Austin Kearns News

[donobr]

Yes.

[bc2k]

What's so special about Kearns?? Why does everyone like him so much?

 

He was DEMOTED last year! I just don't see what the fuss is about.

 

Exactly. I'd rather have Murton than Kearns.

[Drew Doughty]

Why not have both, though?

 

I've always liked Kearns, so I'm probably biased, but he always seemed like a guy that has a lot of potential, and he has shown signs of being pretty solid.

 

I'd love to have him in our OF at that cost.

[goonys evil twin]

What's so special about Kearns?? Why does everyone like him so much?

 

He was DEMOTED last year! I just don't see what the fuss is about.

 

Exactly. I'd rather have Murton than Kearns.

 

I would rather have Murton than Kearns as well. But I'd rather have Kearns and Abreu than Murton and Jones/Encarnacion/Burnitz

[CubfaninCA]

If you traded for Kearns, would you consider trading Murton in a deal for Abreu?

 

Trade Pie, Murton & Williams. Time to be bold for a change. Get a 3-way deal w/ Oakland going and w/ Zito going to Philly.

[goonys evil twin]

Why not have both, though?

 

I've always liked Kearns, so I'm probably biased, but he always seemed like a guy that has a lot of potential, and he has shown signs of being pretty solid.

 

I'd love to have him in our OF at that cost.

 

You'd have to get Wilkerson or Bradley in CF (or maybe Drew......) to ensure some decent production. Kearns at his worst is no better than Burnitz, and better than his worst is no guarantee.

[Drew Doughty]

True, but I figured we were sort of counting on something in CF next year, either Wilk or Bradley.

 

I assume asking for Pie would end any discussion about Pierre. I sure hope we make a run at Bradley, mainly because I prefer his name >_>

[Blueheart05]

Per the 5pm update on WSCR, George Ofman reported the Reds either offered or were seeking Mitre and Nolasco for Kearns.

 

If thats what they were seeking, I'd counter offer with Mitre and Wellymeyer.

 

Why,Nolasco hasn't pitched a day of ML ball? I know Welly is inconsistent but he has to be worth more than Nolasco. Wellymeyer could probably fit in as a back of the rotation starter (somewhere) next year. Save Welly for another deal.

 

Pie hasn't appeared in the majors yet while Patterson has, but I bet Pie has much more trade value. Same could be said for Macias/Eric Patterson, or Rusch/Gallagher, and many other "experienced" players vs unknowns. Welly's service time hasn't exactly been steller.

 

 

I see a big difference in the two cases. Patterson is due a raise in salary yet his production has regressed. His relatve youth and athleticism will get some GM's interested but he's still a gamble. As a prospect, Pie is also a gamble but he can be added for the league minimum. Low risk with the potential for high return.

 

Macias and Eric Patterson are not equals. Yes, Macias has ML experience but he is a utility player so that doesn't help someone seeking a 2B'men.

 

Oh yeah, I know Welly has been bad but, all things being equal, I would still value him more than someone without ML service time.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Repost:

 

I'd do that deal for Kearns, but why would we target him at this juncture? He's not a great corner OF, and his best year in the majors was very flukish. I'd do that deal late in the offseason if better options are off the market.

[maandig]

Don't really understand the love for Austin Kearns. His OBP the last two years has been around .325 (.333 last year, .321 the year prior), which is close to what Patterson put up the two years previous to last year's disastrous campaign (.320 in 2004, .329 in 2003). Patterson's OPS of .840 in 2003 and .772 in 2004 are superior to Kearns' OPS of .785 in 2005 and .740 in 2004. Kearns struck out 107 times in 387 at bats last year and as bad as C-Patt was, it took him 64 more at bats to strike out 11 more times.

 

I don't see why you would dump C-Patt and roll the dice on Kearns. Of the two, C-Patt is endowed with more ability than Kearns and can do many more things if he ever decides he wants to play baseball.

 

Nevertheless, even with all that said, if the Cubs were to start out next year with Murton in left, C-Patt in center, and Kearns in right, I would be happy. It would force Dusty's hand and make him prove that he can develop potential. While I think every Cubs fan wants to see the Cubs in the World Series in 2006, the team's long-term competitiveness should also be a concern and, with the anchors of A-Ram, Barrett, and Lee, the Cubs ought to see what they can coax out of Cedeno, Murton, Patterson and, if possible, Kearns.

[RynoRules]

If you traded for Kearns, would you consider trading Murton in a deal for Abreu?

 

Yes.

 

Ab-so-bleeping-lutely

[BigbadB]

I'd make the trade, no matter what. Once Kearns is on board, you have a guy that many teams would have some serious interest.

 

Kearns to Oakland for Kotsay?

 

The 3 way deal that sends Zito to Phily as was suggested.

 

If nothing else, Kearns is a better option in RF right now than John Mabry. But, signing Kearns wouldn't stop me from upgrading RF.

[NorthsideAvenger]

Would I do a Mitre/Nolasco for Kearns? You bet. Heck....let's get greedy an include say Novoa, Patterson, or Ryu and get Freel thrown-in the deal. :lol:

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Don't really understand the love for Austin Kearns. His OBP the last two years has been around .325 (.333 last year, .321 the year prior), which is close to what Patterson put up the two years previous to last year's disastrous campaign (.320 in 2004, .329 in 2003). Patterson's OPS of .840 in 2003 and .772 in 2004 are superior to Kearns' OPS of .785 in 2005 and .740 in 2004. Kearns struck out 107 times in 387 at bats last year and as bad as C-Patt was, it took him 64 more at bats to strike out 11 more times.

 

I don't see why you would dump C-Patt and roll the dice on Kearns. Of the two, C-Patt is endowed with more ability than Kearns and can do many more things if he ever decides he wants to play baseball.

 

Nevertheless, even with all that said, if the Cubs were to start out next year with Murton in left, C-Patt in center, and Kearns in right, I would be happy. It would force Dusty's hand and make him prove that he can develop potential. While I think every Cubs fan wants to see the Cubs in the World Series in 2006, the team's long-term competitiveness should also be a concern and, with the anchors of A-Ram, Barrett, and Lee, the Cubs ought to see what they can coax out of Cedeno, Murton, Patterson and, if possible, Kearns.

 

If we're looking at Jacque Jones for RF, I'd rather have Kearns, who puts up better offensive numbers (over the last two seasons anyways) and save the team millions per year. Kearns also has the potential to be a whole lot better offensively.

 

I really don't see Hendry pulling off the blockbuster for Dunn or Abreu.

[Andy]

Don't really understand the love for Austin Kearns. His OBP the last two years has been around .325 (.333 last year, .321 the year prior), which is close to what Patterson put up the two years previous to last year's disastrous campaign (.320 in 2004, .329 in 2003). Patterson's OPS of .840 in 2003 and .772 in 2004 are superior to Kearns' OPS of .785 in 2005 and .740 in 2004. Kearns struck out 107 times in 387 at bats last year and as bad as C-Patt was, it took him 64 more at bats to strike out 11 more times.

 

I don't see why you would dump C-Patt and roll the dice on Kearns. Of the two, C-Patt is endowed with more ability than Kearns and can do many more things if he ever decides he wants to play baseball.

 

Nevertheless, even with all that said, if the Cubs were to start out next year with Murton in left, C-Patt in center, and Kearns in right, I would be happy. It would force Dusty's hand and make him prove that he can develop potential. While I think every Cubs fan wants to see the Cubs in the World Series in 2006, the team's long-term competitiveness should also be a concern and, with the anchors of A-Ram, Barrett, and Lee, the Cubs ought to see what they can coax out of Cedeno, Murton, Patterson and, if possible, Kearns.

 

If we're looking at Jacque Jones for RF, I'd rather have Kearns, who puts up better offensive numbers (over the last two seasons anyways) and save the team millions per year. Kearns also has the potential to be a whole lot better offensively.

 

I really don't see Hendry pulling off the blockbuster for Dunn or Abreu.

I didn't think there was a way in hell we pull off a Nomar deal at the deadline in 2004. Hendry is far from a genius, but I refuse to write off the possibility of a blockbuster trade at this point.

[soapy]

Do you really have to stop pursueing someone like Abreu or Floyd or whoever if you acquire Kearns? No way. Either A) Murton or Kearns is used to acquire other said OFer or; B) Either Kearns or Murton become your RH power off the bench.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Do you really have to stop pursueing someone like Abreu or Floyd or whoever if you acquire Kearns? No way. Either A) Murton or Kearns is used to acquire other said OFer or; B) Either Kearns or Murton become your RH power off the bench.

 

exactly. the price for kearns in no way inhibits Hendry from pulling off a blockbuster.

[soapy]

Do you really have to stop pursueing someone like Abreu or Floyd or whoever if you acquire Kearns? No way. Either A) Murton or Kearns is used to acquire other said OFer or; B) Either Kearns or Murton become your RH power off the bench.

 

exactly. the price for kearns in no way inhibits Hendry from pulling off a blockbuster.

 

I agree. If that original deal to get Kearns is true (who knows) then you aren't trading away a lot of high prized talent to get him. Worst case scenario, you have Murton and Kearns as your corner outfielders. That's not good, but it's better than what they have now (and at least has a chance to be productive).

[don_kessinger_was_good]

I JUST HOPE WE DON'T TRADE AWAY JOSE MACIAS, FOR GAWD'S SAKE, HE IS SO USEFUL, KEEP THE GREMLIN, HE IS THE GLUE, DUDES

[BigbadB]

Do you really have to stop pursueing someone like Abreu or Floyd or whoever if you acquire Kearns? No way. Either A) Murton or Kearns is used to acquire other said OFer or; B) Either Kearns or Murton become your RH power off the bench.

 

exactly. the price for kearns in no way inhibits Hendry from pulling off a blockbuster.

 

I agree. If that original deal to get Kearns is true (who knows) then you aren't trading away a lot of high prized talent to get him. Worst case scenario, you have Murton and Kearns as your corner outfielders. That's not good, but it's better than what they have now (and at least has a chance to be productive).

 

The other evaluator is whether Kearns can net you in trade more or less than Mitre and Nolasco would have netted.

 

Personally, I think Kearns has more value than Mitre and Nolasco.

 

Would the A's trade Mark Kotsay to the Cubs for Kearns?

Would they trade Kotsay to the Cubs for Mitre and Nolasco?

 

Not necessarily advocating a Kearns/Kotsay trade. I just know the A's want a power righty bat and Kotsay is a CF that can lead off. But, of the two trade proposals, I would imagine the A's would be more tempted with Kearns. That makes the trade even more worth it.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Do you really have to stop pursueing someone like Abreu or Floyd or whoever if you acquire Kearns? No way. Either A) Murton or Kearns is used to acquire other said OFer or; B) Either Kearns or Murton become your RH power off the bench.

 

exactly. the price for kearns in no way inhibits Hendry from pulling off a blockbuster.

 

I agree. If that original deal to get Kearns is true (who knows) then you aren't trading away a lot of high prized talent to get him. Worst case scenario, you have Murton and Kearns as your corner outfielders. That's not good, but it's better than what they have now (and at least has a chance to be productive).

 

The other evaluator is whether Kearns can net you in trade more or less than Mitre and Nolasco would have netted.

 

Personally, I think Kearns has more value than Mitre and Nolasco.

 

Would the A's trade Mark Kotsay to the Cubs for Kearns?

Would they trade Kotsay to the Cubs for Mitre and Nolasco?

 

Not necessarily advocating a Kearns/Kotsay trade. I just know the A's want a power righty bat and Kotsay is a CF that can lead off. But, of the two trade proposals, I would imagine the A's would be more tempted with Kearns. That makes the trade even more worth it.

 

I agree with you about the relative trade value of Kearns and Nolasco+Mitre, but I don't think Kearns is a Beane-guy. He Ks way too much.

[stitchface]

Do you really have to stop pursueing someone like Abreu or Floyd or whoever if you acquire Kearns? No way. Either A) Murton or Kearns is used to acquire other said OFer or; B) Either Kearns or Murton become your RH power off the bench.

 

exactly. the price for kearns in no way inhibits Hendry from pulling off a blockbuster.

 

I agree. If that original deal to get Kearns is true (who knows) then you aren't trading away a lot of high prized talent to get him. Worst case scenario, you have Murton and Kearns as your corner outfielders. That's not good, but it's better than what they have now (and at least has a chance to be productive).

 

The other evaluator is whether Kearns can net you in trade more or less than Mitre and Nolasco would have netted.

 

Personally, I think Kearns has more value than Mitre and Nolasco.

 

Would the A's trade Mark Kotsay to the Cubs for Kearns?

Would they trade Kotsay to the Cubs for Mitre and Nolasco?

 

Not necessarily advocating a Kearns/Kotsay trade. I just know the A's want a power righty bat and Kotsay is a CF that can lead off. But, of the two trade proposals, I would imagine the A's would be more tempted with Kearns. That makes the trade even more worth it.

 

I agree with you about the relative trade value of Kearns and Nolasco+Mitre, but I don't think Kearns is a Beane-guy. He Ks way too much.

 

 

I'm willing to bet Beane doesn't care too much if Kearns ks.

[CUBZ99]

IF the Cubs trade Mitre, who would fill in if Wood, Rusch, Williams, Guzman, Koronka and Hill get hurt? Seems like Hendry would be leaving the rotation a little thin.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Beane just gave Loaiza a bunch of money for whatever reason. He might need Mitre+Nolasco more than even he knows.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Do you really have to stop pursueing someone like Abreu or Floyd or whoever if you acquire Kearns? No way. Either A) Murton or Kearns is used to acquire other said OFer or; B) Either Kearns or Murton become your RH power off the bench.

 

exactly. the price for kearns in no way inhibits Hendry from pulling off a blockbuster.

 

I agree. If that original deal to get Kearns is true (who knows) then you aren't trading away a lot of high prized talent to get him. Worst case scenario, you have Murton and Kearns as your corner outfielders. That's not good, but it's better than what they have now (and at least has a chance to be productive).

 

The other evaluator is whether Kearns can net you in trade more or less than Mitre and Nolasco would have netted.

 

Personally, I think Kearns has more value than Mitre and Nolasco.

 

Would the A's trade Mark Kotsay to the Cubs for Kearns?

Would they trade Kotsay to the Cubs for Mitre and Nolasco?

 

Not necessarily advocating a Kearns/Kotsay trade. I just know the A's want a power righty bat and Kotsay is a CF that can lead off. But, of the two trade proposals, I would imagine the A's would be more tempted with Kearns. That makes the trade even more worth it.

 

I agree with you about the relative trade value of Kearns and Nolasco+Mitre, but I don't think Kearns is a Beane-guy. He Ks way too much.

 

 

I'm willing to bet Beane doesn't care too much if Kearns ks.

 

How's that?