Ken Rosenthal Reporting Cubs Going Hard After Tejada...

[CardsFanInChiTown]

Here's the question. Is there any 3 way deal with an AL West team that involves Prior and Miggy that you guys would accept?

 

**goes to research to answer own question**

 

The Angels farm system is loaded.

[Outshined_One]

Here's the question. Is there any 3 way deal with an AL West team that involves Prior and Miggy that you guys would accept?

 

**goes to research to answer own question**

 

Cubs Get: Harden, Tejada, Bedard, cash, prospects

Orioles Get: Prior and Zito

Athletics Get: A lot of really good prospects likely involving Rich Hill and Nick Markakis

 

That I could live with.

[CardsFanInChiTown]

Here's the question. Is there any 3 way deal with an AL West team that involves Prior and Miggy that you guys would accept?

 

**goes to research to answer own question**

 

Cubs Get: Harden, Tejada, Bedard, cash, prospects

Orioles Get: Prior and Zito

Athletics Get: A lot of really good prospects likely involving Rich Hill and Nick Markakis

 

That I could live with.

 

Oh come on, that's just silly.

[Outshined_One]

Here's the question. Is there any 3 way deal with an AL West team that involves Prior and Miggy that you guys would accept?

 

**goes to research to answer own question**

 

Cubs Get: Harden, Tejada, Bedard, cash, prospects

Orioles Get: Prior and Zito

Athletics Get: A lot of really good prospects likely involving Rich Hill and Nick Markakis

 

That I could live with.

 

Oh come on, that's just silly.

 

As is trading Prior straight up for Tejada, imo.

 

Seriously, this is borderline ridiculous. I feel like Jim Hendry secretly lost a bet with Jim Bowden, allowing Bowden to run the Cubs' 2006 offseason.

[cubfan]

I think that a Tejada+Bedard for Prior would at least be worth looking at even if the Cubs had to include a middle of the road pitching prospect. I'm not sure if the O's would still be interested but even if they were, I would think that Henery would want to look at what he could get from other teams for Prior if he is really willing to trade him. I'd like to see what a team like Texas would offer for a #1 starter that they have been in need of. I'm not saying I would want to trade Prior, but I would like to at least see what other potential offers could be out there before making a trade with the O's.

[Wheelimus]

Well, i'll start off team by team. The Seattle Mariners. I'd accept this deal.

 

 

Cubs get: Miguel Tejada, Ichiro Suzuki

 

Orioles get: Mark Prior, Jerry Hairston Jr.

 

Mariners get: Bedard, Corey Patterson, Matt Murton

 

 

I'd hate to give up what I am, but Miggy and Ichiro makes this offense lethal. We'd need to turn around and land Millwood (or, Weaver I suppose) if we did this though.

 

Heh, more to come...

[YearofDaCubs]

Here's the question. Is there any 3 way deal with an AL West team that involves Prior and Miggy that you guys would accept?

 

**goes to research to answer own question**

 

Cubs Get: Harden, Tejada, Bedard, cash, prospects

Orioles Get: Prior and Zito

Athletics Get: A lot of really good prospects likely involving Rich Hill and Nick Markakis

 

That I could live with.

 

Oh come on, that's just silly.

 

As is trading Prior straight up for Tejada, imo.

 

Seriously, this is borderline ridiculous. I feel like Jim Hendry secretly lost a bet with Jim Bowden, allowing Bowden to run the Cubs' 2006 offseason.

Agreed. This is ridiculous and the first thing I did think of was this was a Bowdenesque trade.

[Wheelimus]

Hmm, can't really think of a workable deal with the Rangers, though adding Tejada and Wilkerson would be an interesting move, especially if you keep Murton and can give him Jones at bats against lefties...

[CubinNY]

Here's the question. Is there any 3 way deal with an AL West team that involves Prior and Miggy that you guys would accept?

 

**goes to research to answer own question**

 

Cubs Get: Harden, Tejada, Bedard, cash, prospects

Orioles Get: Prior and Zito

Athletics Get: A lot of really good prospects likely involving Rich Hill and Nick Markakis

 

That I could live with.

 

Oh come on, that's just silly.

 

As is trading Prior straight up for Tejada, imo.

 

Seriously, this is borderline ridiculous. I feel like Jim Hendry secretly lost a bet with Jim Bowden, allowing Bowden to run the Cubs' 2006 offseason.

Agreed. This is ridiculous and the first thing I did think of was this was a Bowdenesque trade.

 

This trade proposal is far from ridiculous.

 

Some ridiculous things:

 

Signing Perez for way over market value

Signing Jones for way over what he deserves with Pie in the wings

 

Tejada is arguably the best SS in baseball, if not he in the same class.

 

Prior is a very good young pitcher who has put up good numbers for one year and has been injured for two others. Other teams don't care if they were or were not freak injuries. Prior has a lot of hype, good perherials, but not much else from a convential perspective (wins and losses). People here know the story of wins and losses for a pitcher but few else do.

 

One could say they wouldn't do the deal given the Cubs needs but the proposed trade is not ridiculous.

[Billy_Buck]

The pursuit and ultimate non-signing of Furcal is looking like a defining moment in recent Cubs history. I never dreamed the ripple effect it could have.

 

As has been stated: Really wish Hendry had just signed Tejada a couple years ago when he had the chance. I'm pretty high on Bedard, but man, moving Prior is quite a leap.

 

here's my question. I read a few blogs and one in particular goes out of their way to point out that the Cubs didn't sign Tejada when they had the chance. now, I know the Cubs had the chance to do so but was CHicago a top-choice for Tejada?

 

At the time we thought Nomar could stay healthy for us...didn't need a SS.

Tejada was a FA after 2003. We went into 2004 with AGon, traded for Nomar at the deadline.

 

My point is not that it was a given that the Cubs would have gotten Tejada, but if you want him bad enough now, you could have had the foresight to make a top $ offer for a SS then. (May not have been the right move, but it would make the current pursuit more understandable.)

[erik316wttn]

Here's the question. Is there any 3 way deal with an AL West team that involves Prior and Miggy that you guys would accept?

 

**goes to research to answer own question**

 

If we get Vlad and a starter, Baltimore gets Prior, and Anahiem gets Miggy, I MIGHT be ok with it.

Edited December 22, 2005 by erik316wttn

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I know Bedard was a top prospect, but he now has more MLB IP than minor league, and he'll be 27 on Opening Day. In those MLB innings he's giving up 2 more hits per 9 innings, a full walk more per 9, a big jump in HR, and 3 fewer K's per 9. This would be a mind-numbingly stupid deal.

[erik316wttn]

I know Bedard was a top prospect, but he now has more MLB IP than minor league, and he'll be 27 on Opening Day. In those MLB innings he's giving up 2 more hits per 9 innings, a full walk more per 9, a big jump in HR, and 3 fewer K's per 9. This would be a mind-numbingly stupid deal.

 

Which is probably why Jim will do it.

[YearofDaCubs]

Here's the question. Is there any 3 way deal with an AL West team that involves Prior and Miggy that you guys would accept?

 

**goes to research to answer own question**

 

Cubs Get: Harden, Tejada, Bedard, cash, prospects

Orioles Get: Prior and Zito

Athletics Get: A lot of really good prospects likely involving Rich Hill and Nick Markakis

 

That I could live with.

 

Oh come on, that's just silly.

 

As is trading Prior straight up for Tejada, imo.

 

Seriously, this is borderline ridiculous. I feel like Jim Hendry secretly lost a bet with Jim Bowden, allowing Bowden to run the Cubs' 2006 offseason.

Agreed. This is ridiculous and the first thing I did think of was this was a Bowdenesque trade.

 

This trade proposal is far from ridiculous.

 

Some ridiculous things:

 

Signing Perez for way over market value

Signing Jones for way over what he deserves with Pie in the wings

 

Tejada is arguably the best SS in baseball, if not he in the same class.

 

Prior is a very good young pitcher who has put up good numbers for one year and has been injured for two others. Other teams don't care if they were or were not freak injuries. Prior has a lot of hype, good perherials, but not much else from a convential perspective (wins and losses). People here know the story of wins and losses for a pitcher but few else do.

 

One could say they wouldn't do the deal given the Cubs needs but the proposed trade is not ridiculous.

Tejada is going to be 30 years old. You can find an OFer that can surpass Tejada's numbers far cheaper than giving up Prior. Good luck trying to find a pitcher like Prior if he indeed is traded. It is ridiculous because how many good years do you expect from Tejada? Look no further than Nomar who within one year broke down.

[goonys evil twin]

Here's the question. Is there any 3 way deal with an AL West team that involves Prior and Miggy that you guys would accept?

 

**goes to research to answer own question**

 

If we get Vlad, Baltimore gets Prior, and Anahiem gets Miggy, I MIGHT be ok with it.

 

I'm not trading Prior or Zambrano for any position player who is already past the 26-28 prime years. Vladdy has had just as many health concerns as Prior in recent years. He's one hell of a player, but he'll be 30 this year. And he can opt out of his contract, so the Cubs would have control over him for less time than they'd have control over Zambrano/Prior. If I trade either of those guys, I better get a pre free agency superstar caliber player.

 

The only one out west that possibly fits the bill is Teixeira, who I initially wanted to draft instead of Prior.

[CubinNY]

I know Bedard was a top prospect, but he now has more MLB IP than minor league, and he'll be 27 on Opening Day. In those MLB innings he's giving up 2 more hits per 9 innings, a full walk more per 9, a big jump in HR, and 3 fewer K's per 9. This would be a mind-numbingly stupid deal.

 

The Cubs aren't trading Bedard for Prior.

 

What if Bedard + Dope + Bacon landed Zito?

----

Again, just for clarification I am not advocating Prior/Tejada. I find it difficult to understand why the trade proposal is that bad of a deal.

[JWCUB]

Question to all: If Prior is traded, who would you rather trade him for?

 

Miggy?

Manny?

 

I'm not saying you want to trade him, but if you had a choice, who would it be for?

[Cubzfan64]

 

It's hard to believe that Theo actually put Manny on waivers just a couple of years ago...

 

And harder still to believe that no one bit.

 

Different market, a lot less cash out there.

 

And keep in mind as well that a couple years ago would have meant being saddled with a $20mil/year contract for 3+ years - that's a long commitment. In today's market, alot of teams would be willing to do it for 1 year.

[goonys evil twin]

Question to all: If Prior is traded, who would you rather trade him for?

 

Miggy?

Manny?

 

I'm not saying you want to trade him, but if you had a choice, who would it be for?

 

Miggy.

 

I have very little interest in Manny. His cost would prohibit the Cubs from finding a replacement for Prior. But I wouldn't trade either because you'd have to replace Prior and you wouldn't be able to.

[badgercub]

Question to all: If Prior is traded, who would you rather trade him for?

 

Miggy?

Manny?

 

I'm not saying you want to trade him, but if you had a choice, who would it be for?

 

I believe it was stated before, and I would agree:

 

Miguel Cabrera

Albert Pujols

 

edit: Maybe Arod if the Yankees ate a lot of the money and you could move him back to short.

[goonys evil twin]

Again, just for clarification I am not advocating Prior/Tejada. I find it difficult to understand why the trade proposal is that bad of a deal.

 

It's absolutely freaking ridiculous.

 

Pitchers peak later than hitters. Miggy is past his prime. He's still good, but will be in decline shortly. He's also free to opt out of his contract if traded, making him even less valuable. He's also just a few years from possibly having to move positions, where his offense is not that impressive. I love Miggy. I'd deal a lot for Miggy. But I'm not trading a top 10 pitcher, who still has years before peaking, and reaching free agency, for a top 10 position player who is past his prime, and can opt out of his contract, and might have to switch positions within 3-5 years, making him far less valuable.

 

It's stupid to even consider a trade of these guys unless you are getting an under 28 pre free agency superstar position player.

[CuseCubFan69]

Is it possible that the Cubs think they won't be able to afford both Z and Prior? Isn't Boras both of their agents and they are going to be quite expensive in a couple of years. Trust me, somebody will be willing to offer each of these guys 14 or more a year.

[badgercub]

Is it possible that the Cubs think they won't be able to afford both Z and Prior? Isn't Boras both of their agents and they are going to be quite expensive in a couple of years. Trust me, somebody will be willing to offer each of these guys 14 or more a year.

 

I think they both will be expensive, but remember Wood and Maddux will be off the books next year and if you can replace from within the system you should be able to afford them.

[goonys evil twin]

Is it possible that the Cubs think they won't be able to afford both Z and Prior? Isn't Boras both of their agents and they are going to be quite expensive in a couple of years. Trust me, somebody will be willing to offer each of these guys 14 or more a year.

 

It'll cost you a $9m and a $3-4m pitcher to make up for the loss.

[Outshined_One]

Again, just for clarification I am not advocating Prior/Tejada. I find it difficult to understand why the trade proposal is that bad of a deal.

 

A good number of reasons, in my mind:

 

1) The Cubs already have a guy who can play SS halfway decently in Ronnie Cedeno. Even if Cedeno doesn't turn out to be anything special with the bat, he still has always been a good defensive guy. Plus he's cheap. If his bat comes around, all the better.

 

2) Tejada is past his prime years and will be entering a decline in the near future. He might be the top SS in baseball who plays SS...but that's not saying a lot considering the quality of shortstops that are out there. It's like being the tallest midget.

 

3) Prior is one of the top young pitchers in baseball; no one can dispute this. The Cubs will have him under control until the 2008 offseason. He will be due money, but if this organization sees the raises he'll be due in arbitration as incentive to trade him because of salary considerations, then they shouldn't have thrown around bad contracts for guys like Neifi and Jock.

 

4) The talent and ceiling dropoff from Prior to Tejada is noticeable enough in terms of production that trading Prior for Tejada straight up would be a mistake for the Cubs. Do you think Tejada is going to win another MVP? How about Prior's chances at winning a couple of Cy Youngs?

 

5) Prior is not injury-prone, despite what the lazy idiots who don't follow the Cubs say. Frankly, I'm impressed that he wasn't finished for the season when he took that line drive off his pitching arm.

 

And if it turns out that Prior may have some permanent damage that the Cubs are telling no one about, why the heck did they continue to trot him out there after he got drilled?! Wouldn't that have just exacerbated the problem???

 

Then again, given the way this organization handled Wood this past season, no length of idiocy surprises me any more with these people.