Saturday Morning Miscellaneous

by Al on Nov 3, 2007 7:40 AM CDT in News Comment 94 comments

Sunrise photo from Wrigley Field:

It appears they are working on weekends.

Other news:

It looks like Kerry Wood very likely will be back in 2008, but he's the only one of the Cub free agents who will (which is fine, since the others are Steve Trachsel, Jason Kendall and Cliff Floyd).
The same article says that "depending on how outrageous the bidding gets in a pitching-short market, the Cubs could go after Schilling, the 40-year-old Red Sox free agent who listed the Cubs among 13 teams he would consider." But that doesn't go any farther than speculating, so if you are among those who want Schilling (I don't), don't get your hopes up.
Sammy Sosa wants to come back in 2008. No surprise there, right? And he wants $7 million to play next year. To which I say, "Good luck, Sammy." (Sarcasm, in case you aren't sure.)
Another former Cub wants to come back next year, and I wish him good luck -- sincerely, this time. Glendon Rusch suffered a serious, nearly life-threatening blood clot, the same thing Rockies pitcher Aaron Cook had.
They're going to be discussing possible uses for instant replay at the GM meetings next week. Not so fast, say the umpires. They want to be involved in the discussions.
Don't forget to set your clocks back an hour tonight, if you live in the USA or Canada (except for those areas that don't observe Daylight Saving Time).

That's enough to get you started today, I think.

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young players

This is not good for the Cubs

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/11/02/billjames.rankings/index.html

by drodd on Nov 3, 2007 8:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

this guy doesn't make sense

Texas is ranked way too high and Boston is ranked too low..

Live is boring until March 31st strolls by..

by Chanman25 on Nov 3, 2007 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

about this whole A-rod stuff, I am really annoyed when people are saying "we won't get A-rod because we have a 3B" well...that is not the position A-rod would play, he'd play at his natural position of SS!

Live is boring until March 31st strolls by..

by Chanman25 on Nov 3, 2007 9:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yabbut.....

...as you well know, he hasn't played there in several years and after that amount of years at third, short may not be his best position. Moreover, he's bulked up some since his days at short and his range would be questionable. Sooner than later, we would all be talking about a transition to another position, a la Ernie Banks, Cal Ripken, Nomar Garciaparra, etc. A-Rod at short? No thanks.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Nov 3, 2007 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Some of my clocks have already turned back

Apparently this is the first year of adhering to a different schedule for turning back the clocks, thanks to some legislation passed by Congress awhile ago. Can't remember the details (actually, "don't want to" would be more accurate, seeing as how this came from Congress), but I think this was intended to somehow save energy by delaying the switch by a week or so.

Somebody forgot to tell my VCR (You know, that box-like contraption under your parent's TV that plays those huge weird looking tape thingees. There's a whole stack of them next to those big thin black frisbees with grooves in them...). Seems some electronics and appliances were pre-programmed to automatically change clocks for you, based on the old schedule. Kinda tough to predict Congress though.

Needless to say, I've left the VCR alone. Figured it was easier to just remember it's off by an hour for a week, than to try and remember how to change the clock manually. Thankfully, I didn't have to record anything this week - the mental gyrations would have been overwhelming...

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Nov 3, 2007 9:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice to see.....

Daryle Ward's option picked up. And why do writers still insist on mentioning "despite speculation Wood would want to start" when it's only THEM that's doing the speculating?? How many times does Wood have to say he knows his future in baseball is as a relief pitcher?

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Nov 3, 2007 9:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

If I could get a .300 average

50 homers and 150 RBIs from short, I'd sure as hell take my chances with that guy defensively for a couple of seasons. He was a gold glove shortstop. It's not like we're talking Jose Hernandez here.

And in the future, if moving your .300/50/150 guy to a different position is your big problem, you're doing pretty well.

by TR on Nov 3, 2007 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But would you get that at this stage?

I'd bet not.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Nov 3, 2007 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And.....

...I realize the statistics are overwhelming and his record shows no let up, but nonetheless, he'll be 33 next July and moving back to short would be iffy for anybody at that age, baseball-wise. However, I'm not that big of an idiot. If the Cubs signed him, which it sounds like they won't, it wouldn't bother me.

Did anyone see though what he told the Yankees was a "floor" for his next contract? $350M?????? That's craziness.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Nov 3, 2007 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

honestly, i think the yankees set themselves

up for this, they pride themselves on "buying" talent, and if they have to pay that much for A-Rod, then it's the philosophy they promote that is allowing him to ask that much. that being said, i don't think they'll go that high.

by dogcatratcheese on Nov 4, 2007 12:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Get it at this stage?

The Yankees got exactly that from him in the season that just ended a month ago. And Yankee Stadium is not an especially friendly right-handed powerhitter's park.

I agree that the money is absurd. But what Soriano got last year was also absurd.

by TR on Nov 3, 2007 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What I Forgot To Add To That Part...

....and I realize some, even many people see it differently, is besides transitioning back to short at 33, but doing it in a new league, adjusting to the pitchers.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Nov 3, 2007 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously?

Thinking about A-Rod "adjusting" to the pitching in the NL Central makes me giddy.

Braden Looper?
Joel Piniero?
Jeff Suppan?
Matt Albers?

Oh. Oh wow.

Seriously, the AL is to the NL what the NL is to the PCL. He'd murder the NL's pitching. It would be unfair.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 3, 2007 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good luck to Glendon

I hope his comeback happens. He always seemed like a stand up guy.....as long as his comeback is with anyone but the Cubs.

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

by mrcubsfan on Nov 3, 2007 10:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Pitching needs?

Can anyone tell me why we need to spend money on pitching when we were #2 in the NL in ERA? Seems hitting should be top priority. Pitching is fine-don't need to make any changes.

"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse

by ronsanto10 on Nov 3, 2007 10:07 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

You should have kept watching the pitching

after the regular season ended. The last two starts and some of the relief pitching did not inspire confidence in the three extra games they played. Might have gotten some people a little jumpy.

by TR on Nov 3, 2007 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed.

Yes, the Cubs need another power bat, particularly a LH bat.

But they could also use another starting pitcher.

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

by Al on Nov 3, 2007 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Which Is Why I Like Schilling....

....color me a dipshitted, heartbroken 13 year old girl, but while I'm not in favor of A-Rod coming here, I wouldn't mind seeing Schilling penciled in as a 4th or 5th starter on this team. Yeah, he's got a myriad of baggage, but if it were him starting any of those last three games against the Diamondbacks I would have felt better about the Cubs' chances. Even if he had a 9-8 year again, Schilling has proven he can kick it into another gear in October.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Nov 3, 2007 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I worry about Schilling...

... due to:

his age
the fact that he spent 1/3 of 2007 on the DL
the fact that he'll cost you probably $12-$15 million in 2008; that money could be better spent elsewhere. You want to spend that much on a 4th starter?

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

by Al on Nov 3, 2007 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well.....

Injury factor aside, my immediate reaction is to say didn't the Cubs spend that much on Maddux to do just about the same thing?

He made 12 or 13 million last year. At his age and with the type of 2007 he had, giving him a raise is not something I'd do. However, I'd equal it and throw in incentives for post season wins that might sound insane because really, the reason I'm signing him is to get a healthy Schilling in the post season. I'll double salary with incentives if I have to. And if that gets realized, then well, he's earned it. I'm hoping I'm buying those 100 year elusive key post season wins. And, if he's healthy, Clemens has set the bar for how long a pitcher like them can go. I think Schilling wants to show he can do that as well.

Before this recent post season I might not have said all this, but he showed me something in the playoffs I didn't think he had, bloody sock episode aside.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Nov 3, 2007 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The difference, of course...

... with Maddux was his history with the Cubs, and when he was signed, he was 38, not 41. And yes, I think that's significant, because Schilling is now at the age where he could break down at any time.

The Cubs need to GET to the postseason before they can win there. Spending that much money on Schilling would mean that they might not have enough to spend on OTHER needs -- cough Fukudome cough -- that would be more important in getting them there.

The postseason is a crapshoot, and this year's postseason is major proof of that.

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

by Al on Nov 3, 2007 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pipedream....

....would you take him for 8 or 9M?

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Nov 3, 2007 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No.

I'd rather have Hiroki Kuroda, who will cost about half that.

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

by Al on Nov 3, 2007 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Kuroda's worth half that, why bother?

The Cubs are loaded w/ 5th starters already..

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Nov 3, 2007 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agree about the pipedream....

Definitely take Schilling for $8-9 million for year, and pencil him in as the 2nd or 3rd starter in the playoffs.

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Nov 3, 2007 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not exactly the Maddux deal

Maddux deal was actually 8 million per (( backloaded) with
first two being guaranteed and the 3rd vested. Even given inflation on pitchers it was 50% less. Moreover Maddux was younger and had only been on the DL for 2 weeks on a 20 year
career ( and he has not been on the DL since either). Per previous post I think Schilling for a year is very good idea depending on the budget. SP has to be way below a power bat
at OF or SS . I am also on record as thinking that a similar
one year with Andruw Jones would be even better.

"It's the Cubbies. There's always a vibe. It's the greatest vibe in baseball." Greg Maddux on Cub fan's optimism even after the 06 debacle.

by jessica on Nov 3, 2007 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yabbut

Jones will get a multi-year deal..

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Nov 3, 2007 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jones won't get any decent multi-year deal

No team is going to pay him the big bucks after last season.
He might get a VERY lowball offer. But since he has no injury
excuse etc who wants to give a multi- year deal toa guy who hit .222 last year
Rumors are that Boras is going to do what he did with Jeff Weaver, make a one year deal and assume he can return to form
and get a big bucks multi-year deal next year when he will
still only be 31. Supposedly the Padres have the inside track but
if I am trying to a big year at the plate Petco and the NL West
are not exactly the best location. No harm in asking/

"It's the Cubbies. There's always a vibe. It's the greatest vibe in baseball." Greg Maddux on Cub fan's optimism even after the 06 debacle.

by jessica on Nov 4, 2007 11:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Bruce Miles on Fulkudome makes a case

Makes a good case this guy would be perfect fit for Cubs RF NOW!!

i Know Colvin is projected for 2009 but you can't count on that or Pie...would give Cubs tremendous upside and surplus to trade Murton, Jones or whoever...keep Pagan, Fuld as backups to a starting OF of Soriano, Pie and Fulkudome would really address the team's No. 1 need, OBP!!

Where would he bat?? Third? Second? I can see a lineup of:

Theriot SS
Fulkudome RF
Lee 1B
Ramirez 3B
Soriano LF
DeRosa/Fontenot 2B
Soto C
Pie CF

I realize they will prob. keep Soriano leading off and maybe Fulk would bat lower (5th??) but it's a pretty strong group to have...with some decent backups depending on off-season moves.

Go for it Jimbo and worry about Colvin's spot later...injuries can always crop up, or maybe Pie won't work out (gotta give him a chance though).

by writerinwrigley on Nov 3, 2007 10:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Although Fonzie hit lot of

lead off homers, they would have been better for the team if he was hitting 3, 4 or 5 and had a couple guys on base. Let The Riot or Fukudome (when they get him) lead off and go from there. Both those guys will work hard to get on base and won't K as much.

"Who are you going to believe, me or your own eyes?"

by Jettero2112 on Nov 3, 2007 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I really, really, really...

...want someone to explain to me the obsession of batting the guy with the lowest OBP of any returning Cubs starter leadoff.

Hell, I want to know why people want to just hand him the starter's job.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 3, 2007 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

very true..

I just don't understand the obsession with TheRiot. He is at best a backup utility player and should be treated as such. On days he starts he should bat no higher than 8th.

by cubsnlinux on Nov 3, 2007 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Theriot could start v. LHP

In '07 he hit .286/.353/.444 against lefties, which would be good enough to bat 2nd against lefties if not ideal. If he really did tire down the stretch, maybe his career #s against lefties, .301/.384/.462, is a realistic '08 expectation. Maybe. And only against lefties.

Since Cedeno has trouble with lefties, they may make a good platoon. Maybe.

I'd like to see the Cubs go get a lefty IF like Wilson Betemit or Tony Abreu, and see if either of them can play SS well enough to throw in that mix, too. I don't think either would be expensive by trade and either one would add depth to the IF for when Aramis needed a DL spell or in case DeRosa took a step backwards.

by DGU on Nov 3, 2007 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've given up asking that same question

Fukudome might be a better leadoff hitter but without him, Soriano is the Cubs best option at leadoff. Period. This Theriot obsession is crazy.

by rlpete on Nov 3, 2007 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

or why

Fontenot, who had one good month, is mentioned alongside DeRosa. And don't say it's because Fontenot is left handed.

by elgato on Nov 3, 2007 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The team's No. 1 need, OBP!!

LOUD SUSTAINED APPLAUSE !!! Team OBP must get better for the Cubs in 2008 if we are going to return to the playoffs and advance ....

If It Takes Forever ....

by wrigley1 on Nov 3, 2007 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Resodding photo update.... 11 am CT

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

by Al on Nov 3, 2007 11:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

hey al,

can anyone access this camera, or do you have a special in at wrigley?

by clrkaddison on Nov 3, 2007 11:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

As I have mentioned...

... that's accessible if you pay $20 to join the Cubs Club. Go to the Cubs website and click "Fan Forum" for more info.

Again, no, I don't get any $ for referring anyone, just passing along the info.

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

by Al on Nov 3, 2007 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

sorry

i never saw the mention of the cubs club thing. thanks for the info.

by clrkaddison on Nov 3, 2007 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I remember when that cam was free

n/t

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Nov 3, 2007 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ward Back

I didn't want to make an a separate diary in case this was posted somewhere else but Ward will officially be back in 2008. Cubs also officially declined Floyd and Traschel. They must be considering Kendall still...

by ak123 on Nov 3, 2007 12:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yep. It pays to read other posts...

or you can always to a keyword search by typing Ctr-F in Windows, Apple-F on Mac, in your browser...

Glendon Rusch - glad he is healthy and I would be thrilled if Dusty brought him over to Cinci - or he ended up with the Great Dave Duncan or Mike Maddux.

What a nice early Hannukah/Christmas present that would be.

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Nov 3, 2007 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey

That wasn't a necessary response...

by ak123 on Nov 3, 2007 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Redundant posts...

save space. I wasn't trying to be mean - it is a simple thing to do (keyword search on a web page) if you really are sincere about knowing if someone had posted a similar thing much earlier.

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Nov 3, 2007 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're totally right!

Sorry I didn't see it your way. I work 75 hours a week...only had a few minutes to spare today on the web. Saw on the web the news, thought I'd share it. I hope this apology is more sincere than me not realizing that it had been posted somewhere else.

Why must people go out of their way to try to be nasty to other members when you can just as easily ignore that it was mentioned twice.

Thanks :)

by ak123 on Nov 3, 2007 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Again, I wasn't

trying to be nasty. Sorry you took it that way. I work 55 hours a week. This is a site where people obsess on the Cubs, obviously - so I scour many sources for Cubs news. If you work 75 hours a week, then have you considered doing something else, or is it worth it to you to work so many hours? Go Internet! :)

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Nov 3, 2007 7:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like what I do

I like what I do a lot actually. It's just a lot of work. However, in my spare time on the web I do like to go here. So I appreciate that maybe I took what you wrote the wrong way but I'm sure you've seen so many people in the past year just be nasty to other members posts and I took it that was your intentions.

No hard feelings I hope. There's none here.

by ak123 on Nov 3, 2007 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kendall doesn't have an option.

The thing to watch with Kendall is whether or not they offer him arbitration, so as to get the compensatory draft pick. There's been a recent rash of washed up vets who sneak into Type B classification accepting arbitration, which might scare the Cubs off.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 3, 2007 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Cubs still need to make...

...a decision on Monroe. I know what you all are thinking, but... Monroe hasn't yet reached free agency, and therefore is still under club control for one more season.

So, essentially, Monroe will be a Cub next year unless the organization takes proactive steps to get rid of him. He's not just going to wander away, Steve Trachsel style.

The good news? The Detroit Free Press says the Cubs are probably going to non-tender him.

Normally I tend to defend Jim Hendry from a lot of the heat he takes around here, but I just have to say -- his deadline deals this year pretty much all stunk. Badly.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 3, 2007 1:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, they did, but...

... the Cubs made the playoffs anyway. Yes, I realize that's not really a defense, and they could have used more pitching help in the postseason.

Which makes Hendry's offseason all the more important.

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

by Al on Nov 3, 2007 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How about Geoff Jenkins??

Doesn't seem the Cubs are sold on Pie yet... Thus they're looking at RF options and playing Jones in CF for another year.

Jenkins hit 21 homers last year, with a .790 ops. He gives the Cubs a left-handed bat, with some power... Doesn't look like there will be a big market for Jenkins, so maybe they can sign him for a couple years...

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Nov 3, 2007 1:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Cubs's biggest needs this offseason...

...are on-base percentage and the ability to hit lefties. Geoff Jenkins does neither, doesn't provide THAT much power, and should by no means be given anything longer than a multi-year deal.

Let's put it this way -- Geoff Jenkins hit .255/.319/.471, almost exactly league average. Matt Murton hit .281/.352/.438, almost exactly league average. In fact, if you ignore the way OPS treats OBP versus slugging and weight them properly, Murton was MORE valuable offensively than Jenkins. And defensively speaking, it's probably something of a wash -- Jenkins didn't play right field last year, which clouds the issue, although he was a plus defender in left.

Then we look at the aging curve -- which would tend to favor Murton -- and the likely contract differences, and Murton by FAR is the more productive player for the money.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 3, 2007 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Murton's still a platoon player

His obp vs. righties was .727. He terrorizes lefties, so he definitely has value.. He's just not an everyday guy.

Jenkins moved to LF, cause Hart's a very good defensive player...

The Cubs need another home run hitter... I think the team obp will go up with Soto being the everyday catcher, and hopefully Theriot improves with a year under his belt..

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Nov 3, 2007 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Geoff Jenkins made $7 million more...

...than Murton last season. Do you honestly think that Geoff Jenkins is going to provide $7 million more in production that Murton next season? And keep in mind that $7 million is (according to Barry Rozner of the Daily Herald) almost half of our offseason budget.

As for your other point... I can't stand it any more. I really can't. Today, I will write the official "Ryan Theriot Sucks" diary, and I will post it, and it will have NO problem going over the 300 word requirement. I'm losing my mind over here, and I just CANNOT take this anymore.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 3, 2007 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

When did I say

Jenkins is worth $7 million? Guess you're fine w/ Murton getting manhandled by righties again. I'll take a platoon in rf, and think Schilling would be a good signing...

As for money, maybe they should deal off Soriano and stick Murton in LF, since he's such a bargain....

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Nov 3, 2007 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, they certainly need

another poor OBP, 125+ strikeout guy to compliment the other ones they have already.

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Nov 3, 2007 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There's not many alternatives out there...

and the Cubs need a 5 hitter... I'm sick of hearing about the Cubs signing another Japanese phenom. It's not happening. It never has, but every year people obsess over the next phenom.. It's getting old. Chicago's not located on the east or west coast. Figure it out..

I'll take this lineup, which should be fine with obp.. Sori, DeRo, Lee, ARam, Jenkins, Soto, Jones and Theriot.

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Nov 3, 2007 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yay, failing to meaningfully improve at any...

...position other than catcher!

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 3, 2007 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Since this isn't fantasy baseball...

where the Cubs get the top Japanese player and sign ARod, I don't think they have the money to get another starter, and improve @ CF, RF and SS. They'll have to pick two of the four, and let Jones battle it out w/ the teams alleged best prospect, Pie...

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Nov 3, 2007 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Addendum

Lack of power is why they had DeRo batting out of place. He should be batting 2nd w/ his .371 obp. Theriot should bat 8th or 9th...

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Nov 3, 2007 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Too many K's !!!

I would rather take Murton and a Platoon for $7MM Less!!

Jenkins ain't worth no $7MM any more.

And I just do not agree - we need more OBP guys to offset the K's Soriano, and A-Ram provide.

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Nov 3, 2007 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So

what $400k guy do you platoon w/ Murton, since you don't want to spend money on RF?

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Nov 3, 2007 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

J.Jones will do

just fine. He's "paid for" - and, unless Pie just can't find a way to hit .250, OR, they Cubs sign Fukodome, the starting OF will most probably be Soriano, Pie, Murton/Jones. Murton can at least hit LH pitching. Jenkins is at the end of the line, and would do no better than Popeye Burnitz did in his last Cub season. There is more upside to either Sam Fuld or Matt Murton, plus Jones, than adding Jenkins' $7MM salary and declining skills to a lineup that was near the bottom AGAIN in BB's and pitches per PA.

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Nov 3, 2007 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

when did Jenkins making $7 million

become a foregone conclusion?

2 years and 8 million, with incentives could work.

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Nov 3, 2007 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh please....

...not another platoon guy.

Our grandparents used to say, "I hope the Cubs win the Series before I die". Now teenagers are saying it. Let's change that next season!

by blackhawk24 on Nov 3, 2007 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you mean negatively...

the current World Champs had no problem with platooning - or playing matchups with their starters. Percentages are utilized to the majority of today's managers for the most part.

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Nov 3, 2007 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

By that I mean matching

up with strengths not weakness. Jenkins can't hit Southpaws too well. It's like the issues we've had with Jones. Having 2 guys for one defensive position 'cause 1 can't hit righties and 1 can't hit lefties just limits the bench.

The real reason I don't want Jenkins (or several others for that matter) is that it would likely mean the Cubs don't get Fukudome, who by the way should be near the very top of the list of non-pitching acquisitions.

Our grandparents used to say, "I hope the Cubs win the Series before I die". Now teenagers are saying it. Let's change that next season!

by blackhawk24 on Nov 4, 2007 8:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So, you really think...

...he'll take a 50% pay cut to be with us? For a two-year contract?

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 3, 2007 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So should he sit out, if

market demand is around 2 & 8?? I doubt he has a choice..

He'll demand a better deal that Floyd did a year ago, but not much more..

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Nov 3, 2007 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The question is...

...which potential OF acquisition would be a meaningful upgrade over Jacque Jones or an unconventional platoon of Ward and Murton where Ward plays 2 days a week?

Jenkins is not the answer. What does he really offer over the in-house options? And why him, and not Shawn Green, who also doesn't seem like a big upgrade, but at least had stats depressed by playing half his games in Shea?

Guys I think might be upgrades, and each has a downside I expect Hendry and his scouts would do due dilligence on are:
Brad Wilkerson (but a shoulder injury has sapped his swing)
Fukudome (but the cost in $ might be too high)
Ryan Church (but the cost in trade might be too high)
Ken Griffey, Jr. (we all know the problems there)
Barry Bonds (I don't see it happening)

by DGU on Nov 3, 2007 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Green's power is down...

Jenkins wouldn't be starting over Jones, and he's a better player than Murton, Ward and Pie... Murton doesn't hit righties. Ward's defense sucks, and doesn't seem Pie's ready...

There just aren't many viable options for outfield, but they need to upgrade the offense. I'd prefer adding Tejada @ shortstop, but I don't think they'll have the money or willingness to part w/ prospects to do so...

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Nov 3, 2007 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

To put it possibly

to rest:

2007

Jenkins:
Avg. OBP SLG OPS+
.255 .319 .471 101

MURTON
.281 .352 .438 100

Speed - Murton
Arm, Fielding - Jenkins
Upside - Murton

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Nov 3, 2007 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry - I left out...

Murton only 22 RBI in 125 ABS
Jenkins had 64 RBI in 435 AB's

throw it all together now - he still is not going to be worth 300% more than Murton, IMO.

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Nov 3, 2007 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A bit disingenuous...

considering you left out what Murton hits against righties.

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Nov 3, 2007 7:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Those are Murton's stats against both LHP and RHP

2007 v. all pitchers: .281/.352/.438
2007 v. lefties: .319/.386/.505
2007 v. righties: .257/.331/.396
2006 v. righties: .295/.356/.426

by DGU on Nov 3, 2007 7:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

.396 slugging versus righties

is something I expect from shortstop, not RF... With DeRo's .371 obp, and ability to hit both righties and lefties, you can't justify Murton batting 2nd either.

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Nov 3, 2007 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Answer...

Fukudome: High OBP, left-handed hitter, corner outfielder, hits with power, has decent speed and good defensively...

Our grandparents used to say, "I hope the Cubs win the Series before I die". Now teenagers are saying it. Let's change that next season!

by blackhawk24 on Nov 4, 2007 8:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I dunno if

the organization's ready to count on Pie... Since I don't see the org spending big on Tori Hunter or Andruw Jones or Rowand or Fukodome, they need a 2-year stop-gap til Pie and Colvin are ready.....

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Nov 3, 2007 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hmmm

"It's getting old. Chicago's not located on the east or west coast. Figure it out."

Okay, I tried and I can't figure it out. Is there a mystical prejudice in the Orient about the middle of North America or have I missed something?

by TR on Nov 3, 2007 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The top Japanese players have signed

with teams on either the east or west coast... They've went to either the Yankees, the Mets, Dodgers, Red Sox or Seattle. Most Japanese people live on either the west or east coast too....

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Nov 3, 2007 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The fact that...

... Japanese players have signed with coast teams, both east and west, has to do, I believe, more with who has the money and who's done the scouting.

Up to now, that's been the teams you've mentioned (and the Giants, too, when they signed Tsuyoshi Shinjo, who was a big star in Japan but who turned out to be mediocre in the NL, and also the Cardinals, who have gotten use out of So Taguchi).

The Cubs now have a Japan scouting guy in Steve Wilson. That may pay dividends in the near future.

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

by Al on Nov 3, 2007 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Perhaps

they'll get some second-tier Japanese players now... Just don't see the top-tier guys going to Chicago, and can't see this being a year where the Cubs spend big money on a CF or RF when Pie and Colvin are a year or two away...

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Nov 3, 2007 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OT

saw american gangster last night...GREAT!!!!!!

WhErE's My CuBs?!?!

by tbizzle83 on Nov 3, 2007 2:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

How 'bout Them HUSKERS?!!

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Nov 3, 2007 3:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Ward is step 1

Woody back is step 2. Then steps 3 and 4 are the two fine Japanese guys, Fulkudome and Kuroda; one a high-OBP left-handed-hitting right-fielder and the other a decent righty assuming his elbow issues are behind him.

I don't want A-Rod but I would consider Schilling if it isn't one of these bidding wars. He's more of the 'once you get to the postseason' chances. I worry about his health overall but would love to see him do his [playoff] stuff, ala '01, '04, '07.

And to top it off, I'd consider a decent combination of players in a trade to get a very solid SS. If that means Theriot, Fontenot, Murton or even Pie, if the price is right, I'd like it. I'm a little weary of Tejada as opposed to a couple years ago.

Our grandparents used to say, "I hope the Cubs win the Series before I die". Now teenagers are saying it. Let's change that next season!

by blackhawk24 on Nov 3, 2007 4:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

By the way...

The Reds were right. The field really does look like shit.

by TR on Nov 3, 2007 6:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

LMAO

n/t

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

by Al on Nov 3, 2007 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A-Rod...

Get A-Rod. AWESOM infield:
A-Ram
A-Rod
Cedeno
D-Lee

Outfield:
Soriano
Jones
DeRosa

WE DO NOT NEED TO SPEND $$$ ON PITCHING!!! WE WERE #2 IN THE NL IN ERA!!!!!! Just move Dempster into the rotation and make Wood the closer. WE WILL BE ALL SET FOR 2008!!!

"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse

by ronsanto10 on Nov 3, 2007 9:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yell all you want......

....but none of that is going to happen.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Nov 3, 2007 10:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How was that pitching in the playoffs?

The Cubs aren't going to win it all with Lilly and Hill as the #2 & #3 starters..

The Cubs ERA was very good for the season, cause they have very good pitching depth. Pitching depth isn't nearly as important in the playoffs when there's a lot more days off.

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Nov 3, 2007 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

too right handed

cubs absolutely must have a left handed bat in RF it's stupid not to, even though the '84 team best of my lifetime featured for most part an all-righty outfield (Matthews, Dernier and Moreland)...there were some lefty fill-ins there like Thad Bosley, I believe.

Cubs are strapped with a righty 1B (somewhat unusual) and righty hitters at both SS and 2B, so they need 'em in outfield and LF is also anchored by a righty bat...it's just stupid roster/lineup construction to think otherwise.

Too bad Theriot gave up on switch-hitting a few years ago and says it spurred his development...he'd be lot more valuable if could hit from both sides.

by writerinwrigley on Nov 3, 2007 10:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Don't Forget

Ron Hassey and Richie Hebner. The Cubs had a very left handed bench, even after trading Mell Hall and Billy Buckner early in the season. Hassey and Hebner both hit over .300 (LH off the bench) if I remember correctly. That gave Jim Frey a lot of late inning options.

Dave Owen, a switch hitter, also came off the bench with a few big hits that season.

by HectorVillanueva on Nov 4, 2007 7:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs