Trade proposal - Ramirez for Abreu

[BigbadB]

Maybe Abreu isn't the guy to seek in a trade involving Ramirez, but I'm sick of watching Ramirez put forth a half-ass effort (like today when he was jogging on the way to first on the ball off the wall).

 

Changes need to be made on this ballclub and I'd start with the guys not putting forth effort. Time and time again, Ramirez is that guy. Down the road, with a manager that stays on his butt all of the time, he's going to be an all-star again. But that ain't going to happen with Dusty and his hands off approach.

 

When I saw Ramirez get thrown out at 2nd on that ball at the top of the wall, I thought he must have loafed also. But, after seeing a replay, he did not jog to 1b. His rocket shot off the wall was perfectly fielded coupled with a perfect throw barely nailed him as he slid into 2b. He was quick out of the box and didn't stand there and admire his work one bit. That was not a half-assed effort.

[BigbadB]

Changes need to be made on this ballclub and I'd start with the guys not putting forth effort.

 

I'd bench the guys not putting forth the effort to teach them that it is important to put forth the the effort.

 

If changes need to made on this ballclub, I'd start with getting rid of the guys who suck.

 

You can teach or train effort. A much more difficult task would be to teach or train a player who sucks to not suck.

[goonys evil twin]

So after spending the past week surrounded by Phillies fans, apathetic Phillies fans (the only kind), but Phillies fans nonetheless, and listening to some sports talk radio down there I think it's safe to say that Philly has soured on Abreu. Maybe not management of the team, but the town, people and "experts" don't seem that interested in keeping him around. Any excitement about that team is centered on Utley and Howard, but there isn't much excitement. My theory was that ownership was hoping that the new stadium would coincide with some successful teams that would take advantage of the highly populated, sports crazy and relatively wealthy population that makes up the Philly sports scene. After stagnating for a few years they seem to be taking a step back, and ownership wants changes. I'd really like to see the Cubs take a run at Abreu, who is sitting at .289/.442/.473 right now and could do wonders hitting #2 in front of Lee. He is signed through 2007, with a club option for 2008, and my guess is he'd waive his no trade rights if the team picked up that option. And my feeling is why not. They aren't going to get anything close to his level of OBP by any free agents. Carlos Lee would probably give you more power, but his contract would be much longer and you might have trouble competing with the Yankees on that one. And if they could trade Jacque Jones over to the corner outfield depleted Yankees this year, the Cubs could still make room for a Lee/Abreu corner OF tandem.

 

I'm not proposing any theoretical trades. But Hendry might only have 1 season to turn things around, and that won't happen by trading role players for role players. The Cubs need an impact bat. The Cubs are desperate for OBP, and Bobby does bring some SB numbers that would entice the speed happy Cubs.

[Magnetic Curses]

how far is jake fox away, could he be ready by spring?

 

if so, i'd say go with the trade and slide barret to third.

[USSoccer]

I think that if Abreu is in play, the Cubs should go for him, but not at the cost of Aramis.

[goonys evil twin]

how far is jake fox away, could he be ready by spring?

 

if so, i'd say go with the trade and slide barret to third.

 

Fox lit up high A early this season, but he was repeating the level at 23, and since moving up to AA he hasn't hit at all. I've heard lots of questions about his defense as well (not sure what the answers were to those questions, but they were asked).

[Magnetic Curses]

how far is jake fox away, could he be ready by spring?

 

if so, i'd say go with the trade and slide barret to third.

 

Fox lit up high A early this season, but he was repeating the level at 23, and since moving up to AA he hasn't hit at all. I've heard lots of questions about his defense as well (not sure what the answers were to those questions, but they were asked).

 

bummer, i was somewhat excited about him when he was drafted, and then after he tore up A ball.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Fox at Daytona: 313/383/574

 

Fox at West Tenn: 222/263/389 (it's only been 11 games though)