Rumor: Guzman and Welly for Aubrey Huff

[don_kessinger_was_good]

I've been known to be an injury apologist for some position players, but usually not pitchers and certainly not Guzman. I would do this trade in a heartbeat and am shocked TB would even think of it.

 

I can't believe Guzman's trade value is anywhere near that high and personally I would do better than that to get Huff, if not in quality, then in quantity. the guy hit a ton in the minors and proved he figured it out in the majors. he hasn't had any major injuries to account for his slip. any sabrs have some luck numbers for him?

 

if this trade went down, I think it would be a classic Hendry fleecing.

 

It's the Cubs that are offering Guzman; Tampa wants Rich Hill.

[jtownie]

I wonder if Tampa could somehow become part of a 3-way deal with Philly.

 

Huff along with Williams/Hill to Philly, Bell/Cubs prospects to Tampa, and Abreu to the Cubs.

 

Just thinking off the cuff.

 

 

Either way I'd go for Huff in a second for Guzman/Welly. But if we have to throw in Hill I would think we'd be getting another player in addition to Huff. Say maybe, Lugo. I know a lot are agaisnt acquiring Lugo but it is his contract year and that seems to get guys motivated for a big year.

[jjgman21]

Supposedly, this is one of the two rumored "on-the-table" trades Hendry has had out there this week, and is waiting on a reply, related to me by a local sportswriter on the Royals beat. I think I'd be extremely pleased if that is indeed the deal and it is accepted, but I have to think the reason it hasn't occurred is because Tampa thinks it can do better--like maybe holding out for Hill.

 

I was also somewhat surprised to hear that the same guy tells me the Royals are at least thinking of moving Andy Sisco into the rotation for 2006. They are hesitant because he looks to be a successful setup man, and those are certainly valuable, but he'd have a whole lot more value to KC if he could become a competent starter. They look to be one starter short as things currently stand.

 

I spoiled his fun by pointing out to him that the Royals are now jinxed with the ex-Cubs factor: Sisco, Matt Stairs and Mark Grudzielanek will all be on the opening day roster. So no turnaround in 06 for KC.

 

would you mind elaborating on how you had access to this writer?

 

No.

 

you mean yes?

[JeffH]

If this report is accurate, it could wind up like the Pierre situation - team with the player the Cubs want asks and asks and asks for Rich Hill. Cubs resist and resist and resist, countering with a two-player offer. Other team holds firm. Cubs wind up tossing in a third player to get the deal done.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

What I would like to know is what is the 2nd deal Hendry has had on the table? Apparently, it's another outfielder deal, but I haven't heard or seen anything on what/who it could be. Jayson Stark claims the Cubs have already been rebuffed on Wilkerson, Ibanez and Gibbons (thankfully on the last one).

 

I figure the other deal then has to be something for Kevin Mench, since it's no secret the Cubs have explored Texas trades this winter.

[YearofDaCubs]

What I would like to know is what is the 2nd deal Hendry has had on the table? Apparently, it's another outfielder deal, but I haven't heard or seen anything on what/who it could be. Jayson Stark claims the Cubs have already been rebuffed on Wilkerson, Ibanez and Gibbons (thankfully on the last one).

 

I figure the other deal then has to be something for Kevin Mench, since it's no secret the Cubs have explored Texas trades this winter.

Maybe Mench or even Kearns still.

[stitchface]

This kind of puts Hendry in a position to decide if his team is a 2006 contender or not. If not, he can't trade Hill for Huff. Thus, I would trade Guzman but not Hill. At this point, I don't see Huff putting the cubs over the top. so lets have a gameplan for 2007. 2006 can be used to find out if Cedeno and Murton can get it done and bring Pie along. Lets see what Hill can do. Lets see what Wuertz can do in pressure situations. Lets get Wood healthy and extended (if healthy). I have a sinking feeling the Cubs have moved into a position where they try to compete every year and thus prevent themselves from ever competing. Sometimes you have to build for the next year.

[ThePenguin11]

Supposedly, this is one of the two rumored "on-the-table" trades Hendry has had out there this week, and is waiting on a reply, related to me by a local sportswriter on the Royals beat. I think I'd be extremely pleased if that is indeed the deal and it is accepted, but I have to think the reason it hasn't occurred is because Tampa thinks it can do better--like maybe holding out for Hill.

 

I was also somewhat surprised to hear that the same guy tells me the Royals are at least thinking of moving Andy Sisco into the rotation for 2006. They are hesitant because he looks to be a successful setup man, and those are certainly valuable, but he'd have a whole lot more value to KC if he could become a competent starter. They look to be one starter short as things currently stand.

 

I spoiled his fun by pointing out to him that the Royals are now jinxed with the ex-Cubs factor: Sisco, Matt Stairs and Mark Grudzielanek will all be on the opening day roster. So no turnaround in 06 for KC.

 

would you mind elaborating on how you had access to this writer?

 

No.

 

you mean yes?

 

I don't get it either. So you mean 'no, you wouldn't mind elaborating - or no you would not like to elaborate...'

[stitchface]

Obviously he didn't elaborate - doesn't that answer the question? While I often disagree with Don, he certainly never seemed the type to spout out and out lies. In any case, it doesn't matter - can't we just discuss the proposal?

[XZero771679666304]

What I would like to know is what is the 2nd deal Hendry has had on the table? Apparently, it's another outfielder deal, but I haven't heard or seen anything on what/who it could be. Jayson Stark claims the Cubs have already been rebuffed on Wilkerson, Ibanez and Gibbons (thankfully on the last one).

 

I figure the other deal then has to be something for Kevin Mench, since it's no secret the Cubs have explored Texas trades this winter.

Maybe Mench or even Kearns still.

 

I remember hearing that one of the trade proposals was a real longshot. I don't think any of the usual suspects qualifies. Maybe Hendry made an offer for Ichiro or something.

[ThePenguin11]

Obviously he didn't elaborate - doesn't that answer the question? While I often disagree with Don, he certainly never seemed the type to spout out and out lies. In any case, it doesn't matter - can't we just discuss the proposal?

 

I was kidding.

[stitchface]

That's fine - I really don't care other than I get sick of reading pages of interrogation. Its a rumor on a message board - does anyone really believe any of them?

[Outshined_One]

If we can give them Hill instead of Guzman, to me (maybe I'm nuts) it's an easier decision. If we have to give them all three (this package plus Hill), it's tough. Two of our bigger chips for Huff...

 

I was reading a Sports Weekly today and they shadowed Jim Hendry during the Winter Meetings. They asked him about the Dontrelle Willis trade. He said that the Marlins hadn't scouted him in years. He also said that you can't be afraid to pull the trigger. He immediately followed that up by saying that he learned never to trade left-handed starters with good makeup.

 

Go figure. Wonder what that says about Renyel Pinto?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

This would be a good deal in my opinion...and I'm not high on Huff. Considering our other options, Huff would be ok. Wellemeyer is likely waived at the end of ST if he isn't traded, so it's basically Guzman for Huff. As high as Guzman's ceiling is, he's been hurt enough that I think this could be a good way to get value for him. I'd hope we wouldn't have to give up Hill for Huff. If we trade Hill, I'd hope we'd do better than Huff.

[ThePenguin11]

That's fine - I really don't care other than I get sick of reading pages of interrogation. Its a rumor on a message board - does anyone really believe any of them?

 

I only believe them when reported by Len Kasper on the Cubs.com message board and sometimes DaveMason2K.

[YearofDaCubs]

If we can give them Hill instead of Guzman, to me (maybe I'm nuts) it's an easier decision. If we have to give them all three (this package plus Hill), it's tough. Two of our bigger chips for Huff...

 

I was reading a Sports Weekly today and they shadowed Jim Hendry during the Winter Meetings. They asked him about the Dontrelle Willis trade. He said that the Marlins hadn't scouted him in years. He also said that you can't be afraid to pull the trigger. He immediately followed that up by saying that he learned never to trade left-handed starters with good makeup.

 

Go figure. Wonder what that says about Renyel Pinto?

Ha, good point.

[jjgman21]

That's fine - I really don't care other than I get sick of reading pages of interrogation. Its a rumor on a message board - does anyone really believe any of them?

 

I was kidding too, playing on him not actually answering.

 

and I originally asked the question in an attempt to evaluate the veracity of the rumor. I think that's a fair question to ask, regardless of your taste of lenth of interrogation, not that I have ever seen an interrogation of someone who has posted here for a long time. Don's not going to make things up, so perhaps the context of the conversation would add to the believability and prompt us to watch this more closely than we had before.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

Obviously he didn't elaborate - doesn't that answer the question? While I often disagree with Don, he certainly never seemed the type to spout out and out lies. In any case, it doesn't matter - can't we just discuss the proposal?

 

We have a mutual friend and that allowed me to talk baseball for a bit with him over a beer, nothing more, nothing less. He was told about the Cubs because of the Royals interest in Gathright. Obviously, Tampa isn't likely to trade both Huff AND Gathright. Hence, the topic of the rumored Cubs offer for Huff came up, and he confirmed he'd heard it was on the table.

[CubsWin]

Obviously he didn't elaborate - doesn't that answer the question? While I often disagree with Don, he certainly never seemed the type to spout out and out lies. In any case, it doesn't matter - can't we just discuss the proposal?

 

We have a mutual friend and that allowed me to talk baseball for a bit with him over a beer, nothing more, nothing less. He was told about the Cubs because of the Royals interest in Gathright. Obviously, Tampa isn't likely to trade both Huff AND Gathright. Hence, the topic of the rumored Cubs offer for Huff came up, and he confirmed he'd heard it was on the table.

Why not? They've just extended Baldelli's contract. They've got Carl Crawford and Jonny Gomes who can easily fill the other two positions, not to mention Delmon Young knocking on the door. I think they could easily move both of those guys.

 

What makes you think they can't?

[stitchface]

That's fine - I really don't care other than I get sick of reading pages of interrogation. Its a rumor on a message board - does anyone really believe any of them?

 

I only believe them when reported by Len Kasper on the Cubs.com message board and sometimes DaveMason2K.

 

What about dovemason2k? :D

[CubsWin]

I'm in the camp that wouldn't do this deal if Hill were involved but am more than willing to deal Guzman and Welly for Huff.

 

I like Huff. I wish he were better defensively, but I like his bat a lot. If Corey is kept on as a back-up OFer, he could easily sub for Huff defensively in the late innings when the Cubs have a lead to protect. Huff's bat can easily return to an .850-925 OPS. He is left-handed and will turn 29 in a couple of weeks. Short of Abreu or Dunn (who both seem like long shots), who would be a better fit for what the Cubs are looking for than Aubrey Huff?

 

Clearly, the D-Rays are reluctant to do this deal. They want Hill. But short of that, who else would you include in this deal to get it done? And who do you think it would take for Tampa Bay to say yes?

 

Given the depth in the bullpen, I would gladly include one of Wuertz or Novoa. From the 40-man, I would trade Aardsma as well, but I would prefer to keep Marshall, Marmol and Ryu in that order, but I'd give up Ryu if it came to that. If they had interest in Soto, Theriot and that would get the job done, they're gone. Elsewhere in the organization, I would part with Talley Haines, Buck Coats or Brandon Sing among many others.

 

Who would you add to Guzman and Welly and who do you think would get the deal done?

Edited December 18, 2005 by CubsWin

[TXCubsFan]

Supposedly, this is one of the two rumored "on-the-table" trades Hendry has had out there this week, and is waiting on a reply, related to me by a local sportswriter on the Royals beat. I think I'd be extremely pleased if that is indeed the deal and it is accepted, but I have to think the reason it hasn't occurred is because Tampa thinks it can do better--like maybe holding out for Hill.

 

I was also somewhat surprised to hear that the same guy tells me the Royals are at least thinking of moving Andy Sisco into the rotation for 2006. They are hesitant because he looks to be a successful setup man, and those are certainly valuable, but he'd have a whole lot more value to KC if he could become a competent starter. They look to be one starter short as things currently stand.

 

I spoiled his fun by pointing out to him that the Royals are now jinxed with the ex-Cubs factor: Sisco, Matt Stairs and Mark Grudzielanek will all be on the opening day roster. So no turnaround in 06 for KC.

 

If that is the case, then KC has blown it. The team should have traded for Sisco during the 2005 season to give him time to work on his game in AA or AAA so he'd be ready to start this year.

[Andy]

If this deal is done, then my faith in Jim Hendry is somewhat rekindled. Here's hoping I wake up and the deal is done.

[CubsWin]

If this deal is done, then my faith in Jim Hendry is somewhat rekindled. Here's hoping I wake up and the deal is done.

Only problem is, this isn't a new rumor or a new offer made by Hendry. It is one that has been on the table for a while and has yet to be accepted by Tampa Bay while they hold out for something better. So don't expect anything to happen on this front soon because there is no reason for either team to do anything quite yet. They are still waiting for the other person to blink.

 

However, if the deal does happen, whenever it happens, I will be a happy Cubs fan.

[CubsWin]

I know that many here feel that Hendry is dead set on trading Walker. But since he is still on the team, one is still allowed to dream, right?

 

Pierre (decent table setter and proven base stealer)

Walker (.800+ OPS)

Lee (.900+)

Huff (.800-.900)

Ramirez (900+)

Murton (.800-.900)

Barrett (.800+)

Cedeno (.700+)

 

I know because many of us have been beaten down by a lifetimes worth of being a Cubs fan that we automatically assume that Cedeno and Murton will flop, but there is a good chance that they'll do quite well. With a solidified bullpen, an improved bench and hopefully one more starter signed in free agency, this team can contend. Where is the hole in that line-up? Perez is coming off the bench were he belongs...hopefully. Patterson is on the bench or gone. Pierre will get on more than the lead-off guy did last season creating more RBI chances for Lee, Huff and Ramirez. A full season of Murton has to be better than what Dubois/Hollandsworth did. That's an improved team. If a starter is signed, then when Wood returns, the rotation will also be improved and a lot deeper if/when someone gets injured.

 

At the beginning of the off-season, I felt that the Cubs chances in '06 hung on them signing Brian Giles or someone like him. Huff is no Giles, but he isn't that far behind him. Giles will be 35 next season. Huff will be 29. They both bat lefty. Over the past 3 seasons, Giles has had OPSs of .904, .849 and .906. Huff's OPSs were .922, .853 and a disappointing .749. However, there isn't a lot of evidence to support the idea that Huff will continue to produce OPSs below .800. Given a change of scenery, sticking him in between Lee and Ramirez and putting him on a winning team might be all Huff would need to return to an OPS near or above .900. If that happened, it would be similar to having signed Brian Giles. His OBP would be a lot less and his defense would be a little worse but not by much.

 

The Cubs are a long ways away from signing another starter and trading for Aubrey Huff. But if Hendry can manage to put those two moves with the ones he has already made this off-season, I believe the Cubs would once again be considered contenders.

 

Come on, Jim.