SI's "Top Ten" Potential 2007 Free Agents

[CubfaninCA]

Hopefully Felix Pie continues to develop as he would be a nice fit in RF. You don't really have to have him in cf just because he is fast. He has a good enough arm to be in right and he can bat somewhere in the middle of the lineup. That would be my ideal right fielder.

 

My feeling is that Pie could develop into a solid hitting centerfielder but would be average or slightly below average on an outfield corner - unless his power really develops (and that is a possibility). Do you think Abreu's cost will go down at the deadline? I can't see giving up Prior for him at that point (or at any point actually).

 

If they're out of it by the deadline, their demands should change. Since they're looking to contend, they want a proven pitcher who's quite good. If they're out of contention, they should be more open to picking up pitchers w/ lots of potential and be looking to cut some payroll so they can restructure the team.

[CubfaninCA]

I don't think I would deal Pie. Guzman I would certainly deal and Hill probably as well. Kind of hurts the pitching depth but that could be evaluated at that time as well. The cubs could open the purse for one of the FA pitchers on the above list perhaps.

 

The Cubs definitely will be in the market for a pitcher next offseason. They'll still have Prior and Zambrano, but with the 12 million or so to Wood and the 9 million to Maddux coming off the books, I could see a run at Mulder or Zito or maybe even Schmidt happening.

 

I see them going after a lefty. I don't think they can get any of those three without a long term deal though so I won't count on any of them signing.

 

Agree that they'll go after a lefty, but the more serious organizations (NY, Boston, Anaheim, etc.) will beat them out as usual. :(

[TheRaven]

lmao @ Marquis being #4..

[SoonerCubFan]

First off, for those who haven't recognized it yet, the SI List is simply in alphabetical (certainly not valuable) order.

 

Next:

 

The Cubs definitely will be in the market for a pitcher next offseason. They'll still have Prior and Zambrano, but with the 12 million or so to Wood and the 9 million to Maddux coming off the books, I could see a run at Mulder or Zito or maybe even Schmidt happening.

 

The money may come off the books, but I'd be very surprised to see Wood leave via FA. And, it wouldn't be a total shock to see Maddux have a revival type year where someone will employ him for a couple more years. That said, I'd most like to see us focus first on getting the core of the team (Lee, Ramirez, Prior, Zambrano and yes, IMO, Pierre) locked up for the next 3+ years with the spare $, then indeed go hard after a complimentary starter. St. Louis has a propensity to lock up guys like Mulder before letting them go FA, so I don't expect him to be available. But, if they're gearing up for Buehrle, we may exchange cities with Mulder, but it may be the Sox who ante up.

[Balsa]

First off, for those who haven't recognized it yet, the SI List is simply in alphabetical (certainly not valuable) order.

 

AHHAHAHHAHA.....hadn't noticed that at all.... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[neely crenshaw]

it's great to see a list of players we won't sign in 07, already!

[Drew Doughty]

Outside of Zito, I don't really want anyone on that list. Zito is going to be paid way, way too much anyways.

[CuseCubFan69]

I think about some of the big time Free Agents the Cubs have went after it seems that a few times somebody comes up with some redicules money to beat the Cubs out. Look at Hampton and the money the Rockies paid. 13 a year for Furcal is crazy. I still think the trade route would be the best way to make this team better.