Buried in a report from the Tribune on Monday night centered on the possibility of the Player's Union filing a grievance over the suspension of Milton Bradley, was a blurb about the Cubs' possible interest this winter in Mike Cameron.
According to the Tribune, "the Cubs will enter the offseason trying to trade Bradley and acquire a center fielder, moving Kosuke Fukudome back to right field. Rookie Tyler Colvin will get a look in the final two weeks, but the Cubs likely will seek a veteran willing to sign a one-year deal, hoping Colvin is ready by 2011."
The Tribune added Mike Cameron "expected to be on their radar. Cameron plays solid defense and has been a clubhouse leader everywhere he has played, including under Piniella in Seattle."
Mike Cameron played for Lou Piniella in Seattle and will be a free agent this winter. Cameron hit a pair of home runs on Monday night. For the season the veteran centerfielder is hitting .255 with a .347 OBP and a .440 SLG ... 30 doubles, three triples and 21 home runs.
Cameron signed a one-year deal with the Brewers prior to the 2008 season that included a club option for 2009. Cameron earned $6.25 million in 2008 (including a $1.25 million signing bonus) and $10 million in 2009.
Mike Cameron will turn 37 on January 8. The Cubs must figure out a way to get younger and more athletic in the off-season and quit trying to plug perceived holes with players at the end of their career. While the Cubs might not have a centerfielder ready to play a full big league schedule in their system, they cannot continue to get older and try to win at the same time.
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For a 1 year deal, I'd take Cameron. If he's a leader, why not. Soriano and Fukudome need lots of help.
Ok, this is where I go off on a rant. Cameron, REALLY?? Lets examine this shall we? The guy has a whopping .250 career avg, doesn't steal anymore, strikes out a ton and by comparison Raul Ibanez is doing ALOT more while being paid 3mil less this season.
To Cameron's credit he has hit 21 homers this season, but that is not worth 10 big ones! You could get Dunn and Ibanez (well, not anymore) for several million less then Sorry-oh-no makes and just a bit more then Kosuke made, and look what they did this season, and I wanted both of them for the record. Hell, as much as we get on Bradley for hitting like poo poo this season, he had a higher ba and lower strike out ratio then Cameron did. Slight upgrade in homers and a better attitude is not worth what he is going to be asking next year. And on top of that, he's not that "lefty" that the team is looking for cuz he bats righty.
I Do understand that we will have salary constraints next season, especially considering we might have to pay off Bradley and if we can't free up some room with trades, but still, we should be able to find someone better for the 10 millionish Cameron will probably be asking for next year, getting rid of Bradley's attitude aside.
My opinion for next season..start the rookies, let Piniella go, for god sakes fire Hendry and get a new pitching coach.
If the Cubs do sign Cameron it will be for 1 year 3-4 million, I cant see them paying 10 million and I know they won't with Fuld, Colvin and Syder will do the same and not pay them much.
I actuall them trying to sign Figgins to play CF with Kosuke to right or switching those 2 around.
Other possibilities: Rick Ankiel (.234avg but cannon of a arm), I say no, Marlos Byrd (.283avg) I say yes but he will want good money and Texas relly wats him back and last Pods (.304avg) I really dont care but the White will resign him and he will probably come cheap.
Just say no to Chone Figgins. Figgins in center would have another player in the field out of position
The the Cubs could sign Scutaro to SS and move theriot to 2B or trade him to Boston.
The Cubs need Figgins more than anything this offseason, they badly need a leadoff man.
Waldo...I don't see Figgens at all...
His best position...and the only one with consistancy is 3rd base...check the numbers by position for him.
So unless the Cubs trade ARAM...which isn't going to happen...FORGET FIGGENS.
Lead-off will have to come from somewhere else.
btw...although he's not quite ready yet,
(too many errors) the Cubs do have an in house candidate to settle ss and lead-off
for years to come...Starlin Castro.
He's young...barely 20...but was signed 5 years ago.
With winter ball and spring training...he might almost be ready for
a look-see.
Yah i know Castro will be the SS in 1-2 years and I know he is only 19. That is why i say sign Scutaro to a 1 or 2 year deal and make Castro develop and dont call him up to early.
I can see the Rays not picking up Akinori Iwamura option because they just got Sean Rodriguez in the Kazmir trade and I can see the Cubs pursuing him if they do decline. Also whatt about trying to trade for Crawford or Upton in the offseason. The Rays need to trade 1 or them but they will demand a lot.
Neil, If Lou comes back for his final year...he's not going to care what happens after next year...so he'll lobby for veterans...eyeing only 2010.
Given our outfield situation this season...I would think the media will speculate on all centerfield possibilities in the offseason...until
Ricketts comes out and gives us a sense of direction for the future.
There are reports that the Cubs are interested in resigning Johnson...that disturbs me more in terms of trying to get younger.
We really don't need Johnson with
Fuld/Colvin/Adduci/Deeds etc all knocking on the door.
I'm think they are going to trade Fox
and possibly Hoffpauir.
One of the radio analysts speculated
they are not starting Fox so that his defensive liabilities are not exposed
...for trading purposes.
That could be...since he's proven his bat. Little else makes sense.
Cameron speculation just doesn't bother me at this point...it's too far away
from happening.
Just waiting for Ricketts to take control
and see what's really the case...re Kenney/JH/Lou.
signing Cameron would be sooooo cub. sign a guy at end of their career to patch a hole.
just amazing.
you know something, bradley was right. Now you see why they haven't won in 101 years. LOL.
Neil, Bradley's suspension is not showing up in "transactions" on the Cubs web site. Why?
I also read that he will be paid during his suspension...
A) I always thought a suspension was unpaid.
B)If he is paid...what does the players union have to complain about.?
Suzy, from the way I understand it they have not made his suspension official yet.
Also, I understand his suspension will be paid (Bruce Levine) and that will keep the union of the Cubs' back.
Neil your right the suspesion had not been made official yet, I think Bruce Levine in his report trys to state that.
Thanks for the info Neil...just read Levine.
So...basically it amounts to a 2 week vacation...with negative connotations.
Could end up being a 2 week + 2 year paid vacation...but anyway...
Cameron is a terrible idea. The LAST thing that offense needs, after watching them slump and sputter thru and entire season, is another old, streaky hitter with a career .250 avg. I would much rather see Reed Johnson back and playing every damn day, than Cameron. I wish the would choke on the "leadership" talk for a little while. It is such a stoopid "quality" to speculate on and consider over actual on the field production! Milt was gonna bring the "fire" that they lacked. Cameron is a clubhouse leader...whatever...tell me how a guy like Cameron, probably in the last year of his career and on his 3rd team in 3 years is going to "lead" a squad of veterans that have played together for 3 + years?
Johnson is "leader" and already knows the Cubs routine. Don't under estimate the day game sked, the crappy clubhouse, etc...Cameron is in no way an upgrade over Johnson.
Fuld is fine backup / defensive replacement for the entire OF. I would honestly rather see Johnson and Fuld in CF than Figgins. I am just so sick of the "name" signings...these guys are too OLD! If they are going to trade Fox and Hoffy, then get even younger prospects in replacement. Not guys with a year or three left in their careers.
Re: Cameron... NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Mike Cameron does not fit the equation of younger and cheaper...Neither does Figgins. Stop JH, stop looking at older guys who are past their prime...How has that worked for you thus far??? I honestly believe that is what is lining you up for your fall from grace, and a demotion to Wrigley field sump pump cleaner outer.
Yes we need to address the OF, and the leadoff situation, BUT, let's do it in a smart, cheap, young, talented way, not an old guy who is near the end of his career. EY Jr. at 2B would fit this bill. Mitchell Moreland (I like Davis more, but Moreland has a touch more versatility from what I am seeing from Aaron). Carl Crawford (My god I know it is just a dream, but he would fill a lot of holes that this team has). Not to mention the youth that we have coming, Smarter people than I have documented those guys. I would be 100% Satisfied with a team of young up and coming talent sprinkled in with the Vets that we have and cannot off load (See 2008 Rays).
With that mix of players you have to bring Ryno in to manage next year. Play the youth, and we as Cub fans understand that we are building towards something.
This should be a news filled winter and I am looking forward to debating, second guessing, ripping, (Oh wait let's keep this positive) Praising all of the moves that make this team not only better, but cheaper, and poised for a long term run. Keep knocking on that playoff door and some day it will come tumbling down, and we can all see glory! Just hopefully in our life times.
You know, I'd take a job as the Wrigley field sump pump cleaner outer! Gladly!
I don't mind Cameron. He always seems to hurt us and plays well against us. I like his hussle and believe he could be a good clubhouse player. But younger and cheaper is the way we should be heading. If it's only for a year, I'd go for it.
Bobby Abreu. That's the only free agent the Cubs should prioritize. There's a vacancy for him to start in, and he's almost single-handedly turned around the Angels' batting approach, making them a legitimate playoff contender rather than a team that runs out of gas come October. There's not a single free agent, other than Mark DeRosa (who'd just be bringing back the chemistry they got rid of), that can change the Cubs as much as he can. Age be damned: if we're looking for another leader, I want one who has results recently.
NO no no.
Bringing DeRosa back would be a silly desperate move to appease fans for letting him go. Fans who blame the terrible hitting of many individuals this year on the lack of having DeRosa in the lineup! It is ridiculous! Have you looked at DeRosa's line this year? 76/23/76/.256/.325/.450 and a K:BB ratio great than 2:1. Look, I liked DeRo last year, a lot. Who didn't? But seeing his 08 year as a career year, Hendry, for once, did the right thing and moved him. Unfortunately, he didn't get anything in return. Hendry is a true enigma, he let's a guy go after a banner season, a fan fav and -yes- clubhouse leader in order to over sign other guys after career years in different places!
I digress, do you DeRo guys really want him back next year, do you honestly think that would a good signing? I don't.
And Abreu is just another older (36 by start of next season) and just guaranteed himself a lot more money than I'd like to see the Cubs pay on a 36 year old OFer. They missed out.
What the Cubs need to do is go find last year's Abreu for next year. Another 2006 DeRosa. Not the same guys!
Come on!
the bradley for millwood move -do it now!
texas is not gonna give up any type of top 15 prospect at best plus we pay 75% or more of his salary.
texas next year has derek holland, tommy hunter, scott feldman, neftali perez(gonna be moved to rotation) plus matt harrison(injured now) so they don't need millwood. basically they swap out $14M on millwood for $21M on bradley-or $7M for bradley over 2 years.
millwood replaces harden and in 2011 the cubs can let millwood go and not have to pay for bradley like in any other trade scenairo.
hendry call jon daniels now!
ur 2010 cubbies:
cf crisp, coco--$8M option for royals; not likely to be picked up. can steal 25 bags, switchhits, plays good def. moves fukunuts to RF.
rf fukunuts
1b lee
3b ramirez
lf soriano (his stats are better at 5th than 6th carrer wise)
2b hudson, orlando--good def, switch hit, and 1 year deal should be easy since he's splitting time now w/ ronnie belliard)
c soto
ss theriot
positives-much more speed, better def, 3 lefties
no "big" lefty bat, but did not have it in 2008 and all was OK.
add millwood as P for bradely-see previous post plus a veteran RHP like brandon lyon or danny baez plus keep reed johnson for RH platoon plus jeff baker in the "derosa" role of backup to 2b, 3b, 1b, lf/rf and we are set. and re-sign grabow.
cards won't have money for holliday/derosa/lugo/pinerio/ankiel and holliday could get $100M for 6 years.
so expect a down off-season for them.
now let's see hendry go do it. (and yes he should stay-didn't hear any complaining in 2007/2008?!)
anybody think of trading for curtis granderson? i have heard he has had a fallen out with detroit. he can play center and leadoff. he has got speed and should b good in the clubhouse. we also need to find a shortstop. theriot is an allstar 2nd baseman. baker is a cheapman's mark derosa. he will b able to play every position that dero did after the offseason and spring training when he works on the outfield. regarding lou he needs to keep a set lineup and actually show more emotion. and seriously anybody know what to do with the $18 million pitcher who has a very bad attitude problem?