Lots of good info. I would love to see Blanco at SS, but Lou has already come out and when talking about Castro, said Theriot was going to be his SS this year.

Lahair and Tracy could make some decisios pretty tough as well. Also would give us options to replace Lee in 2011, unless we can land AGon. To me he is a difference maker, you go after.

JC3-6-3 I agree re Blanco...if they can put a little consistant offense with his defense...we may really have something.

You're welcome for post.

Thanks Suzy...i like the reports on LaHair pounding the ball outta the park, Tracy looking 100% - working 1B and 3B and also hitting the ball hard...and that Rudy has taken Blanco on as a "pet project"...i like that little nugget the best...if they can get Blanco to just make good contact consistenly, that could be big help with with our hopes to see his slick glove at SS and Theriot at 2B. If Blanco can hit .275-.280 out of the 8 hole...great day.

Here's a detailed report from "Arizona Phil" of the Cub reporter. It's well done.

http://thecubreporter.com/2010/02/19/fitch-parking

He says Soto is the "star" of the camp so far.

"normal wear and tear" COME ON!! Suck it up Lilly!

Of course this also goes to the theory, that this team is old. The pain was normal wear and tear.

I like Lilly and Lee, but I would not extend them during the season! They should wait until the offseason to see how the market plays out and be patient. Be willing to go into January and even early February to let it play out. If someone else jumps in and overpays, so be it.

Don't forget, ARAM can also opt out

after this season. Current market conditions don't look favorable for that...especially if he spends any time on the DL this year,

But next year could possibly be our first without ARAM/Lee/Lilly.

Maybe 2011 could see an IF of Vitters, Castro, Theriot and AGon. Wouldn't that be a refreshing movement to the future?

Bryan...Agon would be my dream...but I believe that might happen at this year's trade deadline...which might be a year too early for us...and Boston will do everything short of the "Full Monty" to land him.

Hendry vs. Epstein...we lose.

We have to resolve Silva and Fukodome's

contracts before we'll be ready for any new longterm deals.

Someone posted a trade thought for AGON awhile back, that had DLee being traded, or being benched for AGON. Do you think if DLEE is approached with a choice of go to XYZ team or stay and back-up AGon, he would choose what???

Vitters, Castro, Theriot(could be other up and comer from the minors), AGon. That would be one way to get younger!!

I was the culprit in the Agon trade proposal...it was poo-poo'd as not doable.

No clue what DLee would do...but he's refused to waive his trade clause in the past.

That would be extremely irresponsible. They may be old, but they're going to be the two guys who set the trend for how long old players get signed. If they perform even to their standards, they won't make it to December until they get contract offers.

Now, that's not saying they should just extend them during the season. If they say they'd be willing to take a discount to stay, then sign them by all means. Otherwise, offer them a contract as soon as the season ends. Lee and Lilly are different players from the 30 year old guys that waited until February for a team to sign them, and if we treat them the same as them, they won't be back. And at least for Lilly, that can't happen.

I would give Lee a 1 year deal only. The FA class of 2011/12 for 1B, is going to be huge.

Lilly is great, but if someone else wants to give him a 3 or 4 year deal for over $10 mil/year, they can have him. No more than 2 years to anyone in their mid or later 30's, except for difference makers. Lilly is not a difference maker. He is very solid SP, who is starting to have injury concerns. Look at how the Dempster negotiations went. Go out and see what is out there, then come back and talk. They waited like a week and then paid way over value for that offseason. There is nothing wrong with telling Lee and Lilly, let's let the market play out, see what is out there for offers, then come back and we will talk in mid-January. Not many players signed before January this year.

If Vitters has a good year, he will be in position to take over either 1B or 3B (if ARAM opts out). Between Lee and ARAM I would rather keep ARAM, as their are more options at 1B than 3B, to fill a hole. Of course ARAM's opt out clause is all in his favor, as if he has a good year, he opts out to get more years and more guaranteed $$. If he has injury issues he is ours for 2 more years.

EXCELLENT news.