The Cubs big FA signing in 2007...

[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.

 

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.

 

I think he'll have one or two key smart moves - he may fall into the decision reactively, but I think there will be 2 good moves at the end of the day.

 

I actually thought signing Eyre and Howry were smart moves - I didn't mind the money. The problem is that Hendry wasted money on Rusch, Neify and Jacque Jones. Net net - negative. I think the "net net" will be positive this offseason.

[goonys evil twin]

I think he'll have one or two key smart moves - he may fall into the decision reactively, but I think there will be 2 good moves at the end of the day.

 

I actually thought signing Eyre and Howry were smart moves - I didn't mind the money. The problem is that Hendry wasted money on Rusch, Neify and Jacque Jones. Net net - negative. I think the "net net" will be positive this offseason.

 

It's not that all his moves suck. It's just the net outcome sucks. Eyre and Howry were not dumb signings. Putting the bulk of the effort in the bullpen while ignoring problems in the lineup and pitching rotation was dumb. It's not hard to sign or trade for a quality player. What Hendry seems to have problems with is fielding a 25 man roster worthy of the money he spends and capable of great success.

[HoopsCubs]

It's not that all his moves suck. It's just the net outcome sucks. Eyre and Howry were not dumb signings. Putting the bulk of the effort in the bullpen while ignoring problems in the lineup and pitching rotation was dumb. It's not hard to sign or trade for a quality player. What Hendry seems to have problems with is fielding a 25 man roster worthy of the money he spends and capable of great success.

 

Can't argue with anything you are saying. I just feel the net outcome will be positive in December. I feel 2 staright dismal years will motivate him.

[Geech]

Can't argue with anything you are saying. I just feel the net outcome will be positive in December. I feel 2 staright dismal years will motivate him.

 

Somehow I don't think it's a question of motivation.

[goonys evil twin]

It's not that all his moves suck. It's just the net outcome sucks. Eyre and Howry were not dumb signings. Putting the bulk of the effort in the bullpen while ignoring problems in the lineup and pitching rotation was dumb. It's not hard to sign or trade for a quality player. What Hendry seems to have problems with is fielding a 25 man roster worthy of the money he spends and capable of great success.

 

Can't argue with anything you are saying. I just feel the net outcome will be positive in December. I feel 2 staright dismal years will motivate him.

 

What type of positive net outcome? Are we talking something that takes the Cubs from two sub .500 seasons to an 85 win season? Frankly I don't care if the team wins 75 or 85. Improving the team back over .500 isn't good enough. If he can't turn this team into a 95 win team by next season his tenure is complete failure. He shouldn't get trouble for improving the team from the lows he created. The only net improvement I'm interested in is the one that takes the team from an 88-89 win good but not great team, to an actual great team.

[Neuby]

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.

 

I think he'll have one or two key smart moves - he may fall into the decision reactively, but I think there will be 2 good moves at the end of the day.

 

I actually thought signing Eyre and Howry were smart moves - I didn't mind the money. The problem is that Hendry wasted money on Rusch, Neify and Jacque Jones. Net net - negative. I think the "net net" will be positive this offseason.

 

Hoops I not sure this team is two smart moves away from being a title contender. Hendry netting Schmidt , Carlos Lee, Alfonso Soranio would get my hopes up. It's time for the Trib to give Hendry another shot at the helm with $110 million payroll. Wood coming back on a year deal with incentive clauses would help a lot.

[CubinNY]

What is the fascination with Carlos Lee.

 

He isn't that good and he will be overpaid and old. Lee is exactly the player Hendry should stay away from.

[goonys evil twin]

What is the fascination with Carlos Lee.

 

He isn't that good and he will be overpaid and old. Lee is exactly the player Hendry should stay away from.

 

He's also very similar to the type of player Hendry would like. Established (ie. past his prime), has a reputation for being good in some traditional stats (HR/RBI) even though he really hasn't even been much of a great RBI guy much in his career. He's a significant name, but not an elite player.

[HoopsCubs]

What is the fascination with Carlos Lee.

 

He isn't that good and he will be overpaid and old. Lee is exactly the player Hendry should stay away from.

 

I'm not sure "fascination" would be the right word in my case. I'm just looking at OPS stats plain and simple: Carlos Lee's is .928, which ranks 7th among major league left fielders with qualified at bats. Alfonso Soriano is currently 8th right behind Lee at .927. Among the top 10 in OPS at LF, Lee and Soriano are the only free agents. The other 8 players are either under contract, or under team control.

[Fro]

All these team needs is Lee and Prior healthy, a stud SP to replace Wood, a big LF bat, and someone to platoon with Jones (and the cancers like Nefi, Dusty, Rusch off the roster).

[Geech]

someone to platoon with Jones (and the cancers like Nefi, Dusty, Rusch off the roster).

 

At .339/.406/.516 vs lefties, Murton would be perfect if the Cobs keep him. However, I'm afraid that the Cobs are done with him, and that they're fine with Jones playing full time.