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The Cub Reporter
“RIGHT FIELD SUCKS!”
We all know the Cubs and Hendry will acquire a left-handed hitting right fielder next year. Even if said player is considerably worse than a right-handed option because, gad-nabbit, we need a lefty there. Here are the Cubs options:
FREE AGENCY
Kosuke Fukudome - It appears he’s what the Cubs hearts desire, above average defense, left-handed, versatile in the outfield and with a keen eye. Hendry will certainly offer the moon for him , but there seems to be more than money to consider here for Fukudome. He already expressed an interest in staying in Japan and could very well choose to play for a warm weather city or one where there are some other Japanese players to bond with on the road. 7-8 months with no one to talk to can’t be much fun which was probably one of the reasons Hendry was interested in Kaz Matsui. But there are other Japanese players out there to sign if this is the sticking point. A few Japanese relievers on the block, Tadahito Iguchi and the starting pitcher Kuroda to name a few (Oh yeah, as AZ Phil reminded me, Alfonso Soriano happens to speak fluent Japanese, forgot about that).
Geoff Jenkins - Phillies already think he’s out of their price range and after trading Jacque’s affordable contract, I can’t see the Cubs paying more for Jenkins who’s a similar player.
Milton Bradley - Didn’t he tear up his knee? Plus he’s a Type A free agent (somehow) and no one’s losing a draft pick for him although he very well may be non-tendered.
Cliff Floyd - Been there, done that.
Shawn Green - Last.Resort.
Trot Nixon - See above.
YOU’D HAVE TO OVERPAY
Josh Hamilton - There were hints he could be moved but unlikely within the same division and he’s hardly the model of durability or stability.
Mark Teahen - I haven’t heard any rumors that he’s available and his power practically vanished last year.
Andre Ethier - Ethier will probably just move to the Dodger bench if they go through with their threat on signing a center fielder.
Nick Swisher - A’s are still deciding if they’ll be buyers or sellers but if they choose the seller route everyone should be available for the right price…but remember the title of this section. That being said, Swisher is probably worth overpaying for.
REALISTIC TRADE TARGETS
Luke Scott - Ryan Dempster or Jason Marquis seems to make a lot of sense for the pitching starved Astros and Scott would likely improve his power as the Juice Park has been shown to suppress home runs for left-handers.
JD Drew - Well not that realistic but I imagine the Red Sox would be happy to get out of his contract (4/56 left) and give it to Johann. We probably have some bullpen arms that they could use.
Gary Matthews Jr. - Angels now have about 1,216 outfielders and they’ve been upset with Matthews since the HGH reports last year. The problem here is he’s not very good and grossly overpaid (4/42 left). But he’d probably come cheap in a trade.
Randy Winn - Winn has two years and a little over $16 MM left on his deal and the Giants are likely to be awful next year. The Giants need just about everything other than starting pitching.
Raul Ibanez - He’s only owed $5.5MM next year but I’m not really sure he can handle right field defensively. He had a rough go to start the season but finished the year strong and ended up with a 121 OPS+ and a line of 291/351/480. Not a bad option but Mariners biggest desire so far has been an upper tier starting pitcher to compliment King Felix and Ibanez is obviously not worth that.
ONLY ON YOUR PLAYSTATION
Brad Hawpe - If only…
Carl Crawford - Jayson Stark’s latest said the Rays were looking for a package higher than what the Marlins want for Miguel Cabrera. Um..no.
Jeremy Hermida - He probably could be dealt in the right deal but I can’t even imagine what that deal is.
Nick Markakis - A blockbuster of Eric Bedard and Markakis for Rich Hill, Felix Pie, Tyler Colvin and our entire Daytona roster from last year. No?
—–
If it was my team, my order of preference would probably be (ignoring the obvious unattainables):
1. Fukudome
2. Nick Swisher (if he’s available and he already signed an extension through 2011 with a 2012 club option)
3. JD Drew
4. Luke Scott
5. Raul Ibanez
And I do doubt that Swisher or Drew will even be that available. It’s slim pickings when you paint yourself in a corner and insist on a very specific player. My order of who we’ll likely end up with:
1. Fukudome (I’m feeling optimistic that Hendry will blow his budget on him)
2. Shawn Green
3. Randy Winn
4. Luke Scott
I imagine I may have missed a name or two but feel free to make up some trade scenarios in the comments.
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193 Responses to ““RIGHT FIELD SUCKS!””
November 30th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
Prediction:
Right field will be the new 3rd base for the Cubs. I will be telling my children how we haven’t found a real right fielder since Sammy Sosa left.
November 30th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
Does Fukudome play center? If having another Japanese player on the team is essential, I would be all for moving DeRosa to Right Field and picking up Iguchi at 2nd base.
November 30th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
Alfonso Soriano!
November 30th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
well word is Fukudome can play all 3 OF positions if necessary.
I doubt he’s quite as good as Ichiro in the field but damn close supposedly.
November 30th, 2007 at 2:42 pm
I just posted on the “Melvin” site about the possiblity of going after Dye (if the Sox sign Fufkodome) and/or Garciaparra for Prior (if we sign Fukodome).
Either would be at the top of my list, however. I didn’t think the Dodgers would consider moving him, however. I would trade Prior for Either in a heartbeat.
I also like the Swisher fit. If Oakland is truly considering moving Haren, then they’r rebuilding. We have a lot of pieces that would make sense to a rebuilding team like Oakland.
November 30th, 2007 at 2:42 pm
Every time I have seen Randy Wynn in person, he has killed the Cubs with his bat.
Last year was no exception at Wrigley, on the night Oh-Man! faced Bonds, and got him to fly out to LF.
November 30th, 2007 at 2:43 pm
I assume that if we trade for JD Drew or Gary Matthews, as you mention, that some money would be coming with that, no? I wouldn’t take either contract on without some cash coming back. Is that assumed?
I agree with your analysis, I want FUKUDOME! Banzai!
November 30th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
By the way, I really like the “Right field Sucks” posting name. Good job Rob.
November 30th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
when Dye becomes ambidextrous we can consider him….
If it was me, I’d be more than fine with Soriano in RF and Murton in LF and call it a day but Cubs have made it clear as day, that a lefty will be patrolling right field.
November 30th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
Geoff Jenkins has Cub written all over him. I’ve been predicting this for the last few weeks. I hope its Fukedome, but it’s not very likely.
November 30th, 2007 at 2:48 pm
I assume that if we trade for JD Drew or Gary Matthews, as you mention, that some money would be coming with that, no?
Well depends on what we’re offering I guess. Take on the contracts and give up very little or get the other team to pay some of the contract and offer more.
I do doubt Drew is going to get moved but Matthews is definitely attainable for pretty much nothing depending on how much of the contract a team is willing to take.
November 30th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
#9
Soriano in RF.
Adam Dunn in LF - get him with a package starring Murton, Cedeno and maybe a Marshall/Gallagher type.
Probably will cost one more guy, too. Depends what the Dustys want back.
November 30th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
I thought Jenkins too but he’s already had a few teams interested in him and no mention of the Cubs yet.
Let’s hope it stays that way….
November 30th, 2007 at 2:51 pm
Dunn has an NTC through June 15th fwiw. Reds aren’t moving him until the trade deadline at least and that’s only if they’re out of it.
They didn’t hire Baker to go into rebuild mode.
November 30th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
I suppose we could get Baby Sarge for Prior…The Angels seem to like stockpiling starters…
November 30th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
What about Ankiel for Cedeno?
November 30th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
If the situation arose hopefully Dunn would waive a NTC to join the Cubs.
It’s like the word “Cubbery” was also invented to describe the way he plays defense.
November 30th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
ROB G wrote.. “7-8 months with no one to talk to can’t be much fun which was probably one of the reasons Hendry was interested in Kaz Matsui.”
==========================
ROB G: Don’t forget Alfonso Soriano speaks Japanese, if that’s a problem.
.
November 30th, 2007 at 2:55 pm
also = almost
November 30th, 2007 at 2:55 pm
If we’re going for Baby Sarge and Ankiel, why not pick up Bonds to complete the Performance-Enhancing Drug Triumverate?
November 30th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
Ankiel for Cedeno?
I think you’re confused, the Cardinals just signed an All-Star shorstop. :)
not the worse idea but I’m sure the Cards think of Ankiel higher than that plus that whole HGH thing is kind of hovering. And you know, NL Central team. Plus they don’t have too many outfielders to spare and lose Ankiel.
November 30th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
“when Dye becomes ambidextrous we can consider him….”
If we get a lefty to play center, the point becomes less significant. He does hit for power and would work well in the 5 hole. Too bad we didn’t get him last summer when he would have been cheaper…I could see the White Sox wanting Murton for left and Wuertz and Ohman for their bullpen, however.
November 30th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Don’t forget Alfonso Soriano speaks Japanese, if that’s a problem.
You know, I did forget that…completely. I mean, like massive brain-fart.
Well there you go, although I think they’ll be some serious stalker issues with Pie if Alfonso finds a new buddy.
November 30th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Carmefanzone:
Going after Dye - He is 35 years old, batted .254 last year, slow to very slow, plus he is a right handed hitter. We need lefties. Bad idea
Going after Garciapara - right handed hitter. we need lefties. just as injury prone as Prior and Wood. Keep him in doger blue.
November 30th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
I think the Cubs are already counting on a lefty in center field with Pie or Fuld and still want another lefty in right field.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:00 pm
i agree rob. given whats available i’d prefer to just keep what we got. if soriano wants to play rf, fantastic. the crop of available players suck. I also feel like even if we got Fuku that he would be no better than what we already have in Murton aside from him being a lefty. I still think the Cubs have not given Murton the chance to blossom. Too bad it will never happen.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
Do people really thing that Sarge Jr. is the player the Cubs need? Now that he’s off the juice, he’s gonna suck as much as he did before he was on the juice. No thank you.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
Don’t forget Alfonso Soriano speaks Japanese, if that’s a problem.
I think we have covered this before, but doesn’t DLee speak Japanese, at least at a conversational level?
November 30th, 2007 at 3:03 pm
Hey there DJH,
( in reponse to post# 2 )
Correcto mondo (as the Fonz would say)
I have been saying that the Cubs should sign Tadahito Iguchi for a while and they don’t have to be in a bidding war to get him then go after Fukodome, instead Henry waisted a trip & all that time on a below average hitter (outside of Coors) in Kaz. Iguchi hit .301 last year and would make it more convincing for Fukodome to sign with the Cubs. Also form 670 the Score today George Huffman (hope spelled his last name correct) reported that the Cubs have informed the Twins they are interested in their closer Nathan, (word is if Twins trade Johan Santana they will make a trade or two to reduce team payroll.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
Do people really thing that Sarge Jr. is the player the Cubs need?
I don’t think anyone thinks that. I just threw him out there as being available.
I also feel like even if we got Fuku that he would be no better than what we already have in Murton aside from him being a lefty.
Well he certainly won’t be better for the price but offensively, they’d probably put up similar lines. Defensively though, it’s not even close.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
DLee (in Japanese): I’d like your sushi platter special, please.
Japanese waiter (in English): No, we make hamburger special, just for you!
November 30th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
Adam Dunn??? Absolutely not. He makes Murton look like a gold glove outfielder. We would have 250 -275 K’s in the corners of our outfield (Dunn and Soriano). He is not worth the $15,000,000 that they are paying him. Let’s give some of that $ to Fukudome
November 30th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
No one will sign Iguchi until after the arbitration deadline, he’s a Type A free agent.
Also form 670 the Score today George Huffman (hope spelled his last name correct) reported that the Cubs have informed the Twins they are interested in their closer Nathan, (word is if Twins trade Johan Santana they will make a trade or two to reduce team payroll.
Now that would be a bullpen, it would also make Howry or Marmol potentially available, although I guess Marmol could be in that deal for Nathan. But if that’s the case, I’d rather keep Marmol.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
Sadly, there are rumors that they are invloved in the Jenkins derby. I saw it a week or so ago on a trade rumor website. Imagine having to out bid others for Jenkins.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
He is not worth the $15,000,000 that they are paying him. Let’s give some of that $ to Fukudome
Hehe.
First, Fukudome may get close to 15 million a year.
Second, Adam Dunn has a career OPS of 900. That is really good. And in this market, definitely worth 15 million a year. 3 of his last 4 seasons his OPS has been over 925. That is also really good. And worth 15 million a year.
I can definitely live with a lot of strikeouts when you hit like Dunn or Soriano do.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
I agree, I would rather keep Marmol than acquire Nathan, but Howry is another story. Does Howry have a no trade?
November 30th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
What about Chad Tracy? Aren’t the D-Backs sold on this Mark Reynolds joker? BP says that Tracy is a pretty good right fielder, in the bit that he’s played. He could back up Aram’s 30 annual paid leave days too.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:12 pm
Hire one of the flashy chefs from Benihana on State Street to prepare the pre-game spreads and find the grandson of Yosh Kiwano to work as clubhouse attendant and have them talk to Fukudome for 6-7 months. Anything but Kaz Matsui.
Scratch Ryan Church if he was on your list (not mine). Nats just stole Lastings Milledge from the Mets for Church and Brian Schneider.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:12 pm
Well if we include Prior, Dempster and Marquis in a deal for Drew or GMJ we can kill two birds with one stone… Unload some bad contracts and get an OFer…
Besides everyone likes pitching… even crappy pitching.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:12 pm
Sadly, there are rumors that they are invloved in the Jenkins derby. I saw it a week or so ago on a trade rumor website. Imagine having to out bid others for Jenkins.
A trade rumor site? Since when do they have credibility?
The only mention of the Cubs and Jenkins that I have seen is something like “Jenkins would make sense” for the Cubs if other options don’t come through. That is not a rumor. That is speculation.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:16 pm
Well he certainly won’t be better for the price but offensively, they’d probably put up similar lines. Defensively though, it’s not even close.
This has been my problem all along. Having to put $15/year in the pot to sign this guy isn’t worth just a defensive upgrade to me. I don’t think there is a position on the field that is worth that price for just a defensive upgrade.
That is not to say that a defensive upgrade is not necessary. But, I don’t want to lock this guy up for three years when we’ve got a little slower, little fatter, poorer throwing, redheaded, right handed version of him sitting on our bench already.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
I once again re-invoke the name of one Jody Gerut, who after missing most of the last three seasons after suffering a near career-ending knee injury in September 2004, is healthy again and is the apparent MVP in the Venezuelan Winter League, where he is hitting 390/488/567.
The Cubs have already signed four minor league FA currently playing in the VWL, and Ronny Cedeno, Omar Infante, and Henry Blanco are playing down there, too, so the Cubs obviously have a presence there.
Gerut was with the Cubs (briefly) in 2005, but some of you may remember that he was playing on one leg at the time and was used mainly as a LHPH. But before he got hurt, Gerut hit 266/335/450 with 33 HR and 64 doubles over two seasons (2003-04) with CLE.
And while I’m not saying Gerut should be at the top of the Cubs list, I’d take him over Jenkins and the other Motley Crew of left-handed hitting RF FA out there right now. He’d be a lot cheaper, that’s for sure.
Gerut is a “true RF” with a plus-arm who can play all three OF spots, so at the very least he could be the 4th OF in 2008. And if it works out where he can play RF most every day, he won”t be eligible to be a FA until after the 2010 season. And if it doesn’t work out, he can be optioned to AAA (he has two minor league options left) and/or non-tendered after the 2008 season.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
TJ — November 30, 2007 @ 3:11 pm
I agree, I would rather keep Marmol than acquire Nathan, but Howry is another story. Does Howry have a no trade?
===================
TJ : No, Howry does not have a NTC. Scott Eyre has a limited one, FWIW.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
Rob G. — November 30, 2007 @ 2:58 pm
Don’t forget Alfonso Soriano speaks Japanese, if that’s a problem.
You know, I did forget that…completely. I mean, like massive brain-fart.
Well there you go, although I think they’ll be some serious stalker issues with Pie if Alfonso finds a new buddy.
=========================
ROB G: Or Ko-Skay and Sori could teach Pie Japanese and they could have a three-way (conversation).
BTW, have you ever visted the TCR Spam Catcher? I mean really checked it out? What is a Two-Stream Golden Shower?
November 30th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
Tracy’s got a bum knee, can’t imagine taking a chance on that until he shows he’s healthy.
And Gerut on a minor league deal would be nice, but the Cubs aren’t going to be taking on any projects for right field.
and you know, Fuku is left-handed, which apparently is the big upgrade to the Cubs over Murton.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
BTW, have you ever visted the TCR Spam Catcher? I mean really checked it out? What is a Two-Stream Golden Shower?
Have I visited? Hell, I use it as my bookmarks.
and you don’t want to know the answer to the last question.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
Roquet and Ceda for Nathan might make some sense…
Roquet and E-Pat too….
November 30th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
Dave:
Fukudome can have $15,000,000 because he can hit, run, and play defense. Adam Dunn can hit. That is it. I would rather have someone that can do all three.
Dunn will also be a free agent after this year…Meaning we will have the same issue next year.
Adam Dunn is a natural born DH stuck in the National League. You say you will take his .900 OPS, fine. But I will not take a guy who has a career .248 average as well as an average of 160 strikeouts per year. Three times he has struck out over 180 times. That is embarrassing.
Great American Ball Park is friendlier to hitter than any other ball park. It leads the league in HR’s every year. It is 325 to right field. He also plays defense in left field (328)…if Dunn’s defense is this bad in a small ball park, I throw up thinking about Dunn fighting the sun and wind at Wrigley.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
oh lord, an Adam Dunn discussion. Stop it. He’s not even available and they wouldn’t trade him in the division.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
anyone know what JHendry is doing in the Dominican Republic (other than chowing down on fried plantain chips with salsa)
November 30th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
Dave, I went back and checked and the rumor website was actually quoting an article by Ken Rosenthal concerning suitors for Jenkins.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:42 pm
cubster-
Can we please stop with the Hendry eating jokes. It is getting really old. :)
November 30th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
Dave, I went back and checked and the rumor website was actually quoting an article by Ken Rosenthal concerning suitors for Jenkins.
Well there you go.
And here is the link to the Rosenthal blurb on the Cubs showing interested in Jenkins.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
you know, the eating and fat jokes are all well and good, all I ask for is some freakin’ originality. The exact same donut joke over and over is just lame. But then of course, we’re talking about Manny.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
anyone know what JHendry is doing in the Dominican Republic
well that’s obvious, there’s a elf-like middle infielder who bats from the left-side currently on suspension that lives down there.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
edited:
well that’s obvious, there’s a elf-like middle infielder who bats from the left-side currently on suspension that lives down there and works in a donut shop.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
This Hendry joke at least had him eating something other than donuts so it made me laugh!
November 30th, 2007 at 3:55 pm
LOLLZERS DAVE!!111!!!!11!1
November 30th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
“We would have 250 -275 K’s in the corners of our outfield (Dunn and Soriano).”
Acutally the number would probably be over 300. But I really hope there comes a day when people would stop caring about strikeouts. It’s not how a player gets out that matters, it’s what he does when he doesn’t get out that does.
As dave so eloquently stated, you can live with the strikeouts when you hit like Soriano and Dunn do. Because together they might K 300 times but they might also hit 90 combined home runs.
FYI, most great hitters these days strikeout a lot.
Arod 120
Cabrera 127
Fielder 121
Holiday 126
Howard 199!!!!!!!
November 30th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
Rob G - I will end the Anti-Dunn tirade that I am on as long as you recognize that the only reason Hendry would trade for Dunn is because of his favorite restaurant “Dunn”Kin Doughnuts
is that original enough??
November 30th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
re GAB:
“It leads the league in HR’s every year.”
You do realize that the Reds pitchers are a big part of that, right?
November 30th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
I may be in the minority here, but I won’t totally throw up if the Cubs sign Jenkins and commit to play him in a platoon with Murton. Nick Swisher doesn’t exactly pound RHP from the left side and put up similar numbers to Jenkins in that situation.
Now, signing Jenkins and benching or trading Murton for nachos entirely would be silly.
November 30th, 2007 at 4:01 pm
It’s not how a player gets out that matters, it’s what he does when he doesn’t get out that does.
Chad said that? Easy, hoss. You’re treading a fine line there. Not sure that’s a Chadball principle.
You’re writing checks your body can’t cash.
November 30th, 2007 at 4:01 pm
Chad - most great hitters also have career averages over .248. He hits homeruns. He is not a great hitter!!!! He is slow and he sucks at defense as well! Dunn blows. End of discussion
November 30th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
“It leads the league in HR’s every year.”
Yea… that is relevant, because Dunn’s line of .252/.378/.538 really sucks on the road.
But like Rob said - Dunn is coming to the Cubs anytime soon.
November 30th, 2007 at 4:04 pm
hmmm… lefthanded with speed… I smell Korey Patterson…
November 30th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
It isn’t how a player gets out that matters???
Yes it is. I would rather have a guy that puts the ball in play and forces the defense to make a play, than a guy that strikes out. Ground ball outs move runners over and can bring in a guy from 3rd. Fly ball outs can allow a guy to tag up. How many times have Errors kept innings alive and lead to runs? Strikeouts do not allow any of these above things to happen?
November 30th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
Dunn also has a career OBP of .381. That makes up for some of the low BA.
November 30th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
I would rather have a guy that puts the ball in play and forces the defense to make a play
And I would rather have a guy strikeout than ground into a double play.
Ground ball outs move runners over and can bring in a guy from 3rd.
Well… you don’t pay guys 15 million dollars to move runners.
How many times have Errors kept innings alive and lead to runs?
Not many… typically once or twice a game a team will commit an error. And they lead to runs even less often.
November 30th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Yes, DJH. We are of the same school. However, high K rates seem to be increasingly unavoidable these days. I would argue that, for players that hit for good average and power, the high K rate is just going to be accepted. For someone like Dunn (Mongo), it is about all he does other than hit HRs. It is a MAJOR deterrent to me. Factor in that he is a walking fiasco in the OF, and that seals it. I want no part of him on the Cubs. He belongs in the AL.
November 30th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
To the Dunn-bashers…… do you think the Reds present more of a challenge to the Cubs when Dunn is in or out of the lineup?
November 30th, 2007 at 4:32 pm
Izturis is the new Cardinals shortstop - one year for $2.85 million.
November 30th, 2007 at 4:32 pm
For someone like Dunn (Mongo), it is about all he does other than hit HRs.
Yea… except for, you know, those 100+ walks, 30+ doubles a year.
November 30th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
LNL - My answer to that is easy, but is more of a testament about who the Reds have to replace him than about whether or not Dunn is a walking turd. In their situation, they are better with him in the lineup. Nothing said…
November 30th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
BTW… the Cubs gave up 40 unearned runs in 2007 - about 1 every 4 games. That means that about 1 in every 150 at-bats an error would have led to a run against the Cubs this past season.
I think I will take Dunn’s 70+ extra base hits and 100+ walks a year instead of the .66% chance a Dunn groundball would turn into an error that would turn into a run.
November 30th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
Winn’s OPS is 200 points higher as a righty hitter vs. lefty, so he may not be the lefty masher in RF that Hendry is seeking.
November 30th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
“Wes — November 30, 2007 @ 4:01 pm
It’s not how a player gets out that matters, it’s what he does when he doesn’t get out that does.
Chad said that? Easy, hoss. You’re treading a fine line there. Not sure that’s a Chadball principle.
You’re writing checks your body can’t cash.”
No my friend, that is the heart of Chadball. If you hit 50 homers, I don’t care about anything else. That’s Chadball, baby!
Also, Chadball and Moneyball-esque Sabremetrics are not always 100% diametrically opposite.
DJH — November 30, 2007 @ 4:01 pm
“Chad - most great hitters also have career averages over .248. He hits homeruns. He is not a great hitter!!!! He is slow and he sucks at defense as well! Dunn blows. End of discussion”
Well, as far as the Sabremetric idea of a great hitter, he is one. As dave posted, a .381 career OBP is quite good.
“Yes it is. I would rather have a guy that puts the ball in play and forces the defense to make a play”
OK, you take Neifi Perez who strikes out roughly 1 out of every 10 abs and I’ll take Dunn who K’s 1 of every 3 abs.
November 30th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
Rob G - you mentioned Fukudome might stay in Japan. I had read the same thing. ESPN is now reporting this:
Agent Joe Urbon told ESPN.com that he met with Fukudome in Nagoya, Japan, on Wednesday night and went over the “multiple offers” the outfielder had received from MLB clubs.
“Although staying in Japan certainly is an option, it is highly unlikely,” Urbon said in an e-mail.
…interesting
November 30th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
Let’s not even think about “Clank” in our outfield next year - he still reminds me of King Kong Kingman on balls hit out to him. And wasn’t there a discussion yesterday about how most players start declining precipitously once they reach the age of 30? He’s about at that point in his career - no?
November 30th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
yeah someone linked that just as I hit publish…
so good news for us…
November 30th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
the “Dunn”kin Donut joke was good but yeah, not getting traded.
it’s amazing to me that this has de-evolved into a discussion about him….
November 30th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Jace — November 30, 2007 @ 4:33 pm
LNL - My answer to that is easy, but is more of a testament about who the Reds have to replace him than about whether or not Dunn is a walking turd. In their situation, they are better with him in the lineup. Nothing said…
———————————
Hell, you could make the same assumption about a majority of teams, including the Cubs…. the {insert team name} are much more formidable when Dunn is in the lineup.
That is, like it or not, “something said” about Dunn’s value.
His power, ability to get on base and ability to drive in runs easily offsets his questionable ability to track a fly ball.
How the hell is that fact even debatable?
And why are the hell are we even debating Dunn? It makes about as much sense as debating the value of acquiring Jay Bruce or Joey Votto.
November 30th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
Yeah, Rob, it is pointless. You’re right. He’s not going anywhere.
November 30th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
fuko would be losing a lot of money staying in japan…they just dont have the will or want to establish MLB-level pay scales over there.
what they pay their superstars is practically just a convenience to stay at “home” rather than putting up with 6-8 months of playing in MLB where most become also-rans or support players rather than stars in the US.
other pros/cons such as training time, expectations, etc…
November 30th, 2007 at 4:55 pm
No, LNL. Since Mongo would be replacing Soriano in the lineup for the Cubs, they would not be more formidable with him in the lineup…
I’m not talking about this any more.
November 30th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
Jace, Dunn was brought up in this thread with the caveat that Soriano would move to RF.
See - Post #12
November 30th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
Ahh… I see. Shutting up. Starting…..
Now!
November 30th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
talk about timing…from yesterday’s blah blah blah…
” Elijah Dukes was ejected in the ninth inning of Thursday’s Dominican Winter League and had to be restrained from going after the umpire.”
November 30th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
This Adam Dunn debate is ridiculous. He does one thing…hits homeruns. We all agree on that.
To say he is a “great hitter,” that is ridiculous. He ranks 42 in hits as an outfielder. He has a career .222 RISP “He hits 30 doubles a year” - he has only done that twice. He is slow, his defense is god aweful, no one knows if he has an arm becuase the runner is usually in the dugout or standing up safe at second asking for a timeout by the time he gets the ball. He isn’t coming to Chicago, so this argument is pointless. It started by saying I would never pay 15,000,000 to Dunn…There are 30 outfielders I would rather pay that to.
November 30th, 2007 at 5:08 pm
crunch - what great timing that thug has! He must have heard that someone mistook him for Delmon Young. He had to disinguish himself again!
November 30th, 2007 at 5:26 pm
http://community.abcactionnews.....22462.aspx
This guy actually seems to think that Young is as bad as Dukes….
November 30th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
DJH - How many times have Errors kept innings alive and lead to runs?
Dave - Not many… typically once or twice a game a team will commit an error. And they lead to runs even less often.
…Dave we are cubs fans. Errors and extended innings have haunted us for 25 years. Ask the 1984 Padres if they would have rather struck out, or hit the ball to Leon Durham. You might want to ask the 2003 Marlins if they want to strike out or hit a routine grounder to Alex Gonzalez. I would rather put the ball in play and force the defense to make the play. They might “lead to runs less often,” but strikouts lead to runs even less…
November 30th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
Damn Jace! That guy is a real authority, deassa. I hope to read more from him!
DJH, you win. There it is! You cherry picked two plays, way to go!!!!!! Of course if it so happened that in those series our boys hit into double plays to end innings, you would be all, “DAMN! I wish he just struck out!”
Horrible examples.
November 30th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
DJH, when you can point to an error BEFORE it happens then you are on to something.
Or if I knew every time someone hit the ball, it would be an error, then yes, Neifi would serve a purpose in life
November 30th, 2007 at 6:07 pm
They were jokes Chad. I was giving exaples of my philosophy of Strikeouts vs. Groudouts and I thought it would be funny to use the two that would clearly hit home with TCR readers. They weren’t bad examples…they are exact examples of when the ball is in play, anything can happen. Dave said it rarely happens, but it has happened twice to us, and caused us a lot of pain and suffering
Simply put, we disagree on baseball philosophy. I believe it is more valuable for a hitter to put the pressure on the defense. You keep talking about double plays but ignoring the value of a ground ball or fly ball with a man on second or a man on 3rd. I think putting the ball in play is a lost art of baseball. More recent examples… Ask the 2006 NLCS Mets, with a man on second, if they would have liked to have a ground ball to the right side or a fly ball from Cliff Floyd in game 7. Ask the Cardinals how much they bennefitted from the pressure they put on Detroit’s defense in the 2006 world series. Strikeouts kill situational hitting and put no pressure on the defense.
November 30th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
While most of what you say is true, it doesn’t change the fact that a guy who hits tons of homers and strikes out a lot has far greater value than a guy who doesn’t hit at all but doesn’t strike out.
Sluggers who don’t strike out a lot are few and far between, so you live with the strike outs for the other stuff they do.
November 30th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
I’m with DJH, 8 Juan Pierre’s please…..
I kid..
November 30th, 2007 at 6:16 pm
Braves decided not to offer arbitration to Jones…
http://www.ajc.com/blogs/conte.....ogs_braves
November 30th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
he was already a Type B free agent so it probably won’t change much….
November 30th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
I was never trying to say that “a guy who hits tons of homers and strikes out a lot has less value than a guy who doesn’t hit at all but doesn’t strike out”…I was arguing that I don’t believe that all outs are the same.
If all outs were the same, sacrifices would not exist.
November 30th, 2007 at 6:28 pm
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/ne.....p;c_id=chc
according to the mouthpiece, it’s a 16% ticket price raise
November 30th, 2007 at 6:32 pm
anyone know what JHendry is doing in the Dominican Republic
well according to Rotoworld, Cuban defector and middle infielder Alexei Ramirez is playing in the DR.
Maybe. I think he’s a righty though. He’s also still sorting through residency issues and can’t be offered a contract yet.
November 30th, 2007 at 6:35 pm
other Rotoworld blurbs…
Angels and Marlins still stuck on a Cabrera deal, won’t talk until the meetings again.
Olney says the Yanks are leaning towards including Hughes in a deal for Johann, making it Hughes/Melky and either Austin Jackson or Jose Tabata.
Both teams are talking to the A’s about Haren already just in case.
Cards have strong interest in Capuano…
November 30th, 2007 at 6:37 pm
well it did seem like you were saying that Adam Dunn is just an okay hitter because he strikes out a lot, which, I’m sorry, is just silly.
November 30th, 2007 at 6:41 pm
I know Hendry is focused on Left Handedness, but I don’t like any of the lefty options out there. Fukudome is the best of the bunch, and I don’t think that’s at all impressive. I’d be pretty shocked to even see an 800 OPS out of Fukudome next year.
I’ll take the right handed AJones, for a nice price coming off a bad year. I expect he’ll bounce back, but even if he doesn’t you get a stellar glove in CF. Pie and Murton can then platoon in RF.
November 30th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.c.....index.html
Bill James on clutch hitting…
pretty good stuff although he “stiffs” us on what exactly he defines a clutch situation, just saying he came up with a system that weighs:
1. The score,
2. The runners on base,
3. The outs,
4. The inning,
5. The opposition,
6. The standings,
7. The calendar.
worth a read, Chad will be happy.
November 30th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
Ray King’s neck signing with the Nationals on a minor league deal.
November 30th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
I actually like that option also BB.
Doesn’t seem to be an option internally though… at least not yet.
November 30th, 2007 at 7:13 pm
Right field does indeed suck.
November 30th, 2007 at 7:21 pm
left field sucks…
November 30th, 2007 at 7:34 pm
“(A) Clutch hitting doesn’t exist.
(B) Umm…OK.
(C) I don’t know…I think maybe it could exist.
(A & B in unison) Prove it.
(C) I can’t prove it.
(A) OK then, it doesn’t exist.
(B) If you can’t prove it exists, we have to assume that it doesn’t.”
This is an excerpt from that Bill James article. I can conclude that Bill James is an Atheist.
November 30th, 2007 at 7:44 pm
AZ Phil, RE Two Stream Golden Shower:
A Golden shower is when one person urinates on another person for the sake of sexual gratification.
A Two Stream version of this, quite obviously, is when there are two streams of urine, therefore two people urinating on a third person.
Hope that helps.
November 30th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
not really sure we needed that… :)
November 30th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
Re: #112
I’m pretty sure TCR just grabbed a new demographic on the Google search results.
November 30th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
…but he asked!!
:)
November 30th, 2007 at 8:02 pm
Jimbo is probably in the DR doing some internal scouting on Pie. BTW if Fukudome needs a Japanse teammate So Taguchi is a FA.
November 30th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
clutch is a car part.
ive seen people work numbers to “prove” Arod isnt clutch…
people define it in a variety of ways and you can get jumped on for everything from taking a walk when you should have been swinging based on your skills…which is one dunn is picked on a lot for.
you got on average 30-40% chance of making a “positive stat” happen in any given baseball situation at the bat. you’re already talking about handicapping the merits of a 25% range of something which is gonna happen less than 1/2 the time.
November 30th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
btw…with people on…whether it be because of the crap they’ve stuck behind him batting or his own shortcomings or the fear of his power…dunn sees a bunch of crap.
sometimes he Ks, sometimes he walks…he does a lot of both with men on.
November 30th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
big hurdle on the sale…
http://www.latimes.com/busines.....crosspromo
Trib cleared to go private and FCC waived any rules barring cross-ownership.
November 30th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
FCC is supposed to protect us from that sort of thing…but at least they put a 2 year cap on it to add some sort of security.
My local market has 2 top TV stations owned by 1 owner (cbs/fox affiliates) with sinclair owning another few stations…our local market, once owned by 5 distinct voices, is down to 2 major owners and “shared” news organizations.
Go Cubs.
November 30th, 2007 at 8:12 pm
i to would be happy with a. jones deal for a year
where else are his options texas ,sandiego,
i dont rhink white sox are
dodgers?
November 30th, 2007 at 8:25 pm
I don’t think Jones will be signing a 1-year deal….
November 30th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
i hope hendry can manage to NOT sign j.estrada.
if blanco is healthy just go with soto/blanco…
havent heard anything linking them, but i cant imagine the mets want much to do with estrada after picking up schnider.
November 30th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
I know Boras is still just blowing smoke up people’s asses, but he’s still talking bigtime years and $100m for Andruw.
I don’t think that 1 year would get Jones unless it’s absolutely obscenely expensive.
November 30th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Mlb.com has sweet lou saying that the cubs are trying to get there lefthanded batter via trade he also states theres noone on the free agent market they liked n maybe that was said because as of tonight fukedomes agent hasnt contacted the cubs back in reguards to if hes coming over or not
November 30th, 2007 at 8:39 pm
i’ll trade you a few punctuation marks for some capital letters, dude.
November 30th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/ne.....p;c_id=chc
Lou about the Cubs pursuit of Kaz…
“We have a good second baseman in DeRosa, so I’m not concerned,” Piniella said Friday. “If we got Matsui, then DeRosa could’ve moved to one of the outfield spots, or we could’ve used him — and I’m not talking about a utility role — but we could’ve used him to rest some people. That was the intention when he was signed a year ago.”
suggests the trade route for the RFer who can play right field, and who has the potential to hit fourth or fifth in the lineup.
- Soriano will bat leadoff….
Pie has the edge in CF for now and as cwtp mentioned, Hendry there to look at him.
- Soto/Blanco will definitely be the catching duo
- Dempster will be given a chance to start, doesn’t sound like it’s set in stone if his spring doesn’t go too well.
November 30th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
oh sorry as chifan said about Hendry being in the DR, not cwtp.
November 30th, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Rob G:
“well it did seem like you were saying that Adam Dunn is just an okay hitter because he strikes out a lot, which, I’m sorry, is just silly”
I think Adam Dunn is just an okay hitter because his career average is .248
He is a good homerun hitter and offers absolutely nothing else on the baseball field
November 30th, 2007 at 8:52 pm
okay, didn’t the batting average as a barometer go out the window in the 1980’s?
OBP baby, it’s the new wave….
Dunn hits homers, Dunn gets on-base, they’re both very valuable. And he’s one of the better hitters in the game. I do think he’s miscast in the middle of the order due to his extreme walk/strikeout tendencies with runners on but that doesn’t make him any less valuable, just makes his managers dumb. He should bat 2nd imo…
November 30th, 2007 at 8:52 pm
I think Adam Dunn is just an okay hitter because his career average is .248
You know there is more to being a hitter than batting average, right?
November 30th, 2007 at 8:54 pm
“I would think to get the left-hand bat we want, it’s going to have to be a trade,” Piniella said. “I don’t see anybody in the free-agent market.”
————————
I guess we can quit speculating on Jenkins, Green, et al.
November 30th, 2007 at 8:56 pm
“He should bat 2nd imo…”
agreed…and i always thought jim edmonds was another guy who was a perfect #2 hitter even though he’s got power.
you know your “speed guy” (if he is there and #1 slot and on base) will get plenty of chances to run given their plate approach and you get to use your power earlier in the lineup.
November 30th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
According to Ken Rosenthal, the White Sox have cooled on Aaron Rowand as they do not want to give him a five-year contract. Instead, they’ve set their sights on Kosuke Fukudome and Jason Bay.
November 30th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
You know there is more to hitting and being a good baseball player than home runs right?
November 30th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
I’m fairly sure Narron put Dunn in the #2 spot at different points during his tenure…. just never consistently.
November 30th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
edmonds has played a nice chunk of time batting 2nd both early and late in his career with ana and stl.
im just saying he’s the type of power hitter i’d consider, like dunn, to be decent/safe #2 hitter material.
November 30th, 2007 at 9:02 pm
dunn has 466ab’s batting 2nd…similar batting 3rd…a bit over 2x more batting 4th, and nearly 3x more batting 5th.
November 30th, 2007 at 9:04 pm
if you go to baseball-reference.com and check a player’s page there’s a toolbar above the first set of stats that with some really in depth splits.
a lotta changes over there the past year without much fanfare rolling them out.
November 30th, 2007 at 9:04 pm
Has anyone seen anything lately about the O’s asking price for Tejada?
November 30th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
Thanks Crunch, I’ll check that out. I tried to find the batting order stats for Dunn that you cited and came up empty.
November 30th, 2007 at 9:09 pm
to player page…next to “Batting” on bar above stats…Splits drop down menu, select career….its in the scroll of the webpage it spits out.
November 30th, 2007 at 9:14 pm
ANA is supposedly looking tejada for 3rd…people linking LAD, too, in their possible quest for 3rd.
he’s thought to be the loser’s “prize” for whoever doesnt snag cabrerra.
November 30th, 2007 at 9:18 pm
Wow…. that’s a massive list of info.
November 30th, 2007 at 9:20 pm
I just noticed that Soriano’s page is available for sponsorship on Baseball-Reference.
I don’t know much about the site, but that seems odd to me. Seems like most of the pages I have visited have sponsors.
November 30th, 2007 at 10:49 pm
Since the Cub’s are reworking the field surface anyway this off season, they should just move the right-field fence wayyy in. Like about 5 feet behind where Lee normally stands. Then they won’t even need a right-fielder.
November 30th, 2007 at 10:55 pm
Rob G.:
okay, didn’t the batting average as a barometer go out the window in the 1980’s?
OBP baby, it’s the new wave….
Dunn hits homers, Dunn gets on-base, they’re both very valuable. And he’s one of the better hitters in the game. I do think he’s miscast in the middle of the order due to his extreme walk/strikeout tendencies with runners on but that doesn’t make him any less valuable, just makes his managers dumb. He should bat 2nd imo…
Word.
You’ve got to love the perennial Dunn discussion. Never happens, though, almost like it makes too much sense. Everyone’s all like, “whaaaa, his defense is terrible”
Like we’re so concerned with defense, running gems like Jacque Jones, Murton, Cliff Floyd, Daryl Ward, and Jake Fox out instead. Weeeee…
Just get Dunn. Dunn meet Sheffield.
November 30th, 2007 at 10:58 pm
Wes:
I know Boras is still just blowing smoke up people’s asses, but he’s still talking bigtime years and $100m for Andruw.
I don’t think that 1 year would get Jones unless it’s absolutely obscenely expensive.
He might want a quickie contract to put up some big numbers in ‘08 and prove his worth for a monster contract. But, generally guys in his position just hire Boras and get as much as they can. :)
November 30th, 2007 at 11:52 pm
NYY including Hughes for Santana:
http://www.nydailynews.com/spo.....n_p-2.html
I wonder if NYY would entertain trading Matsui or Abreu to A) Relieve payroll obligations as Johan will be a 20 mil guy added on to the extra money for Arod, Posada, Rivera. B) Do some restocking of the farm. I am sure NYY would want a low cost glove minded CF like Cabrera given all their bats and 2 arms to replace Hughes and any other pitching prospect. Maybe Fuld, Gallagher (For Matsui)/Hart (for Abreu), and Marshall would work. I would also include Wuertz for Matsui if a get a lesser refelief prospect back also.
December 1st, 2007 at 12:40 am
Padres said they intend to offer Barrett arbitration and there’s a pretty good chance he’ll accept it.
December 1st, 2007 at 12:41 am
If Lou Piniella today can be believed, here’s the 2008 rotation…barring trades..
Zambrano
Lilly
Hill
Marquis
Dempster
Marshall would appear to be out.
And this just in, Termel Sledge is about to become the newest Nippon-Ham Fighter.
December 1st, 2007 at 7:46 am
Rob G.:
“But then of course, we’re talking about Manny.”
HA HA I would expect nothing less from you, typical Rob G.
December 1st, 2007 at 7:59 am
Rob G.:
“according to the mouthpiece, it’s a 16% ticket price raise”
Maybe that is the average across the board, but my tickets went up from from $2,154 per seat ($26.59 per game) to $2,596 per seat ($32.05 per seat). That is an increase of 20.5%. Nice try by the writer to spin that. If the average seat goes up $5 per seat, then that is roughly $17 million in added ticket revenue. With the payroll being $110 million last year, there is no excuse not to see almost $125 million this year.
December 1st, 2007 at 8:03 am
chifan:
“Jimbo is probably in the DR doing some internal scouting on Pie.”
He does realize that Pie is a player on his baseball team, and not a food. I hope he didn’t fly all the way down there expecting a good pie. :)
December 1st, 2007 at 8:12 am
Per CM…”Hendry was in the Dominican this week to watch Pie play for Licey”
So how did he do?
Is the top manager for the club called the head licey?
December 1st, 2007 at 8:23 am
crunch says:
November 30th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
clutch is a car part.
===================================
Clutch is a kick-ass band
http://profile.myspace.com/ind.....=169785874
December 1st, 2007 at 8:41 am
The left-handed-hitting Fukudome, 30, is expected to draw interest from several major-league teams, including the White Sox, and the Cubs are prepared for a bidding war if he decides to leave Japan, as most expect.
http://chicagosports.chicagotr.....-headlines
——————————————
Doesn’t sound like we will lose out on Fuku due to money.
December 1st, 2007 at 10:18 am
Manny:
With the payroll being $110 million last year, there is no excuse not to see almost $125 million this year.
That’s a bit simplistic, Manny. Don’t you work in a ticket office? You should know that there are constant increases in the cost of doing business, and significant one-time expenses like the field renovation that have to be paid for with ticket revenue.
December 1st, 2007 at 10:24 am
Was the payroll $110 million last year?
Cot’s has it at $99,670,332
December 1st, 2007 at 10:27 am
LNL:
“Was the payroll $110 million last year?”
That is what Crane Kenney said, and I trust him a little more than Cot’s.
December 1st, 2007 at 10:36 am
Vorare:
“Don’t you work in a ticket office?”
Yes I do. And we have not raised ticket prices in 3 years.
“That’s a bit simplistic, Manny.”
I agree it is, but the Cubs in the letter to us season ticket holders gave us 3 reasons why they raised ticket prices so dramatically:
1) Field a championship team - basically team payroll.
2) Improve the playing field - The Cubs admitted in the letter this was a $1.6 million project.
3) Maintain the 93-year old Friendly Confines - Upkeep on Wrigley Field.
When breaking those down, I think an additional $15 million is fair to raise payroll. You might not, but I have a financial investment in the team, albeit a small, one that many other Cubs fans don’t. So my expectations very well might be different than the Cubs fan who might go to one game a year.
Mainly I see this is the Trib knowing this is their last season as owners and figured they can jack up the price to whatever and they don’t care as they don’t really have to deal with the fallout. They are going to take their extra money and vast profits in selling the team and run, while never even getting the Cubs in the WS once during their ownership reign. Kudos to the Trib!!!
December 1st, 2007 at 10:40 am
Per CM…”Hendry was in the Dominican this week to watch Pie play for Licey”
So how did he do?
He had a hitting streak going that had raised his BA up to .242 and then Hendry showed up and it ended. 0/2
December 1st, 2007 at 10:40 am
Oh yeah, the Cubs do make money in other place besides ticket revenue that they can earmark toward WRigley’s capitol expenses or fixing the playing field. Selling bricks, Under Armor ads, new seats, etc. Hell, if you want to talk about ticket revenue, they set a record for most fans ever at Wrigley last year 3,252,464, and that is 130,000 more than the previous year. If you make the average ticket price $30, which I think is low, that would be an additional $4 million in revenue.
December 1st, 2007 at 10:46 am
A two stream golden shower is…
well, nevermind.
December 1st, 2007 at 11:03 am
cwtp:
Marshall would appear to be out.
And what percentage of the year do you think all 5 starting pitchers will be healthy? 50%? 40%? Even with a somewhat durable rotation, you’ll still have injuries throughout the year.
That’s why you need to have that guy who’ll sit in Iowa waiting for Z’s back to tighten up, or Dempster elbow to fly off.
Still, I don’t like the strategy of putting Demp in the rotation. He went to the bullpen to begin with because he was so mediocre in the rotation. This also moves Marquis up to the 4th slot. He did fine beating #5 starters, but I think they’re asking for trouble with this move.
December 1st, 2007 at 11:38 am
My sister is doing some work for the Cubs and has met Sweet Lou several times. She just sent me a photo of Lou and he looks like he has lost a lot of weight already. He looked good.
December 1st, 2007 at 11:44 am
Good enough to play RF?
December 1st, 2007 at 11:55 am
Don’t know if this was linked here yet, but Sully’s reporting that Kaz is going to Houston:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/.....8147.story
I feel better already.
December 1st, 2007 at 12:25 pm
bruce levine on espn1000 a few moments ago said to”watch for the cubs to pursue a 2b at the winter meetings.” and “brian roberts of balt is a name to keep an eye on.”
December 1st, 2007 at 12:32 pm
Brian Roberts…nice.
That ain’t coming cheap though.
DeRosa can’t be happy about all this.
December 1st, 2007 at 12:33 pm
I think Kenney did say that any ticket price increases would go directly into the payroll.