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Well.

Yelloncard_tiny by Al on in News Comment 346 comments

I've been watching the Bears shut out the Jets and away from my computer, so I just now learned of the Cubs' signing of Alfonso Soriano to an estimated 8-year, $136 million contract, which would by far be the richest contract in club history.

As I said in the title of this post: Well.

Well, well, well. For all of you who constantly complained that the Cubs never signed a top-tier, big-name free agent, now they have done so.

Is he the RIGHT guy for the slot that needs to be filled? Clearly, he has been signed to lead off and play center field, a position he has never before played. It will be a learning curve for him, but there's spring training to work on that -- and you can bet that at that sort of money, he won't be refusing to play a position, as he did briefly last year with the Nationals.

Soriano has been known as a free swinger throughout his career, though he significantly increased his walk rate in 2006. If he were coming here under Mr. Hackamatic, Dusty Baker, I'd worry about him breaking Adam Dunn's season K record.

But the Cubs have a new batting coach, Gerald Perry, who helps preach patience at the plate, and I don't see any reason why Soriano couldn't continue to do what he did last year. His 2006 splits show that he hit for a better average outside of Washington, and had almost equal power (.561 SLG at home, .558 on the road).

Yes, by year 6 or 7 or 8 of this deal, it'll look like an albatross. But if the Cubs really can shore up the starting pitching, suddenly they have three major power threats (Lee, Ramirez, Soriano) and one minor one (Barrett, if he's not dealt). The lineup's far better than it was a year ago.

Congratulations, Jim Hendry. I think. If nothing else, he just created a big-name buzz for the 2007 Cubs.

UPDATE [2006-11-19 15:29:14 by Al]: Please! I know you're excited. There's a diary started before I got a chance to post, and this main-page post, on Soriano. Let's keep the Soriano talk to those two threads, please, at least for today. Thanks.

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If nothing else...
Hendry's making sure he isn't booed out of the Convention this year.
PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 3:12 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

BTW, SOMEONE NEEDS TO CHANGE THEIR SIGNATURE!
There's a new open spot available!
PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 3:13 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

d'oh....
I forgot that I advertise my blog on here now......it used to say

DeROSA!!!

Check out my daily baseball blog at MLB-threeSIXTYfive

by TheBeerBaron on Nov 19, 2006 3:34 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOUUUUUUUU
IS THIS ALL LOU??  THANK YOU LOU!!  KEEP IT COMING!!

by dtpollitt on Nov 19, 2006 3:13 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

no
I heard he was signing with the mets

by cubfan1023 on Nov 19, 2006 3:35 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lol...
I giggled...
PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 3:37 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If anything...
I agree with Al right away.  You have three big hitters intact for the next 3 years at least.

Now let's move to Carlos Zambrano.

by MerigoldBowling on Nov 19, 2006 3:18 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Z?
What do you mean "move to Zambrano"?

by Snake Plissken on Nov 19, 2006 3:20 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i think
meaning, lets extend our silver slugger
DON'T TRADE PIE!

by kylejo on Nov 19, 2006 5:41 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Here's hoping.
It'd be nice to get at least another 5 years on him (assuming his Internet elbow doesn't flare up again).

He's our ace now, and we have to assume he will be for years to come. Even if Prior or Wood makes a miraculous complete recovery, Z's still the fire of this staff.

by HanOfTheBluegrass on Nov 19, 2006 10:17 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

2 big bombshells 2 weeks in a row...
...and here I thought there wouldn't be anything done for another couple of weeks or so.
PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 3:18 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I have a feeling we get two more guys this week.
Not necessarily a Drew or big pitcher (though it wouldn't shock me), but rather we may see some FA pickup as a backup, or a couple more trades involving a guy like Cedeno, Bynum, or some of the relievers etc.

It looks like Hendry has decided to just beat the market to the guys he wants (what I was hoping for with Soriano, and so far so good). Instead of risking a bidding war where someone else makes a more attractive offer (Soriano said he maybe wanted to stay on the East Coast), Hendry's just going to offer a huge number and a promise of big things fast.

We are about due for more pitching announcements, though, and it wouldn't surprise me if it's an Igawa bid or a Marquis pickup (not huge, as neither is an ace). There's still too many maybes in the rotation (Z, Hill, Cotts? Prior/Mateo/Marshall/etc). We need at least one more definite. I'd love for it to be a big name (Willis would be a hilarious addition), but will settle for someone like Marquis.

by HanOfTheBluegrass on Nov 19, 2006 10:22 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soriano
Soriano is no leadoff hitter. He has too much power and over the course of his career has had a far too small OBP. Yeah, he had more walks last season, but I still say he's a 3-4-5 hitter, emphasis on 4-5.

The Cubs need to spot someone else in leadoff. In house options are Murton, DeRosa, or Theroit. They won't steal many bases, but as long as they get on in fornt of Lee, Ramirez, and Soriano who cares?

My opening day lineup for 2007 (as of now):

LF Murton
2B DeRosa
1B Lee
3B Ramirez
CF Soriano
C Barrett
RF Jones
SS Theroit (i don;t know if he's ever played short)
P Zambrano

That's a potent lineup.

I still want the Cubs to persue Lugo, but with the size of Soriano's cintract, and the need to sign at least one starting pitcher, I don't know.

by Snake Plissken on Nov 19, 2006 3:18 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I defer to the poster who said...
...that there's no way the Cubs make this move and don't have something in the pipeline for pitching.

Pitching's next.

This signing blows away whatever we thought the limits were for the Cubs and what they may or may not do.

In the words of that crazy spying scientist in those lawnmower commercials:

This...changes everything.

PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 3:22 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes, it sure does.
Here is the first note on the Cubs website on this signing.

And make no mistake -- Soriano will lead off. He's led off most of his career. I don't see that changing.

If he can match the .351 OBA from 2006, I'll be very, very happy with him.

by Al on Nov 19, 2006 3:25 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Me too, Al.....Me too......
Hopefully he steers closer to his 2006 OBP than his 2005.
Check out my daily baseball blog at MLB-threeSIXTYfive

by TheBeerBaron on Nov 19, 2006 3:37 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

::cries::
There goes TheBeerBaron's dream of Vernon Wells :(
Check out my daily baseball blog at MLB-threeSIXTYfive

by TheBeerBaron on Nov 19, 2006 3:38 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

better than a 5 year deal for Pierre...
...count your blessings brother.
PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 3:39 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I concur
this is light years beyond bringing Pierre back....there is a silver lining after all.
Check out my daily baseball blog at MLB-threeSIXTYfive

by TheBeerBaron on Nov 19, 2006 5:42 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Most Notably
Beneficial to the Cubs' tailor, who no longer needs to stuff paper around a dummy to create the Pierre jersey effect

by cubbybear on Nov 19, 2006 11:16 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lead-off
Of course, I didn't think about that. If he's comfortable with it, give it to him.

phat

by phatass on Nov 19, 2006 4:11 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Leadoff
I don't care what he's done all his career, he's not a leadoff man, though I do understand your point Al. He is fast, and had a high OBP.

He hit 46 HRs and had 95 RBIs out of the leadoff spot (predominantly) for Washington last season. Those are not leadoff numbers, they're 4-5 numbers. Take those numbers and move him into the 3, 4, or 5 spot. You've got a lot more RBIs.

His OBP last season is much higher than his career norm. Will he fall back on his career norm? Who knows? The point is I'd rather have him hit like that with people on base in front of him. I hope Uncle Lou agrees with me.

by Snake Plissken on Nov 19, 2006 5:48 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Self Image
He wants to lead off. Move him down the lineup and he likely sulks and his numbers go down.
Throw Jacque Jones down the well, so the Cubs will be free...

by Ross on Nov 19, 2006 7:37 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hahaha
i thought i was the only one who laughed my ass off whenever i saw those commericials and that crazy old dude say those words, classic.
DON'T TRADE PIE!

by kylejo on Nov 19, 2006 5:42 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree
This is a lot of money for a bat. No we need to focus on some quality arms so we can take giant strides in 2007.
"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."- Harry Caray

by TkGoUWGB on Nov 19, 2006 6:09 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't want deRosa
handed the 2-hole.

I would rather put Soriano there and do something like this:

LF-Murton
CF-Soriano
1B-Lee
3B-Ramirez
RF-Jones/ (hopefully) Craig Wilson
C - Barrett
2B - DeRosa
SS - Izturis

Now, if DeRosa comes out in ST and proves he deserves to be a starting second baseman in place of Theriot and that he has the OBP or Power to justify batting him high in the order, then by all means, bat him second.  But, I would not be too surprised to see DeRosa lose the 2nd base job to Theriot and see Piniella platoon him in right with Jones, which I would be fine with.

by tal1286 on Nov 19, 2006 3:23 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

2 spot
That was an assumption on my part, and what I would do if I had to now. We'll after Spring training.

by Snake Plissken on Nov 19, 2006 5:49 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soriano
I agree that Soriano is not a proto-typical leadoff hitter, but the Rangers tried batting him down in the order once, and he did not take to it.  Bat him leadoff, it's where he likes to be, and work around that.  One of Dusty's biggezt mistakes was not putting people in a place to succeed.  If Soriano is best at the top, that's where he goes.

by SamFels on Nov 19, 2006 3:24 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Completely agree.
Put him where he succeeds.  I don't want him to get placed in a spot where he can't perform and everyone starts booing him.
"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Nov 19, 2006 3:33 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

True
Good point. We'll see what happens.

by Snake Plissken on Nov 19, 2006 5:51 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You're missing the obvious reason...
Soriano should leadoff to protect Zambrano when he's batting!

by HanOfTheBluegrass on Nov 19, 2006 10:24 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

does this...
...completely change the face of this team??  whos the leader??  the 136 million dollar man?  or the mvp, d.lee??  how good can we be??  this proves lou is serious now, doesnt it?  im shaking just thinking about it.

by dtpollitt on Nov 19, 2006 3:20 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OF
COURSE LEE AND BARRETT ARE THE LEADERS

by tbizzle83 on Nov 19, 2006 3:22 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This is no time...
...to do a Caps Lock bitch slap.

He was just wondering.

:)

 

PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 3:23 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lol
sorry wasnt yelling ITS JUST A GREAT DAY TO BE A CUBS FAN I EXCITED

by tbizzle83 on Nov 19, 2006 3:25 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Leader
Everything I've heard out of the clubhouse about who's a leader is that Lee is quiet, but leads by example. Barrett is more of the vocal leader.

by Snake Plissken on Nov 19, 2006 5:50 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Catcher's often are.
Which is one of the reasons I'm in the "Don't trade Michael" camp. Sure, Hank's good, but Barrett has felt like the heart for a while. He also slugged A.J. for what turned out to be a misunderstanding, which I approve of.

by HanOfTheBluegrass on Nov 19, 2006 10:28 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm Fine With This
Now I don't feel bad for renewing my season tickets.

By the way, what's the deal with Theriot?  With DeRosa on board now and Izturis signed for another year at $4,150,000, is Theriot now a backup?  Or is he trade bait?  Or, I hope, will he be given the chance to win the job at 2B still?

by chasfh on Nov 19, 2006 3:24 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If The Riot isn't kept as a back up
I will start a riot. No doubt.
"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."- Harry Caray

by TkGoUWGB on Nov 19, 2006 6:11 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, Theriot is probably IF #5...
But don't rule out an Izzy or Theriot trade. If a Lugo or someone is still on the Wish List, we could very easily still have a different infield.

by HanOfTheBluegrass on Nov 19, 2006 10:29 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

interesting to note...
...only years removed from another outfield slugger - sosa - we sign another strikeout king with a big head and supposed 5 tool player in soriano.

by dtpollitt on Nov 19, 2006 3:25 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sosa
If Soriano can OPS over 1.000 for four straight seasons like Sammy did from '98-'01, I don't care how big his head is, or whether he actually has five tools.

by gauchodirk on Nov 19, 2006 3:28 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not a big head
I have actually heard he is a quite guy, pretty much keeps to himself.
"Harlem Furniture......You'll like our style!"

by Imtrejo on Nov 19, 2006 3:30 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And that's my point
I don't think we need to worry about Soriano having a big head. I imagine he and guys like Ramirez will get along just fine.

by gauchodirk on Nov 19, 2006 3:32 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Quiet
He better be quiet in the locker room, and not a cancer, or Pinella may go bananas on him.... see altercation with Rob Dibble

by pmenadue on Nov 19, 2006 4:02 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Great
I hope you didn't hear that from his neighbors

by cubfan1023 on Nov 19, 2006 3:33 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

more on soriano...
...i havent watched a lot of soriano over the years, him being mostly an AL player until recently.  how did he get all those assists last year??  great arm or what??  if anyone here has watched a lot of him can yo ugive a quick summary on what you seen and like/not liked??

by dtpollitt on Nov 19, 2006 3:32 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I live in DC
and have watched him a bit.  I think the assists came from the fact that he had a rep as a terrible fielder at 2B who was playing a new position (LF), so everyone tried to run on him.  So he had a lot of opportunities for assists.

What I liked about him most was kind of intangible, but he seemed to play in a different gear than anyone else on the field.  He is blazing fast and an aggressive baserunner.  He hustles.  He smacks line drives around the yard with authority.  He hit long, really long, home runs in RFK.

Also I think he got a bad rap for (inexcusably) refusing to play LF when the Nats acquired him. That was bad, but I read that it stemmed from him having no consistency in his life; I believe he left the Dominican as a teenager to play in Japan, then came to America as a SS for the Yankees, then was switched to 2B, then trader to the Rangers, then traded again to DC and asked to play a new position -- I think it was just to much for him.  As the season got going many Nats commented on how Alfonso was a leader on the team, a great clubhouse guy, and the hardest worker among them.

I think this is a guy we will like.  

by capitol cub on Nov 19, 2006 4:03 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soriano
I only watched him once this last year at a park.
It was a game in Atlanta while I was on trip and they played the Nationals. I was REALLY impressed with him basically becuase it was a nothing game for both teams but Soriano was playing harder thn anyone out there on both sides. We lucked out getting this guy.
wccubfan

by wccubfan on Nov 20, 2006 3:34 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

don't forget...
 like sosa, he's got a killer smile that  the kids will love

by bmeteor on Nov 19, 2006 6:55 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But can he hawk Pepsi?
Soriano and Matsuzaka are the biggest moves of this offseason (barring a trade with A-Rod or something like that), so he better be a good pitch man.

by HanOfTheBluegrass on Nov 19, 2006 10:31 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I am concerned about the money
We may be locked into too long of a deal.  8 years!   That sounds scary.  $17 million for 8 years?!?  Please tell me there is a buy out after 5 or 6 years.
"Chuck Norris counted to infinity - twice."

by bringbackthebrownieelf on Nov 19, 2006 3:26 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kaplan continues to maintain...
...that the deal, all total would be worth 136MM, but a large chunk of that is in option years.

If so, then great deal.

PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 3:28 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soriano
had that little hissy fit in Spring Training last year because he thought that moving to LF would hurt his value in the free agent market this off-season.

Once it became apparent that it actually increased his value, he was fine with it.

Soriano will gladly play CF now that he's got the contract.  I think he can handle the position as well, at least in Wrigley Field.  Dolphin Stadium, Minutemaid Park and Coors Field will be adventures.

A little song, a little dance. A little seltzer down your pants

by Josh77 on Nov 19, 2006 3:29 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Of those three parks...
... the Cubs play only one series in Miami and in Denver, and his speed may help him in those places.

Houston, indeed, will be an adventure for him.

by Al on Nov 19, 2006 3:34 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Houston
That park is an adventure for every CF, including Edmonds, whom I recall seeing fall flat on his face once on that damn hill out there. That hill is the dumbest thing in any of these new parks. And really, we see a ball reach the hill maybe once in the nine or ten games the Cubs play there every year.

by gauchodirk on Nov 19, 2006 3:36 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I was about to say the same thing...
Even very good defensive CFs have a problem with that blasted hill.

And one thing I DO like is Soriano hitting against Houston pitching with that short porch in LF.

I like that a lot.

PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 3:39 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Career in Houston so far...
... Soriano is .238/.256/.619. Yes, that's weird, but true. He has ten hits in 42 at-bats. Two singles, four doubles and four home runs.

by Al on Nov 19, 2006 3:46 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Also
Their pitching for those particular games could have been better than average.  Clemens has a fairly low HR/AB rate actually, even for an average park I believe.

by cubbybear on Nov 20, 2006 1:24 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

the only centerfielder
that I've seen do well at Minute Maid is Willy Taveras, the Astros' own. He's probably not consistent enough at the plate, but he's got such amazing speed that he can cover CF easily.

by false cognate on Nov 20, 2006 10:44 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Can'tbelieve it
We finally landed the big one. I'm not concerned about the years because he was going to get that someplace else so if we wanted him, that was the going rate. And yes, I do believe he could be a Sammy after six years. We finally have done what was necessary to improve but all will be for not without the most valuable comodity in baseball: pitching. At least we might be able to score some runs to help "whomever" out! Nice job Hendry!

by mrcubsfan on Nov 19, 2006 3:31 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The thing that worries me about his
new found discipline is that he was intentionally walked 16 times last season.  Coming into 2006 he had been intentionally walked 15 times his whole career.  If he does lead off for the Cubs, his OBP will drop because he will get pitched to.

by VS on Nov 19, 2006 3:35 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Very good point...
Unless the Cubs also sign Drew for CF this team will probably finish last once again in walks. One leason still not learned it seems.

Luis

by Luis on Nov 19, 2006 3:47 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How'd the 03 team finish in walks?
I only became a fan at the end of that season.

by HanOfTheBluegrass on Nov 19, 2006 10:33 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That depends on...
... who bats second, doesn't it?

by Al on Nov 19, 2006 3:50 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Don't think so
Supposedly, lineup construction has little effect on individual performance.

by VS on Nov 19, 2006 3:51 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Al
Baseball is floating in cash, as mentioned before.  This years deals are going to nuts.   The early signings will be the cheap ones.
BTW,  I guess we won't have to worry about betting on the Cubs ticket sales the first weekend!   LOL!!!!

by cubswin on Nov 19, 2006 3:35 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOL!
That's the truth -- especially if there's a big-name pitching signing too.

by Al on Nov 19, 2006 3:46 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Way to go
Jim Hendry!
All the naysayers didnt think you could sign the big one...now get us some arms.

by this old cub on Nov 19, 2006 3:38 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ive always despised the red sox/yanks...
...for spending millions on top of every other ball club to win.  i sort of feel bad we are heading that direction...but damnit, its almost 100 years.  time to buy a championship.

by dtpollitt on Nov 19, 2006 3:40 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This is the
Market, we, Cubs, have finally acted like they belong in a Big market.
Throw out your Gold Teeth and see how they Roll

by Johnny Callison was a Cub on Nov 19, 2006 3:47 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Don't feel bad.
Spending is fun!  That's why I love shopping.

I don't hate the Yankees because they spend.  I hate them because they win a lot and I'm jealous.  

"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Nov 19, 2006 3:51 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree
And if there was anyone worth spending on this year, it was Soriano (not DeRosa). This makes up for that signing.

by danimal15 on Nov 19, 2006 8:30 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

P-I-T-C-H-I-N-G
T-H-A-T
D-O-E-S
N-O-T
S-U-C-K
A-N-D/O-R
G-E-T
I-N-J-U-R-E-D
A-L-L
T-H-E
F
I-N-G
T-I-M-E
"Incidentally, Colossus was right and I was wrong about Maddux being dealt." -Al Yellon

by colossus on Nov 19, 2006 3:40 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i was waiting...
...for you to join in.  nice post.  :)

by dtpollitt on Nov 19, 2006 3:41 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I posted in the other diaries before
Not that I have any clue who the hell you are though.
"Incidentally, Colossus was right and I was wrong about Maddux being dealt." -Al Yellon

by colossus on Nov 19, 2006 3:45 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

just...
...a fellow BCB-er that finds myself often laughing at your posts.  im dan, good to meet you.  :)

by dtpollitt on Nov 19, 2006 3:50 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agree
100%
Throw out your Gold Teeth and see how they Roll

by Johnny Callison was a Cub on Nov 19, 2006 3:47 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm just glad to see the Cubs make a bold
important free agent signing. I hope they make more (how about Schmidt or Zito?). Man, I can't believe it, this signing makes me think that even Zito could happen.

by teacher tom on Nov 19, 2006 3:44 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

As you
well know, I have been high on this guy for a while. He really sets up this lineup, If he can go 35/90RBI's/110 Runs and OBP over .330, It will be huge.
I am surprised they went 8 years on the deal, interesting to see the deal in detail. Also 8 year deal means Cubs brass wanted him bad.

Any word on pitchers? Meche?

Throw out your Gold Teeth and see how they Roll

by Johnny Callison was a Cub on Nov 19, 2006 3:45 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Woo Hoo
And I already have the jersey.  Except it's, uh, red.

by 08Cubs on Nov 19, 2006 3:47 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Isn't....
someone on BCB supposed to be eating 50 worms now? Did anybody else read that promise? I forgot which poster it was...anyone?
Extreme hopes are born from extreme misery. -Bertrand Russell

by thekansasian on Nov 19, 2006 3:48 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOL
I do remember that.. I'll find the post.

by cubsfan2883 on Nov 19, 2006 3:52 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That would be...
.... escapegoat, see this comment made on November 15.

We're holding you to it, buddy.

by Al on Nov 19, 2006 3:54 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hey, escapegoat...
I'm eating some sour gummy worms.  They're yummy.  You want some? I can share. :)
"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Nov 19, 2006 4:02 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

NO WAY!!!
I want the real deal...that's almost worth a drive to Arizona to see someone do that (and catch Soriano).
Extreme hopes are born from extreme misery. -Bertrand Russell

by thekansasian on Nov 19, 2006 4:04 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Heh
Yes!

phat

by phatass on Nov 19, 2006 4:08 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hey
I noticed that we've not heard from Mike63 since the news broke.  Hmm...
WOOD!

by gravedigger on Nov 19, 2006 3:49 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bruce Miles on NSBB

I'm told he's here to play right field and definitely NOT center. Murton is said to be "safe" in LF. The plan now is to put Jones in CF and say good luck and godspeed to Juan Pierre. Now if you can trade Jones...

I guess this ends my dream of getting Drew.  

by VS on Nov 19, 2006 3:50 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't trust them.
Murton is not 'safe.'  Nobody ever is safe, but if that's the message they are trying to send that's great.  He's a young player that can help them save money.

Jones in center? Interesting.  Who could we trade Jones to?

"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Nov 19, 2006 3:55 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

why the hell...
...would you put him in right field when centers open??  seems like soriano would be a better fit than jones for center...and where does felix pie factor into all of this??  maybe a jones trade (who the hell would want him) incase pie moves up??

by dtpollitt on Nov 19, 2006 3:57 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Pie
Yea, I'm kind of wondering where this leaves Pie.  I believe he is ready to start next season, though he wont be as productive as Murton or Jones right off the bat.

by VS on Nov 19, 2006 4:03 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'd say
As Pie comes, so goes Jones
Extreme hopes are born from extreme misery. -Bertrand Russell

by thekansasian on Nov 19, 2006 4:05 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not necessarily...
... if Jones could be packaged in a trade with, say, some prospects to get some pitching help, Drew could be signed to play CF.

In today's market, Jones' contract would NOT seem that expensive.

by Al on Nov 19, 2006 3:56 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed
His contract is very manageable and while Jones is likely to regress next season, he was one of the best RFers in the NL last season.  I'm not sure who the Cubs could trade him to, but I'm sure that if Hendry wanted to shop him, he could get something decent in return.

by VS on Nov 19, 2006 4:00 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i would love that so much....
jones, while he did well here, would be expendable with the signing of drew.  murtons lack of power would also be a non issue if drew and soriano are your other outfielders.  get drew and a mid level pitcher or 2 and call it an offseason.  i think i am going to cry!!!

by geetarnwhiskey on Nov 19, 2006 4:06 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How about this trade.
Jones, Barrett, and maybe prospect and/or pitcher to Toronto for Vernon Wells? I Don't exactly know their situation however.

I think the payroll is getting to its limit though. We may only have enough left for pitching and we would have to extend Wells, and Z in spring training.

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Nov 19, 2006 4:13 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm not hearing
that Toronto is looking to move Wells.  In fact, I read that the Blue Jays think that next season may be their window to crack the Yankees/Red Sox axis and sneak into a playoff spot and are going for it all next year.

Of course, that could just be posturing, I don't know.

A little song, a little dance. A little seltzer down your pants

by Josh77 on Nov 19, 2006 4:17 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I would think the number 51 might say otherwise
Especially once the Yankees make their response to Matsuzaka and Soriano (not that Soriano affects them much).

Who are the Yankees going to get, anyhow? Zito? Schmidt? Both? You know they'll answer the Red Sox.

by HanOfTheBluegrass on Nov 19, 2006 10:38 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

god
i have heard this trade offer a million times

guys barret is a valuable part of our lineup-- they guy keeps jacque batting 6th hits and hits for power-- after this deal we need pitching

"Its not like we need 10-12 players to contend"

by ksucubbie on Nov 19, 2006 4:17 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So true
And as an earlier poster said, Barrett is a team leader. He needs to stay.

by danimal15 on Nov 19, 2006 8:32 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Who knows...
Maybe Jim will trade Jacque and sign Drew to play center... yeah, right.

Luis

Damn.

by Luis on Nov 19, 2006 4:04 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You can't act like that today...
...maybe Hendry is going to do just that.

There seems to be no ceiling on what we will spend this offseason right now.

PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 4:05 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed.
Let's say Drew wants $14 million (that's been an estimate). If Jones is traded, his $5 million is gone, so that makes the net cost of acquiring Drew only (LOL! "only") $9 million. It's doable.

by Al on Nov 19, 2006 4:09 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Actually...
I don't think the reason of not getting Drew (if indeed the Cubs don't get him) is money. It is more type of player. So far Hendry has kept after the "toolsy" guys he has gone for in the past. I think that would be the main reason he wouldn't go hard after him. If he does get him, believe me I will be both VERY surprised and excited. So far this team looks is heading towards the bottom yet again in OBP... in 2004 I think we were first in HR and in the top in slugging yet were in the middle of the pack in runs scored. I don't see anything different yet so far. I will wait of course for a final verdict.

Luis

by Luis on Nov 19, 2006 4:58 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed at least
wait a few days.
By the way check out my fancy new sig.
SORIANO!!!

by smwojoz on Nov 19, 2006 4:17 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm too late
Can I have this one?
DE ROSA!!!!!!!

by StillDreaminOn03 on Nov 19, 2006 11:43 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

anyone else think...
...jd drew is going to get the fattest, most overpaid contract this off season and crash and burn with a fat injury come 2007??  i can almost feel it coming.

by dtpollitt on Nov 19, 2006 4:09 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Me...
I REALLY don't want Drew...I'd maybe give him one season before he flakes out or gets injured.

I'd still take him though, and just hope to be wrong.

Extreme hopes are born from extreme misery. -Bertrand Russell

by thekansasian on Nov 19, 2006 4:13 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'd rather
keep Jones than sign Drew. Jones wasn't all that bad last year, folks. And he has a good history of staying healthy, which can't be said for Drew.

by danimal15 on Nov 19, 2006 8:33 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

jones
besides his 20-some homeruns last year JONES WAS HORRIBLE. He had zero arm in the outfield, made pathetic baserunning mistakes, and constantly fell behind in the count.  Drew, although id be very skeptical of overpaying for him, would be an upgrade over jones

by CubsBall2202 on Nov 19, 2006 8:50 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Heard
a bunch about the Red Sox going after Drew. They really do want to be the Yankees, throwing all the money around after overrated players.
DE ROSA!!!!!!!

by StillDreaminOn03 on Nov 19, 2006 11:45 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Had Miles
sobered up when he said that?

Paul Sullivan wrote that Soriano is playing CF.  It doesn't make any sense to move Jones to CF when he's having trouble playing RF.

A little song, a little dance. A little seltzer down your pants

by Josh77 on Nov 19, 2006 4:14 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I also found it strange that they're moving
Jones to CF.  Miles said he was "very sure" that was the case, FWIW.

by VS on Nov 19, 2006 4:19 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It may be...
... that Jones could be traded, and Drew might still be on the radar screen. Hendry has been pretty busy -- and I don't see him stopping here.

by Al on Nov 19, 2006 4:22 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

REmember
when the Cubs were shopping Sosa in 2000, and they tried to get Soriano from the Yankees.  Steinbrenner said no.  

What goes around comes around.

by Clark Addison on Nov 19, 2006 4:00 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Great News! Some Questions remain However
Definately HUGE news today! Im not really concerned with the length of the contract especially because its likey to be full of option years etc.

Now,with today's signing of Soriano, Is there a big trade in the works maybe for some pitching?

The reason why I ask is because it seems Felix Pie might be the odd man out here, especially since Jones is locked up for two more years in Right, Obviously Soriano is in Center (Pie's position) and I wouldnt think about moving Matt Murton at all in Left.

So, perhaps a mid level #2 or #3 starter could be acquired for Pie and some other prospects.

Also, any word on the Gil Meche rumblings?

by Galvan316 on Nov 19, 2006 4:02 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

we should not give up Pie
Pie should replace Jones when Jacque's contract runs out... If we're paying Aramis, DLee, and Soriano over 15 mill a year we're going to need some low cost options like Murton and Pie in the lineup...

think about it

Also where's BlueMike to ridicule the Cubs????

BLUE MIKE!!! WHERE ARE YOU???

by DartmouthCubsFan on Nov 19, 2006 4:04 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I read somewhere that Pie is not at risk.
An article somewhere (sorry, no link) had Hendry as saying he wasn't trading Pie. Of course, that was before Soriano was signed, but not before the Cubs announced Soriano was on top of their list.

And why exactly is it that Pie can't play Right?

by HanOfTheBluegrass on Nov 19, 2006 10:43 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think this contract...
eliminates all talk of Schmidt and Zito (if there was initially any chance). I still hope, however, that we're aggressive enough to sign some medium-tier pitchers.
Extreme hopes are born from extreme misery. -Bertrand Russell

by thekansasian on Nov 19, 2006 4:07 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I've not heard the Cubs mentioned as much...
For them. That doesn't mean there hasn't been discussion, but I think some other big dawgs are aiming for those two.

The Cubs are known to be looking for at the likes of Meche and Marquis, though I wouldn't be surprised to see a trade for a strong #2/3 pitcher involving one of our lesser bats and some pitching prospects.

The one good thing about the uncertain pitching last year is a lot of teams got a lot of looks at our pitching prospects, and though many of the looks showed a lot of problems, teams always think they can fix those problems.

by HanOfTheBluegrass on Nov 19, 2006 10:46 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

right now
someone is sitting in an office at Wrigley typing a press release

"The Chicago Cubs will be altering the previous statement on ticket prices.  We did not believe that the quality of product on the field would increase from the 06 season, and did not want to face a angry hoard weilding torches by increasing prices.  However, completely by accident, a quality free agent was signed and we now feel safe.  So all seat prices will now increase 15%, season ticket holders will recieve a revised invoice shortly.

Thanks and Go Cubs"

SINATRO!!!! Its music to my ears.

by flyball on Nov 19, 2006 4:11 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOL
But do NOT be surprised if SINGLE GAME PRICES wind up with an increase.

by Al on Nov 19, 2006 4:12 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

More proof the market is crazy...
... Justin Speier gets four years, $18 million from the Angels.

That's $4.5 million a year for a guy who's about in the same ballpark as a pitcher as Bob Howry.

by Al on Nov 19, 2006 4:11 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i wonder how much id get in this market...
...im 24, 200 lbs, 6'1, can switch hit, play third or second, and have a pretty quick first step.  what contract do you think i could get??

by dtpollitt on Nov 19, 2006 4:13 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOL
At least $10 million!!! Go for it!!

by Al on Nov 19, 2006 4:19 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

this just in...
...the cubs signed me to a nine year deal for $16 million to play bat boy.  no link yet but ill put one up when i make one.  :)

by dtpollitt on Nov 19, 2006 4:25 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I need to do some serious research.
Who's available for starting pitchers right now?

phat

by phatass on Nov 19, 2006 4:14 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I meant to say
That aren't free agents.

I'm thinking trades here.

phat

by phatass on Nov 19, 2006 4:51 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

From a poster on NSBB
So take it with a grain of salt.

The score is reporting that the deal is for 6/mid 90's guaranteed. The 7th and 8th year are options, not disclosed on who's options they are and after the 5th year his no trade clause is no more..Great signing

I hope this is true. This is much, much better than just 8/135.  Still too much to pay for someone of his caliber but not as crazy as before.

by VS on Nov 19, 2006 4:16 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Preferred line-up...
... pending any more deals.
  1. Murton - LF
  2. Barrett - C
  3. Lee - 1B
  4. Soriano - CF
  5. Ramirez - 3B
  6. Jones - RF
  7. DeRosa - 2B
  8. Izturis - SS
So righty heavy, but thats life.

DmL

by dmlichte on Nov 19, 2006 4:27 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i guess...
...we are just gonna try to out hit the other team rather than STOP them from doing the same...good offense wins championships??

by dtpollitt on Nov 19, 2006 4:35 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Didn't
the White Sox try such a strategy a few years ago and fail miserably? As good as the lineup looks (and Izturis and DeRosa don't look so swell), it'll be hard to get excited about this team if we have to bring pitchers up from the minors to make 50% of all starts.

by danimal15 on Nov 19, 2006 8:36 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Defensive stuff
From David Pinto.

Soriano did just fine in left. He wasn't outstanding, but he wasn't a joke, either. He actually picked up about 8 more outs than expected. He was probably better in left than he would have been at second. However, Matt Murton is better.

Murton was 8th defensively among LFers, basically average.  That's what I figured, some people don't give him much credit defensively.  He is far from spectacular but he has decent range and makes all the routine plays.

by VS on Nov 19, 2006 4:29 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I've thought that about Murton all year.
His numbers are pretty typical. He might even improve.

I think his hitting could get better, too.

Unless he ends up in a really good trade for pitching, I'd like to see him stay.

phat

by phatass on Nov 19, 2006 4:41 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Fun day to be a cubs fan.....
One more to go :)
SORIANO! wait.... DREW!! no wait..... SORIANO!!! PLEASE CUBS.... SOMEONE!!!

by BillHoldenFan on Nov 19, 2006 4:48 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soriano-2B
Does anyone believe that the Cubs might put Soriano at 2B and go after Roberts as a cheap CF option and have him lead off?  Hasn't been discussed yet, but I see it as a real possibility.  

The Yankees have been rumored to be interested in Jones, especially with Sheffield gone now.  Don't know what we'd trade for though....

Putting Soriano at 2B would allow DeRosa to be a strong option off of the bench to spell A-Ram, Soriano, OF, etc.

Thoughts?  I'm sure some will say we didn't spend $4M+/yr on a bench player-but Lou did say he wanted a strong bench.

by jballgame on Nov 19, 2006 4:50 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

its clear...
...soriano is a better defensive player in the outfield than the infield.  leading the league in outfield assists makes it clear to me hes poised to play the outfield, no questions asked.  
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Nov 19, 2006 4:52 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I dont think so
I dont think you pay that much to Soriano to play second.  Also, Hendry has said he's in love with the infield as is.  I think it is Soriano in CF, DeRosa at 2nd
WOOD!

by gravedigger on Nov 19, 2006 4:57 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sweet Lou on the line with Kaplan:
Is saying the deal isn't quite "done" (for obvious reasons), then said he was going to hit Soriano in the #1 slot. Kept saying what a great addition he is.  

Soriano also is likely to play a corner OF spot. Seems Bruce Miles nailed that one.

Sounds like we're still in the market for a CF.

Also said DeRosa would play at 2B for now, but would also be around the diamond as well as the season progressed. Sounds like Theriot will get plenty of PT.

Sounds like Murton is gone.

PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 5:01 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So then...
Who's got pitchers that need a corner outfielder?

Anybody?

phat

by phatass on Nov 19, 2006 5:04 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My guess is:
To Cleveland in a deal for Westbrook.
PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 5:06 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So, Ohman and Murton
And something else for Westbrook?

Not bad. I do hate to see Murton go, but...

So then we need a CF...

phat

by phatass on Nov 19, 2006 5:13 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He also added this:
And I paraphrase:

"I'm even more excited right now, because I know of a few other things in the pipeline that should be coming along here shortly."

Said pitching would be next.

And I reiterate, Cubs still in the market for a CF.

PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 5:05 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

dear lord...
...how much money can we spend??  can we sign god or jesus?
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Nov 19, 2006 5:11 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

IIRC
Somebody's signature was something along the lines of "it's not like we need 10-12 players". Well, lets see. Aramis, Wood, Hank, Miller, Cotts, Derosa, and Soriano. That's 7, albeit 4 of the 7 were on the team last year.

Jim Hendry, if you are reading this, I'd like to say one thing to you that comes from deep within my heart--NOW, GO GET SOME PITCHING!!!

hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Nov 19, 2006 5:20 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lol
i can just picture hendry slouched over his macbook in a dark and empty wrigley field office, reading BCB, thinking to himself, "hmmm, those BCB-ers ARE pretty smart, maybe i should get some pitching..."
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Nov 19, 2006 5:24 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lol
n/t
hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Nov 19, 2006 5:47 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

God was banned from baseball...
It was revealed that he knew every pitch that was going to be thrown, and it would be an unfair advantage to allow him to play.

Also, when he hit, the balls tended to carry too far, and there was some confusion as to whether the play was over if the ball left the atmosphere.

by HanOfTheBluegrass on Nov 19, 2006 10:52 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

why would you say
that murton is gone, or that theriot would get pt? i heard he's only competing for the backup infielder spot right now with cedeno
WE ARE... PENN STATE

by NittanyCub on Nov 19, 2006 5:07 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hope...
...though I don't expect, than it is Jones being displaced, not Murton.  Unless there's plans to platoon them, but still, I'd rather a full season of Murton.
WOOD!

by gravedigger on Nov 19, 2006 5:10 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i agree with you, mfarrell
i like murton, i hope he stays in the LF position. i like theriot too, and i hope he somehow finds his way as starting ss next season. im not much of an izturis fan to tell you the truth
WE ARE... PENN STATE

by NittanyCub on Nov 19, 2006 5:13 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I like Murton
too and hope he stays.
Please, please, please keep Orange guy!!!!!!

by sue369 on Nov 19, 2006 5:28 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Me too.
I'm worried about him.
"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Nov 19, 2006 6:45 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Murton NEEDS to be in LF
Or it will decrease the already decrepid .319 OBA the Cubs posted last year.

by cubsfan2883 on Nov 19, 2006 6:57 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If you believe Miles
and I certainly trust his insights, then, as he said, Murton is safe in LF.
Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on Nov 19, 2006 7:53 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Things are
definitely looking up for the Cubs. I can't wait to see who we get for pitching. I'm not expecting a WS in 2007 but all of these signings are a step in that direction.

Where are you Mike63? Crow doesn't taste very well does it?

Please, please, please keep Orange guy!!!!!!

by sue369 on Nov 19, 2006 5:09 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hahaha
that's what I was wondering.

I think the news just hasn't made it all the way up to his pedestal though.  It is a long way up.

WOOD!

by gravedigger on Nov 19, 2006 5:11 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOL
Please, please, please keep Orange guy!!!!!!

by sue369 on Nov 19, 2006 5:12 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm astonished
that there is absolutely NO Hendry bashing going on here today - what happened guys - he actually do something right this time?

Let's hope he continues his most excellent off-season moves by NOT dealing for Drew and getting solid starter pitching.

I can imagine the hero's welcome Hendry is going receive at the Convention if he keeps this up!

by JFCubFan on Nov 19, 2006 5:11 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I prefer
backhanded compliments
SINATRO!!!! Its music to my ears.

by flyball on Nov 19, 2006 5:34 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bleh...
There is bashing (count me in btw), perhaps you are just too excited to notice it. I am no fan of Soriano, not even for 13 million a year. The guy is a career .830 OPS hitter who doesn't walk, strikes out a lot and it seems has a very low average with runners in scoring position (too lazy to look it up at the moment). I think memory around here can be very short term... not too long ago we were discussing if Soriano would be an improvement over Walker at second base. Just because the market is very think and he has been hyped to no end as the elite offensive FA doesn't mean he is that great. Overspending is not the problem, is picking the right guy to overspend on. Soriano is nowhere near among the elite offensive players in the game. NOWHERE near. Whatever. I'll keep my final judgment for later, but Soriano doesn't excite me one bit (overpaid or underpaid).

Luis

by Luis on Nov 19, 2006 5:34 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

not elite??
i cant name ten or fifteen other players that can hit 40 homers, steal 40 bases, get 20 outfield assists, and be able to play both infield and outfield.  maybe five.  soriano is DEFINITELY an elite offensive force.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Nov 19, 2006 5:43 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And
how many times has he done that?

Once.

How many times has he had an OBP over .340?

Once.

Soriano's stats in Texas were massively inflated by the ballpark.  Check out the home/road splits there.

Brady Anderson hit 50 HRs once.  He never came close again.

Adrian Beltre hit 48 HRs once.

Whenever I point this out, someone says "Soriano isn't like Beltre" but that's just an assertion.  They never say why--they think wishing makes it so.

I think we're paying through the nose for a career year the Nationals got to enjoy.  But damn, I've been wrong before and I hope I'm wrong again.

A little song, a little dance. A little seltzer down your pants

by Josh77 on Nov 19, 2006 7:01 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And we will all hope with you.
"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Nov 19, 2006 7:03 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well,
Soriano has averaged 40 doubles and 34 HRs for the last 6 years. I think "career year" is a bit of a misnomer. He hit 39 and 38 HRs as a yankee with only a slight difference home and away.

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Nov 19, 2006 7:17 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

NOT Elite????
Are you kidding??? "NOWHERE near?"""

Unbelievable.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Nov 19, 2006 6:08 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I suppose this is a good thing......
I said the Cubs wouldn't resign Aramis. I said they'd let Wood walk and I said there was no way the Cubs would sign a Soriano or C.Lee but I was wrong. Whatever I say goes the other way...

No way the Cubs will land Johan Santana :)

Anyway, good move and good contract, 'IF' the 7th and 8th years are option years.

hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Nov 19, 2006 5:14 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Does someone
have Cotts for their sig? If not I will take his for mine.
Please, please, please keep Orange guy!!!!!!

by sue369 on Nov 19, 2006 5:26 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Really??
Thanks!!
Please, please, please keep Orange guy!!!!!!

by sue369 on Nov 19, 2006 5:34 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well done Sue...
PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 5:39 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thank you
I'm so excited.:)

I have a baseball story to share. A family memeber is a teacher in Des Moines. She and her husband just bought Casey and Abby Blakes house in Indianola, IA. She asked Casey if he would come to her school and read to some of her classes. He did and stayed 2 hours signing autographs for all the 5th graders. His wife Abby is a true blue Cubs fan.

COTTS!!!

by sue369 on Nov 19, 2006 6:02 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cool story...
... and it shows that some professional athletes do go the extra mile to be nice, and to help out kids. I'll always have a little more respect for Casey Blake as a result of this story.

by Al on Nov 19, 2006 6:11 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Question
Are the sigs for only new players?  Cause I'd like to take Pagan.  Just in case he's still a Cub next year.
When trouble arises there is always one individual who perceives a solution and is willing to take command. Very often, that individual is crazy. - Dave Barry

by Jesse Guam on Nov 19, 2006 7:08 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well...there are no rules per se...
...but we've been sticking mostly with new acquisitions.

The best thing to do might be to wait and if Pagan makes the team next year, upon the announcement, change your sig.

After all Rothschild was retained. So if Pagan is retained, there you go.

PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 7:13 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Once...
Mark Prior comes back, I'll put his name in my sig.

I wish he and everyone was healthy.  Then we might even have a surplus of pitchers. Get well soon, Prior!

"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Nov 19, 2006 7:16 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

More from Rotoworld

At least they're trying him at the right position. Having him hit leadoff doesn't maximize his value, but it's what he prefers and it probably doesn't make much difference. The Cubs could be looking at a lineup of: CF Soriano, 2B Mark DeRosa, 1B Derrek Lee, 3B Aramis Ramirez, RF Jacque Jones, C Michael Barrett, LF Matt Murton and SS Cesar Izturis. It's a group that should contend if the Cubs spend about $15 million-$20 million per year to address their rotation. If they make the mistake of trading Barrett because they think they have enough offense without him, that would hurt their chances. Barrett has an 843 OPS to Soriano's 848 mark the last three years.

by VS on Nov 19, 2006 5:30 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

just another reason...
...i love barrett and cant stand hank white.  henry blano reminds me of BLANKA from street fighter - when hank slicks his hair back and hunches over he looks JUST LIKE BLANKA.  see image.

http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/images/street_fighter_blanka.jpg

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Nov 19, 2006 5:33 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree
Got to keep Barrett - and Murton. Jones I'm lukewarm on, but if he stays, I'm Ok. Izturis I'm not big on, but he is supposed to  be a stellar SS, and defense can't be forgotten. The big hole I see is at 2B, where it's either career utility man DeRosa (at $4 mln a year, no less), or unproven Cedeno and Theriot. Oh yeah -the rotation has a few holes as well. No way this team goes to the playoffs with the current starting pitching. Rich Hill the number two starter? Scary.

by danimal15 on Nov 19, 2006 8:41 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Pie--then Colvin or someone else in OF
I see Soriano in CF also only because they can't afford Drew AND the pitching upgrade they still need.

However, this might not last forever...with Pie about a year away, Soriano (depending on how he does in CF) could shift back to LF or 2B in another year or two...

He's a versatile enough talent and ought to be for that kinda money!!

Jones probably won't resign or even last 2 full years and Murton might not be long-term LF...I was NOT impressed with his defense/arm esp...if he hits 20+ HR however and keeps his on-base pctg. up there, could be a keeper.

The biggest problem with lineup is so right-sided, but with Milwaukee, Pitt and some other teams in league having lotta lefty starters, it might not be so bad...

Pagan is a sleepr as bench/role player like his speed occasional power; could blossom if ever gets a chance to play regularly (an injury for example). Their other spare OF is DeRosa I guess and maybe (I hate to mention) Bynum.

by writerinwrigley on Nov 19, 2006 5:30 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I trust...
... that with the multiple changes on the roster, with perhaps more to come, that the next words next to Freddie Bynum's name will be "unconditionally released".

by Al on Nov 19, 2006 5:35 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

if that happens...
...count me unconditionally thrilled.

Or actually, conditionally thrilled on the condition that Bynum has been unconditionally released.

PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 5:38 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

WILL SOMEONE PLEASE STEP UP...
...AND TAKE THE SIG SORIANO!!!!

Or else I'll just add him next to PINIELLA! for mine.

PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 5:33 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think someone did already...
... scroll up the thread, or check the Soriano diary.

by Al on Nov 19, 2006 5:36 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

word
thanks al
PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 5:41 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OK, I just want to know
where is all-knowing MikeBooHoo and the negative nay-sayers that said the Cubs off-season acquistions were going to be Adam Kennedy and Jeff Suppan types?  

by rlpete on Nov 19, 2006 5:41 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Welll....
...truth be told, I'd rather have Kennedy than DeRosa. He's left-handed, a sure fielding player, and all he does is win, a lot like his former partner, Eckstein. He's also only 30. Mark my words, if he ends up in the N.L. , especially St. Louis, he'll be a thorn in the Cubs' side somehow.
Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Nov 19, 2006 6:11 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Felix
Signing Soriano seems to create even better circumstances in which to give Pie a shot at CF.  With Murton as an "average" defensive LFer and Soriano learning RF, it will be useful to have a CF-er with the kind of defensive skills that Pie has.

Plus, now that we have added a big offensive player in Soriano, we won't need as much offensive production from Pie (in his rookie season, I will be that Pie will put up similar offensive metrics as Juan Pierre anyway) and he can hit at the bottom of the line-up (having Soriano lead-off also hopefully ends the idea of having Pie lead off).

Pie in CF makes Jacque Jones part of a possible trade that could bring in a good starting pitcher (trading Jones doesn't seem so impossible now with him coming off of a good season and with only two years left on a reasonable contract).

by Romero on Nov 19, 2006 6:01 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soriano's #
He wears #12, as did Dusty Baker. just a bit ironic.

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Nov 19, 2006 6:09 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And if someone had told you....
..number 12 was going to be back in Wrigley in 2007, I'll bet no one would have guessed this scenario. They all would be bemoaning Baker.
Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Nov 19, 2006 6:12 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hot Stove Cubbies
Somebody on mlbtraderumors.com stated that on Hot Stove Cubbies JD Drew has been offered a 3/45 and will accept from the Cubs.  Also said Zito called Hendry and said he'd pitch in Chicago.

Sounds WAY far fetched to me, but I can't find Hot Stove Cubbies.  Assuming this is a joke????

Fun to think about though......then we trade Jacque for pitching and sign a lower tier pitcher.

by jballgame on Nov 19, 2006 6:19 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

holy crap...
...what else??  johan wants to play for the cubs for $1 million??  holy crap.  gotta love the mlbtraderumors.com!!
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Nov 19, 2006 6:34 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And
Baltimore says they'll give us Tejada for just Mr. .295 Career OBP.
"Incidentally, Colossus was right and I was wrong about Maddux being dealt." -Al Yellon

by colossus on Nov 19, 2006 7:08 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Drew rumor
sounds plausible, as that's a 4 million dollar raise per year from the 11 million he left on the table in LA.  I'm not holding my breath on Zito, however.
"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!" -Homer J. Simpson

by Whitebacon on Nov 20, 2006 3:41 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

WOWSA
Miss a little, miss a lot.

I got off my flight from KC, got in the car, snapped on the radio and heard "sssss sign Alfonso Soriano to an 8-year deal. .  ."

So we spent the next five minutes going "What? Who signed him? They didn't say 'Cubs,' did they? No way, there's no way Hendry would give him 8 years. . . " Yada yada yada.

Finally got the whole thing after the commercial break when Koz and Waddle started talking about it again.

I don't know what to make of this. I'm still processing.

At the very least, this is one more day when I'm not completely embarrassed by my sig line.

HENDRY!

by cubbiejulie on Nov 19, 2006 6:19 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's a
good day Jules!!!
COTTS!!!

by sue369 on Nov 19, 2006 6:31 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I probably should add
To all the posters on here to whom I've said "We aren't getting Soriano!" over the course of the past 6 months: You were right, I was wrong. Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea culpa.
HENDRY!

by cubbiejulie on Nov 19, 2006 6:31 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

When did you change your sig line?
You may be bringing us some good luck!
"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Nov 19, 2006 6:46 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Who
Sparkles?
COTTS!!!

by sue369 on Nov 19, 2006 6:52 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I was talking about Julie.
She changed her sig to Hendry and it seems like since then he has been doing a lot.  I could be wrong though.
"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Nov 19, 2006 7:02 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Westbrook ?
Read the Westbrook trade rumor.
Who would the Cubs send to Cleveland
if a deal took place ??
Cubspizza

by quarryfan on Nov 19, 2006 6:40 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's all spec at this point...
...but what I've read said it will be something along the lines of a Murton/Jones + Ohman/Eyre for him. Maybe we send another young guy like Marmol or Guzman over as well.
PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 6:45 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Jones/Ohman
That would be great.

Toss in Guzman.

phat

by phatass on Nov 19, 2006 6:47 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yey...
When I heard of this an hour ago I was damn pissed (years and dough)... But reading through the posts, I'm now elated... Hell fuc##n YES! Can the season start tomorrow?

by Chitown Mojo on Nov 19, 2006 6:50 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Can the season start tomorrow?
...I talked it over with Bud, and he had this message he wanted to pass on to you:

"NO."

Sorry.

I tried.

PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 6:52 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

eh...
Sorta have the feeling your lying to me....Forward those digits I'll be sure to take care of it myself. I can be persuasive.

Kissinger.

by Chitown Mojo on Nov 19, 2006 7:10 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

John McDonough
is going to be on CTL tomorrow night for those who might be interested. It will be interesting to see what he has to say.
COTTS!!!

by sue369 on Nov 19, 2006 6:51 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

MCDONOUGH!
PINIELLA! was on earlier with Kap.
PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 6:52 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

JD Drew/Zito/Westbrook
Here's the link:

http://cubsrumorsandnews.blogspot.com/

Take it for what it's worth.  We'll see if it's true (Drew) tomorrow I guess.  

I would think others would be reporting this.....

by jballgame on Nov 19, 2006 6:56 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Jewels?!?!?!?!!?
"Incidentally, Colossus was right and I was wrong about Maddux being dealt." -Al Yellon

by colossus on Nov 19, 2006 7:03 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

me?
or him?

Or both?

I'm thinking at least me.

PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 7:06 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's all you.
Way to hurt her feelings, ass goblin.
"Incidentally, Colossus was right and I was wrong about Maddux being dealt." -Al Yellon

by colossus on Nov 19, 2006 7:11 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm so confused...
...would someone please tell me what this is all about?
PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 7:17 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nothing
His hobby is being mean to me.
HENDRY!

by cubbiejulie on Nov 19, 2006 7:18 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

oh
well i would never want to be a part of that, so, if I was, sorry.
PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 7:20 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That reminds me of
this little gem:

Gabriel:    Homer, your problem is quite simple.  You're a
        drunken, childish buffoon.
Homer:     Which is society's fault because ...
Gabriel:    It's your fault, Homer....

"Incidentally, Colossus was right and I was wrong about Maddux being dealt." -Al Yellon

by colossus on Nov 19, 2006 7:27 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I was
joooooooooooooooooooookiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing, ma belle cheri.
"Incidentally, Colossus was right and I was wrong about Maddux being dealt." -Al Yellon

by colossus on Nov 19, 2006 7:11 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's feminine
"Cherie." You need an "e."
HENDRY!

by cubbiejulie on Nov 19, 2006 7:15 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I realized that
right when I hit post.
"Incidentally, Colossus was right and I was wrong about Maddux being dealt." -Al Yellon

by colossus on Nov 19, 2006 7:17 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Can you at least...
stop calling her 'Jewels'?  That bugs me.  You should at least spell it right, call her Julie, or stop mentioning her(which I'm sure she prefers).
"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Nov 19, 2006 7:12 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, if it really does bug you
then I guess I should stop.

But, if I stopped doing something just bc it bugged a total stranger from the Internet, that would be a very effecient way to go about things.  So, I shouldn't stop.

Sorry, freckles.

"Incidentally, Colossus was right and I was wrong about Maddux being dealt." -Al Yellon

by colossus on Nov 19, 2006 7:20 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ok, whatever.
"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Nov 19, 2006 7:29 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Be your own man
Don't quote Sawyer. He'll do the long con on you, and then destroy you
Poppppppppped it up...

by nextyearcub on Nov 20, 2006 9:19 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I can't believe
that Drew would sign for 3 years/$45 million.  That's only $12 million more than he turned down from the Dodgers, and the same number of years.  The Angels would easily beat that, in years if not in dollars.

I can believe Zito is telling the Cubs he'd be willing to pitch for us.  That doesn't mean he's close to signing or that he'd take less to sign with us.  He just wants as many options as possible.

A little song, a little dance. A little seltzer down your pants

by Josh77 on Nov 19, 2006 7:15 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Someone
Make me feel better about the fact that we just paid $136 Million for a leadoff hitter with a .325 OBP.
HENDRY!

by cubbiejulie on Nov 19, 2006 7:16 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

45 home runs!
And he had a .351 OBP last year!

HOORAY!

PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 7:18 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's still
30 points higher than Crapituris.
"Incidentally, Colossus was right and I was wrong about Maddux being dealt." -Al Yellon

by colossus on Nov 19, 2006 7:21 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

wait til next year :)
when you actually get to see him play. you have seen him play right? Hell, I loved watching him when he was a yankee. a yankee!

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Nov 19, 2006 7:21 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I loved
watching him play for the Yankees in the 2002 ALDS when he hit .118 and made a big error in Game four.  I remember being in the stands for Game four when the Angels hit ball after ball up the middle that neither Soriano or Jeter could even get close too.  The most memorable game in my life.

Luckily, he's playing the outfield for us and not second base.  I hope Piniella comes to his senses and realizes he's got the most value in center field.

A little song, a little dance. A little seltzer down your pants

by Josh77 on Nov 19, 2006 7:40 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

they have no plans
for Soriano at second base. that's already been  a well-established truth. He might even stay at one of the corner OF spots.

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Nov 19, 2006 8:55 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

eh
he'll probably only lead off once a game.

by mike b on Nov 19, 2006 10:55 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Curious
Who got the Soriano! sig?
HENDRY!

by cubbiejulie on Nov 19, 2006 7:18 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The guy from Iceland...
smojoz.

(to be clear for the literalists, I know he's not from Iceland, it just looks Icelandish to me, which probably makes me a jerk...)

PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Nov 19, 2006 7:29 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You always crack me up
however, it is smWojoz.  The nature of my name is actually irish, and polish.  I always thought that meant I was too stupid to know when I was drunk.
SORIANO!!!

by smwojoz on Nov 19, 2006 10:09 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOL
i am too, but throw some german in there as well and you've got someone too stubborn to know they're too stupid to be drunk.
TRAMMELL!

by Faith plus 1 on Nov 20, 2006 1:30 AM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe they all want to be on the Cubs team that...
wins it all...They'll get great book deals and all open sports bars/diners in Chicago.

How much you want to bet that A-Rod is on the phone to Lou begging him to get him to Chicago ASAP?

The Cubs are apparently going to spend madly, and the Soriano contract is mad given his age and well, the likelihood that he never puts up another year close to 2006 again?  But if the Cubs are finally going to blow it out, in order to fetch that huge sale price, then don't stop now--we still need 2 legitimate starters, keep the bank vault open, baby and extend Z NOW!!!!!!

by DudeVf1 on Nov 19, 2006 7:21 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think if the A-Rod trade happened...
(and who the hell would we send?)

People in Chicago would all be checking into hospitals asking for hearing and eye exams, just to be sure.

by HanOfTheBluegrass on Nov 19, 2006 11:01 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

already said it but...
GREATEST DAY OF MY LIFE...

...way to prove 'em wrong Jimbo!!! :)

in 2007 we're goin' to heaven!!!

by ryno4ever on Nov 19, 2006 7:22 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Mixed emotions
If there are no options or anything of the like, this deal could suck in about 4 years.

But beyond that, the first three or four years should be a lot of fun.

Now bring on Westbrook and Meche! And don't give up on Wells!

So much for the law of averages.

by JDay on Nov 19, 2006 7:33 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Is this taken?
Although I'm switching to Wood once spring training starts.
MCDONOUGH!

by thekansasian on Nov 19, 2006 7:46 PM CST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hey!
Wood is taken! :)  I think McDonough is too...
WOOD!

by gravedigger on Nov 19, 2006 7:47 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Everyone is taken.
Even Izturis might be taken once he comes back from his injury.

If Felix comes up to play I want his name too...PIE!

"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Nov 19, 2006 7:51 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Seeing how much of a lark this is...
I'm going to have to find myself a name. I tend to read news all day, so I might as well post some of it here, and get myself a sig in the process.

I'll need to keep an eye on the Igawa developments.

by HanOfTheBluegrass on Nov 19, 2006 11:04 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh come on
if you want igawa, put him in your sig.  It could just be good Karma.
Hey, I think your karma just ran over my dogma!
SORIANO!!!

by smwojoz on Nov 19, 2006 11:07 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm going to go with a placeholder.
Igawa's bidding period doesn't even end til the 27th.

Would it be too optimistic to put 'CY YOUNG'S CLONE!!!"?

BIG NAME PITCHER!! This sig is from the future, but didn't hear the specifics.

by HanOfTheBluegrass on Nov 19, 2006 11:11 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ha ha
I/llllloooooovvvveeee/ the optimism!
SORIANO!!!

by smwojoz on Nov 19, 2006 11:14 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

or
llllllllllloooooooooooooovvvvvvveeeeeeee
SORIANO!!!

by smwojoz on Nov 19, 2006 11:15 PM CST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Or