Preston Wilson?

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Dec 29, 2005 12:28 AM CST

According to Al's favorite website, the Cubs are close to signing Preston Wilson, as the Orioles have rejected the Cubs' offer and Hendry is moving on. To this poster, this is 4th hand information, originating with a baseball scout and going through an unnamed source and the site before being posted here. Since i'm really tired of talking about the deal, i'm going to analyze this potential pickup...

Wilson is very similar to Jacque Jones - he hits for power and strikes out alot, and has speed in the OF and on the basepaths. If we do sign him, he would be a right-handed bat in the OF, and would give us one of the best defensive outfields in the majors. Unfortunately, given the market for OFs this offseason, he'll lkely get something like a 3 year deal for $15-17 million. Although that's not too much money for the lefty side of a platoon, its WAY too much for the righty side of a platoon. I'm assuming if he signs with the Cubs he'll be an everyday starter in RF, sliding Jones to LF where his inaccurate arm is less of a deficiency and sliding Matt Murton down the depth chart to be Jones's platoon partner. Murton could also backup Wilson and Pierre, and on days when Pierre sits, Wilson would move into CF. Although this means that Murton won't get much of a chance to prove himself this year, the acquisition of Wilson would be a significant upgrade to the offense. Against lefties we would efectively be replacing Jones's completely ineffective bat with Wilson's - a huge upgrade; against righties, we'd effectively be replacing Murton's bat (which isn't great against righties yet) with Wilson's, a slight upgrade. Our outfield defense would be stellar - Pierre, Wilson, and Jones/Murton all cover a lot of ground, and Jones and Wilson would have + arms for their position. Given all the flyballs the Cubs' staff throws, it could significantly reduce the runs scored against the Cubs next season.

I think our lineup if we sign Wilson would look like this:

Pierre, CF
Jones/Murton, LF
Lee, 1B
Ramirez, 3B
Wilson, RF
Walker, 2B
Barrett, C
Cedeno, SS
Pitcher

If Walker also gets traded (i'm beginning to think Hendry will hold onto Walker unless we upgrade the middle infield somehow), then Barrett and Cedeno will move up a slot and Neifi will play 2nd and bat 8th. Its also possible Walker will bat 2nd and Jones/Murton will hit 6th, but i think Dusty likes Walker in the 6 hole and will keep the speed of the LF platoon at the top of the order.

One more thing to consider if this deal is done: Murton (and perhaps Pie) could be on his (their) way out. If Wilson signs a 3-year deal, Murton and Pie would effectively be blocked from being everyday starters for the next few years. I wouldn't be surprised to see Hendry deal one or both of these OFs for another SP such as Zito, or for an upgrade to the middle IF. I'd speculate more on the possibilities of what Murton and Pie could net us, but this post is long as it is, and that could bring us back to the trade anyways, so i'll turn this thing over to the community...

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

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Don't Forget...

it will also mean Korey's gone too. We will already have Mabry, Pierre, Jones, Hairston, and Murton. No need for Korey...

by mannytrillo on Dec 29, 2005 12:33 AM CST reply actions

i think Hariston would be gone too...

if we do this, Corey AND Hairston are likely traded before opening day.

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Dec 29, 2005 12:35 AM CST up reply actions

I don't think Hairston is going anywhere

IMO, Corey will be gone by opening day. Hairston and Mabry will share the end of the roster spots (forever to be known as "the Macias"). Sadly although this team badly needs his offense, I think Walker will be gone also.

Shawn - Ever think about starting your own blog? I always enjoy your diaries and commentary.

by csb059 on Dec 29, 2005 10:34 AM CST up reply actions

my own blog?

I've thought about it, but the only times i can really afford to put the time into daily or near-daily postings is when i'm on vacation... like now. I might do it in the future, but for now i'm focused on finishing my Ph.D. Besides, i really like the setup Al has here, and am perfectly content posting diaries on his site.

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Dec 29, 2005 11:45 AM CST up reply actions

i'll make two potential Murton deals...

The one AZ Phil proposed a while back, and the one i keep posting here: send Murton, Wuertz, and Hill to the A's for Zito. In this case, we'd keep Zito, and would end up with the lineup above (maybe we would flip-flop Walker and Jones in the order given Jones's ineffectiveness against lefties), and the following rotation:

Zambrano
Prior
Zito
Maddux
Wood/Rusch/Williams

Plus, we'd have a bullpen of:
Dempster
Williamson
Wood/Rusch/Williams
another from Wood/Rusch/Williams
Novoa
Eyre
Howry

That is a decent lineup but a ridiculous bullpen. Given that Pie would be blocked from the MLB roster, we could also send Zito, Williams, and Pie to the O's for Tejada. Our lineup would be pretty nasty:

Pierre
Walker/Cedeno
Lee
Tejada
Ramirez
Wilson
Jones
Barrett
Pitcher

and we'd essentially have the same rotation/pen we have right now. Either way, signing Wilson and trading Murton in a deal that gets us Zito could pay huge dividends for the Cubs.

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Dec 29, 2005 12:34 AM CST reply actions

I'm for Zito...

as long as we can get him to sign long term. No rent-a-players. And not give up starting pitching. To me there are tons of ?? anyways with our starting staff, we can't give up anymore. Pitching wins...

by mannytrillo on Dec 29, 2005 12:43 AM CST up reply actions

Zito

It'd certainly be fun to watch him pitch in Cubbie Blue. Assuming everyone stays healthy(which I probably shouldn't do) our rotation would be pretty solid.

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Dec 29, 2005 12:46 AM CST up reply actions

I highly doubt Zito is going anywhere

as of right now. I doubt Beane sees anyone in the Cubs organization that he likes enough to trade Zito. But who knows I have been wrong before.

"You know what God told the cubs. Don't do anything until I get back!" Pete Rose

by Will71081 @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Dec 29, 2005 9:22 AM CST up reply actions

A couple of weeks ago...

... I went over to Athletics Nation and asked the folks over there what they thought it would take to get Zito.

Here's the thread.

One of the posters said "Hill, Murton, Harvey and Pie."

You know, if the Cubs could find a decent LF to replace Murton, I might just do that.

by Al Yellon on Dec 29, 2005 9:34 AM CST up reply actions

especially

if they could sign zito to an extension anywhere in the neighborhood of what garland got--say 4 years, 38-40 mil.

by tomas21 on Dec 29, 2005 10:43 AM CST up reply actions

I think this is a very possible scenario...

... and it would be foolish to platoon Jones with Murton and let Wilson play every day. Wilson hit lefties very well in 2005 (.262/.336/.571), but career-wise he's actually hit slightly better vs. RHP (.814 OPS vs RHP, .800 vs LHP).

Unfortunately, that's a likely result if this signing is made. Fortunately, the information on "our favorite site" (link not necessary since it's above) is "thirdhand information originating from a baseball scout", which the site then goes on to say is "legitimate", with no background at all.

Further, the Murton/Jones thing is pure speculation on his part.

It's entirely possible that Murton could be dealt if a Wilson signing comes to pass. The only thing in that post that I agree with is that "Patterson is as good as gone", but as he says, "we pretty much assumed that".

Finally, I do NOT think any such signing blocks Felix Pie, unless it is done for more than one year.

I take this one with a pillar of salt.

by Al Yellon on Dec 29, 2005 3:28 AM CST up reply actions

A pillar of salt...

is exactly what the doctor ordered!

The only reason i'm going into this much detail is out of boredom, and the assumption that other people might want to talk about something other than the Prior-Tejada deal.

One more possibility i just thought of this morning - if the Cubs end up dealing Patterson and Hairston, then they could call up Pie and use him to spell Wilson against some righties, and if he tears it up, platoon him with Wilson. That way, Pie could come along at a Dusty-pace. Wilson will likely be paid too much to be put in a true platoon (assuming he even signs!), but its conceivable there could be some time for Pie in RF.

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Dec 29, 2005 9:52 AM CST up reply actions

Murton

As much as I enjoyed watching the kid play last year, I wouldn't be opposed to this move. I am still not entirely convinced that Murton is ready to be an everyday starter. If the price is right I would have no problem with the Cubs doing this.

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Dec 29, 2005 12:45 AM CST reply actions

here we go again

If we do add Wilson, I wish we could make a deal like Murton, et al, for Zito. But putting that aside for a moment, at least we're starting to get entertaining.

I mean, when the free agent period started, we could have had one guy who filled our needs and signed him for a cool $10 million a year. But what do we do instead? Sign at least two marginally effective guys for that amount of money, and take away a position for a promising player. Sounds like a great idea to me.

The brilliance really is mind-boggling. Jacque Jones was an unpopular decision, so let's go get the right-handed version!

"If it takes forever."

by JDay on Dec 29, 2005 12:47 AM CST reply actions

Murton AND Pie would be blocked.

I'm of the mind that Murton and Pie are our two best young players. We're already blocking one of them for the next few years, and we'd essentially be blocking both of them by acquiring Wilson. I think you'd see at least one of them moved before opening day, and perhaps another OF moved before the trade deadline.

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Dec 29, 2005 12:53 AM CST up reply actions

blocks

Well, Pie isn't necessarily blocked at this point. It depends on what happens with Pierre. If they don't re-sign him, Pie would be in center a year or so down the road. All indications, though, are that they'll try to sign Pierre to an extension (unless I missed something recently and it's been done). And the one thing about the Jones deal is that it's at least a tradeable contract.

But to me, Pie's tradeable anyway. I'm disappointed in the idea of blocking Murton. So if an important trade involving Murton isn't in the cards after signing Wilson, I don't see the point in it. Wilson and Jones are the type of guys we thought we were going to stay away from.

"If it takes forever."

by JDay on Dec 29, 2005 1:01 AM CST reply actions

Pie being blocked...

yes, i was assuming that the Cubs will sign Pierre to an extension. I think this hasn't happened yet because Hendry likes to solidify his roster before giving out extensions.

If we do sign Pierre to an extension, then we could always trade Jones or Wilson, if Wilson's contract also doesn't have a no-trade. However, barring a trade Pie would essentially be blocked, as we would have a lot of money invested in each OF position for the next few years.

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Dec 29, 2005 9:48 AM CST up reply actions

Hendry to Colorado?

Actually, here's a thought. Since A) Hendry's enamored with power hitters, even if guys swing and miss A LOT; and B) He's apparently not afraid to sacrifice pitching for offense (albeit a LOT of offense), why doesn't Colorado make him their next GM? A lineup like this would be do a lot of damage at Coors.

It must be comforting to know that as long as you can hit .245 with 30 jacks a year, you'll always have a spot with the Cubs... even if you do swing like a rusty gate.

"If it takes forever."

by JDay on Dec 29, 2005 1:17 AM CST reply actions

Move Murton

I want the Cubs to move Murton just so that he has a chance to play everyday. If the Cubs sign Wilson, Dusty will have the excuse to keep him away from righties. The only way to learn to hit righties is to play against them. Murton isn't a 35 year-old playing under Earl Weaver. He is a young ballplayer who at least shows an understanding of the game. When is the last time we have had a kid come out of the minors who understands and/or respects the game? (Cedeno seems to play smart ball also)

by greggie44 on Dec 29, 2005 10:05 AM CST reply actions

Mr. Murton

I hear what you're saying. That said, I'd be absolutely sick if Murton gets traded or doesn't get regular playing time under the dusty regime. I'd go beyond saying that he show's an "understanding" of the game. From what I can tell, he's got an intrinsic knowledge of most of the important things a baseball player should know.

Although he's demonstrated this knowledge in multiple instances, it was greatly highlighted/accentuated (for me) during a postgame interview he gave on WGN after a game winning hit he had last season. He discussed exactly what he thought the pitcher was going to try to do to him during the AB (based on what the pitcher had thrown him during previous ABs that game) and *exactly* what he was trying to do (he said something along the lines of expecting a certain pitch and attempting to hit the upper-half of the ball to ensure he didn't ground out...or something very close to that, I'm not doing his comments justice).

From my very puny knowledge of baseball and current baseball players, I believe players such as him to be a rarity these days. In one of my great moments of weakness and frusteration last season, I posted a near tirade on on the Cubs Usenet group basically saying that the Cubs were lacking true baseball players and lamenting the fact that the ones they did have (e.g. Murton) weren't getting the playing time they rightly deserved.

Perhaps I overestimate Matt's potential but I do strongly believe that talent such as his should be fostered, further-developed, and ultimately cherished. Sure, he's not a physical specimen and yes, he does have some holes in his game but properly developed and used I think he could become a major threat to reach base on a very consistent basis. He just seems to have to the baseball grit and ingenuity this team sorely lacks and needs.

by Jake @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Dec 29, 2005 2:28 PM CST up reply actions

Pardon me...

... for being blunt, but what the hell is wrong with Jim Hendry? I mean seriously, has he lost his goddamn mind? I just don't understand what is going through his brain. The number of moves or rumored moves that aren't just bad, but totally off the wall are mindboggling.

Signing Jacque Jones. He signed a bad OBP guy to a three year deal. Corey Patterson would have been a better option.
Rumored deal involving Mark Prior. Didn't we just deal with a decade of misery with Maddux in Atlanta? He wants to move Prior for a guy who has some question about his performance and possible steroid use. Regardless, you don't trade that type of pitching talent and if you've realized that your organization can't develop that talent, it's time to get new instructors.
Possibly signing Preston Wilson and moving Matt Murton. So you're going to take away playing time from a guy who did nothing but get on base last year. The only criticism of him was that he didn't hit for power. Well, he then proceeds to hit 7 hrs in 140 at bats, not overwhelming, but certainly someone who could hit 30 HRs while getting on base at a decent clip.
Other trades involving the likes of Hill, Pie, Harvey, Marshall, Cedeno and others (after moving Pinto and Nolasco). Further he signs players or considers signing players to longer term deals that will serve as road blocks for these top prospects.

Sorry, but I think that Hendry is out of his mind. I don't know if he's trying to build a Dusty proof team. I don't know if he's risking his future prospects for the sake of winning now. I don't know if he's trying to save his own job. However I do believe that the moves this guy is rumored (and yes they're only rumors) are out of this world insane and an indication that the GM is taking the team in the wrong direction.

DmL

by dmlichte on Dec 29, 2005 10:26 AM CST reply actions

As bad as the Jones signing was...

... no, Corey Patterson would not have been a better option. Patterson has shown regression in talent and performance and attitude, and the relentless booing that will accompany any appearance of his on the field at Clark & Addison, necessitates his removal from the premises.

Soon.

by Al Yellon on Dec 29, 2005 10:31 AM CST up reply actions

I think...

Jones will get booed for him. And if Preston gets signed, I hope they boo him.

Cubbie Blue always sPaRkLes in my eyes. Time to sPaRkLe Jimmy!

by sparkles721 on Dec 29, 2005 10:35 AM CST up reply actions

Jones...

... won't get booed unless he fails to perform. Same for Wilson. They at least start with a clean slate.

by Al Yellon on Dec 29, 2005 10:36 AM CST up reply actions

I wouldn't boo Jones...

but I would boo Wilson. They don't have clean slates because their previous numbers make me a little angry.

How come Corey doesn't get a clean slate and has to get booed if he stays? That's so unfair. :)

Cubbie Blue always sPaRkLes in my eyes. Time to sPaRkLe Jimmy!

by sparkles721 on Dec 29, 2005 10:41 AM CST up reply actions

Because...

... of what was stated in the comment below. Patterson's attitude, just as much as his poor performance, justified the booing.

Neither Jones nor Wilson has ever done such a thing, to my knowledge. They'd deserve at least the benefit of the doubt.

by Al Yellon on Dec 29, 2005 10:45 AM CST up reply actions

I remember...............

.........P Willy as a Marlin running at full speed into the Wrigley ivy. He actually caught the ball as he hit the CF bricks, but lost control falling to the warning track.

After seeing a guy go that hard with absolute disregard for his well-being, I'll find it hard to boo him regardless of the uniform he wears.

by tville on Dec 29, 2005 11:56 PM CST up reply actions

Agreed..

....Jones and possibly Wilson didn't and aren't holding guns to Hendry's head. He voluntarily signed them. I'll be rooting for one or both from Day 1. If they give me reason not to cheer, fine.

I'm not so much on booing. If you can tell a player gives it an honest effort but just doesn't succeed, I'm not going to boo. However, if you get someone like Patterson, who didn't seem to give a schlitz last year, whole different story.

by BeerCub on Dec 29, 2005 10:42 AM CST up reply actions

Better option

In terms of pure numbers, he may not have been a better option. Simply, however, because Jones makes $6M more a year and is now signed for three years, I think Patterson is a better option. This year has a crappy crop of free agents. Further the trade market seemed dominated by GMs wanting your entire top tier of prospects. Keeping Patterson would allow the Cubs to move him out of the way for Felix Pie mid season or in 2007.

Neither Patterson nor Jones are going to be differencemakers with this year's club. As the 2006 Cubs are currently constituted, they are going to depend on their pitching. If they succeed, whoever is in RF isn't going to make a difference. Of course things may change and an elite bat may be added, but I still don't see RF as a factor w/ Jones.

DmL

by dmlichte on Dec 29, 2005 10:45 AM CST up reply actions

Huh??

Wilson? If Hendry signs him, I will really give up on Hendry. Giving Murton less playing time would be bad. And if they trade him, I will not like Hendry anymore. Trading him because of Wilson being signed would be wrong. If Murton brings us Zito, maybe I would let him go, but he isn't going to bring Zito by himself and I don't want to sell the farm for a possible rent-a-player.

Murton should not be platooned. I hate platoons, and I would only like to see them if they are really, really necessary(Jones' case). Jim Hendry is driving me crazy.

Cubbie Blue always sPaRkLes in my eyes. Time to sPaRkLe Jimmy!

by sparkles721 on Dec 29, 2005 10:28 AM CST reply actions

B12

I didn't see this posted anywhere but thought I would relay that Raffy P. said he still doesn't know how he tested positive for steroids because the only thing he took was B12 shots from tejada. Not sure if there is truth in this matter but the way Tejada dropped in 2nd half last year makes you wonder. I would steer clear of this one and it makes you wonder if Hendry has investigated. Is this why Wilson came onto the radar screen abruptly?

by mrcubsfan on Dec 29, 2005 10:37 AM CST reply actions

Further...

... no one knows the impact of amphetimemes testing for them. Some believe this is going to make a huge difference. I don't believe this is the offseason to be making major committments and to be sending possible impact pitchers and prospects away for big time hitters.

DmL

by dmlichte on Dec 29, 2005 11:05 AM CST up reply actions

I don't believe him...

at all. I never thought he would use steriods. He didn't seem that kind of guy. But he did, and I was pretty surprised and I'm not even a fan of his. I read the article that says what you said, and he says he doesn't want to blame it on anyone, but he continues to blame Miguel Tejada. It is sad.

Cubbie Blue always sPaRkLes in my eyes. Time to sPaRkLe Jimmy!

by sparkles721 on Dec 29, 2005 11:24 AM CST up reply actions

Oh Raffy

Once upon a time I loved you so.

Please stop talking.

Hey-Dawson backwards is Noswad!---Harry Caray

by cubbiejulie on Dec 29, 2005 12:08 PM CST up reply actions

So true...

Raffy should just keep his mouth shut right now.

Rondell would never do something like this.

by nickler on Dec 30, 2005 7:58 AM CST up reply actions

Maybe...

if Rondell juiced up, he would have been a better player, instead he just plain stinks.

Anyone can have a bad century...

by Kinky Reggae on Dec 30, 2005 10:27 AM CST up reply actions

Now that...

...is just hurtful.

by nickler on Jan 1, 2006 1:26 AM CST up reply actions

so you are

Rondell. Sign with the Astros and leave us alone.

2006 -- AC036097 -- Eamus Catuli!

by priorpwnz on Jan 1, 2006 8:33 AM CST up reply actions

I think...

Rondell signed with the Twinkies.

by nickler on Jan 1, 2006 10:19 AM CST up reply actions

did you?

I don't pay enough attention.

2006 -- AC036097 -- Eamus Catuli!

by priorpwnz on Jan 1, 2006 4:34 PM CST up reply actions

this isn't going to happen

cruller jim isn't this stupid. you can't take a mediocre offensive team and make it better by adding jones and wilson -- both hitting .250 with no walks and a good 300 strikeouts between them. it would cripple the cardinals, much less the cubs -- indeed, they make larry bigbie and juan encarnacion look desirable.

i don't think it would even matter if you 1managed to rent zito for 2006. you'd be playing jones, wilson and cedeno/neifi (possibly both, if walker is moved) every day. may not matter what your pitching staff looks like at that point.

i'm going to put this in the "too dumb to be credible" file. some shit has jumped out of there to bite me before (where are you now, matt karchner?) but this won't be one. it can't be one.

by gaius marius on Dec 29, 2005 2:06 PM CST reply actions

LOL at "Cruller Jim"...

... but seriously, you're right. He can't this dumb.

Somebody out there -- ANYBODY -- sign Wilson. Please. Rescue us.

by Al Yellon on Dec 29, 2005 2:11 PM CST up reply actions

now watch him sign wilson

and prove to us both that he really, really is. ;)

by gaius marius on Dec 29, 2005 2:30 PM CST up reply actions

Wilson is a bat..Hendry trying to imrpove the team

I will take talent wherever I can find it..

Wilson, Jones, Pierre, Howry, Eyre, hopefully a healthy Wood, emerging Cedeno,etc..

There are plenty of AB's for everyone. I think this team can win the division.

OF- Murton, Pierre, Wilson, Jones
IF- Ramirez, Cedeno/Perez/Walker, Lee
C- Barrett

SP-Zambrano, Prior, Maddux, Wood, Rusch, Williams

Rp_ Dempster, Novoa, Howry, Eyre, Ohman, Wuertz

Bench- Mabry, Blanco, etc.

by cubkenny on Dec 29, 2005 3:27 PM CST reply actions

I'm good...

with Zito and Wilson at this point considering we lost out on Tejada...

Anyone can have a bad century...

by Kinky Reggae on Dec 29, 2005 3:58 PM CST reply actions

Im with you on this one!!!!!!!

by jfkjunior2004 on Dec 29, 2005 4:04 PM CST up reply actions

What do people think...

about Contreras? Pick up Preston Wilson and then go after Jose Contreras. Is he too old? He had a pretty mean second half and probably won't cost too too much.

Anyone can have a bad century...

by Kinky Reggae on Dec 29, 2005 4:09 PM CST reply actions

depends

on what the White Sox want.

2006 -- AC036097 -- Eamus Catuli!

by priorpwnz on Dec 29, 2005 4:10 PM CST up reply actions

They want young pitching...

and I think they want to keep Contreras, so we would have to make them a pretty good offer.

Cubbie Blue always sPaRkLes in my eyes. Time to sPaRkLe Jimmy!

by sparkles721 on Dec 29, 2005 4:13 PM CST up reply actions

ain't

gettin Hill, screw that.

2006 -- AC036097 -- Eamus Catuli!

by priorpwnz on Dec 29, 2005 4:25 PM CST up reply actions

Actually...

an article I read said that Williams has made it clear that he is leaving the Sox with the signing of Garland. Hill or Guzman?

Anyone can have a bad century...

by Kinky Reggae on Dec 29, 2005 4:45 PM CST reply actions

More K's are on the Way

Preston Wilson, for is career, K's once every 3.6 AB's. As a point of reference, Corey Patterson fans once every 3.9 AB's. Oh Yeah, he's a proven player alright.

by ThadBosley27 on Dec 30, 2005 11:12 AM CST reply actions