The 2010 baseball annuals for The Sporting News and Athlon Sports made their way to the newsstands this week.
While Baseball Prospectus projected the Cubs to have a losing season (79-83), the Sporting News predicts the Cubs will reach the post-season ... as the NL Wild Card.
Athlon Sports is not as optimistic as the Sporting News about the Cubs for the 2010 season but still predicted a winning campaign.
With pitchers and catchers reporting in six days, two respected publications have slightly different views of the same team.
The Sporting News
The Sporting News predicted an 87-win season for the Chicago Cubs ... two games behind the St. Louis Cardinals, second place in the central division. Health is the main concern for the Cubs in 2010.
With a majority of the players remaining from the team that won 97 games in 2008, the Sporting News is predicting a playoff birth for the Cubs via the NL Wild Card.
Projected Starting Lineup
- Ryan Theriot - SS
- Kosuke Fukudome - RF
- Derrek Lee - 1B
- Aramis Ramirez - 3B
- Alfonso Soriano - LF
- Marlon Byrd - CF
- Geovany Soto - C
- Mike Fontenot - 2B
Rotation: Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly, Ryan Dempster, Randy Wells, Tom Gorzelanny or Carlos Silva
Bullpen: Carlos Marmol, John Grabow, Angel Guzman, Sean Marshall, Jeff Samardzija, David Patton and Mitch Atkins
Clubhouse Leader: Derrek Lee
Tidbits from the Sporting News
- Derrek Lee and Ryan Theriot were the only two starters to reach 500 at bats in 2009.
- The 707 runs the Cubs scored in 2009 (scored 855 runs in 2008) was the second lowest run production in the NL by a team with a winning record.
- Derrek Lee was the only Cub that drove in more than 65 runs in 2009.
- Alfonso Soriano (20) and Derrek Lee (35) were the only Cubs to hit more than 15 home runs in 2009 (Aramis Ramirez hit 15 home runs in 2009)
- Top Prospect in the Cubs Organization: Josh Vitters
"New ownership means new hope, but Mr. Ricketts can't play right field or leadoff."
The Sporting News MLB Predictions
Here is how the Sporting News sees the 2010 MLB season playing out ...
National League
East: Phillies, Braves, Mets, Marlins and Nationals
Central: Cardinals, Cubs, Brewers, Reds, Astros and Pirates
West: Rockies, Dodgers, Giants, Diamondbacks and Padres
American League
East: Yankees, Red Sox, Rays, Orioles and Blue Jays
Central: Twins, White Sox, Tigers, Royals and Indians
West: Angels, Mariners, Rangers and A's
NL Wild Card: Cubs
AL Wild Card: Red Sox
World Series: Yankees over Phillies
Athlon Sports
Athlon Sports predicted another winning season for Lou Piniella's crew in 2010 ... the Cubs fourth in a row. But a third place finish in the NL Central Division behind the Cardinals and Brewers. Athlon thinks the Cubs will be a decent team but will not have enough to make it into the playoffs.
Tidbits from Athlon Sports
- Mike Parisi could be the wild card in the competition for the fifth spot in the rotation
- 56 stolen bases for the Cubs in 2009 ... last in the National League
- 15 different players spent time on the DL in 2009 ... a total of 584 games missed
- Sean Marshall's ERA in 59 career starts, 4.86 ... in 75 games out of the pen, 3.15
- The Cubs were 47-32 against the NL Central in 2009, 36 - 46 against the rest of baseball. The 47-32 record was the best in the central (Reds, 46-34).
Projected Starting Lineup
- Kosuke Fukudome - RF
- Ryan Theriot - SS
- Derrek Lee - 1B
- Aramis Ramirez - 3B
- Alfonso Soriano - LF
- Marlon Byrd - CF
- Geovany Soto - C
- Jeff Baker - 2B
Bench: Koyie Hill, Andres Blanco, Mike Fontenot, Micah Hoffpauir and Sam Fuld
Rotation: Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly, Ryan Dempster, Randy Wells and Tom Gorzelanny
Bullpen: Carlos Marmol, John Grabow, Angel Guzman, Sean Marshall, Justin Berg, Esmailin Caridad and Carlos Silva
*Note: Athlon Sports 2010 MLB Preview was published before the Cubs signed Xavier Nady on January 29.
Athlon Sports MLB Predictions
Here is how Athlon Sports sees the 2010 MLB season playing out ...
National League
East: Phillies, Mets, Braves, Marlins and Nationals
Central: Cardinals, Brewers, Cubs, Reds, Astros and Pirates
West: Dodgers, Rockies, Diamondbacks, Giants and Padres
American League
East: Yankees, Red Sox, Rays, Orioles and Blue Jays
Central: Twins, White Sox, Tigers, Indians and Royals
West: Angels, Rangers, Mariners and A's
NL Wild Card: Rockies
AL Wild Card: Red Sox
World Series: Phillies over Yankees
Pre-season predictions are picking the Chicago Cubs to finish anywhere from second to fourth in the NL Central. Pre-season predictions are just that, pre-season predictions. If titles were won on paper, well ...
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These publications lose all credibility when they put a player like Samardzija in the bullpen, when the Cubs have been saying all offseason that he was going to be a starter in 2010, that if he doesnt make the rotation, then he will go to AAA and start. Of course that is the one that I want to believe the most, as it has the higher win total.
Fun to look at, but when there is better information on this site daily, than these publications, it makes you know that this is the place to look for the real info on the Cubs. Thanks Neil.
Thanks Tony
Kyle Farnsworth ... starting pitcher?
http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/02/kyle-farnsworth-starting-pitcher.html
And you think some of us have some crazy ideas...The Royals want to try this.
All I can say is "WOW".
My prediction: KC Royals continue to lose with coaching decisions like this one that is going to try Farny as a starter. But hey, the Cubs' tried Mitch Williams as a starter, too. I don't think he ever got out of the third inning alive . . . .
Farnsworth was blessed with an amazing
arm...and little baseball sense.
I havn't watched him much lately...it
would be interesting to watch that experiment.
It's sad to see the Royals morph into
their present condition...from the days
of George Brett.
I don't even like Farnsworth in my bullpen, much less as a closer or late inning guy. It was a happy day when they got rid of him, imo.
let me say this. i was always a farny fan, but not for his pitching prowess. the fact is you never know when a bench clearing brawl will break out and with farny on your side that is the one thing we would be sure to win.....
Agreed.. I think "The Farns" should just give it up and hit the UFC, or we could hire him as Security.
As for Cubs' divisional finish in 2010, my prediction is going to wait until ST is over. Too many variables right now, and most of them are not personel variables, but "comeback" variables.
Face it: due to shoulder surgery, Lilly is not going to win 17 games this year. He is going to have an off year (from his usual 17 win seasons). He probably is only good for 10 wins this season.
So we'll need to see if L-O-U is going to force Smardzija into the rotation. If he does, that will be a disaster.
And I have to see Silva in ST, and listen to hear if L-O-U decides that Silva deserves the #5 spot in the rotation because he is owed so much money. That would be another disaster in the works.
Personally, I am hopeful Cashner gets the nod and makes it to #5 starter until Lilly is ready. Of course he is going to have to impress in ST. Perhaps he could be a Wells, or a Hart, or a Gallagher. Those last two men went 4-2 in limited starts, and were productive #5 men.
And then there's Z. Lost weight, huh? Might actually have a career year this year. Or not. I'll have to judge in ST.
Wells may or may not regress. My heart hopes for at least as good as 2009; my head tells me that he'll regress to 10 wins. We'll see in ST.
I have Dumpster down for 11 wins.
In the starting nine, there's very little new. I've already judged Byrd as a .270 10hr 50 RBI guy. No Jim Edmonds here. JHendry seems to have missed the point that it was Edmonds', DeRosa's and Soto's bats that really won the 2008 divisional title for them. Byrd won't measure up to Edmonds' and Johnson's platoon production. And L-o-U has already dumped Fox, and Hoffpauir is (in my judgement) already cut--even if he hits .400 in ST. So more offensive woes are projected by me.
Lee most likely will fall off some. Perhaps .290 25 HR 95 RBI.
Theriot's production after arby will likely be off somewhat--whether he wins or loses. And if L-O-U is set on Blanco at SS, then frankly I'd look to deal him away.
Unless it comes out in ST that Sorry=oh-no has decided to switch to a lighter bat, then I project his 2010 production to be roughly equivalent to his 2009 totals. That would put him about #24 or #25 in all of MLB for LF production. Not great, people. He was #24 of top#25 in LF production with at least 400 AB. For BA, Check the ratings here:
http://espn.go.com/mlb/stats/batting/_/position/lf/minpa/400
For Sorry-oh-no OBS (the truest measure of a player's offensive value to his team) click on this link:
http://espn.go.com/mlb/stats/batting/_/position/lf/sort/OPS/order/true/minpa/400
You just don't get as much as you used to for $138 million dollars.
I expect Soto to rebound, perhaps not quite up to 2009 levels. I am thinking he'll hit .255 with 15 HR and 55 RBI.
Funko: imo, what we've seen is what we'll get: .265 12 HR 58 RBI with no speed. He does best hitting leadoff where his walks and strike outs hurt less. Really folks, it's the truth. And at age 34, I am hoping that his production doesn't take a dive this year. If he pulls down a .222 8 and 39 RBI season, the Cubs will really be toast. But there's hope, isn't there? Synder! lol His contract ALONE is enough to keep him off the team, even if he hits .429 (like Jake Fox, remember?) or .400 (like Hoffpauir, remember?). Politics, people, mean more than production.
Nady: injured as he is, 300 AB is about max (unless ST reveals it to be otherwise) with 10 HR and 40 RBI would be a good year for his condition.
So I'd say it is a little too early for me to project the Cubs 2010 finish. But I will predict this: they will not win 97 games. And for any further predictions, I am going to wait until ST is over.
Rip...if "Politics" are the measure of who is on the team...Diamond is our fifth starter...as a personal friend of Randy Bush.
Lilly's surgery was supposedly very minor...and it's a contract year for him.
While it's possible he regresses as you suggest...it's also possible he puts up
career-like numbers with a fresher, stronger arm....we just don't know.
Lou, in his swan song...could rise to
greater heights with the finality of it...or nap his way through the season...
like he did last year...we don't know.
Like you...I won't make a prediction now...because this year is particularly tough...position by position...there's
not one "bankable" player...with maybe the exception of Fuko in the .260 range.
or Theriot's standard line.
Other than that...we're rolling the bones.
We're stuck with Sori...otherwise...I'd love to have Damon.
The forecast for tonight is dark.....
followed by dawn. :)
Oh yeah, I should mention this: last year Johnny Damon was #9 in all of MLB for offensive production with the Yanks in LF. This year he is unemployed thus far, with only the Braves showing any interest at all. He's better with the bat and with the glove than Sorry-oh-no.
And speaking of Sorry-Eugene-Oh-No . . . .
If you scroll to the bottom of this page:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/soriaal01.shtml?redir
you will discover who is most like Sorry-oh-no statistically: for his entire career, it is (shockingly) ARAM!
BUT--even more enlightning, is at the bottom of the page to the far right, where it compares Sorry-oh-no to all ML players in history, for the various ages. And at age 33, he is most like Raul Mondesi. Now Raul only had two years left after age 33, and both of them were as an unproductive parttime player. Click on this link to view Raul's stats, and note the final two years and his decline.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mondera01.shtml
I'd watch Sorry-oh-no closely this year. If he continues to decline, I'd venture to say:
1. He's older than billed.
2. He's another Raul Mondesi.
And for those of you who say Rudy is the Savior, just remember: Rudy cannot generate more bat speed for anyone.
Speaking briefly on Damon, you gotta give the Braves credit for only offering a 1 year deal on the table, at a discounted price tag.
Thank goodness Hendry doesn't have the budget to now sweep in on the derby and give Damon a 3 year deal.
"JHendry would give a 3 yr deal to Damon!" lol Ain't that the truth. He would pay $32 million if he could, esp. if he was demon-possessed like Bradley.
I have to admit the stupid name changing on the players are getting to old. Dumbster and Sorry-oh-no. You don't like the guys yeah we get it, but it just makes me not want to come back to site. Yeah it is your opinion but frankly it sucks when there is no support for the team. The fans are loyal, but why are we making ourselves look like jackasses? It seems like we are getting a bad rep to booing our own team. Pierre said he didn't like playing for the Cubs because he was scared of getting boo at. He is a great player and who knows he probably would be our lead-off hitter but he is with the Soxs. What about that guy the threw his beer on Shane Victorino. What if he was a free agent I bet a lot people would say sign him. I know if I was him I wouldn't sign, in my mind I would be like the fans did that to me I rather play somewhere else. Ichiro also said he wouldn't go with the Cubs because of the fans. I know we got some great fans but there is always that one fan that ruins it all. Just like it said on this site we need to Stay Classy.
Annoyed fan... lumping the moron that throws a drink on a player to posters using creative language to express their opinion is a misguided catagorization. Echoing one of the previous posts, the people participating have only the greatest hope for the franchise and love of the little "C" in the circle...they are just tired of putting their faith and trust in management only to be let down year after year for decades.I find the difference of opinion and colorful posts to be one of the many benefits of visiting this fantastic site...so should you.
These are just opinions, too, like those provided on individuals last week but these are on the whole team. Opinions don;t cost a thing, and, like a certain digestive organ, everybody's got one.
I am going to seek out Ronnie Woo Woo for his opinion, which I value as highly as I do the opinions above.
In the field from which I just retired, English, it was said that those who could wrote and those who couldn't became critics. Could it be said that in baseball, those who can play do so, while those who can't form opinions?
Ron, Would love to see the result of
of your interview with Ronnie Woo Woo.
...perhaps you could shed some light on his perceptions of the team. It definitely would be an interesting piece!!! :)
As a former English/Journalism major at Marquette...I seem to recall most English teachers seem to include themselves in the category of "critics of literature".
For every person that reads a book...you'll find a different viewpoint
and experience of that book.
-Baseball is the same.
And I really don't mean this in a mean or sarcastic way...just saying.
Susy, you studied with the Jesuits, huh? I taught at Loyola for the last ten years and enjoyed being around such stimulating minds.
I partially agree with you--the same water never passes the riverbank twice, probably why many of us read and re-read favorite books. But the experiences of a book and of a baseball game (or aeason) differ in the outcome. A book is totally subjective and personal, whereas a baseball game has a result, a win or loss. You can have all the opinions about it in the world, but when they run up that L flag, opinions lose their impact.
You are right as well in that I have written criticism--which was, of course, my opinion--but I also try to write stuff a lot more original and creative, including short stories about the Cubs and baseball for magazines like Spitball or EFQ.
So opinions are things I'm not too fond of, especially when they come from experts who disagree with my opinion--actually hope, no, prayer!--that the Cubs are going to be much better this year!
Ron, Somehow, I knew you had the heart of a poet. I'd be interested in reading
some of your Cubs-related short stories...I'm sure others on the site
would also be intesrested.
You might consider posting the titles and where they can be obtained in the community post section here.
Yes,the Jesuit influence was strong in my family...Dad went to Boston College
and Holy Cross. Currently my nephew will
be going to Loyola in the fall for his JD...after undergrad at St. Louis U.
However, all that schooling did not work for me...instead of a scholar...I became a wretched Cubs fan.:)
We all have varying degrees of aversion
to expert opinion differing from our own.
The poetry of baseball is not in the W
or L...it is in how the game is played...
whether well played or sloppy...good strategy or lack of strategy. That is
where you'll find the divergence of
opinion....and why each person can offer
a different viewpoint...regardless of
outcome.
Suzy, those are opinions I like--when to send the runner or pull the pitcher, etc.
How does the community post thing work? I'd be happy to post the names of the stories and what magazines they were published in, but that wouldn't supply the text. Or do I juat do that myself? In replying, bear in mind that when it comes to computers, I have one of the finest minds of the 19th century.
I like the ninteenth century,,,I'm a big history buff Ron...If you go to the top of this blog....you'll see "Community Blog" toward the top left...click it...and sign in just like you would to post here.
Give it a title...ie "List of Cub's Short Stories" by Ron Sheasby and any description you wish to give.
When you do a community blog any comments/questoions etc will go
directly to your email...as well as post here.
You'll see Dorasaga has a post on Arbitration just now.
If you have further questions...just ask Neil here.
I'll be looking forward to your post.
OK, but how does the text get in front of the reader?
Ron, you will need to create an account and I will have to approve the account before you can post in the community blog.
If you would like to email your article to me if that is easier, I will post it for you.
neil@chicagocubsonline.com
To know one's competition is essential.
...here is a very thoughtful, excellent
piece analyzing the Cardinal's offseason:
http://www.vivaelbirdos.com/2010/2/10/1303825/dear-mr-and-mrs-mozeliak-trois
Good afternoon everyone,
Long time browser but first time posting.
I really think this is a great site, not that I need to tell any of you that.
There is no way the Cubs should allow the Braves or any other NL team to get Damon for $4 million. JH should just call his agent so that way when the press hears about it they will automatically assume the Cubs may do something and it will drive the price up so that way the Tigers are the only real team.
Good Afternoon....returned, Texas 8206.
It's a cool thought that Hendry could do that...but it's kind of like bumping up the bid on ebay...when you might not really want the item.
Most everyone knows the Cubs are out of cash for additional payroll. I don't think it would work...as a bluff.
I'm looking forward tomore of your posts.
Welcome to the CCO!
On Damon, where should they play him?
TexasCub8206...Looks like Kenny Williams
did the job you wanted JH to do:
http://blogs.suntimes.com/whitesox/2010/02/sox_after_damon.html
To annoyed fan...the Shane Victorino incident was shameful....and yes...there are irritating Cub fans...but many more
wonderful people than not.
Pierre is welcome to his opinion...but I for one...lose no sleep because he is with the White Sox...(which incidently have they're own share of unruly fans).
(It's really endemic to any sporting event that mixes large crowds with alcohol.)
If you follow this sight on a regular basis...(as I do)...you'll find many extremely knowledgeable fans here...sometimes with a brusque style,
others more eloquent...But most...even
in their deepest criticism is rooted
in a deep love of the Cubs.
I for one...enjoy the variety of styles.
That being said...we can always do better.
Just a quick note ...
The first pitch of the Cubs' 2010 Cactus League schedule is three weeks ... from right now.
Can't wait. Neil
Here's another piece by Rosenthal...on Jermaine Dye:
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/Rosenthal-why-is-Jermaine-Dye-not-signed-021010
Dye basically said...it's not about the money just now...it's more about the
right situation.
As we often say at my company ... "When someone says 'it's not about the money', it's ALWAYS about the money."
3:35 pm...AM670 is reporting the White Sox and Tigers are in a Bidding War for
Johnny Damon at this time...reportedly,
The Tigers have offered 2 years at 14 million. (FoxSports).
Also...for those interested...Jim Hendry will be on AM 670 tomorrow at 8am Central.
With the current roster, 87 wins sounds about right to me. If (i) we stay in it early, (ii) the Cards get a few more unlucky breaks than us, and (iii) we pick up a nice piece in July, we could win 90 and the division. The play-offs are a statistical crapshoot .... you just got to get in.
To Rip & a few others
I to am tired of the name calling of the Cubs players. That's usually left up to the opposing team's fans.
But I guess we live in a counrty with free speach.
So here's mine.
You run down just about every starter, and at the end say.
("Really folks it's the truth")
Well its not the truth!!!
It's your opinion! & in my opinion your's is way off.
Well said Scott!
Scott,
If you re-read my post, I said that the truth was that Funko (Fukodome for all you offended readers) is most effective as a leadoff man. That was the reference to that statement.
The rest of my initial post was simply my thinking as to how the 2010 Cubs will fare.
Thanks Scott, I couldn't agreed with you more. Well said Scott! People like Rip and others on this site, all they do is a bunch of name calling. No way are they true Cub fans.
I can't say I have ever thought much about the pet names some people have for players. I usually try to give players the benefit of the doubt as for one - they are playing in the majors. If you think about how many really, really good players, never see the majors, it is mind-boggling. No matter what major league player you ever would get a chance to play catch with, you would be impressed. Most people with a baseball past, know that hitting a baseball is the hardest thing in sports to do. Hitting a major league slider is next to impossible, even if you know it is coming. Most people wouldn't even be able to stand in the box if a major league slider was thrown right down the middle.
I think the players deserve a tip of the cap and our respect at all times. I personally hate the booing. If this is your team, you should encourage and support, not make it worse.
I was at a game with my son in May of 2004 for his birthday. He was turning 6, but very knowledgable about players. This new player came to the plate and each time made an out, he was having a slow start to the season, as he had done for the past few years, and each time this guy would boo after he made the out. After each AB, a few more people joined in. By the end of the game, there was a pretty good group of people booing, this new player for his poor play. My son couldn't understand this, as he knew that Dereck Lee was a decent player (with a World Series ring!!), and was just having a bad day and a slow start to the season. Dereck Lee, we all know now, is a strong person, who heard the boos, but didn't let it affect him. But wouldn't it be better if we just supported OUR players on OUR team. I for one RESPECT the players to much to call them names.
By the way, not only could most people not even stand in against a major league slider, I doubt many could get a glove on it, trying to catch it.
My OPINION, if you disagree, I respect your right to your OPINION as well, we just might have to agree to disagree.
And please don't call Ryne Sandberg "Ryno."
Just to reclarify my first line. I have never thought much about pet names some people have for players...I meant I don't have a problem with the names. I think some of Rips (and others) names are funny. I don't like the all out booing that goes on, at more and more sporting events, around the country. Sports are hard enough when on the road, but home games should come with the support of the home crowd.
Tony, I can agree with that.
seriously. we all know sorianos contract is a crap shoot. we know. but the name calling is throwing me into a bender...
I know its on on here but who's the "shark"?
Here ya go ... Jeff Samardzija's nickname is 'The Shark'
Wouldn't it be nice if he had a breakout year...and lived up to the Shark monica?
I'm not counting on it...but as always...hopeful.
Shark is one of those guys who could break out at any time ... or it could never happen. It may not be with the Cubs, but I'd be surprised if he doesn't put together at least a couple solid seasons before all is said and done.
You know, At the risk of multiple attacks, I believe some people are overly sensitive here ...re names for players.
\
Baseball is a game of failure...and many times, our favorite stars will fail us...and earn boos of frustration...I'm sure even Babe Ruth/Ted Williams etc heard them from their own fans on occasion.
In honesty, I swore so many times last season...at Soriano et al....but most of
the time it was in the privacy of my own home...and out of frustration wanting to
see them do better.
I haven't seen anyone swearing on this site...or truly denigrating anyone.
...So I'm sorry...but I don't share your sense of offense. It's baseball...where nicknames abound.
And I also cheer the successes...which I am confident each and every poster on this site would do the same...(with maybe the exception of White Sox/St. Louis lurkers.
Let's ALL stay classy.
Suzy
It's just not the name calling. It's the day after day after day negativity, the same people saying the same thing.
"This player stinks". blah blah blah
The season hasent even started yet!
How bout we give them 6 or 8 weeks before we call for a public stoning.
As many have pointed out, everyone is entitled to an opinion. If you don't like the view, either provide another perspective, or read elsewhere.
And BTW, Soriano does stink, especially at $18m a year. For that money, he should be awfully great at hitting a fastball, slider or whatever other junk is typically thrown at him.
Soriano is the same player skill set wise (with appropriate adjustments for age) as he was when we signed him. Everything he's done so far with the Cubs (other than the injuries in 2009) was pretty predictable at the time of the signing. The Cubs overpaid in dollars and years at the time for various reasons. If you didn't like the deal at the time of the signing, then your complaints about Soriano now are very reasonable. If you liked the deal at the time of the signing, but are complaining now, it speaks poorly of your player evaulation skills.
Scott, I can understand your point of view.
But at the same time...you have to expect
a negative fallout from last season and the playoff flameouts of the last few years.
We're all kind of punchy at this time of year anyway...(Neil pointed that out to me).
I'm sure the tone will change if we get
off to a decent start....If you look past
some of the negativity...You can usually gleam some pretty good knowledge as I do...to form your own opinions.
I promise no public stonings...at least until Soriano swings and misses at that first ball in the dirt...:)
No matter what happens this season...it's going to be fascinating...
and I can't wait.
Go Cubs!!!
Suzy
I agree with most of your post.
But then again if people change their tone only if we play good.
That's what I would call a fair weather fan.
There's no doubt that Soto & Soriano had bad years last year, but this is a new year & I have hope like I know you do.
Soriano may never return to .300, 40 & 125, but he plays for our team and he will get my support.
Interesting that some GM's can figure out how to structure a contract. Note -"Jim Edmonds earns at least $850 if he makes the team. He can make $1.75MM more in incentives if he makes 525 plate appearances."
525 plate appearances! Yet our GM, in 2009, gives a third-year contract extension (at $7m) for just appearances in 74 games for Mr. Bradley (no name calling here). While there's obviously a big age difference that drives this approach between the two players, it just reinforces our GM's mentality to contracts v. others.
Not defending Bradley's deal in anyway (as no one could), but Edmonds has no leverage at this point, so the deal should and did, favor the team. Most FA's, this year didn't have any leverage, yet JH still overpaid for Grabow and Byrd.
Tony, Do you think Bradley's agent wrote that contract? The 75 game vesting option was a true head scratcher.
I sure hope that didn't come out of JH's mouth and was the agents idea. The scary part is JH was probably planning on giving him a 3 year deal, and the agent offered the 75 game vesting option. JH probably walked away thinking he pulled one over on Bradley's agent.
I agree that the whole Bradley contract was a head scratcher, but the 75 game clause could have reasonably shaken out like this. Milton wanted a 3 year $30 mil deal. Milton was JH's target so JH said the Cubs would give Milton the deal Milton wanted, but the Cubs needed an out if Milton missed time with injuries. Milton wouldn't agree to the deal unless the number was very low. JH basically caved, but was able to get a carve out for the situation where Milton missed almost all of the season. It was really a 3 year guaranty with an out for the Cubs if Milton was out injured all season.
It will be hard for them to make the Wild Card when 3 teams from the NL East and 3 from the NL West are better than them, but second place in the NL Central is definitely within reach.
That's why they play the games!
Year after year, the division that looks like the best in the offseason, don't look as good come July.
3 weeks until we have a ST game to talk about!
"We're all kind of punchy at this time of year anyway...(Neil pointed that out to me)."
SuzyS: TDF!
I sure as hell hope the Cubs aren't going to keep Silva on the active MLB roster solely on his contract. There are a lot of pitchers in spring training that are better than him and should make the team before him. Silva will do nothing to benefit the Cubs. To the contrary he will hurt the Cubs if he makes the team. They should just eat the $$ he is owed and release him or send him to the minors in case of an emergency. He never was good enough to make $12 million per year in the first place.
Agreed Silva is worthless, and a waste of a roster spot.