Hendry signs Jones for 3/$16 million

[vaball]

Ha! I'm just glad the Cards didn't sign him.

[neely crenshaw]

prior was not even average last year. july 1st on he had an aboce 5.00 era. the second half of the season his stats were not as good as maddux. that was a whole lot of starts and a large sample size. hopefully he will come back better, let's remember how many pitches he was throwing and how few innings.

the outfield is better but by how much.it's tough for me to believe that hendry will go with murton in left. can you win at wrigley with an outfield that might not hit 50 hrs combined?

with lofton and damon signed, perhaps patterson's value goes up. bottom line is that with this lineup it means we must have great(and healthy) pitching all season. it also means that we must have lee and aram healthy and productive all season. any injury would be devastating!

[Scott G. F.]

Cubs signing of Jones isn't as bad as what people think. I'm happy we got him. I always was a Jones fans and kept an eye on him. I think in Cubbie Blue he'll exceed expectations, just like Pierre will. Looking at the options Hendry didn't have much to choose.

 

I like the signing. Welcome Mr. Jones.

 

(Still hate to see Corey Patterson go, damn I liked him!!).

[USSoccer]

Cubs signing of Jones isn't as bad as what people think. I'm happy we got him. I always was a Jones fans and kept an eye on him. I think in Cubbie Blue he'll exceed expectations, just like Pierre will. Looking at the options Hendry didn't have much to choose.

 

I like the signing. Welcome Mr. Jones.

 

(Still hate to see Corey Patterson go, damn I liked him!!).

 

After sleeping on it, I'm still really upset about the signing, but what makes me angry is the length of the deal. If Hendry felt Jones was the best available RF, fine. I disagree, but fine. However, why 3 years? Why lock yourself into mediocrity at best for that long?

[Cubzfan64]

I should almost start a separate thread on this, but for those of you who study baseball much more closely I have a question:

 

In general, is it easier for an AL hitter to come to the NL or a NL hitter to go to the AL? I'm also curious as to how J Jones is categorized as far as his ability to hit fastballs/breaking balls, etc....

 

Just curious if anyone has any thoughts on these things.

[USSoccer]

I should almost start a separate thread on this, but for those of you who study baseball much more closely I have a question:

 

In general, is it easier for an AL hitter to come to the NL or a NL hitter to go to the AL? I'm also curious as to how J Jones is categorized as far as his ability to hit fastballs/breaking balls, etc....

 

Just curious if anyone has any thoughts on these things.

 

IIRC it's always harder for hitters to transition than it is for pitchers, although interleague and free agency have helped a little.

[Hector Villanuevas Pants]

Cubs signing of Jones isn't as bad as what people think. I'm happy we got him. I always was a Jones fans and kept an eye on him. I think in Cubbie Blue he'll exceed expectations, just like Pierre will. Looking at the options Hendry didn't have much to choose.

 

I like the signing. Welcome Mr. Jones.

 

(Still hate to see Corey Patterson go, damn I liked him!!).

 

After sleeping on it, I'm still really upset about the signing, but what makes me angry is the length of the deal. If Hendry felt Jones was the best available RF, fine. I disagree, but fine. However, why 3 years? Why lock yourself into mediocrity at best for that long?

 

I really don't care for the signing (I was hoping for someone better), but I also agree that the Cubs can still be good if the starting pitching holds up (not bloody likely, but that's the Cubs the last few years). I don't see the contract as that terrible. Sure, three years is more than I would have liked, but roughly $5M/year is not an unwieldy sum if the Cubs wanted to move Jones in year three to play Pie even if they had to eat a bit of salary.

[USSoccer]

Cubs signing of Jones isn't as bad as what people think. I'm happy we got him. I always was a Jones fans and kept an eye on him. I think in Cubbie Blue he'll exceed expectations, just like Pierre will. Looking at the options Hendry didn't have much to choose.

 

I like the signing. Welcome Mr. Jones.

 

(Still hate to see Corey Patterson go, damn I liked him!!).

 

After sleeping on it, I'm still really upset about the signing, but what makes me angry is the length of the deal. If Hendry felt Jones was the best available RF, fine. I disagree, but fine. However, why 3 years? Why lock yourself into mediocrity at best for that long?

 

I really don't care for the signing (I was hoping for someone better), but I also agree that the Cubs can still be good if the starting pitching holds up (not bloody likely, but that's the Cubs the last few years). I don't see the contract as that terrible. Sure, three years is more than I would have liked, but roughly $5M/year is not an unwieldy sum if the Cubs wanted to move Jones in year three to play Pie even if they had to eat a bit of salary.

 

But now you basically are in a position where you have to count completely on health overall, and luck with the pitchers in order to contend. The goal of this offseason should have been to balance the team out, make sure the offense could score 4+ per game consistently, so as to not force the pitchers to throw gems every time out.

[CubbieSouthpaw]

I think if this happens it's pretty safe to say the Cubs offseason has been a bust.

 

Safe to say the Cubs and the Cards.

[CuseCubFan69]

I should almost start a separate thread on this, but for those of you who study baseball much more closely I have a question:

 

In general, is it easier for an AL hitter to come to the NL or a NL hitter to go to the AL? I'm also curious as to how J Jones is categorized as far as his ability to hit fastballs/breaking balls, etc....

 

Just curious if anyone has any thoughts on these things.

 

IIRC it's always harder for hitters to transition than it is for pitchers, although interleague and free agency have helped a little.

 

I think it depends on the hitter. Some can adjust and some have a book on pitchers and have to learn them before showing improvement. Since Jones is a kind of a free swinger I think it will depend on the pitchers and how quickly they figure this out.

Edited December 21, 2005 by CuseCubFan69

[RynoRules]

Cubs signing of Jones isn't as bad as what people think. I'm happy we got him. I always was a Jones fans and kept an eye on him. I think in Cubbie Blue he'll exceed expectations, just like Pierre will. Looking at the options Hendry didn't have much to choose.

 

I like the signing. Welcome Mr. Jones.

 

(Still hate to see Corey Patterson go, damn I liked him!!).

 

After sleeping on it, I'm still really upset about the signing, but what makes me angry is the length of the deal. If Hendry felt Jones was the best available RF, fine. I disagree, but fine. However, why 3 years? Why lock yourself into mediocrity at best for that long?

 

I really don't care for the signing (I was hoping for someone better), but I also agree that the Cubs can still be good if the starting pitching holds up (not bloody likely, but that's the Cubs the last few years). I don't see the contract as that terrible. Sure, three years is more than I would have liked, but roughly $5M/year is not an unwieldy sum if the Cubs wanted to move Jones in year three to play Pie even if they had to eat a bit of salary.

 

But now you basically are in a position where you have to count completely on health overall, and luck with the pitchers in order to contend. The goal of this offseason should have been to balance the team out, make sure the offense could score 4+ per game consistently, so as to not force the pitchers to throw gems every time out.

 

Agreed. There is a very little room for error here. JH has to be hoping that an impact bat will become available in July (if we aren't sellers by then).

[CuseCubFan69]

Cubs signing of Jones isn't as bad as what people think. I'm happy we got him. I always was a Jones fans and kept an eye on him. I think in Cubbie Blue he'll exceed expectations, just like Pierre will. Looking at the options Hendry didn't have much to choose.

 

I like the signing. Welcome Mr. Jones.

 

(Still hate to see Corey Patterson go, damn I liked him!!).

 

After sleeping on it, I'm still really upset about the signing, but what makes me angry is the length of the deal. If Hendry felt Jones was the best available RF, fine. I disagree, but fine. However, why 3 years? Why lock yourself into mediocrity at best for that long?

 

I really don't care for the signing (I was hoping for someone better), but I also agree that the Cubs can still be good if the starting pitching holds up (not bloody likely, but that's the Cubs the last few years). I don't see the contract as that terrible. Sure, three years is more than I would have liked, but roughly $5M/year is not an unwieldy sum if the Cubs wanted to move Jones in year three to play Pie even if they had to eat a bit of salary.

 

But now you basically are in a position where you have to count completely on health overall, and luck with the pitchers in order to contend. The goal of this offseason should have been to balance the team out, make sure the offense could score 4+ per game consistently, so as to not force the pitchers to throw gems every time out.

 

Well the injury excuse has worked so well why not use it again?

[CubinNY]

I am beside myself with grief. I don't know what to say other than I hope people hold Hendry's feet to the fire at the Cubs convention.

 

I need another hobby in the winter.

[Too Tall]

Believe me nothing would give me more joy than a small bears 69 win season but you guys are just depressed and ranting. If you look at the facts the Cubs have a decent chance of winning 90 games.

You mean if the cubs played a 200 game season they might win 90 games?

[Scott G. F.]

So let me see. In the season of Hope us Cubs fans already called in the 2006 season. Yep everything is back to normal after the 2003 season.

 

Hendry has addressed the needs of the Cubs. Pen, Lead-off CF and RF. Why is that a bust? You can only determine a bust over time. You all are not counting on pitching at all and are expecting the offense to carry this team. Well it isn't. Hendry is building a balanced team with OBP and speed in the front of the line-up followed by power and then a Barrett mix. Hendry has helped build a better defensive team too IMO.

 

He's trying to Dusty proof this team!

 

Pierre and Jones are high energy guys that'll bring a nice balance to the team. I like the moves. All nay says need to have a "smart egg nog" and relax! Hendry's not finished yet.

[Wheelimus]

Addressed the pen? I'll give you that one, I still think we overpaid a bit for the talent in terms of salary and years, but he brought in quality people. Our bullpen might be the best in the division.

 

Addressed lead off? Well, yes he did. I think I like Juan Pierre a lot more than some people here, though I think we paid too much for him. But you're right, we have a bonafied leadoff man. So i'll concede that point.

 

Addressed right field? HIT THE BREAKS! Got to disagree with that one. We downgraded, though we're debating crap vs crap here.

 

Here's both players ZIPS projections for next year.

 

Name P AVG OBP SLG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB K SB CS

Burnitz* lf .238 .309 .421 147 541 69 129 26 2 23 79 53 110 4 5

Jones* rf .261 .319 .433 145 541 71 141 26 2 21 76 42 121 11 7

 

So, Burny would have a .730 OPS and jones would have a .752 OPS

 

Neither are acceptable on this team, especially with multiple question marks on the field already (Cedenos production or even playing, Murton's production, the Neifi factor, etc.)

 

It just boggles the mind why you would pay Jones 3/16 when you could have just re-signed Burnitz to 1/5 if you were willing to settle for that level of production.

[SouthSideRyan]

prior was not even average last year. july 1st on he had an aboce 5.00 era. the second half of the season his stats were not as good as maddux. that was a whole lot of starts and a large sample size. hopefully he will come back better, let's remember how many pitches he was throwing and how few innings.

the outfield is better but by how much.it's tough for me to believe that hendry will go with murton in left. can you win at wrigley with an outfield that might not hit 50 hrs combined?

with lofton and damon signed, perhaps patterson's value goes up. bottom line is that with this lineup it means we must have great(and healthy) pitching all season. it also means that we must have lee and aram healthy and productive all season. any injury would be devastating!

 

From July 1st on, Prior definitely did not have an ERA above 5. He was worse in the 2nd half, but still not that bad; just a rough estimate by looking at his month by month ERAs I'd say it was probably around 4.10-4.20. He had an ERA+ of 116 last year, which is no doubt disappointing, and I'm hoping for much better next year, but it's far from below average.

 

(Edited for confusing grammar.)

Edited December 21, 2005 by SouthSideRyan

[nolanwood]

Just to clear the record in regards to Prior giving below average production last year.....

 

He got drilled with a line drive that injured him considerably, yet still managed to throw up these #'s....

 

ERA 3.67 (league average 4.29 for SP)

 

K 188 (league average 47 for SP)

 

whip 1.21 (league average 1.37 for SP)

 

Wins 11 (league average 4 for SP)

[scs_paradise]

Addressed the pen? I'll give you that one, I still think we overpaid a bit for the talent in terms of salary and years, but he brought in quality people. Our bullpen might be the best in the division.

 

Addressed lead off? Well, yes he did. I think I like Juan Pierre a lot more than some people here, though I think we paid too much for him. But you're right, we have a bonafied leadoff man. So i'll concede that point.

 

Addressed right field? HIT THE BREAKS! Got to disagree with that one. We downgraded, though we're debating crap vs crap here.

 

Here's both players ZIPS projections for next year.

 

Name P AVG OBP SLG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB K SB CS

Burnitz* lf .238 .309 .421 147 541 69 129 26 2 23 79 53 110 4 5

Jones* rf .261 .319 .433 145 541 71 141 26 2 21 76 42 121 11 7

 

So, Burny would have a .730 OPS and jones would have a .752 OPS

 

Neither are acceptable on this team, especially with multiple question marks on the field already (Cedenos production or even playing, Murton's production, the Neifi factor, etc.)

 

It just boggles the mind why you would pay Jones 3/16 when you could have just re-signed Burnitz to 1/5 if you were willing to settle for that level of production.

 

While I agree with the crap vs crap point, I don't see how this is a downgrade? Defensively jones is better and your numbers seem to illustrate that offensively jones is also better?

[XZero771679666304]

Addressed the pen? I'll give you that one, I still think we overpaid a bit for the talent in terms of salary and years, but he brought in quality people. Our bullpen might be the best in the division.

 

Addressed lead off? Well, yes he did. I think I like Juan Pierre a lot more than some people here, though I think we paid too much for him. But you're right, we have a bonafied leadoff man. So i'll concede that point.

 

Addressed right field? HIT THE BREAKS! Got to disagree with that one. We downgraded, though we're debating crap vs crap here.

 

Here's both players ZIPS projections for next year.

 

Name P AVG OBP SLG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB K SB CS

Burnitz* lf .238 .309 .421 147 541 69 129 26 2 23 79 53 110 4 5

Jones* rf .261 .319 .433 145 541 71 141 26 2 21 76 42 121 11 7

 

So, Burny would have a .730 OPS and jones would have a .752 OPS

 

Neither are acceptable on this team, especially with multiple question marks on the field already (Cedenos production or even playing, Murton's production, the Neifi factor, etc.)

 

It just boggles the mind why you would pay Jones 3/16 when you could have just re-signed Burnitz to 1/5 if you were willing to settle for that level of production.

 

While I agree with the crap vs crap point, I don't see how this is a downgrade? Defensively jones is better and your numbers seem to illustrate that offensively jones is also better?

 

Going fom Burnitz to Jones is a lateral move to a player who actually might get better.

[badgercub]

Extremely disappointing offseason. Hendry, armed with a ton of cash and a few good trading chips has clearly "FUBAR"'d this offseason. With a glaring hole in RF and uncertainties in LF, SS, and CF has overpaid for a couple of good bullpen arms, overpaid for an acceptable (but by no means extraordinary) leadoff man, and now a very average RF. This Cub team will be in big trouble if the starting pitching does not carry this team. I don't see how the offense is improved at all over last year. You can't expect Lee to put up the same numbers he did last year, expect good numbers but not like last year. TRULY DISAPPOINTING MR. HENDRY!!!!!

[Cubzfan64]

Addressed the pen? I'll give you that one, I still think we overpaid a bit for the talent in terms of salary and years, but he brought in quality people. Our bullpen might be the best in the division.

 

Addressed lead off? Well, yes he did. I think I like Juan Pierre a lot more than some people here, though I think we paid too much for him. But you're right, we have a bonafied leadoff man. So i'll concede that point.

 

Addressed right field? HIT THE BREAKS! Got to disagree with that one. We downgraded, though we're debating crap vs crap here.

 

Here's both players ZIPS projections for next year.

 

Name P AVG OBP SLG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB K SB CS

Burnitz* lf .238 .309 .421 147 541 69 129 26 2 23 79 53 110 4 5

Jones* rf .261 .319 .433 145 541 71 141 26 2 21 76 42 121 11 7

 

So, Burny would have a .730 OPS and jones would have a .752 OPS

 

Neither are acceptable on this team, especially with multiple question marks on the field already (Cedenos production or even playing, Murton's production, the Neifi factor, etc.)

 

It just boggles the mind why you would pay Jones 3/16 when you could have just re-signed Burnitz to 1/5 if you were willing to settle for that level of production.

 

While I absolutely agree that 3 years was too long, I'm sure it was the only way the deal could get done. That said, I think Jones is an upgrade over 2005 (I guess that's sort of an indication of how bad 2005 was). Jones is an upgrade defensively and it's a wash offensively in my mind - the other difference is that Jones has a higher ceiling.

 

I don't think it's unrealistic to think that Jones could hit 30-35 HR's and drive in 80-100 runs. Yes he's going to strike out alot - ALOT, but how is that any different than what we saw of Sammy Sosa the last couple years? I'm trying desperately to see the positives in this move now that it's done, and I hope that perhaps with some other sluggers like Lee and Ramirez around him, that maybe Jones will cut down on his strikouts cause I think if he can make more consistent contact he'll be able to hit .270 and above.

[Blueheart05]

prior was not even average last year. july 1st on he had an aboce 5.00 era. the second half of the season his stats were not as good as maddux. that was a whole lot of starts and a large sample size. hopefully he will come back better, let's remember how many pitches he was throwing and how few innings.

the outfield is better but by how much.it's tough for me to believe that hendry will go with murton in left. can you win at wrigley with an outfield that might not hit 50 hrs combined?

with lofton and damon signed, perhaps patterson's value goes up. bottom line is that with this lineup it means we must have great(and healthy) pitching all season. it also means that we must have lee and aram healthy and productive all season. any injury would be devastating!

 

That is not correct. Prior's ERA on July 1 was 2.86 (whereas, Maddux's ERA was 5.02) and Maddux was worse than Prior in the second half of the season. Don't forget that Prior was out for part of a month after being hit by a line drive. All things considered, he pitched well but he often didn't have the stamina to pitch deep into games.

[TheDude]

Jacque Bloody Hack Jones TM. :x

 

Hendry just made all of his supporters (me included) hang their heads in shame. A 3 year deal now prohibits improvement in RF whn better FAs come along in the upcoming seasons. At least a one-year deal has an explanation.

 

This was just stupid.

[professahesse]

So let me see. In the season of Hope us Cubs fans already called in the 2006 season. Yep everything is back to normal after the 2003 season.

 

Hendry has addressed the needs of the Cubs. Pen, Lead-off CF and RF. Why is that a bust? You can only determine a bust over time. You all are not counting on pitching at all and are expecting the offense to carry this team. Well it isn't. Hendry is building a balanced team with OBP and speed in the front of the line-up followed by power and then a Barrett mix. Hendry has helped build a better defensive team too IMO.

 

He's trying to Dusty proof this team!

 

Pierre and Jones are high energy guys that'll bring a nice balance to the team. I like the moves. All nay says need to have a "smart egg nog" and relax! Hendry's not finished yet.

 

Largely agree. Group think and over reaction reign on here currently.