Dates for Arbitration Hearings Set

[Balsa]

According to the Daily Southtown:

 

Will Ohman Feb. 3rd

Juan Pierre Feb. 14th

Carlos Zambrano Feb. 17th

 

I wonder if we're stalling Ohman to show Pierre we mean business?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I think Ohman is likely the most problematic for the Cubs. While the money difference isn't that great, I think the Cubs see Ohman a lot like a renewable contract guy and think they should pay him as such. Ohman only has the service time due to his placement on the DL. He has really only pitched one season in MLB and so the Cubs don't think he should be rewarded much more than they would reward any second year player. He gets a slight bump, but I don't think the Cubs feel he deserves what he's asking for.

 

I also think the Cubs feel with his having only pitched one real MLB season that his case is a very winnable one.

[cl smooth]

can the cubs still try to make a deal with those players before the hearings? i would assume so, but i'm not certain.

[CuseCubFan69]

can the cubs still try to make a deal with those players before the hearings? i would assume so, but i'm not certain.

 

Yes.

[wade]

can the cubs still try to make a deal with those players before the hearings? i would assume so, but i'm not certain.

 

Yes.

 

They could even sign them to a one year arbitration deal, then work out a 3 year deal before spring training ends. This will likely be done with Pierre, and hopefully be done with Zambrano.

[Bote McBoteface]

I think Ohman is likely the most problematic for the Cubs. While the money difference isn't that great, I think the Cubs see Ohman a lot like a renewable contract guy and think they should pay him as such. Ohman only has the service time due to his placement on the DL. He has really only pitched one season in MLB and so the Cubs don't think he should be rewarded much more than they would reward any second year player. He gets a slight bump, but I don't think the Cubs feel he deserves what he's asking for.

 

I also think the Cubs feel with his having only pitched one real MLB season that his case is a very winnable one.

 

but I highly doubt that they want their streak of not going to arbitration that they brag about so much to end with a guy like Will Ohman. I'm not sure why they are hung up on such a small dollar difference. If they want, I can chip in 20 or so bucks and that should get it done.

 

I didn't really like Ohman that much last year anyways. I know his stats were pretty good, but I just got that feeling of impending doom everytime I saw him warming up in the pen.

[goonys evil twin]

I didn't really like Ohman that much last year anyways. I know his stats were pretty good, but I just got that feeling of impending doom everytime I saw him warming up in the pen.

 

Maybe the Cubs thought he just got lucky and is due for a decline.

 

Or maybe he doesn't catch the ball as well as they would like.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I think Ohman is likely the most problematic for the Cubs. While the money difference isn't that great, I think the Cubs see Ohman a lot like a renewable contract guy and think they should pay him as such. Ohman only has the service time due to his placement on the DL. He has really only pitched one season in MLB and so the Cubs don't think he should be rewarded much more than they would reward any second year player. He gets a slight bump, but I don't think the Cubs feel he deserves what he's asking for.

 

I also think the Cubs feel with his having only pitched one real MLB season that his case is a very winnable one.

 

but I highly doubt that they want their streak of not going to arbitration that they brag about so much to end with a guy like Will Ohman. I'm not sure why they are hung up on such a small dollar difference. If they want, I can chip in 20 or so bucks and that should get it done.

 

I didn't really like Ohman that much last year anyways. I know his stats were pretty good, but I just got that feeling of impending doom everytime I saw him warming up in the pen.

 

I don't think the Cubs are opposed to going to arbitration as much as they do like to avoid it. I think the Cubs want players to feel that if they are fair in their requests, the Cubs will be fair in finding a midpoint. I do think they are wary of players who try to take advantage of that, and in my opinion the Cubs think Ohman is trying to take advantage of that.

 

Ohman is also a player that I doubt the Cubs are worried about ticking off in the arbitration process. They may be very willing to use him as an example to players who think the Cubs would not go to arbitration at all costs.

[Mark Priors Calves]

I think Ohman is likely the most problematic for the Cubs. While the money difference isn't that great, I think the Cubs see Ohman a lot like a renewable contract guy and think they should pay him as such. Ohman only has the service time due to his placement on the DL. He has really only pitched one season in MLB and so the Cubs don't think he should be rewarded much more than they would reward any second year player. He gets a slight bump, but I don't think the Cubs feel he deserves what he's asking for.

 

I also think the Cubs feel with his having only pitched one real MLB season that his case is a very winnable one.

 

but I highly doubt that they want their streak of not going to arbitration that they brag about so much to end with a guy like Will Ohman.

 

This is my point too. The front office is so, so proud of not having a player go to arbitration since MacPhail and Co. took over. I can't see that perfect record get smudged for an expendable pitcher ike Will Ohman.

[goonys evil twin]

This is my point too. The front office is so, so proud of not having a player go to arbitration since MacPhail and Co. took over. I can't see that perfect record get smudged for an expendable pitcher ike Will Ohman.

 

Are they really that proud, or is that a media creation? Or, are they proud of the record, but realize that having that record means players won't fear going to arbitration and risk having to settle for the lower offer if they lose? I think they are more interested in the cash than the record of no arbitration, nobody gives out prizes for never going to arbitration.

[Mark Priors Calves]

This is my point too. The front office is so, so proud of not having a player go to arbitration since MacPhail and Co. took over. I can't see that perfect record get smudged for an expendable pitcher ike Will Ohman.

 

Are they really that proud, or is that a media creation? Or, are they proud of the record, but realize that having that record means players won't fear going to arbitration and risk having to settle for the lower offer if they lose? I think they are more interested in the cash than the record of no arbitration, nobody gives out prizes for never going to arbitration.

 

I've heard, on more than a few occasions, both Hendry and MacPhail mentioning this tidbit as something they're seemingly proud of. I don't really see the big deal, unless protecting your players from criticizism is that important.

[goonys evil twin]

This is my point too. The front office is so, so proud of not having a player go to arbitration since MacPhail and Co. took over. I can't see that perfect record get smudged for an expendable pitcher ike Will Ohman.

 

Are they really that proud, or is that a media creation? Or, are they proud of the record, but realize that having that record means players won't fear going to arbitration and risk having to settle for the lower offer if they lose? I think they are more interested in the cash than the record of no arbitration, nobody gives out prizes for never going to arbitration.

 

I've heard, on more than a few occasions, both Hendry and MacPhail mentioning this tidbit as something they're seemingly proud of. I don't really see the big deal, unless protecting your players from criticizism is that important.

 

I've heard them talk of it as something they are seemingly proud of, I just think it might be a stretch to say they are so so proud of it. People are making it seem like it's their biggest goal, or among their biggest goals. My guess is that they'd be willing to go to arbitration if they thought the player's asking price was way to high and that the midpoint was out of whack with what they thought of as top dollar.

[CubinNY]

This is my point too. The front office is so, so proud of not having a player go to arbitration since MacPhail and Co. took over. I can't see that perfect record get smudged for an expendable pitcher ike Will Ohman.

 

Are they really that proud, or is that a media creation? Or, are they proud of the record, but realize that having that record means players won't fear going to arbitration and risk having to settle for the lower offer if they lose? I think they are more interested in the cash than the record of no arbitration, nobody gives out prizes for never going to arbitration.

 

I've heard, on more than a few occasions, both Hendry and MacPhail mentioning this tidbit as something they're seemingly proud of. I don't really see the big deal, unless protecting your players from criticizism is that important.

 

I've heard them talk of it as something they are seemingly proud of, I just think it might be a stretch to say they are so so proud of it. People are making it seem like it's their biggest goal, or among their biggest goals. My guess is that they'd be willing to go to arbitration if they thought the player's asking price was way to high and that the midpoint was out of whack with what they thought of as top dollar.

 

I agree. And who better to go to arb. with than a guy who is easily replaceable. It's always the mid level talent that is made the example of.

[goonys evil twin]

I agree. And who better to go to arb. with than a guy who is easily replaceable. It's always the mid level talent that is made the example of.

 

Exactly, they aren't going to arbitration with Zambrano. And it's a lot more palatable to risk paying $750,000 if you lose than paying $3-4 million if you lose against a more experience player.

[Ram1380]

I agree as well goony. I believe the Cubs are proud of the fact that they are known around the league to be more than fair, and willing to work with players in these situations, more so than anything else. But I doubt they let themselves be held hostage by someone because of it, or atleast I would hope not.

[Mark Priors Calves]

The Score is reporting the Cubs are close to a deal with Will Ohman for a 1 year contract. No details were given in terms of salary.

[Balsa]

Hmm...And I thought MacPhail was finally going to let this one go to arbitration...

[Blueheart05]

I don't know if this is new or if The Score is getting it's info from the newspapers:

 

Suntimes

 

...Hendry remains hopeful they can reach a resolution this morning by phone...

 

Also

 

The Cubs appear to be closing in on a contract with new center fielder Juan Pierre, who also filed for arbitration.

 

They continue to work toward an agreement with pitcher Carlos Zambrano, whose scheduled arbitration hearing isn't until later this month.

 

Daily Herald

 

Unless he can come to an agreement this morning with relief pitcher Will Ohman, Cubs general manager Jim Hendry will board a plane for Tampa, Fla., this afternoon and get ready for Friday’s salary-arbitration hearing.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I think the Daily Herald article provides some excellent insight as to why the Cubs aren't eager to meet Ohman's demads.

 

The amount of money may seem trifling in this day when teams often are millions apart on arbitration numbers with their players, but general manager Jim Hendry on Wednesday said the Cubs were trying to “maintain a sense of fairness.”

 

 

The article goes on to indicate that Ohman has earned most of his service time while on the DL. It's not like he's been pitching effectivel for more than a season.

 

The comparisons to Wuertz are on point as well.

 

Ohman made $320,000 last season. Reliever Michael Wuertz, who led the Cubs in appearances last year with 75, made $322,000. Wuertz is not eligible for salary arbitration because of service time, and he will earn nowhere near what Ohman would get if Ohman wins his case.

 

 

 

I think the cubs have an excellent chance of winning this one.

[Balsa]

 

I think the cubs have an excellent chance of winning this one.

 

I also think Bruce Miles is an amazing reporter.

[Bruce Miles]

 

I think the cubs have an excellent chance of winning this one.

 

I also think Bruce Miles is an amazing reporter.

 

I'll try not to let it go to my head. LOL

[Jon]

I love it when fairness depends on who the recipient is.

 

Why is it that veterans get rewarded for below-average performance but a guy who pitched in games for the Cubs in 2000 and 2001 before going down for a full two seasons, battling back, and contributing nicely for the team four years later can't?

 

This reminds me of something I wanted to bring up a few weeks ago. Is Hendry losing his status as "players' GM?" In addition to the veteran issue, Matt Clement left the team pretty upset with Jim for never calling him and I believe Grudz had some words about the organization when he left, as well.

 

This isn't the image I had of Hendry two years ago.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

I love it when fairness depends on who the recipient is.

 

Why is it that veterans get rewarded for below-average performance but a guy who pitched in games for the Cubs in 2000 and 2001 before going down for a full two seasons, battling back, and contributing nicely for the team four years later can't?

 

This reminds me of something I wanted to bring up a few weeks ago. Is Hendry losing his status as "players' GM?" In addition to the veteran issue, Matt Clement left the team pretty upset with Jim for never calling him and I believe Grudz had some words about the organization when he left, as well.

 

This isn't the image I had of Hendry two years ago.

 

You can't please everyone. A run in or two was due sooner or later, but the Clement situation was pretty ridiculous.

 

It is pretty stupid to potentially piss a guy off b/c of a few thousand bucks when you just threw away 5M on Rusch and Neifi (just for '06). It's pretty selectively "fair" to get caught up in the "principle" of the thing when guys are pretty much indentured servants until they hit FA (looking at market value).

[Mark Priors Calves]

Both Ohman and Pierre have signed deals with the Cubs.

[SouthSideRyan]

I love it when fairness depends on who the recipient is.

 

Why is it that veterans get rewarded for below-average performance but a guy who pitched in games for the Cubs in 2000 and 2001 before going down for a full two seasons, battling back, and contributing nicely for the team four years later can't?

 

 

Cause the arbitration process is based on service time. Comparing arbitration guys to free agents isn't remotely fair.

 

I'm completely with Hendry on this one. You have to make an example at some point otherwise, players (knowing that the Cubs won't go to arbitration) will keep pusing up their requests knowing they'll just get the halfway point anyways.