What I'm most upset about after the deadline

[Tim]

is not the Maddux deal, though getting a redudant part for more money ticks me off quite a bit.

 

The acquisition of Izturis shows that Hendry was thinking about adding pieces for 2007. He was willing to make a move for an established player that he thinks could pay dividends right away next season.

 

It was the right concept, but he went the complete wrong direction. We could have had Abreu for the peanuts the Yanks paid if we had been willing to guarantee the option. I know Bobby's power is down, but IMO it is a bad year instead of a permanent decline.

 

We had a chance to give a huge upgrade the talent on the 2007 Cubs. Instead, we've gone the opposite direction with the acquisition of Izturis.

 

That's what I find irritating.

[Geech]

Abreu's power was down last year, too, but I agree in general.

[A New Era]

I just don't think it was possible to get Abreu here in a down year. Just doesn't seem likely to happen. Not saying it wouldn't happen.

 

Anyway, as long as Jim focuses big time on offense in the outfeild and some SP. I am very happy with the infeild for next year. .

 

Dlee, Cedeno, Izturis, Ramirez.

 

Now atleast we can say. Ok the infeild is set. We have great D at 2B and SS. And now we can focus on getting our offense in the outfield. As where it should come from. Look, we've already got really good offense at 1B, 3B, and C. Let's wait and see what JH does for the OF in the offseason.

[hawkeyecub]

I agree. However I do give him a bit of a free pass because we don't know if we would have waived his no-trade to come here. The rumors were that he only would waive it for the Yankees, Red Sox, Mets and Angels (?). IF that's the case I can't pin any blame on Hendry.

[soccer10k]

I agree. However I do give him a bit of a free pass because we don't know if we would have waived his no-trade to come here. The rumors were that he only would waive it for the Yankees, Red Sox, Mets and Angels (?). IF that's the case I can't pin any blame on Hendry.

 

I don't think there was any way we could have acquired Abreu because I doubt he wanted to come play for this disaster we call the 2006 Cubs.

[Guest]

I just don't think it was possible to get Abreu here in a down year. Just doesn't seem likely to happen. Not saying it wouldn't happen.

 

Anyway, as long as Jim focuses big time on offense in the outfeild and some SP. I am very happy with the infeild for next year. .

 

Dlee, Cedeno, Izturis, Ramirez.

 

Now atleast we can say. Ok the infeild is set. We have great D at 2B and SS. And now we can focus on getting our offense in the outfield. As where it should come from. Look, we've already got really good offense at 1B, 3B, and C. Let's wait and see what JH does for the OF in the offseason.

There's going to be no OF available as a FA in the offseason that is as good as Abreu. Why not add him now?

 

If the moves had been made in combination, I would have been more forgiving.

[Guest]

I agree. However I do give him a bit of a free pass because we don't know if we would have waived his no-trade to come here. The rumors were that he only would waive it for the Yankees, Red Sox, Mets and Angels (?). IF that's the case I can't pin any blame on Hendry.

Actually, the rumor was he'd waive it for any team willing to pick up the option, but only for the teams you listed without doing so.

[CUBZ99]

Hendry said that Rusch might get the start on Thursday. Glad they traded Maddux in order to get Rusch some more starts.

[minnesotacubsfan]

I agree. However I do give him a bit of a free pass because we don't know if we would have waived his no-trade to come here. The rumors were that he only would waive it for the Yankees, Red Sox, Mets and Angels (?). IF that's the case I can't pin any blame on Hendry.

Actually, the rumor was he'd waive it for any team willing to pick up the option, but only for the teams you listed without doing so.

 

 

 

 

 

ooooooooo thats delightful.

 

 

I really am not that big of a fan of Abreu, but I do see Hendry wasting his time with the Maddux trade. To take on that much salary and ignoring players that couold have genuinely helped this club is morAnic.

[jtownie]

I'd really like to know who the prospects were that the Cubs were going to get until Izturis suddenly became available. Hendry said a few times that they were High-Level. to me that means they were AAA players but not necessarily high-quality. I guess I just hope that Izturis can still be better offensively given the fact that age is on his side.

 

During the game Hendry mentioned that getting Izturis gave him a head start on putting the team together for 2007 in order to avoid the situation they are currently in with this craptacular 2006 team.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I just don't think it was possible to get Abreu here in a down year. Just doesn't seem likely to happen. Not saying it wouldn't happen.

 

Anyway, as long as Jim focuses big time on offense in the outfeild and some SP. I am very happy with the infeild for next year. .

 

Dlee, Cedeno, Izturis, Ramirez.

 

Now atleast we can say. Ok the infeild is set. We have great D at 2B and SS. And now we can focus on getting our offense in the outfield. As where it should come from. Look, we've already got really good offense at 1B, 3B, and C. Let's wait and see what JH does for the OF in the offseason.

 

If that's going to be the infield, and you already have Jones for the OF...this team is going to be horrible offensively next season. Getting one more bat in either CF or LF isn't going to make this team a contender.

 

I don't have any faith in Hendry. Considering he didn't trade Pierre, I can see him being brought back.

 

And lo and behold, look forward to almost this exact same offense with maybe a bat in LF (Soriano or Lee). That is not going to be enough...not even close.

 

I hope I'm wrong, and I'd love to eat crow if I am, but with Hendry in charge we will not make the playoffs.

[minnesotacubsfan]

I'd really like to know who the prospects were that the Cubs were going to get until Izturis suddenly became available. Hendry said a few times that they were High-Level. to me that means they were AAA players but not necessarily high-quality. I guess I just hope that Izturis can still be better offensively given the fact that age is on his side.

 

During the game Hendry mentioned that getting Izturis gave him a head start on putting the team together for 2007 in order to avoid the situation they are currently in with this craptacular 2006 team.

 

8:00 AM Saturday morning

Jim: He dude, Maddux said he would like to play in LA, who do you have availible for a trade?

 

LA GM: Well, Jim, we have a few guys @ LAs Vegas, Joel Guzman or some kid named Either. What do you think about one of those guys?

 

Jim: Well, I guess I was thinking of someone, well, abit more talented. What about Cesar Izturis? I like him, he can catch the ball. We'll even pick up a good portion of Maddux's salary...

 

LA GM: (passed out because of sheer surprise. Isnt found until Monday afternoon at 3 pm)

 

Jim: Hello? Hello? shoot..maybe i asked for too much.....

 

LA GM Assistant: hey, dude, you ok???

 

LA GM: (slowly awakes from a 2 day slumber) woa..man..I had the weirdest dream. I had a dream I was talking to Jim Hendry and he wanted to take Izturis off my hands and basically give me Maddux...weird.

 

LA GM Assistant: Had to have been a dream. Jim isnt that stupid. why is your phone off the hook?

 

(LA GM and LA GM Assistantglance at eachother)

 

LAGM: quick, GET JIM ON THE PHONE!!

 

and the deal is made. seriosly, we got hoodwinked.

[CubsBullsBears]

He should've asked if he could break Furcal's wrist as well. And isn't it tampering to say Ramirez will be back b/c he is technically not under contract for 2007 just yet, b/c he can still use that escape clause

[NCCubFan]

Technically Ramirez IS under contract for the next two years. He can void it, but unless/until that happens he is under contract, so talking about him being back would not be tampering.

[abuck1220]

I'd really like to know who the prospects were that the Cubs were going to get until Izturis suddenly became available. Hendry said a few times that they were High-Level. to me that means they were AAA players but not necessarily high-quality. I guess I just hope that Izturis can still be better offensively given the fact that age is on his side.

 

During the game Hendry mentioned that getting Izturis gave him a head start on putting the team together for 2007 in order to avoid the situation they are currently in with this craptacular 2006 team.

 

and to avoid a repeat of this season he traded for exactly the same type of player that he built this debacle around -- speedy, good D, low obp, no pop.

[NorthsideAvenger]

Technically Ramirez IS under contract for the next two years. He can void it, but unless/until that happens he is under contract, so talking about him being back would not be tampering.

 

Why would Ramirez want to be back next yr, when it will be just Lee, himself and Barrett as the "main offensive players." If he's back, Pierre would still be moderate, the Cubs won't get anything out of Izturis (if they wanted another light hitting MI whose last name is Izturis, they could had gotten Macier from LAA for a AAA pitcher) or Cedeno, and Jacques is moderate. Again...why should ARam want to return to the Cubs next season? :-k

 

Oh, the Cubs are going to be SO BAAAAAADDD next r, and Hendry is going to think it is a "fluke."

[forbez18]

Alright, I am just sitting here and reading these posts all day and its starting to make me sick. And no I am not talking about the trades that the Cubs GM made. I am getting sick because I enjoy coming to this message board because it is usually informative and more insightful discussion then on some of the other boards. However, some of the comments are just horrible. What did you want in return for Maddux??? I love the guy, however have any of you seen him pitch the last two years?? He is a a low depth pitcher that can eat some innings. No team actually in the race wanted to put him into the rotation. Luckily LA dropped out a little and they know just like everyone else that bringing Mad dog in will keep fans in the seats, and they gave up a pretty good player for him. Yes they may not have given up their future to get him, but you shouldn't have expected that for Maddux. Izturis will however be a good addition to our team. He is BETTER then Cedeno so if you have a problem with the middle infield it should be Cedeno not Izturis. I believe Cedeno should be a bench player that means they COULD go out and get Soriano next year, and say Lee for right, and would anyone complain with that line-up??? My point is he got something of value for a guy that honestly didn't deserve it in his career. Stop complaining about every move and see how things play out.

[Guest]

Alright, I am just sitting here and reading these posts all day and its starting to make me sick. And no I am not talking about the trades that the Cubs GM made. I am getting sick because I enjoy coming to this message board because it is usually informative and more insightful discussion then on some of the other boards. However, some of the comments are just horrible. What did you want in return for Maddux??? I love the guy, however have any of you seen him pitch the last two years?? He is a a low depth pitcher that can eat some innings. No team actually in the race wanted to put him into the rotation. Luckly LA dropped out a little and they know just like everyone else that bringing Mad dog in will keep fans in the seats, and they gave up a pretty good player for him. Yes they may not have given up their future to get him, but you shouldn't have expected that for Maddux. Izturis will however be a good addition to out team. He is BETTER then Cedeno so if you have a problem with the middle infield it should be Cedeno not Izturis. I believe Cedeno should be a bench player, that means they COULD go out and get Soriano next year, and say Lee for right, and would anyone complain with that line-up??? My point is he got something of value for a guy that honestly didn't deserve it in his carrer. Stop complaining about every move and see how things play out.

Since you didn't quote a particular post in the thread, I'm going to assume you were talking about my post.

 

1) I have no complaints about the Walker deal and said so in that thread.

 

2) three years ago when he was Ronnie's age, Izturis hit .251/.282/.315. What makes you assume Ronnie won't also progress with his hitting if given a chance?

 

3) Getting nothing for Maddux would have been better than going after Izturis, given his salary and redudancy to the players already on the roster

 

4) I'm not complaining in this thread that we should have gotten some mega-prospect for Maddux. I'm saying that if we're building for next year at the deadline, we should have gotten Abreu instead of Izturis. So I'm really not getting your point here.

[RonnieWooWooSanto]

Isn't this a good move?

 

In the sense that if the Cubs do not make major acquistions in the off season then they will be a bad team just as they are this season.

 

What is the odds that Hendry can obtain guys who can make an impact? Slim considering the FA market isn't great this off season. So let's say the Cubs are miserable again next season. If that happens then there is a chance Hendry will not be able to fulfill the second year of his contract extention.

 

Heck, even if they were to let him stay on for the final year, could he turn the team around. Once again that might be a very difficult task considering where the Cubs are right now and the players Hendry seems to value.

 

So one or two more season of misery and majority of the fans get what they want........Hendry gone.

[forbez18]

First let me say I didn't quote anyone because I was talking about the generl tone of the board today.

 

Then to what you are saying. Ronny is good and I like him, but he isn't as good as Cesar right now. Put him on the bench and let him develop the ability to lay off pitches at his head and pitches in the dirt. If you put him on the bench for two years are you killing his carrer? The Cubs can buy Cesar out in two years I believe for pretty much nothing. If Cesar returns to his all-star performance that he had before he was injured was it a bad move to have him on the team, and possibly be able to trade Cedeno?

 

Then there is Abreu who I honestly I just dont think is worth the money or giving away prospects for. I believe I could be wrong but they gave away their first round draft pick from 2005? plus three others for him and a okay-bad-okay pitcher. If you dont want to pay Cesar how could u want to pay Abreu is he that much of an upgrade over Jones, besides maybe his ability to take a walk and with less power.

 

I see it a lot easier to get good power out fielders then good middle infielders that the Cubs have not had for year and years now. Maybe I am spoiled because we had Sosa and Alou and a speedy centerfieder at one point. And the last time we had a good middle infielder was prob. Sandberg..

[A New Era]

I just don't think it was possible to get Abreu here in a down year. Just doesn't seem likely to happen. Not saying it wouldn't happen.

 

Anyway, as long as Jim focuses big time on offense in the outfeild and some SP. I am very happy with the infeild for next year. .

 

Dlee, Cedeno, Izturis, Ramirez.

 

Now atleast we can say. Ok the infeild is set. We have great D at 2B and SS. And now we can focus on getting our offense in the outfield. As where it should come from. Look, we've already got really good offense at 1B, 3B, and C. Let's wait and see what JH does for the OF in the offseason.

 

If that's going to be the infield, and you already have Jones for the OF...this team is going to be horrible offensively next season. Getting one more bat in either CF or LF isn't going to make this team a contender.

 

I don't have any faith in Hendry. Considering he didn't trade Pierre, I can see him being brought back.

 

And lo and behold, look forward to almost this exact same offense with maybe a bat in LF (Soriano or Lee). That is not going to be enough...not even close.

 

I hope I'm wrong, and I'd love to eat crow if I am, but with Hendry in charge we will not make the playoffs.

 

Well I'm picturing an offense next year were lee does not go down, and Pierre and Ramirez don't have super slumps like they did this year. I honestly beleive Ramirez is not going to repeat his down year next year. And you have to factor in those things too, along with adding carlos lee.

[mhuber92211]

Isn't Carlos Lee still a FA this offseason? I would say that he is better then Abreu.

[CoolHandLuke]

What makes me the maddest about this deadline is the fact that Hendry is excited about Izturis. He apparantly turned down premier prospects for him. If he would have just had to settle for Izturis I would be quite a lot less mad.

[Outshined_One]

Isn't Carlos Lee still a FA this offseason? I would say that he is better then Abreu.

 

I'd love to have him on this team, but I just know plenty of other teams are salivating at their chances of picking him up.

 

It's problematic to assume a soon to be FA will sign with your team, you know?

[ChiCubsFan]

Isn't Carlos Lee still a FA this offseason? I would say that he is better then Abreu.

 

I would say Abreu is better. Plays better defense, runs better, has a much higher OBP and even in Abreu's down year, he puts up an OPS at about what we can expect C Lee to put up. Lee isn't a bad option, but an outfield of Lee, Pierre, Jones while Cedeno and Izturis are our MI is NOT going to get it done. I hope I'm wrong, but that's pretty much what I expect our starting lineup to be opening day 2007.

Edited August 1, 2006 by ChiCubsFan