MVN - a Chicago Cubs blog
The Cub Reporter
Day 2 Evening Rumors
Early Morning Roundup
- Newsday is reporting that the Fukudome has narrowed his choices to the Cubs and Royals. Quick, someone send Fukudome the stories about Guillen’s HGH abuse, Gil Meche’s career stats and a copy of the Detroit Tigers roster.
- Paul Sullivan in the Trib has a brief not that the Cubs and Hendry have essentially deemed Felix Pie, Sam Fuld, Jeff Samardzija and Tyler Colvin as untouchable in trade talks.
———–
- Jerry Crasnick seems to think the Cubs are seeking 2 left-handed OF bats. He says the Cubs have inquired about Geoff Jenkins and there are some in the organization that want the Cubs to pursue Chone Figgins. He speculates that the Angels might ask for Aramis Ramirez in return. Crasnick also says the Cubs will have a hard time landing Josh Hamilton as the Reds wouldn’t want to deal him within the division.
On an unrelated note, I think either Jerry Crasnick or his “source” are a raging alcoholic with a coke addiction.
- Wittenmeyer clarifies a few things in his latest:
- If the Cubs lose out on Fukudome, Plan B is Raul Ibanez, speculating that Sean Marshall might get it done.
- He also says the Cubs haven’t even talked about Josh Hamilton and don’t appear interested.
- He says that Hendry has not talked to anyone about Ryan Dempster.
- And the Cubs have no interest in trading Felix Pie or Sam Fuld.
- Rosenthal says talks have cooled between the Padres and Cubs for Mark Prior and speculates that Prior might not be back from shoulder surgery until May. Wittenmeyer also mentions May as a possible return date for Prior.
- Bruce Levine earlier mentioned that the Padres offered 4/40 for Fukudome but the Padres MLB.com site says it’s more in the 3/24 range. MLB.com seems more credible on this one since Fukudome’s agent has stated that Fukudome doesn’t want to sign for anything longer than three years.
Around the NL Central:
- The same article on the Padres site says the Astros and Padres couldn’t seal a deal for Luke Scott.
- The Rosenthal article says the Dodgers are in hot pursuit of Scott Rolen.
- The Astros have dropped out of talks for Miguel Tejada.
- The Reds are interested in Erik Bedard with Homer Bailey and Joey Votto being the prime bait.
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74 Responses to “Day 2 Evening Rumors”
December 5th, 2007 at 1:28 am
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=89853
Miles says pretty much everything that Wittenmeyer said. He does add that the Cubs are waiting for Fukudome to officially decide on the U.S. before making an offer, something about being respectful of his wishes.
December 5th, 2007 at 1:29 am
Why would Dusty Baker’s team get rid of two of it’s top three young players for an injury prone, established starter?
Actually that would be a really nice trade and make the Reds the favorites in the division, in my mind.
December 5th, 2007 at 1:42 am
Geez, Rob, let me go to bed…
(Rob G. — the Hardest Working Man in Blog business)
December 5th, 2007 at 1:49 am
http://chicagosports.chicagotr.....-headlines
everyone must have been at the same press conference…
Rangers, Padres, Reds with interest in Prior. Cubs talked to his agent about a one year deal with an option for 2009 but no progress.
Pie, Fuld, Colvin and Samardizija are the Cubs untouchables.
“We’re big Ryan Dempster people” shooting down trade talk.
December 5th, 2007 at 1:54 am
pie and fuld being untouchables…pretty much spells out the plan for CF really is pie/fuld…even if hendry loves pie (there’s a joke there somewhere) there’s really no reason to make fuld untouchable even though he’s a decent/cheap kid.
December 5th, 2007 at 1:59 am
I have to agree on Fuld. At the very, very, very best he’s Brett Butler with a better arm. But most likely he’s not, and his trade value isn’t going to be any higher than it is right now. All most GM’s probably know of him is the spetacular catch he made agains the ivy, and he’s the AFL MVP. I would say that Hendry is a guy who falls in love with his prospects, but he has traded guys in the past, like the Pierre deal. He seems to be a guy who falls in love with the wrong prospects, though.
December 5th, 2007 at 2:00 am
speaking of samninja…are him and grant johnson both opening at AA next year?
December 5th, 2007 at 2:07 am
i like fuld…i mean…hell, if there’s a 4th OF type you want that’s got low power…he’s about the best thing going, 360K a year or 3.6m a year.
if there’s an injury in the OF and fuld steps in…i’d have a hard time complaining based on what he’s done and what i’ve seen.
i just find it hard to buy him as a full-time starter unless he finds some more power.
December 5th, 2007 at 7:43 am
One of the rumors swirling around mentioned Nate McLouth from Pittsburgh. In my opinion, Fuld and McLouth are the same player. Most of these writers are really clueless…
Marshall for Ibanez seems like a fair deal to me but the question becomes another “would you rather”? Would you rather trade Marshall (in a package) to get Brian Roberts or would you rather get Ibanez? I think Ibanez plugs the lefthanded, middle of the order need but his defensive reputation would require him to be replaced in the late innings like Floyd-making him a 3/4 player. Roberts would likely give us 600+ at bats… I think most would agree that getting Roberts and Fukodome is the best case scenario…
I don’t think you can pull the trigger until you get the Fukodome answer. I just hope we don’t wait too long and end up with nothing.
December 5th, 2007 at 7:56 am
I think you’re right, carmen, on all this waiting for K-Fuk. But even if we lose out on him, I still would rather trade Marshall for Roberts and go with a Jenkins/Murton platoon in RF than trade Marshall for Ibanez. At the very least, if Jenkins/Murton does not work out, you can more readily trade for a corner OF in mid-season than a 2B.
December 5th, 2007 at 7:57 am
If you trade for Ibanez now and you sign Fukudome you can trade Ibanez. However I think this is a moot point because it seems Fuku wants to come stateside and we have 26 million dollars (The extra 25 that the scribes think Hendry has to spend plus the extra million from trading Ohman and JJ minus the Wood deal) ana a RF being our only glaring need and only 3 side needs of a LH middle infielder, RH center field option (If FUKU can lefties this is solved by playing him in CF and Dero in RF vs. tough lefties) and a #3 righty stater (Blanton for Marshall, Gallagher, and Epat)
December 5th, 2007 at 8:19 am
In Hendry’s mind the Cubs have the finest farm system in the league…why else would so many of its young unproven players including Hill Pie Fuld etc be untouchable. Did you ever consider JIm that maybey you don’t have mcu of anything that anyone wants. When was the last time anyone offerred anything more than a bag of peanuts for your bright prospects. If they trade fro Hamilton it will acknowledge how dumb they were in passing him along to the Reds in the first place for nothing.His paralyzed state is insignificant because most of his moves are fringe and desparation moves that are fairly obvious and show a dearth of creativity. Fukudome will be the main move and he will pay dearly for slightly above mediocre talent say 3 years 42-45 million. Pending other moves in the Central this may be all it takes to compete in th worst division in baseball.
December 5th, 2007 at 8:30 am
Re: Brian Roberts - you do not know if Brian Roberts is even available. Angelos has said on several occasions he would like the kid to be a centerpiece to build around. So, regardless of what YOU’D rather do, the club has to want to trade the player. The option just simply may not be there. And, if that is definitvely the case, is losing a #5 starter, whom you have a replacement for in-house and option for Raul Ibanez?
December 5th, 2007 at 8:31 am
Yeah, Hendry never trades prospects and has never gotten anything for them. There’s no track record there whatsoever.
I love the well-beaten drum. The Cubs farm system is worthless, Hendry overvalues prospects, until the point where he trades any prospects, then he is always giving up too much.
December 5th, 2007 at 8:50 am
is losing a #5 starter, whom you have a replacement for in-house and option for Raul Ibanez, and option?
December 5th, 2007 at 8:56 am
If anything Hendry has a history of trading minor league talent. Jeez everyone here a month or two ago was griping that we gave away all this talent for Steve Traschel. Doesn’t anyone remember the DLee trade, Juan Pierre trade, Aram trade. So I am not so sure that Hendry is afraid or falls in love with trading prospects. I just hope he falls in love with the right prospects that he keeps.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:01 am
Newsday reporting that K-Fuk has narrowed his choices to the Cubs and Royals.
http://www.newsday.com/sports/.....2448.story
December 5th, 2007 at 9:03 am
My previous post with the link must have been ate up in the Spam filter, but Newsday is reporting that K-Fuk has narrowed his choices to the Cubs and Royals.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:04 am
E-Man: I think that a year ago, Angelos was dead set on keeping Roberts. I think that the new regime, however, is set on re-building and is considering moving almost everyone with the exception of Markakis.
DC Tom: I think if we would strike a deal with the O’s for Roberts, Murton would almost certainly be included.
The crux of my point is that Marshall is one if not our number one trading chip. He’s a lefthanded starter with major league experience and some sucess under his belt. The emergence of Kevin Hart and adding Dempster gives us the luxury of losing him and filling another hole. His youth and salary make him attractive, time will tell, however, what his market value really is.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:04 am
FROM PREVIOUS THREAD:
Jumbo — December 4, 2007 @ 7:51 pm
MLB.com covered the Acanio trade, including this little nugget:
“It’s no secret that [Cubs manager Lou Piniella] likes players who can play more than one spot, and the appeal of Infante is that he could play shortstop, second, and all three outfield spots,” Hendry said. “Our people felt that he was an above average center fielder, too.”
That job could be handled by Ronny Cedeno, who has played shortstop and second, and been asked to play center field this winter.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/articl…..;fext=.jsp
_________
I haven’t heard that before (no 3/44, no 3/44), and I honestly can’t imagine how Cedeno would handle center. Any thoughts?
==========================
JUMBO: Ronny Cedeno has played 37 games so far this season in the VWL, and he started all 37 games at shortstop.
In one of the games, Cedeno moved from SS to CF in the bottom of the 8th inning of a 13-2 blow-out, but he had no chances. But other than that one instance, he has (so far) played every inning of every VWL game at SS.
Offensively, Cedeno has gone 333/427/475, and is 3rd in the VWL in doubles, 6th in BA and OBP, and 7th in OPS. He also has 20/23 BB/K in 161 PA, and has 5 SB (0 CS).
December 5th, 2007 at 9:17 am
According to Newsday, Fuko has nbarrowed his choice to the Cubs and the Royals (scroll to the bottom).
http://www.newsday.com/sports/.....2448.story
If that is the case, we got him! Play with a potential world series team, or a potential 4th place team makes the choice obvious.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:23 am
How do people still not understand that the Josh Hamilton situation? The Reds came to Hendry with $50k and asked to buy his spot in the draft. Then when it came time for the Cubs to announce their pick, they were told who to draft. It’s not like Krivsky came to Hendry and said “hey, help me go get Josh Hamilton.”
December 5th, 2007 at 9:23 am
Rob,
What’s your problem with raging alcoholics with coke habits?
December 5th, 2007 at 9:24 am
Az Phil,
any new thoughts on the Rule 5 draft tomorrow?
December 5th, 2007 at 9:24 am
Cubs and Royals? WTF is wrong with this guy? If we lose him to the Royals?!
December 5th, 2007 at 9:26 am
A friend from Japan says the press there is reporting that the two most aggressive bidders for Fukudome are the Cubs and White Sox and that the Sox currently have the largest number on the table–more than $15MM.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:28 am
didn’t the white sox get the memo that their season ended yesterday?
December 5th, 2007 at 9:28 am
$15 million for K-Fuk? It sure didn’t take long for Soriano’s contract to become reasonable.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:32 am
Remember the good old days when Furcal was too expensive at 13 mil a year? Now Kfuck is getting 15 having never been in MLB and comming off elbow surgery? Paging Andruw Jones. Andruw Jones, Mr. Hendry is on the phone.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:36 am
To me, Sam Fuld’s #1 negative is that he plays TOO hard, and as a result he’s had a propensity to kill himself on the field and sustain season-ending injuries due to blunt-force trauma.
Sam Fuld’s career minor league numbers prorated per 160 games:
296/377/417
6 HR
53 RBI
107 RUNS
39 2B
7 3B
26 SB (9 CS)
70 BB/70 K
When he’s healthy (as he was in the AFL), he has some HR power (he hit three HR in 29 AFL games), and he can handle LHP without a problem, but he just has all kinds of problems staying healthy.
Also, I would compare Sam Fuld to Lenny Dykstra, not to Brett Butler. Butler was a slap hitter who led the league in bunt singles every year, while Fuld frequently drives the ball into the gaps and will occasionally hit a HR.
I noticed he was turning on the ball more frequently in the AFL and roping the ball down the RF line..That’s how he ended up hitting three HR in 29 AFL games (above his career minor league average). He’s at the point in his career where he will probably start hitting more home runs, possibly up to 10-12 per year. He’s not Ryan Theriot.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:38 am
I want a player that can get on base. Andru is NOT that guy.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:38 am
Carmen, I see your point about Murton to O’s for Roberts. But I think they’d be just as interested in a Marshall/Cedeno/prospect offer for Roberts, particularly if they trade Tejada as well. It all depends on what the O’s do now…with Cabrera traded, the Angels presumably will now be asking for Tejada…
K-Fuk’s choice is between the Cubs and the Royals? That’s a choice? It sounds to me like his agent is trying to squeak a little bit something from Hendry, like a fourth year player option.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:39 am
Rob G.:
“Pie, Fuld, Colvin and Samardizija are the Cubs untouchables.”
Sam Fuld is untouchable? OMG! I can sort of understand the other three at this point, but Fuld?
December 5th, 2007 at 9:41 am
Would the Royals still be interested in K-Fuk after the Guillen deal? I don’t know much about their OF situation.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:47 am
If Fuld plays like the healthy Brett Butler, that’s not too shabby.
He’d be the best Cub center fielder since Andy Pafko, with the possible exception of Rick Monday. And a great lead-off man.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:50 am
Soto should be the only untouchable in the ML system. There isnt a single “slam dunk” prospect in this entire organization.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:51 am
Lenny Dykstra played alot like Brett Butler before he roided up and got some power.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:52 am
With Jose Guillen signing for $12M a year for 3 years, 3$15M for three years for K-Fuk is reasonable.
That’s the funny thing about many long-term contracts. Soriano is now officially a bargain, probably through the year 2011 at least (when Soriano’s 35 years old). In 2011, $15M will buy you an average OF if you’re lucky. Ditto for Zambrano’s contract.
Jason Bay to Indians for Gutierrze, Shoppach, and Cliff Lee?
http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_sto.....ubname=mlb
December 5th, 2007 at 9:52 am
Danville Joe — December 5, 2007 @ 9:47 am
If Fuld plays like the healthy Brett Butler, that’s not too shabby.
He’d be the best Cub center fielder since Andy Pafko, with the possible exception of Rick Monday. And a great lead-off man.
========================
DANVILLE JOE: Leon Johnson is the fastest player and the best bunter in the Cubs system, and he is the real Brett Butler clone. Sam Fuld is Lenny Dykstra Redux.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:53 am
I keep peeking at the Ibanez stats. Solid 100RBI/OBP guy. Ibanez for Marshall?
I’d think it to be a decent one or two year situation and perhaps a strong plan B for RF.
Again, I am hearing Mark Teahen. As I said yesterday, with 121+K’s and leading the league in GIDP’s, why? It appears that Murton is better than this.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:03 am
I find it hard to believe that any Cubs prospect is “untouchable,” with the possible exception of Jeff Samardzija because he has a NTC through 2011. “Most highly valued prospects” is probably what Hendry should have said, and personally I would include Geovany Soto and Sean Gallagher in that group, too.
BTW, Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski probably told everybody that Cameron Maybin and Andrew Miller were “untouchable” before he found out they could get him Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:03 am
With the CF position FAR from a sure bet. I would just assume the cubs get an outfield bat that can play Cf if needed. Andruw Jones bat can carry either position. Kfuck is a gamble as far as that goes.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:08 am
I thought the general consensus is that K-Fuk can play CF?
I agree about Jones though. If Ibanez can be had for Marshall, I’m tempted to think Ibanez + Jones would be a better option that putting all of our hope in K-Fuk.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:10 am
DC Tom–I agree. I think salaries right now are way too low in light of the noted huge increases in MLB advanced media revenues. Revenue growth has out-paced salary growth over the last five years, and by the time we get to the end of Soriano’s deal, you can bet the salaries will be catching up.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:13 am
What the hell are the Marlins doing with all this extra revenue?
December 5th, 2007 at 10:16 am
aaronb:
“What the hell are the Marlins doing with all this extra revenue?”
Pocketing it. Their payroll now is looking be about $10MM, and they get like $60+ million in MLB revenues (licensing, internet, etc.). That sounds fair, right? (sarcasm) I think more important than a salary cap is there should be a salary floor at like $40 million.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:20 am
“Pocketing it. Their payroll now is looking be about $10MM, and they get like $60+ million in MLB revenues (licensing, internet, etc.). That sounds fair, right? (sarcasm) I think more important than a salary cap is there should be a salary floor at like $40 million.”
I have often wondered how Miami and Tampa manage to keep teams. It seems unfair to the fans who have only their former home teams to look forward to seeing, only for a short series.
Brilliant idea, MANNY - salary floor! Probably have as much chance as Mark Cuban being an owner though.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:21 am
Yeah it seemed like, for a long time,he Royals were the biggest offenders, but the Marlins clearly take the cake now…
December 5th, 2007 at 10:22 am
I would buy the salary floor concept. However I do think there needs to be more luxury tax/revenue sharing going on. It shouldnt be all about the Yanks and the Sox as they plunder the assets of the teams in the midwest. Not a hard cap like the NFL. An NBA style luxury tax that funds lower revenue teams. Without competative balance you have a shitty league overall.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:25 am
I remember Dykstra getting beered during the first “official” night game at Wrigley — he jumped at the base of the wall, didn’t get the ball, but did get a generous fan’s refreshment all over his head…
December 5th, 2007 at 10:28 am
K-Fuk seriously needs to do some research into MLB before he decides the Royals are on his short list. I wonder if he’s ever even heard of Kansas City?
I guess it shows a strong Japanese population
(or even a faint hope of winning) isn’t first on his list of priorities.
Maybe he just really likes barbecue.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:29 am
Sorry if this is 3/44, but the Brewers signed Riske for 3/13.
Could be worth $20 if he becomes the closer.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:30 am
Outside of a few shitty teams, i really think compettive balance has crept back into MLB. Selig has done a great job doing this without installing a salary cap (ceiling). The revenue sharing and luxury tax seems to have worked. I was all for a salary cap or something very similar a few years ago, but I think things are pretty good overall now in terms of competitive balance. Of course, I don’t think anyone outside of NYY or BOST will win the AL East for the next century, but the rest of the league looks good.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:56 am
What is about this new Royals policy where they actually spend money?
Odd.
December 5th, 2007 at 11:04 am
My prediction: Fukudome signs with Cubs for
3/$52m next week. That’s almost double the price that was generally accepted (3/$30) a week or so ago. That eats up $14m of Hendry’s $20m budget increase.
Cubs asked Rockies for OF Ryan Spilborghs when Rox asked about Ohman. Looks like Cubs are still looking for OF’s with pop.
December 5th, 2007 at 11:06 am
K-Fuk seriously needs to do some research into MLB before he decides the Royals are on his short list. I wonder if he’s ever even heard of Kansas City?….etc
You need to read this—-> They Love Hillman in Japan
http://www.kansascity.com/744/story/337178.html
December 5th, 2007 at 11:12 am
Pretty amazing story CWTP.
December 5th, 2007 at 11:16 am
Seamhead-
You may well be right. Not many people thought the bidding was going to go so high for Dice-K And this offseason few people thought A-Rod was going to get his $300MM+.
December 5th, 2007 at 11:32 am
It would be most appropriate if Fuku ended up signing for 3/44
December 5th, 2007 at 11:49 am
Go Nippon-Ham!
December 5th, 2007 at 11:59 am
Cubs may have overpaid for Fonzie and Lilly last year (hard to think of a FA that wasn’t over-priced), but, given what’s available this year, it’s a good thing they did.
December 5th, 2007 at 12:09 pm
Here’s an addendum to AZ Phil’s post in #41:
Based on 2007 Baseball America rankings, the Tigers just gave up their #1 (Maybin), #2 (Miller), #6 (de la Cruz), #8 (Trahern), #18 (Rabelo), and #22 (Badenhop) for M. Cabrera and D. Willis (coming off 2 crappy seasons).
Here are the Cubs comparable prospects at these 2007 rankings — Pie, Veal, Patterson, Harvey, Petrick, and Robinson.
My point is that trading for a M. Cabrera, Harben, Beddard, B. Roberts, etc. depends on how highly your trading partner values your prospects/farm system. How highly do the A’s or O’s covet Colvin, Pie, Veal, Gallagher, Patterson, and Ceda? Are the Cubs willing to give up Hill, Marmol, and Soto for a blue chip SP, RF or 2B/SS?
I don’t know, but these are the real questions that drive real trade scenarios.
December 5th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
From ESPN.com’s blog:
12:15 p.m., from Peter Gammons
• Don’t expect to see a Twins-Red Sox or Twins-Yankees whopper. The sense is now that Minnesota will hold onto Johan Santana.
Just wishful thinking, but maybe the Cubs will make a run at him before the deadline?
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn.....r_meetings
December 5th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Here are the Cubs comparable prospects at these 2007 rankings — Pie, Veal, Patterson, Harvey, Petrick, and Robinson.
I would say that’s not a very fair comparision. Maybin/Miller are 5-star, A- prospects, 2 of the best in baseball. Pie and Veal are not.
December 5th, 2007 at 12:16 pm
new post up btw…
December 5th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
CWTP, that story and K-Fuk’s seeming discomfort with big-media-market teams make me think we could very easily lose out to the Royals.
December 5th, 2007 at 12:24 pm
I understand Rob, and that’s exactly my point. We all put forth possible trade scenarios every day here for Beddard, Roberts, Crawford, etc. However, to put in mildly, the Cubs had/have crap in their system compared to what the Tigers had that the Marlins wanted.
To get a top level SP (Santana, Beddard Haren) or LH bat (B. Roberts, Crawford, etc.), will Colvin, Veal, Gallagher, Pie, Soto, etc. seal the deal? Again, I don’t know. BA ranked the Cubs farm system 18th going into 2007. During Callis’ chat he said they would probably rank near that for 2008. By comparrison, Angels (#4), Dodgers (#6), Yankees (#7), Twins (#8), Reds (#12), and Mets (#13) all rank ahead (meaning potentially better prospects), have lots of money or are willing to deal.
I’m not optomistic the Cubs have the ‘inventory’ to get more than maybe 1 impact player. Hence, I WOULD sign Fukudome because all he costs is money.
December 5th, 2007 at 12:35 pm
oh yeah, I completely agree with that. As you said, folks make up trade scenarios all day but so much depends on what the other team thinks of your players.
But yeah, considering what the Cubs stated plans are, I would:
- Sign Fukudome at pretty much all costs
- Use my trading chips to either land Roberts, Hudson or Figgins OR Bedard and Haren. And I’d push for the second basemen if they’re available since I don’t see the ammo for both deals.
- Wait till the trade deadline or season to try and pickup a starter.
December 5th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
mannytrillo — December 5, 2007 @ 10:30 am
Outside of a few shitty teams, i really think compettive balance has crept back into MLB. Selig has done a great job doing this without installing a salary cap (ceiling). The revenue sharing and luxury tax seems to have worked. I was all for a salary cap or something very similar a few years ago, but I think things are pretty good overall now in terms of competitive balance. Of course, I don’t think anyone outside of NYY or BOST will win the AL East for the next century, but the rest of the league looks good.
……………………………………………………………….
With the apparent jump in prices this offseason. I see competative balance becoming a hot button issue again really soon. Luxury tax is all but over at this point. It needs to be reinstituted with a 130-140 million threshold. IMHO
December 5th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
aaronb-
There has been a jump almost every year, this year is no different, especially when you consider there were hardly any good players available. Look at teh playoff teams over the past 3-4 years and you can see there are many teams making the playoffs low in payroll.
December 5th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
Gerorge:
“BA ranked the Cubs farm system 18th going into 2007. During Callis’ chat he said they would probably rank near that for 2008.”
Yeah the farm system is not very good and I actually would be surprised to see it stay at 18, and not drop into the 20’s. But the big problem with Cubs fans and their trade proposals is they vastly overrate their young players. Like you said it comes down to if other teams like our prospects and based on their recent track record, it is hard to like them too much.
December 5th, 2007 at 1:25 pm
Rob, re:#67 - my thoughts exactly. As you said, there’s enough SP depth to start the season and see what’s out there at the trade deadline. Middle infield and RF should be the priorities, both LH bats.
Manny, I agree and Pie is the poster child for this trend. They’re almost forced to go with him in CF in 2008, as last year at this time would have been the time to trade him.
December 5th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
Interesting games going on between Cubs and KC. While locked in mortal combat for KF, they are apparently still talking about Teahen/Murton/Jake Fox.
December 5th, 2007 at 2:22 pm
I’m with you guys about Fuld. His value is as high as it’s going to get. It’s time to trade him if we can get something real good in return.
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