Thanks, Neil...I try my links a couple of times before I post them these days...so Iwas surprised it didn't work.

It's a good article though.

I agree, a good article. The list of players the Cubs went to arbitration with is amazing.

Two Hall of Famers, the player with the most hits in the 90s and Leon Durham ... who came to the Cubs in the Sutter trade.

Here's an excellent read on Theriot's arbitration case...with details not found

elsewhere....

http://sports-law.blogspot.com/

Always like new sites to go for information. Thanks for sharing!

One part of the article I thought was interesting was saying since Drew signed for $3.4 million (Theriot's asking price) that that would hurt the Cubs.

Theriot 288 AVG 356 OB Slg 369 OPS 726

Drew 270 AVG 326 OB 445 Slg OPS 771

I don't see how that would help Theriot. Theriot is a singles hitter, with very few even Doubles, Drew has almost twice as many extra-base hits as Theriot. If Theriot would have asked for $3.0 he might have won, in comparison to Drew.

For some reason the link isn't working

correctly.

If you just google "Sports Law Blog"...you'll

have an excellent read on Theriot's

arbitration case.

Suzy, I 'fixed' the link for you. It works now.

Glad the Cubs won the arbitation! I'd love to know what Theriot was thinking not meeting in the middle over $800,000. I think he is a bonehead.

I found a note about arbitration interesting on cubs.com that in 1988 Andre Dawson went to arbitration and asked for $2 million while the Cubs countered at $1.85 million. After the guy ripped 49 HR's and 137 RBI's the Cubs still managed to win that hearing??? The fact the team even took him to arbitration over that small amount after the man signed a blank contract that wound up being $500,000 is a joke!

As for all this Chan Ho garbage....PLEASE NO TO THE HO!!!!!!

Chan ho is interesting- I can not help but laugh when I think about him doing his spinning kick years ago starting a brawl. He was really tough last year with the NL champs. He got a lot of tough outs, he seems to have found his niche as a releiver and has shook off the lean days in Texas and that huge contract that was in his head.

Make it happen Jim- wait your boy Boras out

I actually think Blanco will be a bright spot on the team this year...and expect him to come in somewhere between .275 -

.280 with the consistancy he's shown during winter ball...and Rudy's tutelidge.

That being said, between Theriot, Blanco, Fontenot, and Baker...there is very little power...with Baker showing the most.

I think Theriot's drop in OBP and rise in ko's was a function of screwing around with his swing to try and generate more power last season.

If he goes back to what he is...rather than what he is not...he should have a better season.

Itwill be really interesting to see how Colvin does...vs...Snyder...both or either could supply some pop mid season.

fontenot will be cut or traded by the end of spring training. As much as it pains me to loose the "Cajun Connection", with Rudy taking Blanco on as a pet project and the ample lefty/versatile options off the bench in ST there is no need for him to occupy a spot on our roster...

I don't know what Blanco's numbers were but by late late summer when he was getting more playing time his hitting really impressed.

You are right, Blanco gives Lou more options than Fontenot. With that said, Fontenot will be given every chance to make the team.

Just about every time the Cubs have talked about players needing to rebound from last year, Fontenot has been one of the players mentioned.

In 24 games following the break last year, Blanco his .310 with a .356 OBP (.476 SLG, .832 OPS) in 42 at bats. Before the break a .222/.276/.272/.547 line in 29 games, 81 at bats.

Neil, the bench is something I just can't figure out. Our starters are pretty much set in stone with:

c-Soto

1B-Lee

2B-Fontenot

SS-Theriot

3B-ARAM

LF-Soriano

CF-Byrd

RF-Fukudome

But based on what we've heard thus far, it appears Koyie Hill, Nady, Baker, Fuld, and Blanco make the team.

To me, that just simply does not make any sense at all. The only ones that make sense are Hill, Nady, Baker, and maybe Blanco.

But I think it's a necessity to include someone like Snyder, who has power, speed, and can play all 3 OF spots, or Tracy, who has played corner IF and corner OF.

With ARAM's injury issues, wouldn't it make a lot more sense to include Tracy? He's also got a career line of .302 avg, .384 OBP, .581 SLG, 5 hr, 24 RBI in 99 appearances as a pinch hitter.

It appears the only way the Cubs can have a decent bench is by taking only 11 pitchers with them, which almost never happens at the start of a season for any team due to cold weather, etc.

Injury issues abound though with the position players, so it'll be interesting to see how they handle the cuts, especially with Soriano (legs), ARAM (shoulder...legs in past), Lee (neck), and Nady (elbow). In my mind, the bench almost has to be Hill, Nady, Tracy, Blanco, Baker, and Snyder if you go with 6 players. The only other option appears to be a trade of Fontenot with Baker as the starter, and Blanco filling in at 2B and SS, which almost certainly won't happen, as most teams want to go with 2 middle infielders on the bench. Too bad Tracy can't play 2B, huh?

Aaron, I think there almost HAS to be a trade unless the Cubs plan to release a lot of guys.

There's just to many guys vying for the same positions...

and then there is Lou...telling people they made the team BEFORE spring training

gets going...it doesn't make sense.

Aaron, Fontenot is the 'wild card'. If he struggles this spring, I think they will try to trade him.

He has a lot to prove.

Tracy is very interesting and thank you for pointing out his pinch hitting numbers. That is a huge factor. Hoffpauir showed last year he needs regular playing time to be effective.

I think Fuld and Blanco will make the team. Blanco gives Piniella options same with Fuld ... especially if Nady is healthy enough to hit when camp breaks.

Lou will need Fuld off the bench, late in games. I do not see them leaving Soriano in games late any more.

Baker can serve as a back-up to Aramis ... don't forget. Also, if Castro and Blanco have good camps they might try moving Theriot to second to start the year and go with Blanco to begin the year. Sending Castro to Iowa to begin the year.

Great point on the 11-man staff. I would rather see that move to start the year, especially if Nady is healthy enough to begin the year on the active roster. But like you, I do not see that happening.

the problem I see with Baker is this...

2008-(age 27); 104 games, 299 AB's, 12 hr, 48 RBI, .268 avg, .322 OBP

That was the most games he's ever played, and while I'd say if you doubled his AB's from that season, he might hit 20 hr, 80+RBI, I think that's a little bit of a reach, considering in 226 AB's last year he hit just 4 hr, 24 RBI.

I can't imagine Baker as the primary back-up to ARAM...at least in my opinion. I think Hendry's trying to make up for his DeRosa trade by suggesting Baker could capably fill in if there's a significant injury to Lee or ARAM, and it's simply not true. Baker is a phenomenal back-up. What nobody seems to understand is even in the minors, it appears that Baker was a back-up until his 4th pro season in 2006 where he played in 128 games and hit 20 bombs with over 100+RBI.

So, he definitely teases you with ability, but given his MLB stats, I just cannot see how he's an everyday player, whereas Chad Tracy is about the same age, and has DEFINITELY proven himself as a capable MLB player, provided he's healthy.

Gee, Baker's numbers look just like Bradley's last year...with the exception of walks...OBP...AND SALARY.

I really think if Castro does well...he'll be up around the All-Star break...Theriot will take over second...

and Baker will still end up in his comfort zone....maybe 102-120 games.

Our discussion of Fontenot/Baker will be

moot.

Suzy, you've been one of the one's asking ... I'm still working on it, but when you have a chance click on the link in the nav bar at the top of the site labeled "40-man roster".

This should help with discussions.

All of the players are linked to their baseball-reference pages as well.

Thanks, Neil. This "40 man roster" is the most handy Cubs tool since the birth of a calculator.

But I always miss it on my firefox--as it was squeezed out of my sight after I enlarged the font. So much for technology...

WOW!!!! Your forty man roster section is pretty comprehensive...I'm really impressed.

Neil...It's definitely worth a byline and tweet of it's own to alert the faithful!!!

Thanks for your hard work Neil.

Neil...pretty nifty...although I don't recall asking for any improvements.

I'll definitely use it alot though.

Don't you ever sleep?

This site is fantastic...but it's not

worth ruining your health over.

Suzy, thank you.

I do sleep, some days more than others.

With the fact the Cubs only need 4 starters until April 19th, that may allow the team to have only 11 pitchers, to start the year. Lilly should start the year on the DL, regardless, to give himself a little more time. That would give a few weeks in real games to sort out the moves that need to be made during games for position players. Sometimes these things sort themselves out (injuries, poor play, exceptional play, etc)

I just don't see Fontenot fitting the needs of this team, unless he runs away with 2B job. Darwin Barney could also be the wild card, as 4 middle infielders of Theriot, Baker, Blanco, Barney, gives you 3-SS and 4-2B. In case you can't tell I would rather have SS that can play 2B, than 2B that are a stretch to play SS.

I would like to see a healthy Tracy on the bench.

Tony, the problem with going with one less pitcher early is that the starters don't usually go as deep in the games to begin with...and with our fourth and fifth spots up for grabs...they'll want the extra pitcher in the pen to cover any short outings.

I don't see 11 pitchers as a viable option this year...to start with.

Agreed, but with 4 starters (Lilly on DL until April 19th) you would still have 7 guys in the bullpen. You wouldn't have one less.

It's just a thought as we seem to have a bigger issue with position players and 7 should always be enough in the bullpen.

ok, so theriot has his day in the sun and only gets a tan instead of a burn. lets let this theriot arbritration business drop.

there is about $600,000.00 left in the tank. go out and get chan ho park!!! he will help our bullpen one way or another. this is what we need.

btw, love this website.......i am an everyday peeker and a sometimes poster. great job to neil and the staff.

p.s. is the mobile website ready yet? i need to get it on my blackberry if it is.....

Thank you ... I am working on a mobile version of the CCO.

Also working on a new commenting system that will make it easier to leave comments on articles ... especially during the season with Talkin' Cubs Live.

Sign up for Tweeter and you can get tweets like this one that just came out.

According to Bruce Levine, Chan Ho Park still on Cubs radar. Scott Boras is looking for a $3 - $4 million contract.

14 minutes ago from web

TheCCO

I say Hendry should wait Park out. It worked with Nady. Chan Ho is not going to get that price but it may take him a week or two to realize it. Same with Kiko Calero. More a a buyers market for these type of guys. Park would be good though as he could hang with Hak-Ju Lee, Da-un Ree, etc.

Thanks Tony

I show the Cubs Payroll at $133M now for their 25 Man Roster, actual salaries and bonus's paid out this year.

2010

Alfonso Soriano 18.00

Aramis Ramirez 15.75

Kosuke Fukudome 13.00

Derek Lee 13.00

Xavier Nady 3.30

Ryan Theriot 2.60

Jeff Baker 0.98

Koyie Hill 0.70

Andres Blanco 0.50

Marlon Byrd 3.00

Sam Fuld 0.50

Mike Fontenot 1.00

Geovany Soto 0.60

Batters Payroll 72.93

2010

Carlos Zambrano 17.88

Ryan Dempster 12.50

Ted Lilly 12.00

Tom Gorzellany 0.80

Randy Wells 0.50

Sean Marshall 0.95

Angel Guzman 0.83

Carlos Marmol 2.13

John Grabow 3.50

Carlos Silva 11.50

Jeff Gray 0.50

Jeff Samardzija 1.00

Seattle Mariners -5.50

Pitchers Payroll 58.58

Total Committed Payroll 131.50



Aaron Miles 1.00

Luis Vizcaino 0.50

Total Mistakes 1.50



Total 2010 Payroll $133.0M

Now we can move on, Ryan has been paid. He is now in the world of well paid baseball players and should be financially set for life.

I believe Ryan will have his best season to date, to make his case better for next year.

I don't think you quite grasp how players are paid. Celebrities aren't in a different status than anyone else: they have to pay taxes, too. And since they make more, they pay more. Plus, they have agents that they pay because they can't handle all their financials, and since he'll be making more, they'll be taking more.

Of that $2.6 million, he'll probably hang onto less than $1 million, so he'll actually get to keep what he was making for a base salary previously. He's by no means "set for life": it's one of the reasons why players ask for the $100 million contracts: by the time it's all said and done, they'll have around $30 million for themselves and at that point they can be considered "set for life". But anything under $100 million? Not a chance.

Agents make 10-15%. Taxes are pretty public information. I think he will clear closer 1.3-1.4 million. I would be set if I made that this next year. Also, the point I don't believe you understand is that this also set his standard for the next 2 years. Over the 2010-2012, Theriot will make $7-$10 million depending on his arb cases, that he will mostly likely go to again each year.

Also, $100 million dollar contracts will only get $30 million. Wow Obama's tax hikes are already kicking in fast.

Well, Scott Boras only takes 5%, I believe?

Most baseball agents take between 3-5 per cent. I heard from a journalist that there's a unwritten rule on that, so agencies cap themselves at 5.

If he nets $1,400,000, he could get a lifetime annuity paying over $100,000 a year, no matter what he does or doesn't do. He wouldn't have to get out of bed for it. If his ass fell off, he;d get it. He'd never have to work again.

If that isn't "set for life," I am the rightful Emperor of Poland.