. ~ Homer J. Simpson
roster
they need to pick up david eckstein for 2nd base instead of the low end cant perform jokers we currently have at 2nd
Looks like Lars Anderson is kinda blocked....
I read someone suggesting we should look into him.
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
"They played like son of a guns......lord have mercy." Mike Quade
Not a bad idea...
…hadn’t thought of that….and I like it, although there is a DH spot to fill after Ortiz is out in 2011…
I also like that
Anthony Rizzo kid the BoSox have. He defeated cancer, has great character, and can hit.
"I don't know what the big deal about Crackerjack is"
by theGraceyslumpbuster on Dec 6, 2010 10:31 AM CST up reply actions
Nevermind
He went to San Diego.
"I don't know what the big deal about Crackerjack is"
by theGraceyslumpbuster on Dec 6, 2010 10:39 AM CST up reply actions
Cubs Roster Move
How about picking up Beltre and Moving Ramirez to first base, anyone ever thought of that?
I wouldn't mind seeing Nick Johnson at 1B if he could be that
5.2 and 4.0 WAR player he was before the injuries surmounted. LaRoche reminds me of a poor man’s Adam Dunn. I guess the strikeouts scare me but he is a career .278 RISP hitter. Nick Johnson is just .001 higher but he is a risk, not a Jayson Werth esque risk but a risk on a team looking to shed salary. The RISP stat is a big deal to me because the Cubs couldn’t hit with runners in scoring position. I think Pena is going to be too pricey and he is pretty bad hitting with RISP.
As for the draft, I’d like to see the Cubs find a solid 1B prospect, it seems like every team and their mother has a solid one but us.
"I don't know what the big deal about Crackerjack is"
by theGraceyslumpbuster on Dec 6, 2010 10:29 AM CST reply actions
Don't we have seven possible starters?
Why do we need to look for one in FA when none of the options are really any better than our 4/5/6/7 starters?
[...]when Giants coach Steve Owen, a certified defensive genius, was asked how he planned to stop Nagurski, he said: "With a shotgun, as he’s leaving the dressing room."
Rule 5 picks don't have to be busts...
Here are some notable former Rule 5 picks:
Dan Uggla
Joakim Soria
Johan Santana
Shane Victorino
Willy Taveras
Scott Podsednik
and I didn’t even mention Hamilton… oh wait, I just did!
Make a pick and see if they can make the team.
Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.
So that's what...
…. seven Rule 5 picks over the last 10 years? That would be seven out of 300 chances (30 teams had a shot for 10 seasons).
Not very good odds, I’d say.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Jose Bautista? Willy Tavaras? Darren O'Day? Alfredo Simon? Jesus Flores? Jared Burton? Ryan Rowland-Smith? Dan Kolb?
I mean, they aren’t all All-Stars. But there are useful parts changing hands almost every year. And in the words of Sen. Blutarsky, it don’t cost nothin.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Rosenthal: White Sox interested in Kerry Wood.
"Don’t belittle entire fanbases or neighborhoods…simply because they are within proximity to some people who don’t operate (or look) the same way you do." - AndrewJStone 6/29/2010
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