From today's Kiley article.........

[Bgbird68]

http://www.suntimes.com/output/cubs/cst-spt-cub07.html

 

Starts about about Patterson trade, then this nugget is in there:

 

"Neifi Perez is the projected starting second baseman for '06"

 

Thanks, Hendry.

 

Two things:

 

1) "projected"

 

2) Thank Dusty

 

1) "Projected" with the Neifi Fan Club President managing? Bad.

 

2) Did Dusty offer him the two year deal?

 

I guess all of Dustys' toys have to be taken away from him.

 

My question is: why not Macowiak in the Neifi role?

[abuck1220]

pretty tough for a team w/ a 100+ mil payroll to sport arguably the worst offensive outfield AND the worst offensive middle infield in baseball. the cubs are a lee/ramirez/barrett injury from having one of the worst offenses in baseball.

 

And the Giants are one Bonds injury from being horrible. And the Mets are one Pedro injury...yadda yadda yadda

 

do you just find every one of my posts and then make a condescending comment about it or what?

 

and the giants were terrible w/o bonds. they're really not that good with him. and the mets have a hell of a lot more on that team if they lose pedro (beltran, floyd, wagner, reyes, delgado, wright) than the cubs do if they lose lee. that's just a laughable comparison.

 

 

and for those who want to know where all the money's going, look no further than to the money the cubs have thrown at the (mediocre) bullpen from 2004-2006.

[CubfaninCA]

A lot of teams are in big trouble if they have one major injury.

[abuck1220]

A lot of teams are in big trouble if they have one major injury.

 

not as big of trouble as the cubs would be (offensively, at least). for one, the cubs have other potential big holes in the offense. an offense with jones, murton, cedeno, neifi AND blanco/mabry could be a HUGE disaster. if the mets lost beltran, they'd still have delgado, floyd, wright, etc. their lineup would suffer but not as bad as the cubs' would. secondly, the cubs backups at key spots aren't very good. the drop off from lee to mabry or barrett to blanco is gigantic.

[FergieJ31]

I love it when my worst fears are confirmed. It's so exhilarating.

 

Some of you guys give these reporters FAR too much credibility.

 

It's not about giving reporters more credibility than they deserve; rather, it's the likelihood of Neifi starting at 2B given:

 

a) Hendry missed on Furcal,

b) Walker is still on the block, and

c) Dusty is still the manager.

[bmkhawk]

I love it when my worst fears are confirmed. It's so exhilarating.

 

Some of you guys give these reporters FAR too much credibility.

 

It's not about giving reporters more credibility than they deserve; rather, it's the likelihood of Neifi starting at 2B given:

 

a) Hendry missed on Furcal,

b) Walker is still on the block, and

c) Dusty is still the manager.

 

Just the same...far from any "confirmation".

 

And how do we know that Walker is still on the block? Especially for a deal involving something other than another middle infielder in return?

[stitchface]

A lot of teams are in big trouble if they have one major injury.

 

not as big of trouble as the cubs would be (offensively, at least). for one, the cubs have other potential big holes in the offense. an offense with jones, murton, cedeno, neifi AND blanco/mabry could be a HUGE disaster. if the mets lost beltran, they'd still have delgado, floyd, wright, etc. their lineup would suffer but not as bad as the cubs' would. secondly, the cubs backups at key spots aren't very good. the drop off from lee to mabry or barrett to blanco is gigantic.

 

basically, this will be a terrible offense even without that injury.

[stitchface]

I love it when my worst fears are confirmed. It's so exhilarating.

 

Some of you guys give these reporters FAR too much credibility.

 

It's not about giving reporters more credibility than they deserve; rather, it's the likelihood of Neifi starting at 2B given:

 

a) Hendry missed on Furcal,

b) Walker is still on the block, and

c) Dusty is still the manager.

 

Just the same...far from any "confirmation".

 

And how do we know that Walker is still on the block? Especially for a deal involving something other than another middle infielder in return?

 

 

according to bruce miles walker will be still be traded.

[bmkhawk]

I guess we'll see.

 

Personally, I don't have a whole lot of faith in what Bruce says either.

 

Most of the time, it seems like he is just reporting something in order to keep getting radio time.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I guess we'll see.

 

Personally, I don't have a whole lot of faith in what Bruce says either.

 

Most of the time, it seems like he is just reporting something in order to keep getting radio time.

 

Not Levine, Miles.

[stitchface]

bruce miles reported it on this forum yesterday.

[stitchface]

viewtopic.php?t=28183&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=45

[Bull]

Also, someone needs to be handed some serious credit for Cedeno. Wasn't Cedeno added to the 40 man roster after 2003? Cedeno hadn't put up an AVG better than .220 except for rookie ball back in 2000. He's been a stud ever since. Well, maybe not a stud in 2004, but he sure made a huge jump in 2004. 2005 has everyone penciling him in as a starter.

 

I remember the headscratching over the 40 man roster move, but it's looking like a good call.

 

I've got to agree with this wholeheartedly. Makes me wonder why we'd even contemplate Prior in a trade for tejada

 

I have no sound reason to believe this, but I get the strange feeling that Prior is the one who wants Walker's defense gone. Its been stated all along that "the pitchers" want better defense. You trade Prior, you keep Walker. Keep Prior and hello Neifi!

[RockTheIvy]

Anybody know how many runs Neifi! might save at 2B over Walker?

[frostwyrm]

I know that we are all assuming the worst around here these days, but didn't Bruce contradict this statement by Kiley?

 

Bruce said the Cubs don't see Neifi as an everyday player and project Cedeno as a starter, but the Cubs have a history of spreading disinformation. Don't forget, Hendry talked up Dubois as a potential ROY when the Cubs' actual plan was to stick Dubois with the short and greasy end of a platoon, which of course would leave him zero chance at the ROY. Simply put, Hendry shoved a steaming load of bullcrap down the public's collective throat. Stuff like that doesn't do much for the Cubs' credibility. Bruce will give us the straight dope on what he hears, but if the Cubs lie to him he will still be giving out bad info, through no fault of his own.

 

Who are the Cubs that are saying this to Bruce....Hendry or Baker? I really doubt it's Baker that has been saying that and he is the one that fills out the lineup card.

 

I have raised that question myself. Bruce does occasionally say "the Cubs" told him this or that. I always want to know specifically who said what, because "the Cubs" is too vague when the team has a history of giving out contradictory messages. Of course Bruce or any other reporter can't always name his sources, so we are left wondering.

[RynoRules]

I know that we are all assuming the worst around here these days, but didn't Bruce contradict this statement by Kiley?

 

Bruce said the Cubs don't see Neifi as an everyday player and project Cedeno as a starter, but the Cubs have a history of spreading disinformation. Don't forget, Hendry talked up Dubois as a potential ROY when the Cubs' actual plan was to stick Dubois with the short and greasy end of a platoon, which of course would leave him zero chance at the ROY. Simply put, Hendry shoved a steaming load of bullcrap down the public's collective throat. Stuff like that doesn't do much for the Cubs' credibility. Bruce will give us the straight dope on what he hears, but if the Cubs lie to him he will still be giving out bad info, through no fault of his own.

 

Who are the Cubs that are saying this to Bruce....Hendry or Baker? I really doubt it's Baker that has been saying that and he is the one that fills out the lineup card.

 

I have raised that question myself. Bruce does occasionally say "the Cubs" told him this or that. I always want to know specifically who said what, because "the Cubs" is too vague when the team has a history of giving out contradictory messages. Of course Bruce or any other reporter can't always name his sources, so we are left wondering.

 

Just clarifying - are you now saying that, b/c Miles' sources are within the Cubs org. that nothing Miles reports to us can be believed? May be its just wishful thinking, but when Bruce said the Cubs view Neifi as a backup (and expensive one at that), I believed him. And Paul Sullivan backed that up. The only one reporting otherwise has been Kiley, to the best of my recollection.

[RynoRules]

pretty tough for a team w/ a 100+ mil payroll to sport arguably the worst offensive outfield AND the worst offensive middle infield in baseball. the cubs are a lee/ramirez/barrett injury from having one of the worst offenses in baseball.

 

And the Giants are one Bonds injury from being horrible. And the Mets are one Pedro injury...yadda yadda yadda

 

do you just find every one of my posts and then make a condescending comment about it or what?

 

and the giants were terrible w/o bonds. they're really not that good with him. and the mets have a hell of a lot more on that team if they lose pedro (beltran, floyd, wagner, reyes, delgado, wright) than the cubs do if they lose lee. that's just a laughable comparison.

 

 

and for those who want to know where all the money's going, look no further than to the money the cubs have thrown at the (mediocre) bullpen from 2004-2006.

 

No, but I found that comment to be without merit for the reasons stated earlier by CubFaninCA.

[frostwyrm]

I know that we are all assuming the worst around here these days, but didn't Bruce contradict this statement by Kiley?

 

Bruce said the Cubs don't see Neifi as an everyday player and project Cedeno as a starter, but the Cubs have a history of spreading disinformation. Don't forget, Hendry talked up Dubois as a potential ROY when the Cubs' actual plan was to stick Dubois with the short and greasy end of a platoon, which of course would leave him zero chance at the ROY. Simply put, Hendry shoved a steaming load of bullcrap down the public's collective throat. Stuff like that doesn't do much for the Cubs' credibility. Bruce will give us the straight dope on what he hears, but if the Cubs lie to him he will still be giving out bad info, through no fault of his own.

 

Who are the Cubs that are saying this to Bruce....Hendry or Baker? I really doubt it's Baker that has been saying that and he is the one that fills out the lineup card.

 

I have raised that question myself. Bruce does occasionally say "the Cubs" told him this or that. I always want to know specifically who said what, because "the Cubs" is too vague when the team has a history of giving out contradictory messages. Of course Bruce or any other reporter can't always name his sources, so we are left wondering.

 

Just clarifying - are you now saying that, b/c Miles' sources are within the Cubs org. that nothing Miles reports to us can be believed? May be its just wishful thinking, but when Bruce said the Cubs view Neifi as a backup (and expensive one at that), I believed him. And Paul Sullivan backed that up. The only one reporting otherwise has been Kiley, to the best of my recollection.

 

Again, who specifically are "the Cubs" who view Neifi as a backup? There is only one person who makes out the lineup cards, and his is the only opinion that counts. Until Dusty Baker goes on record saying Neifi will be a backup and Cedeno will be a regular I remain skeptical.

[CuseCubFan69]

I know that we are all assuming the worst around here these days, but didn't Bruce contradict this statement by Kiley?

 

Bruce said the Cubs don't see Neifi as an everyday player and project Cedeno as a starter, but the Cubs have a history of spreading disinformation. Don't forget, Hendry talked up Dubois as a potential ROY when the Cubs' actual plan was to stick Dubois with the short and greasy end of a platoon, which of course would leave him zero chance at the ROY. Simply put, Hendry shoved a steaming load of bullcrap down the public's collective throat. Stuff like that doesn't do much for the Cubs' credibility. Bruce will give us the straight dope on what he hears, but if the Cubs lie to him he will still be giving out bad info, through no fault of his own.

 

Who are the Cubs that are saying this to Bruce....Hendry or Baker? I really doubt it's Baker that has been saying that and he is the one that fills out the lineup card.

 

I have raised that question myself. Bruce does occasionally say "the Cubs" told him this or that. I always want to know specifically who said what, because "the Cubs" is too vague when the team has a history of giving out contradictory messages. Of course Bruce or any other reporter can't always name his sources, so we are left wondering.

 

Just clarifying - are you now saying that, b/c Miles' sources are within the Cubs org. that nothing Miles reports to us can be believed? May be its just wishful thinking, but when Bruce said the Cubs view Neifi as a backup (and expensive one at that), I believed him. And Paul Sullivan backed that up. The only one reporting otherwise has been Kiley, to the best of my recollection.

 

Again, who specifically are "the Cubs" who view Neifi as a backup? There is only one person who makes out the lineup cards, and his is the only opinion that counts. Until Dusty Baker goes on record saying Neifi will be a backup and Cedeno will be a regular I remain skeptical.

 

I agree. Bruce has been wonderful and he has been such a pleasure to read on this board but he didn't mention who on the Cubs said this. If Bruce does say Baker told him this then I will be thrilled!

[RynoRules]

 

Again, who specifically are "the Cubs" who view Neifi as a backup? There is only one person who makes out the lineup cards, and his is the only opinion that counts. Until Dusty Baker goes on record saying Neifi will be a backup and Cedeno will be a regular I remain skeptical.

 

Understood, but that wasn't what I meant. Bruce is never going to tell us who those sources are, but those sources provide him with his info. Thus, I guess what I am asking is whether Bruce's info re lineups and depth charts is trustworthy, in your (or anyone else's) opinion.

[Mark Priors Calves]

I could be way wrong on this but it seems like all the articles that mention Perez as the starting 2B are from Kiley or in the Sun-Times.

 

You are correct. All references to Neifi as a projected starter, or to Walker as the 3rd string 2B, have come from Kiley. Neither Bruce Miles nor Paul Sullivan have ever made either of those claims.

 

And obviously Bruce has specifically said the Cubs signed him with a reserve role in mind. (Of course, when they signed him they probably assumed Walker would be long traded and that Furcal would likely be acquired before now... So even if they did see Neifi as a reserve when signed, given subsequent disappointments perhaps they have changed their view by now, who knows.).

 

I don't really believe Kiley knows much on this, though.

 

If the Cubs were going to start Neifi and Cedeno, why wouldn't they keep Neifi at SS, where he's played most of his games and has done so very well, and of course has tenure? And move Cedeno to 2nd, where he might be excellent and where his erratic throwing arm might not result in as many throwing errors? Seems to me that if Dusty is going to count on a veteran to start, out of deference to the veteran he'd keep the veteran at the veteran's preferred position.

 

Summary: if Neifi was projected to start, he'd start at SS. That Kiley is suggesting Neifi will start at 2B probably means Kiley doesn't really know what is likely to happen.

 

craig, nice analysis as usual. More than likely, I'd say no one in the Cubs organization is sure who will be the middle info combination in 2006. There are still so many factors up in the air: the Miggy fiasco, trading Walker, proper utilizing of Perez, the seemingly forgotten Hairston, Jr., and the expectations vs. reality of starting Cedeno everyday. Spring Training will be extremely interesting this year for no other reason than to see how the final 25 man roster is constructed and who is penciled in for 2B/SS.

[RockTheIvy]

Wasn't Hairston considered a solid 2B before he lost his job to Roberts in Baltimore and became a supersub? I wouldn't mind him at 2B with Cedeno at short. A 1-2 of Pierre, Hairston should help Lee and Ramirez.

[jtownie]

Wasn't Hairston considered a solid 2B before he lost his job to Roberts in Baltimore and became a supersub? I wouldn't mind him at 2B with Cedeno at short. A 1-2 of Pierre, Hairston should help Lee and Ramirez.

 

no idea what the cubs are thinking at this point but I'm hoping that Hairston starts if Walker is traded. He has a decent OBP, especially considering he was learning a new league. Anyone know how good his range or overall defense is at 2B?

[cheapseats]

Anybody know how many runs Neifi! might save at 2B over Walker?

 

Neifi wasn't very good when he played 2B last year. Walker was actually a better fielder at second according to Clay Davenport's fielding metric.

 

Assuming the starting SS would play all 162 games, and assuming both played at their overall career numbers, Neifi would be good for about 21 runs defensively over Walker.

 

Using last season's numbers, a full season with Walker would have been good for about 29 more runs offensively.

 

Considering offense and defense, Walker at 2nd instead of Neifi might give us 8 more net runs. The rule of thumb is that 10 extra runs is worth a win, so Walker might be worth one more win than Neifi.

[NorthsideAvenger]

The only one reporting otherwise has been Kiley, to the best of my recollection.

 

And Kiley is STILL supporting the Perez is starting theory:

 

http://www.suntimes.com/output/cubs/cst-spt-cub09.html

 

Jerry Hairston is projected to back up Perez at second. Hendry continues to have trade talks about Todd Walker, whom the Cubs will try to move before spring training begins next month. Walker said at the end of last season that he wouldn't be happy in a bench role.

 

For the love of baseball's god, if Hendry is SERIOUS about players needing to catch the ball better, then he knows that JHJ is a better fielder at 2B (his natural position) then Perez (who is out of position at 2B). I don't care much for Hairston, but if I had a choice between JHR and Perez at 2B, I'd go with JHR everyday, twice on Sunday. But I KNOW ](*,) who is the manager/babysitter of this team is.