Where do the Cubs go from here?

[TXCubsFan]

Now that a deal for Tejada is unlikely, how does Hendry go about getting the team ready for 2006?

[HoopsCubs]

How does Hendry go about getting the team ready for 2006?

 

Keep the boys healthy, and things should work out.

[USSoccer]

Now that a deal for Tejada is unlikely, how does Hendry go about getting the team ready for 2006?

 

I'm so wary of all of Hendry's potential moves at this point that I'd be happy if he just stood pat.

 

CF-Pierre

LF-Murton

1B-Lee

3B-Ramirez

RF-Jones

C-Barrett

2B-Walker

SS-Cedeno

 

P-Z

P-Prior

P-Williams

P-Maddux

P-Rusch/Wood

 

RP-Howry

RP-Eyre

RP-Ohman

RP-Novoa

RP-Wuertz

CL-Dempster

 

B-Hairston

B-Perez

B-Blanco

B-Mabry

B-Patterson

 

At this point, fine by me, even though we don't have a 5th hitter. Better that than deal Prior, or absolutely gut the farm system, though. If somehow Baltimore wants to deal Tejada for prospects, fine. Ditto with Dunn or Abreu, although I doubt it happens. Really, though, I just don't see any deal where we get another everyday player coming down the line, so I'd just as soon Hendry lose his cell phone for a couple months.

Although, I do see Walker, Patterson and Wellemeyer being dealt. Probably just for prospects or a bench guy or two, though.

[UK1679666180]

I would assume that any move from here on out will be minor, something drastic would have to happen for it to change (i.e. injury). They have roster decisions to make surrounding Wellemeyer as well as rumored trade candidates Patterson and/or Walker.

 

All in all, WYSIWYG.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

1. Move Patterson, Walker and Williams or Hill for quality position player prospects.

 

2. Plan on trading Rusch after June 15, he won't be needed by then. Wood will be back, and one of Hill or Guzman or Williams can handle the #5 spot. I trade Rusch for yet more prospects.

 

3. Scan the waiver wire, NRI lists, etc... for that last bench spot.

 

4. Fire Dusty before he submarines your chances.

[Neuby]

Now that a deal for Tejada is unlikely, how does Hendry go about getting the team ready for 2006?

 

I'm so wary of all of Hendry's potential moves at this point that I'd be happy if he just stood pat.

 

CF-Pierre

LF-Murton

1B-Lee

3B-Ramirez

RF-Jones

C-Barrett

2B-Walker

SS-Cedeno

 

P-Z

P-Prior

P-Williams

P-Maddux

P-Rusch/Wood

 

RP-Howry

RP-Eyre

RP-Ohman

RP-Novoa

RP-Wuertz

CL-Dempster

 

B-Hairston

B-Perez

B-Blanco

B-Mabry

B-Patterson

 

At this point, fine by me, even though we don't have a 5th hitter. Better that than deal Prior, or absolutely gut the farm system, though. If somehow Baltimore wants to deal Tejada for prospects, fine. Ditto with Dunn or Abreu, although I doubt it happens. Really, though, I just don't see any deal where we get another everyday player coming down the line, so I'd just as soon Hendry lose his cell phone for a couple months.

Although, I do see Walker, Patterson and Wellemeyer being dealt. Probably just for prospects or a bench guy or two, though.

 

are u betting against Williamson reboudning and making the club out of spring training? I had him pegged as one of top set up man behind Howry and Eyre. I think Nova or Wuertz gets dealt along Welly,Corey,and sadly Walker.

[BigbadB]

I haven't given up on the potential of a deal that nets a power hitting lefty bat to Chicago. Aubrey Huff and Cliff Floyd are tops on my list. The Manny deal would likely need to go down with the Mets for Floyd to be available, but those are two guys who would help me feel a bit better about this offseason.

[BigbadB]

are u betting against Williamson reboudning and making the club out of spring training? I had him pegged as one of top set up man behind Howry and Eyre. I think Nova or Wuertz gets dealt along Welly,Corey,and sadly Walker.

 

I don't see Wuertz going anywhere, but I believe Wellemeyer and Corey are definitely gone, Novoa or Ohman gets added in a deal and I really have no idea what the deal is with Walker, so I'll leave him on the roster.

[GaborBako]

Where do the Cubs go from here?

 

Fourth place.

[USSoccer]

are u betting against Williamson reboudning and making the club out of spring training? I had him pegged as one of top set up man behind Howry and Eyre. I think Nova or Wuertz gets dealt along Welly,Corey,and sadly Walker.

 

I don't see Wuertz going anywhere, but I believe Wellemeyer and Corey are definitely gone, Novoa or Ohman gets added in a deal and I really have no idea what the deal is with Walker, so I'll leave him on the roster.

 

I forgot about Williamson in my post. My bad.

[anemic offense]

I haven't given up on the potential of a deal that nets a power hitting lefty bat to Chicago. Aubrey Huff and Cliff Floyd are tops on my list. The Manny deal would likely need to go down with the Mets for Floyd to be available, but those are two guys who would help me feel a bit better about this offseason.

 

I don't see how that would work. Jones and Pierre are locks at their respective positions, while Murton is a cheap (seemingly) viable option at his. Although this lineup could use another LH bat (a quality one, not one of Dusty's "just for the sake of having one" guys), it would make little sense to add much payroll (which is what they'd end up doing) with where the overall is at now (and the Cubs still have to give increases to Prior and Z). Then factor in you'd be giving away at least 2 prospects (pry Murton, and someone else the org. can ill afford to lose) and a deal simply wouldn't make sense. Not that I wouldn't be open to one, its just that the Cubs made there beds (as in LITTLE affordable flexibility) when they signed Jones.

[anemic offense]

Now that a deal for Tejada is unlikely, how does Hendry go about getting the team ready for 2006?

 

I'm so wary of all of Hendry's potential moves at this point that I'd be happy if he just stood pat.

 

CF-Pierre

LF-Murton

1B-Lee

3B-Ramirez

RF-Jones

C-Barrett

2B-Walker

SS-Cedeno

 

P-Z

P-Prior

P-Williams

P-Maddux

P-Rusch/Wood

 

RP-Howry

RP-Eyre

RP-Ohman

RP-Novoa

RP-Wuertz

CL-Dempster

 

B-Hairston

B-Perez

B-Blanco

B-Mabry

B-Patterson

 

At this point, fine by me, even though we don't have a 5th hitter. Better that than deal Prior, or absolutely gut the farm system, though. If somehow Baltimore wants to deal Tejada for prospects, fine. Ditto with Dunn or Abreu, although I doubt it happens. Really, though, I just don't see any deal where we get another everyday player coming down the line, so I'd just as soon Hendry lose his cell phone for a couple months.

Although, I do see Walker, Patterson and Wellemeyer being dealt. Probably just for prospects or a bench guy or two, though.

 

You're SP lineup is a little out of whack. Remember, even though Maddux is the fourth best pitcher on this team (I wouldn't be surprised if he's the worst) Dusty will put him #2 as to split up his hard throwers. It doesn't matter that he'd potentially be giving one of his WORST starters an extra start or two over the course of the season because using Maddux as a change of pace between his two stars is worth at least 4-5 wins. At least that's the logic (or lack thereof) Dusty will emplore.

[BigbadB]

I haven't given up on the potential of a deal that nets a power hitting lefty bat to Chicago. Aubrey Huff and Cliff Floyd are tops on my list. The Manny deal would likely need to go down with the Mets for Floyd to be available, but those are two guys who would help me feel a bit better about this offseason.

 

I don't see how that would work. Jones and Pierre are locks at their respective positions, while Murton is a cheap (seemingly) viable option at his. Although this lineup could use another LH bat (a quality one, not one of Dusty's "just for the sake of having one" guys), it would make little sense to add much payroll (which is what they'd end up doing) with where the overall is at now (and the Cubs still have to give increases to Prior and Z). Then factor in you'd be giving away at least 2 prospects (pry Murton, and someone else the org. can ill afford to lose) and a deal simply wouldn't make sense. Not that I wouldn't be open to one, its just that the Cubs made there beds (as in LITTLE affordable flexibility) when they signed Jones.

 

It may not work. As far as payroll is concerned, if they were concerned about payroll, there wouldn't already be rumors floating around out there about Soriano and Floyd. With the new rumors sounding like they can move Patterson for prospects, the increase to Prior is covered. They already knew that Zambrano would be getting his increase. If may end up being Soriano or Vidro or Lugo rather than a corner outfielder. I think the Cubs will still have enough in the tank to add at least one more bat.

 

I'll rehash my reason for why I believe the Cubs will land another bat before the season starts. I don't see Dusty going into 2006 with two inexperienced guys like Cedeno AND Murton as everyday starters. They could end up being everyday starters by midseason or earlier, but I just don't see both getting an everyday job right out of the gates. Especially with no one overly significant to back them up (Mabry/Hairston/Grissom?), (Neifi/Hairston)

 

Trade for a guy like Huff, and you have lefty power. It does move Murton into a 4th outfielder/bench role, but he'll get some starts. Huff can play LF, RF, 3rd and 1st. Huff is a nice bat off the bench. And, if Hendry waits out Tampa, Huff's asking price might be within reason as teams head off to Spring Training. A guy like Huff gives the Cubs more bench depth. Right now, I have major concerns about their bench depth.

 

Am I alone in thinking Dusty will not want Murton AND Cedeno as guaranteed starters going into 2006?

[wastra]

I'm still flummoxed that we'll have a near $100 million payroll, and if hendry can find a taker for Walker, we'll be starting BOTH Jones and Perez. I don't know how you overcome that because for the life of me, i can't understand how you ever GET that for $100 million.

 

So I have no idea where we go from here.

[HoopsCubs]

I'm still flummoxed that we'll have a near $100 million payroll, and if hendry can find a taker for Walker, we'll be starting BOTH Jones and Perez. I don't know how you overcome that because for the life of me, i can't understand how you ever GET that for $100 million.

 

So I have no idea where we go from here.

 

The Twins won back-to-back-to-back division titles in 2002, 2003 and 2004, and in each of those seasons, Guzman, Jones and Rivas had 1,500 combined at bats.

 

All I'm trying to say is that if the Cubs pitching staff remains healthy, and the re-vampled bullpen is productive, the Cubs are going to be fine.

[CubinNY]

I'm still flummoxed that we'll have a near $100 million payroll, and if hendry can find a taker for Walker, we'll be starting BOTH Jones and Perez. I don't know how you overcome that because for the life of me, i can't understand how you ever GET that for $100 million.

 

So I have no idea where we go from here.

 

The Twins won back-to-back-to-back division titles in 2002, 2003 and 2004, and in each of those seasons, Guzman, Jones and Rivas had 1,500 combined at bats.

 

All I'm trying to say is that if the Cubs pitching staff remains healthy, and the re-vampled bullpen is productive, the Cubs are going to be fine.

 

All that remains to be seen Hoops. But the Twins weren't in a division with St. Louis, Houston and an improving Millwaukee.

 

If the Cubs don't make another major deal I am predicting 4th place.

 

On the bright side, that will likely mean Hendry and Baker are fired.

[Tanner_20]

If I were to see this team/rotation/lineup on opening day, I would not be too surprised/disappointed/excited. We still have a rotation that when healthy can go on a run and absolutely shut people down completely over a series. We have a leadoff hitter for the first time since...probably before my time.

 

The payroll is another thing. I agree that these aren't the names that you want to see for $100,000,000.00, but it's not as though the organization has to lure fans to the ballpark. The ballpark is all the bait that they need.

 

If Wood comes back healthy after only missing 5-10 starts and Murton/Cedeno are holding their positions, there is no reason why we can't be right there fighting at the end of the season. and thats all I need

 

No more moves, Walker starts, Corey on the bench (for now), other positive reinforcement.

[HoopsCubs]

All that remains to be seen Hoops. But the Twins weren't in a division with St. Louis, Houston and an improving Millwaukee.

 

If the Cubs don't make another major deal I am predicting 4th place.

 

On the bright side, that will likely mean Hendry and Baker are fired.

 

Perhaps, I'll be accused of drinking Kool-Aid. Perhaps, the board prefers the "glass is half-empty" pessimism to my "glass is half-full" optimism.

 

But I'll say it: our division doesn't scare me. If we're healthy, we'll be much better than last year. And keep in mind, we played decent against the Central and West, and might have won a few more of those games if Howry and Eyre were around. Our biggest issue was our 11-23 record against the NL East including 1-5 against WAS and 1-6 against ATL. That definitely can't happen again if this club is to win.

 

Am I saying there are no holes? Of course not. There are - no doubt. But, I also didn't think in April or May or June or even July that the Astros would be playing the White Sox in the World Series with those less than stellar offenses.

 

We should continue to be critical. We must. I believe that Cubs brass reads this stuff - I think it makes a difference. At the same time, I just can't be pessimistic in January. It just doesn't seem right.

[goonys evil twin]

At the same time, I just can't be pessimistic in January. It just doesn't seem right.

 

I don't think it feels right to be optimistic about a team that has done the exact opposite of what I wished they'd do, and has not come close to addressing the biggest problems that have plagued them year after year.

 

I'm holding out hope that they'll surprise on the upside, but there's nothing going on to support such hope.

[JWCUB]

All that remains to be seen Hoops. But the Twins weren't in a division with St. Louis, Houston and an improving Millwaukee.

 

If the Cubs don't make another major deal I am predicting 4th place.

 

On the bright side, that will likely mean Hendry and Baker are fired.

 

Perhaps, I'll be accused of drinking Kool-Aid. Perhaps, the board prefers the "glass is half-empty" pessimism to my "glass is half-full" optimism.

 

But I'll say it: our division doesn't scare me. If we're healthy, we'll be much better than last year. And keep in mind, we played decent against the Central and West, and might have won a few more of those games if Howry and Eyre were around. Our biggest issue was our 11-23 record against the NL East including 1-5 against WAS and 1-6 against ATL. That definitely can't happen again if this club is to win.

 

Am I saying there are no holes? Of course not. There are - no doubt. But, I also didn't think in April or May or June or even July that the Astros would be playing the White Sox in the World Series with those less than stellar offenses.

 

We should continue to be critical. We must. I believe that Cubs brass reads this stuff - I think it makes a difference. At the same time, I just can't be pessimistic in January. It just doesn't seem right.

 

I'm with you on this one Hoops. I like what they have done so far.....minus the Jones signing. I just wish that there were some way to get another big bat. I'm kinda torn here though. If they did get another big bat, then that means Murton sits. I dont like that. The rotation is solid, IF it can stay healthy. The pen is much improved. And the line up is solid. If they could just get one more big bat.

[JonnyRed]

I still am interested in fortifying our starting rotation with either Jeff Weaver or Barry Zito. We still have $$$ to spend and you can never have too much starting pitching. Would the As be interested in Walker, Williams and Guzman for Zito? Weaver could also be that innings grinder that we'll need. Maddux and Wood/Rusch can't be counted on for 7+ every time out.

[goonys evil twin]

If Wood comes back healthy after only missing 5-10 starts and Murton/Cedeno are holding their positions, there is no reason why we can't be right there fighting at the end of the season. and thats all I need

 

I need more than that.

 

What you wrote is very similar to the longstanding Andy MacPhail mantra that the Cubs will be built to compete within the division. I think that's such a low standard of expected success that it's sad, or even pathetic, especially for a team with a top 5 payroll.

 

I will not be happy with a team that just fight to the end of the season. This isn't about giving it the old college try and being happy with a bowl invite, or earning an invite to the tournament.

 

There simply is no excuse for Jim Hendry to go 4 years with a top 5 payroll and not once put together a dominant ballclub. The Cubs should be a team that is a lock for 90 wins, has a good chance for 95 and is a threat for 100. It should be almost a given that they'll make the playoffs, and they should not be happy with merely accomplishing that goal. They should be a world series contender. That's what I need. If they put together a great team that wins 93 games but loses the division, there's not much you can say. If they put together a great team that does deep into October but fails in the end, so be it. But the point is they need to be a great team before I will be anything close to satisfied with the work they've done.

 

All I can ask of ownership is to provide the payroll, which they've done. Then it's management's job to properly utilize those resources, to maximize production and efficiently build a winning team. Management has to come through, and as of now, they have not.

[goonys evil twin]

The rotation is solid, IF it can stay healthy. The pen is much improved. And the line up is solid. If they could just get one more big bat.

 

The lineup is not solid, at least by my definition of solid. It's probably going to be bottom half in the NL, again. It's weak, with very little chance to be top 5, or what I would call solid. I'm not asking for a record setting lineup, or even a top 2-3 offense. They should be able to easily put together a top 2 pitching staff, with the glut of arms in the system, and all the relatively cheap good pitchers on the staff. But they have to match that with a top 5 lineup. That's top 5 in the NL, not MLB. The Cubs have a top 5 payroll throughout MLB, it's 2 or 3 in the NL, so asking for a top 5 producing lineup from a payroll that's already top 2 or 3 is not asking a lot.

[E.J.]

If Wood comes back healthy after only missing 5-10 starts and Murton/Cedeno are holding their positions, there is no reason why we can't be right there fighting at the end of the season. and thats all I need

 

I need more than that.

 

What you wrote is very similar to the longstanding Andy MacPhail mantra that the Cubs will be built to compete within the division. I think that's such a low standard of expected success that it's sad, or even pathetic, especially for a team with a top 5 payroll.

 

I will not be happy with a team that just fight to the end of the season. This isn't about giving it the old college try and being happy with a bowl invite, or earning an invite to the tournament.

 

There simply is no excuse for Jim Hendry to go 4 years with a top 5 payroll and not once put together a dominant ballclub. The Cubs should be a team that is a lock for 90 wins, has a good chance for 95 and is a threat for 100. It should be almost a given that they'll make the playoffs, and they should not be happy with merely accomplishing that goal. They should be a world series contender. That's what I need. If they put together a great team that wins 93 games but loses the division, there's not much you can say. If they put together a great team that does deep into October but fails in the end, so be it. But the point is they need to be a great team before I will be anything close to satisfied with the work they've done.

 

All I can ask of ownership is to provide the payroll, which they've done. Then it's management's job to properly utilize those resources, to maximize production and efficiently build a winning team. Management has to come through, and as of now, they have not.

 

Exactly. A top 5 payroll team shouldn't be hoping everything goes right so we have a chance to make the playoffs.

Edited January 9, 2006 by E.J.

[HoopsCubs]

At the same time, I just can't be pessimistic in January. It just doesn't seem right.

 

I don't think it feels right to be optimistic about a team that has done the exact opposite of what I wished they'd do, and has not come close to addressing the biggest problems that have plagued them year after year.

 

I'm holding out hope that they'll surprise on the upside, but there's nothing going on to support such hope.

 

Can't argue with your rationale.