The fact that Padres backed away from Prior after reviewing his medical records says a lot ... his shoulder must be really messed up.

Hey Jim...I had no clue you did not like Sox Fans. Hard place to find them in Tinley eh?

Thanks Neil, and I second you on the silly name calling. You guys sound like south siders lol!

On Mark Prior....Remember that movie "Space Camp"? When they are all locked up in the space shuttle and the oxygen runs out? One of the guys says...Well that's it campers! That is how I feel. It will be hard to see him have the season of his life elsewhere, I'm speechless, but also like the fact that JH sends a message that we are not Bullsh......g no more. Any thoughts?

Bryan: The fact that you are oblivious to the fact that Theriot is below mediocre at his position, and decribing him as "solid" when you have absolutely nothing to back it up.

A few thoughts.....

* ESPN Radio 1000 and the 670 the Score have said that Mark Prior will not be offered arbitration.

* I applaud the Fukodome signing. I am actually thrilled about it. I am so glad we are not stuck with a Matt Murton/? Platoon.

* I also would like to see the club try to accquire Brian Roberts while maintaning Mark DeRosa. Lets face it, Aramis will miss some games and DeRosa is a solid guy to have around. I remember the Nefi days all to well.

* Not to be greedy, I wouldn't mind another starting pitcher.

* I love the beating that Kenny Williams is taking.

I actually detest the guy and the rest of those humps that run team bridgeport. I actually hate their jerk-off fans the most. They just bring out the F-you in me.

Agustin...no official word on Prior yet. Hendry was jut on WGN with Dave Kaplan. It sounds like he is no going to be tendered a contract...but like I said nothing official.

Hey guys....good debate today but please layoff the name calling....thank you and remember Brian's signoff....Stay Classy Cubs Fans.

Hubert...

Man, what is your problem? Talk about sensitivity. Take your views and please go elsewhere. Or start you own site where you can debate all you want.

Mark: Personal attacks? Where? LOL. You must be reading the wrong topic, the only personal attacks here are the ones you're making towards me. And two, get over it. Three, I presented my points with facts backing them, if you have a counterpoint that you can backup, go for it, otherwise go cry in a corner, because that is what you seem to be doing for like half of your post.

Barry: Again, read the area of where you posted. You point was completely valid and noone was arguing it, as noone was arguing the signing of Fukudome anyway. You are the only one who needed to chill there -_-;.

Dave in STL: Yes you can have 8 players making tons of money as the Cubs are a revenue giant.

Bryan: That's great that Theriot plays hard and does it everyday. So do the Tampa Bay D-Rays, Kansas City Royals, and Pittsburgh Pirates. -_-;

I love how me and Matt had a good debate over Theriot using facts, and like 10 of you decide to interpret it as all-out war.

Neil, do you know what happened with Prior. Other sites have reported he was non-tendered...is that final?

Gary (Phil Rogers, actually): It seems just too perfect that we have a bunch of middle infielders and the Orioles don't if we were to make a trade. Bedard is really a pipe dream, i just dont see how we would win that trade or even call it even with the amount we would have to give up to get Bedard AND Roberts. I really think your right about guys like Fontenot, Patterson, Theriot, Cedeno, DeRosa? and Murton and Gallagher going the other way. It definately seems like a trade can be made thats fair. I can't wait to see if this develops.

Hey all...Phil Rogers had a interesting blog today...he was hinting at the possibility of the cubs trading for bedard and roberts. he thinks this can be possible since the orioles have added pitching, but havent lost any.

Not to change the subject, but does anyone give a Fuk about the Mitchell Report that is being released tomorrow?

My only concern is that we DON'T see any names on it that read: Zambrano, Lee, Ramirez, Soriano, Wood, Marmol or DeRosa.

I AM hoping the list has the following names: Pujols, Edmonds, Carpenter, Sheets, Fielder, Braun, Dunn, Griffey, Harang, Berkman, Carlos Lee, and Oswalt. Is that wishful thinking?

...and from watching ESPN just now two things...

1) First off - Wilbon on PTI put forth the best nickname I've heard so far - KFu (pronounced Kay Foo) - and I liked it :-) Going to use it myself from this point.

2) On Around the Horn - all sports writers thought the KFu move was a great move for the Cubs... except for Jay Mariotti - since I personally think Mariotti is one of those guys that just disagrees so people think he's "controversial" (while I just think it makes him a schmuck) - good news from the national press side of things.

3) Back to PTI - Both Kornheiser and Wilbon thought KFu was nuts for signing with the Cubs due to their history, ownership situation, Wood/Prior, etc.

4 - bonus comment) Sportcenter - Jason Stark comments while I was typing up the other stuff LOL - HUGE signing for the Cubs - couldn't have been more aggressive going after him - exactly what they need - stellar fielder with a top teir bat - might be less hits than Ichiro but with more pop - gives Cubs added star power as well and makes them contenders... and they're not done making moves yet.

I mentioned a focus on pitching and Roberts above and said we can likely get a right handed stud, A.J. Burnett, from the Jays. Maybe the chance to get Roberts has slipped since the Orioles now need a third baseman with power and a center fielder as well as pitching. The Rockies and Dodgers may have more to offer for Roberts and Bedard. If it came to using Marshall and Cedeno for Burnett or adding a Ceda to get Roberts, I would get Burnett and be very comfortable with DeRosa at second. We might then get a safer bet for next year in center field. The final piece would be a solid lefty reliever. JimK

Neil - Time to post a Tejada update now so we can start talking about the implications :-)

Nice job today Cub nation - this is the 84th post in the thread! Nice!!!

Interesting comment in Phil Rogers' blog about the Tejada trade...

The departure of Tejada leaves the Orioles in need of a shortstop and would make them extremely thin up the middle if they also traded Roberts. That could mean the Cubs put Ronny Cedeno, Eric Patterson or even former Orioles first-rounder Mike Fontenot in a trade for Roberts.

If Sean Gallagher goes to Baltimore in a Roberts trade, that would mean Andy MacPhail has added three potential 2008 starting pitchers without trading one. Might that give the Cubs a chance to expand the Roberts negotiations to include Erik Bedard? Things are getting interesting.

MLBTradeRumors indicates today that the Mets may have interest in Marquis. Wouldn't that be a nice salary dump to clear for something else?

Matt...nice message :)

I agree that our starting rotation should be better than last year. Hill and Marshall have a year under their belt, and we do have more depth in the minors that may make the jump. But if we can get another solid #2 or #3 starter (without mortgaging the farm) that would be great. I still think we have some bargaining chips in Murton, Cedeno, Dempster, Marquis, Gallaher, and maybe a Pie or Fund. Whether such a package gets you a quality starter, I don't know.

If only Prior was healthy!

Although I agree with you about suring up the starting roles Brandon. Our abysmal hitting really killed us in Arizona. Z, Lily, and even Hill pitched well. Our bullpen even kept things close (even if we overlook the Marmol HR)

But even if we cant sure up the starters, Im comfy with Z, and Lily. And I feel that Hill with a full year under his belt is going to be something else this year. What do you guys think? (Be nice this time =) Haha)

I am as excited as everyone else that we got Fuk, and I really like Roberts. The fact of the matter is that if we don't get a frontline starter we'll be going home early again. Lets just hope trader jim parlays this good fortune into something big.

Interesting that we haven't heard any news on Prior yet today. Must still be negotiating (perhaps in various directions).

Hey, I was professional and polite!! I only argued my point 4 times and then said I respected Hubert. Dozen is a bit much! But all that aside, this is a good sign for Hendry and the Cubs.

The Cubs might have been in a money bind, with payroll going up only so much. Hendry brilliantly shaved payroll and bought a should-be productive player who will pay for himself even if he fails thanks to the Japanese fans.

It was a good day I think. And by the way, The PSD forums are horrible. I visit a few of the blogs around (and you people know the ones Im talking about I'm sure).

My point? This place is great, and all of you guys (and gals, where have they been?) make this place fun. Theres nothing wrong with fire and passion, thats what makes us the greatest fans the world, bar none.

Eamus Catuli!

Bryan - I'm not sure it's the Cubs brand that got Fukudome here over other late and higher offers...

I'd put my money on the way that Hendry went about things. He hammered and hammered about how much he wanted him - made his interst known publicly as well as in person - he made several statements in the press about how he had let him know his interest and how much they'd pay him and then backed off to let him consider - he also made several comments about "respect" and "honoring the Japanese way of doing things"

...so my vote is for interest from the outset and the respect he showed Fukudome during the process.

Regardless of overpaying, JH's other moves, and how this all pans out... forget Theriot - forget the payroll - forget Soriano - forget Roberts/Bedard/trade-target-du-jour - forget all the other stuff that's been being bantered about on this board today...

Good job Hendry - kudos on your performance on this one. Ya done good.

Yahoo sports is reporting that the Giants have signed Aaron Rowand. That makes strike 3 for the White Sox (Hunter, Fukudome, & Rowand). Kenny Williams I had higher respect for you man.

Roberts will be costly, but I still think we should try to bring him over. If Gallagher or Marshall plus two out of a group consisting of Murton, Patterson, Cedeno would get it done, I'd make the deal.

Does anyone know if he is married or has any little Fooker's running around? When do we get to "Meet the Fooker?".

The Cubs better not trade DeRosa if they get Roberts. They need DeRosa way more than Theriot.

Cheers!

Man, the Astros gave up a lot to get Tejhada. Would we really want to give up that many prospects to get Brian Roberts. I guess we'll wait and see, although I still think Hill and Pie are untouchable.

Glad to see Fuk chose us over the White Sox. Why anybody would want to play in that monument to steel and concrete is beyond me.

Please don't let this turn into a Pro Sports Daily page.... Yuck.

Yay for getting Fuk! (And yes I know how to pronounce it properly, thanks to my fiance who took Japanese.) I think this will be a great addition.

What I'm interested in is I really thought the Cubs would have their hands tied with the new ownership not even close to being completed yet.

Who is calling the shots right now on approving trades?

For all that have come here with the attitude and bashing other posters. Leave. This is a friendly site for Cub fans. Pro Sports Daily is what you want if you want to bash others OPINIONS.

MLBTradeRumors expressed that the Rangers made the highest dollar offer to Fukodome and that the Sox were very close to the Cubs. Just continues to show that the "Cubs brand" is still very powerful (like the BoSox and Yankees). Win or lose (though hopefully winning), players do want to play at Wrigley, in front of Chicago fans.

Wow, nick, I am thoroughly impressed. I am a huge Busch lite fan, and I will certainly join you in a few tonight!

Yea you are right it would take the farm for both of them, I guess I can settle for Roberts, haha. That's not a bad idea on Everett.

If I remember correctly Austin, you drink Busch light correct? I think I might have a couple to celebrate tonight.

nick, your right, can't hurt to ask, but if they took two top shelf prospects for Tejada, I dont want to know what they would take for Roberts AND Bedard lol. (Pie, Murton, Veal, Gallagher, Notre Dame, Ceda, Colvin, Vitters, Zambrano) something like that i would imagine?

While were at it, it looks like Everett will be non-tendered, he would be a nice pick up for either a backup role (he plays GREAT defense) or AAA I think if we end up trading Cedeno or Patterson.

Austin, I just saw that on the Astros' website also. I got excited about that too, because I remember McPhail wanted that to happen first.

Please Hendry bring on Roberts (and maybe Bedard-can't hurt to ask right)

MLBtraderumors.com is reporting the Astros have acquired Miguel Tejada. They sure gave up a lot: Luke Scott plus other prospects (one was ranked 3rd and another 6th in the system). Sure, Houston will suck, but thats not the point: The O's said they wanted to wait until Tejada and/or Bedard was moved before they traded Roberts, so looks as if the trade is getting closer. Good job Houston.

Well said David.

Now how about everybody take a deep breath, and say Fuuuuuuuk!

David...while constructive banter/opinions are great, I don't think any of us needed to wake to Matt and Hubert exchanging a dozen or so emails on Theriot, etc. The issue isn't intent, it's excessiveness of viewpoint. Claim your view (professionally), respect others different perspectives, but then let it be. This isn't point/counterpoint.

New Trade! Tejada to the stros! The Orioles will get outfielder Luke Scott, pitchers Matt Albers, Troy Patton and Dennis Sarfate, and third baseman Michael Costanzo.

Can we all please refrain from the use of "shut up", "idiot", "stupid" and other personal attacks? Disagreeing with other people's opinions makes for great discussion so the back and forth on Theriot, overpaying free agents, and trade possibilities is fun to read ... but let's not allow this great site to degenerate into what I see on many of the others by adding personal insults when arguing the merits on a particular issue.

Marquis for AJ Burnett straight up would be truly fantastic, but I would be skeptic on that. Throwing in a Cedeno or Murton could work for me.

Overall, those are really sound recommendations Jim K. Toronto tends to get lost over there in the east, and up in Canada. But they do indeed have some interesting trade possibilities for us.

Okay, THE FUK is here! I just hiope he's a good one. He's going to be compared to Ichiro ALL YEAR. Remember he's from Japan and they play differently from the MLB (i.e mechanics). Here in in MLB the guys are stronger, make mechanical mistakes and get away with it because "they're pros". I am happy we got him, now LET"S GO CUBS!

And Hubert, DUDE, SHUT UP!!! You always like to start sh.t with someone's opinion. That's why we have this awesome website, for someone to have personal view.

You're the guy that called me an "IDIOT" last year when I said "we were better with Lilly, and NOT to pay all that $ for Jason Schmidt because he'll get hurt". How did Schmidt do last year?, yea, hurt! Lilly got us to the playoffs. Now shut up!

First, the headlines: Very well done JH. Lou has already voted on SS; can you say Theriot--a good chance to be another Orlando Cabrera. Lou hasn't voted on CF which says that Pie, Fuld, Cedeno are iffy and other names pop up. The Brain Trust is now focussed on Roberts and two pitchers--a lefty reliever and an established right handed starter.

There are intriguing possibilities for the RHS in Toronto. They have Halladay, Burnett, McGowan and Marcum and are short lefties, middle infielders and youth in general. Burnett is the horse with the ego who was 10-8 and 3.75 last year. He can opt out of a $11 million per after 2008 and the Jays expect to lose him. The Jays might trade him even up for Marquis, but more likely would trade him and a prospect we need for Marshall, Veale and Cedeno. JH needs to get A.J., and we have a second RH stud.

McGowan and Marcum were 10-8 and 12-6 last year, are young but experienced and less expensive. Go JH. We're with you win or tie. JimK

Look at all the stats you want. The bottomline is that the players are on the field performing, not Hendry or Pinella. Jim/Lou have put the proper pieces out there...it's time for each player to perform.

Guys,

Thanks for the reasoning. Sure, I 'll still feel happy with my Old Style at hand when I see Fuk perform for the team in the next 4 years. The problem here is, I 'm not hearing any solid proof showing me that Soriano's 8 years contract for his dying half of his career is not overpaying.

I don't have the time to do the math right now, but the concept is simple: To believe not a player's value right, but understand the right value.

The proof comes from comparing the contracts with most other, if not all, MLB players who played the same or similar position(s) with the same years since Major debut.

For example, Carlos Beltran (since 1998, Outfielder) compared to Soriano (since 1999), and their peers (other outfielders having playing time since 1998-2000).

I want to be specific here: It's about the contract. The reason why I should is because we often time hear GMs talking about their budget, and balancing their checkbook. Every GM needs to get the best players possible in exchange of his or her club resources, either money or trade.

I pointed out that Hendry made fair trades and signings. Lilly is one. Fuk might be along the crossing line, but still tolerable, and I 'm sorry I didn't make it clear--Cubs needs his kind of player, and there he is. But let's look around and see what good deals really do.

And I can't be satisfied, of course, because I want to see my favorite team win. It's not just the 99+ years of no-title, but also because I believe I'm watching a professional sport for the BEST performance of this sport. The best performance for a MLB team comes from winning over a period of seasons. And we don't need to seek far for an example, just see what the Cardinals had done with their winning% for the last few decades.

But the Cubs had NOT BEEN a winning team in general since Hendry became GM.

I browsed Baseball Cube sometimes and I found an article last year (I remember it's from "Mike's Rant") counting in a team's average yearly payroll, adjusted to the average MLB payroll of each year, and the team's win% during a GM's term.

And guess what? Hendry ranks second to last out of all 30 teams' GM in 2006. Even better when MLB is making more money! With all the money from the club that Hendry had, has, and will have to spend, he has NO EXCUSE WHATSOEVER for failing to build a winning team along the stretch of his service.

I 'm sick and tired of seeing this old man abusing my favorite team, and I believe Cubs deserves a better management than Hendry.

When people complain about "overpaying" it makes me laugh. Ticket prices already went up,why not be happy that the cubs are spending. Your not grocery shopping on a budget, it is a major leage baseball team in a major market that has more revenue then anyone on this board can imagine.

Be happy about, shut it up about the money unless you have experience stroking checks to major league baseball players.

I could give a FUK what the Cubs spent, I'm worried about a winning a damn championship before I die!

When you're comparing theriot to other people at least compare apples to apples. Dont compare his first full season to a someone else who has played 6 full seasons. In Roberts first full season he hit .270 compared to Theroit's .266, Roberts OBP was .337 to Theroit's .326, not much different. I'll still take Roberts at 2nd.

Way to go Hendry! Welcome FUK!

If Hendry can land Roberts AND Bedard, we have a serious ballclub.

For those who think that Bedard is not a good pitcher, they need to think again. He's one of the top young arms in the league and would immediately be our #2 or #3 pitcher. He's that good. He has 2 strikout pitches and has played for a poor team that had a horrible bullpen that blew many wins for him last year.

Get it done Hendry, you are the man.

Bryan,

I fully agree with you (and Cory). The bottomline is that Fuk is a MAJOR upgrade over J. Jones, Monroe, Floyd and Murton (and we still have the young Matt).

So I agree. Let's stop the negativity (this is why Cubs fans sometimes get a bad rap...they're never satisfied).

If there was a "next move" I hope it's for another "pretty good" starting pitcher as Hendry stated, hopefully without giving up too many prospects.

Bryan, I also agree about Soto. Though young, this kid is quite polished, got himself in strong shape last year, and should also be a major upgrade from the bums in Barrett/Koy Hill and Kendall. And guys, that cost us nothing as well (certainly we'd all take Soto over the "proven" Kendall, who received another multi-million contract for mediocrity (at best).

I personally love the shaving of payroll accomplished and the Fuk addition. Great job Jim.

Bryan,

I couldn't agree with you more. Overpaid for Fukudome, etc.? Did you see what the Royals paid for Jose Guillen? Look up Pierre's salary. Lighten up Dorasaga.

Hubert, wow, did Theriot shun your kid for an autograph or cost your team in your fantasy playoffs? My God Theriot is a solid ballplayer who is YOUNG.

It's the holliday season and we just upgraded one of our outfield spots from a buick to a cadillac, enough of the negativity.

Merry Christmas and thank you Mr. Hendry!

Dorasaga, why do you care so much if we over pay or not? If they don't spend people complain because they are cheap...and if they spend people complain because they throw money at players???Relax it is not your money and it isn't like the seats @ Wrigley have been cheap the last 10 years.

Nobody over paid...they barely outbided a San Diego Team that offered more than 10 mil per year and a closer place [travel wise] to his real home. Chicago was less attractive for Fuc in every matter except the money....so what else could JH do if they really wanted the guy?

I love the Fuk signing as much as everyone else, but I just went and quickly looked at the Japanese stats of Ichiro, Hideki Matsui, Kaz Matsui and Fuk. From a quick glance (I didn't look deeper than avg, hr, rbi, sb), Fuk's numbers there seem most comparable to Kaz Matsui as Fuk doesn't have Ichiro's average or Hideki's power. Anyone else check these out and have any thoughts? I guess there are a lot of factors when a player changes leagues so who knows how this will translate ... just thought it was interesting.

I understand that now the Cubs can focus on acquiring Roberts from Baltimore. I wonder who the pitcher is they were talking about, surely not Bedard, because they wer talking about a "fairly good pitcher."

Sure is a lot of fussing on this post board today. I don't know why this group thinks we overpaid for Fuk. I'd take him over Hunter or A. Jones or Rowand, and he's coming at a more reasonable price point. Now everyone's going to say that he's "not proven"...well supposedly A. Jones is "according to his stats", but let me tell there is no way I would give that guy $18m a year.

So now you have Hendry getting Lee, Ramirez, Fukodome, Soriano, and Lilly, and saving Z and Wood (who's relationship with Hendry was key). And who have we really lost that are "superstars" elsewhere. Maybe Dontrelle Willis, and that's a bit debatable currently.

I still believe that Soto will be a huge impact this year both defensively and offensively (watch for 15+ HR's and 80+ RBI's). And certainly I can easily live with DeRosa at 2B. I like his loyalty to the Cubs, good attitude (how many guys would have rotated positions last year, without complaint), and solid work ethic. And we have Patterson still developing close in the wings.

Then you have a strong spark plug in Theriot who works counts and hustles each play. Many here have a short memory on how much of an upgrade he is over Neifi Perez, just two years ago.

Colvin is almost ready, same for Samardjia, and you'll have wonderful upside youth in Pie and Fuld battling for center, and good live arms awaiting in Ascensio, Veal, Hart, Gallagher, etc.

And "maybe" Prior comes to his senses and adds a year back.

Today is a big move guys, without giving up anything. I say let's enjoy it and congratulate Hendry. Well done Jim!!

I just don't see anybody can say that we overpaid fof Fuk, Soriano, Lilly, or anybody else. We only overpaid for them if it prevents us from getting anybody else. If 12 million a year is what it took to get him here then so be it. Nobody can argue that he won't help the team dramatically so who cares how much we paid for him?

MLB made 6 BILLION in revenue last year. While not a refelection of the Cubs revenue, you can't tell me that they didnt rake in a HUGE amount of money. I don't have the exact figures, but I am willing to bet the Cubs finished well above the break even point. Now if the Royals or the Reds or another small market team signed Fuk to the same contract then it hurts them more because represents a larger percentage of their total payroll. It dosen't "hurt" us nearly as bad.

Dorasaga,

You are way too full of yourself dude. How can you sit there and honestly assert that Hendry is so inept as to only have one option and then just "grab-n-go?" That is absurd Bro and you should really speak more prudently than to make silly accusations.

We've been informed that Hendry told Lou that he will be very excited in December. We are not even half way through December........ **Breathe Dorasaga, breathe**

Let's Go Cubbies!!

Hey Hubert.. regardless of what Theriot is.. you cannot have 8 position players making $12M a season + 3 Pitchers making $10+M a season... payroll just can't handle that. Jim H has chosen some spots to spirinkle in a few "cheap" pieces... big deal, it's necessary. Theriot, Soto, Pie, Hill, Marmol, Hart, Marshall are all cheap, plain & simple.... I'd love to have top notch talent at all spots too, but we all know realistically that is not possible.. unless YOU are willing to pay $100 for a cheap seat!

Go Fuk!

We can crunch the numbers the whole day, and I hope we do the right stats, some OPS_Win (Fangraph), some EqA (BP, consider the speed too), some RF and some out-of-range per cent (Bill James and THT), and then we use those better comparative stats to evaluate Theriot.

But remember, he's young, I mean his years in the Major, less than 2 years. He needs time.

I like my team to go strong and stay strong, so I don't see it as wise when we need some rookies like Theriot to one day wake up and get on base 40% of his at-bats, only after he wasted 4 years occupying my team's 40-man roster.

But we still need to keep some prospects and give them reasonable amount of play-time to test them out. If the result doesn't show progress, trade the prospect for someone better.

GM Hendry had digged himself a hole by giving away most of Cubbie trading chips from the farm for o.k. veterans. He made good moves, but he either pay the fair price or overpay in order to keep the team in shape. He's mediocre compared to other GMs whom I forementioned in the discussion two days ago. There's good GMs who figured their duties all out in their shorter career start. So thanks to Hendry, now we need to wait another 2-5 years to rebuild our farm, which is what we are doing now, in the middle of this.

Now back to Coas(t)-Kay Fookoo-doughmae (this is the right Jap. pronunciation), Bruce Miles reported an exciting Hendry claiming the outfielder can bat 3rd, 2nd or 5th... Hello? Anyone home? Had we forgotten that we have some veteran middle-of-the-line power called Lee and A-Ram already? Is Hendry trying to pressure the two who'd played and are proven veterans in MLB that they are getting paid just the same as CoasKay? Warn A-Ram and Lee that they need to perform better or else anyone from around the world can replace them? and Hendry's just playing a bad boy? or it's just over-optimistic? and he's really just a bad boy?

Signing Fook is good, but we again overpaid him, just like Soriano. Yes, we need Fook, like Piniella said. He satisfied the needs of his team--speed, arm, defense, OPS and left-hitting. But wait, 4 years of 12M as opposed to 8 years of 15M? It's the same: LONG and PRICEY.

I want to see Hendry's plan B. Maybe we can trade 1 prospect plus Murton, or another fielder, +Marshall or another pitcher for Roberts, but before a trade might happen, Hendry needs to wait for the O's to get themselves another second baseman ready. So where's plan B? Where's my on-base machine infielder?

Frankly, I don't see there's a plan B. There's probably just plan A, then... whatever Hendry can trade fairly or overpay on the market, again, and again, for another Jacque Jones-caliber. And it's not plan B or plan C, it's nothing more than the usual old Cubbie way of contributing to this already-messed up and overpaying market of professional baseball.

Saw the reports late last night. GOOD Job Jim way to get your man, can't wait to see him in Cubbie Blue this year.

Ryan, you are right, it would have been pretty funny to try to hear Harry pronounce his name.

Now let's get Roberts!!

I think Theriot is a weak spot and I'm sure that I prefer DeRosa in SS over him if we get Roberts...I never thought I say this but Ronny Cedeno should get at least the same opportunity to play everyday. This does not change that Theriot is a solid player with room and the right attitude to improve; same as RC. And one last thing Hubert; I don't mean to take a shot at you but numbers do not qualify patience. [not even OBP]. The fact that he made an easy out at the end of last season does not mean he is not a patient/contact hitter. If you looked closely at his at bats, you would notice that he takes pitches [especially the first] and that he barely strikes out.

I just had this thought when I read about the F-Dome signing this morning. What if Harry was still alive? I loved Harry Carey, but the guy used to butcher the pronounciation of the latin palyers names, and some of the non-latin player names for that matter. Can you imagine how much he would mispronounce F-Dome's name? I think the Cubs would have to add another 6 million to the budget just to make up for the FCC fines. LOL

On another note, congrats to JH for going out and getting the guy he wanted all year. I don't care how much he paid for him as I don't think that anybody is under the illusion that the Cubs are strapped for cash unless the Tribune Company wants them to be. It will be interesting to see how well F-Dome adjusts to the majors.

Now if we can get Roberts then so be it. Having "too much talent" is a good problem to have. I would hate to lose either De Rossa or Riot, because of the De-Ros ability to play anywhere, or Riots flat out intensity, but whatever it takes to win.

And let me add.........Fuk yeah!

GOOD MORNING!!! What a way to start the day! Jimmy got our man and now can focus on trying to make this Brian Roberts deal go down.

Hubert, man did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed yesterday or what? Take it easy buddy. Theriot did wear out at the end of the year and didn't post mind blowing numbers by any stretch of the imagination. Keep in mind though that it was his first full season in the bigs. If he does the same thing this year than so be it, but cut the guy some slack. Let's see what happens this year and then make our minds up on what kind of player Theriot is. He could be David Eckstein or he could simply be a bench player. The jury is still out on him, no need to get all worked up over it. If Jose Reyes falls into your lap, great, but I don't see SS as an offseason priority.

I think I may have to hit up the Japanese steakhouse for lunch today. I'll have the Fukudome platter please.

Go Cubbies!!!

Just think....we dumped Jones, Monroe and Floyd and got Fukodome in return. Now that's a great GM move!!!

And let's stop all the Theriot bashing. For some of you guys, take your excessive posts elsewhere already. You made your points (good or bad), now enough.

IMO, I'll take Theriot anyday. The kid comes to play hard...and does it everyday. Let's leave him alone.

ahhhhh Hubie????

Dude, I believe I started my point with "just wanted to add" so what's up your a**?? Dude, I had a point, I made my point, deal with it.

Now quit your "Blabbering" Bro

Uh, Barry, noone is arguing the Fuku signing.

Everyone loves the Fuku signing so I don't understand what you are blabbering about.

What we are arguing about is that some people don't comprehend that Crapriot hit .266 with a .320 OBP, and yet was labeled a "patient and contact hitter" is completely and utterly ridiculous.

Okay Gentlemen,

I just wanted to add that again, JH has bettered our team. Those of you that continue to be the "GODs" of the qualified GMs world please pipe down now and realize that we have a great GM who has worked hard to bring talent to Chicago in an ownership atmosphere that some would say was "challenged" as far as desire yet bulging financially. You can't spend money that you are not allotted ny ownership. Ownership now wants a WS contender on the field immediately to facilitate a profit margin, Period!!

We could have done this type of "Power Playing" years ago had the Tribsters had the desire to do so.

So, Jim, if you are reading this, THANK YOU for Lou Pinella, your integrity, preparation and presentation to quality players and foremost your desire to field what the MANAGER asks for to win!!

I was travelling all day and checked in to my hotel to the Fukudome news right when I flipped on ESPN :-)

As for Theriot... I know the way to end this argument right now.

Lou.

Lou Pinella has been in baseball in one way shape or form for the past 172 years (at least he looks like he has).

When talking about the Cubs, he mentions DeRosa and the role he has in mind for him, he mentions he'd like to add a lefty middle infielder with speed... what he doesn't mention is what that does to Theriot's future with the team.

There's a reason for that.

Don't get me wrong - I admire the job Theriot did at times last year... but he has the skills of a role player, not an everyday starter. Lou knows this. Hendry knows this. The Cubs scouting knows this. It's why they were courting Kaz Matsui and are now looking to trade for Roberts.

If we don't get Roberts, fine - we'll stick with Riot obviously... but everyone in the Cubs organization from the manager to the GM thinks we can do better.

Let's see if they can pull off something better.

I believe this officially closes the discussion.

OMG. -_-; We've gone thru this already.

1) LITTLE League players play the game the right way also. Should we just make them our starting lineup for '08?

2) Think about your fifth sentence for a second. Cesar Izturis...Frickin Rosanne is a better baseball player than Cesar Izturis.

3) His bio is subjective to the person that wrote it. -_-; Stats don't back up what the latter part of it states.

Good Lord, please stop using only the stats that back up your certain point of view. What you did was copy and paste Theriot's career stats, which include his September callup two years ago where he was essentially plantooned and had limited AB's to hit .300.

The most reliable stats are Theriot's AVG and OBP over an entire full season, in this case, the '07 season. His avg and obp respectively, were .266 and .326. So please don't compare him to the likes of Miguel Tejada and Rafael Furcal whose career numbers are based off MANY full seasons and not one platoon + 1 full season.

Even so, while your comparison method is super super flawed, what you failed to do is compare his numbers to the overall league average at shortstop. When compared he is 10 points under in avg, way low in OBP, and minus 86 in terms of OPS.

So please, take your flawed reasoning and revamp it a little before you try to justify that Theriot is anything more than below mediocre.

THERIOT is the real deal. He may not be the most gifted player, in fact he's likely the weakest starter on the Cubs. But the kid knows how to win. He plays the game the right way. '07 was his first full big league season, and he managed to beat out a former gold glover at the games most physically demanding position. This is straight from his bio:

"named to the College World Series all-tournament team after helping lead LSU to the 2000 NCAA championship."

He was brought up to be a second baseman, but things change. When the Cubs needed a timely hit or a baserunner late in a game, Theriot came through. He's earned his chance to prove that he belongs where Lou put him.

Rafael Furcal has a career .284 BA, and .349 OBP

Edgar Renteria has .291 BA, and the same .349 OBP

Miguel Tejada has a career .287 BA and .344 OBP

Omar Vizquel .274, .340

Jose Reyes .284, .340

Khalil Greene .254, .312

Jimmy Rollins .274, .331

Julio Lugo .271, .333

Michael Young .302, .347

Ryan Theriot .276, .341

The biggest difference between Theriot and the aforementioned players is service time at the major league level. I'm not saying that better players aren't out there (available may be different,) I am saying that the guy hasn't done anything to justify all the bashing he's received on this site.

Jim, here is a link to the article I did on Fukudome in October. He had bone chips removed. This has a link with more information....

http://chicagocubsonline.com/archives/2007/10/cubs_fukudome.php

I mean Surgery

"Fukudome was considered one of the best outfielders in Japanese baseball. The 30-year-old slugger was a key member of the Japan team that won the inaugural World Baseball Classic in March 2006."

"He had surgery on his right elbow in August and sat out the Japan Series."

Anyone know the severity of the surgory he had.

can figgins play cf?

Man Hubert, you make me wish Aaron was around to argue with too. Has he been around as of the past few days? =)

Bring on March!!

I respect your argument. But Ill finish off my point with this. I think we both hope I'm right, because if Theriot improves on his second year, and everyone else gets back to their norm, we are clear cut NL favorites.

Soto has to be considered a weak link too man. Murton, Theriot, and Soto all lit up their abbreviated stints hitting over .300.

I'm rooting for my young guns though. Big Murt, Soto, and the Riot!

Yes, and regardless of what the month splits say, his TOTAL average still comes out to .266...and an OBP lower than Mr. Soriano, the biggest free swinger in the history of earth.

Crapiot's OBP total before Sep was .342...which still isn't exactly a reason to holla.

He wants to bring in Roberts to play 2B because that is what Roberts plays...how simple is that to comprehend?

You use the "not everything is about numbers" excuse because the stats show differently than your argument. Came through in the clutch? LOL, so what was he doing during the 74.4% of his AB's when he was making an out? Oh wait. LOL. Theriot is nothing more than a slap hitter or a GIDP target. As of right now, he an Mr. Pie are the only weak links in the offense. Pie makes up for it because he is amazing defensively and can fly. Theriot can pose as the bat boy.

Sure Fuku's numbers won't be as consistent, but God knows his .397 OBP won't sink to .326 ROTFLMAO.

And 2. Dude, show some class. Don't start calling someone's opinion crap. Its a bit much man, heh.

But finish your hypothesis there.

He also hit .299, .377, and .305 im April, June and August respectively.

Hes streaky, and a 279. and .277 in both respective halfs is respectable.

He's a guy who gives 100% and plays respectable defense as well.

"And dont make me defend our SS (AGAIN) who hit .280 til he wore out in the last month of the season. Not to mention was one of only two guys (DeRosa) who understood patience and pitch selection."

Can anyone tell me what his OBP was before September? Im not sure, and Im willing to eat crow. But I won out multiple times in the season when that guy came through in the clutch. Theres a reason Jim wants to bring in your Roberts to play second and not short. Lou continues to say Ryan is the SS. Bottom line. Not everything is about numbers.

Speaking of which..Fukudome's numbers wont be as consistent as they were in Japan here in the US either.

Oh and don't gimme some crap about he hit .280 until he wore out during the last month.

Crapiot hit .256 in the month of May, and .224 in June with an OBP of .330 and .272 (you have to TRY to get your OBP that low) respectively.

Jason..."Koh-skay Foo-koo-Doh-may"

Hubert and Matt, on the value of the contract....I cannot find an exact value right now. Rosenthal is reporting $48 million but the Tribune just reported between $53 - $56 million. When the story broke Kaplan and Levine reported $52 million and the Score reported $53 million.

The official announcement is due on Wednesday.

1) We didn't pay OVER 50 million.

2) Again, market value suggests, this is one of the lesser contracts you will see handed out to a free agent.

3) Rowand wants a 5 yr deal, absolutely not.

4) With the style of defense Rowand plays (see Ryan Freel all out annihilation mentaility), Rowand's face would not look too good plastered into a brick wall.

5) I will make you defend him again, because you are WAAYYY off-base.

6) Patience and selection? Good lord man. His OBP was .326. That is lower than ALFONSO SORIANO's. His average was .266. That is lower than the league SS average of .276. His OPS was .672, that is minus .086 the league average at SS.

The reason we went after Fuku is that yes, he does have good comprehension of the K zone, as shown by his .397 OBP, which does not correlate with Theriot's .326 OBP. Please don't ever state that misconception ever again. Theriot is usually a guaranteed ground out or short fly.

Kas-ke Foo-ko-doh-meh.

Hubert, you dont really want to pay over 50 million to a guy who has never seen a real MLB pitch. Dont get me wrong as I like the signing. But there is a prevalent thought process that says Rowand could have been had for this, and we know what we will get for him.

But Jim's brilliance in this is he knows the Japanese revenue and TV will pay for this contract so it is okay to overpay a little.

And dont make me defend our SS (AGAIN) who hit .280 til he wore out in the last month of the season. Not to mention was one of only two guys (DeRosa) who understood patience and pitch selection.

Thats why we went after Fukudome in the first place.

Kas-ke Foo-ko-doh-meh.

Hubert, you dont really want to pay over 50 million to a guy who has never seen a real MLB pitch. Dont get me wrong as I like the signing. But there is a prevalent thought process that says Rowand could have been had for this, and we know what we will get for him.

But Jim's brilliance in this is he knows the Japanese revenue and TV will pay for this contract so it is okay to overpay a little.

And dont make me defend our SS (AGAIN) who hit .280 til he wore out in the last month of the season. Not to mention was one of only two guys (DeRosa) who understood patience and pitch selection.

Thats why we went after Fukudome in the first place.

The contract terms are 4 yrs/48 MM

Jason, hope this helps

http://chicagocubsonline.com/archives/2007/10/cubs_fukudome.php

Also, I am working on updating the article. I am gathering information. Should be updated shortly.

And second, we should now go hard after Roberts/any middle infielder because Theriot is trash.

We didn't overpay at all dude. Compared to market value of all these contracts that these CF will make, this contract is golden. Come on, would you want that 2-yr/36 MM for Andruw Jones who hit .226, 5 yr/50mm for Juan Pierre, 5yr/90mm for Torii Hunter. Good lord, JH with one of his best jobs in terms of FA signings.

Does anyone know the correct pronounciation of Fukodome?

Not trying to throw swear words around on this site, but oddly enough, if the pronounciation is similar to Fuck You Domi, then you get a few hits on Google for all the people that hated NHL enforcer, Tie Domi.

Why not just call him Kosuke? I am sure he will be the only Kosuke in mlb.

I believe we overpaid, but hopefully he turns out to be the best of what Japan produces: a fundamentally sound team player.

I was thinking about the lineup, and with his great OBP, I was thinking he was a natural #2.

But my only concern is that you stagger your lineup with all superstars in the front, and that could lead to inconsistency.

Instead of:

Soriano, Kosuke, Lee, Ramirez, DeRosa, Soto, Pie, Theriot, Pitcher

perhaps spread it out by going with:

Soriano, Theriot, Lee, Ramirez, Kosuke, DeRosa, Soto, Pie, Pitcher

I like the latter.

How sad/telling is it that I can't seem to pencil the "untouchable" Felix Pie anywhere but the #8 spot in the lineup?

Yeah Baby!!!!

Bring on Roberts! We're going to have a nasty lineup.

Nothing like getting back from work and finding a message on your cell of your friend yelling: "We got Fukudome!!!"

Awesome, just awesome

Matt thinks Big Z will like this too!

I would like to take this moment to say to our San Diego Padres fellow fans and friends that we love them, that we forgive them for all the BS they have been talking and that in the Windy City we all got Fuk tonight!

Come visit Wrigley so that ya'll can get a little Fuk. Fuk-u-dome all, later!

This has to stop, but not tonight!!!

Good now that we got Fuk...we can get back to Pitching and Roberts?

More info here:

www.mlbfleecefactor.com

If all that is true we just out bidded ourselves.

That said, I wanted this guy from the start and its good to get him.

You ready for a "Fuck, Fuck," chant along side "So-ri-an-o" Neil?

thank you!!! the baseball gods listened to our prayers!

Yes!!!

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

yaaay!!! finally!!! now lets get roberts and some pitching.