The Cubs' organizational meetings begin Tuesday in Mesa, Arizona and run through Friday with more than ninety members of the Cubs' organization converging on Fitch Park ... from scouts to minor league coaches and coordinators to Oneri Fleita to Jim Hendry to Lou Piniella and his coaching staff. Tom Ricketts and Crane Kenney will also be in attendance and are expected to meet with Mesa City officials as well as Governor Jan Brewer while they are in Arizona about the organization's future in the area.
With baseball's off-season officially being delayed at least a couple of more days with the Phillies forcing Game Six of the Series back in New York on Wednesday, here is the latest from the mill ... including more on "Movin' Milton" that may include Akinori Iwamura.
From the Mill
According to a report from the Tribune, the Cubs will try to re-sign John Grabow, as reported by Bruce Levine on Monday, during the two-week grace period following the completion of the World Series. Levine reported the Cubs are looking at a two-year deal, with incentives and a possible vesting option for a third year, worth between $6.5 and $7.5 million.
The Tribune also reported the Cubs will "try to find a leadoff hitter with speed and a corner outfielder with power."
The Cubs are interested in Akinori Iwamura of the Rays.
Milton Bradley ... Pat Burrell ... Akinori Iwamura
According to the Tribune, if the Rays re-sign Akinori Iwamura "it would be only to trade him." Tampa has to make a decision on the $4.85 million option a day after the end of the World Series. "If they packaged Iwamura with Pat Burrell in a deal for Milton Bradley, the Cubs might wind up paying only $3 million to $4 million to offset the differences in their contracts."
The Tribune said the Cubs could then spin off Pat Burrell in another deal this winter.
Pat Burrell is owed $9 million in 2010 and Akinori Iwamura would become a free agent following the 2010 season.
Iwamura was a catalyst for the Rays run to the 2008 AL Pennant. He hit .274/.349/.380 from the left side with 30 doubles, nine triple and six home runs in 152 games. Iwamura spent a majority of the 2009 season on the DL and played in just 69 games. He hit .290 with a .355 OBP.
Iwamura was placed on the 15-day DL with a torn ACL in the left knee on May 25 and transferred to the 60-day DL on May 26. Iwamura was activated from the 60-day DL on August 28. He posted a .250/.310/.355 line in 25 games following his return from the disabled list.
T.R. Sullivan reported on Monday morning that a return to the Rangers for Milton Bradley might not be out of the question ... as he reported earlier in the month the Rangers would not welcome Bradley back. Sullivan said if the Cubs "eat a sizeable portion of Bradley's contract" not to rule out Bradley being traded to Texas.
Jerry Crasnick of ESPN said the Rangers would expect the Cubs to eat "a big portion" of the two years and $21 million and not expect much talent in return.
Jim Hendry on the Clock?
Many have speculated Jim Hendry may only get a year to fix the problems he created last winter ... and a report in the Tribune Monday night backed up many of those earlier statements.
"But asked if he felt like he was "on the clock," the Cubs general manager said he'll approach this offseason like any other."I don't ever feel any different about that," Hendry said. "I put a lot of pressure on myself. We've had real good years, and we've had not-good years. We had it going really good in the right direction and this year had a hiccup.
"I'm certainly capable of leading the baseball organization to where everyone wants it to go, and if there comes a day when I'm not the right guy, then I don't think I should be here anyhow."
AFL Rising Stars on MLB Network
As mentioned Monday, the MLB Network will air the Rising Stars game on Saturday. The rosters for the Rising Star Game were announced on Monday ... and Starlin Castro, Andrew Cashner and Josh Vitters will participate.
Daron Sutton and Tony Clark will call the game for the MLB Network, the first time the showcase of the top talent in the AFL has been broadcast live. The game will begin at 6:15 MT, 8:15 C.S.T.
Tom Ricketts
The Cubs' new owner continued to make the rounds on Monday before departing for Arizona. Mr. Ricketts spent time with Greg Jarrett Monday morning on WGN Radio.
Here are a few highlights in bullet point format:
- The Cubs will start making plans for the 2010 season this week
- Largest off-season project for the Ricketts Family will be improvements to Wrigley
- When asked how hands on he would be on the baseball side this winter, Mr. Ricketts responded with he feels at this point he would not have a lot of value to add
- Player development is the most important aspect of building a winning organization
- Mr. Ricketts wants to make sure this week they have the right staff and resources needed to improve player development
- No amount of money spent on a team can guarantee a world championship
- Mr. Ricketts said the Cubs were up toward the very top of the league in payroll last season, third in the league and there will be a slight increase for 2010
- In regards to high-dollar contracts, Mr. Ricketts added, "make sure those dollars are directed at players who produce up to the level that you are paying them."
- The Red Sox are a very good model on the baseball side as well, just not as a business model ... Mr. Ricketts also mentioned the Phillies
- Mr. Ricketts talked about a system that develops players with the same organizational philosophy that can be brought up to help a team win. That way you are not signing free agents to just fill holes left by the minor league system
Link to Complete Interview on WGN Radio
Tom Ricketts on ESPN 1000
Q&A with Tom Ricketts from the Sun-Times
Follow the CCO on Twitter ...
A quick reminder to check the CCO's Community Blog ... excellent posts and different opinions from the Faithful.
Well, that's the latest ... and I'm sticking to it!
I addressed a couple of these topics under different posts so this is a repeat for some....
In regards to the Bradley to Tampa deal....If they acquire Burrell, obviously this is just a pit stop for him. You cannot think for a minute our outfield will include Soriano in LF and Burrell in RF. Hell, Carl Lewis couldnt cover that much ground to make up for them. Not to mention Burrell has a grand total of ONE game in RF during his career.
Should be much easier to trade Burrell. Has a nice steady career track record prior to leaving the Phillies and the National League. Teams will easily take a flier on his year simply being an off year...especially if he returns to a NL team. He seems pretty steady for a 30 double 30 homerun 90-100 RBI and 100 Walk season outside of last year.
But, with no place for him....he's definitely being shipped elsewhere.
Not thrilled with Akinori Iwamura coming. His first yera in Tampa he was a third baseman. Last year he shifted to second. He was back at second this year but missed most of the year with injury. He's average .280 in 2 and a half seasons with average speed. I'd much rather have Baker at second base than Iwamura. Might be a decent utility guy or make decent trade bait like Burrell.
As for Jim Hendry having a year to turn things around...I agree. Hendry has let the team and fans down. My hope is that with the new owner he works harder knowing at the end of this year he very well could be replaced. I truly believe Mr. Ricketts clearly put everyone on notice about being held accountable not wanting to seem like the overbearing owner coming in and throwing everyone out and causing pure turmoil. I do think he took the right approach and I do think that Hendry will be out on his ass with any more bonehead deals.
I agree you Jim re: Iwamura.. the last time we need is another player underproducing and using a nagging/previous injury as a crutch.. *cough* Soriano's legs *cough*.
Joe, Your thinking re Burrell/Iwamura mirror my own thoughts...not exciting at all...but if done right...can be turned into the right players...given that the contracts would be for one year only,
The real question is once we get something like a Burrell/Iwamura deal...
can Hendry turn around and then make THE positive deal?
You mentioned Hendry working harder...
That has never been the issue with him...
He is an extremely hard worker...as evidenced by him signing Lilly from his hospital bed a few years back.
The issue is working smarter.
He's been at it long enoug that I don't know how he changes that.
No matter what happens, we as fans
should realize he really has given his lifeblood to the Cubs...even if he probably is not the right guy to take us to the next level.
That being said, I really like Ricketts.
I think he and his family are going to do really well by the Cubs in the long term.
It just might take a little more time
then most of us would like....We've waited this long...a little more Patience to see it done right shouldn't be that hard.
Go Phillies!!! Let's force game 7 to the evil empire.
I agree that Hendry works hard....he just doesnt always work smart as you stated.
This is all so ridiculous. Typical Cub bantering of retread players being considered (Burrell), no-names like Iwamura that have no real chance at contributing, and injury risked pitchers like Grabow getting multi-year contracts (I can't wait to hear of the gimme 3rd year option accelerator Hendry gives him).
Hendry has no imagination, and certainly we're not hearing talk of internal system players (perhaps besides Castro) having a shot for impact roles next year.
This is just same 'ol business on the north side.
We need speed, youth and athleticism. I just can't fathom another year of Soriano in left and Fukodome flailing away in RF. Just place Fuld, Johnson, Colvin, Fox and Hoffpauir in the OF in some sort of rotation, and have at it. And when you look at Grabow, is there no-one in our farm system that can better his overall stats?
Hendry is just an idiot, plain and simple.
There is a difference between a retread and getting whatever you can for a under performing head case. I actually like the idea of bringing in Iwamura to play second for a year. Between him and Baker, you should have a serviceable 2nd base until Theriot can take over next year. I like all the things that are being said about Castro but there is no way he is ready at 19 and having limited time above single A ball. Bring him to camp, call him up in September, see you in 2011.
As far as Grabow goes, unless you are willing to wait til late January to search the left overs, you almost certainly have to put up at least a 2 year deal. Grabow may not be perfect but he did fairly well for the Cubs last year and they could do much worse or pay much more.
As for your outfield idea, get used to it. Soriano and Fukudome are not going to be sitting the bench at roughly 30 million and it isn't likely they are moved. Plus, Fuld, Johnson and Hoffpauir are not everyday players, Fox doesn't exactly scream great defender per your request, and no one really knows what Colvin is as a pro yet. That doesn't make for a winning team.
This team isn't really getting younger til 2011 or 2012 at the earliest. This is going to be a veteran team, that is just not changeable.
i agree with this grabow fiasco. i cannot understand spending that much money on a mid relief guy that is not a shut down guy. who was the last free agent that hendry signed, that was still able to produce at a high level at the end of the contract. who was the last guy that we signed, that we wanted to resign after the contract was over. i would say lilly but we havnt seen his last year yet. he seems to go at least one too many years, or overpay. we are not the royals or the nationals. we should not have to do that. it is crazy to me. he should only get one year to fix this but lets make shure he doesnt handcuff us anymore than he already has down the road if he doesnt work out.
We sure missed the boat on this one as well. Girardi would have been a great decision and fit three years ago as he would be today.
http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/columns/story?columnist=greenberg_jon&id=4617874
The Grabow deal makes no sense. I'd offer him a 1 yr deal or arbitration ... no more.
this makes me dislike Carrie Muskat even more...get a load of this in her mailbox response:
*****************************************
With Carlos Marmol moving to closer, there seems to be a gaping hole in the setup position. No. 1, will Carlos remain the closer for 2010? No. 2, if he is the closer next year, who is going to be our setup man? It seems like either way, you have a big hole that needs filling.
-- Zach B., Woodstock, Ill.
Yes, Marmol will be the closer. Secondly, I don't see a gaping hole. Some of the candidates for the main setup guy include Esmailin Caridad, Justin Berg, Angel Guzman, Aaron Heilman, Jeff Stevens, David Patton, John Gaub, and, probably the best choice, John Grabow, who is a free agent. E-mailers who have suggested the team keep Rich Harden for the setup job should forget that idea. The job requires a durable arm.
*****************************************
Muskat has to be the dumbest beat writer EVER! Grabow?!? as the best choice?!? I was rolling on the floor laughing. I was laughing even more when I saw she threw in Heilman's name too...and David Patton.
Hey, Carrie, how about you just include the entire staff for the Cubs...and the minor league affiliates as options?
Aaron, I just saw that...she also said to forget about Chapman...because he doesn't fit into the budget.
In my opinion, Chapman is a pretty big risk anyway...his numbers don't blow you away...He has the capability t0o develope into something special...but the dollar numbers people are throwing out there are not for development...but immediate production.
UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Iwanmura ? Burrell ?
Boy oh boy.
Someone else said something about same stuff with cubs - signing old retreads.
I could not agree more. Drives me crazy.
Call me crazy, but wouldn't you rather see Orlando Hudson instead of Iwamura ? (Another strikeout king)
I'm sure O-Dog is leaving Dodgers since they benched him for Belliard in playoffs. I bet you get him for a song. Good glove, some speed, better contact hitter, a switch hitter, a little bit of power.....
ah, we don't need that. Let's get Iwnamura and put him at leadoff, and watch him strikeout 130 times.
Just mind boggling.
And Burrrell is a total dog.
Chapman signs for at least $40 mil and perhaps up to $60 mil if the Yanks and BoSox get in on the bidding. We shouldn't be anywhere near that ... I could see hin an O's uniform at those numbers...
Lots of good commentary today. To support other opinions, I really hope we don't make that rumored deal of Iwamura/Burrell.....two guys we don't need!! Again, if we are going to take a bad contract for Milton Bradley, the Tigers seem like a more logical team to work with. Why not Carlos Guillen or Mags? Mags is making way too much this year, but at least he would be able to contribute more than Bradley, both on and off the field. Same with Guillen....overpaid, but can play multiple positions. And I've always been a fan of the O-Dog.....put him at 2nd and bat him 2nd.
While I am big non-fan of Burrell (d-o-g), I cannot abide by your thinking that Mags or Guillen would be better options, Aaron F. Those are a couple broken down old dogs, and in Magg's case, making way too much $$ and too many years. More of the same with Maggs - no thank you. I'd keep Bradley around before going that route.
The only attractive part of the Burrell/Iwamura deal, as pointed out numerous times already, is that it is almost even money - no eating millions just to dump Bradley - they each only have a year, and could both be flipped easier (except of course that would require some creativity from JH).
Now, if you are talking about just signing a FA to fill 2B, Hudson would be a good 1 year option, yes.
I just can't get over the Grabow talk! As I said yesterday and Aaron bolstered with more stats, the guy is a completely average to below middle reliever. There is nothing that asserts him deserving more than 1 year, or more than what makes now, 2.3M, and that is too much. What in hell is Hendry's obsession with mulit-year big $$ for middle relievers? Didn't Howry and Eyre teach him ANYTHING?! Asinine insanity. When you have multiple lefty's on the farm, and Marshall already proven his value, what is this! I want to scream.
I thought I would never say this. But when I see these rumors, I'm starting to wish we would just keep Bradely.
And this comes from someone who hates Bradley as much as everyone else.
I fear Hendry is just going o make it worse.
If Burrell could be "flipped" so easily, the Rays would just trade him away ...
I disagree. Trading a player who has one year left on his contract and just 9 million dollars for it is not that difficult at all. Especially a player with a proven track record like Burrell.
Im sure if other teams approached the Rays about Burrell they'd listen to offers. There isnt much movement with trades at this time of year--with most teams holding organizational meetings and then the GM meetings right after. Then you will start to hear trade rumblings.
If Hendry can do this Tampa deal I say do it. Burrell can be traded. Even if you take him to Spring Training and wait for a team with needs to step up.
For those who think suddenly we get rid of Bradley to take on two other players we dont need....it won't happen. One or both will be traded before they every throw the blue pinstripes on.
Hudson would be a good idea for second base...but could want too much money. DeRosa...while popular...is not an answer. We dont need another aging veteran let alone one just coming off wrist surgery. Think that doesn't affect your power?? Just ask Derrek Lee about that one.
As for Grabow. No he might not be an allstar...but what is the fuss about the money? 2 year deal at 3 to 3.5 million per year?? In todays game how is that such a crazy salary?? He's been a very durable pitcher--appearing in over 70 games each of the last two years and never under 63 games in his career. While I definitely do not think he is a set up man (I'd vote for Guzman) I dont have a problem with the signing or the money.
David, I didn't say "so easily", Burrell stunk it up last year, but I guess he could get back into a groove in the NL, hit some HRs like he always has and be trade-able. And that is exactly what the Rays are trying to do.
David...you're quite correct on Burrell.
It's amazing all the attention being driven on Bradley. I think we have better trade possibilities (and payroll relief opportunities) with the likes of Zambrano and Fukodome. You get what you can for Bradley in terms of salary relief (which won't be much), and call it a day.
Cut Hendry a little slack, he works his ass off to make this a better club. You think he's doing this intentionally, everything decision he makes is a risk. Hendry has always liked Marlon Byrd, he plays center field, has good speed, he hits for power and he just happens to be a free agent, he will make a play for him. I think right now he is looking at a corner outfield spot that can produce power. I see Fukudome as a back up outfielder or traded. He's had trouble adjusting to what the Cubs want. As for 2nd I think the 2 names to look at are Hudson and DeRosa. The only way you sign the Rays 2nd baseman is shore up the outfield 1st to see exactly what you need at 2nd.
Paul L. As I noted in my earlier post...
Hendry works extremely hard...just not smart. I appreciate his efforts...I really do.
Fukodome at 26 million for the next 2 years is no backup...and not easily traded.
Soriano at 90 million for the next FIVE
years was a poor baseball decision to begin with...and God knows if we'll ever get anything out od him again.
Bradley speaks for himself...literally.
at 20 ,illion for the next 2.
That's 3 years of slack...and it is quite enough.
Hello Cub fans across America.
Todays in-put by ya all seems to once again involve the removal of Mr Bradley.
Go to the stat sheets and pay attention to all info on a particular player.
You will see that the Hudsons,Young jr.,Derosa,are not the answer to building a young athletic team.
The system has talent!The team doesn't need FA that barely go above average if at all.The Cubs don't need one yr. contracts to be successful.Just confidence in what has developed in the system.Should that trust not develop , then look at mid-season help to move on.
Big names,even bigger money and no guarantee of results is that what we WANT? NO NO NO!Lets stay in our own back-yard!it's just as green as our competitors!!!!!
Forget Iwamura:
http://blogs.tampabay.com/rays/2009/11/rays-working-on-iwamura-deal.html
Tampa is working on a deal to trade him to a team that is not the Dodgers or Cubs.
Tampa is not going to be the team the Cubs trade Bradley to.
I also find it interesting how all the Jays rumors to try and trade Wells last week came out a week before this:
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Am7CJwkyUyqcPwWBsAMHPxA5nYcB?slug=ap-bluejays-wells&prov=ap&type=lgns
I see Bradley going back to the Rangers or the Giants and for some kind of pitching. And the great GM signing of the year will be a Marlon Byrd type player.
I have 0 faith in Hendry's flipping of guys for other players. That was the plan with getting all of those guys for Derosa right??? Including Garret Olsen who the Padres so heavily coveted. And we instead flipped him for Heillman, not PEAVY.
Please stop having faith that Hendry could even come close to being creative enough to deal Bradley for Iwamura and Burrell and then flip Burrell for a better younger cheaper player. It just isn't going to happen.
Yeah, Paul, sorry no slack will be cut for "trying" hard. Even though I do not think Hendry tries very hard at all. He has changed over his year's of experience from having to run a small market club with tight budgets to having ownership willing to throw money at veteran "stars". I actually think has gotten lazy, hence the long term, high money contracts and no-trade clauses.
Of course he is not intentionally screwing up the team. That is why we get to berate him. He is trying, spending lots of money, and saddling the team with a lot of immovable contracts. BAD.
Please, everyone, get over DeRosa. He is not the solution. He is two years older, coming off serious injury, and on the decline.
Aparently the same goes for V. Wells too, so can we PLEASE put that one to bed too.
From Jim Hendry's Department of Redundancy Department
Cloycub 13...you picked up my line I've been using for years DORD. :)
I know this may not be the best topic for this post but I have been swamped with school work and this is the most recent post.
I just wanted to say how saddened I was to hear the news of JimK's passing. I had no idea who he was other than on this site but I still feel like we lost a good person. Now I want the Cubs to win it all more than anyone but really I want them to win it for all the older Cubs fans out there, these are the fans who stood by the team when, with the exception of 1969, they were never in position to win the pennent, these fans are the ones who truely deserve to see a world championship. I'm only 20 and even with all the bad seasons I've seen, I have still been able to see the Cubs clinch a playoff spot in 4 of my 20 years on Earth, 5 if you include 1989 when I was born. I almost feel like I've been spoiled with the amount of success (relatively) I have seen the Cubs have. So like I said I want them win it all so bad....but I still have plenty of time on this planet which is why I want the Cubs to win it all in 2010, not for me, but for all the older Cubs fans in the world.
On behalf of JimK and us older fans...
(I am still much younger than Jim)...thanks for the lovely thoughts.
My 2cents: Assuming Bradley MUST BE TRADED, swapping him to Burrell/Iwamura would be a terrific deal, even if the Cubs must commit to another big contract. Iwamura is currently underrated, and less a need to the Rays with plenty of secondbase farmhands. Burrell can hit and platoon right field with Fuk (Pat got a strong arm though no range), period.
But the Rays know better. They should trade their two starters separately to teams truly wanting, for maximized value.
And it leaves the Cubs with few choices:
Which team needs a switch hitting corner outfielder who cannot field?
The whole NL East is crossed out. NL West? out. The Dodgers have their own $$ trouble with Pierre. The other teams would be happy to ask for more defense (under budget).
AL East? With the like of Abreu, Ankiel, Bay, Damon, Dye, MagO, Manny, and so on, these big-boy teams can bid for the better.
AL Central? West? Not the Halo. Not the M's, under construction. Not the Rangers, with their new policy and ownership problem...
The A's might be willing. They never saw player attitude as a problem, shouldn't Beane see it now?
NL Central, only Houston can both afford and squeeze some space for this like of no-field outfield as a pinch-er.
That's 2. And my 2cents. I wonder if Scot Boras* agrees?
*(Despite his infamy, I got to say I learned a lot about contracts and team needs from this guy)
Looks as though Aki Iwamura is heading to the NL Central... TO THE PIRATES...
Damn, I was a big fan of that deal, guess Iwamura's jut one more guy for the Pirates to trade a few months into the season lol...seems like an odd/overpriced move for a team far from contention.
Sorry, but I would take Derosa back for 1 or 2 more years in a heartbeat. Yea, I know he's 35, but how many second basemans are out there that can hit 20 HR, 80 RBI, .280 BA ? And the wrist surgery was minor, not major. That has been overblown, he will be ready by ST.
Or I'll take O-Dog. That's probably the best fit. As long as it isn't Iwamura.
Thank you woody34 for posting that link about him going to Pirates, most likely.
He and Burrell would have been terrible fits. Why do we want 2 more guys that strikeout a ton ? Don't we have enough of those already ?
I just think too many Cub's fans are clinging to DeRo's 2008 season, which was a career year by most accounts. He had personal bests in:
R-103, HR-21, RBI-87, BB-69, OBP-.376, SLG-.481, OPS-.857
That was really nice season, and his versatility save the Cubs, but none of those numbers are outstanding, and their are his personal bests. In the second half of last season he hit .228 with the Cards to end the year at .250, 78 R and RBI.
DeRosa is by no means guaranteed to produce a .280/20/80 line next year.
They are not going to make up for losing him last year by singing him for next year. Sorry, it isn't going to work.
JC,
Well, I disagree. His 2nd half stats this year are skewed due to the wrist injury. And I'm not sure how you can say that 21 HR's 87 RBIs, .376 OBP is not outstanding. How many second basemans can you name that put up those type of numbers ? If you can count more than 5, I will eat your hat. And no, nothing is guranteed that he will put up 20HR's / 80 RBI next year, but I'll take my chances.
Outside of O-Dog, what else is out there ?
I'm not a Jeff Baker fan.
I'm up for the challenge, 2600. straight off the top of my head here goes:
Utley (duh)
Pedroia
Cano
Uggla
Zobrist
the guy for Toronto this year I don't know why I can't think of his name...
Kinsler
Jose Lopez
ok, that is without looking but i know they have all been within the .280/20/80 range at least once, and most of them better.
now let's look them up and see. DeRo is not a top 5 second baseman.
Sorry ccoo26oo but I'm with jc3-6-3
on the DeRo issue...Baker and Blanco have emerged as decent replacements...and I'd like to see what they can do over the course of a full season...(unless either is included in a trade for a better player).
If we had Dero for a lot more $$$...that knocks Baker out...and the money can be used elsewhere.
His wrist surgery may or may not impact him...but he is getting older.
Suz, We will agree to disagree. Baker and Blanco have proven nothing. It will be a mistake to go with them, IMO.
I'd much rather go with Dero for a year or 2, and than you should have a Castro or Hak Lee (sp?) ready to step in at SS, and than move Riot over to 2B.
Baker does not impress me at all.
Tejada for 1 year at SS...
Trade Bradley for Pat Burrell
Kosuke Fukudome .265 13 HRs
Miguel Tejada .295 15 HRs
Derrek Lee .290 30 HRs
Aramis Ramirez .300 30 HRs
Pat Burrell .260 30 HRs
Alfonso Soriano .270 30 HRs
Geovany Soto .270 20 HRs
Ryan Theriot .290 5 HRs
Assuming a comeback year out of Soriano (.265-.275, 25-30 HRs) and a comeback year out of Soto (.270 20-25 HRs) and a solid year out of Burrell in an NL hitting park (.260 25-30 HRs) that would be a ridiculous lineup top to bottom!
I know it wont happen cuz Burrell cant play Defense and everything but if he can be 'flipped' for someone to play CF/RF then its even better.
Neil,
Is there a way I can find the CCO post from a few years ago on the Soriano signing? I've looked for it, but can't find it. I'm just curious to go back and read if all the JH bashers were critical of the deal at the time or are just looking at it in hindsight.
David, here you go ... several posts in November of 2006:
http://chicagocubsonline.com/archives/2006/11/cubs_rumors1125.php
http://chicagocubsonline.com/archives/2006/11/cubs_soriano_1.php
http://chicagocubsonline.com/archives/2006/11/cubs_soriano_2.php
http://chicagocubsonline.com/2006/11/
Long time ago ... several readers posted I have not thought about in a while.
Hope this is what you are looking for ...
Neil,
Thanks for posting that. Pretty funny looking back.
It sure is funny how things change. When we signed him, Soriano was walking on water. Now we can't wait to run him out of town.
Also, its funny how people said "who cares about later, we wanna now" to the fact it was going to cost us down the road by signing this goof to 8 years at mega millions. How does that feel now ? I guess people somehow think the bill will never come due. Well, its due now, and killing us.
Another thing that struck me was all the people clamoring for Jason Schmidt. Yikes !! How would that have worked out ?
That was 3 years ago, but it seems like 10. So much changes from year to year.
Neil it was fun reading those posts...
Zito was mentioned as a possible target...but even then people were warning about how right handed the lineup would be.
I have to agree with you ccoo26oo re the old posts.
I did not know about the CCO back then...
for the record I did not understand the baseball sense of signing a 31 yo player whose game was built on speed to an 8
year mega buck contract...even back then.
Woody...Re Second base...it would be so
much better to sign a ss for 1 year and move Theriot to 2nd....Hudson's OK...but
isn't necessary...If we did bring inh someone for 2nd...my choice is still a young EY Jr....It would be nice to actually have the base stealing threat that Soriano once had.
I don't much care for Theriot's range
and defense at short...he'd be much better at second with Baker backing up ARAM/Theriot...and I heard somewhere they are going to have him play outdield some this spring.
Suzy:
We were fresh off a last place, 95 loss season. Soriano almost had a 40/40 season in a pitchers ballpark. We needed him or Carlos Lee. An 8 year deal with all the perks was the farthest thing from our minds.
Jim...I remember it well...I was voting for C. Lee...and thus was disappointed.
Suzy I agree a shortstop would be great, but with the options available and little money to spend this year, I don't see Theriot being moved to second. Scutaro would be a nice pick up, but I don't think that Ricketts gives that ok if his philosophy is going to be to build from the minor league system and Scutaro will cost a couple picks I believe.
I still think the best move Hendry could pull off is somehow prying away Reyes from the Mets. What would that possibly cost us prospect wise/or major league talent wise, I don't know? Reyes is an improvement at short defensively, gives us our lead off hitter, and incredible speed.
Woody, another option is a JimK recommendation...that id we deal with the Rays we go after their ss Bartlett...that should be available...perhaps worked in to the Bradley deal with Burrell...(we'd have to offer more than Bradley of course.
The problem with that is Bartlett is good enough to block Castro for a while...But if you want to win now????
I am curious as to why so many people think second base is a huge hole needed to be filled? We do not need a has been on the decline years of his career such as an Orlando Hudson etc. I am quite content spending money on a starter, outfielder, or setup guy.
I think we are sitting pretty with Baker being the next DeRosa. Castro will get his time in the minors and Flaherty is not far behind. Yes Miles should be DFA'd, and Fontenot as well or maybe get a prospect out of him. I just didn't see any reason to bring in Iwamura or any other second baseman not named Utley or Kinsler.
Woody,
Baker is not the answer.
He's a good utility guy.
And its a waste of money to throw millions at setup relievers. They are a dime a dozen that go and up each year like a yo-yo. See Bobby Howry, Remlinger, Eyre, etc.
I like Grabow, but now Hendry is gonna throw 7/8 Million at him for 2 years. just stupid.
I know Baker is not a full time guy, he is going to be our new DeRosa, super utility. I read that he is going to practice on outfield in spring training to make him more versatile next year too. But we have enough talent in house to not necessitate big money to be spent on a second baseman. I would prefer to spend our money on an outfielder first, starting pitcher second, or a setup man third.
If Guzman is healthy...Caridad looks pretty good...although Grabow did well for us we really don't need him...Gaub/Gorzelanny/Marshall are all viable candidates...with Papelbon in the wings as a lefty.
For 7 to 8 million we can do better than Grabow.
I'd rather have a few more developing arms..High AA to AAA then Grabow.
I think Baker will be great utility guy, I agree. But I really don't think it will cost that much to get a guy like Orlando Hudson, or maybe Polanco, or even Dero. I think it would be worth it. And I'm only talking about 2 years, b/c I agree we have some good young middle IF's on the way, which is good.
If we don't sign someone, and baker is utility guy, than who is your guy ? Please don't say Fonenot. :-)
Baker would get the majority of playing time with Blanco getting some time at second. As of right now you still have Miles to play some as well. As much as we all want to get rid of Miles - is that really going to happen. I just think we have too much money already invested in middle infielders to go out and spend more unless its a top tier guy. Castro will get called up at some point next year and will either be at second or shift Theriot to second.
You know the Brewers are going to move JJ Hardy...and he will be cheap ...keeping ss warm for Castro.
Theriot moves to second and Baker backs him up. JJ Hardy is definitely the type of move Hendry likes to make.
Do you think the Brewers will move him to division rival? I could see them trading him to a Pittsburgh or Houston but not the Cubs are Cards. Another option could be Stephen Drew or a Jack Wilson
The better question is...would the Cubs want to give their Rivals any pitching help...which is what the Brewers will be looking for...If Hendry wanted Hardy he would get him...even if it had to be a 3 way trade.
Drew I'd have to research...and Wilson might be too expensive.
Woody, After checking...the Mariners have an 8.4 mil club option on Wilson...and his numbers have gone done dor each of the last 3 seasons...Even id theMariners deline his option...we would probably have to overpay to get him...and then his production is on a downward turn/
Drew is a FA this year with AZ...and looks more affordable...but his agent is Scott Boras...so who knows? At this point Drew would be the younger, more attractive alternative to Wilson.
The thing I like about Theriot is he is pretty steady. He isn't great, he isn't bad - just steady. You know what you are getting out of him. I am not saying I wouldn't like to see an improvement, but I don't want another stop gap. We have had stop gaps at short since lets say Dunston. Gonzo was ok (never was same after that error in the Bartman game). But the reason short hasn't turned into the third base situation we had before Rami; we couldn't find a third baseman since Santo until Rami arrived; Theriot has been steady!!!
Centerfield is our new third base...Pie was supposed to be in center for 10 years.
I just can't fathom why the Cubs can not find a center fielder to groom in the draft. Look at all the tremendous center fielders there are in the league that have come up thru systems. Granderson, Sizemore, Victorino, Mccutcheon, Rasmus just to name a few off the top of my head. With so many young up and coming center fielders for what about 3/4s of the teams in the majors - the Cubs just can't do it.
Woody 34 I agree...I read today in mlbtrades.com that Baltimore might consider trading Pie...they have a couple of other up and comers they might want to look at. Maybe with Rudy as a hitting coach...Hendry might want to revisit Pie....He was smoking hot in August....and is excellent defensively.
I'm not advocating it one way or the other...just a thought.
Rudy I am sure would do wonders for Felix, but he would get lost in Lou's outfielder mix. Lou would play depending on who is there - a Reed Johnson, Fuki, Fuld all ahead of Pie. Unless Pie killed the ball in spring training off left handed pitching. And I am sure Andy MacFAIL would make us pay more to get him back than what we got to give him away.
Now IF Hendry were to trade to get back a former Cub that he gave away, I'd much rather see Pie come back than you know who. But it will never happen. And you're right Woody, with a directive from high above, Lou won't play him. They'd have to deal everyone out and give him the spot. And it won't happen. Pie got comfortable in Balimore at the end of the year and starting hitting because there was no pressure on him and he wasn't looking over his shoulder EVERY at bat. I am still mad about losing him. Is he even 21 yet? Way too much expectation and pressure, I sure we (fans) and the organization don't do the same thing to Castro. That is pretty darn immature to deal with that kind of pressure.
Just checked on Blanco in Venezuela..
He's currently hitting .294/.353 OBP/.474 SLG/.827 OPS in a small sample of 68 ab (1HR/13 RBI's)
Given that he had similar numbers at AAA last year he seems to finally be getting
consistant...I really do believe he should be able to maintain a .270 plus average at Wrigley next year...and his defense is supurb...Hardy and Blanco at ss and Theriot/Baker at second...with Baker backing up Aram and maybe OF...we should be ok...without spending a ton of money there.
I am warming up to the idea of a short contract to JJ Hardy to keep the seat warm for Castro/Blanco with Theriot and Baker manning 2B.
Hardy will be cheap and he has the talent, a fresh start could help him a lot...and don't forget about Rudy and his magic wand!
Good ole Rudy !!!
Doesn't Hardy look like a JH sign waiting to happen?
Ok I am bored at work, and this actually took a little time to research. Do you realize that Jason Marquis's string of being a playoff team continued with him in Colorado this year. Where ever he ends up they are destined to go to the playoffs. The sad thing is when he leaves the team does not return the following year. The Braves have not been back since he left. The Cardinals got back this year but it took three years to return and of course this year the Cubs did not make it. I would be willing to bet next year - granted he leaves Colorado, that they do not return to the playoffs next year.
I find this too eerie for a player who is basically just an innings eater.
So...wherever Marquis lands...place your bets!!!...He is a great 1rst half pitcher. I know with both the Cubs and the Cards he did not a get a start in the playoffs...what about the Rockies?
I don't think he started for them either...did he?
OK, CCOO2600, I just looked up the stats of the 2Bmen I named above. Aside from Uggla's terrible avg and Kinsler's slide this year each of them out produced DeRosa's best year (2008), most by a lot. And I forgot to mention Brandon Phillips.
Ketchup with your hat?
Not trying to be a jerk, just trying to get you to see that DeRosa, at 35 this year, isn't really that special. And I like the guy! 2B is not nearly as thin as it has been in years past. There are actually quite a few 20+ hr guys out there, and most have some wheels to go with it.
Ok. What happened to the post of "we need a ss that can play defens?". Let's say the errors committed by theriot alloted several runs this year. Wouldn't a stronger and more agile ss help us keep the games closer? I say that theriot goes to 2b and we put blanco at ss. No extra money spent. I mean cmon. We have lee, rameriez, soriano, soto that all can hit over 20 long balls a year and 80 rbi a year. Fuki,bradley theriot,blanco hit 10 hrs and 50 rbi a year. That's 520 runs with our everyday players. This team is good. Rami got hurt for 50 games. We need to spend money on our bullpen and bench. Heck, if fox, hoffpauir, baker, johnson all contribute when needed, we are still nl champs. Stay healthy is the key. I say keep bradley. He got a bad rap for his negative attitude. Well, I remember a hot head who spoke his mind whenever he wanted and he was still loved in this city. Give this team 1 more year. I bet they make the playoffs as is. Save the money for 2011.
Thanks for posting the links Neil. As I suspected, it was almost unanimous support for JH's decision to sign Soriano at the time ... though kudos to Aaron for qualifying his support with a caveat that he was concerned about the length of the contract! The post I found most humorous was the one that said anyone who thought JH was overspending on Soriano was an idiot.