Would it be all that bad to punt 2006 and look toward 2007?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I've spent most of the day mulling this idea over in my head.

 

The 2006 FA class stunk. Other than at closer, it had three players worth spending big money on.

 

The Cubs have a ton of money available, but there's really no one worth spending it on. The teams with players to trade are asking way too much for the guys they will trade.

 

I know this won't be a popular suggestion, but what if the Cubs decided to use 2006 to set the stage for 2007.

 

The additional payroll could be used to front-load some contracts to Lee, Prior, and Zambrano. Giving those three more money in 2006 might make them a little cheaper in 2007-2009.

 

Secondly, the Cubs could move players that don't fit into the long range plan. But instead of moving them for one or two year rentals like Pierre or Abreu, they could look to acquire players more likely to help them in the future. Trades involving Wood and Maddux (if they would waive the NTC) could be explored to put the Cubs on sound footing for the next three to four years.

 

I'm just weary the Cubs will make stupid moves that won't help the team in 2006 and will hamper efforts to improve down the road.

[Careless]

The additional payroll could be used to front-load some contracts to Lee, Prior, and Zambrano. Giving those three more money in 2006 might make them a little cheaper in 2007-2009.

On the one hand, I like the idea, set up a stacked team in the future. On the other hand, baker is gonna snap zambrano's arm, prior is going to take a line drive off the skull, and lee is never going to be more expensive to sign than he is at this moment. So I guess i'm saying that if I was feeling optimistic, I'd tell the cubs to forfeit 2006

Wow, that's pathetic

[CheeseHead Cubs Fan]

Meh, what's another year ?

[Soul]

I suppose. It doesn't look good right now, that's for sure. Not spendiing all our cash on over-inflated players might not be the worst thing.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

I'm going to wait and see how December goes before I chime in.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

good point. it's part of the reason i was happy we didn't get furcal. this isn't checkers.

[Mark_R]

If you're caving on 06, there's no use in keeping Lee around.

 

I thought of a (probably) ridiculous trade idea off the top of my head about an hour ago:

 

Derrek Lee for Brad Wilkerson and Nick Johnson.

 

Edit: if that's not enough for Lee, possibly J. Patterson too?

Edited December 6, 2005 by Mark_R

[Blueheart05]

I've spent most of the day mulling this idea over in my head.

 

The 2006 FA class stunk. Other than at closer, it had three players worth spending big money on.

 

The Cubs have a ton of money available, but there's really no one worth spending it on. The teams with players to trade are asking way too much for the guys they will trade.

 

I know this won't be a popular suggestion, but what if the Cubs decided to use 2006 to set the stage for 2007.

 

The additional payroll could be used to front-load some contracts to Lee, Prior, and Zambrano. Giving those three more money in 2006 might make them a little cheaper in 2007-2009.

 

Secondly, the Cubs could move players that don't fit into the long range plan. But instead of moving them for one or two year rentals like Pierre or Abreu, they could look to acquire players more likely to help them in the future. Trades involving Wood and Maddux (if they would waive the NTC) could be explored to put the Cubs on sound footing for the next three to four years.

 

I'm just weary the Cubs will make stupid moves that won't help the team in 2006 and will hamper efforts to improve down the road.

 

No, I think there are a number of moves that can be made via trades. Plus, as you pointed out, the Cubs have lots of money left to spend. The offseason is not lost. I have a feeling that Hendry is going to pull off a trade (or more) by the end of the week. If handled correctly, the Cubs can be a strong team in 2006.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

If you're caving on 06, there's no use in keeping Lee around.

 

I thought of a (probably) ridiculous trade idea off the top of my head about an hour ago:

 

Derrek Lee for Brad Wilkerson, Nick Johnson, and John Patterson.

 

Only if they throw in Christian Guzman. :lol:

[rawaction]

The thing is that next year's FA crop stinks too. And the Cubs will have 2 of their 3 largest contracts coming off the books (maybe all 3 if Aramis opts out). And this same post will be relevant next year.

[Dr. Cub]

Meh, what's another year ?

 

Approximately 36 million heartbeats closer to death. :willynilly:

[Mizzou]

Screw that, I'm tired of waiting. I applaud the thinking outside the box, but I think it's a terrible idea.

[Andy]

The additional payroll could be used to front-load some contracts to Lee, Prior, and Zambrano. Giving those three more money in 2006 might make them a little cheaper in 2007-2009.

On the one hand, I like the idea, set up a stacked team in the future. On the other hand, baker is gonna snap zambrano's arm, prior is going to take a line drive off the skull, and lee is never going to be more expensive to sign than he is at this moment. So I guess i'm saying that if I was feeling optimistic, I'd tell the cubs to forfeit 2006

Wow, that's pathetic

That's what this team has done to us. Purposely forfeiting this next season is the OPTIMISTIC scenario.

[CardsFanInChiTown]

I've spent most of the day mulling this idea over in my head.

 

The 2006 FA class stunk. Other than at closer, it had three players worth spending big money on.

 

The Cubs have a ton of money available, but there's really no one worth spending it on. The teams with players to trade are asking way too much for the guys they will trade.

 

I know this won't be a popular suggestion, but what if the Cubs decided to use 2006 to set the stage for 2007.

 

The additional payroll could be used to front-load some contracts to Lee, Prior, and Zambrano. Giving those three more money in 2006 might make them a little cheaper in 2007-2009.

 

Secondly, the Cubs could move players that don't fit into the long range plan. But instead of moving them for one or two year rentals like Pierre or Abreu, they could look to acquire players more likely to help them in the future. Trades involving Wood and Maddux (if they would waive the NTC) could be explored to put the Cubs on sound footing for the next three to four years.

 

I'm just weary the Cubs will make stupid moves that won't help the team in 2006 and will hamper efforts to improve down the road.

 

No, I think there are a number of moves that can be made via trades. Plus, as you pointed out, the Cubs have lots of money left to spend. The offseason is not lost. I have a feeling that Hendry is going to pull off a trade (or more) by the end of the week. If handled correctly, the Cubs can be a strong team in 2006.

 

I agree with this post - you guys have a good core. The Cubs just really need an impact bat in the OF.

Edited December 6, 2005 by CardsFanInChiTown

[Andy]

Meh, what's another year ?

 

Approximately 36 million heartbeats closer to death. :willynilly:

And another year full of Cub fans dying without ever seeing the team win a Series. :(

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I've spent most of the day mulling this idea over in my head.

 

The 2006 FA class stunk. Other than at closer, it had three players worth spending big money on.

 

The Cubs have a ton of money available, but there's really no one worth spending it on. The teams with players to trade are asking way too much for the guys they will trade.

 

I know this won't be a popular suggestion, but what if the Cubs decided to use 2006 to set the stage for 2007.

 

The additional payroll could be used to front-load some contracts to Lee, Prior, and Zambrano. Giving those three more money in 2006 might make them a little cheaper in 2007-2009.

 

Secondly, the Cubs could move players that don't fit into the long range plan. But instead of moving them for one or two year rentals like Pierre or Abreu, they could look to acquire players more likely to help them in the future. Trades involving Wood and Maddux (if they would waive the NTC) could be explored to put the Cubs on sound footing for the next three to four years.

 

I'm just weary the Cubs will make stupid moves that won't help the team in 2006 and will hamper efforts to improve down the road.

 

Poor FA class this year. Will that be different next year? Early indications are no.

 

Cubs management makes stupid decisions in this market. Will the market or the management be different next year? Doubt it.

 

Less money due to studs. It's a plus, but it also wastes a prime year for all of them.

 

It's an interesting idea, but I don't see a whole lot of benefit in it.

[Gunned]

A team with a $100 million payroll should never, ever, ever have to "punt" a season. That's ridiculous.

[jmajew]

I think you can build for the future without giving up on 2006. We can still trade some of the young pitchers we have who do not fit into our future plans for players that would help us this year. We can also trade Patterson. Yes we will not be great but you never know what could happen. With those trade pieces you can still get Bradley or Wilkerson to play RF and then sign lofton to play center. Then the next year when Maddux and Wood are off the books we will have another 20 million to spend on free agents. A lineup for next season of:

 

Lofton

Walker

Lee

Ramirez

Bradley/Wilkerson

Murton

Barrett

Cedeno

 

I think can still compete for the division. I don't see any reason to give up on the season. Then in 2007 you can go after another OF if Pie isn't ready and sign a Top of the Rotation pitcher.

[ThePenguin11]

This thread needs John Belushi (Blutarski), because it's the most cowardly conversation topic in the history of Cubdom.

 

Should we just give up now?

 

Why? So Cubs baseball can suck and be totally unwatchable for a whole year? Give me a break. Just because Hendry doesn't have all the free agents in the world to choose from, doesn't mean he can't still pull something off with trades. There are still a few free agent SP's available. Man, it's like Hendry can't do anything right for some fans here. The only reason the Cubs have been alive in Chicago the past 4 or 5 years is because of him.

 

Should give up and start investing in 2007? No. Never. Be a fan of another team if that's how you feel.

[YearofDaCubs]

Hendry needs to pull tough trades to get us into the playoffs as far as I'm concerned. Chances are it might be 2007 no matter what approach the Cubs take.

[ThePenguin11]

Hendry needs to pull tough trades to get us into the playoffs as far as I'm concerned. Chances are it might be 2007 no matter what approach the Cubs take.

 

That's crap. Then you pull 'tough' trades. Did you guys think the White Sox had any chance last year to win the WS? Think back to hot stove season...Anyone? Anyone? You make the best moves to improve your team in the best ways possible. Nobody just closes shop and gives up. Hendry wouldn't even consider it. That's a joke.

[Careless]

Nobody just closes shop and gives up.

Pay no attention to the marlins behind the curtain

[CubsWin]

No, I think there are a number of moves that can be made via trades. Plus, as you pointed out, the Cubs have lots of money left to spend. The offseason is not lost. I have a feeling that Hendry is going to pull off a trade (or more) by the end of the week. If handled correctly, the Cubs can be a strong team in 2006.

I'm in this camp. How many people looked at trading Carlos Lee for Scott Podsednik and Esteban Loaiza for Jose Contreras and thought, "Wow, that makes the White Sox a lock for the playoffs!" Baseball is a funny game. Teams get momentum and start believing in themselves and then, for some reason, the ball starts bouncing their way on a consistent basis. Players get healthy, have career years, fulfill potential, etc. Even after a team starts slowly in the first couple of months, things can turn around. I will never give up on a baseball season before July, much less January.

 

Abreu is on the block. Zito, Vasquez, Wilkerson, Lugo and others can all be had. Millwood and Weaver are free agents. A lot can still happen.

[snoodmonger]

This thread needs John Belushi (Blutarski), because it's the most cowardly conversation topic in the history of Cubdom.

 

Should we just give up now?

 

Why? So Cubs baseball can suck and be totally unwatchable for a whole year? Give me a break. Just because Hendry doesn't have all the free agents in the world to choose from, doesn't mean he can't still pull something off with trades. There are still a few free agent SP's available. Man, it's like Hendry can't do anything right for some fans here. The only reason the Cubs have been alive in Chicago the past 4 or 5 years is because of him.

 

Should give up and start investing in 2007? No. Never. Be a fan of another team if that's how you feel.

 

I think you're overreacting. Not overpaying for the swill that's left out there is probably the smartest thing to do at this point. Now, I don't think we should give up on the big trade or two, but I don't want to see Hendry go on a bum spending spree because he's got payroll to spend and no one to spend it on. Why not give it to our current players who do produce (Lee, Z, etc.) in the hopes we can keep them longer?

[fromthestretch]

Nobody just closes shop and gives up.

Pay no attention to the marlins behind the curtain

 

:lol: