Either way guys, Sheets would represent an expansion of the budget.

I, for one would love to see him signed...but like Neil, I don't think

we'll see him in Cubbie Blue this season.

Even with an incentive laden deal it would not leave anythin for Hendry's stated objectives of an OF bat and back of rotation type.

Like everyone else, I'm nervous about the rotation with Lilly down for awhile...hence the obvious interest in Sheets...but maybe Coleman,Cashner or Diamond come on strong in ST and put our worries to rest???

I think we all realize that Sheets is outside our budget but you can't fault us for dreaming. Now if Sheets ends up with the Cardinals, then it might become a nightmare and I hope that JH has a plan to deal with that possibility.

Like you I would like to see one of the youngster come on strong. I still think we cannot rule out the Cubs signing Mulder instead to a minor league deal. Too me it is worth the risk and that way if the Cubs choose to let Lilly go next year then there will be room for the younger guys and we will have a lefty in the rotation.

Good point on Mulder but it sounds like he won't be ready for awhile...and Milwaukee has the inside track due to Mulder's relationship to one of the coaches.

God no...I never fault anyone for

dreaming...that's what this is all about.

Man, Cardinal's landing Sheet's is a nightmare scenario...especially with Duncan down there....But I think they

need to address 3rd base before SP...

and that should finish off their budget

...at least from indications.

Earlier, people linked Sheets with the Mets...possibly Dodgers...both those teams make a lot of scense for Sheets.

It seems to me like every potential signing for the Cubs probably goes a little like this:

Signee: I'm looking for around $4 million.

Hendry: I'll pay you $1 million.

Signee: There are plenty of teams that are starting off around $3 or $4 million with their offers.

Hendry: I can add on about $500k worth of incentives.

Signee: You're not making this a hard offer to turn down.

Hendry: What are you talking about? Everyone wants to be a Cub!

Signee: Yeah, I'm going to go elsewhere.

You forgot to add in, "Oh by the way I am injury prone".

"Injury prone" and "old" are just two excuses GM's come up with for not signing guys. It seems like there's a lot of players that carry those labels, get passed up by GM's, and when they do sign, they wind "surprising" everyone with an All-Star caliber season. Then they hit free agency and deal with the same thing again.

The strategy isn't avoid all injury prone guys like the plague, but it isn't sign them immediately either. It's about knowing talent and taking the risk, which the Cubs can't seem to do both.

Then I could assume that we both agree that Ben Sheets could be worth the risk, because I sure do.

This feels to me to be a waiting game. Maybe Jimbo learned something after last year to try and get a discount something that he has never done before. Dye and Kiko would be great then wait out a starting pitcher. If we don't get one now we do at the trade deadline. I would like to believe with the payroll we have we won't be out of it by then.

anyone up for a edmonds/cubs reunion?

Won't happen, we need a right handed hitter to platoon with Kosuke. BTW I don't like this Calero idea very much, if we're going to take a chance on an injury prone pitcher let's make it Sheets.

Matt, at mlb minimum, I'd take a flyer on Edmunds if Dye/Nady doesn't pan out.

Here is how I rank the avaiable outfielders.

J Dye - Power

R Winn - Good D and avg

Nady - Only if he can throw

Edmunds - Done, sitting out a year and 40 will not make the cut.

David,

Ya youre right that he prolly wont put up a sub 2.00 era but he will very likely put up a low 3s era which is a huge plus to our team at the right price.

Adding Calero and Dye/Nady are really the type of moves that set a team up for success, creating depth, leadership, flexibility.

Adding Sheets would really get me excited but that is likely not happening (im still hoping they wait around and sign Garland cuz he would be a great fit for the Cubs at the right price) But I really think this could be a 90+ win team if it stays even marginally healthy (unlike last season).

Marmol, Grabow, Calero, Guzman, Marshall, and one or two of Caridad, Berg, Samardzija, Gray is a very good looking bullpen with young arms and vet leadership (not too mention Maddux to teach)

Calero is a solid reliever, but not nearly as good as his numbers from last year. I'd be in favor of a 1 year deal at $2 million plus another 1/2 million in incentives. Not sure if that's enough for him.

I think the Angels signing of Pineiro and the Giants signing of Molina means that Sheets will be a Met. The Mets must be desperate to make a move now and Sheets seems to be their target. It wouldn't surprise me if they gave him $8 million plus incentives now. I'd love to see Sheets in Cubbie blue, but not at that price!

Excellent point about the Mets ... also, don't count the Dodgers out.

I thought from the beginning that the Cubs should have gone after Calero. Hopefully he will stay healthy and with Guzman gives the Cubs a good 8th inning combo.

The good thing about Calero is that he will be a little cheaper than Frasor and that the Cubs do not have to trade anyone so that allows them more flexibility to possible look at another move.

If the Cubs get him it will probably be for a 1yr deal with possibly an option year and his 1yr deal will likely be incentive based. Also, this does not jeopardize the Cubs developing the young arms in the pen.

neil good job wit the calero stats at the end one click and you can check stats.

Matt, thanks but I am still working on your request. I am making little progress.

I link to stats and articles all of the time during the winter, but what you asked for is more automated.

no rush

Hopefully it is for not much money, otherwise a bad move. There are still many good position players available that will be cheap. Still need either a shortstop or second baseman that can come in short term, which is what most players left will be signing for.

Cubs Re-signed catcher Mark Johnson and former Cub, third baseman Scott McClain. McClain spent last year in Japan, played for Cubs in 2005.