Isn't curious that Jason Marquis teams

always make the playoffs...and he never starts in them?

Yes, let's hope for a much better 2010! And thank you Neil for a great site! I love it here!

Thanks Neil and all who bring this site to me. Have a good rest because you have earned it.

One of the highlights of this year is that I got to have lunch with JimK and his lovely wife. It is amazing how Cubs fans bond with one another. It is almost like we are all in therapy and understand one another.

I agree about the disastrous 2009 season being a team effort. Let's hope again that 2010 is a lot kinder to all the fans of the Cubs. As always, GO CUBS!

Thank you, Gramps. We too greatly enjoyed our shared time together. As Lou would say, "Say hello to the Mrs. for us." And it looks like the QB kid from Santa Claus, IN is going to be a plus for your Bears.

I looked at Willingham's contract status, and he may be elgible for arbitration this offseason. That could be complicating because his pay could rise to $5 mil or so. The shirts could decide to look to the younger and cheaper Soto for 31 year-old Willingham's production.

There's a good chance that ripsnorter is right. JH could say at a press conference the last week in January, "We have decided that it's in the best interests of ourselves and Milton Bradley that we give him his unconditional release."

But to respond to ripsnorter's OF concerns, these two (creative) deals are not out of the question. Soto and Fox go to the Nationals for Josh Willingham and a good prospect. Maybe there is another prospect on both sides of the deal. We have Willingham's .260-24-61 in limited AB's for one of the corner OF spots.

In deal #2, Bradley and $16 mil over 2 years, Atkins (RHP) and Barney (SS) go to the DBacks for strong defensive catcher, Chris Snyder (29) and a mid-level prospect. Snyder is owed $11 mil over two years, and he likely is a .240 15 HR guy with regular play. With Montero and a top catching prospect on hand, the budget cramped DBacks want badly to move clubhoue leader, Snyder.

For us we look to the farm for another strong catching prospect in a 2 or 3 years. In the meantime with Snyder and Hill, were strong defensively and a little short offensively. We have a solid right-handed hitting outfielder with three or four lefty prospects between Hi A and AAA.

And then, and then, if Soriano does not rebound, he would be used in a platoon with Hoffpauir or Colvin. Dome likely plays CF in this scenario with Fuld in reserve.

JimK,

Both you and I have some pretty wacky (yet solid) trade ideas.

I like your Willingham idea, but the Bradley to D'Backs one puzzles me. The reason it puzzles me is because the D'Backs have never been linked to the guy. The Giants, Rangers, Padres, Royals, Mets, and Rays have all been linked to him, with the Rangers and Royals both strongly coming out opposing a deal for him, so that leaves the Giants, Padres, Mets, and Rays.

These teams have the following unattractive deals:

Giants-Zito, Rowand

Rays-Burrell

Mets-Beltran, Reyes

Padres-maybe Chris Young, but they got rid of Peavy already, and Giles is a goner too next year, so Young is the only high-priced one left

If I were the Cubs, I'd just go after either Rowand or Burrell. Beltran most likely ain't going anywhere either, and if he does, it'd take a lot more than Bradley to get it done.

The Rangers actually would be the ideal fit, considering the Rangers have soured on Michael Young's contract. It's just too bad they don't seem to have much interest, because we could've picked up 80% of Bradley's deal to get Young, then throw him back in his normal position of shortstop, or at the very least, second base...and we'd also have a suitable back-up for ARAM at 3B in a pinch with Young have significant experience over there. Young and the Rangers have also been at odds over his switch from SS to 3B to make room for Elvis Andrus, so it might make sense for both parties to get a deal done. Both he and Bradley are the same age (32), so we technically wouldn't be getting older.

I also totally agree about Nyjer Morgan, but the Nats are VERY high on him, and have been rumored to have placed him "off limits" in any trade talks. But after doing some research, I realized Morgan and Pierre essentially are the same player. If you really wanted to get crazy, you could approach the Dodgers about a Bradley-Pierre swap, even though the Dodgers practically hated Bradley...they probably hate Pierre about the same after the ill-advised FA deal they signed him to.

Honestly, I'd like to see the Cubs make some runs at versatile players like BJ Upton (3B, SS, 2B, LF/RF, CF), Teahen (3B, 1B, 2B, LF/RF), Dunn (yeah, I know it's a stretch to label him as such, but he's played LF/RF, 1B), Josh Fields (3B, 1B, LF), Felipe Lopez (3B, SS, 2B, LF/RF), Figgins (3B, SS, 2B, LF/RF, CF), EY Jr. (2B, RF/LF, CF).

My wish list would be in the following order:

1)Dunn (allows us to trade Hoffpauir and Fox)

2)BJ Upton (allows us to deal Fontenot, Fuld, and even Baker if necessary)

3)EY Jr. (we need youth, and he's versatile and fits the bill, especially with the Rockies loaded up the middle with Tulo, Barmes, Carlos Gonzalez, Seth Smith, and Fowler)

4)Fields (power bat, brings versatility at the corner IF/OF spots)

5)Teahen (still young at 27 yrs old, and versatile with some power)

6)Figgins (speed and versatility)

7)Lopez (very versatile and high avg)

Folks...if we get Dunn, Upton, and EY Jr., just look out...this team is going ALL the way. The reason is Dunn, you can count on about 40 hr, 100 RBI, .400 OBP. Upton you can count on 40 SB, and EY, you could probably count on at least that in full-time duty.

Check out this lineup:

EY-2B

Upton-CF

Lee-1B

ARAM-3B

Dunn-RF

Soriano-LF (assuming we can't get rid of him)

Soto/K Hill/W. Castillo/Olivo-C

Blanco-SS

we trade: Atkins, Marshall, Stevens, Casey Coleman, Jay Jackson, Theriot, Fontenot, Soto, Fuld, and Colvin to get Dunn, Upton, and EY Jr.

We still would have Cashner, Carpenter, Rhee, Archer, and others waiting in the wings in the minors, and we'd lose absolutely nothing with trading Marshall, as he'd be redundant if we have Grabow coming back, and Gaub in the wings, and we'd also lose nothing in trading Colvin (no plate discipline and doesn't project as much power at the MLB level), Fuld, Theriot, Fontenot, and "fatty" Soto.

It makes so much sense to simply cash it in right now when we can.

Here's the trades for you:

for Dunn-

Theriot: can play 2B for them and pinch at SS when Desmond goes through growing pains his first full season

Fontenot: can also pinch at 2B and 3B to give Zimmerman a rest

Marshall: gives them pen depth, as well as swing starter

Colvin: gives them future OF depth

for Upton-

Soto: they've soured on Navarro, so Soto would be a welcome addition for his upside and former ROY status

Fuld: he's the type of "grinder" that Maddon appreciates

Stevens: gives them pen depth, which they desperately needed this year and didn't have

for EY Jr.-

Coleman: gives them starting pitching depth which they desperately will need after they'll probably refuse a long-term commitment to Marquis. They were so desperate this year, that they went after Jose Contreras among other "has been" types. Coleman has a nice upside.

Atkins: (ditto explanation above)

Problem is, I just don't think Hendry thinks that way. He doesn't recognize log-jams in other organizations. For instance, Mitchell Moreland is currently blocked at the MLB level at 3B (Young), 1B (Davis, Blalock, and their 'uber prospect' Justin Smoak), OF (Murphy, Cruz, Hamilton, Borbon, etc.) That's a golden opportunity to get an up-and-coming talent. Similarly, Chris Davis is blocked, after having been sent down, and the Rangers favoring Smoak for his position.

For the Rays, Upton is blocked at 3B (Longoria), SS (Bartlett), 2B (Zobrist, Iwamura), LF (Crawford), and now CF (Desmond Jennings, whom the Rays are more high on than Upton nowadays). You could also make the case that Crawford is out of favor with his large contract, but they don't appear to have a suitable replacement for him in LF.

Dunn also appears to be a man without a position. The Nats have LF (Willingham), RF (Dukes), and they also have Brad Eldred that could step in for Dunn at 1B. They also have Michael Morse...so they have two cheaper options.

I already mentioned the Rockies log-jam for EY JR.

Unfortunately, Hendry doesn't think creatively at all, and I highly doubt he's smart enough to make these trades. With EY JR. and Upton, we instantaneously get our speed, and it appears at first glance that we'd have willing trade partners there. Then, with Dunn, it might require some prying on our part to take away their #2 offensive threat (second only to Zimmerman), but I think it's reasonable to assume that we could get it done if we have a smart enough GM in control.

So, not only would we stay left-handed as Piniella and Hendry wanted to do last year, but we'd get faster, and more powerful.

I think someone needs to take Hendry to GM 101 class, because he's clearly overmatched.

Aaron...some thoughts on this post:

1)We're still dancing around THE major

problem with this team...being locked in

to Soriano for 5 more years...when he can't possibly be productive enough

to justify his outrageous contract.

2)I understand your Dunn love...but can anyone afford an outfield of both Dunn and Soriano? I don't think so...who catches the ball and makes the plays?

The only way I see Dunn on a championship team is if he is the DH...

he's a wonderful fit there...and a question everywhere else...Fox has the potential to be another Dunn...so if we want Dunn...why not just install Fox in his place...at a much cheaper cost?

But, for whatever reason...Lou won't play him.

Upton and EY Jr at the top of the order would be great...I like that idea a lot.

If you like Teahan...I think he will be available at a reasonable price...and JH

has been linked to him before.

NO NO NO to Burrell...think Burnitz with less bat...Burrell is almost done if he's not already....If we want another aging outfielder...rumor is that Johnny

Damon might be available.

To get anything out of the Bradley deal...he's going to have to be packaged with attractive players/prospects in a multiplayer deal....and you're right about JH...he's not creative or forward thinking on his own...But maybe...just maybe...Ricketts installs someone above JH that is that type of thinker.

We saw what JH can do when he wants to dump someone...(Marquis/Vizcaino). If he comes up with something like that again...It might be better to release him

like JimK suggested.

We keep going back to Texas...re Moreland/Davis...I like that a lot also...I wonder if the Cubs see that at all...Texas is in such bad shape financially...we should be able to mine that somehow.

Great post Aaron...but I'm still going to agree to disagree about Dunn until Soriano is gone.

neil, i wanted to say thanks for the great site. i read all of the threads in the morning and afternoon of everyday. the countless time and energy doesnt go unseen. i rarely post but i thank all of the cub fans on this site. it is like i know each of you personally. now lets have a productive offseason......

The Cubs seem set on ridding themselves of Bradley. Sure, he's bum, but of course, it takes a bum to sign a bum. JHendry should be fired. But getting rid of Bradley will cost the Cubs the full $21 million that he is owed. That really hurts--bad. What do you expect in return for your $21 million? You shouldn't expect a thing. I am not expecting the Cubs to get anything more that a 30 year old class A pitcher with an ERA over 7.00. The Cubs' JHendry will justify the move by saying, "Hey, he'll pitch a lot of innings for [our minor league affliate]." Yeah.

I do not expect Sorry-oh-no to be much more productive next year than this year. His 11 errors were 2nd on the Cubs behind Theriot--a horrible crime for a LF. I think that the only increase in production you may expect from him is an increase in errors in the field. Oh, yeah, he is owed another $90 million, so don't expect him to go anywhere, either.

Funko is a $50 million platoon player that cannot hit lefthanders, has a little power, and no real speed (6 SB, 10 caught stealing--it should be illegal for him to run). He's untradeable with a heavily backloaded contract.

In summary, the Cubs have a poor outfield and they cannot trade these "stars" because of their high pricetags. If Bradley leaves it will only be because the Cubs have decided to eat the full $21 million.

THEREFORE: no matter what JHendry does to improve the middle relief and the closer positions, or any other position, the Cubs will not compete next year because they have zero run production from any of their outfield positions.

Get ready for a 3rd, 4th or 5th place finish in their division. The party is over.

I was watching Chris Deluca this morning on the Monster show. I actually think he's a decent writer, unlike the great Phil Rogers. He made a good point about Bradley. It's very reminsicant of 2004 when Hendry's #1 goal going into offseason was to dump Sosa.

The problem is that teams know this and may wait until Jan-Feb to show interest in acquiring Bradley when the dust has cleared on other guys. And that may be a roadblock for Hendry to do other things, since he'll want to do this first. Oh well, hopefully not. Just a thought.

And he did say, as everyone else has, there is zero chance Bradley is coming back. Nobody wants him back, including the players.

Looking back, you know what is a head scratcher ? Rememeber when Hendry signed him, he said they talked to so many former teammates, coaches, etc and they all said they loved this guy. Really? Is it me or does anyone find that VERY VERY hard to believe ?

In fact, I'm not sure if anyone was listening to the Riot last night with Kaplan, but all but said they couldn't stand the guy. He was trying to be diplomatic and didn't want to come out and say it directly, but he certainly implied that. He did say there was definitely a "different feeling" in the clubhouse in the last 2 weeks. It was very obvious. Did anyone else hear it ?

What a disaster. One that we all saw coming the day he signed.

I thought of that problem before...Hendry seems to broadcast his moves far in advance...unlike Kenny Williams in most cases.

Given the blind box Hendry has painted himself into...it would not surprise

me greatly if there were very little movement over the winter...except for periphial players.

Regardless of Bradley...a teams club house usually is different and looser

when on the verge of elimination.

The tension is off when you are not expected to win.

I don't know how many bad Cubs teams I've seen play better once they are hopelessly out of it...Remember, we also did not have the frustration of watching Soriano swinging wildly at air either.

No dispute here tho that Bradley was

divisive....Just not sure how much was Bradley...and how much was lowered expectations.

Suz,

Yes, that's a good point. The pressure is defintely off when you're out of it. But there's no doubt that the players

hated this guy.You could just tell that when Theriot was talking to Kaplan, he was biting his tongue because he really didn't want to say it in public. But it was VERY obvious. When KAplan point blank asked him about the clubhouse atmosphere after pyscho was suspended, he said there was a different feel, but then kind of hemmed and hawed and said he didn't really want to mention any names or talk about it publicly.

The bottom line is this... Theriot hates the guy, as well as the rest of the team, but he's too nice of a guy to say it publicly. (directly, anyways)

We'll all raise a glass when this guy is shipped out.

Maybe a "topic" will be of some interest. (Who needs Neil?) LOL

I thought about sending a topic piece to Neil for later use if he judged it worthy. I was going to call it "The Delight and Dilemma of DLee, ARAM and Lilly." One tangent might have been, "Is there a case for mostly standing pat in 2010?" It's not necessarily my case, but it is one of a couple possibilities in the first year of the Ricketts.

The delight of our productive older stars, Lee, ARAM, and Lilly, is that they have, all things considered, lived up to their 5 and 4 year contracts--on and off the field. It's hard to argue that Lilly hasn't enjoyed his "prime years" the last three, that Lee hasn't sustained at a high level and that ARAM remains a top RBI guy in the league. The additional delight is that they will likely perform close to their high standards in 2010--barring injuries.

The dilemma is that two of their contracts run out in 2010, ARAM can opt out in 2010, and he might as a result of Lee and Lilly leaving. Added to the dilemma is the that both Lee and Lilly would likely resist a trade--which has some merit given their high level of performance and anyone's interest in foregoing a move near the end of their career.

One argument for mostly standing pat is that Lee, Lilly, ARAM, and Z think we can get to the postseason next year with only a couple of moves and a few more breaks. With getting rid of Bradley, Gregg, Heilman and Miles and adding one highly productive position player, who is to say that they can't compete in 2010. (It may take the Cards losing Holliday and having a critical injury or injuries of their own.)

Another argument is that with the top farm prospects needing anohter year or two of maturation and current roster replacements not their equivalent, we will be more competitive next year largely with what we will have coming back. It wouldn't be smart to bet the farm on a couple of older veterans when our own veterans likely are taking the offramp in the near future.

Another argument could be that 2010 will be an an extensive and painful transitional year for the organization from top to bottom. So why not let JH and the rest of the old leadership eat the Bradley and a couple of others crow and leave a relatively clean organizational slate going into 2011. Having the farm production, whatever it is, and about $50 mil a year for the judicious, orderly hiring of free agents in 2011--2012 could lead to a very competitive team.

Is there a clean-house-now case to be made? Yes there is. Those arguements could be weighed down be trying too much change too quickly and by requiring a $30 mil addition to the 2009 payroll.

Tim Wilkins has brought a culture to the farm. The players want to be Cubs. They have common work ethics. The leadership from Mesa to Iowa in combination with the traveling development team has finally put the missing elements I call hard work and commonality. I think you Cubs fans will be blessed in the short years to come. I spoke with players from all those farm levels who have love the organization. You don't get that in free agency. And its what will be needed to win a WS. New owners, JH and company learned a lot about that lack of culture this year. A mistake that won't be repeated.

Scoobypop5- thanks for the words of encouragement...it's good to hear.

I agree Suzy, we should trade Sean Marshall since we have Gorzelanny now and if we resign John Grabow.

Bryan and JimK...I'm a third one for the farm....BUT...I have little confidence in CURRENT management to utilize it correctly...Why was Jake Fox in the doghouse?...ie...Remember when they first brought up Fuld...he had 2 great games and then Lou sat him until he was sent down a week later.

For some reason...unknown to us...Lou has this mansion of a doghouse...and once a player goes in it...they never get out...Fox ala Wuertz ala... we never knew you... Casey Mcgehee.

It just doesn't make sense...at least at the surface.

jc3-6-3...I'm not Suzy goody shoes here.

I know boys will play...and should...given the nature of their profession and all the traveling they do.

But when a GM has to extricate your butt

from a drunken stupor...drops you off

where you probably commit domestic violence...and then you let the team down doing diddly squat in an important

professional situation...that screams

"Help Me, I'm drowning" in an addictive sense.

An addict...no mstter how talented...will eventually crash and burn...taking down all those around him.

Cabrera (and he is a great talent)sounds like a drunken crime/tragedy/accident away from a long stint in a jail or a rehab....and then you are paying nothing

for less than Milton Bradley gave us.

So no...I don't want him on the team.

One last thought...In Neil's link...they

mentioned Grabow is seeking a 3 year deal. I like Grabow...he did ok...but 3 years is too much...1 or 2 years OK...

I sense JH is going to saddle us with 3

again....and probably overpay.

If Jh resigns Grabow...that gives us

3 OK but not inspiring Lefties....

Grabow/Gorelanny/Marshall...and Gaub in AAA with a chance to be special...

Papelbon in AA.

JH would almost have to package one of the other lefties in a trade...just to

give them all a fair amount of innings to work.

So...to me...if you sign Grabow...then

we should trade Marshall.

What do you guys think?

Bryan....I'm with you on building via the farm--with some augmenting through trades and free agent signings. Our farm or someone elses was very good to us this year with Wells, Caridad, Fox, Blanco, Fuld, Gorzelanny, Baker, etc. I think we have a half dozen above average prospects on the way--but mostly two or three years away. They would come from a group that include Colvin, Burke and Brett Jackson-outfielders and Vitters, Castro and maybe Flaherty--infielders. I also like the catcher Chirinos and a couple of others. There are also two or three more pitchers at Hi A or above.

For all of his faults, JH has shown improvement with the farm system. He did not bet it.

And another Thank You, Neil. I'm glad to have found the site this year. I've perused the Cub blogosphere time to time over the last few years, and CCO stands out. Nice work.

On Miggy, I agree with Aaron, I don't the Tigs are ready to bale on him yet. BUT IF they were, and it meant moving him for Soriano - I really don't care if he is a an alcoholic or not. As the list of stats Aaron gave us showed, he produces. Every year. I would guess his drinking isn't something new. Don't kid yourself thinking that boozing isn't part of baseball culture. I try really hard not to make judgments about players based on their personal lives. If we did that, if I did that, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like many of them.

O yeah, and please please please stop calling for DeRosa to come back. Please. Next is not 2008. It is 2010. DeRosa is gone. Maybe Grudzi wants to come back. Or Todd Walker? Sure, or DeRosa. But I'd rather not go backwards.

Thanks for the kind words today ...

Fuel for more conversation

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-06-cubs-chicago-oct06,0,3486304.story

Info on Koyie Hill, Andres Blanco, Mike Fontenot, John Grabow, Jake Fox and Micah Hoffpauir, Reed Johnson and Sam Fuld.

Novel thought...how about (for once) getting committed to building thru the farm system, and developing your players from within v. extending ridiculous extended no-trade contracts.

Assessments have it that Fox has no home here with the Cubs. Hmm, the guy bats over .400 in the minors, achieves over 40 RBI's in very limited and sporadic play, but oh, so sorry, we'd rather have Soriano continue to embarrass the franchise for 5 more years.

Cubs management is a joke. Pinella was sleep walking the whole season, acted like a total incompetent in the post-game evals, and yet is likely to return for his swan song. Wonderful.

Though it's only talk-radio, commentary here in Atlanta has seriously mentioned Sandberg as a possible candidate for consideration to replace Bobby Cox when he retires after next year. They believe Sandberg has the toughness to succeed at the major league level. Wouldn't that be typical Cubs. Perhaps lose a guy like Sandberg because of Lou as the remaining incumbent. I love Lou's comments that managing in the majors is much different than the minors. If only we could relegate him to AA instead.

It's likely going to be a long off-season. And as all too many folks have mentioned here, these are the results with the 3rd highest payroll.

I think Aaron's right that the Tigers will forgive about anything for a young talent like Cabrera--until he's so far gone that he isn't worth a fourth of his contract--as Suzy implies. The remote possibility of having Cabrera does add a little perspective to the popular idea here that we should never consider or do another 6, 7 or 8 year, perk-laden deal--even for young guys like Teixeira or Mauer. I mentioned Mauer as another tempting sign a day or two ago.

I'm with Neil, in limiting contracts for $75 mil or more to 5 years (and less than that for older players. That means we would not be able to trade for or sign guys like Holliday, Santana or Mauer--unless it were a free agent rental like Holliday. We could possibly have a $25 mil guy for 3 years.

just have to paste what Rosenbloom said. (I swear the dude is getting his stuff from the CCO). Yet again, I totally believe what he's saying.

*****************************************

Turns out, Cubs management was just as lame after the season as it was during the last six months.

For the second time this year, the Cubs fired a hitting coach. Used to be the Cubs made trainers the scapegoats. Now the brainiacs are covering their assets by whacking the hitting coaches. Nothing changes. Business as usual. Stupid business as usual, I mean.

When I’ve talked about completely changing the culture at Wrigley Field, it also includes changing management’s voice and actions. No, wait, it starts with changing management’s voice and actions. Maybe the general manager and manager actually believe what they’re saying and doing, maybe they’re just covering their backsides, but they’ve become a joke either way.

The manager either quit on the team or had a lobotomy in the middle of the season, neither of which screams for a return engagement. Lou Piniella admitted he had no answers. He could only shrug and ask, “What can you do?’’ Here’s an idea: Try managing instead of hatching an exit strategy to get fired but still get paid for next year.

What’s worse, when the manager did offer more than a shrug, he blamed injuries. In fact, Piniella was blaming injuries right down to the last Sunday of the season. Quick, someone tell Piniella that the Dodgers lost Manny Ramirez for 50 games and Piniella can watch them play the Cardinals in the playoffs. Someone also better tell Piniella that the Angels lost most of their rotation and Piniella can watch them play the Red Sox in the playoffs.

Everybody has injuries. Good teams play through them. Weak people blame them. Piniella lives on them, apparently.

And the culture and double-talk at Wrigley reeks of double-talk and dopiness when general manager Jim Hendry says, “We don’t make excuses around here.’’ Mommy, make it stop.

This is the same lame approach Piniella fobbed off on us last year, whining about the lack of left-handed hitting when the Dodgers swept the Cubs in the playoffs. Piniella decided the lineup that scored a million runs during the regular season and finished with the best record in the league had been flawed all along. The Cubs, apparently, fooled people for six months. Stupid. Lame. Unacceptable culture.

But wait. It’s gets dumber. Hendry believed Piniella’s excuses at a place where Hendry says they don’t make excuses. His team won 97 games before suffering an ill-timed three-game losing streak, the manager grabbed on to the best available excuse, and Hendry brought in a serial pain in the backside to appease his whiny manager instead of telling him to shut up and manage.

It’s like these guys fell out of a stupid tree and hit every branch on the way down.

In some ways, it’s the general manager’s job to protect the team from the manager. This was certainly a time to make that point. I mean, if Hendry were to make every change his manager talked about, he wouldn’t need this manager. Certainly not at $4 million per. Jeez, if he made all the changes Piniella wanted, he could bring back Bruce Kimm and win 90 games.

What’s more, Piniella incriminated himself recently when he admitted he doesn’t need a left-handed bat for next year’s lineup, just a bat to drive in runs. So, last year’s whininess didn’t really count. It wasn’t really true. It was a convenient excuse. But Piniella said it, the general manager listened, made a disastrous and short-sighted decision, and just like that, the Cubs abandoned hope, all ye who entered Wrigley.

So, when that happens, when so many dumb things are said and even more dumb things are executed, you rectify things the only way you can: You fire the hitting coach.

Von Joshua got fired because Hendry didn’t see significant improvement after he was brought up in the middle of the season. This, mind you, came after Hendry fired the first hitting coach.

You know when the hitting improved? When the disastrous $30 million free-agent right fielder was sent to his room without dessert for the year. That’s when the Cubs started looking closer to the offensive team we saw last season than at just about anytime this season. That’s when the team started looking competitive. That was the difference -- kicking out that team-wrecking goof who never thinks it’s his fault.

So, if that’s when the Cubs got better this year, if that’s what made the difference in moving the Cubs closer to playing like the 97-win team from the year before, then firing the hitting coaches was wrong. OK, then wouldn’t the right place to assign blame for six months of embarrassment worse than consecutive playoffs sweeps be the guy who wrongly and lamely whined about needing a left-handed bat and the guy who foolishly signed the disastrous $30 million team-wrecking goof?

I’ll hang up and listen for Tom Ricketts’ firing Lou Piniella and Jim Hendry.

*****************************************

I think that would be a good deal for the Cubs. Cabrera put up good numbers this season. Obviously the Cubs would have to see if he has had alcohol problems in the past first, but it would be nice to get rid of Soriano's contract

JimK, it really depends.

It's a huge risk...If he is a true

addict...(alcoholic) then you could never depend on the guy....no matter what his talent.

If there were extenuating circumstances

that caused him to go way overboard...then maybe.

My guess is that Detroit would be in a better position to make that judgement.

If they did offer him for Sori...I'd want to do extensive research into jis background. An alcoholic in Chicago

can really do damage.

Cabrera is a great hitter but they would have to find a spot for him at first base. Cabrera is very lazy. By trade, he is a third baseman but he ate his way to 1B. The Tigers should be pissed at him.

They gave up the farm and big contracts for both Cabrera and Willis. Cabrera was suppose to be their third baseman for the next 7 years.

I think Hendry is happy with Ramirez and Lee.

I'm not sure of the protocol for sharing a baseball item and raising a question on this topic, but I suppose it's alright.

Item: On last Saturday morning at 7 a.m., Tigers GM, Dombroski, delivered a very drunk Miguel Cabrera to his home. He had picked him up at the jail where Miguel tested .26 or 3 times the legal limit. A little later, Miguel's wife called police and said they had been in a fight. No one was arrested, but Miguel had scratches and bruises on his face.

Twelve hours or so after Dombroski delivered Miguel home, Miguel started in the Saturday night game with the White Sox and went 0 for 4. He had runners on board each time and did nothing. Miguel was 0 for 11 in the Tiger's disasterous series with the White Sox, and they now face a 1 game playoff with the Twins. Miguel's performance, as the teams best hitter, has been absolutely disgusting.

Miguel is 26 and had a line of .323-33-101 for the year. He plays 1st, 3rd, and corner OF competently. His career numbers are close to this years. He was known to be a party guy when the Tigers gave him a contract that has 6 remaining years totalling $126 mil.

Should the Tigers want to give us Miguel in exchange for Sori's 5 years and $90 mil plus Jake Fox and the lefty reliever John Gaub, should we consider the deal????

JimK,

There's absolutely no way Dombrowski trades him. If he picks him up at the slammer, and takes him home, that shows a GM that genuinely cares about his player. The fact that Dombrowski was with the Marlins organization when Cabrera was coming up also says a lot---he knows the guy well, and production wise, there might not be a more consistent and competent hitter than Cabrera in all of baseball. Here's why:

Aside from 2006, when he hit "only" 26 home runs, Cabrera has averaged better than 33 home runs, and over 100 RBI in each and every full season of his career. In fact, even in his abbreviated first call-up in 87 games, the dude hit 12 hr, 62 RBI at age 20. Know what's even more impressive? This is what's more impressive:

2003 (20 yrs)-21 doubles, 12 hr, 62 RBI, .268 avg, .325 OBP, .468 SLG

2004 (21)-31 doubles, 33 hr, 112 RBI, .294 avg, .366 OBP, .512 SLG

2005 (22)-43 doubles, 33 hr, 116 RBI, .323 avg, .385 OBP, .561 SLG

2006 (23)-50 doubles, 26 hr, 114 RBI, .339 avg, .430 OBP, .568 SLG

2007 (24)-38 doubles, 34 hr, 119 RBI, .320 avg, .401 OBP, .565 SLG

2008 (25)-36 doubles, 37 hr, 127 RBI, .292 avg, .349 OBP, .537 SLG

2009 (26)-33 doubles, 33 hr, 101 RBI, .323 avg, .395 OBP, .541 SLG

Next to Albert Pujols, he just might be the most consistent hitter in all of baseball. A hitter like him comes along once in a lifetime. Guys like Pujols, Fielder, Ichiro, Teixeira, Cabrera, ARAM, are very rare indeed. (under normal circumstances, I'd include AROD, but he was a 'roid head, so I refuse to include him). All of those guys listed have remained consistent throughout their careers almost from their first call-ups even, posting consistent numbers in avg, OBP, SLG, and other offensive categories like doubles, hr, RBI.

Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to say is that Cabrera is a VERY rare talent, and it would take our entire minor league system to even peak the interest of the Tigers...if you don't think so, then just ask yourself what the Cardinals would ask for in return for Pujols. Pujols is certainly a better hitter than Cabrera in terms of avg and OBP, but Cabrera puts up very similar power/RBI numbers, and his avg and OBP is nothing to scoff at either.

But, that being said, it'd be a nice thought, wouldn't it?

As far as realistic trades go, I think the very best we could do this offseason might be Adam Dunn, because supposedly the Nats are looking into the possibility of moving him, and he probably wouldn't require a huge return.

I am not even close to being optimistic about this offseason with Hendry and crew at the helm. (I'm not really that way to begin with...more of a realist), but honestly, if you need big trades and major changes to the roster, than Jimbo ain't your guy....he's admitted himself that he doesn't think creatively, and he also admitted that he hadn't even thought of next year...which means he's incompetent, and perhaps the dumbest GM in the game. How can you not think about the future?!?

Anyway, this offseason will be fraught with moves like resigning Reed Johnson, keeping Aaron Miles, Aaron Heilman, and probably signing players like Mark Loretta, Orlando Cabrera (whom Hendry had the hots for before...which, we all know that if Hendry has the hots for someone, he'll eventually get them...even if they're well past their prime).

I'm also thinking he'll trade some top prospects to get mediocre guys (a la the Kevin Gregg trade).....

I hate to say it, but the only time Hendry went out and got a guy in his prime...it was NOT a hitter....it was Rich Harden....and he couldn't even get that right. He'll botch his free agency too. He had the Twins as a taker for him, but wouldn't trade him. Now, comes word he's set to non-tender him, making him a free agent, and getting no compensation.

In future years, we'll refer to dumb moves as, "you got Hendry'd or....we got Hendry'd...or, he pulled a Hendry", and we'll all instantaneously think about the doofus GM that we have right now, and it will NOT be fond memories

Ok, read this article by Phil Rogers and answer this one question for me: Is there a worse writer in the country ?

This guy is soooooo bad, its embarassing. Look at this list.

Not too mention the error he makes by mentioning Paul Byrd, a pitcher. (This is supposed to be a list of possibilities to fill the so-called "RBI guy" void).

This is possibly one of the worst lists I have ever seen, other than Dero and Hawpe. Sheffield ? Tejada ? Dunn ? OMG, no. no, no, no. Please NO !

How does this guy keep his job ?

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports_hardball/2009/10/turning-the-page-part-2-.html#

The counterpoint to Phil is David Kaplan/

Kap's Corner...ChicgoNow.com.

Embedded is the link to Desipio.com that refutes everything Rogers says.

As far as Rogers goes...take it with a full salt shaker...not just a grain!!!

Maybe JH should take notes from the CCO; With little payroll we have witnessed four consecutive very succesfull seasons on this site! Keep it up guys, take your break and come back ready [as allways] to play hard!

Thanks

Cubs interviewing Keller for hitting coach and are also looking outside organization. No interview for Ryno.

Gordon Wittnymer via twitter.

Yea Suzy, i post occasionally. Looking foward to hearing from you and all the others in the future.

Thank you very much Neil and to everyone else who helped with site this year. Enjoy your well deserved time off.

A one...A two...A three. Thanks Neil. Thanks to all.

craig...I remember you posting on several occasions...looking forward to hearing from you more.

CCO is where I go first for Cubs news because you post it how you see it and feel it. A nice balance. Never too judgmental. Always on the money. Thanks much, Neil.

Thank you Neil and all others for the hard work.

It's a great site.

Go Cubs.

Although most of you dont know me I read every post everyday, and always read the discussions. I didnt participate much in the discussions though lol. Next year I will be much more actively involved, well this offseason I will be.

But thank you Neil. I enjoyed reading your posts daily. You are the best. Take care everyone! Lets have a nice offseason!

Neil/Abby/Shaun/Brian:

Thank you for all your time and the sleep that you have given up for us.

The CCO IS the #1 Cub fan site!

Recognize.

Neil, the CCO has been wonderful. I truly enjoy reading and "blogging" daily". Thank you for your time and hard work you bring us daily, it's truly appreciated here.

Neil; CCO is the source I go to first for accurate news and even handed but frank commentary. I hope you keep the site going and don't take a job as a beat reporter or in sports commentary!

The posts here are always fun and informative and the ones who post are great fans! Congratulations on a very successful site and thanks for all of the hard work!

Neil...Thanks for all your hard work...

I'm sure it's become consuming at times...without the big dollars the

players enjoy.

Enjoy your break Neil.

As a "rookie" to the CCO (this being my first year of following/participating, I also have to say thanks, Neil. I really appreciate the call-it-like-you-see-em type of stories. Carrie Muskat ain't got nothing on you.

A well deserved break for you, Neil! Excellent work and thanks once again for it all.