The Cubs big FA signing in 2007...

[Irrelevant Dude]

The Cubs big FA signing in 2007 will be Carlos Zambrano. I believe he becomes a free agent after next season, which means that this offseason will be when the Cubs try to lock him up. After paying him huge money, the payroll will still be close to $100 million and the team won't go after any other big names and won't be any better. Dusty Baker or not, it will be another bad expensive team. I hope I'm wrong, but that is what I expect this offseason.

[Shavo]

This is so wrong on so many levels, its best to just lock now.

 

Not even the biggest pessimist in the history of the world could bealive that scenario.

[Warren Brusstar]

I'll put money on the Cubs offseason comprising:

 

(1) Overpaying Mark Mulder

(2) Trading Mark Prior for Alex Rios, who will be coming off a career year that he won't match ever again.

[PrimeTime]

This team will not be any better whatsoever if we dont land a huge free agent like C. Lee, Soriano,Cabrera,or Zito... We need someone new in center and a power hitter in left since murton is not the answer...If none of this is answered this team is going nowhere once again

[srbin84]

I'll put money on the Cubs offseason comprising:

 

(1) Overpaying Mark Mulder

(2) Trading Mark Prior for Alex Rios, who will be coming off a career year that he won't match ever again.

 

It would be awesome to get Alex Rios, even if he doesn't do as well next year (not that I see why he wouldn't). Plus, his defense is flat out amazing.

[Irrelevant Dude]

Not even the biggest pessimist in the history of the world could bealive that scenario.

The Cubs haven't given me any reason for optimism. History has shown that they are willing to pay top dollar to keep their own players, but aren't willing to spend top dollar on the free agent market to bring in other superstar-caliber players.

[RockTheIvy]

Nah. This offseason will be different. This will finally be the offseason where we address the bullpen!

[David]

Nah. This offseason will be different. This will finally be the offseason where we address the bullpen!

 

We'll also get all those bad attitudes out...

 

...and add team speed!

[erik316wttn]

I think we need a 2nd baseman.

[shawndgoldman]

I think its about time we sign Rusch to a long term deal so he doesn't bolt for greener pastures.

[David]

I think its about time we sign Rusch to a long term deal so he doesn't bolt for greener pastures.

 

Good call.

 

Neifi, too.

[Pinktermite]

Maybe we could bring Lenny Harris out of retirement, and along with that, a five year contract for Jose Macias....then I'd know we're headed for the series!

[IowaCubsFan]

Maybe we could bring Lenny Harris out of retirement, and along with that, a five year contract for Jose Macias....then I'd know we're headed for the series!

 

I hear Troy O'Leary is available as well.

[CubsBullsBears]

I heard Todd Hundley is trying to make a comeback as well. Let's give him a shot!!!

[Hacking Out Machine]

I'm guessing they'll trade whatever is left of the farm system for Jeff Francouer. Then they'll "teach" him to focus on making contact, rather than swinging so darn hard and trying to drive the ball. That way he'll have the sub .400 SLG to go with the .250 OBP.

 

But he can catch the heck out of the ball and would improve the team's athleticism and flexibility.

[erik316wttn]

I heard Todd Hundley is trying to make a comeback as well. Let's give him a shot!!!

 

Whiskey or scotch?

[Rooftop Bum]

This team will not be any better whatsoever if we dont land a huge free agent like C. Lee, Soriano,Cabrera,or Zito... We need someone new in center and a power hitter in left since murton is not the answer...If none of this is answered this team is going nowhere once again

 

Yep, unfortunately those are big names. I would be shocked if we got any of those. I am sure the Cubs will be rumored to be involved in the contracts though. It will whoop us all up into a frenzy and then get mad when Jim won't give up an extra $1 million or 1 year to land someone.

 

As far as the outfield goes I expect the big change to be Pie in CF.

[Dr. Cub]

I heard Todd Hundley is trying to make a comeback as well. Let's give him a shot!!!

 

Whiskey or scotch?

 

You don't drink enough. Scotch is a type of whiskey. I think you meant scotch or bourbon. After this season you should have the difference down pat. :wink:

[FergieJ31]

I heard Todd Hundley is trying to make a comeback as well. Let's give him a shot!!!

 

Whiskey or scotch?

 

You don't drink enough. Scotch is a type of whiskey. I think you meant scotch or bourbon. After this season you should have the difference down pat. :wink:

 

Also, it's Scotch whisky, not whiskey. The misspelling could be important: if it says Scotch whiskey on the bottle it's bogus / counterfeit. Not that I've been drinking it or anything since the beginning of the Cubs season. :wink:

[daske17]

Macias for manager!

[HoopsCubs]

The Cubs big FA signing in 2007 will be Carlos Zambrano. I believe he becomes a free agent after next season, which means that this offseason will be when the Cubs try to lock him up. After paying him huge money, the payroll will still be close to $100 million and the team won't go after any other big names and won't be any better. Dusty Baker or not, it will be another bad expensive team. I hope I'm wrong, but that is what I expect this offseason.

 

Can't tell if the tone on this thread is sarcastic or frustration-driven, but I'm pretty optimistic about the Cubs chances this offseason despite the horrible season they are having in 2006. Per my quick calculations, factoring in raises for Zambrano and Prior, I see the Cubs having around $25M to spend this offseason with the obvious holes being CF, LF, 2B and a starting pitcher. Felix Pie will probably be given every opportunity to win the CF job. Thus, as far as LF, 2B and pitching goes through free agency, I can see Hendry signing Carlos Lee, Ronnie Belliard and Jason Schmidt. I don't think the Cubs will be in the Soriano or Zito sweepstakes, and I think Hendry will shy away from Mulder's injuries. From a trade perspective, I don't think we can rule out Hendry attempting to bring in guys like Raul Ibanez, Jose Vidro or Livan Hernandez. If Pie is not in the 2007 plans, the Cubs may look at Dave Roberts - I have heard that Hendry has liked him in the past.

[goonys evil twin]

Can't tell if the tone on this thread is sarcastic or frustration-driven, but I'm pretty optimistic about the Cubs chances this offseason.

 

You think Hendry will be fired that soon and replaced with a competent GM?

[HoopsCubs]

Can't tell if the tone on this thread is sarcastic or frustration-driven, but I'm pretty optimistic about the Cubs chances this offseason.

 

You think Hendry will be fired that soon and replaced with a competent GM?

 

No, I don't think so. But I think we'll see a different Jim Hendry this offseason.

[goonys evil twin]

Can't tell if the tone on this thread is sarcastic or frustration-driven, but I'm pretty optimistic about the Cubs chances this offseason.

 

You think Hendry will be fired that soon and replaced with a competent GM?

 

No, I don't think so. But I think we'll see a different Jim Hendry this offseason.

 

Different as in he'll actually do something or different as in he'll actually do something smart?

 

He might change how aggressive he is to get the guys he wants, but the problem is he wants the wrong guys and I don't think he'll change that.

[WindyCity]

Hendry will get smart????......

 

http://www.martinirepublic.com/wp-content/images/10103798.jpg

 

 

.... yeah right!