A new take on Hendry's "inaction"

[weitliz]

Please allow this lurker to add his thoughts to the Hendry discussion. I have read umpteen threads regarding Hendry and formerly possible moves (signing Furcal, Giles, trading for Piere or Huff, etc.) I have kept waiting for someone to voice this possibility, but have not yet seen it. My turn. :wink:

 

Is it possible Hendry has planned for the contingency of being spurned by the major free agents and shunned by most trade partners?

 

We have seen deals made for players that could have improved the Cubs, but that are not a good value for the Cubs. 3/40 for Furcal? A possible 5/55 for Burnett with that injury history? :shock:

 

We have witnessed trades netting the Marlins good young talent for higher-priced major leaguers.

 

I also know the Cubs have a ton of available payroll that is burning a hole in the pocket of some posters. Heck, even a relatively subdued signing or trade would mollify many.

 

What if Hendry has made it his plan this offseason to explore trades and signings that improve the club, but don't hamstring his ability to upgrade down the road? Here are the facts as I see it:

1) Weak free agent class

2) Tons of payroll space available

3) Plethora of Rule 5-eligible minor-leaguers

4) TONS of pressure from fans of every team to make improvements in the offseason. (to which some GM's cave; Dodgers, anyone?)

 

I foresee Hendry making the trades that make good baseball sense (according to his wisdom) and signings that fill holes for the beginning of the season. What are the possibilities, however, if he has 15-20 million in payroll available during the season? How about at the trade deadline? Would signing Lofton (strange we haven't heard more regarding him) and trading for Wilkerson be enough to keep the Cubs in contention until the All-Star Break?

 

1. Lofton (CF)

2. Perez (SS)

3. Lee (1B)

4. Ramirez (3B)

5. Wilkerson (RF)

6. Walker (2B)

7. Barrett ©

8. Murton (LF)

 

Now what if Baltimore is in 4th place and wants to shed payroll (Tejada)? How about San Francisco realizing Bonds is on his last leg (hehe) and begins rebuilding (Schmidt)? Or Texas comes to the realization that they simply must have some young pitching in their system (Young)?

 

You get the point...endless possibilities.

 

Please set me straight... 8)

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Tejada??? Tej-yes! Oh, and no way I'm content with Neifi batting 2nd and playing SS.

[weitliz]

Tejada??? Tej-yes! Oh, and no way I'm content with Neifi batting 2nd and playing SS.

 

Please don't misconstrue my line-up posting with acceptance of the policy.

 

Just a realist when it comes to Dusty :(

[BigbadB]

You had me interested until I saw Neifi batting 2nd in your line up. :D

 

Wilkerson, Walker and Murton would all hit there before Neifi would. At least on any team not managed by Dusty.

 

Hendry seemed pretty interested in Furcal, and appeared eager to overpend to get him. Other than that, who knows?

 

Good first post. Welcome to NSBB.

[Careless]

Baltimore might not trade tejada for all of our top 5 prospects. He's that good and his contract is that reasonable and they make good money. He's making millions less than furcal. Aside from jeter, ichiro, and pujols, I can't think of anyone that might be harder to get in a trade. And jeter might be off that list by now

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

I think that if Wood and/or Prior miss significant time we're going to be far back come mid-season. The lineup won't matter. Even Abreu in RF won't dig us out of that hole.

 

I worry more about Hendry not having enough good pitching. Re-signing Rusch was a freaking joke.

[BigbadB]

Baltimore might not trade tejada for all of our top 5 prospects. He's that good and his contract is that reasonable and they make good money. He's making millions less than furcal. Aside from jeter, ichiro, and pujols, I can't think of anyone that might be harder to get in a trade. And jeter might be off that list by now

 

Whoa, wait a minute.....

 

Furcal is going to make more than Tejada? :shock:

[Ding Dong Johnson]

He's making millions less than furcal.

 

Huh? Did Furcal already sign a lucrative extension?

[RynoRules]

Baltimore might not trade tejada for all of our top 5 prospects. He's that good and his contract is that reasonable and they make good money. He's making millions less than furcal. Aside from jeter, ichiro, and pujols, I can't think of anyone that might be harder to get in a trade. And jeter might be off that list by now

 

That is a terribly frightening thought.

[SAMMYWHO]

Awesome post. I love the positive attitude. Even signing Lofton to be the 4th outfielder and trading for Wilkerson and an impact in right. I like Murton but he's no guarantee. With that lineup, I'd give Cedeno as much playing time his body could handle. I'd bat him 8th and move Wilkerson to 2nd and slide everyone else down. Plus I think we'd have money left over for a Jarrod Washburn type starter.

[weitliz]

Baltimore might not trade tejada for all of our top 5 prospects. He's that good and his contract is that reasonable and they make good money. He's making millions less than furcal. Aside from jeter, ichiro, and pujols, I can't think of anyone that might be harder to get in a trade. And jeter might be off that list by now

 

Picking on the particular examples is fine by me...those are not the goal of this post. I am suggesting Hendry is going to improve the team to the degree to which he is able via trade or signing so long as it does not hamper his ability to improve during the season.

 

We have all seen that Hendry seems to shine with midseason trades. (No debate on this point needed for me...I have seen the debate many times on this board already without my restarting it)

 

We have heard rumblings that he has the full support of MacPhail and the Tribune; it is not as though he is approaching this off-season needing to make a grandiose move. Perhaps he is setting himself up nicely to once again wear the "Trader Joe" hat?

[Ding Dong Johnson]

I definitely agree to an extent. I do think Hendry will make some sort of move on the FA front, but he has also said several times that some of the holes will likely be filled with trades. I expect him to make at least one impact trade prior to the season rather than waiting until the ASB to see where we're sitting. It'll probably be too late by then.

[weitliz]

Baltimore might not trade tejada for all of our top 5 prospects. He's that good and his contract is that reasonable and they make good money. He's making millions less than furcal. Aside from jeter, ichiro, and pujols, I can't think of anyone that might be harder to get in a trade. And jeter might be off that list by now

 

Perhaps you are correct. But I can also see the possibility of Baltimore being well-seated into 4th place in the division with the improvements Toronto is making. Who knows...maybe Burnett will actually perform up to his (potential) contract. What if Baltimore attempts to position themselves for the rebuilding period of the Yankees and Red Sox? Tejada would be their most valuable trade piece.

[Careless]

Baltimore might not trade tejada for all of our top 5 prospects. He's that good and his contract is that reasonable and they make good money. He's making millions less than furcal. Aside from jeter, ichiro, and pujols, I can't think of anyone that might be harder to get in a trade. And jeter might be off that list by now

 

Whoa, wait a minute.....

 

Furcal is going to make more than Tejada? :shock:

Looks like tejada is making 10/12/13/13

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Baltimore might not trade tejada for all of our top 5 prospects. He's that good and his contract is that reasonable and they make good money. He's making millions less than furcal. Aside from jeter, ichiro, and pujols, I can't think of anyone that might be harder to get in a trade. And jeter might be off that list by now

 

Whoa, wait a minute.....

 

Furcal is going to make more than Tejada? :shock:

Looks like tejada is making 10/12/13/13

 

Tejada at 13 >>>>>>> Furcal at 10. Balto is hurting for starting pitching. Would it be that outrageous of an idea to throw a bunch of arms and Cedeno to try landing Miggy? I'd jump on that in a heartbeat. Criminy, I'd fly to Baltimore and help him pack.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

On a side note, I found this looking for Tejada's contract situation (Cot's was down). It really cracked me up.

 

Neyer contended that Tejada, of late, has been about as good as fellow shortstops Derek Jeter and Nomar Garciaparra, and considering what Jeter and Garciaparra will make in upcoming years, Tejada might actually be underpaid.

[Roast]

Baltimore might not trade tejada for all of our top 5 prospects. He's that good and his contract is that reasonable and they make good money. He's making millions less than furcal. Aside from jeter, ichiro, and pujols, I can't think of anyone that might be harder to get in a trade. And jeter might be off that list by now

 

Whoa, wait a minute.....

 

Furcal is going to make more than Tejada? :shock:

Looks like tejada is making 10/12/13/13

 

Furcal is the second highest paid SS behind Jeter.

[Andy]

Baltimore might not trade tejada for all of our top 5 prospects. He's that good and his contract is that reasonable and they make good money. He's making millions less than furcal. Aside from jeter, ichiro, and pujols, I can't think of anyone that might be harder to get in a trade. And jeter might be off that list by now

 

Whoa, wait a minute.....

 

Furcal is going to make more than Tejada? :shock:

Looks like tejada is making 10/12/13/13

 

Furcal is the second highest paid SS behind Jeter.

Third because I still count ARod as the Yankee SS. Just because Joe Torre lies to everybody and sticks him at third doesn't make him a 3B. :wink:

[CubfaninCA]

Hendry probably has multiple plans just like most GM's do. For leadoff, Furcal was obviously option 1. Am guessing Pierre is option 2. After that, Lofton's still left and probably a few other options via trade like Lugo.

 

It's still to early to panic.

[Mark_R]

 

Tejada at 13 >>>>>>> Furcal at 10. Balto is hurting for starting pitching. Would it be that outrageous of an idea to throw a bunch of arms and Cedeno to try landing Miggy? I'd jump on that in a heartbeat. Criminy, I'd fly to Baltimore and help him pack.

 

Resident idiot, Dayn Perry disagrees with you.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Additions: SS Rafael Furcal (three years, $39MM)

 

Subtractions: None

 

Needs: Starting pitcher, right-handed hitting first baseman, third baseman

 

The lowdown: The Dodgers may be talking to the A's about a Barry Zito-for-Milton Bradley deal. It also appears that Jeff Kent will move to first base once Cesar Izturis returns from injury at mid-season. Bill Mueller and Joe Randa are of interest to fill the hole at third, and the Dodgers may also explore signing an outfielder like Jacque Jones, Jeromy Burnitz, Reggie Sanders or Preston Wilson.

 

Off-season grade so far: A. Great move in signing Furcal to below-market contract.

 

Possibly one of the dumbest things I've seen written. Miguel Tejada is somewhere in a corner, crying right now.

[CubfaninCA]

Did Tejada get 6 & 72? That's better than 3 & 39. Factor in inflation and Tejada might get 6 & 80 this year.

[NoDak]

Please allow this lurker to add his thoughts to the Hendry discussion. I have read umpteen threads regarding Hendry and formerly possible moves (signing Furcal, Giles, trading for Piere or Huff, etc.) I have kept waiting for someone to voice this possibility, but have not yet seen it. My turn. :wink:

 

Is it possible Hendry has planned for the contingency of being spurned by the major free agents and shunned by most trade partners?

 

We have seen deals made for players that could have improved the Cubs, but that are not a good value for the Cubs. 3/40 for Furcal? A possible 5/55 for Burnett with that injury history? :shock:

 

We have witnessed trades netting the Marlins good young talent for higher-priced major leaguers.

 

I also know the Cubs have a ton of available payroll that is burning a hole in the pocket of some posters. Heck, even a relatively subdued signing or trade would mollify many.

 

What if Hendry has made it his plan this offseason to explore trades and signings that improve the club, but don't hamstring his ability to upgrade down the road? Here are the facts as I see it:

1) Weak free agent class

2) Tons of payroll space available

3) Plethora of Rule 5-eligible minor-leaguers

4) TONS of pressure from fans of every team to make improvements in the offseason. (to which some GM's cave; Dodgers, anyone?)

 

I foresee Hendry making the trades that make good baseball sense (according to his wisdom) and signings that fill holes for the beginning of the season. What are the possibilities, however, if he has 15-20 million in payroll available during the season? How about at the trade deadline? Would signing Lofton (strange we haven't heard more regarding him) and trading for Wilkerson be enough to keep the Cubs in contention until the All-Star Break?

 

1. Lofton (CF)

2. Perez (SS)

3. Lee (1B)

4. Ramirez (3B)

5. Wilkerson (RF)

6. Walker (2B)

7. Barrett ©

8. Murton (LF)

 

Now what if Baltimore is in 4th place and wants to shed payroll (Tejada)? How about San Francisco realizing Bonds is on his last leg (hehe) and begins rebuilding (Schmidt)? Or Texas comes to the realization that they simply must have some young pitching in their system (Young)?

 

You get the point...endless possibilities.

 

Please set me straight... 8)

 

Overall, I think you make a decent point (but I would still like to see Cedeno/Walker up the middle). One of the problems of a relatively weak FA class is that even more mediocre players sign ludicrous contracts. I would certainly not mind going into the season with Murton/Bradley/Wilkerson/Patterson in almost any combination (I do think that Patterson will go back to his .260/.320 self) and wait until the season gets rolling and we know what we have and other teams know what they have.

 

Part of me says that FLA is doing JUST the right thing. Take advantage of the relative lack of FA AND the subsequent extreme seller's market to get VERY GOOD value for their product. They are still keeping lots of good talent (Willis, Cabrera) and seeing what they can get for other players. They have the intelligence to know that they have to clean-house to get lots of good young players and then will be VERY competitive in the next couple of years. It is an error to think that every team must go into every season with a "realistic chance of winning a championship." This leads to mediocrity across the league.

[CubinNY]

We have all seen that Hendry seems to shine with midseason trades. (No debate on this point needed for me...I have seen the debate many times on this board already without my restarting it)

 

Why wait until the midseason? Who is to say the Cubs won't be hopelessly out with the lineup you proposed.

 

If they are in it, the price tag for any player will go up. In addition, some targets may not be on the market due to the team also being in contention.

 

If you are correct in your assumption, I would just as soon fire Hendry now.

[ConstableRabbit]

I wouldn't cry if we signed Tejada - I've always been a fan.

 

However, I'm a little surprised at my fellow NSBBers approving of having him on the team... the guy doesn't walk! :D

[weitliz]

We have all seen that Hendry seems to shine with midseason trades. (No debate on this point needed for me...I have seen the debate many times on this board already without my restarting it)

 

Why wait until the midseason? Who is to say the Cubs won't be hopelessly out with the lineup you proposed.

 

If they are in it, the price tag for any player will go up. In addition, some targets may not be on the market due to the team also being in contention.

 

If you are correct in your assumption, I would just as soon fire Hendry now.

 

Perhaps I should have used the term "in-season" instead of "mid-season". As the season progresses, more and more teams fall out of contention and the urge to shed payroll and acquire prospects increases; I see this trend almost yearly. Aside from the Great Florida Fire(sales) of 1997 and 2005, few teams completely dismantle themselves during the offseason. Many don't want to tick off the paying customers before they have purchased their tickets. And with the weak free agent class this year, many seller-teams seem (initially) to be holding out for highly beneficial trades.

 

Of course there will be players unavailable due to their teams being in contention during the season, but others will be available. My point was not to point out the possibility of acquiring Tejada or Schmidt per se, but to show that Hendry may be planning to improve the team enough to stay competative but then strike a spectacular deal during the season.

 

Strike at the proposed line-up all you like, however. :P

 

I don't like it either.