Tuesday Morning Miscellaneous

by Al on Nov 6, 2007 9:05 AM CST in News Comment 92 comments

Phil Rogers confirms this morning my post from yesterday that the Cubs are hot after Kosuke Fukudome:

There's a lot of talk about Fukudome, the Japanese free-agent center fielder. Word is the Cubs are very much in pursuit of him, in part because he's a left-handed hitter and an on-base machine.

Fukudome sat out part of 2007 with an elbow injury but still wound up hitting .294 with 13 homers and a .443 on-base percentage for the Chunichi Dragons. He has hit for power in Japan (31 homers in 130 games in 2006), but some U.S. scouts compare him to Seattle outfielder Raul Ibanez, who has had three seasons of 105-plus RBIs but only one hitting more than 24 home runs.

I'd take an Ibanez clone, wouldn't you? Rogers goes on to say, however, that a Fukudome signing would allow the Cubs to "use Felix Pie in a significant trade, possibly with San Diego for shortstop Khalil Greene. But, like the Cubs' reported interest in Japanese right-hander Hiroki Kuroda, that's all speculation."

Not about Kuroda -- not from what I hear, that deal could be close to happening. And Pie's not going anywhere. If anything, a Fukudome signing would go a long way to shipping Jacque Jones out the door.

Last week, I spoke to Steve Marantz of SportsMediaGuide.com; he's interviewed other bloggers including Larry Borowsky of Viva El Birdos and MSM journalists Rick Morrissey and Susan Slusser, among others. We talked about blogging and the Cubs, and for some reason he also wanted to know what my favorite restaurants were. You can read the entire interview here.

At last! The Blackhawks get out of the 1950's by putting seven home games on TV this year, starting with Sunday's game vs. Detroit on CSN, and in the future:

the team will be looking to add a local over-the-air television channel to combine with CSN to televise perhaps as many as 70 games next season.

CSN still would show the bulk of the games, but a smaller package would be pitched to channels such as WCIU-Ch. 26 and WPWR-Ch. 50. WCIU already airs a limited schedule of White Sox, Cubs and Bulls games.

And their timing is impeccable, because with several really good young players, the Blackhawks, who have been no more than a blip on the Chicago sports radar screen for years, might at last start to become worth watching again -- now that you actually can do so.

Finally, you don't often find Cub-related items in Michael Sneed's political and entertainment oriented gossip column. But today, buried beneath another Kobe Bryant item (allegedly, he's buying Michael Jordan's Highland Park house), there was this item of interest:

Dateline: The Hotline II --Hmmm. Real estate mogul Donald Trump is acting like he wants a firmer foothold in Chicago and claiming he's eying a possible Chicago Cubs bid.

To wit: The Trumpster talked about his dugout dreams during opening remarks at a Donald E. Stephens Convention Center seminar Sunday evening in Rosemont.
The whack: The ego man shot a barb at billionaire Mark Cuban, who is part of a group hoping to buy the Cubbies, by chiding him for not winning anything in his life.
The smack: Trump told the audience he was going to look into buying the Cubs Monday morning.

Trump? Buying the Cubs? No thanks. To me, that'd be having Mark Cuban-like ownership, only with worse hair.

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Steroid news

Rotoworld reports that Jose Guillen bought steroids up to June of 2005. Funny, because an hour ago I was thinking..hmm he'd be a good fit for the Cubs! not any more!

Live is boring until March 31st strolls by..

by Chanman25 on Nov 6, 2007 9:00 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

OMG

me too i was just thinking guillen would be a nice fit.

WhErE's My CuBs?!?!

by tbizzle83 on Nov 6, 2007 10:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Another

right handed power hitter who doesn't take a walk? (Although he did walk some this past season.)

I don't see how Guillen is a good fit, steroids or no.

The artist formerly known as JoshinLA

by Josh77 on Nov 6, 2007 1:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This confirms your post?

Your post said it was Fukudome and Kuroda together. Had they mentioned that, it would have confirmed your post. This only "confirms" the speculation of what 95% of all Cubs 'blogs have said. Ego much?

by tyger1147 on Nov 6, 2007 9:03 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Read what I wrote again.

I said it confirms what I wrote about Fukudome, which is true.

Tell me something. Do you ever come here to add to the discussion, or only to slam me? Seems like the latter.

(Note to everyone else: I don't expect an answer to this, and if I get one, I don't expect it to be respectful.)

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

by Al on Nov 6, 2007 9:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

::: crickets :::

Your silence speaks volumes.

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

by Al on Nov 6, 2007 1:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Trump purchasing the Cub??

Jim Hendry.... YOU'RE FIRED!!

by fuzzycubfan on Nov 6, 2007 9:03 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I posted this last thread, re more rumors

Cubs interest in R. Ibanez?

http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/mariners/story/196634.html

Also, Kaz Matsui?

"The Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres have second baseman Kazuo Matsui on their radar, and the New York Mets have emerged as a legitimate suitor for catcher Yorvit Torrealba."

http://www.denverpost.com/rockies/ci_7379873

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

by TheEman on Nov 6, 2007 9:08 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I hope those aren't true

Michael Barrett would be a better defensive LF than Ibanez, and we already have an expensive LF. Even Murton is a better defensive RF. The Cubs don't have a crying need for a DH.

Why would the Cubs want Kaz?

Move DeRo to SS. This would improve the offense slightly, but not enough to justify the cost.
Play Kaz at SS. Lou, didn't the Mets' debacle teach you that Kaz can't play SS?
Move DeRo to RF. Defensively this is fine, but DeRo doesn't have COF power. We need more power, not less.
Trade DeRo. Depends on what they could get, but there are several teams who need 2B or 3B. Do you want to trade one of your team leaders?
Trade Ramy and move DeRo to 3B. Unless you get a stud pitcher and a power hitting OF (or A-Rod), it makes no sense to trade him.

Anyone else have any ideas on why the Cubs would want Kaz?

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 6, 2007 1:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Little Matsui

Personally, I just hope the rumor isn't true, but trying to put the best construction on it...

I doubt the Cubs would play DeRo at SS, because they didn't do that when Fontenot was the player du jour.
Maybe, they'd try Kaz at SS in a platoon with Theriot; Kaz's splits match with Theriot's and his defense in Shea was 105 by Rate.
Doubt it for the reasons you state.
Doubt it because Hendry likes him, he gives you OBP, and has positional flexibility.
Aramis is not going anywhere even if it did make sense to trade him. NTC.

As a reminder for us all, though - Kaz Matsui is not a good player. A year in Coors does not a good player make. See Burnitz, Jeromy. Matsui is a downgrade on Cedeno.

by DGU on Nov 6, 2007 3:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

A few other item of interest...

...Bruce Miles throws more gas on the Carl Crawford rumors.

And the Boston Herald now thinks we want Coco Crisp, too.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 6, 2007 9:12 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think you're reading too much into ...

... what Bruce Miles wrote.

He said:

Early reports and whispers center on the Cubs looking at Tampa Bay outfielder Carl Crawford, who batted .315 with 11 homers, 80 RBI and a nice .355 on-base percentage this year.

And then:

Cubs insiders said Monday that they've had no conversations with the Devil Rays since the end of the season. That could change this week.

It could, but I dunno. We talked this to death yesterday. I don't think he fits as well as Fukudome does, and Fukudome costs only money. Crawford would cost top prospects, PLUS the money to lock him up. I wouldn't do it.

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

by Al on Nov 6, 2007 9:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

All I said was that he threw more...

...gas on the fire. You can't deny that he fed the rumor mill on this one, whether or not there's any substance there.

And it's not so much that Crawford costs too much, IMHO, but that what he costs could be better used elsewhere, in my opinion. Hart and Gallagher are needed to provide rotation depth right now, unless we're making that Santana trade.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 6, 2007 9:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed on all counts.

n/t

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

by Al on Nov 6, 2007 9:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Please let this happen!

The Twins are on their way down at the moment, so the Cubs picking off Santana would make wonderful sense. For them. (I really don't much care what happens with the Twins.)

And Santana in a rotation with (a hopefully sane and stable) Zambrano is a killer one-two punch. Add the rumored Japanese infusion, and we have a very serious contender developing in Wrigley.

by MN exile on Nov 6, 2007 11:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think

we have enough to offer the Twins for Santana.

If they decide to trade him, I'd look for the Yankees to offer Philip Hughes and the Dodgers to offer Clayton Kershaw. Both of those guys are worth more than anything we could offer.

The artist formerly known as JoshinLA

by Josh77 on Nov 6, 2007 1:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dodgers look like a good option

Kershaw and Kemp would beat what most other teams could offer. Hughes might be a better pitching option than Kershaw but not sure who else the Yanks might add.

by rlpete on Nov 6, 2007 3:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

100% Agreed on Crawford

"trading" with the Rays is unpleasant. They rarely are involved in deals of "consequence". Although, they did get a nice pitcher from the Mets from the highly qualified, Steve Phillips (now appearing only on tv).

If the team is gonna gouge us, Al, then they might as well spend on the Nippon connection. It seems, in this slim market, like a good move.

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

by TheEman on Nov 6, 2007 9:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ken Rosenthal is a dolt

Not only is he suggesting the Cubs are looking at Mike Cameron but ALSO, if they do get Cameron it will allow the Cubs to move Pie to leftfield. HUH HUH HUH. Respect is lost.

Hey.....Cubs win!!! Steve Stone is the most overrated scumbag in the business.

by Hammer on Nov 6, 2007 10:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Pie to left thing IS weird...

...but Rosenthal is one of the best national baseball journalists out there, second only to Gammons in my mind these days. I'm willing to forgive an occasional misstep; he's still gold-plated awesome for anyone who wants to make it through the Hot Stove alive.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 6, 2007 10:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think

Rosenthal has surpassed Gammons these days as the ultimate baseball insider reporter. But everyone has a brain fart from time to time. He just made a mistake. He's still the best out there.

The artist formerly known as JoshinLA

by Josh77 on Nov 6, 2007 1:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If we signed Kuroda

I'd say offer a package of Hill, Marshall and a prospect throw in like Patterson or something. If we could pull that off, we could part with Hill and Marshall and have a rotation that looked like this:

Santana
Zambrano
Lilly
Kuroda
Prior/Marquis

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Nov 6, 2007 1:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If the Cubs

offer Hill, Marshall and Eric Patterson for Santana and the Dodgers offer Clayton Kershaw and Matt Kemp (or Andy LaRoche) and the Yankees offer Philip Hughes and Jose Tabata, which offer would you accept if you were the Twins?

I don't know about you, but if I'm the Twins, I don't take the Cubs offer. I think Santana is a Dodger in that situation, with the Yankees being the fallback offer. I don't even return Jim Hendry's phone calls in this situation.

Teams will offer their #1 prospect to get someone like Santana, and toss another good prospect in. The Cubs top prospects just aren't good enough to get the job done.

The artist formerly known as JoshinLA

by Josh77 on Nov 6, 2007 3:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

as I don't know anything about

Kershaw or Tabata, I can not answer that question. I guess I was looking at a quantity that the Cubs would offer. Two major league ready starters (both Lefties) and then, I guess I should expound on my previous statement, but then maybe Patterson and Gallagher or Veal?

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Nov 6, 2007 4:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The problem is...

...is that we're talking about a HIGH quality player in Santana. When the Rangers traded Tiexeira, they received TWO A-class prospects (Saltalamacchia and Elvis Andrus, a 19-year-old SS phenom), as well as three pitching prospects that look like they could make it to the bigs. That's the kind of haul one can expect to get for a premier ballplayer. Feel free to scale it back a bit due to the impending FA status for Santana, but even then you're talking about a price the Cubs can't possibly pay. Throwing a higher number of mediocre players into the mix is not how one sweetens this sort of pot.

(And yes, I know I sound jealous of the Rangers' haul. I am. I wish we could pull off a trade like that, instead of shuffling backups around the majors as we have for the past several years.)

by Flatley on Nov 6, 2007 4:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Kershaw

is the #1 pitching prospect in the minors. Not just for the Dodgers, but in all of baseball. Nineteen years old and he dominated the Midwest League, despite having one of the worst minor league defenses behind him.

Jose Tabata is a 18 year old Venezuelan phenom in the Yankees organization. Only 18, he hit over .300 in the High A FSL, with an OBP of .371. Hasn't shown much power yet, but could be a dominating lead-off hitter. And he's still young, so the power may yet come.

I think that they're both untouchable by their organizations, unless it meant getting Johan Santana.

The artist formerly known as JoshinLA

by Josh77 on Nov 6, 2007 5:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Josh

in that case, no, we can not match their offers

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Nov 6, 2007 9:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry Josh,

that was in response to the Twins post

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Nov 6, 2007 1:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think Ken

may have interned under Phil Rogers.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Nov 6, 2007 10:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I would just

...assume he was typing too fast.

Hey.....Cubs win!!! Steve Stone is the most overrated scumbag in the business.

by Hammer on Nov 6, 2007 10:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

In other news as well

ESPN is reporting the Schilling may be headed back to Boston. That option appears to be fading. I'm not so sure the Cubs should be shopping Marquis as rumored without bringing someone in.

by rlpete on Nov 6, 2007 9:13 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Off the market...

...for $8 mil with incentives, sayeth the Olney.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 6, 2007 9:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ken Rosenthal...

...is saying that the Cubs are looking into Mike Cameron. He also mentions Pie, but not as trade fodder -- the Cubs really want to install him in the outfield, apparently.

Oh, and the same Fukudome stuff we've heard 8 million times before.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 6, 2007 9:26 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

We need a good

'roid source!

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

by TheEman on Nov 6, 2007 9:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Cameron?

Why? So we can have someone on suspension for the first month of the season?

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

by Al on Nov 6, 2007 9:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hendry bargain hunting?

...with Cameron? I'd like to see Pie and Fudome in CF and RF, with Murton, Pagan and whomever backing up the OF.

If we were to trade Pie for Greene then Cameron would make some more sense. Greene's a decent fit for the Cubs but you rob one position to pay another...Still, we'd have Theriot as a solid backup for greene's numerous injuries that will likely get worse as he ages.

If I had to pick my poison for 2008, I'd prefer Soriano, Pie, Fudome in the OF and try to get by another season with Theriot at SS. If Cameron's willing to be a 4th OF then bring him on but I doubt that he'd consider that.

by DudeVf11 on Nov 6, 2007 2:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's Gold, Jerry...

Gold. We should be so lucky as to find an Ibanzez clone. He's the most quietly consistent player that I've seen in some time. Before the Soriano deal, I had been hoping that the Cubs and Seattle might do something for him.

About the Rogers piece though...personally, I think I owe San Diego Smooth Jazz Man a sincere apology. He warned and railed months back about lazy media types who are taking blog rumors and putting it out as fact, or at least with some suggestion of "inside information". Which is funny, considering the blogs are doing the exact opposite. I've seen way too many pieces over the last few months (including this one) that really just confirm how few people are actually in the know. That story smells like it was ripped straight from this site.

by Damen Jackson on Nov 6, 2007 9:34 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah...

...maybe this is just my ego talking, but I personally feel like the Pie-for-Greene rumor in the Trib this morning was taken from the Sunday Morning Rumormongering diary.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 6, 2007 9:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously...

and I saw a few other blogs that jumped immediately on Al's rumor mongering yesterday. Within hours. Nothing quite like a 4th hand rumor.

by Damen Jackson on Nov 6, 2007 9:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

As this is the prime source

for Cubs info outside of the house publications and mlb web site -- I'm more than convinced that MSM (Not B. Miles) are taking info from this site -- since, after all, waaaaay more people are reading the MSM rather than special-interest groups such as ourselves, so who really -- is going to notice? (Well, we do, but we are a mere handful of people.)

These guys HAVE to write something. So, blogs become another resource. If the 'information' is presented in a sufficient way, ie; "sources say" it's more than enough to justify the 'rumor' as legit. So, it's written, and then we wind up talking about it. Hello, Chicken? It's Egg!

I guess we could make up a fantastic rumor which, on the surface, could be plausible -- and see if it pops up elsewhere.

Sports talkers read these pages too, of course. Some of the local (SD) talkers and their 'inside' facts -- right off some of the national blogs, all sourced as -- 'insiders say,' etc, etc.
Now, there's nothing really wrong with that -- however, as the original story source is probably an 'insider,' however -- the sports talker is making it seem as if it's his own hard work that dug up the story, not a blog, such as www. profootballtalk.com (one of the local talkers loves this site, but doesn't credit it on-air when he uses its' material)

Besides, it's somewhat hard to copyright 'rumors.'
So why should the blogs fight it, I guess. However, entertainment blogs have jumped right into the fray - tmz.com, now being the recent example. From the net to your TV, with exclusive content. Since their material was being sourced (and properly referenced) by the entertainment shows, it was time to start making some real money off their work -- so, I either they were approached by a producer, or they pitched themselves. Either way, it worked out well for tmz.com.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Nov 6, 2007 6:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Mike Cameron

no thanks, great glove, no OBP and will miss the first 25 games, I can not see the Cubs throwing cash his way.
I would only make a large trade if it is centered around Santana or Bedard.
Put me in the minority, but I would like to get Greene from the Padres if the deal would be reasonable.
I know I have read in what others have commented on about Fukudome, is he legit? and are there other teams in the mix on this? Rogers mentioned Ibanez numbers, goodness if we can pencil that in, lets make the move.
My only concern is the sale of the Club. Who is calling the shots when it comes to player movement and signings. Hate to see decisions being made by people who have one foot out the door.
"The Don", no thank-you.

by Johnny Callison was a Cub on Nov 6, 2007 9:42 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Just say no to Khahil Greene and his

...Neifi or Cedenoesqus OBP.

Please we dont need a player with a sub .300 OBP.

"But he plays in Petco....yadda yadda"

30 something walks 140+ Ks, NO THANKS. You cant surf in Lake Michigan

Hey.....Cubs win!!! Steve Stone is the most overrated scumbag in the business.

by Hammer on Nov 6, 2007 9:55 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

While there is a park factor for walks...

...in PETCO, it's not nearly as drastic as the PF for walks or home runs -- not even close. It's pretty safe to assume that his walk rate wouldn't see a spectacular jump if he left PETCO.

(Speaking of park factors... Wrigley has gone back to being a hitter's park. Second-best run scoring park in all of baseball in '07. And our offense was still mediocre. Yeah, that's reassuring. On the other hand, I'm pretty confident in saying that we can claim the BEST pitching and defense in the NL, based on those park factors.)

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 6, 2007 10:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Spicoli.

Khahil Greene has always kind of reminded me of Sean Penn in Fast Times for some reason...

Regardless of statistics, it definitely stands in the way of me taking him seriously as a ball player, so 'no thanks' to him on that alone.

by bobby h on Nov 6, 2007 12:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Geene's poor OBP...

...is made up for by his legitimate power, especially from a position that still is not dominated by sluggers. His offensive numbers are very good now and they'd improve with moving to Wrigley. The real negative to Greene, to me is the injury risk. He gets hurt a lot. The Cubs have a very solid backup in Theriot. Overall, I prefer keeping Pie but I won't go crazy if we traded for greene because there many positives to his game. I don't care if he Ks so long as he keeps hitting HRs...I'd want to get more from the Padres if we are giving up Pie.

by DudeVf11 on Nov 6, 2007 2:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Greene's insertion into the Cubs

line-up might be even better than one might project. After that break-out rookie season, he has had some injury problems, however -- it's nothing severe, seemingly more of a case of bad luck, than anyhting chronic. After starting slowly in '07 - with a low OBP and BA, he turned it up -- and his power surge, decent for Petco was something that helped a punchless Padres offense much of the year.

It's a given he has a spectacular glove and great range.

I am thinking that Greene might be headed for his career years. I might be willing to move Pie. However, I doubt if the Pads would give anybody else along with Greene.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Nov 6, 2007 7:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I can seriously see Hendry...

...going back and forth on this as straight-up deal...I won't complain either way as Greene would fill a huge hole and we have a super backup in theriot, it would improve the starting lineup a lot and strengthen our depth.

by DudeVf11 on Nov 6, 2007 10:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

NO TRUMP!!

Everything he has ever owned has failed!!!

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Nov 6, 2007 10:10 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Trump and Cuban

I don't think I would choose either of these characters to own the Cubs, but I am not going to invest much emotional energy in the ownership decisions either.

However, one thing I will say. With these "big name" suitors getting involved, it will be interesting to see what happens with the Anti-trust exemption that Baseball has and holds so dear. It is one thing when some anonymous billionaire (an oxymoron?) gets shut out of the bidding for a less glamorous ballclub. But can you imagine the stink that a Cuban or a Trump might raise if their higher bids were rejected?

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Nov 6, 2007 10:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Trump and Cuban

Trump and Cuban have had a long-standing feud, going back at least as far as Cuban's failed series, "The Benefactor".

by dbt on Nov 6, 2007 10:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No, me either

but that was just the first reaction I had when I saw Trump's name associated with buying the Cubs.

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Nov 6, 2007 10:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm hoping for Don Levin

He seems about the best of all those mentioned and would field a winner.

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

by Jettero2112 on Nov 6, 2007 11:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Fukodome and Pie

The more I think about Fukodome, the more I think that he is being targeted in part because of his flexibility to play either CF or RF, as Jones did this year.

If Pie can catch on, the Fukodome is in RF, great. If Pie struggles, then in essence you can have Pie, Murton, Fuld, Pagan, DeRosa, Theriot, EPatt, Cedeno, and some other long shots competing for time between 2B, SS, and RF. That is not exactly an awe inspiring list to be sure, but I wouldn't be surprised at all to see a couple of youngsters emerge as everyday players at least for the short term.

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Nov 6, 2007 10:12 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

If we sign Fukudome...

...I am wildly convinced that marks the end of Murton's time as a Cub.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 6, 2007 10:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I was too, but...

... if they think Fukudome can put in limited time in centerfield, platooning Pie and Murton makes all kind of sense.

by DGU on Nov 6, 2007 12:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you

I love Le Petit Orange as I call him and I think he can be at least a league average corner outfielder in the majors if given a full season to shine. But being right handed and without a lot of speed, he just doesn't meet the needs of the team. Fukudome is a younger, Japanese Kenny Lofton. And that's exactly what this team needs.

(OK, his speed isn't at Kenny Lofton's level, but he does have good speed.)

The artist formerly known as JoshinLA

by Josh77 on Nov 6, 2007 1:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

and fuld

is unlikely to be in the mix. He was only called up because E-Patt couldn't work an alarm clock.

Yes, Fuld make a great catch in the final week. But, c'mon, people -- that means almost nothing.

by elgato on Nov 6, 2007 12:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

In the Fuld...

Fuld is winning some attention playing this Fall. Personally, he looks like the left-handed, OF version of Ryan Theriot. He's got sparkplug points coming out the wazoo.

by DGU on Nov 6, 2007 12:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Great and then

the Cubs could also sign Eckstein for SS. With Theriot at 2nd, Eckstein at SS and Fuld in RF, the sparks will be flying at Wrigley this year.

Isn't one short hustling sparkplug player enough for any team?

by rlpete on Nov 6, 2007 3:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Indeed!

My greatest fear this offseason is that, with the lack of viable FA talent and aggressive trade market, JH may make some poor trades that'll deplete our farm system in exchange for mediocre players that won't add much to our team (see: Felix for Khalil).

I hope we sign Fukudome, because it'll be a relatively safe signing that won't cost our team anything beyond his salary.

by Flatley on Nov 6, 2007 3:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd prefer to see this combo...

...start in the OF with Soriano...Murton and Pagan and whomever can backup...Fudome is apparently a plus defender and gets on base, things that the Cubs need from a guy who can hit...I am not downplaying Crawford, but I'd prefer that we give the younger and cheaper Pie a chance to become him...

by DudeVf11 on Nov 6, 2007 2:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Kyler Burke is continuing...

...to turn heads in Hawaii. BP's minor league scouting guy Kevin Goldstein says he's a mild sleeper.

In the Arizona Fall League, lost in the Sam Fuld lovefest is the fact that Sean Gallagher still hasn't been scored on in 10 innings of relief work.

[Looking at some old Goldstein stuff, he's not fond of Theriot, either. Says the Cubs should use a "Cedeno/Cedeno platoon" at short next year and compares Theriot with Hollandsworth. Priceless.]

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 6, 2007 10:23 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Regarding pitching in the AFL...

...is there any significance to Gallagher pitching in relief? Is this a sign that the Cubs organization want him to be a reliever, or is this just where his team ended up sticking him?

Can anyone clue me in on the significance of starting vs. relief in developing a minor leaguer?

by Flatley on Nov 6, 2007 10:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually, I'm in error...

...he's made one start, four innings.

The Arizona Fall League is more organized than A/B squad minor league games in spring training, but not by a whole lot. All of these guys have already pitched a whole season in the minors, and clubs are very protective of their young arms, so having him pitch mostly in relief in the AFL doesn't say an awful lot, other than that's the spot agreed upon by the Mesa Solar Sox (which is shared by several clubs) and the Cubs.

Most of the pitchers in the AFL are "on the bubble" guys -- guys the parent club aren't sure about adding to the roster, be it the 25 man or the 40 man (this is why the AFL is where you go if you want to see if anything good is going to be in the Rule V draft). In Gallagher's case, he made good progress last year, and the Cubs may be getting one last look at him before the decide whether to include him in their plans for the rotation next year.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 6, 2007 10:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Cedeno....

Can't field
Can't hit major league pitching
Can't find the brain in his head

Ed Lynch is STILL on the Cubs payroll, as our D-Backs scout in Phoenix. Lynch attends all 81 D-Back home games with a notepad in hand. Really paid off for us!

by SackMan on Nov 6, 2007 3:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought he was a

Rhodes Scholar?

No?

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

by TheEman on Nov 6, 2007 9:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Random Question

Do you think most GM's are waiting to make any significant moves this off season until the Mitchell Report is released?

And perhaps that is a reason Hendry, and perhaps others, are so caught up with Japenese players; very little worry of steroid allegations or implications?

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Nov 6, 2007 11:00 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Thats a very good question

and could very well be on the GM's minds.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Nov 6, 2007 11:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maddux and Schilling have been given contracts...

...the Tigers and Braves traded Renteria... this is already a pretty hot stove. Generally, big trades occur at the Winter Meetings, and free agency doesn't even begin until the twelfth.

Maybe they are, but if so, I haven't seen evidence of it.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 6, 2007 11:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It wasn't really because of a lack

of offseason moves so far, it was just a general sort of question.

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Nov 6, 2007 11:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's still pretty early

Trades usually don't start in earnest until after the GM meetings. The Renteria deal was an exception but that deal had probably been in the works for awhile. They just waited until the end of the series so as not to take anything away from the games. Boras couldn't wait for his moment in the sun so he announced the A-Rod news during a game.

by rlpete on Nov 6, 2007 11:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Blackhawks on Chicago Local TV !?

OMG

Wirtz must be spinning in his grave!

by JFCubFan on Nov 6, 2007 11:24 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Well...

....how did you think they were going to power the broadcast? He's hooked up to a turbine, powering the cameras and satellite.

by Chadnudj on Nov 6, 2007 11:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Crazy thought....

...and I know people are sick of the ARod possibilities, but what about something like this:

Cubs negotiate and come up with a deal to sign ARod.
Cubs then negotiate with the Yankees to trade them ARam.

I think the Yankees have PLENTY of pieces that could help us - both young and old. Guys like Damon, Melky Cabrera, Cano, etc. might be available in such a deal.

Anyways, since we all love the hot stove, figured I'd throw out another crazy option. Feel free to shoot it down, or make up a deal that would actually work.

by Chadnudj on Nov 6, 2007 11:30 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

ARam...

...has a full No Trade Clause.

by Flatley on Nov 6, 2007 12:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought I heard

Crede to the Yankees for Damen rumors.

by NO100 on Nov 6, 2007 12:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm feeling free

to shoot it down.

Maybe we can get Big Papi and Ramirez from the Red Sox, too, for A-Ram?

There is ZERO chance of the Cubs signing A-Rod under the current situation of the team up for sale and no imminent buyers announced. What about this don't you understand?

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

by TheEman on Nov 6, 2007 12:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

My bad -

Sorry - you did preface your point with "crazy".

Why not?

Anyone is fair game under this disclaimer.

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

by TheEman on Nov 6, 2007 12:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'll bet

Fukudome ends up in San Fran...

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Nov 6, 2007 1:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Dontrelle Willis is available

Any interest in him?

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Nov 6, 2007 1:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

no

N-O

Kevin Hart Watch: IP: 11 K: 13 ERA: 0.82 WHIP: 1.00 K/BB: 3.25 a productive farm system is a wonderful thing.

by kylejo on Nov 6, 2007 3:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Since the Cubs have

not signed a decent Japanese player, and that Steve Wilson, for the benefit of the club, would want to open some doors finally in the Far East - it would not surprise me if Hendry really puts some special effort into getting one or both of the top Japanese cats signed.

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

by TheEman on Nov 6, 2007 1:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Precisely.

And the fact that Wilson was signed in the first place to be a major league Far East scout, shows that the Cubs are serious about being serious players in the Asian market.

I say they'll have them both signed soon.

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

by Al on Nov 6, 2007 4:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Plus...

...do not underestimate, even for a moment, the impact signings of major Japanese players will have on the Cubs value in the sale of the team. You're guaranteeing exposure of your team in a large, wealthy, baseball-obsessed foreign market - and that can bring huge dollars in merchandise sales, foreign rebroadcast fees....hell, it makes the Cubs more attractive to the advertisers that buy signs near (or, like Under Armor, on) Wrigley.

Hendry has the PERFECT reasons to go after Fukodome and, to a lesser extent, Kuroda - they fill needs (Fukodome more than Kuroda), we don't lose any young talent to get them (they only cost their salaries), AND the deals are likely to be ATTRACTIVE to new ownership due to the foreign market impact, meaning his hands are probably less tied than if he was shelling out big free agent dollars for non-foreign (or non-Japanese) talent.

by Chadnudj on Nov 6, 2007 5:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Kuroda prefer to play on the West Coast

apparently he doesn't like cold weather.

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2007/11/06/japan_market_may_come_in_handy_for_ sox/

Just watch him use the Cubs to push his demand up and then sign w/ Seattle...

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Nov 6, 2007 6:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Seattle isn't exactly a warm-weather city.

And that dome only keeps the rain out, not the cold.

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

by Al on Nov 7, 2007 4:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Miguel Cabrera

Yes, another crazy permutation that goes with the offseason. It will cost any team a king's ransom, but I believe Cabrera fits everything the Cubs need. He is Manny Ramirez v2.0 and I'd be willing to part with just about anyone on the roster to get him. Anybody know what it would take for the Cubs to get him?

by chicagosportslove23 on Nov 7, 2007 10:02 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

By next Manny Ramirez...

...do you mean an overpaid defensive liability that a team will be unable to unload?

Because that sounds about right.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 7, 2007 10:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We did have Sammy Sosa....and Soriano (whoops)

...and I think we can all agree that we can use an RBI machine...and he's proven it from the get-go and will the impact player that Soriano failed to live up to...I think Cabrera has the IT factor and CLUTCH factor which would separate him from the current Cubs roster and current free agents...the kid has all the intangibles and intrinsic abilities to be an MVP in the league...Cabrera is THE player to pursue and I don't think the Cubs should shy away from at least inquiring what the price would be...

by chicagosportslove23 on Nov 7, 2007 10:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Cabrera...

...will be too expensive for the Cubs to acquire. There are teams with more minor league talent that actually need a 3B; the Cubs will not be able to match those kinds of bids. Check out my post RE: trading for Johan Santana for my complete thoughts on the subject.

by Flatley on Nov 7, 2007 11:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And the thing is

that anyone trading for Cabrera and thinking they're getting a third baseman will be sorely disappointed. He's a first baseman at this point.

Doesn't matter to us. We don't need a first baseman or a third baseman.

The artist formerly known as JoshinLA

by Josh77 on Nov 7, 2007 12:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

CORRECTION

I really meant that Soriano failed to live up to "the guy to take us over the top" hype. I think that distinction should go to Cabrera. An RBI machine, a thumper and a killer instinct. Enough said. Sorry for the misunderstanding, I still think Soriano's an outstanding player the Cubs can use (although a bit mismanaged).

by chicagosportslove23 on Nov 7, 2007 10:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs