Austin Kearns News

[WrigleyField 22]

Even more intersting than his home/away splits is his vs right/lefty spilts. Against lefties he'd be a great top of the order guy, whereas vs. righties he is a slightly below average slugger.

 

It seems like if you wanted to maximize his talent you'd have to swich him in the order, but that kind of stuff can always mess with a player.

[Mark_R]

I heard the Levine report on the Bulls Postgame tonight about it involving Jerome Williams.

 

Can't say I'm too excited.

 

But hey, THAT'S WHAT WE GOT RUSCH FOR! :roll:

[hawkeyecub]

Kearns

 

Before ASB: .224/.306/.394/.700

After ASB: .253/.353/.498/.851

 

Mench

 

Home: .273/.340/.486/.826

Away: .254/.317/.452/.766

 

Before ASB: .291/.356/.551/.907

After ASB: .235/.300/.382/.682

 

Mench is pretty decent in Ameriquest. As bad as Kearns played in the first half of 2005, Mench played worse in the second half. But hey, Kearns got sent down, lol.

 

Add in Kearns's defense and I don't see how the two should be viewed in the same light.

 

Kearns has also had injuries (which do scare me) and a crowded OF to deal with.

 

Could you post Kearns home-away splits too. GABP is also a hitter's heaven.

 

From 2002-2004 Kearns hit .248/.335/.428 at home while hitting .243/.346/.463 on the road.

Last year he hit .233/.307/.444 at home while hitting .246/.354/.459 on the road.

 

From 2002-2004 Mench hit 289/.356/.514 at home, while hitting .262/.315/.476 on the road.

 

Mench has benefitted greatly from playing in a hitter's paradise, Kearns' numbers have been consistently better away from GABP.

[NorthsideAvenger]

Sorry, just saw the OTHER thread that mention it....my bad...

But it still does lead to some credibility about the earlier Kearns rumor.

Edited December 6, 2005 by NorthsideAvenger

[Blueheart05]

Update:

 

The Cubs are shopping pitchers Jerome Williams, Sergio Mitre, Todd Wellemeyer and Ricky Nolasco as they seek to improve their offense.

Even though GM Jim Hendry said he hadn't discussed outfielders were the Reds, the Chicago Tribune reports they've twice discussed Austin Kearns. Jerome Williams for Kearns would make a lot of sense, maybe with Wellemeyer or Nolasco included. The Cubs are also looking at the Marlins' Juan Pierre, the Rangers' Kevin Mench and Julio Lugo, Joey Gathright and Aubrey Huff of the Rays. Dec. 6 -

 

If THIS has already been, I apologize. But if this is true, and the Williams/Mitre/Welly/Noalsco are available, I believe this gives a little bit of credibility to the earlier rumor of Kearns for Mitre/Nolasco.

 

It also means that the Reds are likely going to keep Dunn because I noticed that their shopping Sean Casey and will look to move Dunn to 1B once complete.

[Keener98]

Im sorry but if Hendry gives up Williams for Kearns hes a damn idiot. Williams is worth more than Austin Kearns. Hell it should be Kearns and a minor leaguer for Williams, not Williams and us throwing in a minor leaguer. Williams can be used in a trade for a lot bigger bat than Kearns.

[ChiblueTNT]

Uhh... I may not be paying as much attention as I should be with the Cubs offseason due to the Bears, but someone please explain to me all this Kearns love. This guy has decent OBP, LOW AVERAGE, GETS INJURED A LOT... and we are going to trade a pretty good pitching prospect for him? Werent Pinto and Nolasco our big two down at AA currently and are tearing it up? And we are going to add another Murton type player to the outfield?...... Dont we need HR or high OPS out of either outfield spot? I am just wondering if this is how Hendry is planning on running this offseason... trading for another teams busted talent for our promising talent... Yay Cubs!

[nilodnayr]

Uhh... I may not be paying as much attention as I should be with the Cubs offseason due to the Bears, but someone please explain to me all this Kearns love. This guy has decent OBP, LOW AVERAGE, GETS INJURED A LOT... and we are going to trade a pretty good pitching prospect for him? Werent Pinto and Nolasco our big two down at AA currently and are tearing it up? And we are going to add another Murton type player to the outfield?...... Dont we need HR or high OPS out of either outfield spot? I am just wondering if this is how Hendry is planning on running this offseason... trading for another teams busted talent for our promising talent... Yay Cubs!

All the love is a result of the seemingly most plausible alternatives of Wilson or Jones.

[ChiblueTNT]

I can understand that, but realistically what would it cost to get Mench from Texas.... Id rather have him.

[NorthsideAvenger]

I can understand that, but realistically what would it cost to get Mench from Texas.... Id rather have him.

 

How about taking Soriano off the Rangers hands. If you haven't notice...the Rangers are desparately trying to move Soriano, seeing as this is an arbritration (sp?) ready to happen, and he is going to make over $10 mill next yr...unless he is non-tendered, if that's possibly. I rather trade Williams and Mitre for Kearns and ptbnl.

[nilodnayr]

I can understand that, but realistically what would it cost to get Mench from Texas.... Id rather have him.

 

See slightly earlier in the thread for evidence of Kearns over mench.

[nilodnayr]

I can understand that, but realistically what would it cost to get Mench from Texas.... Id rather have him.

 

How about taking Soriano off the Rangers hands. If you haven't notice...the Rangers are desparately trying to move Soriano, seeing as this is an arbritration (sp?) ready to happen, and he is going to make over $10 mill next yr...unless he is non-tendered, if that's possibly. I rather trade Williams and Mitre for Kearns and ptbnl.

 

Soriano was absolutely horrendous last year, and very bad the year before. Plus hes a butcher defensively. All he has going for him is 2 good years that are completely based on his batting average and home runs totals which can be attributed to the fact that he was thrown balls very much over the plate considering Jeter and Giambi were hitting after him.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Well, if it is Williams + Nolasco, I'd still do it, not b/c I think it's a great trade. We might actually be losing a little on this one. I really like Williams. I'd do it b/c Hendry would most likely go out and get another decent innings eater, improving our rotation overall even though I'd have to suffered through Rusch starting.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Williams and Nolasco for Kearns? Is Mr. Lopez coming with him?

[RynoRules]

Williams and Nolasco for Kearns? Is Mr. Lopez coming with him?

 

I agree - that is too much. I'd rather save those two for an Abreu deal.

[CuseCubFan69]

Williams and Nolasco for Kearns? Is Mr. Lopez coming with him?

 

At the worst Freel. I think it's overpaying too.

[Bluescale]

Even more intersting than his home/away splits is his vs right/lefty spilts. Against lefties he'd be a great top of the order guy, whereas vs. righties he is a slightly below average slugger.

 

It seems like if you wanted to maximize his talent you'd have to swich him in the order, but that kind of stuff can always mess with a player.

 

That kind of stuff can mess with a manager too...at least a certain manager...

[goonys evil twin]

Soriano was absolutely horrendous last year, and very bad the year before. Plus hes a butcher defensively. All he has going for him is 2 good years that are completely based on his batting average and home runs totals which can be attributed to the fact that he was thrown balls very much over the plate considering Jeter and Giambi were hitting after him.

 

That is not even close to the truth.

 

Look, I'm not a Soriano fan. I was initially intrigued when all he was was a name with the hype in the minors. But after seeing his game, I quickly soured, and his change of age didn't help matters.

 

However, last year he hit .268/.309/.512, in 2004 it was .280/.324/.484. For his career he is at .280/.320/.500. Now, none of this is amazing, worthy of $10 million or all the hype he has received. But, he is nowhere near horrendous or very bad. He's a good baseball player who can help a team if used properly. He's no leadoff hitter or top half of the order guy. He is basically Corey Patterson if Corey hadn't fallen off the cliff. Throw him in the 6 hole with a decent threat behind him (Barrett or Murton) and he could help the Cubs.

 

 

Interestingly, in 2001, at the age of 25, Soriano put up an OPS+ of 92, the year before in limited duty he was at 35. In 2005, Corey, at age 25 put up an OPS+ of 56, the year before he was at 92 (116 in 2003). Juan Pierre was 84 last year, and is just 87 for his career. He has Willie Wilson written all over him. Willie had some decent years in his mid 20's, only to turn into a has been pretty quickly. Only Willie actually had some good SB skills, maintaining an 80+% rate throughout his career - Pierre is well below that benchmark.

 

If the Cubs can't get Wilkerson or Bradley for CF, I think they have to consider that their best option might be to try and go big in RF, and settle on Corey with competition in CF, batting 8th. Have Hairston and Greenberg ready to step in anyday, with Pie as the carrot on the end of the stick.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Levine just said that Soriano isn't an option for the Cubs. His D is too bad at 2B and he won't move to the OF.

[rocket]

Hal McCoy's story on Kearns possibly coming to Chicago is the top story in today's sports section of the Dayton Daily News.

 

http://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/content/sports/reds/daily/1206reds.html

 

Registration required, but here's the gist of the article:

 

-Cubs tried to trade for Kearns last July, but O'Brien refused to trade any of his outfielders

-Ricky Nolasco, Sergio Mitre, Jerome Williams, and Todd Wellemeyer mentioned as possibilities to be included in the deal.

-Reds will likely ask for Rich Hill, but it ain't happening. A Cubs official says "They'd probably have to hold our feet to the fire to get Hill."

-Dusty sez "Why didn't they want to trade an outfielder in July? We made them a good offer." details plz

-Mentions that both Hendry and Baker are in love with Kearns, and mentions that Kearns has lit up Wrigley.

 

In non-Cubs related news from the article, it mentions that Pittsburgh is very interested in Sean Casey. Also mentions that Red Sox offered Kevin Youkalis and Bronson Arroyo for Casey.

[Neuby]

Hal McCoy's story on Kearns possibly coming to Chicago is the top story in today's sports section of the Dayton Daily News.

 

http://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/content/sports/reds/daily/1206reds.html

 

Registration required, but here's the gist of the article:

 

-Cubs tried to trade for Kearns last July, but O'Brien refused to trade any of his outfielders

-Ricky Nolasco, Sergio Mitre, Jerome Williams, and Todd Wellemeyer mentioned as possibilities to be included in the deal.

-Reds will likely ask for Rich Hill, but it ain't happening. A Cubs official says "They'd probably have to hold our feet to the fire to get Hill."

-Dusty sez "Why didn't they want to trade an outfielder in July? We made them a good offer." details plz

-Mentions that both Hendry and Baker are in love with Kearns, and mentions that Kearns has lit up Wrigley.

 

In non-Cubs related news from the article, it mentions that Pittsburgh is very interested in Sean Casey. Also mentions that Red Sox offered Kevin Youkalis and Bronson Arroyo for Casey.

 

I can't think that the red sox made that offer to the Reds for Casey. They have been trying to deal off his salary for awhile now and they would be getting some pretty good talent in return on that deal.

[PieOnMyHands]

The Reds are on the verge of trading Sean Casey for Dave Williams. This, per RotoWorld.

 

This would result in Dunn likely moving to first, thus freeing up an outfield position for the surplus outfielder.

 

Not good for either Cub or Cards fans! Now Cincy probably won't trade any of those young outfielders.

[YearofDaCubs]

The Reds are on the verge of trading Sean Casey for Dave Williams. This, per RotoWorld.

 

This would result in Dunn likely moving to first, thus freeing up an outfield position for the surplus outfielder.

 

Not good for either Cub or Cards fans! Now Cincy probably won't trade any of those young outfielders.

That's probably news Cubs fans do not want to see but it makes the most sense for the Reds, especially considering they don't have to trade within the division.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

The Reds are on the verge of trading Sean Casey for Dave Williams. This, per RotoWorld.

 

This would result in Dunn likely moving to first, thus freeing up an outfield position for the surplus outfielder.

 

Not good for either Cub or Cards fans! Now Cincy probably won't trade any of those young outfielders.

That's probably news Cubs fans do not want to see but it makes the most sense for the Reds, especially considering they don't have to trade within the division.

 

Isn't Dave Williams the LHP for the Pirates?

[PieOnMyHands]

The Reds are on the verge of trading Sean Casey for Dave Williams. This, per RotoWorld.

 

This would result in Dunn likely moving to first, thus freeing up an outfield position for the surplus outfielder.

 

Not good for either Cub or Cards fans! Now Cincy probably won't trade any of those young outfielders.

That's probably news Cubs fans do not want to see but it makes the most sense for the Reds, especially considering they don't have to trade within the division.

 

Isn't Dave Williams the LHP for the Pirates?

 

Yes. And that is the one we're speaking of, too.

 

Great move for the Reds, if they do it. They shed like $9 million in salary, and keep all four of those outfielders.