Is Lou Piniella overreacting about his players' lack of production, or is there cause for concern? Piniella was not happy with his team's offensive output on Tuesday and said he is going to mix things up and play his regulars more. Counting today's game in Surprise against the Rangers, the Cubs have 18 more games to get on track before they count.
Here is a catch all, if you will, of various bits of Cubs info, stuff the CCO received through email....and the latest from the mill with more on you know who.
The Rumor Mill
Dave Kaplan said on Tuesday night that his sources told him the Brian Roberts deal will get done "at a very high price"....he did not mention any specifics.
Kaplan also had Steve Buckley on from the Boston Herald to discuss the Coco Crisp rumors. Buckley was very complimentary of Crisp and acknowledged he has heard all of the rumors. Buckley said there is no doubt that both teams (Cubs and Red Sox) have discussed a deal for Crisp.
The Red Sox want to deal Crisp according to Buckley. They feel he is not a 4th outfielder for the Sox. The desire in Boston is to trade Crisp for starting pitching but Buckley questioned whether the Cubs and Sox could work out a deal.
Buckley added Crisp is the best defensive centerfielder that he has seen in a Red Sox uniform. Crisp does not have as strong of an arm as Fred Lynn but he made catch after catch.
Buckley mentioned the pressures that exist to perform in Boston might have gotten to Crisp and wonders if the same could happen if he is traded to the Cubs.
Kaplan finished the segment by asking Buckley what he thought of Brian Roberts. Buckley said Roberts would be a huge upgrade.
Micah Hoffpauir
The performance of Micah Hoffpauir this spring has raised a lot of questions about the Cubs prospect. Mainly, do the Cubs have any room for him on the big league roster and what other positions can he play.
Before the position players reported to camp, the CCO ran a series of articles with information on each player. Spring Training NRI's....The Infield and The Outfield contained the following about Micah Hoffpauir.
The Cubs drafted Micah Hoffpauir in the 13th round in 2002 and if not for a knee injury last year, chances are he would have made his Major League debut. Hoffpauir can hit and is a very good first baseman that is learning to play the outfield. He set a career high in home runs last year, 16, in just 82 games (.319 average and a .365 OBP with 73 RBI's). Hoffpauir tore his articular cartilage in his left knee and after surgery spent the next 16 weeks rehabbing in Mesa preparing for Spring Training.This will be the second consecutive year in big league camp for Hoffpauir. Last spring he hit .292 with a .370 OBP and hit 2 home runs in 18 games....after receiving his invitation to camp just a day before the position players reported. Hoffpauir reportedly hits left-handed pitching very well, a rarity in today's game....a lefty that can hit southpaws.
Hoffpauir played 13 games in the outfield last year (60 total in his minor league career) in order to become a more versatile player....with Derrek Lee. There was a feeling within the organization that if Hoffpauir was not on the DL at the time both Lee and Daryle Ward were injured last year, Hoffpauir would have gotten the call.
2008 Outlook - Lou Piniella is looking for depth on his bench and Hoffpauir might be the man for the job. Hoffpauir fits the type of player Piniella likes and he could provide power off the bench, a legitimate back up for Derrek Lee as well as a backup for both corner outfield spots. Hoffpauir will likely start the season in Iowa, but he should make his Major League debut in 2008.
From the Inbox
The CCO received an email about a new blog that focuses solely on the Cubs new right fielder. Check it out when you can....www.KosukeFukudome.org
DoublePlayTV has produced a few sports videos, here is there latest about Fantasy Baseball
Chris Proctor sent a link to more Cubs photos from Arizona....Great shots as always.
Finally.... Bench Coach talked about Billy Crystal signing a 1-day contract with the Yankees.
I still maintain that the Roberts trade is unnecessary! 1: He is not that much of an upgrade 2: when Hendry signed Derosa he promised him a starting Job, you risk destroying team chemistry (if you don't think that is important watch the Bulls and the Bears) 3: He would cost too much 4: Although he is an unconventional leadoff man Soriano is not bad and moving him to another spot in the batting order seems to reduce his effectiveness. The miniuses exceed the pluses!
On another vein, why are so many ready to give up on Theriot? This is only his second year, few start ou as allstars, most players improve as they get experience. Like Pie he seems willing to listen to the coaching staff and adjust his hitting to try to be effective. We had had few players willing to do this. I belive he and Pie have a bright future ahead for the cubs if they are allowed to develop. Too many times they have given up on their young players only to have them come into their own for somebody else (does anybody remember Andre Thornton???) nuff said
I'm still trying my best to understand why in the name of Ivy ANYONE can't see that Roberts makes the Cubs not just better, but incredibly better. Dave, are you kidding me? "He is not that much of an upgrade"? Have you SEEN his ST numbers? Are you blind? As for chemistry, I believe that most if not all of the current Cubs are aware that Roberts is necessary, so they're ready for him to come over. They respect D-Ro and what he did last year, but they also realize what an asset he is off the bench. As for Soriano, have you seen him running the basepaths? Did you happen to see that he got thrown out trying to steal 2nd? Hmmm....how many stolen bases does Roberts have this spring? What's that, you say? Oh yeah, that's right, he has SEVEN STOLEN BASES. Soriano is still either hurting or he's afraid and either one of those scenarios spells an OBP and steals WAY lower than Roberts.
As for Theriot and Pie....look I don't have a huge problem with Theriot as our shortstop...just don't expect a career year and he'll be find. Pie, I agree, has a bright future, and I'm really hoping that Hendry won't have to deal him in order to get Roberts.
The bottom line, however, is that we NEED BRIAN ROBERTS. How anyone can say otherwise is unfathomable.
That, my friends, is "nuff said".
Scott
Scott,
I am all for getting Roberts if the price isn't too steep. Gallagher or Marshall, Cedeno, and Veal or Ceda is a high price, but worth it in my opinion. But I am against adding Pie to get Roberts.
My guess is that most fans questioning the trade for Roberts is basing their opinion on the rummored high price of the trade.
Scott,
You give way to much credit to Roberts. You're argument is look at his ST numbers. If you did that Henry Blanco 2 years ago had better #'s then Arod in ST. Roberts is a small upgrade at second. But would help the lineup more if he was in it.
Where does all this irrational thinking come from. I plan on being a fan not just this year but years to come and I am not willing to give up huge prospects for a guy that would be a bit of an upgrade at second. If you compare Roberts and DeRosa's career #'s you would understand more. Hell take a look at Jay Payton's and Coco Crisp's while you at it.
Again for anyone that doesn't get it Coco Crisp is HURT AGAIN. He hasn't been the same player since he broke his wrist. He plays a steller defense but has no arm. (Juan Pierre maybe) His avg and OBP are OK (MMMMM JP) He steals bases but with not much of a success rate, man this guy reminds me of someone???? Coco Crisp is Juan Pierre without Juan Pierre's dedication and attitude.
If we can have Brian Roberts for (Cedeno, Gallagher and Marquis) then yes do it. But if we are trading away 5 players and any of them Pie we need to move on and talk to the O's when they are 10 games out at the end of May and see how much Roberts wants out then.
Our team is better this year then last. No doubt. Just because we get Roberts DOES NOT mean we will win or even play in the World Series. And if we do I would like it to where we could go back and not have to wait another 100 years because we gave up so much just to have ONE.
I agree Jim. I'd like to see Roberts but not at a ridiculous cost.
I would like to see Roberts with the Cubs, but JH needs to either get this done or end it. I dont care what anyone says all these talks are taking a toll on the players. The same thing happened with the Bulls this year and they never recovered. Get the trade done soon or come out and say its done. We got alot of talent and a hell of a chance this year or at least to get us to the trade deadline in July, and we can make a move to improve the team if need be
Dave, I am totally with you on ALL your points. Scott, bating .280 to .290 isn't going to do it with 55 RBI's. Sure he has speed, but that's it. We shouldn't give up much for Roberts.
WOW
We have an opportunity to land one of the top 5 lead-off men in baseball and Cub fans are actually questioning our GM on this??????
SInce the days of the "daily Double" we have not had the opportunity to have a top of the order guy of this caliber. Yes, granted, a 100% Soriano, which we've really not seen as a Cub, is not a horrible lead-off situation, however, he does strike out way too much. But, guys and girls, Roberts is one hell of a ballplayer.
Get him now!!! Let's win this pennant this year and not sit around three years from when Felix "Patterson" Pie fails and be asking ourselves why we didn't trade him when his value was high!!!
GO CUBS
Jim,
I am in complete agreement with you regarding Crisp. I have never understood the cubs giving him a serious look....unless you're looking to trade Pie and I think that's a mistake.
However, and Mark you need to give me a break......it's NOT the .280 BA and the 55 RBI's. HE IS A LEADOFF hitter guys. I'm not trying to insult your intelligence, but seriously...his OBP over the past few years has hovered around .380 and last year he swiped 50 bags! He is worth, in my opinion (as well as Baseball Prospectus I remember correctly) 5-6 wins in the regular season.
And his BA should only improve being on the Cubs...he averaged .290 while on the Orioles, one of the worst teams over the past few years.
I'm just shaking my head here. I do NOT want to give up Pie, but I'm on board with just about anyone else, even if it's 4 guys.
That's where I stand on it, but who knows....
Joe lets not start calling or comparing Pie to Patterson.
First of all: this is completely different managment than what Patterson had, Lou knows how to coach young players, he had them both in Seattle and in Tampa Bay.
Second: I hope you are not basing Pie being a Patterson after Pie ONLY had a hundred and some at bats in the Majors. Plus Pie is not going to bethrust into a pressure spot in the linuep like Corey was, he will bat 7th or 8th, not leadoff.
Third: Patterson never had the minor league numbers that Pie has been able to put up.
Fourth: Pie seems like he is willing to learn and is very coachable.
I don't think that is a fair comparison at all.
With that being said, I would like to see Roberts in Chicago and think he would help our team out. But if that happens, I hope Hendry can get it done WITHOUT Pie involved.
I love the Cubs. This comment structure is confusing and I can not tell who is talking to whom.
Go Cubbies!
I've been saying this for months! Trading Pie and a bevy of other young prospects for Roberts would be a big mistake. My God Marshal and Gallagher, Marquis, Cedeno?!? That my friends is enough!
I agree with Jim just wait a month when Baltimore's season is already over and Roberts forces a trade.
Joe i'm gonna assume your drunk comparing Pie with Patterson...Really?
We do not want Crisp,(Poor man's Pierre), or Payton,(Poor man's Jaque Jones).
Heck I would'nt be bummed going into the season with the outfield of Fukudome, Soriano, and Pie with Murton and Hoffpauir on the bench and Fuld waiting in the wings here in Des Moines while Colvin gains expierience.
Please don't give the future away for a 2nd baseman.....REMEMBER THE PIERRE TRADE!
I am going to say right now, With an outfield of Soriano, Pie, and Fukudome we will lead the MAJORS in outfield assist. How many runs scored on Jaque Jones noodle arm, and old man Floyds inability to get to the ball and get it in last year, our outfield defense is going to win us a few more games this year just in itself.
Roberts = OBP. OBP = more runs. More runs = more wins for Cubbies. How doesn't that make them better? Oh wait...-_-;
Remember the Pierre trade? ... I've yet to see anything great from any of the three pitchers we gave up in that deal. Mitre and Nolasco can't seem to stay healthy and Pinto has been nothing more than a decent middle reliever.
A Roberts deal would be huge upgrade at second base and at the lead-off spot. Adding DeRosa to the bench (which somehow seems to lost in all of this) would be a HUGE upgrade to the bench.
First off - I'll state my believe that Roberts is a HUGE upgrade for this team from a few angles...
Defense - DeRosa is adequate - but hasn't won any gold gloves... Roberts has.
Lead off - On days when the wind is blowing in at Wrigley... on days early in the season where the temperature dips... on days LATE in the season where the temperature dips - the power numbers drop across the board and you need to manufacture the runs. Roberts played at the head of a DISMAL Baltimore offense last year, was one of 5 guys in the majors with 50 swipes, and managed to score 100 runs... again at the head of a HORRID offense.
Bench - DeRo is an adequate second baseman and if the trade doesn't go through I'm fine with him being out there every day at second... but he's one of the best utility guys in the majors. Play him in a role where he excels rather than where he's just average.
Heart of the lineup - Yes - I've seen the career number for Fonzie as a leadoff hitter vs. lower int he order... but his wheels are already starting to squeek and if you forsee him during the next six years he's under contract as a premier leadoff guy you're fooling yourself. The only guys I can remember in my experience watching baseball (I'm 37) that remained viable leadoff hitters their entire career were Rickey Henderson and Kenny Lofton. That's because it's just how the human body is built that as we age, we get slower, but we can maintain strength - even get stronger. Soriano's future as a Cub for the remainder of his contract is in the meat of the order... why not just start that era now?
As for the trade...
First off - the reports don't seem to be including Pie as a regular addition. He gets mentioned somewhere, and then four reporters comes right back out and say he's not... and while he's talented, he doesn't make sense in the current O's mix.
For the sake of argument though - let's say he is included.
I agree Crisp is a much less attractive option... but he's every bit the fielder. Sam Fuld also was ranked in Vine Line by coaches, scouts, etc. as the best defensive outfielder in the system and also the most accurate arm. Remember that catch last year? Wow. Add to that that he was also rated as best plate discipline and best baseball IQ... he wouldn't be a bad choice either. AND with Fonzie and Kosuke at the corners for years... what about Colvin? He's rated in just about every publication as the top Cubs prospect. Even if Pie got his shot this year... Colvin's ready next year and would either be blocked or would force a trade of him or Pie anyway.
If we don't get Roberts.... we're OK with DeRo
But we're BETTER as a team overall with Roberts.
You talk about the upgrade at second over DeRo as one of the deciding factors... and personally I think it's a huge difference.
But what about the downgrade if we trade Pie? If it's just this season, Crisp is a push ona one year evaluation, and Fuld is a slight downgrade at the plate but not in the field. My view on Pie in this lineup is that as long as he provides defense, anything else is gravy... same goes for Crisp or Fuld.
And what about the future if we trade Pie? The future is Colvin.
However - considering the glacial pace that MacPhail seem to be conducting business this offseason... I'm just taking the attitude that if it happens it happens - I'll be happy either way and I'm excited for when the games count in two weeks :-)
Gary J,
Great analysis. I could not agree with you more!
Again, let's do it this year, picking up Roberts improves the 2nd basr position immensely, improves are bench, and if Pie is part of the deal whether we get Crisp or not it not a major downgrade in that position for this season when you look at our options.
GO CUBS
I also dont want to give up Pie but I also want Brian Roberts. They obviously want Major league ready prospects. this is not a salary dump like it would be mid season. We will need to give up something to get something. As far as the lineup goes Roberts is a major upgrade. Everybody is thinking of this the wrong way. Getting roberts gives us another 30-40 stolen bases. Moves Soriano back in the lineup were he can have about 30-40 more RBI's(as far as him being less productive lower in the lineup, in 3-4 more years,if not sooner, he wont have the speed to be in the leadoff hitter and will need to learn to be a RBI guy in the 3-4-5 spot to be a productive member of the team, so he might as well start to learn now), strengthens our bench, free's up derosa to give a break for almost everybody on the team except for catcher. Which will keep our team more productive. Its a rippling effect. Theres alot more to it then just averages and homeruns.
Besides the Cubs have two top prospects in Pie and Colvin at the same position. They can afford to get rid of one. Yes, one could move to one of the other outfield positions, but we got Soriano for what 5-6 years more and Fuko for 4 years.
Pie will keep us from giving away the farm. It will no longer have to be a 7 player trade hopefully.
As far a Crisp, I couldn't care less if we get him or not. But I wouldn't give up much. Maybe a Marquis-Crisp straight up. But thats it. Even though we will need a CF if we trade Pie unless we get Payton in the trade.
Okay, I'll put some $ on this......you guys are saying if we get Roberts then we'll go to the World Series? I am very optomistic, and OBP = runs? Who'll drive him in? We've had problems scoring runs (ie. last year sweeep versus the Diamondbacks), remmeber? Roberts = world sries? How much $ you got? Every year people talk out their asses. You know....I hope I'm wrong. haha
Dont worry guys, I am coming to the Cubs. It is just a matter of time. Hang tight. As far as trading me for prospects, c'mon please dont offend me. I am proven MLB player, an ALL STAR and I am one of the best tablesetters in the game. Prospects unfortunately are just that, unproven talent. Strike while the iron is hot Hendry, there is a fire sale going on here in Baltimore and I am surrounded by kids. I'll miss the crab cakes but this rebuilding crap is for the birds.
Regards,
Brian Roberts
Brian,
Let be the first to welcome you to our team, but just not at the expense of Pie.
Gary, I like you am ready for the games to start to count and the season get under way.
Roberts would help us immensly but at the right price. No one on here is saying we couldn't use Roberts. I think he would help alot. But not at the price the O's want. We arn't paying for Roberts we are paying so much because the owner has a man crush on Roberts. There is no point to make that move now unless it is a fair trade. Baltimore will be way out of it at the end of May. Why not get him then, maybe for only two of the people we are talking about now, or maybe he will ask to be traded from a team that will lose 90 games. Everyone on here has made great points, except for those of you who say"I just want to win now and don't care what it takes". To those of you who say that well I ask,
If we do whatever it takes and sell the farm and then don't win. Then what???????????
Rotoworld.com is reporting that the Mets and Red Sox are working on a Crisp for Pagan deal. Can't we offer more than Pagan?
i am hoping and praying that the Crisp/Pagan deal goes down... I can't stand the thought of this gimp being acquired to make our championship run. Plus, I am hoping that this deal (if completed) would eliminate any more talk of Pie getting dealt. I would love Roberts but not if it meant that Fuld, Crisp, or Byrd was our starting CF.
Lets hope the Mets get him.
I'm not saying sell the farm but it is time to pull out the stops. I would agree, I wouldn't give up more than 2-3 players for him. Including Pie if necessary.
Without him I dont see much difference in our team from last year. Improved, YES but not much. Of course we did make the playoffs last year so its not like we needed a total overhaul. But, we did need to improve to make it all the way. and once again I make the point we have two prospects at one position whose priome will be at the same time.
I would prefer they take Colvin. Hell to be honest with you, I would rather have a upgrade at starting pitching then Roberts but I dont see that happening.
But we need an upgrade somewhere. I'll admit, if they are asking for 7 players including Pie, maybe it would be better to wait till trade deadline to pick up someone to help us. Like I said its not like we did that bad last year with basically the same team(only MAJOR improvement is Fuko over Jones)
Only point I'm making is that we have about a two to three year window with the core players we have right now. Before they start getting sold off. Its not going to do us any good to have Pie hitting his prime 3 year down the road. when by 2010, we wont have the same team. Between Ramirez, Fukodome, Lee, Soriano, Zambrano, we will have 2-3 of them guys still.
"Only point I'm making is that we have about a two to three year window with the core players we have right now. Before they start getting sold off. Its not going to do us any good to have Pie hitting his prime 3 year down the road. when by 2010, we wont have the same team. Between Ramirez, Fukodome, Lee, Soriano, Zambrano, we will have 2-3 of them guys still."
Absolutely my feelings exactly, we had better cash in now while we can and win before free agency and age catch up with the core of this team, now is the time!!!
Let's just trade everyone in our system for just about any warm veteran body. Let's end this damn WS streak right now!!! Who cares about next year? Who cares about a farm system when we have the core we need to win now? Let's gut it all and get a better 5th starter!!! If we get Roberts and a 5th starter for Pie, Gallagher, Colvin, Ceda, Samara;fsaaa, Fuld, Veal, et al, it will guarantee a WS!!!! We should have done this 200 years ago. More teams should be this intelligent.
Compared to last season, here's my take on the cub's lineup:
1. + Soriano - all indicators point to a better sophomore season (DLee syndrome).
2. Theriot - should get the same as last season.
3. Fukudome - should have (at least) JJ numbers: 0.285avg 5-15hr.
4. + DLee - one full season removed from injury; should be a positive
5. Aramis - should get the same as last season.
6. Derosa - should get the same as last season.
7. + Soto - should be better than the platoon we had last season.
8. Pie - should get the same as last season.
9. + Starting pitching - aren't starting the season w/ Wade Miller... plus, we have some real competition (and guys in the wing) to take the ball.
Overall, I see an improved ball-club. Vastly improved? That would take a "career year" (or two) by one of the stars on the team.
I continually keep in mind, however, that the Cubs looked better going into the 2004 season as well (compared to 2003)... to quote JH: baseball is a humbling game.
Sorry for venting.
But there isn't any player that guarantees a WS. The 3 playoff series system creates too many situations where luck is involved. We could replay last years playoffs and two totally different teams would probably be in the WS...even our beloved Cubs.
Roberts would certainly help our chances of returning to the playoffs, but there is a cost that is too high. And I believe that trading your #1 prospect for the last 3 years with his skills and minor league stats is a HUGE MISTAKE for many reasons. Who would ever give us a fair trade in the future? They would know that if we will cave in eventually and give them whatever they want.
Overpaying in a trade is a horrible thing whcih impacts the franchise for several years.
I would love Roberts, but now with the inclusion of Pie. So Scott, I am in agreement with you.
I'll give you another option I would go for. Forget the Roberts trade and sign a lofton caliber(if not him, dont know how much he has left) for insurance.
I like a very good lead-off hitter of a particular type. Spunky, speedy, agressive on the bases, basically a spark plug, a role player, get on base and score at all cost. And even though Soriano does have these quality and can do the job at lead off. I feel we are wasting his ability because he is more then a role player. Lets face it, he is the best player we got and if he moves back in the line up he is a MVP possibility of the league. Hands down. Put Sosa to shame. But not in the leadoff position.
Chad,
I agree not to overpay. But we do need to go for it now. These last two years are the first time that I feel that the Cubs have actually gone for it.
They alway hope that it happens. Other than last year, if we had a good season all those stars that line up that you are talking about did. But there was never really a emphasis on trying to make it happen. And your right, they could put a all-star team out there(like Detroit, man what a lineup) and a lot of things got to go right still. All you can do is give yourself the best chance possible. Which I think the Roberts trade, or something simular would. Hell look at the yankees, they get the top free agents every year and they dont win it every year but they are always in the running.
Plus, I dont think losing Pie or any of the other names mentioned in this trade will ruin the cubs for years to come. Pie could be good but I dont think he will be a Soriano or A-rod in his career.
Only prospect that we traded away that I ever was sad to see go was Willis. Can you imagine if we would of had him in 2003
David your smoking some bunk 5hit if you don't think giving up those young arms for a year of Pierre is gonna come back to sting. There YOUNG and talented, talk to me after this year.
I'm so sick of this Robert's thing let's just all agree to disagree.
On a lighter note I just heard Steven A. Smith interview Ryan Howard and when asked who to look out for in the National League Howard said the entire East, minus the Nats, Arizona and Colorado outta the West, and here's the kicker, to watch out for St. Louis! They're the only team out of the central to be wary of!
Lets boo the heck out of this dude all year!
But I do want to say, that the names being mentioned in a package deal is too much for Roberts
Roberts and Payton probably also a still too much.
but you include Pie and we dont have to give up as much. maybe Pie, Gallagher, and I dont know Veal maybe.
If just Roberts then I wouldn't trade Pie at all because then we will have a hole at center. If no other reason then Fuko, Soriano, and Pie will be the best outfield in baseball. They will save us at least 30 to 40 runs this year on reputation alone. How would you like to be a runner rounding third with the ball coming in from that outfield.
The improvement of this team is more than about the players that we got. But the pieces will fit better. I see Roberts as a missing piece(and another starter, which Dempster could fill possibly with a good season from Hill)
Pierre wasn't the problem that year, it was counting on Murton, Mitre to develop into everyday players and considering Burnitz as a star free agent(as I mentioned before, a second rate signing camoflouged as a star signing)and counting on Kerry and Mark.
I still consider the Pierre trade as a good trade whether it worked out or not.
alright guys...i am 100% sure the cubs wont trade pie for roberts unless they knew for sure they were gonna get crisp. And plus, im sure jh knows the fuld cant get it done and pie has a very bright future...SO DONT WORRY! im fine if the cubs give up some prospects for roberts just not ceda or colvin
also..cubs fans, we have been waiting a hundred years! why give up a chance on a player that can make us elite and lead us to the orld series!
I WANT TO WIN NOW! i dont want to gamble on players that wont be ready for the bigs untill a couple of years from now.
i rest my case
preston
This is a different era than just 5 years ago. Even the Yankees have learned their lesson and kept their young guys so that they can compete better. The idea is to get as many young guys (inexpensive) that you can and fill in with a FEW expensive FA's.
The Yankees could have had Santana for Hughes and Cabrera...JOHAN SANTANA for a young prospect and an average CF. And they said NOOOOOO. They are committed to keeping their top prospects and hope they are MLB quality players; they don't have to turn into stars, just be good enough to play, then spend big on a few pieces.
If we had traded Hill last season, we would never have been able to get Fukudome this season. If Pie can at least be an average hitter, then we can spend the extra money on another pitcher next season.
There is a reason the Red Sox would love to play the unproven Ellsbury rather than the proven Crisp. Yet, we may trade away Pie and pickup Crisp...which organization knows what they are doing?????
Chad, you have a point about keeping young prospects but don't tell me that the Yankees did not offer Hughes and Cabrera because they did. Basically the Twins did not wanted to trade Johan to the same league. The package they got from the Mets, clearly, was less impressive than those offered by the Red Sox and Yankees.
BTW what they didn't offered was Hughes/Kennedy together.
Cory,
I'll be happy to talk about the Pierre deal after this season. Here's the latest from Rotoworld.com on the "young" (he's 27 now) Sergio Mitre who boasts a career record of 10-23 with a 5.36 ERA.
"Sergio Mitre will be out until at least June 1 with a forearm strain."
This may be a little off-topic, but with all the playing time that Hoffpauir is getting this spring, does anyone else think that he is being showcased as a potential part of the deal to Baltimore for Roberts? I know his name hasn't come up in trade rumors yet, but no other player on the Cubs roster this spring has played in every game. I just don't see Lou playing Hoffpauir this much, unless he has something in mind for him.
That Yankee offer was in August and the Twins held out for more, then the Yankees changed their mind and took it off the table. The Twins wouldn't have traded with the AL Central, but they would have with Boston or NY. Boston & NY just didn't want to pay the freight once the shine of the Winter Meetings wore off...at least that was the reports I saw...
I do not believe for one moment that the Twins would have accepted the low-ball Mets offer over the Yankees Hughes/Cabrera or Hughes/Kennedy just because of leagues.
Jay, I was thinking the same thing. The Orioles have Millar and Huff at first, but both are not top notch 1st baseman, especially Millar, he is getting up there in age. Maybe a package of Gallagher, Hoffpauir, Cedeno, and Patterson could get the deal done.