Last week the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards were handed out and Carlos Zambrano won his third silver bat for being the best hitting pitcher in the National League. This week the majority of the BBWAA (Baseball Writers Association of America) awards will be handed out ... NL and AL Rookie of the Year on Monday, AL Cy Young Tuesday, NL and AL Manager of the Year on Wednesday and NL Cy Young on Thursday. The Cubs have one player in the running for NL Rookie of the Year, but Randy Wells winning the award would be more than a long shot.
Jim Hendry is expected to sign John Grabow this week to a two-year deal worth in the neighborhood of $7 million. Some reports have suggested the contract could include an option for a third year ... Grabow's agent was faxed an offer sheet on Wednesday.
Free agency officially begins at 12:01am Eastern Friday morning ... and reserve lists for major and minor league teams must be filed by Friday, November 20.
So while you wait for the latest on Milton Bradley and Curtis Granderson, here's some other news (and links) you can use on a Monday morning ....
Curtis Granderson
For the all of the rumors and news from over the weekend on Curtis Granderson, click on these links:
Randy Wells
Randy Wells on XM Radio - Originally posted on 11/15/09
Whether Randy Wells ends up being a one-season wonder or not will be determined soon ... but one thing is certain, Randy Wells "gets it". Randy Wells joined Jeff Joyce on MLB Live Weekend Edition (XM Radio) Saturday.
Jeff Joyce asked Wells about last year and his thoughts on the season. Wells said he was really pleased given his background and was glad he was given the opportunity to show he could be effective in the big leagues.
Wells is not sure when the Cubs decided he would be a starter. Wells spent time in the bullpen until he came back to the Cubs' organization from Toronto (Blue Jays picked Wells in the 2007 Rule V Draft but offered him back after one major league appearance).
Wells admitted he struggled as a starter before learning a slider with the Blue Jays and how to keep the ball down.
The Cubs' right-hander admitted he lost focus a little last season. He tried to use the fact he could be making his last start every time he was given the ball as fuel to keep him motivated. Wells explained he has to learn how to evaluate his own stuff in the first inning ... basically what he has to work with on a given day. He explained that sometimes he would try to push through instead of making adjustments, which shortened his outing several times.
Randy Wells is pleased with the amount of groundballs he was able to induce last year and feels that was a big key to his success.
Wells loves being a Cub, loves Wrigley Field and playing in Chicago. He explained that a player cannot "let the stuff get you down" that is associated with playing with the Cubs. There is a lot of pressure but you have to remain positive ... especially when dealing with some of the "fans". He said, "You just gotta laugh it off ... gonna have good days and gonna have bad days."
Jeff Joyce asked about Milton Bradley. Wells said, "Milton is Milton." He mentioned the fact he cannot speak for Bradley and described him as a great guy and a really good teammate. Wells went onto explain it went bad for Bradley early and he couldn't recover.
Randy Wells is not taking his spot in the rotation next season for granted. He does not expect the job to be handed to him and he realizes he must earn it. Tom Gorzelanny and Jeff Samardzija deserve a spot in the rotation according to Wells and they will be trying to take his job in the spring.
Wells thinks Darwin Barney, Mitch Atkins and J.R. Mathes could help the big league club win ballgames.
The break is already over for Wells. He has begun working out for next year, hired a personal trainer and received advice from Ryan Dempster and Ted Lilly on how to prepare for a long season. Wells said he would start throwing in December and "crank it up" in January.
2009 - 2010 Off-Season Baseball Calendar
November
- 19 - Last Day of Exclusive Negotiating Rights for Potential Free Agents
- 20 - Day to file reserve lists for all Major and Minor League levels
- 20 - First Day Major League Free Agents may negotiate and sign with a team other than their former club
- 30 - December 4 - Major League Baseball Players Association executive board meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona
BBWAA Awards - All Award winners announced at 2:00pm E.S.T.
- 16 - NL and AL Rookie of the Year
- 17 - AL Cy Young Award
- 18 - NL and AL Manager of the Year
- 19 - NL Cy Young Award
- 23 - AL Most Valuable Player
- 24 - NL Most Valuable Player
December
- 1 - Last date for former club to offer salary arbitration to ranked XX(B) free agents in order to be eligible for compensation. Deadline is midnight eastern
- 1 - 2009 Hall of Fame Ballot Released
- 4 - Last day to request outright waivers to assign player prior to the Rule 5 Draft
- 7 - Last date for players who declared free agency under Art. XX (B) to accept arbitration offer from former club. Deadline is midnight eastern.
- 7 - 10 - Baseball Winter Meetings in Indianapolis, Indiana
- 10 - Rule 5 Draft
- 12 - Last day to tender contracts. Deadline is midnight eastern
2010
January
- 5 - 15 - Salary arbitration filing period
- 6 - BBWAA Hall of Fame voting announced
- 15 - 17 - 25th Annual Cubs Convention
- 19 - Exchange of salary arbitration figures
February
- 1 - 21 - Salary arbitration hearings
- 15 - End of Waiver Period
- 16 - Beginning of New Waiver Period
- 18 - Voluntary reporting date to Spring Training for pitchers, catchers and injured players
- 23 - Voluntary reporting date to Spring Training for other players
March
- 2 - Mandatory reporting date to Spring Training for all players
- 2 - 11 - Teams may renew contracts of unsigned players
- 17 - Last day to place a player on unconditional release waivers and pay 30 days termination pay instead of 45 days
- 31 - Last day to request unconditional release waivers on a player without having to pay his full 2010 salary
April
- 4 - Active Rosters Reduced to 25 players
- 4 - MLB Opening Night
- 5 - Opening Day for Chicago Cubs in Atlanta
- 12 - Cubs Home Opener against the Milwaukee Brewers
Will Update Off-Season Calendar throughout winter
Cubs in Winter Ball
The AFL had Sunday off and resume play on Monday with the Mesa Solar Sox facing the first place Phoenix Desert Dogs. Starlin Castro is still making headlines and hitting the cover off the ball.
From the CCO Inbox
The CCO Inbox is back ... and those interested in contacting the CCO can email neil@chicagocubsonline.com
Sully Baseball posted a guide to "Talking Baseball for People Who Know Nothing About Baseball"
Gregg Babus asked the question ... "To Bunt or Not To Bunt". This is a must see, full of baseball and pop culture.
There is a new baseball stats site ... BaseballbyPositions.com.
The website is dedicated to presenting baseball statistics and history from a viewpoint not found anywhere else. Baseball By Positions compares players in the most meaningful way possible - by using player performances at the same position in the same league in the same season. Every combination of position, league and season will be at BaseballPositions.com
The Bleacher Report lists the greatest offensive season at each position for the Chicago Cubs.
Notes from the Soapbox
During the Hot Stove Season, the CCO asks our readers to remember the following:
In many cases the mainstream media acts as irresponsible as the bloggers they despise. In most cases bloggers know more about the team and the game they are writing about that these so-called-experts and beat writers.
Several of the talking heads and reporters are responsible with the information they release. The others have an agenda and are attempting to do nothing more than further their own career. During the Hot Stove Season it is imperative to have the wisdom to know the difference.
Just because someone is recognized as a professional does not mean he/she acts in such a manner.
Random Cub of the Day
The latest CCO Random Cub of the Day is Barry Foote. Foote was the first round pick (third overall) of the Montreal Expos in the 1970 draft. Foote made his debut in September of 1973 with the Expos.
Foote was traded to the Cubs from the Phillies along with Henry Mack, Derek Botelho, Jerry Martin and Ted Sizemore for Greg Gross, Dave Radar and Manny Trillo on February 23, 1979.
Barry Foote was the Cubs' catcher in 1979 and 1980 before being traded to the Yankees for Tom Filer and cash on April 27, 1981. Foote's last year in the majors was 1982 and the Yankees released him in 1983.
Barry Foote's Page from The Baseball Cube
Follow the CCO on Twitter ...
A quick reminder to check the CCO's Community Blog ... excellent posts and different opinions from the Faithful.
If you don't have an account on the CCO ... sign-up for one to share your thoughts and interact with the rest of the Faithful.
Well, that's the news (and links) ... and I'm sticking to it!
Thanks Neil for the link to the Bleacher Report site. I came across this interesting article on there about a possible deal to get Javier Vazquez.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/289265-atlanta-shopping-javy-vazquez-should-the-cubs-pick-up-the-phone
He provides some interesting insight into why Derrick Lee for Vazquez would make good sense. I think it would make sense, but would Lee bring back more than just Vazquez? I would have to assume since they make similar money next year and are both free agents at the end of the year Lee would still be worth a tad more than Vazquez. Any thoughts?
Lee for Vasquez is an interesting proposal ... though starting pitching isn't our greatest need.
No, I don't think Lee would bring back more than Vasquez. Most Braves fans would likely think that Vasquez should bring back more than just Lee and most Cubs fans would likely think Lee should bring back more than Vasquez ... which means the deal is probably fair!
The Braves would love that deal (Vasquez for Lee). Vasquez had a really good year, but speculation locally in Atlanta is that he likely can't come close to repeating that...as would Lee likely not replicate his 2009.
Okay people. I incorrectly clicked on errors instead of fielding percentage yesterday. But look:
The Pittsburgh Pirates had the highest fielding percentage in all of MLB, and the fewest errors. See it here: http://espn.go.com/mlb/stats/team/_/stat/fielding/sort/fieldingPct/order/true
Ripsnorter, 1rst...I very much share your frustration with JH and Lou...our current situation with backloaded contracts etc.
2nd Thanks for the link....if you look at it...all of the playoff teams were in the top ten...with the exception of the Cards thzt came in at 15th out of 30.
The Cubs finished at 23...I would think mainly because of Soriano's gems and our
mid infield fielding problems.
A playoff team needs all three components of the game clicking...
pitching/defense/offense.
You are right when you say we need more
hitting and power. Traditionally...that comes from the corner positions and outfield.
Since it appears we'll have a 26.5 million platoon player in right (Fuko)
...and God knows what Soriano will do...
we have to add it elsewhere...CF/Maybe...
maybe...Soto returns to his ROY like season.
Possibly an upgrade at 2nd....And the back up /platoon players...have to have some pop.
SS is not traditionally a power position.
It is absolutely key at shortstop to be good defensively...to turn doubleplays and save runs.
Theriot is a below average SS...but would
be fine at 2nd...fielding wise. He lacks
the power you'd ideally like at 2nd.
Blanco is going to hit .270/.280 this season...no pop but superior defense
and some speed on the bases. No doubt,
he is a backup...but in a pinch could be used as a starter for an extended period
until Castro comes up...and although young...Castro does in fact appear to be the real deal. (Isn't that refreshing?)
I love Theriot...he is a gamer...but because he does not have the pop in his bat....or superior defense...He is either a candidate for trade or eventually slated to a backup position.
I do agree we need to upgrade 2nd and ss.
SS MIGHT be solved soon with Castro...
2nd is Theriot's best position...but we
need someone with a little more power.
I don't know if we can do it this season.
If not...I still maintain that Blanco/Theriot is our best inhouse option
to start the season off...(But hopefully
not finish with.)
An interesting read with Tampa's GM.
Perhaps a candidate to replace JH???
http://www.draysbay.com/2009/11/16/1157546/tampa-bay-rays-gm-andrew-friedman
A good read for statistics guys.
I think everybody here has come to grips with the reality of this team. It will be at least 3 years before it can be reconstructed into an annual contender. I wish the management would just come right out and say as much. That way, the team could develop talent like Castro, at the MLB level, without him feeling the pressure of having to hit the ground running, like a Patterson or Pie. I'm with the general consensus, that Theriot has to be moved to 2nd base. I would be willing to bet that at least 10 routine grounders to him were beat out for hits last year.
Well said Gary. Most of the Cubs talent is a couple years away from contributing. So unless we go the Yankee route and sign a bunch of expensive free agents (which management has indictaed isn't going to happen), this team is at least a couple year away.
Also, it's a pretty sad state of affairs when the most talked about player in our system is a 19 year old who had zero hme runs and a handful of steal in over 100 AA at-bats. Castro looks very promising, but he is far from a sure thing and is a long ways away (at least 2-3 years) from contributing offensively in the major leagues. Even Jose Reyes and Hanley Ramirez (who had stats similar to Castro at ages 18 and 19) and are the upper reaches of what we could dream for, didn't develop their offensive game until they were 22-23.
Basically, I believe Jim Hendry has one duty this year - Not destroying the future of this team. In the next couple of years, if they pan out, we should have a nice steady influx of players coming up from the system.
Castro, Flaherty, Vitters, Cashner, Carpenter, Caridad, both Jacksons, Atkins, Gaub, Papelbon, Diamond, Castillo, Clevenger, Snyder, etc.
Coming off the books at the end of next year will be:
Lee $13 million
Lilly $12 million
Miles $2.7 million
Ramirez(possibly if he declines option)
$15.75 mil this year,player option in '11 is for 14.6, and club option for '12 is $16 million
$27+ million
Coming off the books after 2011 season:
Fukudome $13 this year, 13.5 in '11
Bradley $9 this year, and $12 in '11
another $25+ million.
If we let those players walk we will free up $50+ million dollars. Of those players, I see only Ramirez as the one that we would love to keep on this team. Whether him or Vitters learns 1B will probably be determined on Ramirez.
We will still be straddled with Zambrano, Soriano, and Dempster's contracts after this. Does anyone know what is needed for Zambrano's option to vest?
We know we are stuck with Grandpa Soriano for awhile - he is untradeable. What about Dempster? What do you think Dempster could net us in a trade?
Reading some of the contract highlights, some players have either a full no-trade clause or a no- trade clause. Fukudome's says he has no-trade protection. Does anyone know the difference between these?
Hello all. I have read report after report about Figgins, Granderson, Bradley, Burell and possibly Vazquez. I think we all live in a world of "we want the best, and we want it now". I agree. I am a true blue Cubs fan. Have been since I was a little kid. I have waited like the rest of you for a deep playoff run or even a showing in the World Series.
I think it is time that we all sit back, take a look at the current roster that we have. Last year, many writers stated that the Cubs have the best team in the NL on paper. Well, we found out that injuries, and poor play will negate that. I still believe with the crew of kids we have now, we are still the team to beat in the Central. I will not go as far as saying the NL. The Phillies have proven that they are the best in the NL. Anyone disagree? Now, if we were to keep a consistent lineup together day in and day out, I think our players would produce. You cannot take a Soriano (who was hurt but played through) and have him leadoff for the first half of the season and then move him to the 6 hole. You cannot take Fukedome and have him bat all over the order. You cannot take Milton have him hit all over the order as well. Yes, Soto under achieved last year. Sophmore slump. I am thinking if Lou put a lineup of Fukodome, Bradley, Lee, Rameriez,Soriano,Soto,Baker,Theriot on the lineup card and let them gel, we have a good team that will compete day in and day out. I still think Bradley is a keeper. If we put him in a spot and let him get comfortable, he will be good. Let admit it, ever since Slammin Sammy left RF, nobody has been welcome. Is it because of there offensive numbers. Remember, Sammy tested positive. I say we put our guard down, give Milton 1 half of the 2010 season to show us what he can do. If he is producing and we are winning, we keep him. If not, we look for a trade partner. Let's not sell low. We are only 2 years away from being contract free of Lee, Rameriez, and others. Please look deep into your hearts and give Milton that chance. Also, Jim Hendry has put us in a pickle. But I know as well as you know, that Jim has always done what he thought was best for the Chicago Cubs. I predict a 96 win season this year if we stay healthy and keep the same lineup that I mentioned before. We will be listening to this song "Hey Hey Chicago, What do you say, The Cubs are GOING to WIN TODAY!!!" My slogaon for this year is "In 2010, you don't want to get to our bullpen!!!"
As long as Lou is here...I don't think we'll see a consistant lineup.
Yes, Milton should do better in 2010...I expect it whereever he is...but his mouth and mentality will not change spots...and that is why the Cubs are trying to trade him.
Love to see 96 wins...but.......????
96 wins coming from that lineup...no way. Please don't express that Soriano "played thru injury", and that caused his decline. That was Cubs media/damage control when everyone was on Fonzie's case. The guy has no plate discipline, and now ranks up with the worst relative to defensive skills. We will suffer from his continued decline thru the rest of his 5-year remaining contract debacle. The contract is one of worst EVER in baseball history. Fox, if played daily, could easily outperform Soriano for a fraction of the cost...but we know Lou won't play him regularly.
And Fukodome is nothing more than a .250 hitter who will get you 50 RBI's and a bit above average defense...all for $13m the next two years.
2010 looks bleak...we can only hopefully that it ends the Hendry/Pinella/Rothschild era.
Woody...when you have questions about contracts the best resource is www.Cot's baseball contracts.com
I believe no trade protection is the same as a no trade clause. Some contracts...have limited no trade clauses...eliminating certain teams or geographic areas.
Basically...the no trade means a team has to go to the player and ask him to either wave the clause altogether...or ask permission to trade him to a certain team....It's a tricky thing.
The last year of Zambrano's contract vests if :
A) In 2011 he is one or 2 in Cy Young
voting or
B) In 2012, he is in the top four in
CY Young voting...and is healthy.
Thanks Suzy, thats where I pulled the info I posted. The info I am curious about was not listed there. Maybe I overlooked Zambranos vesting option info.
Baseball America released their Top Cubs Prospects List:
http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/organization-top-10-prospects/2010/269148.html
1) Starlin Castro
2) Brett Jackson
3) Josh Vitters
4) Andrew Cashner
5) Jay Jackson
6) Hak-Ju Lee
7) Login Watkins
8) Chris Carpenter
9) Ryan Flaherty
10) D.J. LeMahieu
Does anyone agree with me that if the Cubs chose to keep Bradley, that if we kept him in the 2 hole, and played him in RF for 140 games, and did not change his routine throughout the year, we would have a productive season from him? I would love to hear scenarios on how we could make Milton a better player with the Cubs. I don't want to focus on the trade aspect. What do you think?
1) Bradley has never been healthy enough to play 140 games. Last year was his best
and he only played in 124.
2)I agree that his best spot is the 2 hole.
3)The fans will make things very uncomfortable for Milton...at least to begin with...he would need counseling on how to handle it.
4)The Cubs would have to impose a complete media blackout on Bradley...and he would have to agree not to talk to the media...everytime he opens his mouth
he fets in trouble.
5) Before any of that could transpire,
He, himself, would have to issue a believable apology to the Cubs, fans,
and City of Chicago for his comments last year.
6) Then we turn him over to Rudy.
But I don't think we'll have the opportunity to see all that.
I think the best thing that could happen to the Cubs regarding Bradley is he comes into spring training and blows out his ACL. Not to wish harm on anyone - but he is untradeable, and a cancer in the dugout. This way he doesn't reach some of those incentives, and stays home out of everyones way.
Neil...the neat thing about that was the projected 2012 lineup. We'll see how close they come.
Thanks for the link.
Two problems with that lineup.
1. We will still have the ugly contract of Soriano.
2. Lee will be what 36? I would rather see Vitters or Ramirez at 1B. Other than Fox/Hoffpauir I do not believe we have any top 1B prospects. Why do the Cubs have such a hard time finding 1B prospects that stick in the majors?
Neil,
Since Harden has filed for free agency and seems ready to test the market, do you see the Cubs offering him arbitration this week before the deadline so we get the pick? Think he is a category B which is just one pick right?
Woody ... the exclusive window to negotiate with your (meaning team) ends on Thursday at midnight eastern. Teams have until December 1st to offer players arbitration and players have until December 7 to accept.
The Cubs do not have to offer Harden arbitration until Dec. 1.
Harden is a Type-B free agent and if the Cubs offer him arbitration, he declines and signs with another team then they receive a sandwich pick (between the first and second round) of the 2010 first year players draft.
Hope this helps ...
Suzy, I am wondering why does Milton need to issue an apology. Isn't there two sides to every story? I am not a Milton Bradley fan. I am a Chicago Cubs fan. I want the best for the Cubs. But at the same time, we do not need to treat someone with that disrespect. Regardless if we the fans pay the gate fee, we do not need to treat another human being the way we did. The media was blindsiding Milton from each side. I feel that this apology you ask for needs to be a two way street. Nobody is perfect. I think that your points were very justified but the apology one. Explain further. Remember, We are all the body of Christ, and that if we did not ask for forgiveness, then what did Christ die for?
Oh please!
Bryan... :)
sltj33,
I'm Christian also. Milton had a blow-up
and was insubordinate to his hitting coach...and we will never be privy to what happened.
As a professional ballplayer...he has to be sensitive to PR issues...and he had a total lack of understanding there.
When he publicly stated..."No wonder they havn't won in 101 years." and then questioned management's wisdom/calling the fans racist...etc./the incident with Lou/
sltj33...in the normal world...any of us acting that way would be outright fired
from an organization...it really bespeaks
of an unhealthy mindset..."me against the world". If he were a personal friend of mine...I would truly recommend counseling...if once a year the organization he was with...couldn't wait to move him elsewhere...(barring Texas).
And even there, if you read their blogs,
you would see that he left them with an
unsavory taste in their mouths when he unilaterally took himself out of lineups
to preserve his statistics...and earn a better contract.
Because Milton is under contract for the next 2 years...and does have talent...
someone will put up with his antics.
But the kindest thing would be for all of baseball to release him...and that he
get full time counseling...so that he doesn't go through the rest of his life
as a tortured soul.
Hey ... we're not all Christians on here ... can't we keep religion out of a discussion on baseball???
While I understand the idea of reading about sports without a religious based discussion, if someone chooses to speak on the topic while writing so be it. You have a choice not to scroll past the post and not respond to it, just as any other topic you may not agree with or care to read.
Amen, Joe S! (no pun intended, LOL). I always find it hilarious that people complain in our society all the time about being left out, whether it be minority groups, GLBT community, religious rights, etc., yet they discriminate too, and often are afforded more rights than the majority in terms of free speech, etc., all in the name of political correctness. For instance, some schools on the East Coast can't have Christmas parties...but they're allowed to celebrate Kwanza, and Hannukah, and other religious holidays, and call it such.
I have a solution for everything....check it out:
1) if you're pro illegal immigration, because you came here illegally, and you raise a stink about it, and choose to waive your home country's flag, and participate and demand ethnic events, then for all I care, you can get the hell out of our country, because the last I checked, we are the United State of America, and NOT the United States of Mexico, or Japan, or India, or China, or Europe
2)If Obama and his Cabinet don't like Fox News because they call him out on things, or disagree with them, then he can stop bitching, and turn the channel to CNN, MSNBC, CBS, NBC, ABC, and Comedy Central to get his news/entertainment, because they seem to be agreeable for him.
3)If people are upset by religion...(as long as it's not a violent religion, and doesn't harm society), then they have a choice not to listen to them, or read their stuff, etc. They also have the choice to leave a country that was founded on certain biblical principles. Obviously, the Founders thought it was morally important for a civilized and functional society to follow certain guidelines, just as most businesses have some sort of statement of accepted behavior. Ever wonder where that comes from? In fact, many companies just come right out and say, "The Golden Rule" It's basic common sense actually, but some people just think you should be able to do anything in life and not suffer consequences, and that's what a civilized society is all about---if anyone doesn't like a civilized society, they can go to Afghanistan, or many middle eastern nations, where there is chaos, and no accepted "Golden Rule", then come back and tell us how great that was....LOL
But seriously guys....I didn't want to get on here and lecture, but let's be civilized to others, even if their opinion differs from yours. You have a choice to agree or disagree, so long as it's civilized and doesn't hurt anyone (physically, which is impossible since we're on the internet...I'm just using this as a general statement of society).
BUT............this IS a baseball site, and I'm sure Neil, and the majority of us on here would prefer to keep it that way, otherwise we get off track of the very purpose of this wonderful format to share our opinions about the CUBS.
If anyone wants to talk in depth about politics, religion, etc., I suggest you get each others emails through Neil, and do it privately, or you could go to a political forum site or whatever, but let's try to stick to baseball as best we can.
(sorry for the pseudo-lecture there...just trying to prove a point)
Wow ... no wonder we have so much intolerance in this country!
not intolerance buddy....what you seem to forget is that it works both ways...you must be in the minority (not speaking of race, but of personal views, etc.). I would venture a guess that you vote along the party lines of the one distinguished as "of the few, by the few, and for the few". and that's about all I'm gonna say about that.
Learn to accept other people's opinion, otherwise you end up in a fascist state, where nobody can have a differing opinion. It's a very dangerous line to cross, and yet the very thing you believe in (which is tolerance) because the downfall of an entire country, because you are NOT in fact "tolerant" as you say, but even MORE intolerant than the people you accuse.
For instance, never once did SuzyS, or anyone else try to force their opinion on you, and yet you're trying to force your ideology on them. How is that tolerant?!? I guess you need to learn more about the nation's founding, and why I am proud to be an American, and why everyone in this country should be proud to be an American and NOT ashamed to be one like a certain political party wants us all to be.
If you blast a certain religion for saying anything about themselves, are you also blasting other religions too for saying anything? Are you upset that Jews can celebrate Hannukah, or Africans Kwanza, or whatever? Do you voice your opinion then? Do you throw up your arms in the air when a woman is not selected as a CEO because her credentials weren't good enough in favor of a male, or when a minority (race) is turned down entrance to an Ivy League school because their test scores weren't good enough in favor of a white student? Do you throw your arms up in the air when a man is turned down for a CEO position even though his credentials AND experience AND education are better than the female candidate who received the position based solely on gender quotas? Do you throw your harms up in the air when a white student is denied a scholarship and/or entry to a university, even if he was at the top of his class and had all the test scores, solely because of racial quotas?!? My guess is you throw your arms up for the less qualified candidate/student, solely because of gender/race, because you feel vindicated by doing so, even though it's actually reverse discrimination in both cases, isn't it? In both cases the company/university loses great people based on that logic.
if we want to bring this back to baseball, I'm not going to say that you want the Cubs to be mediocre or anything like that, but it's quite possible that you would be more defensive of a Hendry, or a certain player that's dogging it or underperforming more so than others. The reason is wanting to stand up for the "little guy" (even though it technically isn't a 'little guy' in reality).
You might take the 'underdog' team a lot, or think it's unfair that the Yankees spend all that money, or that there are richer people than you in life. Fact is, in both cases, they've just outworked their counterparts.
I'm not trying to psychoanalyze you or anything, but you need to enjoy life more, love your country, and why it was founded, and respect the opinions of others, otherwise you're going to be a very unhappy person in life.
Aaron,
Your assessment of me is completely wrong. For one, I almost always vote Republican and am a staunch Libertarian so that goes contrary to most of your judgments (or "guesses" as you call them) about me. That said, being an Ivy League grad and now the President of a medium sized company myself, I do recognize the advantages and value which diversity brings to both an educational environment and a company ... so I suppose I fit the part of your generalizations about me that I value diversity.
I never "blasted a certain religion" and am quite tolerant of both the majority (of which I am in most respects) and minorities. I just wanted to enjoy reading about the Cubs without hearing about religion. Feel free to go on another rant about your assumptions about me and my background, I will not dignify the next one with a response.
Milton brought ALL this upon himself.
His past track record and this years shenanigans just quantified it. Oh, and the racial insults were never verified.
I do agree with you Suzy. But I still do not see why the Chicago Cubs need to take a hit in the financial department. We as Cubs fans know that if Milton were to leave, we will be burdened with his contract for 2 years to come financially. But if he were here to stay for the next 2 years, and a fresh face with Rudy (not Joshua or ? I forget), maybe he would produce. I see the fans being the one's who need to finally say "ok, lets be quiet for the next 2 years in RF and let Milton play." This way we get his full potential. Honestly, we really signed Bradley for his OPS. We did not sign him for his HR power or his RBI ability. SO, all in all, for baseball to release a guy who is just wanting to find a home with someone who truly says "we want you Milton", is not good. I think this town needs Milton. This team needs Milton. I agree with counseling. Make him seek counseling. Make him seek physical therapy. Make him seek his inner soul and find the God that he wants to praise and then move on from there. But I do remember earlier in one of our blogs, somebody wrote something interesting. Can Milton be released of his contract for his behavior? BTW, I am just debating with you because I want a "full picture" of Milton Bradley.
Wasn't it in Texas - the baseball team equivalent of Milton's "happy place" - where he got nearly all the way to the radio booth, during a game, because he wanted to "have some words" with an announcer that said something that Milton took too personally? The man has real issues. He needs professional help, and I'm not talking about Rudy Jaramillo.
I remember when the Cubs where in the Fukudome sweeps and I was quite opposed to the idea. I told some friends that he really wouldn't produce much more than Murton, who had proven himself to be a solid average hitter with little power. They all thought I was a moron. Murton was serviceable, but not sufficient for the Cubs corner OF, he was young, cheap and unknown - thus expendable. Fukudome is in the middle of his career, light hitting, good fielding corner OF. He would have been gone last year, except that he was big in Japan and so Hendry gave him $40M and 4 years, now he's here to stay.
jc363...it was a fame at Colorado and I forget who he was with....Yes, Milton needs professional help.
Re Fukodome...that's one deal I won't fault Hendry for...Kenny Williams actually bid about a mil more for him if you recall...so that was about market rate for him at the time...He just turned out not to be what we thought...
for that reason...I hope we stay away from Japanese players for a while...too
hard to project their performance from
Japan to mlb.
sltj33...It might have been me asking if their was general dlause that would allow us to release Bradley for "conduct unbecoming to the team". There isn't.
If you ever sit in the bleachers at Wrigley...you would know it's impossible to ask the fans "to be good to a player."
If a player produces...they'll worship him.
If not, he'll be heckled forever...and it has nothing to do with racism.
Because of Milton's public statements and actions last year...it is almost an untenable situation for him to return...the fans will blast him everyday..and we already know he cannot take it.
Detroit released a 14 million player last year...if Hendry can't get a trade done...we may have to do the same with Milton.
I'll let others give you a better pic of Milton from here...I'm just one person.
If that was at Colorado, he must not have been at Texas. Point is he's a sick dude, going up to the booth during a game...?
And Suzy, just because Kenny Williams bid on Fukudome doesn't really mean that no one saw him as a risk and gamble. Come on, Kenny Williams is infallible now? There have only been two Japanese stars to translate their numbers to the MLB, yes, Ichiro and Matsui. And by all scout's accounts, they were far superior to everyone else playing there, and also superior to Fukudome. There were a lot of comparisons to Matsui, but even then they said he wouldn't have the power. There were a lot people saying that Dome would have about 15 HR power in MLB, and sure enough, that is even high. $12M per for 4 years a lot for a corner OF that never played a game in the MLB and projects 15-18 HR. I never liked that deal. I thought it was risky.
and sltj33 - explain in what way "this town needs Milton. This team needs Milton"? I don't understand at all.
jc3-6-3...In hindsight...we all know Fuko was a bad signing....No Williams is not infallible...but I do like his style
and thought processes better than JH's.
(But that's me personally)
I was merely pointing out that there were several teams bidding for Fuko...unlike when JH was bidding against
himself for Bradley...or Bid so far out od line for Soriano.
I didn't agree with either signing at the time...while I was hopeful with the Fukodome signing...That did not work out.
So I personally cannot complain about Hendry re the Fukodome signing...because I was onboard at the time...It was obviously my mistake...because I wish we could dump him now.
Milton did charge the booth annoucer. All I can say, we need to do this for the good of the organization. The 64 million dollar question is, Do we as the Chicago Cubs nation keep our mouths shut, and keep the peace, or do we as the Chicago Cubs organization release Milton and eat his contract? What is best for all parties involved?
The Bradley scenario has been discussed and debated deeply enough on this site for weeks. He's likely gone based on his attitude and actions...but with Hendry you never know.
Let's move on.
The Bradley topic is the hot button for the Cubs. He is front and center right now and thus all the talk about him.
There is plenty to talk about as to where he might be traded, what me might get back, how much money do we have to pay and do we just have to possibly release him.
This trade figures as a big part of our offseason so it will continue to be talked about until something is done.
If you have no other thoughts on Bradley and care to "move on" thats cool...blog away on what you want to discuss. If others have points or thoughts on Bradley I hope they share them. Whether I agree or disagree with any view here I like reading all the diverse thoughts from fellow Cubs fans.
Radio 670 the SCORE just broke a possible trade in the works. Between the White Sox/Padres/Angels.
Paul Knonerko to the Angels...prospects to the Padres...Adrian Gonzales to the White Sox.
No confirmations yet...just earliest rumor.
I reall don't see that happening, the White Sox are scrwing up there minor league system with getting Peavy:
The White Sox will have to give up:
Brandon Allen, Jordon Danks, Jason Nix and Eduardo Escobar and the Angels would have to give up Brandon wood and 1 low 1 prospect. SAome thing like that, so I really dont ses that happening.
Gonzo will go to the Red Sox when ssaid and done.
Didn't the Sox already deal Brandon Allen to the D-backs?
All is quiet here in San Diego as to an Adrian Gonzalez trade. I don't see it happening as that would really turn fans away. He is a hometown boy after all. The team played well late last year with all the young players, they need someone solid like Gonzalez to anchor the lineup.
They've mentioned it on the SCORE a couple of times here...but I can't find anything on it anywhere else...You're probably right Joe....
It would be interesting to find out where it originated from.
Probably Phil Rogers...lol.
What I do see is that they sign and trade Heath Bell who is in the middle of his arbitration years. He is due for a nice raise this year after "only" making 1.25 million as the closer last year. he proved he can do it and should see a hefty arbitration award if he goes there.
WOW. A Gonzalez to the White Sox. Kenny W is burning up the phone lines. I only hope this is a reality in the waiting. I like A Gonzalez. I remember last year I was a caller on the MLB Show on XM Radio and I suggested we send D Lee and a couple prospects to the Pads for A Gonzalez. Well, I guess Kenny W was listening then. He always is one step ahead of Hendry. Can you blame him.
IF Gonzalez goes anywhere I don't see it being the White Sox. Gonzo is eventually going to get a hefty raise.
He is a steal right now. Only made 3 million last year. Due to make 4.75 million this year and there is a club option for 2011 for 5.5 million.
The White Sox are not going to have the kind of money it will take to pay him.
Ufta so much to talk about and so little time...
Interesting conversations about strategies: Pitching and Defense Vs Hitting. Well here is my take. I agree with Suzy that it takes all 3 parts. But here is my own observations and alot of it is based off what I believe are the fundamentals of the game (Which I think this team has lacked for a long time) :
Starters-Must throw strikes! Numero uno most important. I am not sure actual numbers here, and quite frankly I am not going to look it up, But to me if you give free guys on base you will fail! Inflated WHIP equals inflated ERA, which equals Inflated L's.
Bullpen-Also Must throw strikes, but in the playoffs, it appears as if you need at least one or two "lights out" guys. Need that out pitch (see Rivera, he has only 1 really, REALLY good one)
Offense- HR's are pretty, they make a big splash and they are exciting, But FUNDAMENTAL offense is HUGE! Get guys on and get em in. Bunts, RISP less than 2 outs. I would love to see the research on how many runners the Cubs left in SP with less than 2 outs last season. I think I said it every time and they fell short. If he is on 3rd, hit a damn fly ball! On 3rd with less than 2 outs, especially, they have to score. You can ground into a DP and score a guy from 3rd. And my biggest Peave, is guy's who are on 1st and do not advance to 3rd on a single, what happened to that??!!?? Station to staion blah blah blah. The Angels and the Twins of the world have perfected this art. (I guess this is where speed comes in huh?)
Defense-Uhhhhhhh... catch the Ball Fonzi! Don't toss it into the stands after posturing when there are only 2 outs Milton. And most of all Hustle!
And lastly on Offseason Moves---
Look me up, I am one of the guys that said if the Cubs made the playoffs that we would love Milton Bradley. Yes I said it and yes I own it. But that was before he blasted the fans, the organization, the stadium, and the history of the game by stating he wanted off the field in 9 innings. That ended that, and I agree with Suzy that if he is a member of this team in the future he does need to apologize! No athlete needs to answer to us the fans, I am not naive enough to think that (See Mcguire, Sosa, and any other alleged Roider) BUT in that same breath, Pettite, Giambi, AROD all owned it to an extent. All apologized, and all have moved on. See the trend? They apologized for shaming themselves, the game, their teams. That had to do with PED's. If Milton were to come out and say something to the effect of:
"To the city of Chicago. I signed with this team, I courted this team. I want to be a member of this team. I want to do my absolute best to honor the fans of this great and historic franchise, and the tradition that those fans have brought to this organization. I believe with my skill set I can prove to be a valuable piece of the puzzle, and I no doubt want to be a part of the team that ends the drought for the city of Chicago and the loyal fans. I understand that last season was rough, it was for me as well, and I sincerely apologize for any comments that I made out of frustration. I have always been the type of person that wears my heart on my sleeve, I know that has not always served me well. I will spend this off season becoming the best Milton I can be, and would like the opportunity to show the great fans of Chicago what I can do for their beloved team"... then maybe we can move on.
And Please fire Phil Rogers! Thank GOD he does not run this team. Uhhh let's trade our top prospects for Granderson NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Soto, Marshall, Miles, Fontenot, Heillman, maybe even Wells, for CG and that's it. If not MOVE ON JIM!!!! DO not pull a Roberts, Peavy hold your whole offseason hostage for one move that may or may not work out! Same with the Milton deal.
Whew, sorry for the book, but y'all gave me a lot to think about.
Cloycub...nice post.
Ok...Cancel THAT rumor...it's just THEIR
version of wishful blogtalk...initially I thought it was a report of a trade.
Team batting avg with runners in scoring position:
Arizona .240
Cubs .241
Padres .242
Giants .245
Reds .250
Pirates .251
Wash. .255
Phils .255
Dodgers .259
Colorado .259
Brewers .262
Cards .264
Astros .267
FL .272
Mets .277
Braves .278
AL
Angels .297
Yanks .272
Orioles.284
Bosox .283
Sea .235
Thanks for the stats Ripsnorter...I'm surprised we did that well.
Those Angels hit with RISP. .297!!
Not in the playoffs. Maybe their GM will
screw up their team this offseason like Hendry did ours.
John Grabow Files for free agency but expects a deal with teh Cubs winthina couple days.
http://twitter.com/CarrieMuskat/status/5779535234
Aaron, I don't always agree with you, but you are spot on this time.
Now let's talk baseball.
Casey McGehee got screwed. Not that he didn't win ROY, but that he only came in 5th. I would've put him in the top 2 or 3.
yeah, I don't get the Coughlin thing...that's kind BS. Hanson, McGehee, Wells, and even McCutchen would've been better choices.
If I were on the committee, I would've ranked them this way:
1)Hanson
2)McGehee
3)Wells
4)McCutchen
5)Coughlan
I know that Coughlan led all rookies in hits, etc., but he wasn't all that valuable to his team. Imagine where the Braves, Brewers, Cubs, and Pirates would've been without those players. Yes, I know none of the teams made the playoffs, but they were each easily the most valuable players on their respective teams. Honestly, aside from maybe Ted Lilly, was their anyone more valuable than Wells?
To me, that's what it should be measured by.
I mean...measured in terms of if it were a close race, you'd go to MVP of their team, or value on their team
Aaron, I left you a little chart on Dunn's fielding yesterday...did you see it?
I had a concussion yesterday, and totally forget the stats.....I think it said somewhere that he was the best fielder in the league, and led the league in games saved via fielding or something to that effect.....was that right? LOL
Something like that. :)
Nice post above....but on to baseball....
I agree with you that Coughlan wasn't my first choice either but I disagree that you put the focus on the player being valuable to the team. To me that has nothing to do with most of the awards, sans the Most Valuable Player award which is meant to cover what you speak of. The other awards shouldnt have to be justified by value to the team.(Though as a fan we certainly hope that there's a connection).
I think part of the problem was there was no true standout from start to finish.
Coughlan sure did sneak by with some impressive stats. Back to Back months of 47 hits which at a combined 94 was the most over two months since Dave Parker in 1978. Also, he led the majors in hits for the second half of the season with 113 hits and a .372 average. Thats impressive.
Only 22 National League Players (including Cubs Theriot and Lee) had more hits than Coughlan. All of those 22 played in at least 13 more games than him, most more in the range of 20-30 games more.
While an argument can be made that Happ could have been named the ROY...I think the same could be said for Hanson and am shocked at the difference in point between Hanson and Happ considering their numbers are so similar.
Actually I think the player that got the worst end of the deal is Giants 3B Pablo Sandoval. To me he was the TRUE Rookie of the Year but didnt qualify because he had 145 AB's last year and you have to have less than 130 AB's in all previous seasons.
Pablo played the full season accumulating 572 AB's and had 182 hits. He had 44 doubles 5 triples and 25 homeruns along with 95 RBI's. He was fifth in the league in batting average at .330 and he was in the top ten for slugging percentage.
Probably overpaying for Grabow, but I guess what's overpaying when it's only $3.5 million per season versus the money they gave Bradley.
Mark, That logic keeps Miles on the team...since we're only overpay9ing him by 2.7 million.
The thing is, I'm not sure we need Grabow
at all...with Marshall,Gorzelanny and Gaub as the lefties.
Aaron,
Although we've disagreed on much today, I agree with you 100% on Hanson! Why doesn't JA Happ make your top 5 though?
b/c I'm an idiot, and totally missed him...I'd DEFINITELY rank him higher than McCutchen.
I really think JHendry will deal Wells away this winter. Wells is a better starter than Gorzellany, imo, but I look for JHendry to deal him away for something he thinks he needs to play everyday.
$7 million for Grabow for two years with elbow chips is too much money.
Dumpster: I think last year is really what he is. The 17 win season was his career year. I think he remains about what he was last year.
Rip, Unless he has a starter coming back...I don't think Hendry is dealing Wells. While I'm not sure id Wells is a flash in the pan or not...with Lilly on the DL to start the season...I don't see him going anywhere.
Historically, sinker and slider pitchers
do well at Wrigley...so I hope Wells passes on the "sophomore slump".
I agree with you on Grabow...but I find it interesting that Grabow filed free
agency today...adter last reports were that an offer sheet went to his agent last Wednesday.
A little posturing perhaps?
If I were Hendry...and I really wanted
Grabow back...I'd hold off on the 2 year
offer and offer him arbitration. Since Grabow is a type A free agent...the additional 2 picks might hold someone back from signing him...and we would probably get him cheaper....If not...we still have Gorzelanny & Wells with Gaub
pushing hard for a spot next year.
It's pure speculation on my part.
I see JHendry dealing Wells for a CF or a SS/2B or some position player.
If you and I do not think it makes sense, just remember, last year he dealt DeRosa off for some inexplicable reason.
I see where Wells got only one vote for ROY. I am glad to hear it, because I think it may keep him humble (as opposed to Soto). And if he stays off the bottle (eg Frank Castillo) and off the dope (eg Soto), I think he'd do just fine at the ML level.
McGahee outplayed them all!