jerljr,

Ricky pretty much summed up my argument.

Plus, even if it is mental, Soriano FEELS he is better at leadoff, and the numbers seem to back it up. I don't have them off the top of my head, but I remember reading that his OBP was significantly higher in the leadoff spot as well.

To Ricky's point...Soriano will hit 40 HRs or so, and it will be as if the leadoff man (Lofton) is now up to bat.

Plus, Lofton is a good hitter, and if/when Soriano strikes out, Lofton will be key to get on base for Lee and Ramirez to knock in.

Lofton was batting second with Philly and Dodgers. I would keep Soriano at lead off, then if he strikes out or gets a home run the that makes the pitcher feel he is pitching on lead off hitter over working the pitcher. Then behind him you got D-Lee and Aramis.

Soriano

Lofton

Lee

Aramis

Barrett

DeRosa

Murton

Iztures

Jason B you need to switch lofton and soriano in you lineup. because thats the way it would come out if they sign Lofton. I've never seen lofton bat in any position other that first. Soriano could even be moved back into a 3 spot and say derosa moved to the second spot. Thats what i would do.

Lofton or Lofton

Derosa Soriano

Soriano Lee

Lee Ramirez

Ramirez Barrett

Barrett Murton

Murton Derosa

Izturez Izturez

I know that Pinella said that he was looking forward to see Soriano leading off but thats at this point before signing lofton.

Thoughts and Prayers go out to Jim H. get well soon. And another good sign, I really like the Lilly signing, now grab Meche and that is a pretty solid lineup. Man I can't wait till the season, this has been a great offseason and it's not over yet, Keep it up JH. Go Cubs!!

Again, I don't understand why people are upset about a guy who will give you 30+ starts, 180+ innings and 12-15 wins. I don't care how much we are paying him. We OBVIOUSLY have the money to spend. I also don't care about him being a "flyball" pitcher. The Cubs actually did a study on the win over a 5 year period. The wind blew IN 58% of the time, OUT 30% of the time, and it was a crosswind 12% of the time. Yes there will be days when its howling out to straight center at 20 MPH and there will be 9 HR's. The wind factor in Wrigley is way overblown. It's only a psychological thing because of the flags atop the scoreboard for all to see. The park rarely ever leads the majors in HR's even without Coors. I really don't think Lou will put up with the "wind" excuse.

I'm gonna add a H since i relized another Mike was posting.

I'm upset about the Lilly signing. I don't remember who said it but they posted, Lilly would not have made the fifth spot in 03'. I totally agree, and for JH to sign him to 4 YEARS!?!? I don't know, its a terrible decission. I would much rather have Meche than this guy. I'm really hoping I'm wrong and the rest of you are right about Lilly, but I don't think thats gonna happen.

BTW Pettitte wants to play a few more years. A few extra bucks might pull him away from NY or Houston.

Another insane idea( ok, very insane) Bonds is a left handed AB. He would be great to platoon Murton.

Jason, for a single article....yes.

Aaron, I agree with you...please no Barry. They were talking about him today and he is wanting 2 years at $20 million per year....WOW!!!

oh...one other comment...does anyone think Hendry might've been talking about Bonds as the "big left-handed bat"...gosh, I hope not....I hope we'd be wiser than to have another Sosa saga repeat. But seriously, what other lefty bats are there out there that can provide power? Adam Dunn? I don't see the Reds trading him either, and we'd probably have to give up too much to get him. Maybe Hendry was talking about Geoff Jenkins?g

Cliff, I wholeheartedly agree with you too...I'm a numbers guy as well (see my post on the last board), and I must say I wasn't impressed at all with Lilly and Meche, who have three 5.00 and higher ERA's the past three seasons between the two of them, and the highest walk totals on their respective teams as well. That scares me a lot. But I hope we're both wrong, you know...I really wish them the best....and as much as I criticize Hendry on here, it's all in good fun, and I hope he gets well soon.

As for Bynum? PTBNL----that's hilarious. We seem to be in the business of giving away servicable players to the Orioles. It's like a charity...sympathy thing, if you will. Does Hendry get a tax write-off for making these moves? I hope this time we get a decent player in return, but we'll probably end up with a guy that'll be out of ball in a year or two.

As for Lofton, I would absolutely love that move...and as for that quote about Hendry "obtaining a big left-handed bat" is absolute nonsense...Who is he talking about? Floyd? You can count on Floyd to get 200 at bats or more, just like you can count on Wood to be in the rotation this year. Church? 19 career home runs isn't looking like a "big" bat. Oh, I know...I think he means that he's resigning Mabry---that's probably the "big" bat. He came up huge for us last year, so it's gotta be him....or maybe Lenny Harris.

And as for JJ, as much as I like to rag on him on here....he really did put up pretty solid numbers 27 hr 81 rbi, .285 avg...but ironically, not much better than Burnitz's 24 hr 87 rbi, .258 avg...and Burnitz struck out 109 times vs JJ's 116 times. Most fans couldn't wait to run him out of town, just as they can't wait to run JJ out of town. I think, unfairly, RF stats to Cubs fans have been equated to Sosa and Dawson-esque numbers that nobody can seem to attain for us. I think JJ needs a new start, and Soriano should get RF.

I think at least one of your corner outfielders needs to drive in 100 runs. Hopefully Murton really picks it up this year, but Cliff, as much as I think the Cubs should've signed Lee or Drew, we already have Soriano, ARAM, and Lee to drive in big runs and supply power for us, so we can afford to give Murton his shot. I believe he's earned it. As for CF....we definitely should've signed someone like Drew to play there, but if you do that, the only caviat, is that you're blocking Pie, and I think the Cubs want to prove to everyone that they can develop position players, so as to increase their trade values in future transactions....if you can't prove that, nobody's going to want what you have in your system, which is precisely why we've had to give up our top pitching prospects.

I really thought the weirdest signing the Cubs had was at 2b with DeRosa. I have no idea why the Cubs would block Patterson there, unless they plan to move him to ss or CF, because the guy tore up the AFL for the second season in a row, and lit up AAA as well, and has great speed. The guy had 10 hr 60 rbi and nearly 50 stolen bases between AA and AAA last year. I think if he's ready, you give him a shot to crack the bench this year against Theriot and Cedeno, and if DeRosa struggles, which I believe he will, you insert him at second. Anyway, just a thought.

I am post #50...whoo hooo!

Neil,

Is that a record?

Anthony,

Looks like we agree on innings, so we will have to track wins and ERA for Schmidt this year. Bragging rights will suffice...but when I win, I will buy myself a beer and send you the bill.

Hubert,

The Dodgers have Nomar!

I think Nomar may bat over .325 this coming year...I wish we could have kept him, or had him in 2003!

Man, these posts would be quicker if I didn't have to keep undoing and redoing the velcro straps on my batting gloves every time I finish a sentence...

Schmidt's ERA will be low next year. Under 4. However his win total will be similar to last year. Maybe around 9-11. Mainly because the Dodgers lineup looks like a skeleton...

These are opinions you guys have and force the rest of us to read your childish arguments over nothing. Why get upset if someone has a difference of opinion than you?

In all fairness, I failed to include that Schmidt was pitiful at times during the second half. I was specifically looking at his September numbers.

Jason, no problem and I completely understand, and share your views, about rooting against Cub players. Before I reply to the over-unders let me point out that I was very familiar with Schmidt's performance last year as I had him in my fantasy league (yes I'm one of "those" people that plays fantasy sports-haha). I have to ask that people look at what he did in the 2nd half of the season. He was absolutely pitiful. He was giving up 3,4,5 runs in every game in 7 innings or less. Whereas, Lily finished like a Cy Young candidate. He didn't give up more than 2 earned runs in the entire month of September (6 starts).

Now for my over-under picks (by the way is this a gentlemen's bet or for libations?? For the record, I never welch on a bet).

Wins = 14 or over (UNDER)

ERA = 4.0 or under (OVER)

innings = 200 or over (OVER)

Anthony,

I must have missed your initial offer to bet...

However, I can't root against a Cubs player, once they are on the team.

The only exception is if a player sucks so bad, but somehow management are the only people that do not seem to realize it...then, and only then, do I root against those players in the hopes that successive pitiful performances will force said clueless management into changing their tune and dumping said crappy player.

For case studies, see: Perez, Neifi or Rusch, Glendon. Landmark case study would likely have to be: Hundley, Todd.

Plus, a pitcher can have a great year, but a bad team can ruin their record...just as a crappy pitcher can thrive on a superior team.

We could do an over/under on Schmidt's victories, and his ERA, and innings pitched, if you like. Here are my guesses for Schmidt:

Wins = 14 or over

ERA = 4.0 or under

innings = 200 or over

Cliff, I don't think I've ever read or heard that anywhere. Matt asked a question, I'm sure of of curiousity, and I answered it. And your retort, while humorous, was seemingly nothing but spite.

Schmidt has had a better career, to date, than Lily, I don't think anyone is disputing that. I'm sure that many others that post on this forum would rather have Schmidt as well. I like that Lily is left handed and I like that he is a fierce competitor. At the VERY least Cliff, I think it's sensibly admittable that Lily will do considerably better than Marshall and the other guys we threw out there last year.

Also, your implied point about not understanding why Cub fans are excited because Soriano isn't a difference maker still failed to include the considerable incrase in production due to Derrek Lee's return, including stolen bases.

so let me get this straight... the cubs are going after players that do well against everybody but the top teams like the Yankees and Red Sox. I hope you all realize that the Yankees and Red Sox on a yearly basis go after players that have a history of beating up the top teams. For example... i read that the Yankees were looking to sign Julio Zuleta (yes, same Julio Zuleta from the Cubs a while back) because he hit D-Mat well who is likely to sign with the Red Sox.

Cliff, touche' !!

Hey, but did you see his numbers against the White Sox? 1 - 0 with a 2.84 ERA :) lol

It's fully your choice to be upset. I hope you are dead wrong though, and I think you hope the same. That bet is still on the table sir.

Thanks Anthony, I like the way that looks in theory. His flyball numbers scare me at Wrigley as well as his low IP numbers, but his K ratio is appealing enough, I like he signing! Yup

vs. Tampa Bay 3 games started 1 win 1 loss 6.75 ERA

vs. Oakland 3 games started 1 win 1 loss 8.22 ERA

vs. KC 2 games started 1 win 0 losses 8.71 ERA

Why don't we trade some of our top prospects for Brad Penny...?? The Dodgers also need an outfielder...put JJ in the package so he doesn't have to deal with the racist a**holes (only talking about the contingent that were punks to him last year, not everybody in the stands) in the Wrigley stands...

Matt, ask and you shall receive.

In a total of 7 games pitched, Lily was 1-5 against Boston and New York. Against all other teams he was 14-8. His ERA was around 4.75 agasint those two teams as well. Based on the fact that 21% of his starts were against those 2 teams, I feel comfortable saying his ERA against all other teams would be right at, or even a bit below, 4.00. Translate that to the NL and you have a pitcher that can start in the 3rd or even 2nd spot in the rotation.

Trevor, I definitely see where the logic would tell us that Schmidt will have a bigger season, but I sincerely feel Lily will have better numbers. But, the bet will remain only for Mr. Jason B. and for Cliff.

I just wanted to add that we should all be enjoying all this Cubs off-season action this year. It will likely be several years before the Cubs do this much wheeling and dealing again, and whether you like all of the moves or not you have to admit its exciting.

Also, as has been repeated several times already, Hendry did not fail to land Schmidt because of dollars, he failed because Schmidt had no desire to leave the coast, not much can be done about that.

Anthony, that's an interesting bet on Lily...I like him but I'm not sure about being better than Schmidt this year. But Hendry's not done adding to the offense yet so I'll wait to see if Floyd is the lefty he was talking about (and more importantly, please let him be fully healthy if he does come to Chicago.)

Alright, I have a cpl of notes to share. Soriano is a good pickup for this reason. His leadoff HRs. As a fan how many times did the Cubs fall behind early and you watch the momentum get sapped away from the northsiders? In the same light how many times as a fan did you feel down because of an opponent hitting a leadoff HR...Soriano's leadoff HRs give the Cubs an edge by getting ahead early and making the other teams feel down before they realize it.

As for Lily, his stats are from the AL East and from him facing Boston and New York, can anyone give us his stats when facing non AL East clubs?

-MH

Cliff,

"I don't fully understand how everyone says that we are so much better because of the addition of Soriano"............... Being a season ticket holder, I'm sure you're aware that Derek Lee, a MVP Candidate, was out MOST of the season. That essentially means you are adding 2 of the TOP players in baseball to a lineup. Also, MOST of Pierre's stats came well after the Cubs were already out of the race.

And I still think the most important thing to note is that Hendry is most likely NOT DONE.

I made this bet with Jason B. in a previous post (which I have yet to receive an answer on) and I will make it with you. I would like to make a gentlemen's bet, or for a 6 pack of libations, that Lily will have a better year statistically than Schmidt. Not koolaid, just looking at Lily's last few years and understanding that those figures came in the much more offensive minded AL.

Regardless, sorry to hear you had a bday day. Just remmber Friday is right around the corner and so is another Hendry move.

Take care

AND... my thoughts and prayers are with you JH. get well soon.

just saw on rotoworld that the rangers are pursuing Jay Payton (thank god the cubs are not) because they haven't made much progress with KENNY LOFTON. I desperately want K-LO back and in the 2 hole. not sure who said it above but... JJ is on his way out. i bet my bottom dollar on it. i doubt we get anything in return but i think he is as good as gone.

AND... just a thought. I don't fully understand how everyone says that we are so much better because of the addition of Soriano. Don't get me wrong, I agree he was one of the best players in '06. BUT... he is a leadoff hitter! We had Pierre who had a good season (don't get me started how we traded for his services for 1 year to finish last and gave up on 3 good arms = pathetic management). Soriano has great power, I agree. BUT... solo homeruns will not get the cubs to the playoffs. AND... he only had an OBP 20 points higher than Pierre.

The cubs last year scored 716 runs.

The cards last year scored 781 runs.

The mets last year scored 834 runs.

The cubs last year gave up 834 runs.

The cards last year gave up 762 runs.

The mets last year gave up 731 runs.

Alfonso Soriano scored 119 runs.

Jaun Pierre scored 87 runs.

Alfonso Soriano drove in 95 runs.

Jaun Pierre drove in 40 runs.

In my perspective, and don't get me wrong... I am no baseball genius BUT... I am a baseball geek and a numbers guy and this team is far from being a World Series contender at this point. We NEED Kenny Lofton. We NEED Sweet Lou to talk Soriano into batting in the 2 hole after Lofton and his .360 OBP. We NEED one more good arm in the starting rotation. I am not going to say Meche because he is not a difference maker. He and Lilly both remind me of the ongoing 2nd and 3rd tier OF's (see rondell white, michael tucker, jeromy burnitz, jacque jones (ryan church in '07?)) that the cubs employ year in and year out that don't make a difference and that we can't get value if/when we decide to trade them (see Jacque Jones, Corey Patterson).

I am frustrated. I desperately wanted Schmidt. Maybe I am greedy but I think as a cubs fan I deserve to be this year after last year and watching the cards and southsiders win the last 2 years and 98 years of you know what. We should have overpaid for Schmidt. We should have also signed one of Drew or Carlos Lee. 2 of those difference makers would have me optimistic about a world series possibility or atleast the playoffs. Last years dreadful team that one 66 games with the addition of ONE difference maker in Alfonso Soriano does not get me excited for October baseball on the northside. I will buy season tickets again... BUT optimistic?... not after today.

I apologize for the negativity. I had a bad day and had to vent.

Jim (from TP),

Sure...I would take Coco Crisp...but I think all of Chicagoland would feel obligated to give his parents a sound beating for that name.

Austin,

From articles I have read the last week, it seems Hendry doesn't want to trade prospects, if possible. I think he felt burned in the Pierre trade, and the general feeling at Tribster Towers is that they will pay extra to field a team this year, without draining the farm of resources.

Hmmm...sign Soriano and a solid group of veterans...Lee, Ramirez, get Zambrano an extension...Prior returns, Wood gets a new life as closer, Meche and Lily are reliable vets, Hill is a budding star, Pie is on the way up, and so is Eric Patterson.

Plus your farm system hasn't been traded away? My oh my...that may just be attractive to prospective baseball owners, now wouldn't it?

So I think they will be glad to get rid of Jones' arm, and his attitude, and Soriano adds 50% more HRs/power to the lineup than Jones did anyway...so you really won't miss him...especially if you have a solid hitter/fielder like Lofton as a stopgap for Pie.

Imagine if Pie actually develops the way they hope...you could have a good 4-5 year stretch of two 5-tool players in Soriano and Pie, alongside a hopefully improving Matt Murton. I like that outfield!

My guess is Jones goes to a team like Pittsburgh for some good prospects or maybe Colorado, etc... but, no, I don't expect anything good in return, unless he is packaged with Dempster or multiple prospects.

I'd go with a Murton Jersey myself. Looks like he's gonna have a solid year and is a fan-fave. I'd take the chance and nab a #19.

Anthony I have the same problem. Zambrano, Lee, Sandburg, go with a old school one, maybe even a blank home jersey. Tough call

First things first, I hope Jim H's ailments are nothing serious and he feels 100% asap. God Bless him.

To all my fellow fans, without exaggeration, we could very well be seeing the beginnings of a WINNER. So many things can happen in baseball, but the Cubs are doing seemingly everyting necessary (and more than they've ever done in the offseason) to give the North Side a chance to make it to the World Series and win it.

I still don't believe it's done either. And here's something else that I haven't read. I firmly believe that if the Cubs are lacking in any one area in July, and are still in the thick of things, Hendry will do whatever it takes DURING the season to make the dream happen. I cannot believe it.

I have one major problem though that I need everyone's help on: What Jersey to buy ?? : )

Bridgeport didn't get Rowand. They got Gavin Floyd and Gio Gonzalez for Garcia.

OK, Jake. I just know another Cubs fan here in KC who checks these kinds of sites.

Red Kerr just said Rowand was traded for Garcia.

Nathanael: no im from Chicago area ive read here for the past year and ahalf or so but i just started posting a few days ago great website here my favorite cubs one.

Comcast is reporting Garcia for Gavin Floyd.

(I'm watching the Bulls game)

ESPN is report the White Sox trading Freddy Garcia to the Phillies. I don't even know either of the players they're trading him for. Must be stud prospects. I'm a little surprised, though.

and one more thing to add to that, you said we would need a starting pitcher, and that means adding another one to Meche? Or does that mean we are not trading Jones for a staring pitcher? Who would you trade him for, because I want the best for him, but also for the team, I just dont see a good trade for him if we sign Meche to finish the rotation...

and one more thing to add to that, you said we would need a starting pitcher, and that means adding another one to Meche? Or does that mean we are not trading Jones for a staring pitcher? Who would you trade him for, because I want the best for him, but also for the team, I just dont see a good trade for him if we sign Meche to finish the rotation...

Jason B,

I agree with you, I just feel that we would like to trade Jones for pitching, and if it means a trade of JJ for another left-handed outfielder (which prob. wouldnt happen because it looks as though we are bringing in Floyd) I don't see it happening.

And, its not like people have been calling about Jones, with no need for arms, we would probably get a terrible trade for him, much like the Walker deal...But, if he did ask for a trade, Im not ruling anything out

Jim, I put the link to the Baltimore Sun about Bynum in the article.

Jake, do you live in Kansas City? Just curious.

I hope Spendry's aiming at Penny, Meche, Lofton, and Floyd right now.

Jason B:

Well put and I like your line up. If they are unable to land lofton would you like to see CoCo Crisp in CF?

Hi Austin,

I disagree that Meche equals no Lofton.

From articles I read the last day or two, Hendry made it clear he likes to accomodate players that don't want to play in Chicago.

I think chemistry is important, and Jones is a fragile soul, and he needed a buddy/manager like Dusty that never yelled at him for all his shortcomings. Now with a fiesty Piniella that wants his players accountable, and with Jones already having balls thrown at his head last year, I think Jones wants out badly, and Hendry will accomodate that request.

Besides, with Murton, Lee, Ramirez, Barrett, and Soriano, you have enough power, and you need better outfield defense, so Lofton makes perfect sense...especially as a #2 hitter in our lineup.

Soriano

Lofton

Lee

Ramirez

Murton

Barrett

DeRosa

Izturis

The defense is better, the lineup is balanced, and now we just need another starting pitcher and for Larry Rothschild's magic towels to finally friggin work this year on Prior!

i would love Penny in our rotation. if it takes jones.they are looking for a lefty OF. so probably jones and another pithcer for penny.

that would be a nice rotation

Zambrano

Penny

Hill

Lilly

Maybe meche in their

First of all, I think we can rule out Lofton if Meche is going to sign. The only way we are signing K-Lo (and dont get me wrong, I love the guy and I think he would be perfect for us) is if we trade JJ for pitching. And since it looks as though we may not need a pitcher via trade, I dont see Lofton a cub. I know he is left handed but thats not the reason we needed him. I see Floyd or Daryle Ward a Cub though.

It all depends on Meche, sign him: OF of Murton, Jones, Soriano. If we dont, probably sign K-Lo (if Texas doesn't) and trade JJ for pitcher...Penny anyone?

and of course, my best wishes to Jim

Were did you see that about Bynum?

Wonder who the PTBNL will be in the Bynum deal? Hopefully someone to develop at SS, 2B, or on the mound.

No matter what the upcoming season for 2007 Cubs may bring, I am so very well pleased and excited about what Jim H. and the Chicago Cubs Organization has done in the 2006 off season!!!!

Hendry is making deals from his Hospital Bed?

He's got a lot of heart. Get well soon Jim.

I hope we do get Meche to help complete the rotation. I think he would be a good number 2 behind Big Z right now. XM just standed that they think he will end up in Toronto though, of course, other sources are saying he is heading to the Cubs. So obviously no one knows for sure, but he would look nice in a Cubs uniform.

Sounds pretty good to me and i also heard we traded bynum to baltimore for a player to be named.and i hope spendry getss well soon. hope this is what the roster looks like soon!

Batting Order

RF:Soriano

CF:Lofton

1B:Lee

3B:Ramirez

C:Barrett

LF:Murton

2B:DeRosa

SS:Izturis

Rotation

Zambrano

Hill

Meche

Lilly

Rotating door of #5 pitchers

Bullpen

Howry

Eyre

Cotts

Novoa

Ohman

Wuertz

Marmol

Wood

Dempster

Bench

Blanco

Pagan

Floyd

Theriot

Cedeno

Jones

So whats the verdict around here? Meche a Cub?.. I think now that lilly signed he is going to join too.

Zambrano

Hill

Meche

Lilly

Prior

Sounds pretty good, doesn't it? Meche, Floyd, and LOFTON are all we have left to do. This has been a great offseason.

I bet you Larussa and Walt Jockety messed with his shellfish. Conspiracy? Get well Jimbo. Hopefully he won't be down too long.

Trevor, well said!! XM is reporting that Hendry's illness is something to do with his stomach.

I like Lilly and beleive he could win 15 games again. But he doesn;t have to do that. He just needs to give up 3-4 runs over 6-7 innings or so on average, and he will be a great asset to this team. our offense should be improved drastically so all we need are pitchers who can keep us in the game. I believe he can be that guy.

1. Glad to see the Lily deal get done.

2. What happened to trading for the second pitcher, now the Cubs are thinking about buying Meche as well?

3. Jim Hendry has been hospitalized for observation after feeling ill tonight. Thoughts and prayers to Jim H that this is nothing serious.

Oh, what a relief...we needed SOMEONE! Next up hopefully Meche!!