This is the lineup I'm hoping to see this spring

SS Theriot

2B Fontenot

3B Ramirez

RF Bradley

LF Soriano

1B Lee

C Soto

CF Fukudome/R. Johnson

bench:

Hoffpaur

Miles

Gaithright

Bako

Fukudome/R. Johnson

and if we carried only 11 pitchers right handed pop of the bench maybe Jake Fox

Starting pitchers:

Zambrano

Dempster

Harden

Lilly

Marshall/Shark/Heilman

bullpen:

Marmol

Gregg

Cotts

Gaudin

2 of Marshell/Shark/Heilman

and if we carry 12 Wertz or Vizcaino

Love the passion of the faithfull. Some moves that JH are curious but I think you have to look at the whole picture. We had to get better in cerain areas, ie balance to the lineup. We have added depth in almost every area, this will help offset some of the worries about injury prone players we have. Soriano, Bradley even ARam all likely to be hurt at sometime but I feel we have the depth to overcome and if we get healthy for the playoffs we will be there and do better this year. Losing Wood would be my biggest gripe. Although I think that Marmol and Gregg and the others will be decent but w/ Wood we were lights out and we would still have Ceda in minors and would still be under our budget. You can hate on Bako because given that Geo is 2nd year would it have been a smart GM move to back him up with a C w/ less experience? One other thing I notice is that it seems the pitching is setup up either w/ a battle for the 5 spot or a hopeful trade for Peavy. Not holding my breath on that but it is still possible

Is it just me or does giving away r. hill for some low-level prospect pretty much the same as just letting him pitch in spring training. Lets just say with some luck he comes back to form and pitches great again, which would be a asking for alot i know, but i think that chance is worth more than some low-level prospect.

It appears that just about everyone here feels strongly about free speech--which includes the opportunity to be more or less thoughtful. It also appears that, like our country in its political divisiveness that largely reflects narrow mindedness and falling into gang mentalities of them and us, this site can be that way at times.

At some risk of being likely to irritate a few, my take is that Gary J's long piece recently on explaining, justifying and/or criticising the post season moves of JH and the Cubs grades out A+ for a comprehensive, very well reasoned and persuasively argued commentary. He needed no course language or exaggerated verbage that might have been seen (had he used it) as an effort to call attention to himself by chastising someone else. And Gary is also more than capable of courtesy and kindness as he evidences (above) today.

We don't have to agree with Gary, but I'm suggesting that, if anyone ever thinks about getting better at thoughtful and more effective communication, he should study Gary's recent report on the off season. If you are young (or older) and career minded, communicating in a well-reasoned way can be an important difference in your success.

Wow - thanks Jim

Aaron,

Not that I care but I believe you are referencing my comments the other day w/regard to JH bashing. I can remember addressing you in particularly about this perhaps a month ago. Just to be accurate I need to reiterate that I am never for the elimination of comments based solely on me or anyone else disagreeing. This is America, land of the free and home of the brave but I do get frustrated when I see comments from intelligent contributors who use adjectives such as "dumbass" and "stupid" and "Hendry can blow out his fatass."

What I am hoping for is our site to be void of profanity and name calling because it reminds me that we are mostly 30 and 40 something year olds speaking like we're in our teens and twenties again. You know what I mean? NEEDING to be heard as if JH is in any way affected by our critique of him. You know what I'm saying? I just think that namecalling is juveneille and takes away from all of the really good points that you make from time to time. LOL

To be honest, most of your remarks have merit but you begin to lose your temper and revert to name calling. You are smarter and better than that from what I read and I want to continue taking in your thoughts. As of now I sometimes have to take a breath before I read your take on our team and the GM.

So, having said that I want to just add that I am no better informed, smarter or experienced in baseball than anyone here. I just prefer to banter and debate rather than "call ppl names." Does that make any sense? I hope it does and I look forwaed to reading your take on my comments.

Now let me also say that from what I read, and I do read sports blogs daily, especially regarding our CUBS, most baseball "experts" like most of what JH is doing. I have to take that as having more merit than what I think as a "fan." I am hopeful that Bradley will be "that free agent signing" that baseball tonight hails at the All Star break.

As for Kerry, who doen't love him and hoped he would be a CUB this year. If you ask me it was sort of like when a parent has to watch their first born drive away to college. It is for their (Son or Daughter's") own good. Likewise, we were not going to pay Kerry the kind of money the open market did. (The "Tribe") They were willing to take a financial risk on a guy they knew had the stuff "IF" and I mean a "HUGE IF" he could remain healthy.

Kerry was never going to stay in Chicago for a one year dicount of $6 Million when he knew an offer was already on the table to make $10 million. That was just economics and risk. I preferred that Kerry got the payday he deserves and I am happy and Pray that he in fact stays healthy and does great for the Tribe. THAT is what being a fan is really about.

DeRo was never going to get a contract from us next year so you get what you can after his two years with us as a "role player" and move on. He will be missed no doubt but business is business.

Cedeno was a bust. He got plenty of chances to perform and did not. Siyanara. (don't know if that's spelled right." lol Pie just flat out "nutted up everytime he move up. Which brings me to another point:

How many baseball "can't miss" and "5 tooled" prospects actually start and make the team to which they were drafted? The Yankees for instance "BUY" their talent year after year and yet no one criticizes them for mismanaging their Farm.

Anyhow, that's enough from the guy who was allegedly; "bashing people on here for their thoughts on trades/signings" and "is out of their mind" lmao

Aaron, be who you are. You are part of what makes this site the #1 site for the faithful!!

GO CUBBIES!!!!!

Aaron...you're right on with your comments.

To the above comment that wouldn't we be satisfied if Bradley gave us a .280 average, 25 HR's and 80 RBI's for $10m? Candidly, not when Micah Hoffpauer, if given the chance to play daily, can get you similar numbers, at a fraction of the cost. Hoffpauer has raked over .350 at every level of the organization, but now he'll sit on the bench, again, colleting splinters because Lou doesn't believe in him.

For those who think this roster is "rock solid", we have health risks in the corner outfield spots and in key members of the starting rotation. Does anyone think Soriano and Bradley will hold up all season. And when they don't, we no longer have a DeRosa who would step in without missing a beat.

The bench is extremely weak with the likes of Bako (what a joke), Miles and Gaithright. You might as well prepare for Z to be our best pitch hitter.

This is all about Pinella reverting into Dusty Baker. Unwilling to commit to the youngsters because he's out of here in less than 2 years, and won't be patient for the longer term strategy.

Aaron is truly correct. Given the budget that Hendry and Pinella have been given, they've made some very questionable and risky moves. Without bouncing back on a Soriano bash, teams like NY, Texas and Washington knew something about this guy. But Hendry "knew better", and gives a 8 year guaranteed contract and a no-trade provision. Just brilliant.

And for those who love to pound the obvious about Soto being the NL rookie of the year, I recall this time last year most posters here expressed major skepticism on Geo, and look what happened. Same should go with Hoffpauer.

A year ago we would have had Roberts for Pie and Hill. Today, we don't have Roberts, and we've peddled Pie, and about to do the same with Hill (to the same damn team we wouldn't deal with a year ago). More brilliance.

Aaron is truly correct that Hendry tips his hand all over the place. Additionally, I'm personally tired of Pinella and his coaches sitting on their ass's all off-season. Coaching/managing is a 12 month a year job. Somebody should have been working with Pie and Hill every day during the off-season to get them mentally and physically ready to compete in spring training. But "out of options", and "in Lou's doghouse", so adios.

This team better "win now", because the system is in major disarray currently. Let see how Pinella/Hendry can next mess up with Samardzjia and Vitters.

Hey Aaron - how about we propose to Neil a recurring site feature where we both submit long and convoluted analysis arguing opposite sides of a trade/signing/etc.... because we seem to be in a pattern where we're doing that already :-)

Aaron -

I agree entirely with the right to express yourself on this board - and the right of anyone to do that. Doesn't matter if I agree with you on not - you think out your points and I have to respect that.

It's the people that are calling each other out with things that basically amount to "how could you be so stupid and still remember to breathe" that have been bugging me.

That said - now I get to disagree with you LOL

1) I'm with CC - While the Griffey/Bradley injury comparison is a valid one, at this point in their careers I'd take Bradley every day of the week and twice on Sundays. Career average means zip here - Griffey has no hope of approaching his and (given health) Bradley should exceed his by a mile. This is a time where stats kind of go out the window.

Also - his salary is two years with a third year option - based on his health. Not a three year deal. That's a good move by JH and he should get credit for it.

2) In the Marquis trade, the rumor was before the trade that the Cubs would eat some of the salary... maybe even half... and that didn't seem unreasonable considering the finish to the year - but instead they take back $4M in dead weight with Vizcaino. It's a wash. Yes - Marquis numbers were respectable for a number 5 - but nobody (other than the Yankees) wants to pay a number 5 $10M per. What essentially happened was the Cubs got a scrub back and hence effectively shed $6M. I seriously doubt that Vizcaino even gets to know what the home team clubhouse looks like at Wrigley this year. It was a money move - not one for talent (because obviously they didn't get any - Vizcaino stinks - at least you and I agree there LOL)

3) I do agree with you about the timing of the signings/trades to an extent - especially the DeRo/Miles one... but you've got your facts wrong in one of the cases. They made the Ceda/Gregg move the day before they announced Wood wasn't going to be coming back - not after.

And as for versatility, I'm GLAD Miles can't play 1B or the OF corners - that just means that Hoffpauir will get more of a shot... which to me seems like the reason behind signing a light hitting middle infielder with a good glove as a backup. Because he didn't need someone to back up the OF and 1B if he traded DeRo... he had one already.

As for Cedeno - that's the difference between him and Miles. Miles = scrappy light hitting middle infielder with a good glove. Cedeno = slightly more athletic but possibly less scrappy light hitting middle infielder with a HORRID glove.

I'm not saying I agree with every move JH makes - but I DO think that under his leadership the Cubs have the best team that I can remember in my lifetime assembled here. A team that had the best record in the NL last year. A team that conceivably even underachieved (Pie, Hill, Fukudome in the second half, Marquis over the last two months) and STILL managed to win the division.

This wasn't a fluke year like '84 with Sutcliffe coming in and going 16-1. Look back at that roster. Compare that with the roster today. That roster had a magical year and no one was surprised they couldn't duplicate it.

This roster is rock solid. The pen is unproven - but there are going to be some youngsters (Guzman, Shark, Hart) out there with talent trying to show they belong in the show. And yes - Soriano is not the answer at leadoff. But he IS a legitimate all-star. If he was hitting in the middle of the order instead of leadoff, he'd have enough guys on base in front of him that he'd have more 100+ RBI years - you can't blame a leadoff guy for not driving in 100 runs. Seriously. But he's been a leadoff hitter most of his career, and a leadoff hitter isn't supposed to drive in runs - he's supposed to score them. And his career numbers bear that out. In his eight full seasons in the majors, he's scored 790 runs - and that's even with missing 60+ games the last two years. Averaging 100 runs a year? That's the mark of a good leadoff guy... and there aren't a whole lot of those that can also hit 30+ homers and 80+ RBI to top it off.

He might not quite be living up to his salary due to the leg injuries sapping his speed... but wouldn't you rather have a guy that's played 8 years in the majors and made the all-star game 7 times IN the lineup rather than not?

Sorry - I got so caught up defending Hendry it spilled over to Fonzie - my bad :-)

All that said though - Aaron - I respect your opinions and your arguments even if I might think you're a little too vehement in expressing them at times :-)

Well said Aaron.

Aaron,

Your quote on Bradley:

"Even at full health, you're looking at about .280-.300 avg, .370-.400 OBP, 25 hr, 80-90 RBI, and $10 million/yr."

You wouldn't be satisfied with that ? If we got that out of him, I'd be doing cartwheels. Those are good numbers, my friend.

I agree with you that many of Hendry's moves have made me scratch my head this winter. To be honest, I think the biggest loss will be Wood, not Derosa. I like Dero, but i think the closer role was absolutely perfect for Wood. I was saying 5 years ago they should have made him closer. Actually, I think they should do the same with Harden, but I digress. But I am bothered that we seem to be just dumping young talent everyday for basically nothing. (i.e Pie, Cedeno, probaby R.Hill, Ceda). Basically they screwed up by exhausting all of their options, so they had no choice but to dump them. ugh.

Oh well- it's still the best team in the division - on paper. But nothing is guaranteed. I hate to say this, but we are due for a year of injuries. The last 2 years have been relatively injury-free. That won't continue, I don't think. Hope I'm wrong.

GO CUBS

yeah...the Griffey comment was more or less me being cynical about the Bradley signing and nothing more. It was merely proving a point that we will be lucky to even get 80 games, much less 100 out of Bradley, and that Hendry's "budget conscious and injury conscious" are absolutely crazy this offseason.

We kept hearing "budget, budget, budget" all offseason from him, and injury concerns with older players, especially Wood, and the past injuries, and then, he goes with Gathright---twice the cost of Pie; Miles for Cedeno---3 times the cost there; Vizcaino for Marquis---half the cost of Marquis, BUT for a friggin' middle inning reliever, which is ludicrous; and finally Bako instead of Koyie Hill, at twice the cost of Hill.

Don't any of those moves strike you as odd, especially after he said budget was going to be an issue? It almost seems like he's making deals for the sake of making deals, and not for the betterment of the team, but that's just my opinion.

and to other fans on here that say things---I won't even acknowledge their names----that's all this site is about---opinions---and if you can't handle differing views, then you need to find something else to do.

I love debate back and forth, it's great.

I don't think Hendry is the worst GM by far, ESPECIALLY in Cubs history---he's probably the best we've ever had, which really isn't saying much, but, given his resources, and the horrible seasons under his watch, the Steve Stone and Chip Caray incidents, etc., I'd have to say he's middle of the pack, if not lower.

The moves he's made absolutely confound me, and if he strikes gold with Bradley, and we win the World Series because of his "genius" move. But guys, please, take off the fan goggles, and look at the stats...look at his history of games played, and you'll start to come to reality, and it doesn't look pretty.

Even at full health, you're looking at about .280-.300 avg, .370-.400 OBP, 25 hr, 80-90 RBI, and $10 million/yr. Most were upset at Soriano's production for more money than that, and certainly Fukudome's production----but both had stats not far off from that. If a player hasn't had a single damn season of 150 games played 25 or more home runs and 100 RBI, and he's 30 years old, and you consider him a "big lefty bat", AND you give him $10 million/year....then you DESERVE to be fired.

My theory on all of this is how the Cubs have always operated, and that is to make the "sexy" signing. You all might know this as the "potential" or "athletic" guy, or "when healthy" sort of player. I love it when Piniella and Hendry have thrown out numbers like:

Soriano's good for 40 hr, 100 RBI, etc.

or

Bradley's good for 25 hr and 90+ RBI

Oh, really jackasses?!?!? Is that why Soriano has exactly ONE season of 40+ HR and TWO of 100+ RBI in 8 full seasons?!?!?

It gets the fans all riled up though, and they start spouting off numbers like,

Soriano-40hr, 100RBI, .300 avg, .350 OBP

Lee-40hr, 100RBI, .300 avg, .400 OBP

ARAM-35hr, 120RBI, .300 avg, .375 OBP

I mean, seriously, that's what it leads to, and there's nothing wrong with predictions, but Hendry and Piniella take it to a whole new level, and before Piniella, Baker was even worse at that sort of crap.

Here's the damn truth:

Soriano: 120 games, 35hr, 80RBI, .290avg, .345 OBP ($18 million/yr)

Lee: 160 games, 25 hr, 85 RBI, .300 avg, .380 OBP ($13 million/yr)

ARAM: 150 games, 35 hr, 110 RBI, .295 avg, .375 OBP ($13 million/yr)

Bradley: 100 games, 20 hr, 70 RBI, .300 avg, .385 OBP ($10 million/yr)

those type of numbers wouldn't get you anywhere close to those contracts on 99% of the teams in major league baseball, and yet, that's what we get. ARAM is the only one worth his contract, and has been, by far our most valuable and consistent player the past 5 years.

I agree that the Cubs need more vision, and hope the new ownership will bring that.

At the same time I don't think we can be too negative in February. Last year at this time nobody would have predicted a Phillies - Rays Series. Or Pie and Hill in the minors. Baseball has too much randomness.

There are many surprises in store between now and October. Fukudome looking great and a 5th starter not on anyones radar are my predictions.

With the lastest news...Bako's last time in Cuby blue a great season (waiting for some argument there). So in true baseball fashion I'm going to rely on superstition and have faith that Bako is a sign of a deep playoff run in 09.

Aaron,right on... You're my guy! I totally agree with you on almost everything you wrote. I totaly agree with you on the DeRosa trade, and also regarding "the untouchables". I am pissed and just shocked that he got rid of all 3 for nothing. I'm still waiting for the big trade or signing. Hendry's loosing it, unless he has something up his sleave. It BETTER work. I admire your comments, just what I was thinking, but you summed it up, man! I respect your opinion and the balls to write it. I respect the opinions of EVERYONE on this great site and I like yours.

Aaron, I agree with many of the things you said, but the one thing I totally disagree with is Bradley vs. griffey.

I would much much much rather have Bradley. I will never understand the fascination with Griffey. The guy is at the end of his career (39), he's been hurt almost every year with the Reds, and plain and simple, the guy cannot run anymore. I could outrun him at this point, and we don't need another guy clogging up the bases and having the range of a statue in the OF. No thanks. We already have a bad LF.

As far as Bradley, yes we all know he is injury prone as well, BUT he's 9 years younger, which means he's in the middle of his prime. HUGE DIFFERENCE. That's why looking at CAREER avg's is not that meaningful anymore for Griffey. His career is basically over. Also, the 3rd year of Bradley's contract can be bought out for $2M if he doesn't reach a certain # of AB's in first 2 years. So the financial risk is somewhat less than what everyone is making it out to be. To me, Bradley is a much more dynamic player at his point. His OBP was .436 last year, which by far led the AL. Griffey could NEVER do that anymore. And oh by the way, if Griffey was so desirable at this point why isn't there one team willing to take a flyer on him at this point ? You could probably sign him for $1M, but not 1 team is biting. What does that tell you ? Sorry, but the guy is done. And don't forget, Griffey has been playing in hitter's paradises the last 10 years (Cincy and Cell). Other than Texas, Bradley, has played most of his career in pitcher friendly parks (SD, Mtl, LA, oak).

If Bradley plays 120 games, he'll help the Cubs a lot. Griffey is done.

just my .02

I thought I'd weigh in on a couple of things.

1)whoever it was the other day bashing people on here for their thoughts on trades/signings is out of their mind. The very nature of this site is to talk about various moves and how they affect the team, and whether they're good or not---some of what happens is constructive criticism. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, except, in my opinion, when it comes to saying people shouldn't have an opinion.

2)Hendry's an idiot in some respects. Last year it was Hill and Pie that were "untouchable". This year, it's been Marshall and Vitters. I just can't understand his logic sometimes. (I'll explain more later)

3)There is no way this team is done dealing, and if we don't get a "big" name guy, I would not only be shocked, but I'd be disappointed in yet another failed offseason, IMO for Hendry.

Now, explaining Hendry's ridiculousness involving "untouchables." I can agree with Vitters being untouchable, because he hasn't been in the system that long, and MAJOR scouts and so-called experts out there view him as the quintessential "can't miss" prospect. I trust their views more than the Cubs' brass.

What I can't accept, and is so confounding to me is that Hendry said what he did last year about Hill and Pie, and then gave them away this year when he signed/traded for their replacements AND diminished their value at the same time.

Here's my logic involved with my disdain for his moves there.

1)If you're going to say "untouchable," you better damn well make sure those kids get every opportunity in the world before you shuttle them up and down, and you run out of options...and...

2)If you plan on going after free agents, thus blocking those "can't miss" guy's ascension to the big leagues, then you better damn well make sure you get max value out of them, before you do what Hendry's done, and either a)run them out of options or b)played your hand so visibly to the other 29 teams that they clearly know what you've done with your moves, and will NOT give you full value for your guys.

Hendry is by FAR the biggest dumbass when it comes to reducing the value of his players. It's one thing to have a back-up plan in mind when you're about to trade a player, but it's an entirely different ballgame when you go after the back-up plan, then make your move.

The moves I'm talking about are the following:

1)states Kerry Wood no longer coming back

*teams then know we need a closer or at least back-up closer, and can ask for the moon, and likely receive it, which is EXACTLY what happened with trading Ceda

**what's even MORE puzzling, is he states Kerry can command a much larger deal on the market, and doesn't offer him arbitration, thus losing out on draft picks

2)states disappointment in Pie's progress

*signs Gathright, and signals to ALL other teams that Pie can be had for their discards.

3)states need to get more left-handed, and slash payroll...when prodded by reporters, mistakingly (at least in this fan's eyes) identifies 2nd base as a position they could get more left-handed, along with RF as well (this was after Furcal went off the board, mind you)

*teams knew DeRosa was too valuable to be used in a bench role only, and they sure as hell weren't giving him RF, and he's NOT a shortstop, which meant Hendry shot himself in the foot, yet again. It's no wonder we got 3 scrubs from the Indians (2 of which are too old to even be considered prospects anymore at their respective levels) that weren't even on their top 20 prospects list, OR even their "honorable mention" list.

**a secondary move to this was signing Aaron Miles, and saying his versatility is great, blah blah blah, and the dude is a midget. At least DeRosa could play the corner OF and ALL IF positions. Seeing Miles at 1B or anywhere other than 2B or SS would be laughable, in my opinion. Plus, he doesn't have the speed for the OF.

4)The Miles signing also did another bad thing for the Cubs...we also got LESS athletic, because it spelled Cedeno's departure. Cedeno was FAR superior to Miles in terms of athletic ability, extra base power, etc, and arguably, even versatility. Cedeno played 2B, SS, 3B, AND CF for us---about what Miles could do, so all this talk of versatility IMO--Hendry can go blow it out his fat ass!!!!!

*the signing reduced Cedeno's value even more, and PLUS, Cedeno was cheaper than Miles anyway, so Hendry's whole argument for clearing salary was bogus, especially with the next move...

5)Jason Marquis is a douche...I'm not going to sugarcoat it. Dude pouts when he's left off the playoff rosters with first the Cards, then the Cubs, when he clearly sucked ass at the end of both those seasons. HOWEVER, the guy still put together very decent stats for a 5th starter on any team, at least worthy of a decent prospect or two, especially when Hendry did this move to clear salary anyhow (this goes without saying, but his initial move to sign Marquis in the first place, then complain about his salary later is absolutely hilarious)...

*which makes it even more puzzling that they'd go after the very type of player (Vizcaino) that Piniella hates---one that can't miss bats, but misses the strike zone consistently AND earns $4+million to boot, which negates any true savings, and is essentially a waste of space on the roster in favor of some young guy with potential, like Hart.

6)signing Milton Bradley instead of Dunn...

*Hendry bemoaned health when talking about failures of 2004, and not signing Kerry Wood, and yet he signs the poster child of position players for fragility. I love how many of the same people on here praising the Bradley signing were also the ones saying to stay away from Ken Griffey Jr., because he's too fragile. I find that HILARIOUS...here's why:

Griffey with the Reds (games): 145, 111, 70, 53, 83, 128, 109, 144, and 143 (102 w/ Reds, 41 w/ White SUX)

career avg: 39 hr, 114 RBI, .288avg,.373 OBP, .547 SLG

Bradley: 77, 98, 101, 141, 75, 96, 61, 126

career avg (over 162 games projected): 20 hr, 79 RBI, .280avg, .370 OBP, .457 SLG

I tell you this right now...I'd rather have a banged up Griffey at 39 years old for 1 yr and $5 million, than a usually banged up Bradley for $10 million per for 3 years, and just have Micah Hoffpauir as a back-up. At least that move gives you flexibility to bring one of your young guys up, and probably would've allowed the Cubs to trade for a Mark Teahen, or someone like that as well.

...but I digress...

I guess the Pie, Cedeno, and Hill trades, coupled with the Bako signing kind of did me in. He absolutely confounds me with some of his moves. He says they like Koyie Hill's leadership and his lefty bat, then they sign an older Bako, who is an even lesser player than Hill was, and makes twice what he does....it was the same situation with Gathright vs Pie...it's the whole grizzled veteran vs younger guy with potential.

It's exactly why this organization is rudderless----they have no defined vision, and that vision comes from the top----and is precisely why, once we have an owner, I believe things will change dramatically, and Hendry's ass might be on the line---FINALLY!!!!!!!

"Hendry's an idiot in some respects. Last year it was Hill and Pie that were "untouchable". This year, it's been Marshall and Vitters. I just can't understand his logic sometimes. (I'll explain more later)"

Umm, you need to stop picking and choosing tiny little blurbs instead of paying attention to the whole picture. You seriously think Vitters was untouchable? Right..... I'm sure Towers would have still listened to offers not involving Vitters. BS. Any Peavy deal starts with Vitters, period. I am 99.99999% positive that Vitters was/is available in a Peavy deal. I'm also pretty sure Marshall is available. He didn't walk away because of an individual player. he walked away because the TOTAL PACKAGE would have been too much. I don't know why youdon't get that.

I agree with the fact I don't like many of the moves we have made either. (Although I'm happy with Bradley over Dunn..but we wont go there again)

I agree that the organization botched Hill and Pie big time. I'm not so sure anything Hendry did in the recent months did anything to make it worse though. I'm sure it was obvious to all GM's that Pie and Hill were gone. Nothing Hendry did assisted in that.

I do hope they have something else up their sleeve.....

Aaron

just shut up and what till the season starts.

hes a freakin major league gm

he know what the hell he is doing

Dude, no room for that here on this site. I for one tend to disagree with Aaron on many of his posts, BUT he's entitled to his opinion. The thoughts are his, and he puts alot of thoughts into what he writes on here. It's not necessary to tell him or anyone else on here to shut up about anything.

I am also a fan of Hendry, but I am just as frustrated as Aaron right now because I don't see us as a stronger team right now, frankly I see it as weaker.

As for your comment that Hill won't be traded, yes he almost certainly will. Lou can't stand him and he's out of options. So to steal a phrase from Hawk Harrleson, "He Gone". From what I read it will be a strange deal that will be a player to be named, but the list from which the Cubs get to choose will depend on what kind of year Hill has for them.

im not saying that he wont be traded i just think there gonna wait till after spring training to see if he can fix his problems...because certainly if he has a good spring we could get a lil more for him

I wish that were the case. I want Hill to have another shot.....but once in Lou's doghouse....it's usually hard to get out. He will be shipped out any day...

If you don't like what Aaron said in his post. DON'T READ IT!!!!!!!!!.

what the hell is wrong with you heyden.

I dnt think the hill trade will go through

Bako being signed is not a "big deal" type of thing: he exceeded expectations as a member of the Dusty Baker Cubs Memorial Team last season, and is basically being asked to fill a backup role for a catcher who would play everyday if he could. If he underperforms, Koyie Hill is right there to step in and replace him. And really, I'd take Bako over Hill any day, since Hill only seems to get hits in big situations while Bako can get his hits anywhere at anytime.

I'M BAAACCCCKKKK......

I normally agree with many of your posts Boseph, BUT not this one.

You say "Baki can gets hits anywhere at anytime". Really? The dude SUCKS as a hitter. Career .231 average. His two years with the Cubs he hit .229 and .203 with a mere single homerun. Last year with Cinci he did manage 6 HR's, but his average was still .217. The year before in Baltimore it was .205 and the year before that in Kansas City it was .209. The guy barely hits freaking .200 lol I don't think he gets a hit anywhere at anytime.

I'm not saying Koyie Hill is any better. In fact statistically he is not. His career average is .190, however in fairness that covers a total of 231 AB's compared to Bako's 2,086 AB's.

It's another veteran!! The good news is that he can play defense and that he's been on a couple of post season teams--Cubs and Braves.

My guess is that we have two or three roster changes yet to do. C. Hill is one. I can see a Hart and Fox deal with the Jays for LRP Scott Downs +, for example.

I don't mind Bako.

Never did. But U dont see how he compares favorably to Koyie either.

I think bako is a good fit, just don't see how

Much of an improvement over K.Hill who really

Knows the staff and is cheaper. At any rate, he

Will do just fine...

Bako is back !!!!

wooohoooo !!!

God help us if Geo gets hurt.

:-)

hahaha!

Still haven't seen a official statement about Hill being traded.

No, nothing offical yet on Hill....