Theriot and Greenberg

[rawaction]

Anyone else really hope these guys are on the team? I really like the way both of these guys play. These guys are the exact type of players that the Cubs should have on their bench. Both are great defensive players. Both will take a walk. Both can run. Both have an actual future.

 

I'd much rather see a bench of:

 

Perez, Hairston, Greenberg, Theriot, Blanco, and Restovich

 

than the likely group of:

 

Perez, Hairston, Blanco, Grissom, and Mabry with 12 pitchers.

[Chris]

I'm all about Adam and "The Riot" being on the big club!

[rawaction]

I figured you would be, Jaxx. But seriously, look at what they did today. I know it wasn't Mariano Rivera, but their approaches at the plate are conducive to being able to come off the bench and hit. Both are patient and are tough to strikeout (which I only value from a bench player).

[Chris]

I figured you would be, Jaxx. But seriously, look at what they did today. I know it wasn't Mariano Rivera, but their approaches at the plate are conducive to being able to come off the bench and hit. Both are patient and are tough to strikeout (which I only value from a bench player).

 

Bingo. I hope this doesn't open up a different argument, but both of these guys are great clubhouse guys with an amazing work ethic and determination. Granted, hard work and determination doesn't always make up for a lack of natural talent, but I am a fan. I can tell you that you would love watching a Von Joshua batting session.

[CuseCubFan69]

As a Cub fan you can always dream Raw and I'd love for that dream to come true. I think they would be the new blood the Cubs would need to win some extra games with some of the qualities that you mentioned and bringing some enthusiasm into this team.

[USSoccer]

I'd love to see it.

[NewUserName]

I would be super excited if the Cubs made some kind of bold smart move like having greenberg and theriot on the team instead of grissom, mabry or perez. In my entire history as a Cub fan though they have always went with the grissom, mabry and perez type of player. Of course this may help explain why they havent been very good in my lifetime

[2242005CY]

Anyone else really hope these guys are on the team? I really like the way both of these guys play. These guys are the exact type of players that the Cubs should have on their bench. Both are great defensive players. Both will take a walk. Both can run. Both have an actual future.

 

I'd much rather see a bench of:

 

Perez, Hairston, Greenberg, Theriot, Blanco, and Restovich

 

than the likely group of:

 

Perez, Hairston, Blanco, Grissom, and Mabry with 12 pitchers.

 

And you want Greenberg to start over Pierre or platoon with Murton? I don't see where Greenberg would fit on this current team. Not dogging Greenberg, I do like him but again, don't see where he'd fit. Atleast Mabry can play a couple a couple different positions.

 

I'd rather have Sing than Greenberg, actually. Platoon with Jones.

[Chris]

And you want Greenberg to start over Pierre or platoon with Murton?

 

I don't think raw is asking for Greenberg to be given a starting job.

[2242005CY]

And you want Greenberg to start over Pierre or platoon with Murton?

 

I don't think raw is asking for Greenberg to be given a starting job.

 

So he would like him to platoon with Murton then? Cuz, again, I don't see where he would fit on this team. If he's suggesting keeping him over Mabry I don't see it for the simple reason that, again, Mabry can play different positions. I don't see Greenberg giving Lee a day off.

 

I also don't like the idea of keeping someone who'll strictly PH and especially don't like the idea of a young kid PH, cuz again, that'd be his only role on this team, that or PR, which makes less sense.

 

Since he's a lefty, he wouldn't spell Pierre and obviously wouldn't spell Jones, who also is a Lefty. Bottomline is CUbs already have too many Lefties as it is, and i really don't like the idea of Mabry on this team either, but again, atleast he plays more positions than Greenberg.

 

Let's also not forget that nobody picked Greenberg off of waivers and someone already is suggesting after 1 game that he should make a roster, where again, in which he absolutely doesn't fit. Just thought it was a little curious is all. Don't you?

[erik316wttn]

This team really needs a youth movement. Theriot, Cendeno, Murton, Greenberg all would do wonders for this team, IMO.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Let's also not forget that nobody picked Greenberg off of waivers and someone already is suggesting after 1 game that he should make a roster, where again, in which he absolutely doesn't fit. Just thought it was a little curious is all. Don't you?

 

How does that make sense? Just because someone doesn't pick him up doesn't mean he's ready for a big league bench role. I don't see the big deal about him making the roster after 1 Cactus League game when he made the big leagues midseason last year.

 

Greenberg and Theriot would provide something off the bench that Perez, Hairston, Grissom, Mabry and Restovich can't. And something the Cubs bench could definitely use. That's raw's point. And I agree.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Anyone else really hope these guys are on the team? I really like the way both of these guys play. These guys are the exact type of players that the Cubs should have on their bench. Both are great defensive players. Both will take a walk. Both can run. Both have an actual future.

 

I'd much rather see a bench of:

 

Perez, Hairston, Greenberg, Theriot, Blanco, and Restovich

 

than the likely group of:

 

Perez, Hairston, Blanco, Grissom, and Mabry with 12 pitchers.

 

And you want Greenberg to start over Pierre or platoon with Murton? I don't see where Greenberg would fit on this current team. Not dogging Greenberg, I do like him but again, don't see where he'd fit. Atleast Mabry can play a couple a couple different positions.

 

I'd rather have Sing than Greenberg, actually. Platoon with Jones.

 

Greenberg gives you a back up at all three outfield positions.

Hairston backs up secondbase and left field.

Blanco is your catcher.

Perez can back up third if needed as can Theriot.

 

The only spot not explicitly covered is first. Lee doesn't take many days off and if he does, I'm sure Walker can cover there.

[Chris]

Don't you?

 

In all honesty I'm not at all curious about the idea of Greenberg/Riot on the roster.

[2242005CY]

Let's also not forget that nobody picked Greenberg off of waivers and someone already is suggesting after 1 game that he should make a roster, where again, in which he absolutely doesn't fit. Just thought it was a little curious is all. Don't you?

 

How does that make sense? Just because someone doesn't pick him up doesn't mean he's ready for a big league bench role. I don't see the big deal about him making the roster after 1 Cactus League game when he made the big leagues midseason last year.

 

Greenberg and Theriot would provide something off the bench that Perez, Hairston, Grissom, Mabry and Restovich can't. And something the Cubs bench could definitely use. That's raw's point. And I agree.

 

Cubs don't have Patterson anymore and now have a legitimate CF where Greenberg will get ZERO playing time and the Cubs won't be out of a race on opening day. Plus let's not forget Greenberg got assaulted on the first pitch he ever saw in a MLB game and if you think that's not something to overcome, ask Shammy. Another reason why Greenberg needs some more at bats in the Minors and get COMPLETELY comftorable at the plate again.

 

How much playing time do you think he get in RF with a left handed hitting Jones? Me thinks not much.

 

Even after all those reasons why not Greenberg should make this roster, I wouldn't want to stunt his growth wasting on the bench getting sporadic AB's.

 

BOttomline Greenberg is not ready yet and to rush him, IMO, is a little silly. Am I saying that Greenberg shouldn't play fot the Cubs at all this year? I think not. but let's wait til August or Sept. to even speculate his role with the Cubs is all eyes sayin, yo.

Edited March 3, 2006 by #2242005CY

[mhuber92211]

I think not having Mabry & Hairston on the team is a tough sell. I can see Greenberg beat Grissom or Restovich out for the 5th OF position, especially given his callup last season. Theriot is a tougher sell. With Perez & Mabry & Hairston guaranteed spots I think Theriot could be squeezed to Iowa. But I think that if Theriot is considered so should Fontenot.

[2242005CY]

Greenberg gives you a back up at all three outfield positions.

Hairston backs up secondbase and left field.

Blanco is your catcher.

Perez can back up third if needed as can Theriot.

 

The only spot not explicitly covered is first. Lee doesn't take many days off and if he does, I'm sure Walker can cover there.

 

These 3 OF spots you speak of, where exactly does he fit in? Behind Murton, hitting "extreme righties", sure OK, i'll play, but not too excited to see 2 rookie LF'ers.

 

In CF where Pierre hits left handed and takes virtually no games off? Nah don't think so.

 

In RF where Jones hit's LH and can't hit lefties worth a lick and where I'd like to see a RH hitter in stead of a LH rookie? Which BTW is absolutely unrealistic to think Dusty, or any Manager for that matter, would give days off to a veteran who's making 6 Million a year for a LH rookie, who in all honesty, hasn't done enough in the Minors that says to me "wow yeah he should be given a chance". Conor Jackson or Gonzalez of the DBacks, sure, but c'mon guys, not Greenberg.

 

Not now anyway.

Edited March 3, 2006 by #2242005CY

[Abe Frohman]

Being a LSU fan, I got to see Theriot play. One of the good characteristics of his game has been his ability to have good AB's and draw the walk. He doesn't have power, but he is quick, and scores runs.

 

He had some good AB's last year. Not sure if he will be an everyday player at the ML level, but I'd love to see it because he is the type of hitter that the Cubs need: good BB/K ratio, quick, and scores runs. He has done it at every level, to some extent.

 

And let's not forget Mike Fontenot. He has good pop for a guy his size. Personally, I think he may have a better chance than Theriot - but I never thought Ryan would be anything more than an A or AA player at the top of his game. I am glad he proved me wrong.

[2242005CY]

Anyone else think I overreacted?

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Anyone else think I overreacted?

 

I see your point about Greenberg not "fitting" this particular team, but if we can get more production out of the bench Raw outlined, then I'm all for trying it. I think in the end it's a moot point since I think there's no way we don't go with 12 pitchers(despite that we'll be skipping starts probably), and I think there's no way we keep Cedeno, Perez, Hairston, Theriot and Walker that can all play 2B on the team.

[SouthSideRyan]

It's a shame that the Riot will be about 12th on the middle infield depth chart after we're done making trades.

[Balsa]

I see nothing wrong with having Restovich on the team.

[rawaction]

You make a good point about Greenberg and Theriot not fitting on the team. But I never once said I wanted Greenberg to start. He would be fine as just a pinch hitter and defensive replacement for Murton. He's not being rushed. He's old enough that he's not being wasted in a bench spot, since that is his likely long-term projection. His approach is good enough that he wouldn't suffer with sporadic playing time on the bench. As for Theriot, he's probably less of a fit because of all the 2B. But he's a solid 25th man. Last guy off the bench. Can play all IF positions. Can run. Lay down a late bunt. Put the ball in play. Again, he doesn't have a future as an ML starter. His best bet at an ML career is as a utility man.

 

Mabry won't get on base. He won't hit for much more power. He's not as good defensively as either of these guys at any given position. Mabry is the 2006 version of Macias, without the speed and ability to "hit" both ways.

[Tim]

You make a good point about Greenberg and Theriot not fitting on the team. But I never once said I wanted Greenberg to start. He would be fine as just a pinch hitter and defensive replacement for Murton. He's not being rushed. He's old enough that he's not being wasted in a bench spot, since that is his likely long-term projection. His approach is good enough that he wouldn't suffer with sporadic playing time on the bench. As for Theriot, he's probably less of a fit because of all the 2B. But he's a solid 25th man. Last guy off the bench. Can play all IF positions. Can run. Lay down a late bunt. Put the ball in play. Again, he doesn't have a future as an ML starter. His best bet at an ML career is as a utility man.

 

Mabry won't get on base. He won't hit for much more power. He's not as good defensively as either of these guys at any given position. Mabry is the 2006 version of Macias, without the speed and ability to "hit" both ways.

I see Theriot as a Ryan Freel type player with a bit less speed and much better defense. My fan-dom of him over the years is well documented in the archives around here. I actually wouldn't mind if the Cubs got him a few innings in the OF this year at Iowa and plugged him into the Jose Macias role for 2007.

 

I'd love to have Greenberg on the team as a backup OF, but unless the Cubs go back to an 11 man staff, it just isn't going to happen.

[bmkhawk]

I would agree that they both could be nice assets on the bench.

 

However, I'm not sure how much of an "actual future" they have. They both have career utility/bench guys written all over them.