theriot

nady

lee

rameriez

byrd

soriano

soto

castro

zambrano

So, when Nady plays instead of Fukadome - who bats second? Baker? It should be Lee, but Pinella doesn't work the lineup like that.

Theriot

Lee

Ramirez

Byrd

Soriano

Nady

Baker

Soto

What do you guys think?

Forgot to mention I do like this move. Healthy, it could be a great move.

But I do like Gomes better but only because he is young and seems to really want to become a Cub. I hope if Nady fails his physical this dont scare Gomes off.

Notice I said he is Young but the difference is that he has been successful in the majors and I'm not expecting him to be an all-star

I really do like this deal. Got a good player at a cheap price who will split time in OF with Fuku between righties and lefties and is good enough that he can step in for a anyone else in the outfield if those scrubbies begin to slump, great signing....hope all works well for the X Man

Well never mind that...

Garland just signed with the Padres.

So much for that idea ha

Well, that being the case....

C'mon Jim, let the boy play in the big leagues!

I, like most people it would seem, share an affinity for Brad Snyder, I feel he's a solid young outfielder that could contribute greatly to the big league club at some point in time.

That being said, if I recall, he suffered a wrist injury sometime last season. Realistically, it would be hard to look past the difficulty in overcoming a wrist injury, as far as hitting goes.

It'll be interesting to see how he plays this spring.

For the record, Snyder broke his wrist

http://chicagocubsonline.com/archives/2010/01/cubsnews010910.php

He seemed to put the injury behind him. Snyder hit the ball when he returned, then lit up the Mexican Winter League.

Neil, what do you think the chances are that we really see him at Wrigley this year?

Suzy, I think he has the tools but he will need to impress in Spring Training.

A lot will depend on health of Nady and Fukudome.

I will have a better feel in a couple of weeks, right now I would think slim.

I tend to concur...but one never knows.

I guess I see a trip to Des Moines in my future...to watch Sandberg manage and the rest of the guys.

That's ok...I like corn :)

Haha, I'm glad you like corn Susy, but as a longtime Des Moines resident, corn is not what we are all about...

The Iowa Cubs, however, is what we love. And Ryno is a wonderful gift. I plan on making more than my normal 3 trips to "Principal Park" (still Sec Taylor Stadium in my eyes, haha...)

I'm happy to know you and hopefully other Cubs fans will make their way west to the great Des Moines....

jon...Snyders injury was early last year and he came on extremely strong later...and has torn up the admittedly week winter leagues this year.

It appears his hand injury is behind him.

Mlbtraderumors.com is reporting that Garland is signing with San Diego. If you think the Cubs have GM issues, take a look at the Mets ... they have been shut out of all the free agents they targeted and are now left with trying to sign Smoltz. Not sure what he's looking for, but if the price we're right, I like Smoltz is a Cubbie uniform either as a starter or a set-up man.

J Daniel, I've been saying that same thing forever.

Good minor league stats mean they can hit mediocre pitching(mediocre pitching that is not good enough to be in the majors) thats all.

Same for pitchers. Even though stats for pitching are a little bit more accurate. But only because they are usually in bullpen and go up against a hitter once or twice in a year. With a weeks in between at bats.

Major league players are good enough to adjust to pitcher after seeing them once.

The "great" bullpen we got will be pounded. Out of all the young pitchers that have been mentioned probably one or two might be able to be effective(not shutdown) this year. And as much as I love Marmol, he's been a pro for 3 years and last year struggled with his control. This is your closer.

This is why they need to sign another veteran reliever. Someone that,at least, one year was very successful other than a bunch of guys that have never been very successful.

Marmol definitly has the potential to be a good closer. He's unhittable. Granted but, lost his control last year. A shut down closer can not be walking batters.

Guzman, maybe, but there is a better chance that he will be lit up.

And before you say it, a bullpen is only a crapshoot because yoyu dont have the pieces that fit. So you go with the hot hand till it runs out then move someone else it. But its because you have no other choice.

Aaron,

I hope this Nady signing helps calm your nerves a lil bit about making up the home runs we were losing through Fox and Bradley.

I dunno bout you but I would take Nady and Byrd over Fox and Bradley any day, especially when you consider that Fox also got us rid of Miles and brought in a solid middle reliever. And as far as Nady's health, well I consider that health risk a was with Bradley's health risk.

Now now, Noone said Snyder was all that BUT

He is a lefty

He has a decent eye (.260-275)

He has some pop (10-15 HRs)

He can play all 3 OF positions

He is above average defensively with a plus PLUS arm.

He is under 30

And finally he is cheap!

That's it! The key is he is younger and cheaper! We have to operate in that frame of reference. Similar to Aaron's comparison's that have Fox and Hoff. The reason that they could be better options is simple, younger and cheaper!

That's it!

That's why Diamond, Cashner, Gaub, Caridad etc are better options than an overpaid veteran FA.

The place where I argue with myself is at 2B. It is hard for me to trust in Baker and Fontenot. I would rather have Lopez (1-2 mil 1 year), Baker on the bench and Fontenot in another uni.

Either way, hope springs eternal, and I hope Hendry didn't just make a mistake on an injury risk. If he did not, that's a BIG IF, Nady will tremendously help this club, and his hustle will be loved by Cub Fans!

By the way Aaron, Mark Loretta retired before Hendry could over pay for him :)

Go Cubs Go!!!

oh...you guys are gonna love this one...

http://twitter.com/MLBSTLCardinals/statuses/8251405189

If Rich Hill makes their roster, and Duncan works his magic as predicted, I believe Rothschild could very well find himself out of a job, unless he works magic on someone like Silva this year.

It would be the biggest indictment ever to have a very well paid pitching coach not be able to turn around a pitcher, and he goes to your arch rival, and their pitching coach fixes him.

I also believe this might mean that Maddux would be our pitching coach next year if Hill does well with the Cardinals.

Leo Mazzone couldn't help him, but I guess Dave Duncan might as well give it a try. Don't get me and Diehard started!

rooting for Hill then :)

Neil,

As you can probably tell by now I am a big supporter of the Cubs signing Garland as I believe he is almost a perfect fit for the Cubs.

Regardless of if the Cubs sign him or even look at him at this point, what type of contract do you seem him getting?

Joel, sorry about Jon Garland. As you know he agreed to terms with the Padres.

Rosenthal tweeted a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2011.

Garland will earn $5.3 million in 2010.

Sportscenter just broke that the Padres have signed Garland but no word on what kind of contract yet.

Aaron, I read Bruce Levine's chat today at espnchicago.com...you should check it out....I don't want to steal too much of Neil's thunder because I know he'll use it for tonight's post.

Levine feels that the Cubs havn't addressed second base because they are planning to open with Theriot at 2nd

and Castro at ss....from the getgo.

I'm cautiously optimistic about Nady...

but realistic also...it's a gamble.

Levine also says the Cubs are out of money for any further major acquisitions.

The RHP pen acquisition will come via trade...most likely Guzman will be included in that trade.

Suzy, thank you for posting all of the info you did today.

And you never steal my thunder, the CCO is about passing on reliable info.

Thanks again!

where's the link. Could you please post it...I can't find the chat

Here's the link to "Chat with Bruce Levine"

http://espn.go.com/chicago/chat/_/id/30510

You have to weed throught the WS questions.

thank you

Anytime.

Give me a couple of minutes.

I think that is a dangerous assumption that Castro will even make the team. There are not many 19 or 20 year olds that I can think of that will start for a baseball team.

I think it is a very big risk. Granted it would be really awesome if Castro would tear up ST but how likely is that really.

I find it even more unlikely given Lou's lack of patience with young players.

It would be a nice change of pace though if it were to really happen and it would also make our bench much stronger.

I guess we will just have to wait and see.

I agree with your premise re Castro...but we'll see what the Cubs do.

I think some will agree that the Nady signing, contingent on him passing a physical, is a little expensive but could pay big dividends.

I hope I am wrong but if Soriano does struggle, and I think that is becoming more and more probable, then we now have a legitimate everyday player for LF and do not have to make a move in the event that Lou has to bench Soriano. Also, it might actually put some pressure on Soriano to produce given that he will now know that Nady is in waiting and could easily fill his shoes if Lou should choose to go that direction.

Who cares about Hoff, really? Cmon! Especially if SuzyS is right about Snyder. From what it sounds like Snyder will be going to the HOF.

If healthy, Nady will provide a lot of insurance as he can play 3rd, 1st, and of. Could be a great signing!

And I would still like someone to explain to me all of this great insight on minor league players that you have not seen play a game? Lets be realistic with them and if they provide anything it is a bonus!

J Daniel...I've never portrayed Snyder as a HOF...but he is a solid player with power...ready for the mlb...and I believe he can give us a cheap,viable, and very productive option.

Snyder is a good minorleager that has could be good or bad in the majors and hoffpauer can kill it in the minors but is only mediocre in the majors. He is a bench guy. He got plenty of chance last year.

I will admit that he could be on the major league roster. Hell I even like him. But he is a bench player he is not a everyday player.

While I'm okay with this deal...not thrilled though, because of these numbers: 34, 124, 130, 125, 148, and 7 (games played for Nady since 2004)...I still think that the Cubs would've been better off with a cheaper option in Jonny Gomes, who has more production in limited playing time than Nady.

Here's the other thing that should concern every Cubs fan out there: "The surgery will sideline him for an extended period of time, and is possibly career threatening, as the success rates for multiple elbow ligament replacement surgeries is lower."

He will need to throw to pass his physical, and it's quite likely he will not pass. Consider this from Sun-Times: The Cubs declined comment on a report that they’re close to signing Xavier Nady as their fourth outfielder, but baseball sources suggest a one-year deal could be finalized this week, pending the outcome of a physical. It's not a done deal yet, and the physical is anything but a formality with Nady. I think the reason the Cubs aren't confirming anything at this point concretely, is because they don't want to scare away Gomes, if they have to go after him instead if Nady fails the physical (though Gomes has probably settled on another team at hearing this word).

Due to the second TJ surgery, which we know from personal experience (Chad Fox), is never a good thing, I just don't see how Hendry got suckered into giving him $3+million in the deal. I don't think it's wise to commit anything more than $2 million to a player with that big of an injury risk. Gomes flat out spanked the ball last year. A move like this almost guarantees the fact that you'll have to sign another outfielder like a Tatis, Thames, Winn, Erstad, or even re-signing Johnson, and I don't like any of those options to tell you the truth.

Whereas, if you sign Gomes for likely $1-2 million (more likely $1.5 million), then it allows you to sign Lopez, which is something you almost surely cannot do at this point with $2 million more committed to Nady than you otherwise would've committed toward signing a Lopez.

At my count, we had about $135 million committed, including likely $950k, $2.5 million, and $3 million (estimated for Marshall, Marmol, and Theriot), and we had a $140 million ceiling (though I've also heard it might be as high as $145 million)...but for sake of argument, let's just say it's $140 mm. That leaves us about $1.7 million to give to another player.

I am convinced that pitching will NOT be the problem next year, especially with our own very good internal options for the pen and 4th and 5th rotation spots.

Yes, Snyder will provide depth in the OF, but with Nady's injury history, you wouldn't want him to be thrust into a likely starting role (in place of the likely ineffective Byrd and/or Fukudome) would you?

I hope I'm wrong, for the sake of this franchise regarding Nady (although I understand the upside, which is why I'm okay with it in theory), and Byrd, and I hoped I was wrong last year too regarding Gregg, Heilman, Gathright, Miles, and Bradley, and even re-signing Chad Fox, but I simply wasn't wrong. I'm not a genius at all. I'm not a fortune teller, or anything of the sort. The only thing I know how to do, and how I approached coaching and recruiting my pitchers when I was a college pitching coach, is I look at the numbers. If a player had the numbers, I'd go scout him. If he didn't, then it's quite possible a few slid through the cracks, but facts are facts, and you simply CANNOT ignore them. It's true that every now and then, a player like Soto will come along that has done absolutely nothing in the minors, then has a good season or two....but you last year he had a dreadful season. Know why? Law of averages my friend. Nady went from high-A to AAA in one season, and his minor league stats look pretty impressive. Jonny Gomes' minor league stats, particularly his home run and OBP/SLG numbers were very impressive as well. My point is, you must look at a player's entire body of work, then make a judgment. Nady's versatility/athleticism and body of work in MLB and the minors, is very admirable...but it's his serious injury risk that you have to take into account, especially when you have Lee, ARAM, and Soriano, your 3 biggest hitters that have serious injury risks.

Then you look at Gomes...He will give you 20+hr, 50+RBI in part-time duty with around 100 K's. When you look at that production at 29 years old in part-time duty, and you think what he might be able to do full-time if thrust into that position due to injury, and you become very excited. Consider that in 281 AB's, Gomes had 20 hr, 51 RBI last year. Let's just say he gets a standard 600 AB's in a season...That'd roughly equate to 40 hr, 102 RBI.

Nady, on the other hand, had a full body of work in 2008 with 555 AB's and 25 hr, 97 RBI. Do you see that there appears to be a definitive ceiling for Nady...and that's while he's healthy, whereas Gomes has a huge ceiling?

I'm not trying to be a downer...I'm just calling a spade a spade when I see it, and I see us signing a guy coming off a career year, which Hendry has NEVER had good luck with (Byrd), and another player with serious injury risk, which Hendry has NEVER had good luck with either (Nady). Hendry's track record is nothing to brag about.

The only consolation we can take in the Nady signing is at least it was just a one year deal, just as Byrd should've been for no more than 2 years...or 1 year, plus an option that'd kick in with certain numbers achieved.

I look forward to the day when players like Snyder, Castro, Hak Ju Lee, Burke, Brett Jackson, Vitters, Cashner, etc. are on this team...and if my predictions regarding injuries come true, then we might just get an early look at those guys, and we'd still have a bloated payroll with overpaid, underachieving veterans that we can't move either due to injury or ineffectiveness.

Again, I cannot emphasize enough that my post was not meant to be a debbie-downer moment...but rather meant to caution everyone regardint his move to sign Nady. Call it for what it truly is:

Hendry overpaid for a MONUMENTAL injury risk (as mentioned above...low success rate for 2nd TJ surgeries), and he landed a guy that's about a .280 hitter, and when healthy, can net you around 20 hr, 70 RBI if he's playing everyday. Is that the worst thing that could happen? ABSOLUTELY NOT! .280 avg, 20 hr, and 70 RBI is FANTASTIC for $3 million in today's game. But just as with Byrd...and his likely 9 hr, 50 RBI projection...you have to weight everything based on injury history, prior stats, and games played average, and suddenly the $3 million contracts doled out to each of those guys for this season become ugly. Why?

For $400k, Jake Fox had 11 hr, 44 RBI in limited playing time with 216 AB's. For $400k, Micah Hoffpauir had 10 hr, 35 RBI in 234 AB's.

I think any reasonable person would say that given a full season in the everyday lineup, both Fox and Hoffpauir could've produced 20+hr, 80+RBI, right?

It all comes back to the fact that if you already can get decent production from your own damn system, why the hell would you overpay for veteran talent and/or injury risks? I think most of us would agree that based on last season prior to his injury, and based on the stats in winter ball, that Brad Snyder is ready to show what he can do at the MLB level. I guess what I'm trying to say is that with $6.3 million committed to Byrd and Nady, couldn't we have found a more consistent bat? Why didn't we just go all out after Bobby Abreu? Then you virtually guarantee yourself .300 avg, .400 OBP, 20 hr, and 100 RBI.

....but I digress...and still hope Hendry finds a way to sign Lopez and/or Blalock

Aaron,

Wouldn't signing Gomes also be singing a guy coming off a career year? ... which us what you accuse JH of doing. You talk mention what Gomes "will" give us in 2010 (based on his 2009 stats) while disregarding Gomes' '06 and '08 stats. What makes you think Gomes can come close to repeating 2009? ... the peripheral skill stats like hit percentage and home run per fly ball rate seem to indicate that Gomes was lucky in 2009. Gomes, based on his entire statistical history, could very easily turn in a season of 250 at bats with a .220-.230 average and 10-12 homers.

ummmmmmmmmmm....NOPE...not really sure where you're getting your stats. Out of thin air, maybe?

2005-348 AB's, 21 hr, 54 RBI (16.5 AB/hr)

2006-385 AB's, 20 hr, 59 RBI (19.2 AB/hr)

2007-348 AB's, 17 hr, 49 RBI (20 AB/hr)

2008-154 AB's, 8 hr, 21 RBI (19.2 AB/hr)

2009-281 AB's, 20 hr, 51 RBI (14.1 AB/hr)

Yes, I guess based on his AB/hr ratio, you could say he had a "career year", but even that seems to be a stretch. It looks like he'll hit a home run every 17.8 AB's. If you were to average that over a full season, it'd amount to roughly 34 hr based on that ratio.

Look beyond HR/At Bat. Batting average, OBP, and skill indicators like Hit Percentage and Home Run per Fly ... they point to '09 being a career year.

I think he is talking about these batting averages:

2005 282

2006 216

2007 244

2008 182

2009 267

Pretty mediocre from 06-08.

Well I thought all along Nady was the best option so I really can't complain. I thought he had the most upside, and with Fukudome and Soriano's struggles, he'll probably play every day.

I would prefer getting a Garland type guy for the rotation, that way all the 5th starter candidates can end up in the pen, which is where Silva will be, albeit ineffectively.

Why not use Cashner in the 'pen? Didn't he come up as a bullpen arm?

Hey guys, first post here. I've been reading since last offseason and check this site daily! Thanks for all the input.

I'm still not sold on many of the signings thus far, and I will be very displeased with an addition to the bullpen. It just doesn't make sense to add a vet in the bullpen. There is plenty of depth and I think it is about time to give the kids a chance. Gregg and Heilman were atrocious last year, why does JH insist on another Bob Howry every single year? Use Ascanio, Patton, Guzman and anyone else who has the stuff and find a way to win. I just hate throwing these old guys money because they had a good season one year, two years ago.

Cago ... Welcome to the CCO!

Cago...welcome aboard...I'm kind of with you...I love Guzman...but I guess the Cubs want to trade him due to his health history.

Ascanio is no longer with us (unfortunately)...he was traded to the Pirates last summer in the Grabow/Gorzelanny deal...along with Hart.

But we have lots of up and coming arms.

Bruce Levine thinks the Cubs are going to trade for Gregerson in San Diego...

using Guzman as the bait.

We'll see I guess.

Sadly Ascanio is a Pirate...

But Caridad, Diamond, Gray, Gaub, Cashner, Atkins

Seems to me that our Bullpen guy is in that group. Am I wayyyyyyy offf on that????

Felipe Lopez at 2B rounds out this team.

Get er done Jimbo!

Hopefully I answered your earlier question RE: Nady below

As for this question, here's our HUGE group of contenders for the pen and rotation:

Rotation:

Samardzija, Gorzelanny, Marshall, Cashner, Jay Jackson, Coleman, Diamond, Atkins, Parisi, Silva

Pen:

*just so we're on the same page, our current pen stands at: Caridad, Berg, Marshall, Grabow, Guzman, and Marmol. (I'm saying Berg, because Piniella already mentioned him by name as virtually assured a spot to start the season, provided he doesn't implode in ST)

Dolis, Mateo, Gaub, Stevens, Parker, Patton, Gray, Maine, Russell, Kennard, Papelbon, Perkins, and whomever loses out on the derby for 4th/5th starter.

That's quite a lot of guys to choose from, and I'm sure Neil would agree with me here too, that the bullpen is almost always a crapshoot. Unless you're an elite closer like a Rivera, Papelbon, Hoffman, etc., most relievers experience widely varied stats, which is precisely why most relievers end up with a lot of teams throughout their career. It's also why a lot of relievers are FAILED starters. That, by the very nature of the beast should tell you that they're bound to fail in relief as well with a few good years sprinkled in, wouldn't it?

Just think about your favorite middle reliever for a second....Don't have one? Neither do I. Why? Because the adulation for middle relievers is so fleeting that you never really get attached to one, and it's directly related to the fact that their performances literally vary greatly year to year.

I want a rotation of:

Z

Dempster

Wells

Gorzelanny

Diamond

I want a pen of:

Caridad, Berg, Dolis, Marshall, Grabow, Guzman, and Marmol.

I'd actually prefer Gaub over Grabow, but obviously that ain't happening, so I'd prefer a Marshall trade to the Rockies in a package for EY Jr., or to the Rangers in package for Davis/Moreland.

Agree, if Nady is truly healthy he can add a lot to the outfield group so depending on the vesting and considering the resources this is one of the best deals that could have been done. Also agree that the bullpen could use added depth and dependability. As mentioned here earlier there is significant vulnerability with the starting rotation.

On its face, this looks like a great move. Hopefully the incentives have some teeth to them and are not Milton Bradley like incentives that were easy to reach. Nady gives us a fourth starting outfielder, providing insurance for injuries and slumps. Hoff and Snyder start in AAA, but will see time in the majors when injuries strike. Fuld should be the 5th OF to provide speed and defense.

While there is some need at 2B and SP, another quality bullpen arm should be the next priority ...

Does anyone else think it's kind of funny to call Nady the 4th OF? I mean if his elbow is OK and he can play up to his past averages he certainly has the potential to be the best OF one the team (whether that is good or bad I can't decide).

As cloy pointed out above his career avg per season is 20+HR/70+RBI and I believe his BA is around .280. Consider his entire career (less half a season in NY) was with a couple lowly teams in the Pirates and Pods. And that when he did finally get to a team that offered him lineup protection and base runners in front of him he did better (in just 59 games w. the Yanks he hit 12 HR and 40 RBI) and he could easily be the most all-around productive OF on the team. And the best part....

for less than 4M$! Did Hendry actually just do this?!

Finally, I agree Suzy, for better or worse, Hoffy is trade bait. There is nowhere for him on this team now (IF Nady passes the physical)

A guy on espn1000 asked if he were weird for liking the 3rd and 4th outfielders on the team better than the first 2.

I guess we have to wait and see what

post surgery Nady is really like before we can render judgement...but you're right...he could be the best outfielder on the team...at least until Snyder is called up...btw...Snyder is a Lefty...with pop in his bat...and can also play ALL 3 OF positions.

It's going to be interesting to see how it all shakes out.

I can't remember...is Nady the first Scott Boras client we've signed?

Not sure if we've ever signed a Boras client before ... but Boras did play minor league ball for the Cubs and I think the Cubs paid to put him through law school!

David, you are right about Scott Boras. He was a Chicago Cub.

Remember everyone...The Hoff has options.

He could make as much as 5.3 Million, 3.3 guaranteed? Holy Cow! We could have had a STARTING 2b for that. Somebody tell me what I am missing?

That Nady, if anywhere close to his past form, is a steal at 3.3M$ and depending on the incentives reached, probably a steal at 5M$ too. And they had nothing as insurance in a really weak and injury prone OF. And marginal as it may be, a L-R platoon and possible a third player in Theriot at 2B.

OF depth was very important, Leeeee, and this could be one of the Hendry moves that so many of his apologists like to point to...I mean, Xady could turn out to be a very good signing. COULD. Let's all hope his elbow is firm and intact.

the fact that Theriot will be playing 2b some point this year

SuzyS:

Why bye bye to Hoffpauir? Somebody has to be able to come off the bench and supply some power. I don't see anyone else except a bunch of punch and judy hitters.

Nady can also play 1rst....and Baker also....Hoffpauir is limited to 1rst and outfield....Don't get me wrong...I like Hoffpauir...but to make this team...he['d have to have Babe Ruth numbers.

SI is stating sheets got 10M plus incentives........foolish numbers for a guy who missed all of last year and has a history of injuries playing the most injury prone position in baseball.

here's hoping nady got no more than 2-2.5M........talk about injury prone....only once has he played over 130 games. he can play 3b and 1b so upside to more versatility than the others, but still hoff would be nice for LH pop off the bench; fuld does not.

sign calero for 1.5M, and call garland, lopez, and hudson and offer 4M...first to take it gets it. i'm sure they can scrounge up an extra 1M or so to get one of these guys.......assuming nady was not more than 2.5M.

You have to keep Fuld over Hoffy.....he gives you what Hoffy can't, which you really need. Speed & defense, off the bench.

Unless they keep them both, which I guess is possible.

Levine said the deal is somewhere between 3 and 4 mill....one year.

great move.

Love it !

wonder if nady can transition to 2nd since his elbows are bad?

Hope the physical goes well and Nady can be the player that he was. If so...this is a BIG time acquisition.

Now on to 2B.

I think Baker will do fine at 2b. Why clog up 2b when Castro will be up this year? We all know Theriot is a much better 2b.

Nady's season averages equal out to 21 HR's and 78 RBI.

Aaron, does this get us closer to the '08 production losses of Dero and Edmonds. It has to help, now eliminating Fuky's awful AWFUL AB's against Lefties.

Now that the 4 OF situation seems to be resolved let us look at the bullpen issue.

Right now as far as the bullpen arm goes anything might be possible because all the rumors seem to have dried up.

I still say Marshall or Gorzelany and Hoff to bhe Blue Jays for Frasor. Everything else seems dead at this time.

Anybody else have any thoughts?

Bruce Levine felt the Cubs were going to trade for Gregerson...he said they liked him a lot...and Heath Bell was too expensive.

That makes me a little nervous...because I know the Pads really wanted Guzman.

...and I would like to see Guzman blow everyone away. I admoit his health is an issue...But with Gregerson's Home/away

numbers...I'd keep Guzman.

I would of like to have Sheets but 8 million is to much for a player who miss all of 2009.

This makes a TON of sense for the A's..if they are out of contention at the trade deadline, they peddle Sheets to a contender, and lose approx. $4 mil, while gaining back who knows what in prospects via a trade...Great move by them!

nady is a killer against lefties do Kosuke will not play against lefties if everything goes well. Thank god Kosuuke looks like a fool against lefties.

Bye Bye Hoffpauir.

I dont agree that this means bye bye Hoffy...though they play the same positions...Hoffpauir bats left handed while Nady bats righthanded. We would need a left handed power replacement on the bench before it's bye bye Hoffpauir.

You're right Joe...but his playing time just got more limited...and I believe that Hoffpauir needs regular ab's to be successful.

On my part...it's not necessarily a happy thought since I like Hoffpauir...

and don't feel Lou used him correctly last year.

You took my thunder. I was going to say the same thing but you beat me to it.

Sorry about that diehard...I'll leave you the lightening...:)

hey neil can nady play any other of positions besides rf and can he play infield or no?

First, sorry to all today. My time has been very limited.

Matt, to answer your question Nady as played 82 games at 1B in his career.

Here is the breakdown by position:

1B - 82 games

3B - 3 games

LF - 100 games

CF - 45 games

RF - 408 games

Matt,

I read that he has played some 1B, all 3 OF positions and 3 games at 3B.

Yeah, I think the Mets were talking about signing him to play first base.