Ken Rosenthal Reporting Cubs Going Hard After Tejada...

[JeffH]

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?

 

Tejada. 100 out of 100 times. It's not even close.

[JWCUB]

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.

 

BINGO

 

I don't advacate the trading of Z or Prior, but that is a very realistic point.

Remember not trading Sammy in 01 I think? Big mistake. Hindsight is always 20/20.

[CardsFanInChiTown]

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.

 

Young position players? I would add...

 

Jason Bay

Michael Young

Grady Sizemore

Victor Martinez

Travis Hafner

Mark Teixeira

David Wright

Chase Utley

 

Not all those guys make sense for the Cubs tho...

[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.

 

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

 

So Juan Guzman and Danny Jackson will work out perfectly.

 

I'm just simply thinking that the Cubs may be on this train of thought.

[Outshined_One]

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.

 

BINGO

 

I don't advacate the trading of Z or Prior, but that is a very realistic point.

Remember not trading Sammy in 01 I think? Big mistake. Hindsight is always 20/20.

 

That is seriously financial irresponsibility on the Cubs' behalf, especially considering the contracts they just handed out to Jock, Eyre, and Howry.

[AlwaysaCub]

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.

 

Young position players? I would add...

 

Jason Bay

Michael Young

Grady Sizemore

Victor Martinez

Travis Hafner

Mark Teixeira

David Wright

Chase Utley

 

Not all those guys make sense for the Cubs tho...

 

Jason Bay- Maybe

Michael Young - I like him

Grady Sizemore - No

Victor Martinez - Maybe

Travis Hafner - Doesn't fit with Lee

Mark Teixeira - see above

David Wright - Doesn't fit with Aramis

Chase Utley - No

 

Now, are any of them worth Prior or Z? Only Bay, and only maybe.

[RockTheIvy]

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.

 

BINGO

 

I don't advacate the trading of Z or Prior, but that is a very realistic point.

Remember not trading Sammy in 01 I think? Big mistake. Hindsight is always 20/20.

 

That is seriously financial irresponsibility on the Cubs' behalf, especially considering the contracts they just handed out to Jock, Eyre, and Howry.

 

Good call. If they want to sign Prior and Z, they can and will, especially considering that Maddux and Wood will be off the books.

 

Again though, this strikes me as a perfect Chubbs move. It would be the Broglio for Brock trade for our generation.

[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.

 

BINGO

 

I don't advacate the trading of Z or Prior, but that is a very realistic point.

Remember not trading Sammy in 01 I think? Big mistake. Hindsight is always 20/20.

 

That is seriously financial irresponsibility on the Cubs' behalf, especially considering the contracts they just handed out to Jock, Eyre, and Howry.

 

I don't think so. They were burned on the Sosa and Wood contracts and handing out a long term deals to both of those pitchers may scare the heck out them. Burnett just got a 5/55 and both of these guys are going to get bigger deals then this. Also, who really knows if Prior or Z really want to remain in Chicago? I'm not sayin they don't but I have no idea how they really feel about playing there.

[goonys evil twin]

I don't think so. They were burned on the Sosa and Wood contracts and handing out a long term deals to both of those pitchers may scare the heck out them. Burnett just got a 5/55 and both of these guys are going to get bigger deals then this. Also, who really knows if Prior or Z really want to remain in Chicago? I'm not sayin they don't but I have no idea how they really feel about playing there.

 

They aren't even at free agency yet. Sign them to 3-year deals now. If you can give 3/15 to Jones you can give 3/30 to both of these guys.

[moorecg]

Mr. Miles...I see you lurking...

Are we getting worked up for nothing or does this thing have legs?

[ThePenguin11]

Mr. Miles...I see you lurking...

Are we getting worked up for nothing or does this thing have legs?

 

he gone.

[CubfaninCA]

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.

 

That's a possibility or they think Prior will continue to struggle.

[RockTheIvy]

Mr. Miles...I see you lurking...

Are we getting worked up for nothing or does this thing have legs?

 

he gone.

 

Vote to ban! :wink:

[CardsFanInChiTown]

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.

 

BINGO

 

I don't advacate the trading of Z or Prior, but that is a very realistic point.

Remember not trading Sammy in 01 I think? Big mistake. Hindsight is always 20/20.

 

That is seriously financial irresponsibility on the Cubs' behalf, especially considering the contracts they just handed out to Jock, Eyre, and Howry.

 

I don't think so. They were burned on the Sosa and Wood contracts and handing out a long term deals to both of those pitchers may scare the heck out them. Burnett just got a 5/55 and both of these guys are going to get bigger deals then this. Also, who really knows if Prior or Z really want to remain in Chicago? I'm not sayin they don't but I have no idea how they really feel about playing there.

 

If both are Boras guys they will get maximum value in the FA market. Interesting point.

[CuseCubFan69]

I don't think so. They were burned on the Sosa and Wood contracts and handing out a long term deals to both of those pitchers may scare the heck out them. Burnett just got a 5/55 and both of these guys are going to get bigger deals then this. Also, who really knows if Prior or Z really want to remain in Chicago? I'm not sayin they don't but I have no idea how they really feel about playing there.

 

They aren't even at free agency yet. Sign them to 3-year deals now. If you can give 3/15 to Jones you can give 3/30 to both of these guys.

 

I wouldn't do that if I were them (Prior+Z)....not with the money that is being thrown around this off season unless they REALLY want to remain in Chicago. I think it would be a very good idea for Hendry to do just what you said though...at least try.

 

Let me also add that the Cubs would be taking on a 12 salary with Tejada. That has to come out of somewhere.

[Outshined_One]

I don't think so. They were burned on the Sosa and Wood contracts and handing out a long term deals to both of those pitchers may scare the heck out them. Burnett just got a 5/55 and both of these guys are going to get bigger deals then this. Also, who really knows if Prior or Z really want to remain in Chicago? I'm not sayin they don't but I have no idea how they really feel about playing there.

 

The Wood contract was handed out knowing that Wood has an established history of injuries and that there was a good chance that he would see time on the DL during that contract. Sosa, on the other hand, had so much going into that contract and the way it all played out that I really don't think many people saw it coming, especially given how the last offseason went. Personally, I wanted to trade Sosa while his value was at its highest, but that's in the past.

 

Also, if they don't want to remain in Chicago, then I would hope that the myth of players wanting to play for Dusty Baker since he's such a great player's manager would be shattered once and for all. If he can't keep his top two aces happy, then who the heck does he keep happy? Is it just the crappy washed up veterans who had no value to begin with?

 

This team better not give The Maddux Treatment to Prior or Zambrano, or else I seriously will give thought to giving up on the Cubs.

[Outshined_One]

If both are Boras guys they will get maximum value in the FA market. Interesting point.

 

Zambrano is, but Prior is not.

[CubfaninCA]

I don't think so. They were burned on the Sosa and Wood contracts and handing out a long term deals to both of those pitchers may scare the heck out them. Burnett just got a 5/55 and both of these guys are going to get bigger deals then this. Also, who really knows if Prior or Z really want to remain in Chicago? I'm not sayin they don't but I have no idea how they really feel about playing there.

 

They aren't even at free agency yet. Sign them to 3-year deals now. If you can give 3/15 to Jones you can give 3/30 to both of these guys.

 

Most likely both get 5-7 years deals that possibly approach $100 million.

3 & 30 was good money 10 years ago.

[CuseCubFan69]

I don't think so. They were burned on the Sosa and Wood contracts and handing out a long term deals to both of those pitchers may scare the heck out them. Burnett just got a 5/55 and both of these guys are going to get bigger deals then this. Also, who really knows if Prior or Z really want to remain in Chicago? I'm not sayin they don't but I have no idea how they really feel about playing there.

 

The Wood contract was handed out knowing that Wood has an established history of injuries and that there was a good chance that he would see time on the DL during that contract. Sosa, on the other hand, had so much going into that contract and the way it all played out that I really don't think many people saw it coming, especially given how the last offseason went. Personally, I wanted to trade Sosa while his value was at its highest, but that's in the past.

 

Also, if they don't want to remain in Chicago, then I would hope that the myth of players wanting to play for Dusty Baker since he's such a great player's manager would be shattered once and for all. If he can't keep his top two aces happy, then who the heck does he keep happy? Is it just the crappy washed up veterans who had no value to begin with?

 

This team better not give The Maddux Treatment to Prior or Zambrano, or else I seriously will give thought to giving up on the Cubs.

 

I haven't boiught the Baker Boy myth since he's been here. He has proved to do just that...overplay the mediocre and that's his veteran love he gets. I am curious on how Prior and Z feel about Johnny B, my money says it's been lip service for the press and that's about it.

[goonys evil twin]

I don't think so. They were burned on the Sosa and Wood contracts and handing out a long term deals to both of those pitchers may scare the heck out them. Burnett just got a 5/55 and both of these guys are going to get bigger deals then this. Also, who really knows if Prior or Z really want to remain in Chicago? I'm not sayin they don't but I have no idea how they really feel about playing there.

 

They aren't even at free agency yet. Sign them to 3-year deals now. If you can give 3/15 to Jones you can give 3/30 to both of these guys.

 

I wouldn't do that if I were them (Prior+Z)....not with the money that is being thrown around this off season unless they REALLY want to remain in Chicago. I think it would be a very good idea for Hendry to do just what you said though...at least try.

 

Why wouldn't you do it? Zambrano won't reach free agency for 2 years, Prior, for 3. Neither will come close to making $10m this year. They might get $8-10 in 2007 on arbitration, if they have great 2006 seasons.

 

So, you offer them deals that pay them $7m in 2006 (more than they'd be expecting). In 2007 they'd be guaranteed $11m, and in 2008 they'd get $12m. Zambrano would possibly get more than that in 2008, his first year of free agency. But he'd be making more now and getting security. It's a no-brainer for Prior, he's not giving up any free agency time.

[CuseCubFan69]

If both are Boras guys they will get maximum value in the FA market. Interesting point.

 

Zambrano is, but Prior is not.

 

When did Prior leave Boras?

[Outshined_One]

If both are Boras guys they will get maximum value in the FA market. Interesting point.

 

Zambrano is, but Prior is not.

 

When did Prior leave Boras?

 

I could have sworn Prior didn't have Boras as his agent. Let me do some digging.

[goonys evil twin]

I don't think so. They were burned on the Sosa and Wood contracts and handing out a long term deals to both of those pitchers may scare the heck out them. Burnett just got a 5/55 and both of these guys are going to get bigger deals then this. Also, who really knows if Prior or Z really want to remain in Chicago? I'm not sayin they don't but I have no idea how they really feel about playing there.

 

They aren't even at free agency yet. Sign them to 3-year deals now. If you can give 3/15 to Jones you can give 3/30 to both of these guys.

 

Most likely both get 5-7 years deals that possibly approach $100 million.

3 & 30 was good money 10 years ago.

 

Um, neither one of them is a free agent. You give guys deals like this because they want that first taste of security, and it still leaves them plenty of opportunity to get that big free agent deal. Neither would come close to averaging $10m a year over the next couple years via arbitration.

[UK1679666180]

If both are Boras guys they will get maximum value in the FA market. Interesting point.

 

Zambrano is, but Prior is not.

 

When did Prior leave Boras?

 

I could have sworn Prior didn't have Boras as his agent. Let me do some digging.

 

Boggs has been his agent from the get go.

[CuseCubFan69]

I don't think so. They were burned on the Sosa and Wood contracts and handing out a long term deals to both of those pitchers may scare the heck out them. Burnett just got a 5/55 and both of these guys are going to get bigger deals then this. Also, who really knows if Prior or Z really want to remain in Chicago? I'm not sayin they don't but I have no idea how they really feel about playing there.

 

They aren't even at free agency yet. Sign them to 3-year deals now. If you can give 3/15 to Jones you can give 3/30 to both of these guys.

 

I wouldn't do that if I were them (Prior+Z)....not with the money that is being thrown around this off season unless they REALLY want to remain in Chicago. I think it would be a very good idea for Hendry to do just what you said though...at least try.

 

Why wouldn't you do it? Zambrano won't reach free agency for 2 years, Prior, for 3. Neither will come close to making $10m this year. They might get $8-10 in 2007 on arbitration, if they have great 2006 seasons.

 

So, you offer them deals that pay them $7m in 2006 (more than they'd be expecting). In 2007 they'd be guaranteed $11m, and in 2008 they'd get $12m. Zambrano would possibly get more than that in 2008, his first year of free agency. But he'd be making more now and getting security. It's a no-brainer for Prior, he's not giving up any free agency time.

 

Why would the Cubs do this? To save money in case of a crazy arbitrater? I'd try to lock them up a little past free agency so both sides are giving a little bit.