Rumors during Baseball's Hot Stove Season are usually that, just rumors. But when a team's GM discusses his ballclub in detail with just over a month before pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training ... well, that is more than just speculation from the mainstream media.
Jim Hendry joined Rob Dibble and Jody McDonald on XM Radio Thursday afternoon. Hendry said on multiple occasions he would like to make two or three moves to round out the Cubs' roster before heading into the Twenty-Ten season.
Jim Hendry on XM Radio
Not long after Matt Holliday's press conference concluded, Jim Hendry spent a little time on The Show (XM Radio) Thursday afternoon.
Jody McDonald began the interview by asking what impact the Cardinals re-signing Matt Holliday would have on the Cubs. Jim Hendry said he is still working on his roster and has "things he would like to do" before Spring Training begins.
Hendry admitted he made a mistake or two last winter that he would like chance to do over ... but realizes he cannot. The Cubs had a few players that did not play the way he and the organization felt they would last year as well. Namely Carlos Zambrano, Alfonso Soriano and Geovany Soto.
For as bad as the Cubs felt like they played last year, they still won 83 games and Hendry pointed out they were tied for first place until the Cardinals pulled away. The team simply did not play to expectations last year. He also indicated how tough the sale of the team made it for him to make changes and additions during the season.
Jim Hendry said he's not done "tinkering" with the roster. He would like to add two or three players before Spring Training. He also feels that if the Cubs are in the race this summer he will get the approval from the Ricketts family to add players and payroll.
As for the decision to sign Milton Bradley last winter, Hendry admitted (once again) that he took a gamble that did not work. The numbers looked like Milton would be a good addition to the team. But Milton got off to a bad start. He did not hit early on and the season snowballed on him ... no one thought Bradley would not produce at the plate, and that included Milton.
Hendry said the money they saved by dealing Bradley to the Mariners for Carlos Silva allowed them to sign Marlon Byrd. As for Silva, the Cubs are hoping to get the pre-Mariners Carlos Silva ... the one that pitched for the Minnesota Twins. Hendry mentioned the fact Rudy Jaramillo was very influential in the decision to sign Marlon Byrd.
Hendry is hopefully that the Cubs will be able to add a player that can play the corner outfield spots ... as well as provide a bat off the bench.
Andre Dawson's election to the Hall of Fame was discussed. Hendry was asked about the blank check he signed to become a Cub and he joked that would not work nowadays. There is no telling how many zeros the player would add.
Hendry feels there are good players still on the market. Hendry indicated that might be the route he ends up taking in order to add pieces to the mix (Hendry mentioned once again at this point in the interview that he would like to add a player or two).
Jody McDonald asked about the Sophomore Slump that Geovany Soto went through last season. Hendry described Soto as a bright, proud kid and emphatically stated he will bounce back this season.
Hendry said, "I would like to ensure Cubs' fans that they will get the 2008 Soto not the 2009 Soto." He is in Puerto Rico working very hard to make sure he is ready for the season.
Once the Cubs found out Rudy Jaramillo would be available, they did not hesitate on pursuing him. The Cubs were in Mesa at their organizational meetings with the news surfaced Jaramillo was leaving Texas. Hendry said they acted as fast as they could. They figured the best hitting coach in the game would help Alfonso Soriano and Geovany Soto.
Rudy Jaramillo, Larry Rothschild and Lou Piniella (on the top step) make a GM's job an easy one according to Jim Hendry.
Hendry was then asked about the Carlos Zambrano trade rumors. Hendry said he would not talk about those, there's no need to. The Cubs need Zambrano to come back next season and pitch the way he is capable.
Carlos Zambrano has a full no-trade clause, as Hendry pointed out, something that they agreed to when he signed his extension. Hendry added that Zambrano would have received more then on the open market than he did from the Cubs.
Hendry was asked about the rumors again and he said he would not discuss trading a player on his roster.
The Cubs are looking for Zambrano to get back to form. Big Z is working hard this winter preparing for the season and they feel he could win 17 to 20 games in 2010.
Hendry again pointed out they just need to add a couple of players to round out the roster.
Derrek Lee and Ted Lilly are entering the final year of their contracts. Hendry was asked about possible extensions for both players. Hendry said they have never had problems re-signing their own guys. Hendry pointed out Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Ryan Dempster and Carlos Zambrano all re-signed ... and why not. Chicago is a great city. Players like playing for the Cubs. As Hendry said, the Cubs are no longer the "Lovable Losers".
Ted Lilly just has to get back out on the mound, win games and everything else will take care of itself. Hendry described Lilly as a true professional and competitor.
Hendry explained that the Cubs have not let any player leave that they wanted to keep.
The Cubs are comfortable going into camp with the pitchers they have competing for the fifth spot in the rotation. Hendry said that Larry Rothschild was pleased with the progress Jeff Samardzija made in Mexico during Winter Ball. Sean Marshall is valuable to the team as a swingman and will get a shot. Hendry pointed out they really liked the way Tom Gorzelanny pitched after he came over from the Pirates last year. He also brought up Mike Parisi, the pitcher they took in the Rule 5 Draft from the Cardinals. Mark Riggins (the Cubs Minor League Pitching Coordinator) recommended Parisi from his time in the Cardinals' organization.
Larry Rothschild will get to work with Carlos Silva next week. Rothschild thinks he's already found things to fix with Silva. Silva will attend the Cubs Convention and will review tape with Rothschild at that time.
Jim Hendry would not rule out adding a starting pitcher to the mix ... if something was to come his way in the next few weeks.
Jody McDonald asked Hendry to prioritize the moves he would like to make. Hendry said he would like to over-load the pen, in a good way with a Rob Dibble-type pitcher for the eighth inning. Hendry indicated they are looking for a veteran arm to add to Carlos Marmol, John Grabow and Angel Guzman.
The Cubs like Jeff Gray and Esmailin Caridad as well for spots in the pen.
Hendry reiterated he would like to add a veteran presence on the bench that can play the corner outfield spots ... and possibly against lefties to spell Kosuke Fukudome in right field.
The Cubs' GM did not mention a desire to add a second baseman before the season ... a position both Dibble and McDonald think the Cubs need to address.
Jim Hendry sounded very upbeat throughout the interview ...
Gary Hughes on XM Radio
Special Assistant to Jim Hendry and "Super Scout" Gary Hughes spent a little time with Scott Graham and Buck Martinez during Baseball This Morning on Thursday.
Gary Hughes discussed Andre Dawson's election to the Hall for a majority of the interview.
Buck Martinez pointed out that Hughes has made a career at evaluating talent. Hughes was named Scout of the Year during the Winter Meeting in Indianapolis. The two discussed the "wow factor" and how difficult it is to find nowadays.
Martinez asked about the addition of Marlon Byrd. Hughes explained how excited the Cubs are to have him. Hughes added it looks like it's "happening" for Byrd right now. The addition of Byrd allows the Cubs to move Kosuke Fukudome to right field, which will make them a much better defensive team.
Hughes said Byrd is a great guy in the clubhouse and will be stepping in for a guy that did not work out.
Tom Ricketts is doing wonderful things with benefits and compensation for the organization according to Gary Hughes.
Hughes indicated Tom Ricketts was very involved in moving Milton Bradley to Seattle for Carlos Silva and adding Marlon Byrd. Hughes said, "Tom went out of his way to make those moves happen." He added, "Tom has been outstanding."
Well, that's the latest ... and I am sticking to it!
With all of the changes in the Cubs' organization in recent months, to say next week's Cubs Convention will be interesting would be an understatement ... especially the "Meet the Management" session.
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We could be in much worse shape, that's for sure.
I have to respectfully disagree with you on that one...we already are in worse shape than even last year, as I've previously outlined.
You simply have to take an apples to apples comparison, where we lost 27 hr, 106 RBI combined from Bradley, Johnson and Fox. We've replaced that with Byrd's career year of 20 hr, 89 RBI, when his entire career, he averaged about 9 hr, 48 RBI. Yes, if Byrd equals last season's numbers (I'll wait for the laughter in Cubs nation...and around baseball to settle down), it's a deficit of 7 hr, 17 RBI, which would EASILY be replaceable if Soto and Soriano have bounce back seasons, AND ARAM stays healthy....but..........................
It's important to take off the "fan goggles" for a minute, step back, and take a look at things from a logical perspective:
1)Lee had his second best season in his 13 year career, which means there's almost zero chance he will replicate last year's numbers of: .306 avg, .393 OBP, 35 hr, 111 RBI (think more along the lines of 20 hr, 90 RBI)
2)ARAM has a tear in his shoulder...an injury not likely to heal, and MORE likely to land him on the DL again
3)Soriano's knees are terrible, and his approach at the plate in general, even prior to injury, was even worse. I think last year's 20 hr, 55 RBI (which he accomplished in 117 games)is a more likely scenario than 30-40 hr and close to 100 RBI. In fact, we might never see Soriano get 80+RBI ever again in his career. He simply refuses to make adjustments at the plate, and he refuses to use a lighter bat.
4)Fukudome is, at best, a platoon player, and will only give you 10 hr, 50 RBI for $14 million next season. He should NEVER face lefties, and he should only be starting about half the time anyhow.
5)Fontenot/Baker are an embarrassing combination to have at 2B. Yes, Baker did well for us last year, but he's more of a utility guy. There are/were FAR better options at 2B, like Lopez for us
6)Again, here are the following injury issues: Lilly (shoulder, knee), Zambrano (shoulder), Guzman (elbow?...I think that's what it was...or shoulder), Lee (neck), ARAM (shoulder), Soto (hand, shoulder), Soriano (knees). In summary, that's our 3 best hitters, our 2 best pitchers, our second best reliever, and our starting catcher. I am NOT trying to be a debbie downer, but you MUST have some perspective for next year and be realistic about the outlook.
The saving grace would be if Hendry goes out and signs Felipe Lopez, Jonny Gomes or Rick Ankiel, Hank Blalock, and Dotel. The only rotation guys I'd consider would be Garland, Brett Myers, Lowry, Wang, Bedard, and Sheets (though, the latter 3 have injury issues with Wang having an ETA of May, Sheets not throwing for anyone yet, and Bedard being an unkown). Though, I believe the pen and rotation are secondary to our very acute needs on offense.
I keep dreaming of this type of lineup:
Theriot-SS
Lopez-2B
Lee-1B
ARAM-3B
Ankiel-RF
Soriano-LF
Byrd-CF
Soto-C
bench: W. Castillo, Baker, Blanco/Castro, Fukudome, Blalock...and if Blalock demands a starting job, then go after Snyder for the 5th spot.
All I know is that we absolutely have to have power on this team, and we need more RBI threats in order to compete. If we don't, it'll be 2006 all over again, when Lee went down, and everything was placed on ARAM's shoulders to carry the team. We have far too many injury issues that you almost have to go for power off the bench, and Ankiel in RF,relegating Fukudome to the bench where he belongs. I guess if we can't get Ankiel, then Snyder would suffice as the starting in RF for me, so long as we do everything we can to land a Gomes or Blalock for the bench.
But all you have to know is Hendry has only signed one MLB player this offseason---Byrd. That is NOT improvement
Aaron I completely agree with you. I believe that this team has not improved from last year. The starting rotation is weaker, the bullpen is yet to be seen and I do not think our offense has improved that much because we still have people that does not make a lot of contact on the team.
I feel like Aaron. Cubs need 1 more good OD(DYE
I can understand were you are coming from but as a long suffering Cub fan of 35 years the only thing we can do is have hope. The seaon has not even started yet and in baseball as I am sure you know anything is possible over 162 games. I want a WS title as much as anyone but I also do not want to jump to too many conclusions without the Cubs even having played a game.
I think we need to try and keep some perspective on things and reserve judgement for around the All Star break and even later. Some teams have bad first halfs and great second halfs and vice versa. Again, baseball is so unpredictable.
As for your starting lineup, personally I like it but do I see it happening NO!! No way Fukudome sits making the money he does. Do I like the idea of bringing in Ankiel, YES I DO!! but can JH get him at a reasonable rate and are there still concerns over Ankiels drug use, I personally doubt he will be affordable and at this point I do not even think JH is leaning that direction. Maybe as ST gets closer Ankiel will become much more affordable. I am guessing JH has only a small budget left to work with. I think having both Ankiel and Byrd gives the Cubs a lot of options and flexibility to mix and match and rest/rotate outfielders and this could also be a very productive outfielder.
As for 2B I am leaning with SusyS that the Cubs have probably committed to Castro but again he might look at other options like OHUD, Lopez and Tejada.
I would also still like the Cubs to add one arm to the pen and one to the starting rotation.
You know the more I look at the Cubs the more I see a Christmas wish list.
The good thing is there is still time from now til ST and that JH is leaving the door open to bring in other players, the question remains who? A 4th OF and an arm for the pen are the primary with other pieces probably to be added later.
Please get over this Ankiel gushing. He's 30 for crying out loud, and put together one "decent" (.264? really? that excites you?) season. The Cubs are going to get another small free agent or trade that will fill their roster and provide them with starting pitching options and a bench off the bat. Then they have to perform and have chemistry. Their biggest offensive shortcoming is lack of speed, but the '07 and '08 campaigns were slow too, and the trades for guys with lots of upside like Crawford, BJ Upton, Ellsbury, EY Jr., Melky and like just don't seem too plausible.
duh, bat off the bench
Somone please remind me again what the great Larry Rothschild has done for this organization?
Chris, I'm with you! Rothschild had Prior and Wood and Lilly and Zambrano and Clement and much more talented young arms and look what's happened. Everyone keeps saying how great he is, what the hell has he done?....Well Prior is done and Wood was hurt EVER year.
I'm not feeling too confident so far either and JH has serious work to do yet to achieve an honest contender....Having said that I believe our bullpen is 6-8 games better than last year already; with the departure of The Heilman-Gregg circus. I absolutely HATE the idea of JH prioritizing about adding a veteran arm for the bullpen since we are loaded there. Can't he even see what little good he does or has he gone numb? What we need is another bat. Where? 2nd or SS because Theriot allows flexibility to play either period.
I had kept quiet about the Byrd signing but over all I think we will get to love this guy, he is as intense as Reed Johnson but a lot better. I would still try to unload Fuku to Japan, move Byrd to right and sign Ankiel but that is highly unlikely. Fuku could be a very solid and needed bench player.
Lastly I know Tejada has become my very own [Aaron's] Adam Dunn or [Suzy's] Ey jr. but really the guy makes gigantic sense for this next year. LOOK
Theriot
Tejada
Lee
Ramirez
Soriano
Byrd
Ankiel
Soto
That to me would be WOW, not the crap we have right now. At any rate...Good morning to all!
If the Cubs get serious about shoring up the middle infield then I think Tejada is probably the third option. I like his hard nose play and he is a solid hitter but he does not give the Cubs the speed they desperately need at the top. Also, he will probably cost much more than either Lopez or OHUD which keeps him out of JHs budget.
Has anyone heard anything as far as the Convention schedule and list? Should be released in the next day or two, it usually comes out about a week before the Convention.
The schedule should be out in the next two days ... we've been adding to the list
http://chicagocubsonline.com/community_blog/2009/12/cubs-convention-2010---any-inside-scoop.php
Hope this helps. I will post the information on the main page once all is confirmed.
Thanks Neil. I'm really looking forward to this Convention. Should be a great one for the sessions with everything that has been going on (Ricketts, Dawson, Hendry, Jaramillo, and Byrd will all get a lot of questions).
"Larry Rothschild will get to work with Carlos Silva next week. Rothschild thinks he's already found things to fix with Silva."
*#$@!
I guess I can forget about Silva realistically pitching to the tune of a 3.6 ERA this season. Heck, the second any GM reads or hears that, Silva's trade value (what little he has) is going straight in the toilet.
Of all the holes to fill on the Cubs roster, the bullpen should be the absolute last thing to address. Assuming everyone is in good health, there is plenty of talent in the pen: Marmol, Guzman, Grabow, Marshall, Caridad, and Gray (yes, Gray....his numbers were pretty darn good last year until his last few outings). Why do we need another outfielder if we have Baker and Fuld off the bench? My vote is still for Felipe Lopez. He switch-hits, can be a starter or bench guy, and plays multiple positions. Add Lopez and a starting pitcher. We desperately need insurance for Lilly, Zambrano, and Wells. I still like Ben Sheets if he signs a one-year deal (maybe plus option) with a low base and high incentives. The good news is there are still a LOT of free agents that haven't signed. The closer it gets to spring training, the more bargains there will be. Hopefully there are some good ones left to choose from. GO CUBS!!!
I have not seen anything official, but it appears the Cubs re-signed Brad Snyder
http://muskat.mlblogs.com/archives/2010/01/1810_winter_ball_update.html
"Snyder, expected in the Cubs' camp this spring as a non-roster invitee, hit a two-run shot in the second inning and a grand slam in the third."
If true, That's great news....We have a power threat.
(For you naysayers out there re Snyder...talk to me in September)
We'll see him at Wrigley this season.
I agree with ALL of the above...and Roy Hobbs where are you?
What does agreeing with ALL OF THE ABOVE
mean?:
I agree:
We could be worse...(we can always be worse off.) - Joe D.
- With Aaron's blow by blow quantitative analysis of concerns...borh health wise
and some of the acquisitions that would benefit us.
-The Rotatation appears weaker. (Ronald)
-We should keep some perspective until the All-Star Break and there definoitely
is a Christmas wish list of desired
acquisitions. - (Diehard)
- Rothschild ? ( Chris, Mark, Boseph)
- Tejada ??...well, I agree he might help
but I don't like the guy. (augustin)
Here's the thing...while baseball is steeped in statistics and talent...it's
also played with the heart.
How do you quantify the effect of Milton's personality last year?
What about winning one for Lou in his last season?
Remember...I went to Marquette during the Al McQuire years...his last year
we won it all.
The championship team was the LEAST
talented of the teams at Marquette
when I was there.
What if...we actually stay healthy for the season? (Improbable, I know, but
what if?)
What if Thomas Diamond finally put's it all together and emerges as an ace?
- Snyder comes out of no where to lead the Cubs in homers and rbi's?
-Byrd increases his numbers under Rudy
like he has for the last 3 years?
You get the gist...we just don't know.
This season DOES NOT LOOK great....but one never knows.
Suzy:
That Marquette team was fun to watch.
Butch Lee, Jerome Whitehead, Bo Ellis, Bernard Toone, Ulice Payne , et all.
Jim...that season was magical...I'll never forget it...went to most of the games...when we won...all the church bells of Milwaukee rang...and a ton of students ran down the main street of
Milwaukee (Wisconsin Ave) to the lake
in a drizzle.(@ 2 miles).
Bells ringing wet confetti and toilet paper falling everywhere from above...
just an indelible memory of youthful excitemnet.
Can't imagine whqat will happen when the
Cubs finally win...I won't be running
...but the enthusiasm will be better.
I was in grade school at the time and I liked Coach Al and those warrior uniforms. It is a shame that they went the PC route and changed the name. There are very few schools that use the name 'Warriors."
To me and my friends...they'll always be Warriors...so I agree. Grad school at Marquette, Jim?
I lived off campus with 4 other people on the fourth floor (no elevators).
Al's daughter lived in the apartment below us...so we used to see him regularly tool up on his Honda Gold Wing...he was a fun guy.
"Seashells and Balloons"...possibly a good slogan for the Cubs...at least in the bleachers.
Dick Enberg was in town last summer and was promoting some play that he was producing about Al.
Let me know if it happens.
SuzyS, that is exactly right, you just don't know, that is why the games are played!
The only thing I do know for sure is February is going to be a GREAT month, we are having our first child and Baseball is back!!!
Nick...A big congratulations to you and the Mrs.
Thank's Suzy, we are very excited!!
Nick, Congrats...wish you the best of luck in Feb.!!!
That is great news!!!
congrats Nick...I just saw Agustin's post. That's awesome!!! hope you bring him up to love baseball
Nick, I missed this earlier as well ... sorry.
A big congrats!
Please keep us posted...
Agustin, Jim C - Thanks Guys!
Aaron - Thanks! I have already bought her a Cubs hat and outfit to bring her home from the hospital in, haha!
Neil - Thanks, I will definitely keep you guys posted!
Hallelujah! Welcome back to the fold. And like Suzy I believe he will in Atlanta when we start the season. He is going to be inexpensive, He is going to have a cannon in Right and he is going to Hit. How's that for speculation.
I also feel that Thomas Diamond is going to surprise this year.
In Hendry's absolute ignoring of second base, I am starting to gleen that they feel that one of Starlin Castro/Andres Blanco will emerge in Mesa.
That's why I enjoy Aaron's posts. He delves into statiscal analyses that I could not come close to figuring out.
Suzy, excellent description of a Wisconsin Fan base celebrating glory in the bitter muck that is this state. 1996 I was on State St in Mad City, 5 degrees, a light snow and thousands were celebrating a Super Bowl Win in 1996.
I fondly recall what the streets of Chicago looked like, especially the ones in my profile picture, after the series win over Atlanta in 2003.
Bottom line is...It is bitter, it is January, but the convention nears, another player off of my wish list is obtained, and as always in Wrigleyville's far and wide...Hope Springs Eternal!!
Go Cubs Go!
Sorry, at work my ads take up a chunk of my screen. Sorry for the wierd grammar.
Someone else mentioned this as well, and I agree 100 %.
I do not understand the fascination with Ankiel. The guy is a 30 yr old ex-pitcher that has acheived absolutely NOTHING in his career so far, except 1 decent half, where he was suspected of taking Flintstone vitamins.
Oh wait, I forgot, nobody can throw a ball to the backstop better than him !!!
LOL.
Anyway, I just don't get it. I'd much rather have Byrd....not saying Byrd is second coming of Willie Mays, but he's a lot safer bet than Ankiel.
Jeff Gray is a nice young pitcher, to go along with Marmol, Guzman, Grabow. Samardzija and Marshall in there are good as well, adding one more power arm to the pen makes it one of the best in my mind. That is not our first need however, I would stil like Lopez at 2B, and possibly Sheets/Garland. BTW if we are getting Spilbourghs, which isn't a bad option just toss Sam Fuld somewhere in the deal so the guy gets a chance to play somewhere, he deserves a shot...
We have enough middle infielders.
SS - Blanco, Theriot (Castro in waiting)
2B - Theriot!! Baker, Fontenot, Blanco
Theriot will be our 2B, even if he covers SS for a little while longer.
You can't have it both ways. Signing overpriced free agents and having youth fill holes. The signing of Marlon Byrd for 3 years, brought out some crys of your blocking a position. Well they don't appear to be blocking SS for Castro, by signing another 2B. I could see using Blanco and Theriot at SS, with Theriot, Fontenot and Baker covering 2B. Baker though could end up being the RH bat to platoon with Fukudome in RF, and filling in at 3B, 1B, and LF (ala Derosa)
I don't think we need to sign a overprice free agent for the bullpen.
Marmol, Guzman, Grabow, Marshall, Gray cover 5 spots Silva could end up filling one of the spots and we have more than enough young arms to go back and forth to Iowa.
I don't think we need to sign another aging overpriced Starter. Zambrano, Dempter, Wells and Gorzellany will be the 4 starters at the start of the year with Silva or Marshall getting the few starts in April where they need a 5th starter. When Lilly comes back, they should know if Silva should be cut, traded (fat chance!!), or put on the DL.
The only reason they should sign any of the free agents left, should be a one year deal at discounted prices.
No team has a roster in January that matches in April, June, etc. Rosters are always changing, and any signing now will take away any flexibility that will be needed, after we have a couple of months to see 2010's needs.
Shouldn't have to tell Cub fans, but patience, it's only January.
unfortunately, Gray's name continues to get thrown about, and I can't, for the life of me, figure out why. His stats are NOT even close to being worthy of consideration for an MLB team. His walk rates are high, his strikeout ratio is poor, and his ERA totals are less than desirable:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gray--003jef
In fact, about the only ones that might amount to anything that he's traded for recently might be Scott Maine and Matt Spencer, but both are relatively old "prospects" at their respective levels.
About the only things I'm optimistic about for this franchise are:
1)Piniella's contract expires
2)Lee and Lilly's contracts expire, freeing up $20 million
3)The Cubs will likely fail to reach the playoffs yet again, and the Ricketts will almost surely be forced to get rid of Hendry once and for all.
4)The Cubs have above average to excellent prospects in low-A ball (last year): Brett Jackson, LeMahieu, Burke, Nelson Perez and Jose Valdez (both borderline, but have shown flashes), Flaherty, Ridling, Hak Ju Lee, Watkins, Rhee, Kirk, Raley, Antigua, Suarez, Archer, Bibens-Dirxx, Huseby, and Beliveau...you can even include guys like Castro, Tony Thomas, Jay Jackson, Cashner, Russell, Coleman, Diamond, Carpenter, Gaub, Dolis, Papelbon, Maestri, Parker and Cales.
When you think of MLB ready players, I immediately think of:
P-Jay Jackson, Cashner, Russell, Gaub, Papelbon, Parker, and possibly Maine
C- Castillo, Robinson, Clevenger
IF-Tony Thomas, maybe Castro if he has a good spring, Barney
OF-Colvin, Snyder, Fuld, Camp, and possibly Adduci
I don't know about you, but if it's between those options, and someone like a Loretta, or Amezaga, or Erstad, or Contreras, or trading for someone like Jason Frasor or Spilbourghs, I'm taking chances with my own guys from the system
If we make no moves from outside the organization, I'd like this roster:
SP-Z, Dempster, Gorzelanny (in place of Lilly while he's on DL), Wells, Samardzija (just give him a full year already rather than the yo-yo back and forth)
RP-Marshall, Grabow, Caridad, Berg, Dolis, Guzman, Marmol
bench-K Hill, Blanco, Fukudome, Tony Thomas, Fuld
C-Soto
1B-Lee
2B-Baker
SS-Theriot
3B-ARAM
LF-Soriano
CF-Byrd
RF-Snyder
If Thomas doesn't shine in the spring, then give his spot to Castro, but getting rid of Silva, Hoffpauir, and Fontenot should be done immediately as none of them fits with the team. Thomas, Fuld, and Snyder would provide additional speed, as would Blanco (who, like Snyder, in winter ball seemed to find an extra gear on the bases).
I like this lineup:
Theriot-SS
Baker-2B
Lee-1B
ARAM-3B
Snyder-RF
Soriano-LF
Byrd-CF
Soto-C
Aaron,
I included Gray, being realistic, that they will put him on the roster, regardless, since they would lose him otherwise.
I agree with your optimism of:
1) Lou's last year - bring on Sandberg. He has worked with kids coming up and will have the respect of the veterans.
2) Lee and Lilly contract's expiring freeing up $25 million (not $20 million - Lee $13 million, Lilly $12 million in 2010 salaries)
3) I believe the Ricketts will get rid of Hendry after this year, but after another failed playoff series. (We are tryingt to be optimistic here.)
4)Their farm system has moved to the middle of the pack, due to there A and some AA players. (That with another good year or two of drafting they will have a top farm system.)
Unfortunately, these players are mostly 1-2+ years away. Do we have enough talent to replace Lee at 1B and Lilly's spot in the rotation (to be able to save the payroll), or will Hendry, while he still can, sign them both to extension's.
Good teams know when it is time to let overprice veterans walk. I have a buddy, who is a Steeler fan. He talks about that concept, as the reason the Steelers stay successful year after year. Young talent coming in, expensive talent going out. They keep only the true cornerstones of a franchise. We SHOULD be able to fill both Lee and Lilly's spots with in house talent, but are we there yet.
My lineup
Theriot 2B
Fukudome Rf
Lee 1B
Ramirez 3B
Byrd Cf
Soriano LF
Soto C
Blanco SS
I don't see Fukudome on the bench, but should be platooned. Baker should start 4 games a week, one at each of LF, RF, 2B, 3B. More of these games should happen in RF, to eliminate Fukudome from LH and bad match-ups.
I don't know Snyder well enough to start him in RF. From the sounds of it, he should join Hawk already though. I will let Spring Training tell the story.
As far as Free Agents. JH should have a list of guys he would want from a baseball perspective only done. Guys that we could use for 2010 only. Then when we get close to spring training and some of these guys are left out. Make them 1 year, $1-$2 million offers to play a role on this team. I see some veterans out there that have started their whole life, that could be part-time players. I guess we will see which players, play For the Love of the Game, and which ones play for the Money.
I think you and Aaron are both right on many issues.
1) Lou has expressed interest in coming back but that will depend on how the Cubs do this year. Sandberg is obviously being groomed and knows the farm system so the decision to go that direction will depend again on the success of the Cub season. A lot will also depend on the status of the farm system at the end of the season and player development. The Cubs may opt to also consider other candidates but I do think Sandberg is the front runner.
2) Replacing Lee and Lilly will not be easy. They are the core of the team and unless there are two quality players waiting to replace them then filling those shoes will be very difficult and then we will see a true drop in the Cubs ability to compete. Agree with Tony that Lilly and Lee being offered extensions depends on develpment of guys like Vitters and Cashner along with other available options on the free agent market. If the Cubs can find value or quality replacements (farm/trade free agent) and Lilly and Lee want too much then YES I think their time in Chicago is short. This will depend on their actual market value and what the Cubs have to spend in 2011.
3) I also agree that this is JH last year if the Cubs do not improve. Anything less than making it into the NL championship will probably get JH fired and I am even wondering if it will take to getting to the WS. The Cubs will have a lot of major decisions going into 2011 (probably even more than this year) and I hope the Ricketss will want to bring in some fresh eyes since the decisions that will be made will effect the time for several years.
4). Agree with Tony the core of young players is 1 to 2+ yrs away. 2011 is then to me a big? A lot again depends on 2010 on what the Cubs do in 2011. I believe that 2010 is a pivotal year for the organization at all levels.
5). Tony I agree with your lineup but I still don't like it. We have no speed and I worry about Theriot continuing to make base running errors. Hopefully Blanco's time in winter ball has made a difference and if he can show progress in ST then it could really help and he could possibly come out of ST being the starting SS though I still think that Baker will be the starter at 2B instead and Blanco on the bench.
1. Theriot-SS
2. Fukudome-RF
3. Lee-1B
4. ARAM-3B
5. Byrd-CF
6. Soriano-LF
7. Soto-C
8. Baker-2B
Aaron, last I saw Dolis had control problems...but an excellent arm...is he playing winter ball and doing better?
I agree Shark should be used solely as a SP...but I'm not convinced he's ready for Wrigley yet...we'll see in spring training.
-Silva will be given every opportunity
to succeed...given the $$$ involved...and that's worrisome...he could really screw things up...but then...maybe he'll surprise us.
I see Marshall or Gorzelanny being traded
sometime this season...they are too similar...Marshall wants to start if he doesn't make it to SP...we should trade him....and give Papelbon an opportunity
to compete with Gorzelanny.
I see Gaub in the bullpen somewhere in there.
Fuko will be named the starter...but will really platoon.
I don't see Thomas as ready to help yet.
His .256 average said so at AA last season.
We have an overload of lefty arms/suspects due to JH's recent trades...if we don't use them as trade chips at the mlb level...I try and trade for 3rd base prospects in the minors...
or minor league power hitters...since we seem to be light throughout the system
in both areas other than Vitter's...and he might really come up at 1rst.
My pitching staff
Starters
Zambrano
Dempster
Lilly
Wells
Gorzellany
Until Dempster comes back, I would use Silva first(if he looks able in Spring Training) if not then Marshall. The other option would be one of the young guns to get them a couple of major league starts. I'm just not confident that Samardzija is the one. Let spring training figure that one out. The reason I would use Silva, is that if he can have a few good outings (fat chance - I don't know why I use that term with Silva), he will be tradeable. Teams have short term memory problems, and if he can look decent over a few starts, someone might be dumb enough to take part of that salary off the Cubs books.
The bullpen
Marmol, Guzman, Grabow, Gray, Marshall
Rotation of young guns
Atkins, Berg, Caridad, Mateo, Patton, Stevens
If they add any one else to the 40 man, it may give some more options. But we should be able to round out the bullpen, by rotating those guys to Iowa to keep the arms fresh, and the guys throwing the best available.
We always talk about a 25 man roster, but in reality, good teams should have 30-32 players from their 40 man roster, they feel confident making the call. Once again, are we there yet.
Tony, I hope we don't have to deal with a
Dempster problem as well...lol. (I'm sure you meant Lilly.)
Re Silva...I agree with your thinking...It would be nice if he could do well enough to be tradeable....but it
is extremely hopeful thinking.