The final installment of By the Numbers, the CCO's look at the 'Big Three', will resume later in the week in order to give time to the latest from the rumor mill....and of course the News from the Wire.
The Sporting News named Geovany Soto the National League Rookie of the Year on Tuesday. Soto put together a tremendous year behind the plate for the Chicago Cubs and figures to be named the BBWAA Rookie of the Year next month. Evan Langoria of the Tampa Bay Rays was named the American League Rookie of Year by the Sporting News.
According to several reports, the Cubs might play in the first game at the new Yankee Stadium next April. "The Cubs and Yankees are talking about playing an exhibition game or games the weekend before most teams open the regular season on April 6th." The official opener at the 'House that Jeter Built' is on April 16th against the Indians.
Gordon Wittenmyer of the Sun-Times joined Dave Kaplan on Tuesday night and discussed everything Cubs with Mr. Sports Central himself....and included a bunch of little tidbits on a variety of topics from Alfonso Soriano to Chone Figgins to Jeremy Hermida.
Alfonso Soriano
Dave Kaplan reported during his show on Tuesday night that he heard the Cubs have made calls around the league to see if there is any interest in trading for Alfonso Soriano. Kaplan and Wittenmyer talked about the fact that it would be almost impossible to move Soriano and his contract (6 years and $106 million remaining on the 8-year, $136 million dollar contract signed before the 2007 season). The Cubs would have to match up with other "bad contracts" and the two laughingly discussed an earlier caller suggesting a match with the Dodgers that would include Andruw Jones and Juan Pierre.
It was very interesting, to say the least, to learn the Cubs have made calls to other teams about Soriano.
Derrek Lee
Wittenmyer brought up the fact that Derrek Lee might have the easiest of the big contracts that could be moved this winter. Lee is owed 2-years and $26 million ($13 million per year) and if the Cubs could shed his contract it would free up a money to sign a free-agent and would give Micah Hoffpauir a chance to show he is ready to be a Major League first baseman in the spring.
The two discussed if Lee was moved it would create a little flexibility to sign or trade for an outfielder/first baseman or if the Cubs land a middle infielder, Mark DeRosa could even play first base for Lou Piniella next season.
The two agreed the Cubs would not pursue Mark Teixeira this winter.
Rafael Furcal
When asked about the possibility of the Cubs signing Rafael Furcal this winter, Wittenmyer stated how much he liked the idea but brought up the fact that Furcal has stated he would like to remain in Los Angeles and the Dodgers would like him to stay as well.
The addition of Furcal would move Ryan Theriot to second base and the two discussed the possibility of a Ryan Theriot-Mike Fontenot platoon. Wittenmyer said the Cubs would have to trade away a few of the bigger contracts to make room for Furcal.
Middle Infielders
The names floated a few weeks back by Bruce Levine made their way to the WGN airwaves on Tuesday night. Brian Roberts and Orlando Hudson were mentioned briefly and when Kaplan asked Wittenmyer who he thought would be at second base next spring for the Cubs, after a pause, Wittenmyer came back with Orlando Hudson. He stated Hudson was a 'wild guess' and is not really what the Cubs want and would be option number three or four.
Jeremy Hermida
Ken Rosenthal reported on Sunday that "four teams have inquired about Jeremy Hermida" and according to Kaplan, one of those teams is the Chicago Cubs. Hermida had a decent year for the Marlins and hit right handed pitching much better that southpaws.
- Against RHP - .252/.322/.407/.729 with 12 home runs and 21 doubles
- Against LHP - .240/.324/.405/.728 with 5 home runs and a double
His home-road splits were pretty dramatic:
- At Dolphin Stadium - .203/.273/.312/.584 with 4 home runs and 9 doubles
- On the Road - .288/.364/.487/.851 with 13 home runs and 13 doubles
In 7 career games at Wrigley:
- 9-for-27 with 2 doubles and 4 home runs (.333/.357/.852/1.209)
Hermida strikes out a lot, 138 times in 502 at bats (142 games) but could make a good platoon partner and according to Kaplan might only cost a couple of prospects.
Hermida's stat page from Yahoo Sports
Ryan Dempster
Both Kaplan and Wittenmyer think Dempster will be back, especially after the comments made by Jim Hendry on Monday and the tone he used when discussing Dempster on a conference call.
"Ryan knows we want him to stay here, and he's never expressed a desire that he wants to leave. Certainly, the year he had and type of clubhouse presence he is and total team guy, we certainly have every intention of trying to keep Ryan."
Kerry Wood
Wittenmyer and Kaplan were taken back by Hendry's comments on Monday concerning Kerry Wood and both feel Wood could not return. Wood would be easier to replace than Dempster according to Wittenmyer....and Kaplan brought up a good point, who will replace Carlos Marmol's innings if Wood does not return and Marmol is the Cubs closer next season? Wittenmyer brought up the point that the commitment to Wood might be too much for the Cubs right now both in length and in the amount of the contract. Plus the Cubs could use the money to obtain a player that could not only help them get to the post-season but to win in October as well.
Hendry's statement concerning Wood's future with the Cubs on Monday led both to their conclusions, as well as the tone used by Hendry during his conference call on Monday.
"We're going to get our plan together, and we'll try to move forward with what we think is best for the organization. Kerry has done a terrific job in the closing role. But at the same time, there's a lot of conversations that have to happen with his representatives and him as to what his desires are and what type of contract he's looking for."
Chone Figgins and Raul Ibanez
Chone Figgins name was brought up and Wittenmyer reminded Kaplan how much Lou Piniella likes Figgins. He is entering his sixth big league season and will be a free agent following 2009.
Raul Ibanez could be an option in right field and would add a left-handed bat to the lineup....plus Piniella likes Ibanez according to Wittenmyer.
Wittenmyer stated during his talk with Kaplan that the Cubs are not looking at the future, they are looking short-term and are focused on 2009....not only because of the failures of the past two Octobers but because of the impending sale of the team.
Finally.... A big tip of the cap to Joe S. from San Diego and Jim K.
Jim found an error in an article from a member of the mainstream media about Jake Peavy(see even the ones that get paid make a mistake now and then), pointed it out to Joe and he emailed the writer. Joe forwarded the response to the CCO....
Dear Joe: Thanks for your message. We caught that error too late to fix it in the paper. I'm hoping it has been fixed in the online version. Thanks for the reminder. Best wishes. Tim Sullivan
Keep up the good work guys.
Well, that's the latest from the mill and the wire....and I'm sticking to it!
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Hermida is going to be Quentin P.II for whover gets him.
Hudson is interesting, as is Figgins.
It would be sad to see Woody leave and I have no clue who would take Marmol's spot. Ceda?
Hopefully we get another big time pitcher. I'm willing to give up Vitters in a deal for Peavy.
Peavy/Zambran/Harden/Dempster/Lilly would trump any of the 90's Braves rotatations, and I'd take my chances with that rotation over any in history!
A peice of me will die if Woody leaves.
They may as well throw Ronny out of the radio booth and fire Ryno if that were the case.
Poo on Hendry if he doesnt lock up Kerry.
Its not like he wasnt productive..
Thanks for the recognition Neil, Jim K deserves the Kudos for making the catch.....As far as sending emails goes...I was hoping to get a reply from Crane Kenney of the Tribune....I guessed at his email address based on the format of other Tribune staffers. The email didn't bounce back to me so it appears to be legit. I basically asked him what he was thinking sending the Priest in the dugout before the game after Lou spent all season talking about how he didn't believe in our "jinx". No response yet.....
In regards to the rest of this....I don't like any of the names being tossed around. I can possibly see why they'd shop Soriano...but man I would like to see if we can keep him healthy for one year and see what he can do. I'd like to see him agree to a line-up shuffle out of the lead-off spot.
Would be GREAT if we can get Peavy...somehow....someway.....
Despite how popular Woody is.....I don't like him as a closer...and I like seeing Hendry's comments that indicate he may not be back. He is not that solid. If he can pull a Smoltz and go back in the rotation, I'd love to see that. I'm worried about Marmol being handed the closer role...I'd rather see the Cubs get a proven closer.
I'd love to just stick Hoffpauir in the OF all spring training and let him battle. Fukudome can battle Pie and Hoffpauir for an OF spot, either CF or RF. That gives us a potential LH leadoff hitter in Fukudome or Pie....and a LH Power Hitter in Hoffpauir.
Pie/Fukudome CF
Soriano LF
Hoffpauir RF
Ramirez 3B
Lee 1B
Soto C
DeRosa/Fontenot 2B
Theriot SS
Not bad.....and doesnt require any outside trades....
Matt,
I was thinking the same thing about Hermida. He's still young and showed 5 tool skills in the minors. He could turn into a .290, 25 HR, 20 Steal guy.
Soriano as a 2hitter makes less sense than at lead-off. With what we have now I would like to see...
Theriot
DeRosa
Aram
Soriano
Lee
Soto
Edmonds/Johnson
Fukudome
My guess is that 2 or 3 of those guys will either be gone or replaced. I don't really know who's on my wish list, but I know who's on my keep list. Theriot, Lee, DeRosa, Hoff(to take Ward's spot), and Woody. Lee isn't a 3 hitter, but he's a hell of a 1B and could be one heck of a 5 hitter.
Real quick, I was too pissed off to talk about this during the playoffs, but I'm kind of over it now. When I watch guys like Fukudome and Lee hit over the course of an entire season I see patterns on how they're pitched. I know it's like that for every hitter. I pitched in college, we had scouting reports for guys, so yea, sure, makes sense. But seriously...Fukudome and Lee both had such predictable at-bats...where was Gerald Perry to say hey, lets look at some film, see what they're doing to you....EVERY TIME!! Seriously, I would get sooo pissed off. It wasn't a coincidence that Lee hit into so many DPs and so many weak grounders either up the middle or to 2nd. Simply start off hard inside off the plate, away away away away with soft. Fukudome was get ahead early with backdoor breaking balls then hard in, then away away away...it was unreal. I felt like I could have got those guys out. It was ridiculous. But yea, they need to learn to make adjustments either that or Gerald Perry needs to find a new line of work.
why hasnt anybody considered putting harden in the bullpen in 09 -- then look at another SP ? am i the only one to think of this ? think of the dominating pen that could be! starting 5 of Z demp lilly marquis & marshall / hill then harden - marmol - wood . sure would shorten up the game.
I'm assuming he's one of those guys that if he throws 90 or 9 pitches his arm feels the same the next day. He needs time between appearances. Even if he only goes 5 innings every start, it is generally a solid 5.
The team needs a hitter (more than singles)/tough at bat in the middle of the order...ideally plays RF and Fukudome/Johnson/Pie in center. Hermedia is a good idea. Upgrade over Wood so the game is virtually over with a lead in the 7th. (Harden is one creative idea!) Stronger at SS (Cabrera,Green,Wilson?) so Theriot can be moved to 2nd. (Roberts only a possibility if the Cubs part with their best prospects) If you trade Lee he must be replaced with adequate defense and power/tough out at first...DeRosa lacks the power you must get out of the first base position I think you lose less if you move Ramireez and put DeRo at 3rd. Soriano cannot be moved unless Hendry can pull off another Todd Hundley miracle trade and he can help the club make it to the post season by helping win games against bad pitching staffs. The Phillies made it in over the Cubs because they are a great offense and have a true ace and a great bullpen. The Cubs success of 08 was based on good depth but they were not built for the post season
What about Wood and Harden trading spots. Guys with a great changeup and fastball always do well in the closer role.
JH has some interesting decisions to make. It seems like no matter what hole there is to fill, it creates another one: trade D-Lee, who plays 1st? if we don't re-sign Woody, who closes? (if it's Marmol, who becomes the 8th inning guy?), trade Ramirez, who plays 3rd? (JH....don't trade Ramirez!) And what team would possibly want Soriano's or Fukudome's contract? Sorry JH...I'm not envious of your situation.
If nothing else, get us a leadoff man. If you go through the list of recent World Series champs, it seems like they all had a leadoff guy:
2007: Jacoby Ellsbury (Red Sox)
2006: David Eckstein (Cardinals)
2005: Scott Podsednik (White Sox)
2004: Johnny Damon (Red Sox)
2003: Juan Pierre (Marlins)
2002: David Eckstein-again! (Angels)
JH...go get us somebody who can get on base. And move Soriano down in the lineup (preferably sopmewhere in the 4-6 slots). Kenny Lofton is the guy who turned our team around in 2003 and we nearly went all the way. It makes the offense so much more effective.
Possible lineup:
1) Furcal/Roberts (whoever we can get)
2) Theriot
3) Ramirez
4) Soriano
5) Ibanez (Or other LH power hitter)
6) D. Lee
7) Soto
8) Derosa/Fukudome
To all the Big 3 references...
I believe that it would be best to bat Lee second, A Ram third, and Soriano fourth. This way, Soriano either has guys on and has protection behind him with Soto, or leads off the second inning. Also, I think Lee and Ramirez would both be better served one slot higher up in the line up.
However, I think this would only work with a newly acquired, true leadoff man such as Brian Roberts. You need someone that can steal bases in front of Lee. If the first guy gets to second, there's three great RBI guys to get him in.
As for the field, if they do acquire a second basemen-leadoff man like Roberts, I say that you shift Derosa out to right so that he can play often. Between playing in right and giving guys days off, Derosa could get the ABs that he deserves. Also, with moving Derosa out to right and signing a speedy second basemen, there is now competition in center between Pie and Fukodome. This way we only have one hole in the lineup/field and have two guys already on the team fighting for it.
I think this plan, along with resigning Dempster and maybe Wood, would be the easiest and most efficient way to drastically improve the team.
How about this for some fire on the hot stove:
Trade Lee and Soriano to the Yankees for Rodriguez and Cano. Money should be close to even and Yankees get a 1st baseman they have been looking for in recent years and they also get a big name (Soriano) back in return. Also pick up Ibanez and Hermida. Makes our lineup look like this:
Cano (2B)
DeRosa/Hermida (LF/RF)
Rodriguez (SS) (Yes, move him back to SS)
Hoffpauir (1B)
Ramirez (3B)
Ibanez/DeRosa/Reed Johnson (LF/RF)
Soto (C)
Fukudome (CF) (think his 2nd year will be much better and if not, Reed Johnson or Felix Pie as full time CF)
And when trading with Yankees, try to get Marte (RP) into the deal, maybe for a starting pitcher (Marquis?).
Theriot would be our super sub and DeRosa could also take some time in the infield.
Ah, winter time, when dreams are dreams. LOL
"Die Hard Cub Fans", your days of agony are over!!! Behold...the DHCF Patch (like the nicotine patches for people who try to quit smoking) It would be about two inches square with a Cubs logo in the middle with the letters DHCF printed above it. Whenever the Cubs make it to the post season play-offs, simply apply the patch where it can be seen by others. Whether you're at Wrigley Field or at home clutching your box of kleenex, relief is just a smack away. Now, the next time the Cubs' gold glove infielders fail to execute a routine play and it leads to 4 unearned runs for the other team, simply smack the patch. Quicker than you can say, "Wait 'til next year", a small amount of morphine will be released to kill the pain and agony. In a few moments, you'll think they executed one of the few triple plays in play-off history!!! And when they fail miserably to drive in runs in scoring position, smack the patch. You'll think Fukudome cleared the bases with a grand slam!!! Each patch is guaranteed for 9 innings. What about extra innings, you ask? Simply apply another smaller patch. When the Cubs' closer serves up a game winning gopher ball to someone who only hit 2 homers all season or, better yet, walks in the winning run to end the series...slap the patch. Quicker than you can say, "It's Gonna Happen", you'll think Kerry Wood struck out the side!!! Be careful celebrating around the sorry bastards who aren't wearing the patch...they might toss you over the railing of the upper deck or even worse...they might follow you to the "L" and throw you onto the third rail. After all, some folks would rather remain drug free "Die Hards". Act now...this is a limited time offer. Stop being disullusioned and start being deluded. Not sold in any stores. These patches will not be sold to anyone under 50...they haven't suffered enough. Offer good while supply lasts. Go Cubs!!! I still believe in miracles!!! This patch works wonders!
How about a cheap, free agent, left handed lead-off hitter that may have some age but can platoon with Reed Johnson. Dare I say the name..... Kenny Lofton. He's a great clubhouse/dugout guy that seems to give his teammates the confidence I think this team lacks in the post season.
I liked the Hermida idea thrown out there. Trading for him or Brian Roberts would round this line-up into form.
Line-up with Hermida:
CF Lofton/Johnson
SS Theriot
3B Ramirez
RF Hermida
LF Soriano
1B Lee
C Soto
2B DeRosa
With Roberts:
2B Roberts
CF Lofton/Johnson
3B Ramirez
LF Soriano
1B Lee
RF DeRosa
C Soto
SS Theriot
Further thoughts:
-As much as I like Kerry Wood, unless he agrees to take the same salary, I say it may be his time to go (wouldn't the Cubs get some compensation in the form of 1st rd. picks too?). Move Marmol to closer. This leaves big holes in the bullpen considering Howry is also gone. Samardzija can move into one of the roles, but still need one more reliable reliever.
-I think if the Cubs want to trade some salary, they could try to deal Marquis. If San Diego wants to deal Peavy away, they will need some kind of starting pitching (note: I am not proposing trading Marquis for Peavy. When Peavy is traded to another team like the Braves, Cubs could trade Marquis to the Padres. Maybe for Giles or serviceable bullpen help...)
That’s it for now….I’m sure I’ll have some more weird ideas soon
Here's my personal pipe dream (assuming we could get them to agree to it). Swing a deal with the Mets. They've said they're looking to shake up their roster. And with them moving to a new stadium this year, they'll have payroll room to play with. Here's my deal.
To the Mets:
Soriano, Marquis, K. Hill, Cedeno, Pie, and pitching prospect
Gives the Mets Soriano for star power and they can play him back at 2nd. Also gives them more stability in their rotation. Cedeno can be a sub (because I see them signing Furcal also) and Hill gives them a solid catching prospect which they very much need.
To the Cubs:
Beltran and J. Reyes
I know that seems drastic. But it would shake up their system and let them start new. (They can build around Wright) Cubs get the SBs and HRs they were hoping for when they signed Soriano. Plus, both are switch hitters and have some power (especially in the friendly confines)
Then the cubs bring back Woody, Dempster, Blanco, and another SP and the lineup looks like this:
1- Reyes SS (switch)
2- Theriot 2B (RH)
3- ARam 3B (RH)
4- Beltran CF (switch)
5- Lee 1B (RH)
6- DeRosa LF (RH)
7- Soto C (RH)
8- Fukudome RF (LH)
9- Pitcher
And our rotation:
Big Z/Harden/Dempster/Lilly/FA pitcher
Not a bad lineup if you ask me. Plus, in that trade, the salaries add up nicely to be an even swap
paul k,
From what I know are the CONDITIONS about Wood turning into a draft pick for us:
1. Wood being either a Type A or Type B free agent according to the Elias Bureau Report coming up after World Series.
2. Wood needs to file free agency (FA, which he should do as a good member of the Players Association), within 15 days after the World Series ended, instead of staying with the club for negotiations.
3. If Wood claims FA, GM Hendry needs to offer him arbitration (contract talk).
4. Wood needs to refuse arbitration.
5. Some other team must sign Wood before December 1st.
So if nobody signs Wood, we don't get a draft pick. And apparently, Wood needs to show the club that he'll leave us as soon as possible.
Also noteworthy: The Elias Report takes into account of the player's performance the last two seasons. In Wood's case, it would be a combination of 2007 and 2008. Some blog projection puts him as a type A. But he's more like a borderline type A due to him missing part of the 2007 season.
If he becomes a type B, the Cubs should be compensated a sandwich draft, around the end of Round 1 (draft day), the priority depending on the club who signs him...
I feel so burned by the Cubs pushing the likes of Maddux (yes, Himes and the Trib did by pulling back the offer), Dawson, and Grace out the door. Besides Sandberg, those are by far my favorite Cubs. Now, if Hendry lets Wood walk, I don't know about any of you, but depending on where he signs, I might become a fan of that team (I could never root for the Cards though). I would be devastated, especially since power relief pitchers were at a premium last off-season, and Wood said to Hendry, "write a check for whatever you deem fair and I'll sign".
Talk about a team player. Dempster? Same thing. Both guys had success as a starter, but went to the pen because it was best for the team, and even more so, their arms. Dempster struggled, took heat, then returned to the rotation and had a PHENOMENAL year as a starter. If Wood spends one more season in the pen, building up arm strength, I see no reason why he couldn't be as successful. He has WAY more talent than Dempster has ever had.
anyway...I'd just be devastated, and I love the Cubs and would probably always have a soft spot for them, but until Hendry got fired/left, I don't think I could root for them as much if he lets Wood go.
Chris,
I absolutely love that trade, but Hill is NOT a prospect. There's a reason why he is the proverbial "signed to a minor league contract and invited to spring training" sort of player year after year. He was once a top prospect...that's true, but he is no more.
So, basically your package would be Soriano, Marquis, Cedeno, and Pie. You have to break the deal apart like this:
-Soriano is essentially swapped straight up for Beltran
-Marquis, Cedeno, and Pie are swapped for Reyes....
*I'm not quite sure the second part would fly with them, but like you said, including a pitching prospect might get it done. I actually think our deal would have to include (besides Soriano), 3 outfielders(Pie, Colvin, Hoffpauir), at least one middle infielder, perhaps two (Cedeno and Nate Spears), and perhaps as many as three pitchers (Marquis, Marshall, and Veal).
See, almost all of those guys are major league ready. In the case of Marshall, Veal, Spears, Pie, and Hoffpauir, they're high-ceiling sort of guys that when given full-time jobs, they'll probably excel. But they're blocked right now with us. If the Mets were to break up their team like that, they'd have to have a draw (Soriano), in order to keep their fans interested, and a bunch of those high-ceiling guys (some with MLB experience) to step right in and win some games for them. They're moving into a new stadium, so you can't just give them crap for two All-Stars like Beltran and Reyes, and that's essentially why you'd have to do a 8 for 2 swap, and perhaps you might even be able to get a low-level prospect or two from their system as well.
Our deal would have to be loaded though with OF prospects, and I just don't think we have enough. The Mets OF was extremely makeshift and banged up the whole year....and old...so obviously that's what they'd probably want, but like I said, moving into the new park, they need a "draw" like Soriano to keep fans coming in.
I'd do that trade in a heartbeat, because like our deal for Harden, we gave up spare parts, and that's all those guys are to us right now.
Talk of Beltran and Reyes is real dream stuff. There is likely no reason for the Mets to consider Beltran for Soriano because Beltran is the better player; and, while a trade of mostly futures for Soriano might have some appeal, the Mets would gain nothing by losing Beltran in an OF deal. (At least, that's what it says here.) Also, with Alou, Pedro and others going off the payroll, the Mets don't have budget issues.
It would certainly be wonderful to have Reyes for SS-given his .300 average, 17 HR's, 50 + SB's and capable defense. But you don't get a young all star type guy for Hill, Cedeno and Pie. You would have to add Soto to that deal to have a chance. In fact, it's not certain that Soriano, Soto and Marmol would get us Beltran and Reyes--and I would not do that deal.
Aaron, I agree that Woody has long been one of the favorites. I don't know that I personally feel he's as "iconic" as the names you mentioned, Maddux, Grace, Dawson and of course Ryno.
As much as I love Woody....I'd vote to have a solid closer. Look at the numbers. His ERA was over 3. (Actually 3.26; Though he did strike out 84. good Look at other closers numbers:
Brian Fuentes, Colorado 30/34 SVO; 2.73 ERA 82K's
Brad Lidge, Phillies 41/41; 1.95; 92
Joe Nathan, Twins 39/45; 1.33; 74
Jonathan Papelbon 41/46; 2.34; 77
Mariano Rivera 39/40; 1.40; 77
K-Rod 62/69; 2.24; 77
Joakim Soria 42/45; 1.60; 66
and then there's Kerry Wood 34/40; 3.26; 84
The strikeouts are great, but for a closer the ERA is a concern. Look at all the other closers. Kerry does have a good strikeout pitch....but think back to how many games he came in that he walked the first guy or hit the first guy with a pitch.
If Kerry could go to the rotation now, I'd love to see that. But as much as I want him on the team, we need a "lights out" closer...and that is just not Kerry.
Here's the deal I'd put on the table for him:
3 years: $28 million with escalators as followed:
-first year of deal-$8 million flat; $500k for 40 saves, $100k for each additional save; $1 million for being top closer in NL
-second year- $9 million flat; $500k for 20 starts; $500k for 25 starts; $500k for 30 starts; $1 million for finishing in top 5 of Cy Young; $500k for finishing in top 5 of ERA
-third year- $11 million flat; same escalators as previous year
For Kerry, you couldn't ask for a better deal than that. Most teams probably wouldn't even give him a guaranteed deal like that. He might be lucky to get a one year with option for $15 million total.
For the Cubs, it's good, because the average cost of a good closer will be around $10 million per. He's only been closer for one year, so he doesn't have much of a track record in the role, so this deal totally makes sense. Dempster had similar arm trouble with the Marlins and Reds, and it took him two full years in the pen to get his arm strength back to move back into the rotation. Looking ahead, we'll have Marquis off the books, and we'll have to figure out what to do with Harden. Right now, if we sign Dempster, we'll have:
Zambrano
Dempster
Harden
Lilly
Marquis
...the following year
Zambrano
Harden?
Dempster
Lilly
?(this is where Wood should be, and it'd be a feel good story, much like Dempster)
To top it all off, we don't even have power arms in our system. Ceda? Okay....Name another? Exactly, so we must keep all the power arms we can. Ceda is a likely candidate to join our pen in lieu of Howry's departure.
We need Wood, and I know Marmol could use one more year as set-up before he's closer.
I don't see why we couldn't make this work. Hendry seems cautious about dollars. Okay, here's how you make it work:
-Lee and his $13 million get moved for Hoffpauir
-Soriano and his $18 or whatever million are moved for Beltran...wash, but we also get rid of Marquis in the same deal and save $9 million
-Ward and his $2 million or whatever are gone
-Howry and his $4 million are gone
-Eyre is off our books (I think $4 million as well)
-Wuertz and his $ 2 million will probably be gone
-Blanco and his $3 or 4 million should go
That's $37 million that should come off our books.
Dempster will cost about $12 million per
Wood would average $9 million per
That leaves us with nearly $20 million to spend on our other holes without even raising our payroll. That's where you could possibly net a Teixeira, or Sabathia, or Burnett, etc.
I doubt any big name is moving....BUT, that being said if anything happens....no way more than one of them go anywhere. They're just not gonna change the make up of the team that dramatically.
I saw the Brewers may be interviewing Brenly. I don't really like that at all. Say what you want about him as a color man (although I like him there too), but he has a sharp baseball mind and many times I saw him call pitches, plays, and strategy from the box before they happened. He's had a great chance to observe the Cubs for a while now, I'd hate that insight to be used against us in Milwaukee.
That could be the exact strategy the Brewers are using....they are both pretty even matched clubs....why not go inside with for someone who has watched game after game from the booth.....