Zack Grienke became the first Kansas City Royal since Brett Saberhagen in 1985 to win the AL Cy Young award on Tuesday. The NL and AL Managers of the Year will be announced on Wednesday.
In between the debate and the rumors surrounding Curtis Granderson there is Milton Bradley. By all accounts Milton Bradley's time with the Cubs is over but Jim Hendry must find a way out of the more than $21 million owed to Bradley over the next two years. Most feel Bradley will be dealt to either the Rangers or the Rays, as those teams are rumored to be the most interested in Bradley.
Rumblings began a few weeks back that Kevin Millwood could be the player Jim Hendry is trying to acquire for Milton Bradley ... and that rumor, among others, were reiterated on Tuesday.
Here is the latest from the mill, including a little snag in Millwood's contract that could benefit the Cubs ...
From the Mill
Bruce Levine chatted a little about the Cubs' Tuesday afternoon. Here are the highlights in bullet point format:
- Bruce Levine thought Milton Bradley would have been traded by now.
- If the Cubs trade Bradley to the Rangers, Kevin Millwood would become a Cub. If a deal is made with the Rays for Bradley, Pat Burrell would come the Cubs way ... with the Cubs hopefully able to flip Burrell to another team
- Derrek Lee "was approached last off-season by the Cubs to see if he would be interested in being dealt to a California team. His answer was a firm no." Levine thinks Lee will receive an extension before he is traded from the Cubs.
- John Grabow should be signed soon to a two-year contract worth around $7 - $7.5 million.
- Don't expect Starlin Castro and Andrew Cashner "to be included in any off-season deals." The only way Cashner is traded would be as a part of a blockbuster deal
- The odds of the Cubs re-signing Rich Harden are zero. The Cubs are looking for more than the 25 starts per season that Rich Harden can give them.
- Ben Sheets? "That's a good name. After being out one year and having surgery he fits into the prototype of the tough Cajun who the Cubs always have a fondness for."
- Carlos Marmol and John Grabow will be 1-2 in the backend of the Cubs bullpen next season.
- It is "questionable" if Aaron Heilman and Sean Marshall will be a part of the Cubs' pen in 2010.
- Esmailin Caridad will get a shot at making the team as a reliever out of spring training.
- John Gaub could make the bullpen out of spring training as well.
- Second base "seems to be up in the air at the moment" for the Cubs with Jeff Baker and Mike Fontenot both arbitration eligible.
- Koyie Hill will back-up Geovany Soto as of now. Levine tossed out Ivan 'Pudge' Rodriguez's name but without any explanation.
- Levine does not see how Mark DeRosa would fit with the Cubs in 2010.
Kevin Millwood
Bruce Levine mentioned on Tuesday if the Cubs trade Milton Bradley to the Rangers then it appears Kevin Millwood "would be coming back from Texas."
Most know Kevin Millwood, big guy, pitched for the Braves for many years, then with the Phillies before signing a one-year deal with the Indians in January of 2005. Millwood put up good numbers in Cleveland (9-11 in 30 starts with a 2.86 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP) then signed a huge contract with the Rangers prior to the 2006 season.
The Cubs were rumored to have interest in Kevin Millwood four years ago ... and Jim Hendry might get his chance once again.
Millwood signed a five-year, $60 million contract in December of 2005 that ends after the 2010 season. Millwood is slated to earn $12 million next season and has a limited no-trade clause. But here's the little snag in his contract.
Millwood is owed a $15 million signing bonus that is paid out from 2011 - 2015. So Millwood is owed $27 million, not $12 million by the cash-strapped Texas Rangers. Could this be the way Jim Hendry is able to deal Milton Bradley without "eating" as much as $16 million of Bradley's contract?
Millwood's $12 million salary in 2010 would not give the Cubs in payroll relief in 2010 ... but the signing bonus owed to Millwood could keep the Ricketts family from sending a $15 - $16 million check to insert team name here. This is not an ideal solution but this is not an ideal situation.
Kevin Millwood posted a 13-10 record in 2009 with a 3.67 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP. In 31 games, 198 2/3 innings he struck out 123, walked 71 and served up 26 home runs. Outside of Arlington, 5-7 in 16 starts with a 4.15 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP.
Millwood has started 34, 31, 29 and 31 games for the Rangers in his four seasons with Texas and has completed eight games (six in the last two years).
Millwood's Career Stats Versus the Central:
- Reds - 6-4 in 10 starts with a 4.47 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP
- At Great American - 2-2 in four starts with a 6.33 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP
- Astros - 7-4 in 12 starts with a 3.87 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP
- At Minute Maid - 4-1 in six starts with a 3.20 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP
- Brewers - 4-3 in 12 starts with a 5.17 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP
- At Miller Park - 0-0 in three starts with a 6.91 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP
- Pirates - 4-5 in 11 starts with a 4.20 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP
- At PNC - 1-3 in four starts with a 5.48 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP
- Cardinals - 3-2 in 12 starts with a 3.98 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP
- At Busch Stadium - No Starts at the New Busch Stadium
Kevin Millwood is 2-2 in six career starts at Wrigley Field with a 3.74 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP in 33 2/3 innings, three home runs allowed.
Curtis Granderson
Bruce Levine has remained consistent on the fact the Curtis Granderson situation is real. The Tigers must cut payroll and they have too many high-priced veterans that cannot be moved. This is where Curtis Granderson comes in. Dave Dombrowski can replenish some missing parts in his farm system and help his 2010 club by trading Granderson ... and not only get quality he could acquire quantity in return as well.
According to Bruce Levine, the Tigers "are not interested in backup players" for Curtis Granderson. The Tigers are looking for young talent and Levine thinks Josh Vitters would have to be included in a deal for Curtis Granderson.
Billy Wagner
The Cubs are likely one of three anonymous teams interested in Billy Wagner according to a report from FoxSports.com. Billy Wagner is a Type-A free agent.
Jim Duquette mentioned during Baseball This Morning (XM Radio) that if the Cubs and Braves are interested in Wagner he thinks the southpaw should sign with one of those two teams. Duquette explained both situations would give Wagner a chance to pitch for a contending team.
Duquette sees Wagner as a closer but would only sign him for one year with possibly an option ... Duquette would not ink Wagner to the multi-year contract he is looking for this winter.
Links
- 2009 Six-Year Minor League Free Agent List from Baseball America
- How To Make Up a Good Trade Rumor from Baseball Prospectus
Final Word
A.J. Pierzynski joined Dave Kaplan during Sports Central Tuesday night. Kaplan asked the Sox catcher if he would ever sign with the Cubs. Pierzynski replied, "If they were the last team, I would consider. I've known Jim Hendry for a longtime, he scouted me in high school." After thinking about it, A.J. admitted it would be very, very hard to put on the blue and red of the Chicago Cubs.
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 latest ... and I'm sticking to it!
Can we get any sort of time table on the Bradley process at all????? (im gettin sick of checking 5 times a day haha)
I would love to see Millwood come back in that deal to add depth to our rotation and a veteran presence as our #4-5 starter...
ALSO is there any sort of time table on the Granderson situation or is this gonna be a Peavy/Roberts type deal where its just on and off for months and likely to no avail????
ANYBODY??? ANYBODY??? BUELLER????
Joel ... here ya go.
No. No and Yes.
I hope they don't consider Granderson a blockbuster deal to move Castro. A blockbuster deal in my opinion would be one of two players coming to the Cubs
1)Albert Pujols or
2)Hanley Ramirez
That's it!! Ramirez is young enough that it would offset Castro's age, and Pujols is the best player in the league.
I betcha Hendry believes names like Brian Roberts, Jake Peavy, etc are blockbuster guys thought. I'm starting to dread this offseason.
I say we keep Milton Bradley before Jim Hendry makes another bad trade. I still say that we are going to resign Rich Harden. Ben Sheets is always injured to so I do not think that is a good fit. So guys are telling me that you trust Gorzelanny more than Harden.
If he will do it, I would love Sheets on a very incentive laden deal. If he is healthy he is an ace. If not no big deal, thats why you do the incentive deal. We have some guys in the wings if our rotation was Zambrano, Lilly/Sheets, Dempster, Millwood, and Wells. I slot Sheets in with Lilly because even though they say april for a return, I am thinking May or June. I have a feeling that we are not being told how bad this really is.
I will assume that if Hendry makes a couple deals for starters this offseason the outlook on Lilly is not going to be pleasant. Harden is coming off a 25 start season, which is one of his healthiest years in his career. Harden will be looking for a 10 to 15 million a year deal for multiple years. Not going to happen. Take a flyer on Sheets if he is willing and low risk, high reward.
Good Morning All,
As we all wait for any real news...
Does anybody see the white smoke at Wrigley signaling any decisiveness?
The "brains" are churnin and churnin...
Which way to go?....Which way to go?.
Maybe Grabow is not a slam dunk....
if the offer sheet was indeed faxed
a week ago....Usually those sheets aren't faxed unless there is an agreed upon deal.
(according to my understanding.)
We'll know soon...the exclusive period for signing your own free agents is ending soon.
Maybe grabow is waiting until Friday and see if he gets a better offer
If I'm Ricketts and the Cubs....I'm going to Milton now and saying look,
we're all in a bad situation here...we need you to renegotiate your contract
over a four or five year term.
Times are tough and we are going to be deprived of your services one way or the other. You'll get your money...just over time...Once you agree...we'll release you.
If you don't agree, Lou will be moving into your private suite on the road for additional "coaching"....And Cubs security will be removed from the RF
bleacher section. Since we can't seem to do anything with you...we'll let the fans decide.
Millwood? I think not. He is Jason Marquis, except that Jason Marquis is a better pitcher, and he wasn't good enough for the Cubs. Marquis made $10 million; why pay this guy $27???
Millwood's WHIP will kill the Cubs. Last year was a good year for him, 1.34 WHIP, but usually he gives up more hits than innings pitched.
2008 168 IP 220 H
2007 172 IP 213 H
2006 215 IP 228 H
2005 192 IP 182 H
2004 141 IP 155 H
He's aging, (35 in DEC), and his skill set is declining. We can do much better with our $22 million head case than trading him for a $27 million starter that won't win 6 games for the Cubs.
Rip...you're missing the point...no one WANTS Milton. They only look at him as a possible wat to solve THEIR bad contract situation.
Whomever we get back...will probably stink.
Suzy ... right as usual. As I mentioned, not the ideal solution.
http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/david-kaplan-chicago-sports/2009/11/back-from-vacation--random-thoughts.html
Here's something for everyone on Granderson from Kaplan ... and the Cubs are in "serious discussions" with the Rangers over Milton Bradley according to Kaplan
I'm not missing the point. I understand what JHendry is trying to do. He has completely mishandled the situation from beginning to end. I am just saying that a Miserable Milton in Chicago is worth more than a Millwood or a Burrell. The guy is going to bounce back this year--either here or elsewhere, and JHendry would be stupid to deal him away for junk. We'd be better off standing up to this immature brat and telling him to act like a man and not a two year old. We need a manager that can bust him right in the chops if he opens his mouth too wide. Ozzie Guillen would know how to handle this crybaby. So for $22 million, JHendry out to find a solution, even if only the solution is to hire a bouncer as a "bench coach" to deal with Milton.
Burrell--no field, no hit for average, slowing bat speed, 33 yrs old, can't run, and almost done. NO.
2009 14 HR 64 RBI .221
2008 33 HR 86 RBI .250
2007 30 HR 97 RBI .256
2006 29 HR 95 RBI .258
2005 32 HR 117 RBI .281 career year
2004 24 HR 84 RBI .257
2003 21 HR 64 RBI .209 522 AB
You can see that he's really a .250 with some power but usually less than 100 RBI. That means he fans alot with RISP a la Sorry-oh-no. Now aging with declining skills, why would we want this guy????
I also feel that Burell is a no! An Emphatic no, unless you know you can flip him for Luis Castillo, or you know that you can sweeten the deal (Soto) and get a BJ Upton in the process, or a Carl Crawford.
I feel the same way with the Rangers, If we are going to take on Millwood, Fine, But we get McCarthy, Moreland or Davis.
Everyone has hit the nail on the head. Nobody really WANTS Milton, if we are their bailout plan, then we get something shiny hiding in the trash. Otherwise NO DEAL. Especially if we are taking on ANY of Milton's contract.
I really like Suzy's idea of a restructure... What is the likelihood of something like that? Is there Precedent? If so, Why not have that little chat with Soriano? Say look, the economy has gone into the pooper, the contract we gave you was in the moment and in the times, and now we need to have a little chat. Once again, you still get paid, but over time.
I like the idea of Sheets, especially if it is for one year with incentives and a club option for 2011. Plus it would really stick in the craw of the Brewer fans.
And if Heillman and Marshall are trade fodder than we need to start thinking of what they can net us.
Both are swing men, out of the bullpen, or Starters. I think we tend to undervalue Marshall, and would be an attractive option to a younger team in need of a starter. Both, along with Atkins should be enough for an EY. The Rockies are always starved for pitching and there are 3.
Vitters also can be in the discussion, but also in a talent for Talent deal. IE: Crawford/Granderson.
With Heillman, Bradley, Atkins, Marshall, Vitters, Colvin I think we have some tradeable pieces.
Now it is just a matter of Hendry doing right, and getting smart, and making the appropriate decisions. Oh crap, we're toast :)
NY METS restructed Bobby Bonilla's contract.
A few more thoughts...
Woody34...I agree with you re: Granderson.
As currently constructed...this team is
built to self destruct in a couple of years...with age and high contracts.
BUT... my BLOCKBUSTER trades would be the EYJr.s/Phillips/Davis/Moreland....
young guys on the verge of putting up big
numbers...not current superstars.
Given that it appears we do not have the farm system or players to acquire that type of talent...I would prefer that we
utilize veteran "plug ins" of the cheaper variety rather than further detiorate th farm system.
To JH and the Cubs...acquiring Granderson would be a "WIN NOW" move.
But as usual...flawed if Rudy couldn't improve his splits and KO ratio.
The nugget of hope I gleamed out of Neil's article:
I was against a DLee extension...but would be all for it if it was a "sign and trade" situation...bringing good talent back and lowering payroll...as
Levine indicated.
Couple of other thoughts
I like the idea of Wagner in the pen...but only for a 1 year deal incentive laden deal with a Club option.
I have to admire A.J. Pierzynski for his old school thinking...that it would be hard to put on the Cubbie Blue...I wish
baseball had more players like that...
and there wasn't quite so much movement
as there is these days.
If it means getting rid of Bradley, I would welcome Milwood with open arms! Yes it is a bad contract, but I would rather have Milwood than Burrell.
As for Granderson, in a heart beat, go get him Jim!!
Here's FanGraph's take on Aaron Miles.
In short, they say his value to the team is a NEGATIVE $5.7 MILLION.
When the Cubs inked Aaron Miles to a two-year, $4.9M deal last off-season, I was one of the bigger critics. Miles was consistently a replacement level player with one solid season under his belt – which just so happened to be 2008 – and the Cubs had a potentially cheaper and better player on their roster already by the name of Ronny Cedeno. Nearly 12 months later, Miles contract doesn’t just look silly, it looks downright pathetic.
Granted, he missed a load of time due to injury and wound up with 170 plate appearances, but his line for 2009 finished at .185/.224/.242, good for a .212 wOBA and a park-adjusted wRAA of -17.2. Combine that with slightly below average defense and we have Miles’ WAR at -1.3 for the 2009 season, a dollar value of negative $5.7M. That’s right, Miles’ value in 2009 was actually so bad that it eclipsed his total contract value.
Now he had a poor BABIP, walked less than normal, struck out more than normal and 2009 doesn’t seem truly representative of his talent level, but it’s on the books. That two-year, $4.9M deal is more like a two-year $9.6M deal based on the negative value accumulated. What makes all of this even worse for the Cubs is the utility infielder market this off-season presents. John McDonald, Juan Uribe, Omar Vizquel, and even lesser beings like Eric Bruntlett are prime for the taking, and at prices that likely undercut the one paid to Miles.
On the bright side, Cedeno wasn’t much better than Miles. He just made fewer dollars and Jeff Baker played pretty well during his Cubs half of the season. A little under $3M won’t sink the Cubs or prevent them from adding another player or two, but you never want to willingly waste assets. I think Jim Hendry would take a mulligan on this one if given the opportunity.
Bill James projects Baker to hit .280 11 HR and 47 RBI in 322 AB for the CUbs this year.
Incredibly, he also projects Sorry-oh-no at .263 30 HR and 77 RBI.
Oh well, he can't be right all of the time.
Okay, since you asked Suzy, Bill James projects Milton Eugene Bradley to .276 18 HR and 64 RBI. See, I told you he'd bounce back--to his norm. lol
Rip...I also expect Bradley to have a better year...but less so if he is with
the Cubs...He's already set in his head how he hates it here...and he's one of those guys that plays like he feels.
I don't think JH will let Bradley put on
Cubbie Blue again...no matter what.
And Lou is already challenfed without
dealing with Bradley.
As a player, I agree that Bradley is better than Millwood or Burrell...but yours and my opinion have nothing to do with what JH will do.
On several occasions...you've stated Miles will be here...I just hope you're wrong...If nothing else...release him...like they did Gaudin and Vizcaino last year.
Yes, I expect the cubs to keep Miles just for the contract. Gaudin I wanted to keep in the minors, but he didn't want to stay. (boy, was that a bad signing). And Vizcaino, I really would have kept Marquis. But Hendry wanted the $5 million to pay Miles, so . . . .
Suzy, you've got a good head for baseball.
Nick, Kevin Millwood is only projected to go 9-10 with a 4.37 era in 175 IP with 190 hits allowed. See, I told ya. :)
Funko: I don't believe this, but James says he's due a career year: .276 18 HR and 76 RBI.
I'd figured something of an off year for him this time. Maybe even as low as .230/
DLee: 30 HR, 91, .294
ARam:26 HR, 76, .292
Soto: 20 hr, 58, .273
Theriott: 4 hr, 50, .284
Granderson: 27, 76, .275
Burrell: 17, 59, .237
Reed Johnson: 7, 39, .272
Jake Fox: 13, 42, .284
Micah Hoffpauir: 7, 28, .276
Dumpster: 12-10 3.83
Lilly:11-8 3.76
Zambrano: 12-8 3.60
Marmol:5-3 3.45 34 sv
Heilman: 4-4 3.76 8 blown saves
Cotts: "Not projected to be in MLB in 2010"
Randy Wells: 10-10 4.16
I'm hoping for better . . . 15-10 3.45
Gorzelanny; 5-4 4.11
AARON MILES: 1, 10 rbi, .274 lol!
At least I agree with the 10 RBI bit!
It's the .274 that really stretches things. He can't get the ball outta the infield.
Fontenot: 8 42 .273 career year
DeRosa: 17, 71, .260
Kevin Gregg 4-3 3.60 4 svs. He didn't mention how many blown saves.
Marquis 12-11 4.37
Kerry Wood 4-3 .364 27 sv
FanGraph has SOrry-oh-no rated at -$.7 million in free agency. In other words he ought to pay the Cubs $700k to play LF for them. See it here:
http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=847&position=2B/OF
Dudes....
I didnt wanna start a topic for this but listen up, ya?
so im gettin a new authentic cubbies jersey and im having a few dilemmas
A.)Do I want the blue, white, or gray???
White is the classic but can get dirty and blue matches the most lol.
second dilemma,
Whose jersey do i want!? I love Aram and Lee but everyones got those, last year i woulda said Soto but we all know how that turned out...
Would it be too crazy to invest in a Marmol jersey at this point???
Also this is the main reason i want Granderson now cuz that means im instantly getting a Granderson #28 jersey....HELP!!!!!
Get a blue jersey and :)
* Don't say cubbie, say cubs.
* Don't call me dude.
I like the bradley/millwood trade. Millwood is a solid 30+ starts a year starter, and inning eater, and statistics show an increase in production when moving from AL to NL (see Smoltz or Penny). He'll certainly help the club more than any other player I can see coming to Chicago in a Bradley trade.
You may be right. Do we need another starter? That means Wells is gone, imho, and frankly I look for JHendry to deal his hide away. Maybe you are right.
I don't expect an increase in production from Millwood, though. Just my op-onion.
He has had a solid track of starting around 30 games for the past 4 years. His stats vs. NL Central and in NL parks are BAD (see Neils post at top) and at 35 his days of "inning eating" could end at any moment.
Basically he Marquis, but not as good and more expensive...sigh...and not nearly as good as Harden, but I guess those 5 more starts are worth about a Million bucks each.
I know, I know, Suzy...I am missing the point...it's always about Milton. It always will be. Next year when Milwood finally has a serious injury or just sucks due to age, we can still blame Milton...
Between the two options...Millwood or
Burrell...I'd go with Millwood. Pitching is always at a premium (even mediocre pitching)...there's not that much GOOD pitching on the market.
It is possible to turn around and move him...although we would probably have to pick up a large portion of his deferred
signing bonus...if that isn;t addressed
in the initial trade.
At least Millwood is usable...and could be a trading chip anytime during the season.
Burrell would just be dead weight...there's a glut of DH's on the market...most of whom would be cheaper than Burrell...so what do we do with him?
For us he would only be feasible as a pinch hitter and emergency OF.
Yes it's about Milton...and the lesser of the evils we get back.
So they trade Milton for Millwood and eat some of Milton's contract. Then when Millwood sucks it up they trade him and eat some more $$ and get what...a bullpen arm? pinch hitter? backup catcher? Whoever that player is, they would three steps removed from Milton and the Cubs would essentially be paying more for him.
B.S. I'm with Ripsnort on this one, Milton is better than the options. Give him one option, shut up and play hard. If that isn't an option, and Hendry et al is so desperate to get rid of him that they are willing to essentially pay Pat Burrell et al $20M, then JUST CUT HIM LOOSE. Really. What is the point of way-over paying for some other old underachiever that realistically is not going to help the team? I am really tiring of this.
Here's another option: start the season with Milt and hope that A) he performs well out of the gate thus improving his trade status or B) he has a serious injury and they can void his option.
Ugh.
The fact of the matter is that the Chicago Cubs is in turmoil. I am really interested to see if we can fix this mess.
jc 3-6-3...yep...it's not a good scenario
any way you look at it.
And I'm not advocating any one way to go...because it's probably the worst trade situation I've seen Hendry force himself into.
But can you really see Milton coming back? What happens in spring training when he says the first stupid thing?
I don't know. You hope that he takes seriously that career is in the balance and acts like a professional...a lot to ask for, I know.
Now I hate to sound like a father, because I know it isn't realistic and teams need to keep their best interests at the forefront. BUT, what we are all talking about here is paying Bradley to go play somewhere else. They are rewarding him for being a pissy little kid. Which is why I don't like cutting him free either, then he is being paid $10M+ to sit on the beach. Because I hate the attitude, the terrible lesson and the message it sends to pay someone to NOT do their work, under a contract! no less, I would rather the team keeps him, and like I said, lay down some rules. If/when he breaks them, you treat him like the little league pouter that he is and he rides the pine. He stays in his private suite on the road and doesn't have any friends. Maybe he comes around and decides he wants to shut up and play again. Maybe not. At least you haven't rewarded his shitty attitude paid him $20MM+ to get yet another chance somewhere else.
I know, it isn't realistic. But damnit, I'd love to see it happen.
I was busy putting together a Milton recap...I do feel exactly as you do
jc 3-6-3...I was ticked when the Cubs didn't have the balls NOT to pay him during his suspension.
I wish there were a way to penalize him...since everyone else around him is being penalized.
You have the bouncer bench coach take him for a heart to heart talk
I think Brad Snyder might've signed with someone else. While I was scrolling through the Cubs winter league stats, his name has been removed, and I saw it on there just yesterday. Could be a glitch, or they could be ahead of everyone in taking him off. Does anyone else know anything about this, or have read anything?
He was about 5th or 6th in the league with a .347 avg, 6 hr, 27 RBI last I checked. PLUS, he had 12 SB to just 2 CS, which is impressive for a power hitter.
If it were me, no way do I protect Micah Hoffpauir over Snyder. Yes, Hoffpauir has experience at the MLB level, but the dude can't hit anything 94 mph and above (if even 94), plus doesn't have a great arm, and has no speed, AND will be 20 next year. Snyder is just 27, has power, has speed, and has an arm. Why wouldn't you protect him?
As I've said before, it'll be another McGehee situation, only he won't have as great stats as McGehee did.
But here's a name to consider....Robinson Chirinos. I haven't been all that high on him before, because his stats weren't all that impressive when he was a middle infield prospect with us, but upon his switch to catcher, the dude is absolutely tearing it up, and showing no signs of stopping, PLUS, Baseball America rated him as our best defensive catcher, which is impressive, considering you have Brenly, Castillo, Robinson, and Clevenger, all with more catching experience, supposedly ahead of him on the depth chart. But look at his stats for this winter...then I'm going to show you his stats from this year:
Chirinos-.378 avg, .434 OBP, .689 SLG, 5 doubles, 6 hr, 20 RBI.
During the regular season he split time with high-A and AA:
81 games, .294 avg, .396 OBP, .519 SLG, 16 doubles, 5 triples, 11 hr, 52 RBI, and more impressively...42 walks to 44 K's. Prior to that, like I said, he was failing as a middle infield prospect. Now, could this be a case of a light bulb going on once he made the switch? (I have a friend that did it, and he said it improved his hitting, because he was able to get the mental part down, "what is a pitcher trying to do to me" during the AB, because he was already involved as a catcher) Or, might it just be a one year wonder sort of thing? Like a Josh Kroeger situation, and we get all excited?
All I know is that this Friday will be VERY interesting on a lot of fronts, and I think if Hendry is wise, he will look to the Rule 5 to find a bargain on a AA/AAA type that's about 24-26 years old and could help us NOW, unlike when he made an extreme reach on a very marginal talent to begin with in Patton all the way down in A ball. He need not get cute like he always seems to want to do, but take the best available talent, just like in the draft in December of 2006 when the best talent was Hamilton. I have no idea what other teams have that we'd be interested in in terms of the Rule 5, because the protected lists haven't been made, but I'm almost certain there will be a few marquee names available.
Snyder played yesterday and went 2-4.
Like you, I couldn't find anything on him today...and when I googled Yahoo sports...they took all his stats down.
I know he filed for free agency....can minor league free agents sign before major league free agents can?
Aaron, Snyder filed for free-agency and does not have a team right now.
If memory serves, minor league free agents cannot sign until Friday with another organization ... same as the big leagues.
Like you and Suzy, I would like to see the Cubs re-sign him and add him to the 40-man roster.
Cmon...that's not going to help...
Milton doesn't listen to anyone but his own inner voices:
Just a reminder of the Milton Legacy:
1)Didn't play in the Wrigley opener (groin pull) supposed to be day to day...lasted over a week. (No DL)
2)Constantly questioned the umps re balls and strikes. ( The Milton Glare).
3)Threw the ball to the fans with only 2 outs. (OOPS?)
4)Takes himself out of the game...walks straight to the tunnel where Pinella follows him to the locker room and calls a piece of doodoo,
(One of the few times Pinella showed fire.)
5)Stated he prayed the games would only last nine innings so he could get out of there.
6)Refused to pinch hit (stating his knees were too bad) whe he appeared fine in the batting cage earlier that day.
7) Had a blow-up and was insubordinate
to Von Joshua...his third hitting coach
for the season...(after Perry and Pinella's personal coaching.
8)Was brought here to hit lefties...and couldn't.
9)Left people on base constantly trying to draw a walk...and when he did not get it KO'd.
10)Taunted the fans with Muppet talk.
11)Insulted his team, fans and the City of Chicago...and brought out the racist card.
12) Added a large element of tension in the clubhouse.
13) Pinella, when asked how he handled
Bradley...said "Early on, I learned the less I said to Milton, the better.
14) Suspended by his GM for all of the above. (When was the last time you saw
a player suspended for insubordination
and embarrassing his team?)
For those of you advocating we keep him...you deserve another 2 years of
him...I won't be able to watch.
Suzy - I assume this was directed at me? Thanks for the fond memories! :)
I know it's not going to happen. I was just wishing that someone could make an example of all the things you listed by NOT rewarding it with giving him his out. Like I said, I know it won't happen.
Thinking back, with help from you highlight reel, I think that suspending him in the last 2 weeks was one of the dumber things Hendry could have done. You know the idea had been brewing at least as far back as the Joshua confrontation. I give Hendry credit for punishing him publicly, but at that point they knew they were going to have to rid themselves of him. If Milt wanted to say his knee was too sore to play, then they should DL'd him and voided the awful contract. Or you just put up with his crap for 2 more weeks, like you did all year, and not totally destroy his trade value. Yes it was already terrible, but a suspension for poor behavior just gave everyone else the biggest bargaining chip of all. Which is why he is still not traded, and why we are pulling our hair out arguing over which washed up over-paid player would be the "best" deal.
Ugh. (again)
jc 3-6-3...that list was not specidically directed at you...at the time I was replying to jw...
I totally understand your points
and everyone elses.
I wish Milton could be penalized too.
It's not right he causes this mess and still walks away with Millions.
And I agree in hindsight...Hendry did not act in the best interests of the Cubs when he suspended him...But I was cheering out of frustration when JH
did that.
Yes, he should have been DL'd early...
(Soriano too...if you remember us crying for him to be DL'd).
It's all hindsight now...and a total mess. JH created a stench with this signing...and it's not going away.
I'm done talking about Milton...it's just too upsetting.
I totally agree...UGH.
I can see how Millwood is far from the best player to have, price and age and all, but the Bradley situation is one of those where you just aren't going to get a great deal of value out of. It's unfortunate Jim Hendry had to put the team in this spot, I like many was against it vehemently when rumours popped up and Bradley just proved all us skeptics right.
Let's hope this offseason JH proves why the organization has kept him around as long as it has.
The Cubs have alot of options & definitely need a cf & starting pitcher.
We have a potentially great closer in Marmol & Guzman & Grabow along with the "sleeper" caridad will be a huge plus.
My biggest gripe is that lets bring up Starlin Castro now at ss & move theriot to 2b. That solves the middle infield problem because Baker will be a nice utility infielder. If you package Fontenot & Vitters in a trade for a solid starting pitcher, that might be the best way to go.
I don't think anyone can predict the Bradley scenario but Millwood would be nice. Lets hope Jamirillo can work with Soriano, Soto, & Koske who is a better defensive player in RF.
Well I'll admit that if you trade Bradley for Millwood, you are ANOTHER $5 MILLION in the hole, because Millwood is owed $27 million to Bradley's $22 million. How many Cubs' fans are for that? Sure, Texas could ante up $5 million to make it an even split, but remember, Hicks down there is otta cash, and also remember they want to trade Millwood to get out from under the debt load, so how does a straight up trade help Texas? According to Aaron's figuring the Cubs have only about $5 million to spare to buy a CF and/or 2B and all the other spare parts they need. How many Cubbie fans here are for blowing it ALL on Bradley's departure?
Ole Uncle Milty is a real curse, ain't he?
As I mentioned this morning, the Millwood for Bradley rumor is not ideal but the entire situation is a mess ... as we have all agreed about.
Yes the Cubs would be on the hook for $5 million more but maybe they could get another piece, low level prospect or underperforming big leaguer for the difference.
I agree with asking Milton to restructure his deal and I have had conversations (outside of this site) about the idea. But would the player's association go for that?
Hendry has backed himself into a corner and has to find a way out with very few options.
When I saw the bonus still owed to Millwood, I felt everyone should know because that might be 'the creativity' it takes to move Milton without sending a huge check along with him.
Right now, as we speak, the best options the Cubs have for CF are as follows:
1)Fukudome-.250-.260 avg, 10-12 hr, 50-60 RBI at most, and about a .360-.375 OBP
2)Fuld-probably a .280-.300 hitter at the MLB level with maybe 5 hr and 20 RBI at most, along with 20 SB at most, and a fairly high OBP
3)Colvin-I have no idea what he could be, because he didn't impress in his call-up but his debut game, and his stats in the minors are exactly what I loathe----INCONSISTENCY ABOUNDS. He might be a .260-.275 hitter, 10-12 hr, 40-50 RBI at most, along with a very low OBP.
The only desirable option would be Fukudome, even though I hate the thought of him playing everyday again...but his relatively high OBP and decent power numbers would certainly fit much better in CF than in RF.
RF is about the only position where we could improve from within and I'd feel comfortable with that. In my opinion, there's also 3 fairly decent options:
1)Snyder
2)Fox
3)Fukudome
The reason Fukudome is down so far is we did NOT sign him for his defense, which is the craziest idea I've ever heard come out of Hendry's mouth to justify a signing. He claims that putting Fukudome back there makes us a better team defensively. Really Jimbo?!? Because I'm pretty sure you spent 4 yrs, $48 million on a guy NOT for his glove, but for his bat, and you were probably expecting a .300 avg, .400 OBP, 20 hr, 80 RBI, instead of the .255 avg, .370 OBP, 11 hr, 55 RBI or whatever.
Sometimes, you just have to give guys a shot to take the job and run with it. Signing a Marlon Byrd, with his .283 avg, .329 OBP, .479 SLG, 43 doubles, 20 hr, 89 RBI makes a ton of sense if you can move Fukudome to the bench, and insert a young player like Snyder in RF. Thus, you'd hedge against any potential loss of production (not likely in terms of power/RBI potential, or even SB potential given Snyder's history) from what Fukudome would've given you.
I actually think the most likely scenario is that Hendry will go hard after Granderson, knowing that Fox, Hoffpauir, Blanco, Fontenot, Stevens, Marshall, and possibly even Theriot don't fit into our long-term plans, and if he's smart, he'll free up space on our roster to create more flexibility. If I were Hendry, I'd offer Bradley (for them to flip), Fox/Hoffpauir, Colvin, Marshall, Parker/Jay Jackson, Blanco, Fontenot, and maybe even Soto for Granderson, Dontrelle Willis (Willis would be included to match Bradley's deal), and a top position prospect. That's essentially an 8-for-3 deal, and every single one of the players we'd deal in the trade would be affordable for them. We need a starting pitcher, a CF, a 2B, and a RF.
The Tigers need to rid themselves of bad contracts (and Granderson, though affordable now, goes up at the end, and we all know about Dontrelle), so that'd solve their issue there. Additionally, they need the following:
C
2B (b/c Polanco likely leaves as FA)
SS
DH
relief pitching
Soto, Fontenot, Blanco, Fox/Hoffpauir, Marshall, and Parker/Jay Jackson would solve all those issues, plus, Colvin would offer a low-cost future replacement for Granderson. Does it sound like I'm giving up a lot for those players?
Pretty much all those guys are out of options and clogging up our 40-man roster. Freeing up those spots would allow us greater flexibility during the season to move parts around, or add parts late in Spring Training at final cuts or wait out free agency in hopes of landing a bargain later on. Also, coincidentally, about the only player listed there that figures into our future would be Jay Jackson. Everyone else is either extra parts, or soon to be passed on the depth chart by our single-A and AA guys.
Here's a short list of guys about to pass their counterparts:
Fontenot-Tony Thomas, Flaherty, LeMahieu, Watkins
Blanco-Castro, Hak Ju Lee
Hoffpauir-Snyder or even Burke
Fox-Vitters, Ridling
Colvin-Brett Jackson
Marshall-Gaub, Papelbon, Dustin Sasser
Soto-W. Castillo, Chirinos
So, in about 2 years, all of these guys are going to be surpassed in terms of talent. There's not one single player that we have currently that I just listed that I believe could outperform their counterparts coming up through the system. So why not capitalize on what value they still have left, even if it's minor, and try to fill a team's needs like the Tigers have....and believe me, they have a LOT, and help us out now and in the future with the trade by clearing space and adding a starter, CF, and a top position prospect for the future?
What do you guys think?
I would not make that trade at all. WIllis is pure, unadulterated junk. Expect 10 starts and a 7.68 ERA, perhaps an 0-8 record. Why would we want him? to just release him? He is pure junk. Millwood is 100x better. Neil Cotts is better!
Granderson is no savior--a mere platoon player like Funko. At best--at best--he's another Soriano! That doesn't solve any problems for the Cubs.
Soto gone would open up a HUGE hole for us at catcher. Hill can't hit a lick. Plus all of our bench would be cleaned out. In 162 games, you need a competent bench. I just wouldn't even consider this trade.
You left out who "the top position prospect" from the Tigers would be, or in other words, we'd be trading for a pig-in-a-poke, which is never a wise move.
A better plan:
Leave Funko in CF to platoon with Fuld.
Funko doesn't hit enough to be a RF, and we can hope JHendry finds a real bat to play RF.
But the whole thing, no matter what JHendry does, comes down to this: 2010 isn't going to be the Cubs' year. And 2011 and 2012 and 2013 and 2014 aren't going to be, either.
Someone needs to face the facts: JHendry has completely wrecked the entire organization, and there is no quick remedy.
.
Aaron, I agree with you that a lot of our
arbitration eligible players should be moved this season to make room for others.
But Willis is about as useful as Burrell to us...or Hill BEFORE Baltimore picked him up.
Leyland is on record saying he did not want Bradley on his team...and listening to the current trade rumors re Bradley...
well...let's say it will be very fiddicult to flip him....So that kills that portion of the deal.
Dombrowski is on record saying he doesn;t
want role players back for Granderson and Jackson...so I don't know what's going to happen here.
The thought process is good...but we also have to realize both the Yankees
and Angels are involved...and that ups the ante...if Hendry puts his blinders on to go after Granderson...we're literally in huge trouble.
Texas is in a heap of financial trouble. Read about it here:
http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/mlb/news/story?id=4667990
And take Hick's advice: "signing a 30 something pitcher to a long term deal is the riskiest thing you can do in baseball." And that from a bankrupt millionaire due to signing . . . Millwood. lol
Rip, I cannot speak for everyone but I agree with you on Millwood. I remember saying in the winter of 2005 that I thought Millwood was wanting too much money. I think you have missed my point. This is not a rumor/trade I have dreamed up. I am not Phil Rogers, this is a rumor from a legit source ... Bruce Levine ... then backed up by Dave Kaplan. I could not see an angle until I saw the signing bonus owed to Millwood.
The Rangers are looking for offense, so we will see.
For the record ... I think you and I are on the same page here.
Neil,
I do believe you that you didn't make up the "trade rumor." I was just evaluating the consequences of the possible trade.
As you pretty much said, this is a mess.
I can see the problems with Millwood...
However, given the fact that trade deals for Bradley are not flying through the Cub's doors right now, and the only seemingly viable option other than Millwood is Burrell, Millwood has got to be the better choice. He provides more service to the organization than Burrell.
The only way Burrell could really be of any great help is IF the Cubs could deal for him, and then turn it around and deal him for someone else. I just don't have that faith in Jim Hendry, nor do I think a whole lot of other GM's in the business could pull that off.
For the sake of the organization and fans alike, let's hope a better deal surfaces...
Neil, In Bradley's case ( a player suspended for subordination and embarrassing the franchise), as long as
he is made whole...what type of beef could the players association possibly have as long as he is made financially whole?
If it were just Soriano...that would have league-wide implications with all
the bad contracts out there.
But Bradley's case is exceptional.
What do you think?
I agree and would like to see Bradley and the Cubs work something out. I think it would help his public image ... and help him find a place he can play next season. No matter where Milton is traded and how much the Cubs pay, the fanbase of his new team is not going to be happy.