Why do we even think about Kevin Millar? He really only plays 1B, is 38 yrs old and has been in offensive decline since 2004. Yeah, he might play 3 games per year at 3B, but we've got Baker and Tracy that can play both 1st and 3rd, as well as OF (and 2B in Baker's case). He would appear to me to be a waste of time.

Rip...I'm thinking it's a favor to Millar

from Randy Bush and/or for friend Ryan Dempster.

Their probably just giving him an opportunity to showcase himself for other teams. Otherwise, he's just redundant wth little hope ofmaking the team.

Zambrano reported to camp last week. At least Kevin Millar has company.

Z ready to get to work and put last year behind him.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-0205-cubs-carlos-marmol-chicago--20100204,0,3344222.story

thought I'd weigh in on the madness going on right now...

First of all, Theriot is not even close to worth the money he's asking for, but on several different levels, I totally understand his reasoning:

1)He's already 30 years old. most players his age have already earned 1-2 million/season by then, but he was stuck at 500k, because he arrived to MLB later than most as a result of the Cubs poor player development AND asking him to switch hit

2)As I've mentioned before, most teams get decent players to the majors by age 25. That means, if they have 3 or more years (but less than 6), they can file for arbitration, which would mean at age 28, they're eligible.

3)Due to the fact that a player's typical "peak" years occur between in their late 20's, around 27-28 and up to 32 years old, a player has generally 2 or more years before he reaches 30 to earn significant arbitration ranges, and thus, get himself a long-term deal. In Theriot's case, not only is he 30 years old, but he doesn't even freaking reach free agency until he's 33 years old. That means that he will most likely NEVER receive a multi-year contract. What players look for is job security, and if you're going year to year in arbitration, and are an average to below average shortstop (although above average offensively), and there are no less than 5 guys coming up through the system that are 8 or more years younger than you, and far cheaper (and better offensively AND defensively), you can see the writing on the wall. Theriot knows this...he sees it, so he's going for the gold. He wants to earn as much as possible this year, because he knows there is a VERY good chance he might be non-tendered next season. Wouldn't you do the same thing? I know I would, and frankly, because I'd want to provide for my family financially and ensure our success in the future, I'd be certain to ask for as much as possible

While I think a majority of Cubs nation would agree that Theriot is NOT the ideal shortstop for us. I also believe it's nearly unanimous that if he gets $3+million, everyone will say he's overpaid, and I can certainly agree with that assessment. But I also agree with Theriot's position here. He came up with a very sh$tty organization that couldn't decipher between its ass or its face. It was one of the most poorly run franchises in the history of the game, and until he came along, the team had only developed one position player that lasted more than 3 years, and that was Mark Grace...ironically, the last player to go to arbitration with the team.

While I agree the team appears headed in the right direction with player development, it still doesn't take away its sins from the recent past.

As far as Theriot goes, I might've been a little too brave in my assessment of the situation before as it relates to him, thinking he was easily replaceable. I agree that he will be easily replaceable in subsequent seasons, but we don't know if Castro, Barney, Camp, Flaherty, LeMahieu, Hak Ju Lee, and even Logan Watkins are ready, or will be ready by next year. Theriot is a great teammate, and can be a good leader too. Problem is, his age at this point is a detriment to all of that. And when you start thinking, "well, he's a great stopgap", then that means he's not that valuable to the team...I mean, doesn't that seem that way to you guys too?

I also believe that right this minute, if I had my choice of Lopez vs Theriot, I'm taking Lopez. Lopez is a switch hitter, drives in more runs, and has been having better OBP seasons than Theriot could ever dream of. If you traded Theriot, then signed Lopez, it'd almost necessitate including Blanco on the roster (although, even now with Theriot's poor defense, I think he's a lock). The Cubs can hope all they want that Castro wows everyone in Spring Training, but I think it's highly unlikely he'll break camp with the team, and if we're going for broke next season, which has been the case the past 3 seasons, then you'd almost have to go after Lopez then, right?

A couple of thoughts reading the previous posts.

Joel, I'd love that lineup with Felipe Lopez in it. But I think the Cubs are walking 2 tightropes just now...

1)Budgetary.

2)Developmental...keeping a spot open for Castro if he is ready.

Aaron - you crystalized into words my thoughts on Theriot...re going for the

gold....his age and seeing the talent

nipping at his heels.

Is he worth 3.4 mill for one season?

No. But was he worth much more than the

500 k he made last season and the season before...Yes....no matter what the system.

Either rate doesn't bother me...I just hope Theriot doesn't end up screwing himself in the process.

Neil...I'm more impressed that Z stayed with us past the first snowfall than anything. It must have been a shock to

his system....:)

(I bet he never spends a winter in Chicago again!!!)

Aaron,

Where does your Lopez "has been having better OBP seasons than Theriot could ever dream of" comment come from? Theriot's career OBP is higher than Lopez' and their OBPs are pretty similar the last three seasons as set forth below.

2007 Lopez .308 - Theriot .326

2008 Lopez .343 - Theriot .387

2009 Lopez .383 - Theirot .343

I'd like to see the Cubs sign Lopez too, but when you make statements to support your position that are clearly wrong, it hurts your overall argument.

Gregg is better off in Toronto than a launching pad like Colorado.

If the option vesting goals are truly

reasonable...Gregg probably won't make it anyway...but if they are Hendriesque...(new word!!!) ie Milton's

75 game vesting option...then woe to Toronto.

Neil or somebody else,

As we all know, Gregg signed with the Jays for like 2.75 mill but it states that his contract could be up to 12 million... Can someone please explain to me how in the world Kevin Gregg could be worth 12 mill and/or how many years would it take to reach that 12 mill...Seems to me absolutely ridiculous that he would be given that chance???

Joel, first the near $12 million contract for Gregg is coming from Jon Heyman. With that said, he's usually right.

The option years would run the total value of the contract to near $12 million. According to Heyman, there are two option years in the deal.

So, three years is how long it would take. I would hope for the Blue Jays sake they are vesting options or club options and not player options.

I do not think he is worth nearly that amount of money. I do not see why the Blue Jays would put him in the AL East. The Yankees, Red Sox, Rays and Orioles are going to have a field day against him.

It is a bad signing from where I am sitting ... better the Jays than the Cubs that's all I can say.

Looks like Orlando Hudson is signing with the Twins per mlbtraderumors.com. Felipe Lopez should sign soon once ODog's contract numbers are known ... Cards??? If the price were cheap enough, I'd like us to get in on Lopez, but I doubt it's in the budget.

David, Bruce Miles states the Cubs have had some discussions about Lopez, but then makes it sound like he might be a problem in the clubhouse.

http://blogs.dailyherald.com/node/3380#new

Paul, I've heard the same regarding Lopez. The Cubs have shown interest. He has a questionable reputation in the clubhouse. Some say he's gotten past it ...

The only reason the Cubs should NOT go hard after Lopez is if they truly plan on going into 2010 with Castro and Theriot starting up the middle...

otherwise a one year deal for Lopez seems pretty ideal for multiple reasons,

A. This gives us a real top of the order bat to slot Theriot as the 8 hitter when Fukudome plays

B. Allows us to trade Fontenot in a deal for middle relief

C. Allows the team the depth of having Jeff Baker become the fulltime 'Mark DeRosa' which is essentially what he is for offense/defense

D. Allows us to let Castro gain one more year of experience instead of having to force him up if Fontenot struggles again and then Lopez can walk away

E. Keeps him off of the cardinals

This is a VERY solid lineup (with Nady starting)

Felipe Lopez

Ryan Theriot

Derrek Lee

Aramis Ramirez

Xavier Nady

Alfonso Soriano

Marlon Byrd

Geovany Soto

--

Koyie Hill

Andres Blanco

Chad Tracy/Kevin Millar

Kosuke Fukudome

Jeff Baker

With Fukudome starting

Felipe Lopez

Kosuke Fukudome

Derrek Lee

Aramis Ramirez

Marlon Byrd

Alfonso Soriano

Geovany Soto

Ryan Theriot

With all that said...Its seems almost a forgone conclusion that Baker/Fontenot will be our 2B platoon if Castro is not up

Woody ...I saw that about Flaherty and it is interesting.

While our guys in the minors show a lot of promise...I don't count on them until they are here. Too many things can happen...ie Rhee (SP) had an excellent year 2 years ago and was ranked 4th amongst our prospects...and then was out all last season with TJ surgery.

(It will be interesting to see how Rhee

comes back this year).

Realistically...only DLee/Lilly are the big money guys that come off the books

after 2010...possibly ARAM.

...and they are all key guys that need to be replaced...it won't be cheap either...

I agree we'll need to sign at least one top flight pitcher (to replace Lilly)

and one FA power bat.

The other possibility is to take our lumps pitching-wise with in house guys like Cashner/Carpenter/Diamond/Jackson

etc. in our 2011 rotation and just sign a power bat or two... to anchor the squad...and bring all the youngsters up that are close to ready.

Either way...the transition will be fascinting forus to watch.

Suzy, one name to keep an eye on Casey Coleman.

I am looking forward to seeing him in Spring Training.

Sandberg said he understands how to pitch ... and made a comparison to Greg Maddux (I heard Sandberg say it, not an Internet rumor).

Neil, I forgot about Coleman....I really hope Sandberg will be the manager in 2011.

One thing about Sandberg vs any other candidate...he'll know his personnel really well.

btw Maybe Soriano will be the next Minnie Minoso...and pinch hit over 5

decades. :)

Suzy, just saw your post to Jays site. There was one piece of interesting information in there that I don't think I recall hearing before. Due to his size and power, Flaherty may shift to third base. If this happens, we could be looking at future infield of Vitters at 1B, Castro at 2b, Lee at SS and Flaherty at 3B. How about adding Brett Jackson in center and Kyler Burke in RF and of course Soriano will be in LF. Somehow we will need to pick up some free agent power, if this is the way it works out.

Next offseason, if we start to see some of these guys come up, we will have alot more payroll flexibility and should go after Brandon Webb, Cliff Lee, or Josh Beckett. Spend the money on some aces for a change.

Signing Webb or Lee or Beckett to the $80-$100+ million contract each of those players will demand is a very bad idea. See Zambrano. A signing like that could ruin the budget for years. I sure hope the Cubs have learned their lessons on long term high dollar contracts.

The future aces need to be developed from within our system.

Woody, Flaherty played third, short and second last season.

The Cubs are thinking he could switch to third with his offensive power ... not to mention Castro, Lee and LeMahieu

Interesting. Usually some minor like Flaherty would be moved around the positions and "redeveloped" because he's just not as good. In fact, Castro was the first came into my mind when woody mentioned Flaherty moved.

ASsuming he's not a total dud, are we smelling trade as soon as July, as well?

Neil...have you heard anything regarding

Rhee?

Suzy, Dae-Eun Rhee from what I understand has recovered from TJ Surgery.

He pitched in 5 games at the end of last year (Rookie ball in Arizona and Boise). He struggled but at least he pitched.

(0-1 in 5 games, 4 starts, with a 9.35 ERA and a 2.077 WHIP)

Where he starts the year will depend on his Spring Training. I would think at least Peoria, where he left off in 2008.

If he is healthy, starting in Peoria would be the right move in my mind.

Move him up if he's okay ... Like Fleita said it is easier to promote than demote.

I can't help but to be a bit surprised regarding all this reaction over Theriot, and a potential arbitration hearing.

This team has some major performance and contract liabilities in Soriano and Fukodome, and yet we get our ire up over an adequate shortshop who's never made significant $$$'s, doesn't complain, and is just seeking a reasonable payday (recognizing how short a ball players career span can be).

If you want to find $$$'s, then head over to Soriano's home/locker and ask him to restructure his contract based on his performance and durability.

5 more years of that $18m representing us in LF. Nice.

You can't change Soriano and Fukudomes contracts. They are just bad. But a team can stop the madness and pay market value for regular players. I have no problem paying top dollar for Game Changing Players. We don't have them so we overpaid to get players that were believed to be game changers, but weren't.

And with that I am done with this subject. Hopefully Theriot and his agent will come down from $3.4 million and meet the Cubs in the middle as they have done for 17 YEARS!!

Theriot hasn't made significant dollars because he has been a 0-3 player under team control. They can pay the minimum and the player has no say. Theriot was only paid $150,000 less than Lincecum, who was also in his 3rd year. Over the last 2 years Lincecum has won 2 Cy Young awards and has been paid $1.055 million, while Theriot has been an average SS and has been paid $928,000 or only $127,000 less than Mr Cy Young for 2 straight years.

A reasonable and fair payday for Theriot is $2.6 million. Puts him in the Top 15 for SS, about right. $3.4 million puts him 11th, I believe and everyone above him have made All-Star teams, something Theriot will never do.

Short career - Unless you are a stud player, Pujols, Howard, Lincecum, Braun, etc you don't make big dollars until you hit Free Agency, which takes 6 years in the major leagues after usually a 3-5 year minor league career. That is around 10 years of professional baseball, before you become a Free Agent and have more leverage than the teams. That is also why most Free Agent contracts end up being bad and overpaid (Soriano, Fukudome, etc), the player had the leverage.

Tony...I think you can renegotiate

it...not the $$$ amount...but how it is paid out...somewhere I read that Minnesota did that recently....It will take me time to find it.

It would take the player/his agent/and

the players association to agree...but I belive it can be done...if need be in Soriano's case.

The Fukodome and Silva contracts we are stuck with.

I hope they can redo Soriano's contract, but he has no incentive to do it, unless he is going to get more $$. I think at some point the Ricketts will have to look at those $$ as an added interest payment on the purchase of the team.

Bryan, I agree that Soriano is the #1

problem contract.

He'll never make it another five years either...unless you want to see him hobble out there with a crutch?

Remember when Bobby Mercer left the Cubs...and they gave him a rocking chair?

It was in jest...But knees don't get better with time...and more pounding.

After this year, The Cubs will owe Soriano another 72 million. After next year 54 million.

I look for them to renegotiate his contract after the 2011 season for a 10 to twenty year term.

By then, the rocking chair may be really needed.

I wonder if Theriot's arbitration hearing is going to handcuff the cubs for another two weeks on getting another bullpen arm? I would imagine they would use the 1.5 million they can save in arbitration (if they win)towards the roster.

Just a thought that maybe Theriot is screwing up the offseason a bit while haggling over 650,000.

Wait... do you hear that Theriot? It's the sound of Starlin Castro's footsteps.

Amazing. Never saw that one coming. Two sides meeting in the middle instead of letting an arbitrator pick one or the other.

Theriot needs to wake up and settle in the middle. 17 years of meeting in the middle is a pretty good track record for the Cubs.

I think Theriot has to expect 2.6 million...If he gets the 3.4...I'll be surprised. I just hope no acrimony develops.