Ken Rosenthal Reporting Cubs Going Hard After Tejada...

[bc2k]

I'm dumbfounded and nearly speechless.

 

Tejada is a top SS in the game, Bedard looks very promising, but I can't believe Hendry would think of trading Prior or Z.

 

 

 

[Personal speculation] Maybe Hendry knows something about Prior that we, or any other GM doesn't know. Perhaps there is a physical reason 2005 Prior wasn't as dominant as 2003 Prior and Hendry knows he can't ever return to 2003 Prior. In that case, he's attempting to trade him while his value is highest, receiving a near sure thing in Tejada, who has played 162 games every year since 2001, and is a top player who plays a position we need. [Personal speculation/]

[DivineBovine]

I just don't get it. They don't sign any high priced free agents in recent memory, they don't make any serious play at him when they need a SS and he's on the market, and now they want to trade our one of our top pitchers for him? Why give up money when you can endure 2 years of crappy SS production, then pay the money AND give up a twenty-something Cy Young candidate? Go Cubs.

[CuseCubFan69]

I have no problem with the Cubs trading Prior if it makes the team better. What worries me is that I no longer trust Hendry to do so.

[CubinNY]

I have no problem with the Cubs trading Prior if it makes the team better. What worries me is that I no longer trust Hendry to do so.

 

I agree Cuse, and at the risk of going against the "groupthink" that people erroneously assert goes on here, I think Bedard + Tejada for Prior + top prospect is a fair trade.

 

Now, I don't know if I would do the trade, but I would think hard about it. The Cubs need to shake things up. Hendry cannot think that this team is a playoff contender as it stands right now. The time to win for the Cubs is now.

 

If I'm Hendry I talk to my people and ask if Prior can get back his pin point control. I also ask about Tejada's age and try to get stats for comparable players his age to try to project towards the future. There is a lot to think about. But that is why the GM makes the big bucks.

 

IMO it is nowhere near as bad a trade ideas as people are making it out to be.

Edited December 22, 2005 by CubinNY

[Diffusion]

I have a better trade suggestion, though it's loosely based upon Ken Rosenthal's...

 

Jim Hendry, Dusty Baker, Jacque Jones, Juan Pierre and Neifi Perez for the right to pay the money remaining on the Sidney Ponson's contract when it's ruled that the O's terminated it illegally.

[CuseCubFan69]

I have no problem with the Cubs trading Prior if it makes the team better. What worries me is that I no longer trust Hendry to do so.

 

I agree Cuse, and at the risk of going against the "groupthink" that peolpe erroneously assert goes on here, I think Bedard + Tejada for Prior + top prospect is a fair trade.

 

Now, I don't know if I would do the trade, but I would think hard about it. The Cubs need to shake things up. Hendry cannot think that this team is a playoff contender as it stands right now. The time to win for the Cubs is now.

 

If I'm Hendry I talk to my people and ask if Prior can get back his pin point control. I also ask about Tejada's age and try to get stats for comparable players his age to try to project towards the future. There is a lot to think about. But that is why the GM makes the big bucks.

 

IMO it is nowhere near as bad a trade ideas as people are making it out to be.

 

I agree that Tejada's real age is a worry along with the possible steroid allegations. Maybe it's a guilty by association but he was teammates with Giambi and Raffy. If Miggy just puts up 20/80/275 numbers I'm not sure he is worth it. But as you say if the Cubs can work a deal that helps them get better and it's a fair trade I have no problem with it. It'll be a gamble but to get quality you have to give up quality. I still have issues on what Hendry thinks is quality and the worries about Tejada that I mentioned above.

[CuseCubFan69]

I have a better trade suggestion, though it's loosely based upon Ken Rosenthal's...

 

Jim Hendry, Dusty Baker, Jacque Jones, Juan Pierre and Neifi Perez for the right to pay the money remaining on the Sidney Ponson's contract when it's ruled that the O's terminated it illegally.

 

So you don't think Baker and/or Hendry should get extension's? :D

[Diffusion]

I have a better trade suggestion, though it's loosely based upon Ken Rosenthal's...

 

Jim Hendry, Dusty Baker, Jacque Jones, Juan Pierre and Neifi Perez for the right to pay the money remaining on the Sidney Ponson's contract when it's ruled that the O's terminated it illegally.

 

So you don't think Baker and/or Hendry should get extension's? :D

 

I'm only in favour of extension if they're on a torture rack at the time.

[biittner77]

I just don't see how the Cubs trading Prior or the Orioles trading Tejada and Bedard for Prior makes either team better.

[Hector Villanuevas Pants]

In order to acquire a superstar, you likely will have to give up a supestar or an elite, can't miss prospect. I don't think giving up anything short of Prior or Zambrano will land Tejada, Abreu, or Ramirez. Reason being, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Boston (unlike Florida, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, etc) have financial resources and pressure to win now (or at least make it seem like they are trying in Baltimore's case). The Cubs prospects are decent, but not spectacular enough to swing the deal alone for teams wanting to win now. The major league talent the Cubs are likely willing to offer is also not that good. Walker, Williams, and Patterson are not really centerpieces of a blockbuster trade.

 

I'm not ready to give up on Prior or Zambrano, but I don't think it's realistic to think you will land a proven MVP-caliber player with an unproven Pie and/or Hill as the centerpiece. Especially when your trade partner is a team that is not desperate to cut salary.

Edited December 22, 2005 by Hector Villanueva's Pants

[TrueBlueCubFan]

Does Rosenthal get commisions for hits on his web page? Maybe this speculative article will entice other news outlets to help report his rumor. People in the media will say anything on radio, TV, or other media outlets to improve their ratings,ANYTHING!!

 

BTW, Doesn't the article say the Cubs & O's were just having talks? For the overreactors, talks between 2 ballclubs is just that: Talk.

I make these points b/c you should always take what any media member says with a grain of salt.

[SCCubbieFAN]

When is Prior eligible for FAgency? I believe it might be after the 2006 season. If the Cubs could lose him via FAgency, then looking to deal him now while his value is so high might be a wise move. But the Cubs have to get a proven pitcher in the deal.

[Diffusion]

When is Prior eligible for FAgency? I believe it might be after the 2006 season.

 

Believe otherwise. After 2008.

[CubbieSouthpaw]

if cubs can get Bedard and dont part with cedeno or hill in the deal i think its a great deal. Bedard is very good, and prior has had some problems. I think tejada makes this the most dangerous lineup behind the mets. Bedard's numbers in april and may were VERY good (6-1 2.18 era)... then he got tired down the stretch as he was over pitched a bit. Kinda like Zambrano in his first full season. Prior is gonna cost a boat load. Dont get me wrong, i love prior and i would hate to see him go, but i think this team is better with tejada, bedard for a combo of walker, prior, patterson and some prospects.

 

pierre

murton

lee

tejada

aramis

barrett

cedeno

jones

 

thats a pretty tough lineup...

 

zambrano

bedard 93 mph lefty

maddux

woody

hill

williams

rusch

 

and i love our bullpen top to bottom if novoa isn't part of it.

 

Dempster

Eyre

Howry

Wuertz

Williamson (could prove to be a steal)

hill/rusch

 

Prior is great, but i think the position player who plays everyday and plays almost every game each year, plus a pretty darn good replacement would be the way to go.

 

If I'm not mistaken. Wasn't Bedard injuried for part of the season last year? I believe it was an arm injury though.

[nolanwood]

Prior/Pie for Tejada/Bedard is the dumbest trade idea I've ever heard of.

 

We need to be hanging onto Prior - let the O's keep Tejada. I could care less if Tejada came to the Cubs.....he'd be nice to have, but Id take Prior over Tejada anyday of the week.

[CUBZ99]

Oh Noes!!

 

From the Trib:

 

More than one source has claimed the Cubs dangled pitcher Mark Prior in multiteam trade talks that would land them premier Baltimore shortstop Miguel Tejada and eventually send Prior to a team in the American League West. Hmmm …

 

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/cs-051221mitchell,1,1670882.column?coll=cs-home-utility

[JeffH]

Here's the sequence of things:

 

Chicago Cubs trade Mark Prior and something else to the Baltimore Orioles for Miguel Tejada and Erik Bedard.

 

Chicago Cubs trade Erik Bedard, Matt Murton, and something else to the Oakland Athletics for Barry Zito.

[CardsFanInChiTown]

Tejada/Bedard for Prior would be tempting but I wouldn't to do it.

[E.J.]

 

If I'm not mistaken. Wasn't Bedard injuried for part of the season last year? I believe it was an arm injury though.

 

He was put on the DL with a sprained knee last year. He's a couple of years removed from Tommy-John surgery though.

[CUBZ99]

Can somebody with knowledge, explain why Bedard would be a decent pickup? Looking at his scouting report and numbers, he does not appear to be anything special. 90-92 FB, 4.00+ERA previous arm troubles etc.

[Wheelimus]

Here's the sequence of things:

 

Chicago Cubs trade Mark Prior and something else to the Baltimore Orioles for Miguel Tejada and Erik Bedard.

 

Chicago Cubs trade Erik Bedard, Matt Murton, and something else to the Oakland Athletics for Barry Zito.

 

Who plays left field?

 

Well, I suppose that Preston Wilson is still on the market...

 

:evil:

[JeffH]

Who plays left field?

 

Does it matter?

[Balsa]

No no no no no no no no no no no no nonon on oon no no nono!

 

Bruce, please come in here and restore some order. Tell these people they're crazy.

[LuvChicagoSports]

If Hendry is even considering this he should be fired immediately. Prior has had a few injuries in a couple of years, but they stem from a few freak incidents. In no realm of possibility would I consider trading him for a player other than Pujols or Cabrera. If Hendry pulls the trigger on this deal I will not spend a dollar on a Cubs ticket until he is fired. I don't care what it brings to the team this year. Prior is the future of this organization along with Zambrano.

 

Bruce please tell me that this isn't even remotely close to being considered.

[Wheelimus]

Nevermind LF! I forgot, Texas is in the AL West. We're obviously trading bedard, Murton, and god knows what else for...KEVIN MENCH!

 

:evil:

 

I really shouldn't get wasted at 9:15 in the morning....