Who Should Be The Cubs' Fifth Outfielder In 2011?
There aren't that many roster battles for the Cubs during spring training this year. Yesterday, we took a look at who should be the fifth starter. Today, let's examine the fifth outfielder spot.
It's certain that the first four outfielders will be Alfonso Soriano, Marlon Byrd, Kosuke Fukudome and Tyler Colvin, barring some sort of last-minute spring training deal that would send one of the four -- likely Fukudome -- elsewhere. The best solution for having this four-man-for-three-positions problem is to make some sort of rotation; both Byrd and Soriano could use days off and Fukudome doesn't hit lefthanders, so rotating Colvin through all three OF spots -- something Lou Piniella claimed he was going to do last year but never actually did -- would work well.
But that still leaves a fifth spot, and also a slot for someone who can pinch-hit and play late-inning outfield defense. After the jump, several possibilities for this spot; you can vote for your choice in the poll.
This list (and the poll) are in alphabetical order.
James Adduci: son of a former major league player with the same name who grew up in the Chicago area (the father; the son was born in British Columbia when his dad was playing Triple-A ball there), James Adduci is a good outfielder and baserunner who doesn't hit much. He's kind of a taller Sam Fuld; he'll be 26 in May and is a longshot to make the team.
Brett Jackson: the No. 1 draft pick in 2009 is probably going to start the season at Iowa, but has been invited to major league spring training and will certainly get some playing time in early spring games. We'll likely see him in a September callup as he vies for a starting job in 2012.
Reed Johnson: the popular former Cub who made several highlight-reel catches in his two years on the team in 2008 and 2009, is back in camp as a non-roster invitee. He had a pretty bad year last year with the Dodgers, although much of it was spent as a late-inning caddy for Manny Ramirez. Despite his overall rough season in 2010, he still hit lefthanders well: .301/.324/.466 in 109 plate appearances. Lifetime, Johnson is a .312/.373/.463 hitter vs. LHP in 1136 total PA. The fact that he hits LHP well is a positive; he could be a useful platoon partner for Fukudome.
Bryan LaHair: for some reason, he is listed on the Cubs' non-roster invitee list as an outfielder; he's primarily a first baseman, though he did play some outfield at Iowa last year. Think of him as the poor man's Micah Hoffpauir.
Lou Montanez: remember this guy? He was the Cubs' No. 1 draft pick in 2000. As a shortstop. After seven undistinguished years in the Cubs system he was signed as a minor league free agent by the place old Cubs prospects go to die, Baltimore. The Orioles let him go after last season; now 29, he's probably here just to provide someone to play in split-squad games.
Fernando Perez: acquired in the Matt Garza deal, Perez is a switch-hitter who will be 28 in April, so he's no prospect. In 107 MLB plate appearances total between 2008 and 2009, he's hit a poor .234/.301/.351. He's very fast -- 223 stolen bases in 700 minor league games. And he's also responsible for this video; if you haven't seen it yet, check it out now. (He'd certainly be the funniest Cub this side of Ryan Dempster, if he makes the team.)
Brad Snyder: the career minor leaguer -- 3500 minor league PA -- had a big year at Iowa last year and got a September callup, during which he hit .185, with one big highlight -- an RBI single that drove in the only run of a 1-0 Cubs win over the Padres last September 30, a game that helped knock SD out of the playoffs. Snyder will be 29 in May and is likely headed back to Iowa.
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rotating Colvin through all three OF spots
Is Colvin passable in CF? I feel like the pitching staff wouldn’t be too happy about him chasing balls in the gaps.
Passable enough to play a handful of games, I'd think.
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Hard to choose between Fernando Perez and Reed Johnson
for sheer entertainment value
I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. -J.R.R. Tolkien
Fernando Perez - Would be worth it if just for the humor.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
I went with Reed.
Hitting vs. left handed pitching, late inning replacement for defense, good guy in clubhouse. Brett Jackson needs to play every day. Perez would be useful for late inning base stealing but a liability with the bat. Has to be Reed.
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
Given that Byrd and Soriano kill lefties, I'd say we don't need RJ.
Would we play him in RF vs lefties? If so, we’d essentially be carrying 3 RFs.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
As long as it isn't Brett Jackson,
I’ll be cool with it. I don’t want BJax or McNutt on this winter’s 40 man roster.
You mean next offseason?
Jackson will almost certainly be added to the 40-man after this season.
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Maybe, but there is no
need to do so. I’m still on strike watch, and usually guys on the 40 man are not able to play during a labor stoppage. McNutt nor Jackson are required to be added to the 40 man to be exempted from the Rule 5 Draft.
Unless there are reasons for me to change my mind that haven’t surfaced yet, I won’t.
Fair enough.
Personally, I don’t think there will be any labor stoppage. This isn’t the NFL or NBA.
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None since 1994.
And it appears that MLB players and owners have come to the sort of agreement — i.e. get along and everyone makes $ — that NFL and NBA owners have not.
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lets...
Hope that’s the case.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Feb 15, 2011 9:52 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Aside from the entertainment value...
I think it is a difficult choice between Reed and Fernando. I thought I read that Perez was sticking to the RH side of the plate due to injury. Al, do you know something? Speed and defense would be a plus for a fifth outfielder, but so would the occasional base hit.
Perez is listed as a switch hitter.
I hadn’t heard the story about sticking to RH hitting. Anyone know?
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Wasn’t Perez in the Theriot boat— encouraged to be a switch hitter though detrimental to his development. I also remember reading that he was going to stick to RH hitting, but I don’t remember anything about an injury.
Come visit me inside Wrigley along the Addison side mezzanine fence straight up from 1st base.
by section229beer on Feb 15, 2011 11:24 AM CST up reply actions
Very interesting. I’d like to hear more on that front. My vote may be turning here …
by jackweiland on Feb 15, 2011 11:35 AM CST up reply actions
I thought that
it was in the Cubs.com article when the trade went down that he was strictly a RH hitter now. I do believe the change came as a result of the injury he had last year.
by Wrecks Grossman on Feb 15, 2011 8:54 PM CST up reply actions
i just read it here
Fernando Perez and the Rays have finally dropped the switch-hitting experiment. And so far it is taking pretty well. Insert the usual "DANGER, DANGER, small sample size ahead" alert.
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I have always
been a Synder fan. But being LH that is a tough sell. Johnson would be a good fit due to his ability to hit LH pitching. But I a afraid his better days are behind him. Not much of a list to choose from. At this point I would pick the best defensive OF they could find.
Is it April yet?
I vote for SOMEONE ELSE. I'd like to see a right handed power hitting corner outfielder
that can also play 1B when Pena needs to sit against a lefty. A Nady type, except better than the 2010 Nady. Such a player can be found cheap during spring training. However, for this to work, Colvin has to improve his defense in center. If Colvin can’t handle CF, then I change my vote to Reed Johnson
ask not what the Cubs can do for you - ask what you can do for the Cubs.
Pena had a .675 OPS vs. LHP in 2010, so he probably needs to sit against some lefties
with Johnson in RF and Colvin at 1B, that could work. But I really dont want to see Baker at 1B with Barney at 2B against lefties. Any support for my idea above this? Feedback, please
ask not what the Cubs can do for you - ask what you can do for the Cubs.
by holy mackeral on Feb 15, 2011 8:36 AM CST up reply actions
Who would that "someone else" be that you could find "cheap"...
… who would be available during spring training? Can you name a few names?
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not at this moment, which is why I didnt name names. But guys like that generally do become available
as spring training winds down, and during the season as well. Backup players are generally inexpensive. I voted “Someone else” as more of a concept, with nobody in particular in mind.
ask not what the Cubs can do for you - ask what you can do for the Cubs.
by holy mackeral on Feb 15, 2011 8:45 AM CST up reply actions
Don't right handed
Power hitting corner outfielders have starting jobs somewhere. Doesn’t seem that easy to pick up someone like that on waivers.
I have PMS & a GPS -- which means -- I am a bitch, and I will find you.
by cub in louies nest on Feb 15, 2011 7:14 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
That short Vid is HILARIOUS!
Really f’n funny! The piece was well-written.
“Carl Crawford showers in Evian.”
I hope the kid can put up some solid numbers this Spring and can be a valuable guy for the team. With what I am expecting on the field, Perez’ wit and humor would be a blessing!
Perez
I’m afraid that Reed may not have alot left in the tank; but I’m more than happy to eating a plate full of crow if he can pull me wrong.. If quade wants to atttempt any sort of small ball it will be nice to have someone come off the bench who is a legitamate base stealing threat late in the game.
I say take whoever is the best defensively. None of those guys are going to hit all that much, and they probably shouldn’t be asked to.
Who that is? I have absolutely no clue.
Voted for Johnson
Although I admittedly don’t know a ton about the other guys in that list, other than what was written. He’s solid defensively and won’t be a total vortex offensively used the right way.
Right.
As long as you let Reed face mostly LHP, he’ll hit just fine.
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Berkman
can we trade for him?
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Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
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Perez
If he is a fast as reported and can steal bases at the MLB level, I want that weapon as an option off the bench. I want my Game 4, 2004 ALCS playoffs, Red Sox vs. Yankees, Dave Roberts SB moment. And I want it now!
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
I would not hold my breath on that one.
by jackweiland on Feb 15, 2011 11:36 AM CST up reply actions
I'd hope for Perez
No dis to Reed, but Perez is younger and could add some speed to a plodding team.
If Jackson makes the Cubs, I would want him to be the starting CF – none of this business of having the new guy learn from the bench. If that means trading Byrd, OK.
Isn't Perez...
a really, really bad hitter? Or am I thinking of someone else that was recently acquired?
I voted for Reed. Easy choice for me.
Voted for Perez
At least he has some upside. I wouldn’t be too upset if its RJ either. Not at the top of my list of concerns about 2011.
Johnson unless Jackson wins a starting job....
Which I know is unlikely given the salary of the others…
Works for me...
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I went with Perez, but would settle for Jackson
I get the Reed Johnson votes, but I think if we go that route we are looking in the rear-view mirror instead of the windshield. Kerry Wood covers the reminiscing phase for me just fine, don’t need Reed to do the same (as much as I loved watching play). We need to see what we have potential-wise for the next few years.
You want your
top prospects to develop and slotting Jackson as the 5 outfielder on the major league squad will not allow that to happen. Him sitting on the bench for most of the year helps no one. Jackson belongs in the minors for most of the year unless injuries require him to come to the big club sooner. Even then it has to be in a starting role or a role where he gets regular playing time.
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by TheRiot Police on Feb 15, 2011 10:27 AM CST up reply actions
That's why I didn't vote for Jackson, I voted Perez
I agree Jackson needs development, but he may see time in the bigs this year depending on how the team does.
We'll probably won't see Jackson unless there is an injury.
I’m sure they want to delay his $$$$$ years.
True.
He might get a September callup, but that’s about it.
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That is what we thought about Castro too
last year. If they had waited 3 more weeks, they would have had another year of his cost controlled. Instead, he will be a super 2. No telling what the front office will do.
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
Which means...
… he may wind up with a Marmol-type deal in a couple of years.
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yup.
The front office accelerated this deal by a full year for an extra three weeks of Castro last year. The business side of me thinks that this was a really dumb move. The fan side was happy to see him come up and play and see that the front office was making moves based on player readiness and not on their pocketbook.
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
It was an incredibly stupid move that was entirely based on Hendry wanting to get some good PR
"Oh Crap"
-Famous Last Words by General George Custer
PR?
I thought Castro was called up because the Cubs needed a “shot in the arm.” They had a bad April, and Castro (IIRC) was called up to try to shake things up and improve the defense.
You’re probably right that they should have waited, though.
What's it going to cost, in reality?
One year’s worth of an extra arb payment — maybe $3 – $4 million. If Castro is as good as we all think he is, that won’t be such a big deal.
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Well, yeah -- it wasn't a huge deal.
It was a minor mistake.
accelerating Castro's arbitration eligibility by 1 year was rather misguided
Maybe Castro turns into a star, but that wont be because of the extra 3 weeks spent in the majors in May 2010. Those 3 weeks werent worth $3 million
ask not what the Cubs can do for you - ask what you can do for the Cubs.
by holy mackeral on Feb 15, 2011 5:40 PM CST up reply actions
Actually, it will cost more than that.
It will accelerate his arb by a year. Which will mean that the Cubs pay one more year of him for as long as they have him. Really, you have to look at it as the last year that the Cubs pay him vs the third year player salary (minimum-ish) So if the Cubs pay him $12 million in 2016, you could say that this would have been pushed by a full year where they would have paid him league minimum. Could be seen as a really big mistake.
But I see what you are saying, too.
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
More like, "a stupid move based on the desparate notion that the 2010 season could be salvaged."
And once Castro was up an hitting .300, no way the team could take the PR hit of sending him back to Iowa.
just arrived at Fitch...
Any other BCBers around?
Bunch of position guys here already…saw colvin, pena, johnson, ojeda among others today
by JCD on Feb 15, 2011 10:18 AM CST via mobile reply actions
Camp Q
Fun to watch Quade float around today. Clearly avoided the pitchers, I assume by design. He looked like he was having fun. He shagged flies and even was talking to someone about a car damaged by a HR ball. 80 and sunny here. Beautiful. Good to see Woody back in uniform and the familiar face of Reed Johnson (#5).
by JCD on Feb 15, 2011 3:05 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
now I'm REALLY impressed!
Poetry is notoriously difficult to crack. Move over, Geo. I think I’m in love with this Perez guy!
I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. -J.R.R. Tolkien
I love good writing
I love baseball; Hence, I love Perez.
I have PMS & a GPS -- which means -- I am a bitch, and I will find you.
by cub in louies nest on Feb 15, 2011 7:51 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
i might not love him as you might
but i sure as hell respect that he was able to do this. seems like a good down to earth guy, the type you want to root for against all odds
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I'd say Perez
late inning defense and pinch running trumps
On the "rotation"
If the 4-man OF rotation is going to work, then there is no “platoon” partner for Fukudome… Colvin would start the lion’s share of games in RF against a LHP.
As some know, I am a definite advocate of the 4 starting OFs for this Cubs team. In that scenario, the 5th OF is basically never going to start. That confines them to pinch-hitting and/or running and late inning defense.
Given the Cubs current construction, I think seeking a real PH is the best option as ‘holy mackerel’ noted above. I also don’t know who that person is, but the Cubs could/should be looking for, essentially, a RH Daryl Ward.
As it stands now, your “big bat” off the bench in key PH situations is going to be whichever OF or 2B (Baker/DeWitt) didn’t start. That’s not awe inspiring.
Late inning OF defense is covered with Colvin-Byrd-Dome. And if you need a runner, that could be Barney (not a blazer by any means, but a very smart base runner).
So I vote “other”. If you were to twist my arm and make me pick someone on the roster, I would say Perez. As much as I wish he wasn’t, I think Reed is done.
"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."
by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST
Definitely a valid point about the lack of a big bat off the bench.
Not sure who’s available, though. Is Russell Branyan still out there? And is there still payroll room for a signing like that?
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I have no idea on the $... I would think not.
On the other hand, anyone available at this point surely isn’t coming with a lofty price tag.
What about someone like Jermaine Dye, who could also back-up 1B, if his attitude could handle it? (And that’s a very half-hearted suggestion… I have no stake in that idea whatsoever.)
"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."
by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST
Dye may be a possibility -- especially as spring training wears on.
Earlier this month, he appeared to be demanding a major league deal. (← Shameless plug.) I can’t get too excited about him, but he could be a really inexpensive option. I guess it all depends on how strongly the Cubs feel they need a guy in that role.
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Meh.
I’m guessing Dye is still wanting way more $ than he’s worth, especially after a year out of the game.
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Agreed.
I would guess that we won’t see Dye in a major league uniform again. It all depends on how desperate he is to extend his career.
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I concur.
I only used that particular name to get out of searching for who was still “on the street” or really thinking about who might be available for a low cost trade.
I was thinking of that kind of guy.
"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."
by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST
Perez
This is from a Fangraphs story in 2009:
Perez has never been a top-notch prospect but the speedy outfielder is considered an excellent fourth-outfield prospect. An injury wiped out his ’09 season so his "tumble" really wasn’t a fault of his own. Perez strikes out too much for a player with modest power (.106 ISO at triple-A in ’08), although he does a reasonable job of getting on base via the walk. If he were to play everyday, Perez could reach 30-40 steals. His 0.8 career WAR is tied almost solely to his defensive abilities.
I feel like Perez has been sold a little short
by the Cubs fan base. No, his MLB numbers aren’t great, but that playing time is hardly significant enough to form a judgement. Yes, he is 28 already and not a prospect. However, it needs to be remembered that he suffered a significant wrist injury in 2009 that wiped out that year, and it is not uncommon for players to take well over a year to fully recover the ability to drive the ball after a wrist injury. If he recovers the acceptable power he showed before the injury, I think he could be a useful weapon either in a platoon or off the bench. He has a career 11% walk rate in the minors, plus plus speed, and plays great defense. His combined line between AAA and the majors in ‘08 (the year before the injury) was .284/.359/.398 with 8 HR, 11 3B, and 48 SB. Not that he will likely achieve that at the MLB level, but I don’t think Johnson or any of our other options has that sort of upside.
by Bradsbeard on Feb 15, 2011 12:36 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Perez has talent.
But I think Johnson fits the role better — defensive replacement, starter vs. LHP on occasion. If you limited him to 200 AB or so, mostly vs LHP, he’d have a productive year.
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If our 5th OF
is getting anywhere near 200 ABs, we’re in trouble.
"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."
by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST
Gotta agree.
I like RJ and all, and won’t be too upset if he makes the team, but my vote goes to Perez for all the reasons you mention.
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Voted for Reed
But after watching that video, Perez is the man! and we need the speed. Can I switch my vote? :) Trade Fuku and have them both!
Loved the video.
It’s between Reed and Perez for my choice.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
I voted for Perez.
Mainly because I think he has more upside and more speed. But I love Reed Johnson, so I would be happy if he beats Perez out. Does Perez have options left?
perez is better than reed as a fifth outfielder
perez is faster, plays great defense (as does reed but perez has more range). Perez doesnt have to hit much because hes the fifth outfielder, the fourth outfileder (whoever it is that day) will be the first pinch hitter off the bench. we just need perez to be a pinch runner basically
I know.
Maybe you should email the Cubs and let him know.
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Just wondering...
What would the OF look like with Fuk out of town? Soriano in left, Byrd in center, Colvin in right? Would that then make Perez the 4? I’m not sure the Cubs would be better off at this point. Maybe if they’d addressed it via free agency or trade somehow, but at this point they’ve kind of made their bed with Kosuke and they’re going to have to sleep in it. Faannnnnnntastic.
I take his comment as spooning.
You see, the person in the back would be big spoon and the one in front is little spoon. He’s just adding to his previous comment:
made their bed with Kosuke and they’re going to have to sleep in it
I think Perez has a much higher ceiling
than Reed, whose best year’s are likely behind him. Reed had a .650 OPS last year.
I don’t know if Perez is the answer, but I’m pretty sure Reed isn’t. I agree with FSU above that a more powerful bat might be nice, though I do like the option of having someone with Perez’s speed on the bench. If we could get a Branyan-type player who could backup 1st and 3rd with some pop in the bat, that might be nice.
DEJESUS!!!
One thing people seem to not be mentioning
In addition to defense and hitting, Perez would make an excellent pinch running candidate
"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
It's not a platoon.
It’s a rotation. Or at least, it should be.
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Am I missing something?
Soriano and Byrd are going to be playing every day, with Fukudome and Colvin taking turns in right field, no?
No.
Soriano will need days off. Colvin can play LF on those days. He could also play CF in place of Byrd occasionally.
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I'm curious.
That certainly makes the most sense — but has Quade actually said that’s what he’s going to do?
No...
… but I sure hope he does. Lou claimed he was going to do that, but never did.
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hmmm haven't seen that anywhere
barring injury I just assumed they were going to trot Soriano out there. My question is then: why not start Colvin full time in right field and let Fukudome be the roving outfielder?
That could actually happen, too.
Remember, Colvin will also get some time at 1B, when Pena needs a day off.
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Dome's best position by far is RF.
That’s why Colvin would move around.
"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."
by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST
who's a better (backup) CFer - Dome or Colvin?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
disagree and so do the numebrs if i am reading them correct
and yes i know small sample for Colvin
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Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
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Probably not - their swoons in 2010 suggest that both Soriano and Byrd would benefit from at least 25-30 games off/season
And neither one of them had very good numbers against RHP.
Other : Bobby Scales.
I’m joking however and would like to see Fernando Perez get a chance.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
where is Matt Mieske these days?
ask not what the Cubs can do for you - ask what you can do for the Cubs.
by holy mackeral on Feb 15, 2011 5:43 PM CST up reply actions
In the mustache hall of fame.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
Give Fenando Perez a chance
if he impresses in Spring Training.
"Keep pushin' til' it's understood. And these badlands start treating us good."
I didnt vote, but since it was asked who can be a cheap defensive OF
i offer up Ballhawk. he has a lot of experience playing fly balls at Wrigley (sure the wrong side of the wall, but i am sure he can adjust) and I guarantee he would sign for the league minimum
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
LOL!
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
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GREEN BAY PACKERS, SUPER BOWL XLV CHAMPIONS!
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Feb 15, 2011 7:01 PM CST up reply actions
just one more reason to hurry up and sign BH before someone else does
anyone know what BH’s scrappy-o-meter is?
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
suffice to say, I used to bat lead-off in my (much) younger days
sometimes second when there was a lefty on the mound and Coach wanted to lead-off with a RH batter.
But some thirty years, thirty pounds and three knee surgeries later, I’ve gone from speedy to scrappy. I’m more of a #7 hitter now. Tell you what though – I’ve never met an inside pitch that I couldn’t lean into. Me and Reed would make a heckuva platoon!
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
its not too late to try out BH
make a “run” to Mesa
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
always remember Dan Hampton have many more knee surgeries
so you are just fine
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
League minimum? That's chump change! ;-)
and I’d gladly be the chump for a chance to play on the other side of the wall.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
i knew you would not let me down
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
and for league min
you can be in Perez’ next film :=)
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Reed Johnson
He has value as a defensive replacement still, and I think he could be a valuable platoon player with Fukudome. He still hit’s lefties well.
Jackson needs to be in Des Moines unless there are going to be enough at bats for him in Chicago. I know, Colvin forced his way onto the roster, and into the line-up last year. But, that won’t happen this year unless Fukudome or Byrd are traded.
IIRC his defensive stats for UZR and such show the opposite of this
for Johnson.
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
REED JOHNSON
AWESOME FACIAL HAIR
THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAITS OF 5TH OUTFIELDERS
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
What is the fascination with hitting LHP
Last year the team was excellent against them. We were terrible against RHP. Wagner is the only LH closer we’ll probably face. Snyder has played all 3 OF positions, hits for power and has a very good steal ratio. Give him a decent shot.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
im pulling
for either reed or perez. im sure jackson will show later in the season unless he has a monster spring like colvin did and force the cubs hand.

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