Great thoughts Rick. I agree with Steve. 100% agree with you!

One final thought...

From reports I've read, there is a lot of positive optimism on Prior's successful return in 2008. Certainly we wouldn't want to bank on him, but think of the prospects of him in a number 4 or 5 spot in the rotation, or package him as trade bait in a mega deal. At his age, regardless of the injuries, lot's of teams would love to take a risk on him. From my perspective, I'd say give him one more year with the team.

Interesting when you look at the available free-agent pitchers this off season, and there is no-one worth pursuing, or that would be an upgrade to the present staff. That just reinforces the fact that clubs are passionately protective of their young arms (e.g. - Cleveland, Yankees, Angels). I think we can optimistically hope that a Petrick, Hart or Gallagher can blossom in the off-season. All have live arms. Additionally, package a Dempster (who many teams will indeed want), Jones (who also is now marketable again), and a Pagan or Cedeno (also very attractive), which should produce a top-tier #2 starter between a Z and Lilly. This also still leaves a Fontenot, Murton, Fuld, and Patterson as mixes still in the fold.

For the outfield, there again aren't many great free-agents outside of Torii Hunter and Aaron Rowand. Either would be great, then you could move Pie to right in a solo or platoon role with Murton. And neither would kill the budget.

I would be weary of Kuroda out of Japan. He's already 32, has had a rising ERA, and falls again into the soft-toss version (which we have many).

The Cubs have lots of good options and paths to take. The key is not to get fleeced in any deal, and not to look at short-term over the hill veterans like a Traschel. Stick with the aggressive youth movement.

Right on Rick! 100%

I'm surprised to see all this posted interest in guys like Adam Dunn. This team needs a chemistry upgrade...guys who play with intense passion (like a Youkilis/Varitak), and who can put the ball in play in key situations. We don't need more guys who can thrill the fans with the long ball, but yet strike out in key RISP situations.

Regarding Theriot, this kid is a spark plug. He may have worn down a bit in the latter months, but I believe he'll use that as a learning experience, and come back with a solid FT sophomore season. Ronnie Cedeno is not the answer.

We have plenty of trade bait with Jones, Marquis, Dempster, Cedeno, Murton, Marshall, etc. We do need to package them properly though to obtain some hard-throwing starters in the 2-4 hole. I prefer to see Lilly and Hill in the 3-5 spots.

I agree with you, Aaron, we tend to drastically over rate our own minor leaguers. I would like to see JH make a big splash, but I don't think that we have a lot of players in the minors that are very appealing to other teams.

I would make a big push to get Cabrera from the Marlins if possible, but it seems that each time we trade with Florida we get fleeced. I would hate to see their asking price. I doubt that we could get him for just Marshall and Pie.

Jim,

After seeing Soriano's assists from LF last year---no way you move him now----he was amazing. Plus, I think if you move him to RF, he gets less assists is my guess.

And to clarify, which I foolishly didn't, given the amount of Cordero's in this league---I meant Francisco Cordero----of the Brewers, who happens to be a FA.

Plus, I love your idea of Ervin Santana...

Larry,

I honestly think a package of Jones, Patterson, and maybe even Marquis or Marshall could land Dunn, and I would DEFINITELY do that deal, though I doubt they'd want Jones for their already crowded OF of Freel, Hamilton, and Griffey, plus Jay Bruce coming up.....There's no way they sign Dunn long term, and you can't have him at first with Votto there.

If you look at mlbtraderumors.com, they have a few other possibilities listed that I forgot about....there's Luis Castillo, Miguel Cabrera, and even Dontrelle Willis (though the latter I don't think would be worth it, as his delivery, much like Nomo, is not a novelty anymore, and teams have figured it out like they did Nomo). I think we could get Cabrera easily for a deal including Pie or something.

I just don't know of any prospects of ours that would be attractive to other teams....I know the ones we all value: Soto, Patterson, Gallagher, Veal?, etc.

But do other teams really want them? If they don't, who do we have to offer then? Jones, Murton, Fontenot, Theriot, Marquis, Dempster, Marshall, or Wuertz? Murton, Dempster, Marshall and Wuertz would probably bring you the greatest return, but who knows? We fleeced the Pirates for Simon, Lofton, and ARAM, and the Red Sox for Nomar AND Murton---though Harris ended up being a really good player in Tampa

It'll be interesting to see what happens.

Another player I would like to see the Cubs consider, but it would have to be through a trade is Joe Nathan from the Twins. He is a better, more reliable option at closer than Dempster has ever been. He has a stronger track record of staying healthy than Wood has had (although I would love to see Wood setting up for him) and he could continue to tutor Marmol to eventually take the spot over.

Now that Baker is the manager in Cinny, we might have an easier shot at getting Dunn if we include Jones in a deal, we all know how much Baker loves Jones.

I think it is imperative to move Marquis this off-season, but I doubt that any team is going to be willing to take him unless we take back a few bad contracts in the process.

Aaron:

I agree with most of what you propose:

* I love the thought of ARod in blue pinstripes. I just don't see it happening.

* As for the roids and uppers, lets face it, If Nefi can get caught with speed in his system then nothing will shock me when the Mitchell probe goes public.

* Marquis, Ohman, Dempster, Murton and Jones are trading pieces if I am looking to deal. Maybe Marshall, if only a starter has been acquired by then. Since Floyd and Trax can be free agents, I say adios! Keep Ward

* I want to see Pie get a shot for CF!

* I'm not a fan of Chad Cordero, I would prefer Kerry Wood to get the closer job.

* Player that I think the Cubs could get in trade:

Erwin Santana. Adam Dunn would be a tremendous boost for the offense, but the thought of his defense in RF is scary. Would Soriano if RF and Dunn in LF make sense?

I still think that depending on what happens with the sale (meaning...are they allowed to add anyone)----I would venture to say that making a run at AROD would definitely behoove Cubs management, because it only increases the value of the team.....I hate Bore-Ass, but he is correct when he says AROD will make your club more money in the end, because of marketing and all that stuff, and his drive to beat Captain Steroids for the home run crown.

It'll be interesting though to see what happens with this Mitchell investigation...will he be implicated? What about ARAM, Lee, Soriano, and others? Hell, what about Augie freaking Ojeda? LOL

I agree with the moves....you trade Ohman and Dempster and see what you can get, and barring any OF signing, you keep Jones as insurance should Pie not be ready again. I also agree that you keep Patterson trying out the OF, though I bet his days with the Cubs are really numbered after what Hendry said about his consistent tardiness not only in the majors, but also the minors.

I hope and pray that the Cubs re-sign Wood. Yes, he was oft-injured during his big contract, but so have a lot of other players, and he's always been a team player. I think you roll with a pen that includes: Eyre, Prior, Wuertz, Romero, Howry, Marmol, and Wood. That gives you 2 lefties, 4 power arms, and a guy with an excellent slider in Wuertz.

In the rotation, you CANNOT have Marquis, as his numbers in the second half with a near 6 ERA is more indicative of his past, than his early season success. Pujols was right that he ALWAYS finds himself in trouble, and that's why they let him go, and he barely squeaked out of some tough situations early in the season----no way you keep him there. Give his spot to Hart if you want, but don't keep him. I'd prefer a rotation like this: Z, Lilly, Hill, Hart, and Marshall. If Gallagher or Veal impresses in spring, then you give them a shot at the 5 spot.

You might think you want Theriot in everyday, but let's not kid ourselves----the guy is no everyday player, and never will be. He's valuable for late inning subs and pinch running, but he is NOT the answer at SS. You either need to go out and get AROD, or bite the bullet and give Cedeno the benefit of the doubt and let him try to win the position. I really think if Perry or someone else can get him to compact his swing, he'd be a really good player, but his swing is too long for a guy with limited power. I wonder what he could accomplish with a swing like Theriot's....but hopefully he wouldn't hit into as many double plays.

I love the idea of giving Pie a full, legitimate shot in CF, and I can definitely see him impressing if he's given a full season out there. Plus, you saw how energized he made Soriano when he was out there....That'd be one exciting outfield to watch. I still am in love with the idea of Dunn in RF, and I've backed up my reasons why with stats and the like, and his age....Talent like that does not come along that often, and we've seen how offense almost propelled the Brewers into the postseason----if they get more pitching, they'll be really scary, so we need to catch up to them on offense.

Also, if Cordero is available, I say we go after him too.

Hey JIM! just fishing and watchin' others than the cubs on the road to glory. I'm kinda rooting for the Rockies...but fully expecting LaTroy to pull one of his late night stunts. [you know what I mean]

Apparently the future ALL-STAR Augie Ojeda is coming down to Earth. I wish him well but man he hit like .400 against the Cubs? and he is a carrer 3A backup? and when given thousands of opportunities with the Cubs he was an OUT dressed up as a player? Man I'm starting to believe there must be a curse! Soriano had never been on the DL...o well I'll go back to fishing now Jim!

Keep posted brooo!

Here are some moves I would like to see by the Cubs:

Hopefully Cuban will be the owner

Resign Wood as late relief, move Marmol to the closer's role, and trade Dempster and Ohman for left handed relief help.

Give Pie a chance in CF, keep Jones in RF. Let Floyd go. Pickup the option on Daryle Ward and teach Eric Patterson to play OF.

Leave DeRosa at second and Theriot at SS.

Give Soto the starting job, and make Blanco the backup.

LEAVE Soriano in LEADOFF. That is by far his most productive spot in the order, for some reason he just doesnt feel comfortable/doesn't hit well anywhere else. I think next year he will steal more bags and definately be better as a leadoff batter. Let Riot hit in the two hole followed by Lee and Ramirez, DeRo, Soto, Jones, and Pie.

As for the rotation: Zambrano, Lilly, Hill, SIGN SOMEBODY, Marquis.

Lastly, find out where the hell Mark Prior is and what the hell he is doing. I stil believe he can pull a Wood and possibly make some spot starts this year and hopefully prove he is healthy enough to be a #3-5 starter down the road. If not, cut ties.

Alright, lets have a good offseason!

P.S. Forget A-Rod!!! (bad defense + way too much money that can be used more efficiently = bad idea in my mind)

Agustin:

Hola! How you been?

I'm just hoping wondering who the new owner will be.

A man has the right to dream...Santana! 08

[A-Rodlike dreaming]

(Johan 2008) By the way, the Yanks and several other teams had inquired from the Twins if Johan SANTANA is available for trade. He will be FA end of 2008.

I think the Cubs will REALLY CONTEND World Series next year with Santana. We might be able to trade Rich Hill plus one top outfield prospect and another good farm hand. Or, Felix Pie plus one good pitcher prospect and another fielder (Cedeno/Fontenot/Pagan/Patterson), satisfying the Twins' need, and still not being at a loss.

Baker going to Cincinatti? Nice! I will be very happy to see him destroy that team and once again the Cubs will rule 1st in NL Central.

Baker's moronically stubborn old-schoolness had made him hurt our pitchers and decimated chances for prospects to grow. I'll love to see him manage anywhere in NL Central but the Cubs. Let's dream, Cubbie Faithfuls!

Dempster should be traded to someone who believes in saves as a reliable statistic to judge a pitcher by. Marmol is our closer, Wood would be a nice set-up guy, but, with the defined role mentality of today's bullpen guys, I wouldn't put an injury risk somewhere that would shake-up the whole crew. And I don't think he's worth the money he's going to demand.

Marquis is an acceptable 5th guy. I'd like to see Marshall/Hart/Gallagher looked at for the 4 slot.

Jones can barely hit. Theriot is overrated who will drop-off even more next season. Soriano is not a lead-off hitter. We need a legit lefty in the pen. That's about it. Oh, wait, Soto is going to hit 270/350/450 next year, and catch 120 games.

Steve, Bobby Howry is signed through 2008 and Scott Eyre has a player option for 2008.

Cliff, I do like the site you brought up. But the one I link the CCO to is:

http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2005_01_06_mlbcontracts_archive.html

Hope this helps. I am planning on running a report next week on the contract status and current payroll for next year.

Wait a second, wouldn't we want to get offensive help that will actually perform in the offseason? Why would we go after A-Rod? I know, for the offense, but to give up one of the most important defensive positions and that much cash for him, I just don't know if it's worth it.

Soriano must stay at the top of the lineup. He does not hit lower in the lineup, and he has never learned how to do so, and several managers have tried. He is comfortable in left and leading off, and a comfortable Soriano will make for happy Cubs fans, especially in his second year in Chicago, I think.

If we get rid of Marquis, who are we going to replace him with? He was over .500 with a 4.6 ERA. I say he's our number 5, and let's go after another quality starter for the middle of the rotation. Dempster is probably not a quality starter.

But then again, I wouldn't mind seeing a bit of a youth movement this offseason. Watching the NLCS, it seems to be the case that young, fiery teams are the ones to beat come October.

And speaking of the NLCS, Bob Brenly and Chip Caray? Is that salt in the wound or what?

this is the best and most user friendly site I have found for contract information:

http://www.mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/

enjoy.

The last time A-Rod played short he was 190 lbs. Now he's up to 220 plus range. Don't get me wrong I'd love to see him try, but I just don't think he can play short anymore.

Does anyone know the contract status of Howry and Eyre? I thought they were signed through 2008, but a buddy of mine thought their contracts were up now.

I really hope the Cubs don't resign Trax. The guy wasn't that good the first time around and now he's older and has an attitude problem.

I want Marquis gone.

Move Demp back to the rotation.

Move Wood to the closer or set up.

Find me a left handed right fielder that can actually field.

Move Sorinano to the five hole. He may struggle early, but he'll figure it out.

Theriot's my leadoff man. Now that he's had a full year under his belt, I don't think he'll fade so hard at the end of the season.

Let's go Soto! (clap, clap, clap-clap-clap)

Pass me a slice of Felix Pie in center.

Jones, your ridding the pine.

When do pitchers and catchers report?

Go Cubbies!!! 2008 champs!!!

I think its time to slot Woody into the closer role for sure... He has better stuff than Dempster -- I have a hard time seeing him getting smacked around much.

Marmol/Howry/Woody -- Best Right Handed Bullpen in the majors i would reckon...

We do need a quality lefty for sure... I ain't sold on Eyre yet.. and lets not start on WoHmAn! JC Romero would be great. Leave Kevin Hart in for long-relief... we should be all set with the pen...

I would rather try Dempster than Traxel in the starting role. He is younger and throws harder.