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FUK-YEAH!
The story broke last night and I’m sure we’ll get all the juicy contract details some time in the very near future. Hendry reeled in his great white whale of 2007, the left-handed right-fielder with OBP skills. How any of his offensive skills will translate to the majors is the big question though. The man behind the CHONE projections puts him at 283/375/465 which would be an 840 OPS and about 6th amongst NL right fielders last year with at least 400 PA’s. PECOTA is even more optimistic with a line of 289/401/504 (that would put him 2nd behind Hawpe last year) and compares him favorably to JD Drew. I think something in the low 800 OPS is certainly a reasonable expectation and I’ll be pleasantly surprised with anything over 850 myself. The dirty little secret is that Cubs RF’ers last year hit for an aggregate line of 293/375/419 last year (794 OPS if you’re scoring at home) so don’t expect us to suddenly challenge the Phils and Rockies for best offenses in the NL just because of Fukudome.
There are certainly a good number of folks happy about the signing (myself included) but the happiest of the bunch will likely be our pitchers. A potential outfield of Soriano, Pie and Fukudome is a potential outfield of “three guys with the speed to play center field and the arms to play right.” Baserunners…you’re on notice! A scouting report on Fukudome puts his numbers at 70 in the field, 60 speed and 60 arm on the traditional 20-80 scouting scale although I’m a bit unsure who’s doing the scouting there. I heard 70 on his arm on XM radio once myself although I don’t recall the person saying it.
Quick detour…You can find a primer on the 20-80 scale here if needed. The cliff notes version: 50 is average, 60 is plus, 70 is plus-plus and 80 rarely happens.
So even if Fukudome just manages to equal the offensive output of our right fielders from last year, there’s a good chance he’ll be a considerable defensive improvement. Is that the worth the sticker price? Well, when you’re an 85 win team looking to take it to the next level, I would think so. It’ll be hard to find 4-5 wins out of just one player, so if Fukudome can just bring an extra win or two, it could make all the difference for next year.
Yes, the Cubs certainly overpaid for this dip into the free agent waters, but that is the very nature of the free agency beast. The two biggest accomplishments with this signing is the Cubs saved their prospect packages for upgrades elsewhere on the field and we here at TCR have four years of endless f*** jokes. So thank you Mr. Hendry for dropping the F-Bomb on us.
—–
P.S. - If you can’t wait until spring training, a plethora of Fukudome Youtube clips for your pleasure.
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456 Responses to “FUK-YEAH!”
December 12th, 2007 at 6:11 am
thank you, hendry-claus. can you now suprise us with a roberts? and a shiny new starter? thanks,
dc
p.s. please have your brother santa bring me a new mouse. negotiating the napalm and minefields of the previous threads have rendered my scroll-wheel inoperable.
December 12th, 2007 at 6:42 am
The two biggest accomplishments with this signing is the Cubs saved their prospect packages for upgrades elsewhere on the field and we here at TCR have four years of endless f*** jokes.
Frankly, I don’t know which I’m more thankful for. Given our track record over the last century, I’d say the f*** jokes will have more staying power than Sean Gallagher.
For me the next move would be dumping Cedeno on anyone willing to take him and praying things turn out well in CF and SS. I’m optomistic about Soto at C for whatever reason, but the situation in CF really concerns me. I wouldn’t be surprised if K-fuk gets the bulk of time in CF with Murton in RF with whoever.
Getting this over quickly (and for all the hand wringin over the past week, signing a player from Japan in about 2 weeks is quick) was the biggest coup for the Cubs. We know they don’t have the ability to multi task very well so now Hendry can concentrate on our other needs. Go Cubs!
December 12th, 2007 at 7:51 am
I applaud the move, and it’s amazing that our outfield defense has gone from Really Really Bad, (Soriano when we thought he was really a 2B, J Jones, Floyd), to Really Really Good. I would welcome your thoughts Rob, but rather than a defensive liability, Soriano is an asset, and I wonder if he couldn’t play Right with a bit more experience. He has been among the leaders in assists the last couple years, and it looked to me like teams were declining to challenge his arm later in the year.
December 12th, 2007 at 8:04 am
Great move by the Cubs, not only adding OBP and OF defense to the club, but also helping balance out the predominately RH hitting lineup. With his OBP, he needs to hit in the 2 hole, and hopefully we can get Roberts to lead off, moving Soriano down to an RBI spot so we can end his solo home runs.
My Christmas gift would be for Hendry to move both Dumpster and Marquis for prospects, trade for Roberts, and hopefully hang on to Cedeno, as we do need a backup that can actually play short. Please quit with the DeRosa at short nonsense, he does not have the range to play that position full time.
Pitching wise, though it would be nice to add a starter, I think we could get by with what we have. There are enough kids that we can trade one or two, and still have competition for the last spot. I would much rather spend our prospects on a little more OBP for the lineup, and hopefully end the feast or famine Cub offense.
Great start, Jim. Now let’s get the rest done.
December 12th, 2007 at 8:10 am
Yikes! The first clip I watched — K-Fuk up, 3-0 count, takes 3 straight strikes. The first 2 looked like bad calls, and he reacts badly.
Ugh.
December 12th, 2007 at 8:10 am
Can he hit left handed pitching?
December 12th, 2007 at 8:13 am
Cubs fans say:
“Please quit with the DeRosa at short nonsense, he does not have the range to play that position full time.” - 12/12/2007
“Please quit with the [Theriot] at short nonsense, he does not have the range to play that position full time.” - ~4/2007
Proof?
December 12th, 2007 at 8:31 am
Heh, the YouTube videos are great. I particularly like the one of him gunning down the runner at first on groundball to right field. Don’t think we’ll see any of that with the Wrigley Field grass, but still… have we had an arm like that in RF since Hawk?
December 12th, 2007 at 8:33 am
Never thought I would be so excited about bringing in a guy with no MLB experience to play the toughest right field in the NL. But I am! His defense will be important to us, possibly the best defensive Cub right fielder since Dawson?
I am even more thrilled about the Parachat possibilities. Not just the obvious f*** jokes but we now have an entire new culture to draw from. Can’t wait until Transmission’s Year in Review…
December 12th, 2007 at 8:52 am
Fuk-Yeah! Now someone start throwing that guy some MLB pitches. I don’t feel comfortable waiting until ST for him to start getting acclimated to our pitching here in the States.
December 12th, 2007 at 9:01 am
anyone else notice how his swing looks really, really old-school; that side swipe thing?
December 12th, 2007 at 9:11 am
Don - “Can he hit left handed pitching.”
I think that he is a switch hitter, isn’t he? More power from the left side of the plate, but hits well right handed too.
- I think. Don’t take this as gospel. What I think I remember reading somewhere.
December 12th, 2007 at 9:30 am
any word on the Fuckyoudome signing? Is he making a decision today?
December 12th, 2007 at 9:34 am
I just heard Obi Wan Levine on ESPN 1000.
I’m paraphrasing, but the Rangers were the top bidder @ over $50MM. Cubs and W Sox both offered the same amount - but F-Bomb did not want to “disrespect” Dye, and really wanted to play RF. Secondly, he was really excited to be the Cubs first ever Japanese baseball player.
Kevin Towers offered a membership at El Rey Country Club and $75000 - just kidding - but his offer was not close…
December 12th, 2007 at 9:36 am
I think that he is a switch hitter, isn’t he? More power from the left side of the plate, but hits well right handed too.
Not that it’s absolute proof, Archie, but wikipedia lists him as a left handed hitter not a switch hitter.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosuke_Fukudome
December 12th, 2007 at 9:38 am
Raito Fukudome!
I hope someone explained the de gemu.
December 12th, 2007 at 9:43 am
i realize this is heresy, but do people think Dawson was a good right fielder with the Cubs?
As I recall from watching him, he still had the great arm, but he moved gingerly at best, covering ground like an wounded elk.
Now if his fielding range numbers prove me wrong, I’ll concede the point, but my memory says otherwise.
He just didn’t have the wheels at that point in his career. He was a great player for several years with the Expos, and a class individual.
December 12th, 2007 at 9:43 am
Fuku hits lefties, throws righty
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=93666
Miles saying Prior is pretty much a goner….
December 12th, 2007 at 9:46 am
http://www.southtownstar.com/s.....or.article
Wittenmeyer’s take on Prior with quotes from his agent.
Dr. Andrews said without setbacks he should be on the mound by mid to late May.
Prior is throwing on flat ground from 90 ft at the moment.
December 12th, 2007 at 9:46 am
He can play center as well (reportedly). Hopefully the Cubs keep Murton around. That way when Pie is hitting .220 in mid-may and Uncle Lou blows up. F-Bomb can slide over to center and Murton can play Right. Then you will see some genuine offensive improvement in the cubs.
December 12th, 2007 at 9:47 am
Raito Fukudome!
December 12th, 2007 at 9:50 am
Gammons calls Fukudome a “cross between Ichiro and a young, healthy Mark Kotsay.”
Hadn’t heard that comp before.
December 12th, 2007 at 9:57 am
And as far as the Cubs’ Japanese connection goes, doesn’t Soriano speak some Japanese? And did DLEE live there for awhile as a child when his dad played ball over there, or am I thinking of his uncle?
December 12th, 2007 at 9:58 am
Someone needs to tell Peter Gammons that there are enough Japanese players now that we don’t need to be comparing players inter-racially. Doesn’t he ever watch the NBA or National Football League drafts?
December 12th, 2007 at 10:07 am
#18: So according to Prior’s agent, there’s a 50-50 chance he gets tendered a contract. That’s pretty contrary to what every other beat writer has been saying. Supposedly Bruce Levine was on ESPN 1000 this morning and said unless a trade happens Prior will be non-tendered by the end of the day. I hope he’s wrong and both sides continue to work towards a deal throughout the day but it seems like neither side is budging.
December 12th, 2007 at 10:08 am
Someone needs to tell Peter Gammons that there are enough Japanese players now that we don’t need to be comparing players inter-racially. Doesn’t he ever watch the NBA or National Football League drafts?
Awesome. I spit my coffee.
December 12th, 2007 at 10:13 am
Response to # 22
Yes, you are correct ARM. Derek Lee did stay in Japan for a little while but Alfonso Soriano and Lou Pinella speaks Japanese very well.
December 12th, 2007 at 10:15 am
I don’t think Lou speaks Japanese at all…
December 12th, 2007 at 10:17 am
I’m paraphrasing, but the Rangers were the top bidder @ over $50MM. Cubs and W Sox both offered the same amount - but F-Bomb did not want to “disrespect” Dye, and really wanted to play RF. Secondly, he was really excited to be the Cubs first ever Japanese baseball player.
Well so much for getting not getting outbid, sounds like the “VIP” treatment did the trick. Hendry and his boys did their homework on this one.
December 12th, 2007 at 10:17 am
He does strike out a lot.
December 12th, 2007 at 10:18 am
I liked the Wittenmeyer article this am on Prior and agree with much of the medical timetable info presented. I did post on this last night and although I suspect there is significant bad blood over his last few years, his chance of recovery can mirror what Chris Carpenter did so keeping control of him as long as possible is what I would do. Unfortunately even if they keep him only this year, it probably won’t be until next year that he will have a chance to function like an elite pitcher so we probably won’t see him as a Cub for that if it ever occurs. It’s a no brainer for another organization to take a chance on him though. Hendry has used that MO many times including Dempster, Wade Miller and Williamson…Prior should be looked at like them but of course with Carpenter upside, Miller downside.
http://tinyurl.com/2zf7jg
December 12th, 2007 at 10:20 am
ATTENTION EVERYBODY !!!!!
Waddle and Silvy on ESPN says Jim Henry will be on ESPN at 5:00 p.m CST to discuss in detail the Fukodome deal and expectaions. Also Bruce Levine says Fukodome requests to wear the # 1 on his jersey which nobody has so it should not be a problem. Also I believe today Steve Stone will be on with Mike Murphy at 12 noon CST on 670 AM the Score.
December 12th, 2007 at 10:21 am
“Supposedly Bruce Levine was on ESPN 1000 this morning and said unless a trade happens Prior will be non-tendered by the end of the day.”
I heard what he said. He stated that Hendry and crew tried really, really hard to iron out a two-year deal with the “employee”. He honestly does not want to be here. What are ya gonna do?
December 12th, 2007 at 10:26 am
#32: Nothing you can do really, although I’d still rather see Hendry roll the dice on a 1 year deal and see if things get better throughout the year. He might as well attempt to get something out of him (even if it is a midseason trade) rather than just losing him for nothing.
December 12th, 2007 at 10:26 am
I’m sorry need to clarify Jim Henry will be on ESPN 1000 AM Radio at 5:00 p.m CST (not ESPN television for those not sure which one)
December 12th, 2007 at 10:31 am
I don’t know why you would non-tender Prior unless you really need the 40-man roster slot for someone else. Which the Cubs really don’t need right now, even with the K-Fuk signing. So what if he accepts arbitration? Worst case is you pay a couple million dollars more on a one-year contract than you’d like and you trade him in May for a prospect…Shoot, for that just sell some more commemorative bricks. Prior may come back, he may not. A fifteen percent chance that he becomes Chris Carpenter is worth a couple million bucks. For a team with cash like the Cubs, that’s a gamble to take.
December 12th, 2007 at 10:32 am
“…he still had the great arm, but he moved gingerly at best, covering ground like an wounded elk.”
I had season tickets for a few seasons when Dawson was patrolling out there, and even though his legs were not the same as with Montreal, he didn’t miss many balls in the gap - and runners rarely challenged him in any event. He was superb out there, wounded legs and all.
I hope the Cubs go to arb with Prior, just for the sake of doing whatever’s best for the club - and that would include hanging on to potential assets for as long as possible, I would think.
December 12th, 2007 at 10:36 am
DC Tom:
“So what if he (Prior) accepts arbitration?”
Prior has no choice but to accept arbitration or not play this year, thus not getting paid nor accruing service time.
December 12th, 2007 at 10:38 am
DC Tom:
“Prior may come back, he may not. A fifteen percent chance that he becomes Chris Carpenter is worth a couple million bucks. For a team with cash like the Cubs, that’s a gamble to take.”
I agree, you’ve gone this far with him, take another shot. If it doesn’t work out you blew another $3 million, big deal. That’s like only 2% of the payroll. Hendry has taken much worse gambles.
December 12th, 2007 at 10:39 am
#35 Exactly Tom
December 12th, 2007 at 10:43 am
Dmac:
“I hope the Cubs go to arb with Prior, just for the sake of doing whatever’s best for the club - and that would include hanging on to potential assets for as long as possible”
I agree. Trading Prior now would be selling him at just about the lowest point. Other teams know the Cubs and Prior are not on the same page and are liekly offering basically nothing thinking Hendry will non tender him. If they offer him arbitration, it buys Hendry some more time to trade him and possibly some good news can come out in Feb/March around ST saying he is back throwing and looking good. Then his trade value might go up some. I think that if the Cubs have gone this far it is worth the gamble to buy us more time and see what happens. If anything it might piss off Prior as I think he doesn’t want to be in a Cubs uniform anymore.
December 12th, 2007 at 10:51 am
“Trading Prior now would be selling him at just about the lowest point.”
It would be THE lowest point, but that’s Hendry’s MO.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:02 am
Jason:
“It would be THE lowest point, but that’s Hendry’s MO.”
While true he has sold low on a few players lately (Sosa, CPat, etc.), he did sell pretty damn high on Hee Sop Choi and Bobby Hill.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:02 am
I agree. If the Cubs are smart they’ll let Prior “win” this one and keep him around for another year. If he’s healthy the second half of the season it will be worth it.
We’ve come this far with him. Just play it out.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:06 am
I applaud the move, and it’s amazing that our outfield defense has gone from Really Really Bad, (Soriano when we thought he was really a 2B, J Jones, Floyd), to Really Really Good.
The Cubs OF was not bad last year… at all.
And wow… did I (or at least my comment) just get a mention in a post? I feel special…
December 12th, 2007 at 11:06 am
Bruce Levine reports Hendry is not offering arb. to The Employee.
Oh well. See ya.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:06 am
#36– Dmac, amen brother.
I want to play devil’s advocate for a minute. I was so excited last night, and I know a lot of you were (I don’t know if I’ve ever “seen” mannytrillo that happy on this website ;-), but we all need to remember this if it takes Fuk a while to adjust, and his numbers don’t look good right away.
The other obvious scary thing is the physical, but I can only assume Jimbo and the crew checked his medical records pretty closely with the whole elbow thing.
I liked the point comparing his possible nos. to what cub RFers hit last year. The biggest thing about this deal are the intangibles. It is reminiscent of Hawk in RF, Dunston at SS, Ryno at 2B. On the current team, it’s Sori in LF, DLee at 1B, and ARam at 3B.
We’ve got ourselves a stud (of some level TBD) to take RF and play it. It’s his now, period. Pretty exciting stuff.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:06 am
Eh, I’m not really big on keeping guys around who “really don’t want to be here,” as E-Man says.
Guys like that tend to cause more trouble than they’re worth. Especially if you’re taking a longshot chance on the guy.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:07 am
Cubs don’t have to make a decision until 11pm CST tonight on Cotts, Prior and Wuertz by the way.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:07 am
While true he has sold low on a few players lately (Sosa, CPat, etc.), he did sell pretty damn high on Hee Sop Choi and Bobby Hill.
******BREAKING NEWS!!!!!*******
manny says his first decent thing about Hendry.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:08 am
#42 manny– hilarious, and true.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:08 am
Offering Prior arbitration now means we pay him $2.8 million in 2008 and have no rights to him for 2009, except maybe getting a Type B compensation pick if he signs elsewhere. Why on earth would we pay him $2.8 million when the best-case scenario seems like about what we got out of Kerry Wood last year. Sorry, I’d rather spend the $2.8 million somewhere else.
Prior may turn into Chris Carpenter by 2009, but signing him to an arbitration contract doesn’t get us any of that. Most likely, he takes his time rehabbing and does just enough this year to show he’s ready for the 2009 free agent market.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:08 am
wrote that before I saw E-man’s post….well he’s got till 11pm to trade him then.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:10 am
Hendry didn’t actually refer to him as the employee did he?
December 12th, 2007 at 11:10 am
dave:
“manny says his first decent thing about Hendry.”
That would be funnier if it were true…:)
December 12th, 2007 at 11:11 am
pd #4– uhhh, no. The whole point, obviously, according to Hendry, obviously, was to get a decent left handed bat to obviously break up DLee and Aram, obviously.
Seriously, though, I’m thinking (with hope for a good Fuk-ing transition) for DLee-Fuk-Aram to go 3-4-5
December 12th, 2007 at 11:12 am
And why would Hendry announce that now when he has all day? Unless he has a trade getting really close? It just seems like he would lose any small amount of leverage he had maybe getting other teams to think we were going to offer him arbitration. Oh well…
December 12th, 2007 at 11:12 am
“While true he has sold low on a few players lately (Sosa…”
Well, he sold Sosa low mostly because the Cub’s management dissed the guy repeatedly as he was shown the door. Granted, they were probably correct in their evaluations, but it wasn’t a smart strategy in a business sense. As for C - Pat, they gave him as many opportunities as one could expect, I don’t believe they really wanted to part with him until they were sure he was a lost cause. Can’t really blame them for that outcome - we all know the club’s past history of giving up on prospects way too early in their careers.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:15 am
still on #4– I’ve harped on this before, and hope it may change as he gets older, but Soriano’s splits for hitting #1 vs. anywhere else suck. Point being, those solo homers are better than not hitting them at all and hitting like .240. Sori likes batting leadoff, ergo he hits better there, ergo even though it may seem cool on my playstation to bat him cleanup, it doesn’t translate into reality.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:19 am
And why would Hendry announce that now when he has all day? Unless he has a trade getting really close? It just seems like he would lose any small amount of leverage he had maybe getting other teams to think we were going to offer him arbitration. Oh well…
yeah, Mr. Close to the Vest just played his cards on the radio airwaves. I’m sure he’s tried just about everything he could by this point.
Rotoworld said something about the Padres souring on Prior after seeing medical reports. Not sure where that pulled that info from though…
December 12th, 2007 at 11:19 am
San Diego Union Tribune reports that the Padres reviewed Prior’s medical reports, and have cooled their interest.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:20 am
my Prior jersey will be the next TCR prize by the way :)
(sigh)
December 12th, 2007 at 11:21 am
Good Lord, I feel like I’m the only one taking crazy pills around here with all the talk of tendering Prior a contract. Hendry just confirmed on public airwaves that Prior really doesn’t want to be here beyond this year without testing the FA waters for 2009.
By his own agent’s confirmation, he won’t be able to throw to real hitters until late-May at the earliest.
Medical opinions are that he won’t be at his best (e.g. Chris Carpenter) until the 2009 season — WHEN, he’ll be GONE!!!
So, tendering him a contract that will get him between $3-4M in 2008 to do towel drills, throw batting practice fastballs until late summer, and then produce how much measureably better than a Kevin Hart or Sean Marshall is a good decision, why? That $3-4M of someone else’s money you all want to throw around so casually, just might be the piece needed at the trade deadline to bring the right player for the playoff run.
Honestly, what is so hard to understand about not tendering him a contract? It should have been better, he got hurt, Cubs medical staff f***** up, feelings have gotten hurt, etc. Time to cut bait, move on.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:21 am
“Bruce Levine reports Hendry is not offering arb. to The Employee.”
If true, then I fail to see how that makes any sense for the club’s well - being, either of a financial or personnel nature. Seems like a relative pittance to risk, considering the club’s overall financial situation. Someone please explain how this is a good move at this point.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:23 am
Seamhead:
“San Diego Union Tribune reports that the Padres reviewed Prior’s medical reports, and have cooled their interest.”
I wonder how big those reports are, must be like 2-3 inches think at least.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:24 am
Rob, about the jersey, I don’t remember when the last time was I chuckled and cried at the same time. =)
December 12th, 2007 at 11:25 am
Never mind, George already answered the question - but I still fail to see how if he shows any promise during the upcoming season that the club couldn’t trade him for something decent in return. Haven’t we determined that pitching is at an absolute premium these days, no matter how suspect?
December 12th, 2007 at 11:25 am
Good Lord, I feel like I’m the only one taking crazy pills around here with all the talk of tendering Prior a contract.
George, I’m hurt.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:25 am
no kidding, manny, that’s why it took until now for towers’ people to get through them all
December 12th, 2007 at 11:29 am
Espn website saying Padres in deep talsk to sign Jason Bay and possibley also matt Morris and possibley Nady also. Would Pirates have anyone decent left?
December 12th, 2007 at 11:29 am
Looks like the K-Fuk physical won’t be until next week sometime, so nothing official till then:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=3151725
Padres not wasting anytime going after another OF, they are deep in trade talks to get Bay:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=3151599
December 12th, 2007 at 11:29 am
djchi,
No offense meant…..I wrote this before I read your assessment as well.
Dmac,
My concern is by the time Prior ‘produces’ (an oxy-moron these days), it could very well be after July 31st. Wes brings up an excellent (and often overlooked factor to evaluate) point that the Cubs don’t need his long face/sour attitude around the clubhouse of a pennant contender.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:29 am
my spelling is appalling ;-(
December 12th, 2007 at 11:30 am
Hendry Say Welcome To The Fukudome
December 12th, 2007 at 11:35 am
I posted a comment with two links in it, stupid me I should know better. I guess I will break them down into two posts.
Looks like the K-Fuk physical won’t be until next week sometime, so nothing official till then:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=3151725
December 12th, 2007 at 11:36 am
Padres not wasting anytime going after another OF, they are deep in trade talks to get Bay:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=3151599
December 12th, 2007 at 11:46 am
“…that the Cubs don’t need his long face/sour attitude around the clubhouse of a pennant contender.”
Point taken.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:46 am
not gonna post the whole thing, but here’s baseballprospectus’ PECOTA take, “hot off the presses” stats for fuku in wrigley:
.289 BA
.401 OBP
.504 SL
.303 EqA
15 HR
70 BB
94 K
9 SB
3 CS
that would be pretty freaking thrilling, esp. when you consider that they kept his PA down to 465 bc of the elbow surgery, otherwise his HR would be much higher (in the mid 20s).
that’s unbelievably awesome if he gets anywhere close to those.
they, not surprisingly, say that the smart move is him in the leadoff spot, and they mention that the following (with murton and theriot “in various kinds of platoons”) could “quite easily be the best lineup in the NL”
Fukudome, RF
DeRosa, 2B
Lee, 1B
Ramirez, 3B
Soriano, LF
Soto, C
Pie, CF
Cedeno, SS
not sure why they think cedeno would start over theriot, but whatever.
unfortunately I doubt the cubs will move soriano as he’s so married to it mentally. i could go with fuku in the 2 spot which would yield a killer 1-4. soto might be a solid #5 hitter if he has a good year.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:47 am
I believe Prior referred to himself as the “Employee.” I really don’t understand his attitude entirely. He’s been getting paid pretty well to not pitch. I would rather he stay, but if he goes, make sure he leaves the division.
BTW, can you imagine all the banners and signs that will get confiscated for Fuk? This could be fun.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:48 am
also, is it insane for a cubs fan not to be worried about an injury?
bc i’m not concerned about kosuke’s surgery, it was only bone spurs, not a ligament or some crap.
can opening day be now?
December 12th, 2007 at 11:48 am
Way to go, WWL. At least spell the headline right.
“Cubs, Fukodome reach preliminary deal, pending physical”
December 12th, 2007 at 11:50 am
George Altman, I agree completely. 3-4 million, may be “relatively” not much, but it’s still a lot of money. Your reasoning is sound to me.
BTW, I hope Fukudome is as good as the 61-62 George Altman!
December 12th, 2007 at 11:53 am
It seems like Nate Silver loves Ronny Cedeno. I guess he thinks his minor league numbers will translate. I’m less optimistic.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:53 am
Baltimore Sun reporting Tejada has been traded to Houston for Luke Scott, Matt Albers, Troy Patton, Mike Costanzo and Dennis Sarfate. Goodbye farm system.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:55 am
Okay… glad the Cubs didn’t get in on Tejada at that price.
I think.
But now that Tejada has been traded, hopefully Hendry can move to acquire Roberts to fill a non-existent hole at 2b.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:58 am
Lots of people trying to compare the Prior situation to Carpenter. Only thing that was similar, that they both had arm injuries and thats where it stops. Carpenter told everyone he wanted to come back to Toronto, only to have the GM Ricciardi shun him. Prior hasnt told anyone he’s interested in staying in Chicago and lots of rumors about him going to other clubs if the Cubs dont tender him.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:02 pm
I agree dave, but as for the non-existent hole, and what it would mean…
Sori (R) LF
Roberts (S) 2B
DLee (R) 1B
Fuk (L) RF
Aram (R) 3B
and some combo of
Soto (R) C
Theriot (R) SS
Pie (L) CF
with a bench/”sub list” of
Derosa
Ward
Blanco
Fuld
Cedeno
Looks pretty badass. I don’t know what we’d have to give up to get roberts, however….
December 12th, 2007 at 12:04 pm
Ed Wade has sure hit the ground running. Overpaid for Matsui and then traded FIVE PLAYERS (including two of his best) away for Tejada.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
This is boring. When are the Cubs going to make another move?
But…Youkoso Fukakkedome!!! Glad you’re here.
In light of him being excited about being Chicago’s first Japanese player, you can hear a collective sigh of relief from the FO about Kaz slipping away. What irony. Maybe Fuk thinks he’s a douchebag afterall?
December 12th, 2007 at 12:06 pm
And I’m curious to hear Az Phil (and anyone else’s) thoughts on Sammy Fuld getting the CF job after what he did in the AFL this year. I think I’m officially on the Fuld bandwagon…
Sori-Fuld-Fuk….
December 12th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
And Jim Hendry, that’s a damn cool website, I’m ordering now….
December 12th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
Fonso, Fuld, and Fuk. Sounds good.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:09 pm
Wow. That really changes the Orioles’ situation, I would say… I wonder what impact this will have on the Brian Roberts deal… Obviously, they now have a hole at short…
December 12th, 2007 at 12:10 pm
I don’t understand why people think Soriano CAN’T hit anywhere but leadoff man — but it’s probably because he’s flopped hitting 3rd.
However, 5th is another story. And the reason, of course, for batting him 5th is to get more run production from his power. Here’s what SORIANO has done batting fifth from 2005-2007
534 AB, 87 R, 34 2B’s, 2 3B’s, 33 HR, 100 RBI, 101 Strikeouts, 26 SB, 2 CS
versus what he produced hitting #1 last year in a similar number of AB’s.
542 AB, 92 R, 40 2B’s, 4 3B’s, 33 HR, 69 RBI, 121 Strikeouts, 18 SB, 6 CS
Even though Soriano’s OPS was .100 points lower batting 5th his RBI production was almost 50% higher. And his RBIOTH (runs batted in other than himself) batting 5th was almost 100% higher!
December 12th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
Tell him that, cwtp.
I believe that’s the problem.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:16 pm
I think the issue isn’t that Soriano CAN’T hit anywhere else…it’s that he’s BETTER at leadoff, statistically, over the course of his career.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
I think the issue isn’t that Soriano CAN’T hit anywhere else…it’s that he’s BETTER at leadoff, statistically, over the course of his career.
Except cwtp just showed that this is not necessarily true.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:24 pm
Soriano isn’t a good hitter with RISP. Its a simple fact. This horse has been beaten to death already.
Soriano hits .252 for his career with RISP. A .769 OPS. .230 BA with RISP/2 outs.
And you want that hitting lower in the lineup? Everyone would start throwing a god damn hissy fit cuz Soriano keeps striking out with RISP. Anyone remember how you guys treated Sosa? And Sosa was actually good with RISP.
Just enjoy him hitting .300 with 30+ HR and 70+ RBI from the leadoff spot. I know i do.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:25 pm
Over the course of his career, his offensive totals are better at leadoff than the smaller 5th spot sample size.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
I don’t have time to do it … but what someone should do is look at lineup construction with Soriano in the leadoff spot (with his career leadoff numbers) and then look at a lineup with him batting elsewhere with his career numbers in that slot.
Throwing out numbers about what Soriano does in the 1 or 5 slots, or with RISP, tells us little.
What we want to know is where Soriano’s different production levels in different slots help the team the most.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
Hitting with RISP tells you a little? It tells a whole hell of alot about a player actually.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
Over the course of his career, his offensive totals are better at leadoff than the smaller 5th spot sample size.
That doesn’t mean his run production is better, nor does it mean that he helps the team better the leadoff slot.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
Hitting with RISP tells you a little? It tells a whole hell of alot about a player actually.
It tells you about a player, sure.
But it doesn’t tell us much about where the best slot in the lineup would be without looking at several other factors.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:30 pm
More clarification…
Soriano may suck with RISP.
But would he still bring more run production in the 5 slot than in the 1 slot? Would he be an upgrade over whoever else may be in the 5 slot? And if so, would the upgrade be more than a possibly downgrade in the leadoff slot?
December 12th, 2007 at 12:31 pm
Dave, you’re Manny-esque in your nitpicking.
The original construct of the argument was that “people think he can’t hit anywhere other than leadoff.” Yes, he can. And MikeC’s post is another example of why Soriano is just fine in the leadoff spot.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
“The original construct of the argument was that “people think he can’t hit anywhere other than leadoff.” Yes, he can. And MikeC’s post is another example of why Soriano is just fine in the leadoff spot.”
D’oh. Change “and” to “but,” and maybe my post makes sense. Maybe not.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
With the concerns in the CF position, why did they give away their CF from last season, who did a wonderful job if I would say so?
December 12th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
I am not nit-picking. I am just saying that there really needs to be more to the conversation than “Soriano hits better batting leadoff” or “Soriano sucks with RISP.”
Neither of those statements, or those two statements together, tell us whether the Cubs would be better off with Soriano batting 1st or 5th.
I am not asking if Soriano is “just fine” in the leadoff spot. I personally am content with him there, especially if his legs are healthy and he can steal bases efficiently.
But being “just fine” does not mean that it is the best place for him to hit.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:38 pm
cwtp #92– wow, that got the fans going. For my two cents, though, I’ll use your words: “Soriano’s OPS was .100 points lower” . That’s enough, for me personally. O/w we get the “what the hell did we spend 138MM for again?” arguement.
Dave #102– you make good points, however, because it is about helping the team. My only concern, especially noticing how sori’s defensive performance affects his hitting (ie how poorly he hit while attempting to play CF), is how his personal stats affect him mentally.
Specifically, my fear is if he gets in a little bit o’ personal funk hitting say, 5th, that it’ll spiral down and out of control, no matter how much more he may be contributing statistically to the team. Then we find ourselves with an aging #7 hitter with declining speed batting .250-ish who should have just been left alone leading off.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
Phil Rogers thinks it would be Gallagher + a hitter (maybe EPatt, Fuld or Murt) + another pitcher (maybe Guzman, Petrick, or Harben) for Roberts.
Source: Trib via Rotoworld.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
I dunno about all that now, Phil Rogers.
Gallagher, Murton, and Petrick sure sounds like a lot.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
Murton yes, but I’d give up EPatt. I’d hate to part with Gallagher (I’d prefer to trade Marshall) but you have to give to get. Gallagher+EPatt+Petrick seems reasonable.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
Steve, Jacques Jones, while not a bad little player, and not terribly expensive, never “caught on” here. Not with the fans, not seemingly with the media, and there’s no real explanation for it, other than people thinking we were getting something other than what we were when he was signed. I don’t think he’s a bad player, or from what I can discern, a bad guy.
Hendry was looking for the next greatest thing (LH bat with some pop, possible RF/CFer, sound familiar?) when he signed Jones. The only problem is JJ was never going to be as good as Hendry or the fans wanted, he was what was available.
The next question is what happens if Fuk puts up Jones-like numbers for a helluva lot more money. We better hope those bone chips didn’t screw his throwing arm, or we may end up with…wait for it…a 30 y/o Jacques Jones.
That said, I’m TOTALLY behind it, I think he’ll be a stallion (that’s what I’m telling myself) and the bigger point is Hendry, yet again, is increasing his stock as our GM by getting his man.
And to quote Jules, “Personality goes a long way”.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
Wow, that would be a lot for a position that doesn’t really need to be upgraded as much as a few others.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
Although, if the Blue Jays rumors are true, we’d essentially turn those three + Marquis and DeRosa into Roberts AND Burnett, and I wouldn’t be opposed to that.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
I think you’re right on, Andrew. So then could we get away with Marshall+ Epatt+ (junk)?
December 12th, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Danville Joe #80,
Your lips to God’s ears!
December 12th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
And Astros’ fans HATE the Tejada deal.
http://www.crawfishboxes.com/s...../124446/68
December 12th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
“And I’m curious to hear Az Phil (and anyone else’s) thoughts on Sammy Fuld getting the CF job after what he did in the AFL this year.”
Ever since the 18 year-old Luis Montanez tore up the AFL with a .344 average and OBP of .438, I’ve taken news from there with a mountain of salt. Better that Fuld did well than not doing well, but… his major league career consists of two nice catches.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
I don’t know, Tony S. Sounds like the Orioles really want Gallagher. Must be a favorite of McPhail’s
December 12th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
Troy Patten’s a pretty good pitcher Baltimore just got. Had a Cubs scout tell me they really liked Patten in the draft, and were set to take him, but his dad was demanding too much $.
It’s time to jump on Roberts.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
What’s up with Ed Wade? That’s what you call selling the whole farm system for a player. MacPhail really made a fantastic deal for the Orioles.
Dis-Astros, meet Ed Wade.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
#117– tbone, you’re absolutely right, and it’s the first thing even close to those numbers that he’s put up. I guess I’m trying to figure out plan b behind pie.
Andrew, I’m afraid you’re right, it’s just deciding if it’s worth it, and to be honest, I’m not sure what to think. I like derosa, and we’re paying him, but sori-roberts 1-2 looks really good at the top of the lineup (all soriano+leadoff conversations aside)
December 12th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
Not only a whole farm system for a player, but that one player is a play in clear decline both offensively and defensively.
That seems like an awful deal for the Astros.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
Wes,
I would hate to give up Gallagher also, but to get a switch-hitting leadoff guy with Roberts numbers you have to give to get as we all know. I would try Gallagher and Cedeno (and be more than willing to add E. Pat or Murton). I don’t think the O’s are at all interested in Marshall, and I don’t see Jim giving them Hill or Marmol.
Murph on WSCR has been pushing Beddard in the deal all afternoon in return for Hill which shows what an idiot he is. I say keep the deal at Roberts only unless they can get Beddard without Marmol or Hill.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
GA– Absolutely.
I need to go pretend to work…
I love you guys.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:20 pm
I would be hesitant to give up Cedeno and Murton in the deal. Both guys will be starting by Mid May.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
I dunno, George.
Gallagher and Murton are an awful lot to give up for a bunch of steals.
Roberts has a career OPS 10 points higher than DeRosa. Heck, DeRosa played just as well as Roberts did last year. Roberts hit for a little more power and got on base .6% more often.
Sure, Roberts is a switchy, and we all know we love left-handed hitters, but how handed do we have to get? With the F-Bomb, we’ve got 3 of our 9 hitters coming from the left most days depending on the pitcher.
I like DeRosa’s versatility as much as the next guy, but why not let him have the everyday 2B job again? What was wrong with it?
December 12th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Wes, I see what you mean. I struggle with getting Roberts as to what that means for DeRosa. Can he be as productive getting 350-400 ABs roaming all over 2B/3B/1B/RF and maybe SS.
This is why I dislike most trades. You’re trading your trash for someone elses trash (or gold for gold to be more positive about it). This assumes your 2 relatively intelligent GMs and not Hendry pulling Littlefield’s shorts around his ankles.
The O’s won’t take Marshall over Gallagher and they’re going to want a somewhat proven SS or OF to replace Tejada and C. Pat in return for Roberts.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Hey don’t diss on Ed Wade, he has a long track record of success. Oh wait, nope..Astros are fucked.
If they non-tender Adam Everett I wouldn’t mind getting in on that.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:31 pm
Rob G. — December 12, 2007 @ 1:28 pm
Hey don’t diss on Ed Wade, he has a long track record of success. Oh wait, nope..Astros are fucked.
If they non-tender Adam Everett I wouldn’t mind getting in on that.
……………………………………………………………….
Why? Might as well sign Neifi and his left handed bat
December 12th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
I’ll dig up my comments on this but I already showed why Soriano to the 5th spot is a marginal difference at best.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:35 pm
Oh… I don’t doubt that Soriano moving to 5th would be a marginal difference (and I kind of remember your stuff from before).
I am just saying that some of the numbers being thrown around in this thread don’t tell us what kind of positive or negative difference it would make.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
Everett’s the best defensive shortstop in baseball, it’s not even close. We’re talking +40 runs saved with glove type stuff.
I’m thinking more as a backup or protection if we move Cedeno as Theriot will need someone around in case. Actually I’d bet Everett would outperform Theriot when you take defense into account.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
Wes-
If you are including Hill and Marshall as LH bats…..not so fast.
LH = KFuk and Pie/Fuld, I beleive.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
Wouldn’t mind Everett in Cubbie blue.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Everett had a .599 ops last year. Henry Blanco looks like a Legitimate Major Leaguer with the bat in Comparison. Maybe he would be useful in part time duty. As a late inning defensive replacement. As a guy you start whenever you play on artificial turf. But in the tall grass of Wrigley. His skills would be wasted IMHO.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
first comment…
http://mvn.com/mlb-cubs/2007/1.....ent-102200
284 runners were on base for Soriano when got up to bat, he only drove in 37 of them for a .13028 percentage. I think the average is around 16%-17%. If he just hits the average, that’s 9 more RBI’s right there. He also only played 135 games.
I don’t know what the average #5 hitter should expect in terms of runners on base and the Cubs went through too many options for me to calculate.
Ramirez had 395 runner in front of him mostly in the 4 spot but he had Lee in front of him consistently. Let’s conservatively say Soriano gets up with about 350 runners on in front of him. At 13% that’s still only 45 RBI’s on top of his homers for a total of 78. At 395, that’s 51 runners brough in for a total of 84 RBI’s.
That doesn’t seem like that big a deal to me. 14 more RBI’s.
Our top 3 #5 hitters and their OBI% (although not all in the 5 spot)
DeRosa .15657
Floyd .14938
Murton .09272
December 12th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
This was posted by dave:
“But now that Tejada has been traded, hopefully Hendry can move to acquire Roberts to fill a non-existent hole at 2b.”
I couldn’t agree more. I just don’t get this Roberts things. Is Roberts that much of a an upgrade over DeRo? I don’t think so.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
http://mvn.com/mlb-cubs/2007/1.....ent-102204
Soriano’s 2006 OBI% was .1392
2005: .16038
2004: .16237
2003: .14058
Driving runners in is not something he excels at, in a good year he’s average and might hit 100 RBI’s.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:41 pm
.599ops
So you have to bat him 9th when Z,Marquis,Lilly, Wood, or Kevin Hart pitch.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
Is Everett really that good defensively?
Now… don’t get me wrong - I know he is very good from watching what he can do. But his defensive metrics don’t look nearly as great as Rob makes them out to be.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:47 pm
I’ll even make it simpler, you’re talking about 70 RBI’s by Soriano over his HR’s in the 5 spot because the RBI’s he gets for driving himself are going to happen anywhere in the lineup.
So will that our new #5 hitter be able to get close to that?
Last year our #5 hitters hit 256/321/401 with 19 HR/75 RBI for 55 other runners batted in.
But who will be the #5 hitter this year? If it’s Fuku and you take a low projection of about an 800 OPS, that’s still better than what we did last year in that spot and I think he’ll be fairly close to that 70 OBI number.
I just think whatever “run production” Soriano’s power brings is offset by his huge strikeout totals. Aramis Ramirez he’s not…
December 12th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
Is Everett really that good defensively?
I thought that was what they came up with in the Fielding Bible the last few years but I’ll have to check later. What’s BP say?
December 12th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
http://actasports.com/sows.php
interesting stat oddity for the Cubs last year and leadoff men…
December 12th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
http://actasports.com/sow.php?id=151
Cubs with the 7th best team defense in the majors last year according to Fielding Bible numbers. 4th in the NL.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:52 pm
Why in the world would anyone care if Cedeno was gone? Does anyone really think he’s going to be a long-term, quality starting SS in the majors? I guess you’re seeing something I’m not.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
interesting stat oddity for the Cubs last year and leadoff men…
I’m so getting the Gold Mine.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
Our friends at MLB Trade Rumors cite ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick stating the Cubs are shopping Marquis
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....BHeadlines
In the same report, they cite the NY Daily News stating Randolph mentioned Marquis yesterday also
http://www.nydailynews.com/spo.....ml?ref=rss
December 12th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
Does anyone really think he’s going to be a long-term, quality starting SS in the majors?
Yes.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
Our friends at MLB Trade Rumors cite a Jerry Crasnick article from ESPN that the Cubs are shopping Marquis. In the same report, they also mention a NY Daily News article where Randolph brought Marquis’ name up…..
December 12th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
Tito,
He hit .300 when he came up in 2005. It’s in there somewhere.
Sure, he doesn’t draw many walks, and he doesn’t hit for much power, but he’s in the same boat as Felix. They’ve both thoroughly dominated AAA. But, they need to develop a little plate patience to become decent big league hitters.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
BP has something like +25, 26, 32, 54 and 18 Runs above replacement for Everett.
I’ll see if I can dig up his Fielding Bible numbers…
December 12th, 2007 at 1:59 pm
Cedeno is putting up almost identical Numbers to those put up by Felix Pie in Iowa. And everyone and their brother are touting Pie to be a star.
December 12th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
Everett did “win” the fielding bible award in 2006, and finished 2nd in 2007 even with his injury.
Though it doesn’t list their actual numbers.
December 12th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
My brother thinks Pie is going to suck. I’m not so sure either way.
December 12th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
And FWIW (Not Much) This is what our lineup wil look like come Mid May. Assuming no more deals
LF Soriano
2b DeRosa
1B Lee
3b Aramis
Cf Fuckyoudome
Rf Murton
C Soto
Ss Cedeno
With Theriot doing the super-sub bit he was born to play. Fuld serving as 4th outfielder A to Pagan’s 4th Outfielder B.
December 12th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
Though it doesn’t list their actual numbers.
“It” being the fielding bible website.
December 12th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
So wait. You’re telling me that even though Pie and Cedeno are in the same boat, one (Pie) will suck enough to be benched and the other (Cedeno) will be starting?
What is the basis on that theory?
December 12th, 2007 at 2:05 pm
Some players are just AAAA players. They can dominate in the minors but can’t translate that to the bigs (ie. Choi and Dubois)
December 12th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
“BP has something like +25, 26, 32, 54 and 18 Runs above replacement for Everett.”
Yeah, his 2006 season with the glove was fucking incredible — he actually saved 40 runs above replacement. He finished at +13 last year because of the broken elbow.
Overall, the last three years, he’s been +22, +40, +13; his rate2 the last three seasons have been: 101, 117 and 110.
2006 was just unbelievable for Everett and probably also was one of the best seasons ever for a shortstop with the glove.
December 12th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
i linked to it last night but I guess WSCR last night reported Cubs were in talks for a “marquee” AL pitcher and someone who appeared to be on the up and up (yeah I know) said Blue Jays and Cubs had discussed something involving Burnett for Marquis, DeRosa (contingent on landing Roberts), and one or two prospect with Cedeno and Petrick’s name coming up. They could take Murton/Derosa/Marquis for Burnett if they trade Rios for Lincecum or Cain.
Just a rumor….a very sketchy one at that but it does make some sense. Burnett has an opt-out after this year in his deal and if they do land Cain or Lincecum especially, he would certainly be expendable. Cubs were known to be interested in Burnett 2 years ago as well.
Of course you’d think Rosenthal or Levine would be in on this by now if it was talked about. :)
December 12th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
I ask again, in all seriousness.
Has the Score ever broke a story?
December 12th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Cedeno hit .300 in 80 ABs. He’s hit about .240 in his other 600 or so ABs.
The prevailing image is him sliding past 2B on an intentional walk.
I’ll be sure to come here and say I’m wrong when Cedeno has these quality years you guys are convinced he’ll have.
December 12th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Wes — December 12, 2007 @ 2:04 pm
So wait. You’re telling me that even though Pie and Cedeno are in the same boat, one (Pie) will suck enough to be benched and the other (Cedeno) will be starting?
What is the basis on that theory?
………………………………………………………………
Because there really will not be another SS option. With F-Bomb in the fold, we do have a legitimate CF option.
December 12th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
George Offman reported that McPhail said Orioles are in “rebuilding mode.”
December 12th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
in case that wasn’t clear, the person on the “up and up” was on a Cubs message board, not on the Score. Kind of putting two and two together…
Woo Hot Stove…
December 12th, 2007 at 2:14 pm
I don’t think this was mentioned, but Rosenthal says Tejada is expected to play SS, not 3b.