Has Murton earned 2007 spot?

[jmajew]

I really believe Murton has earned a starting spot for next year. He has not hit for a lot of power but he is only 24. That comes with time. He will learn when to look for certain pitches that he can try to drive out of the park. Right now he is more of a defensive hitter. He doens't know what is coming and therefore just tries to put the ball in play.

 

The only problem with Murton starting next year is it give us no room for improvement offensively if we keep Jones, unless we let Pierre go and move Jones to center. The trade for Cesar Izturis means that Hendry plans on using both Cedeno and Izturis up the middle next year. Lineups keep running through my head for next year and it seems like we only have two options. Move Jones to center and go for CLee or bench Cedeno and go for Soriano. If we move Jones to center that means Izturis will bat leadoff, which would be a complete disaster.

 

The best scenario I can come up with is finding a way to trade Jacque Jones. If we can trade him we can sign CLee, Soriano, or Sheffield (My preference being Soriano). We could then resign Pierre. Pierre, Murton, Lee, Ramirez, Soriano, Barrett, Izturis, Cedeno is a lineup that can produce some runs.

 

Sorry if i was rambling. I just feel as if Murton is going to be given a raw deal. Just because he cannot hit for power yet does not mean he isn't valuable to this team. He is the perfect 2 hitter for us next year, but the contract Jones has is going to force us to give up on Murton in order to improve the offense. When the fact of the matter is we can improve the offense more by getting rid of Jones. Jones's low OBP is going to kill us next year because he cannot bat at the top of the order. We will be forced to use Izturis up there.

 

Once again sorry for the rant. Any ideas though? Am I right in assuming these things? Are my ideas valid?

 

Edit: Murton with runners in scoring position. AVG 289, OBP 385, SLG 474, OPS 859. I'm not so certain he is incapable of driving in runs. Maybe the problem is he doesn't get enough opportunities.

Edited August 6, 2006 by jmajew

[Transmogrified Tiger]

The Izturis trade is pretty much a "screw you" to Cedeno if Hendry plans on building a capable offense. No matter which of those guys plays SS, I think Murton in LF is a sketchy idea, although it could work if the team was constructed differently(much more difficult than getting a better LF). If both Cedeno and Izturis are in the lineup, then without question Murton better not be in the lineup, for the offense's sake.

[RonnieWooWooSanto]

One more possibility is using Jones and having Murton platoon at RF. I don't think that would happen with Dusty and company. However, a new manager might depending on the manager.

 

I really can't see Soriano coming to the Cubs. I think if he stays in the National League then he will remain with Washington assuming he is willing to have a contract without a NTC which seems to be the stumbling block. If not, I'm guessing he'll be in Anaheim.

 

I do think that Hendry will go after Carlos Lee. But, if Texas wants to retain him which I think they said is their intention then it becomes tough and Hendry will vastly overpay(just a hunch).

 

So best case scenario as I see it:

 

C Barrett

1b DLee

2b Cedeno

SS Izturis

3b Ramirez(I think he'll be back, but making more money)

LF CLee

CF Pierre (I think he'll be brought back)

RF Jacque/Murton

 

Edit to add: When I say "best case scenario" I'm not saying this is good. It is just about the best that Hendry can do with what he has, in my opinion.

Edited August 6, 2006 by RonnieWooWooSanto

[abuck1220]

if pierre would have continued to suck, i don't think the cubs would have brought him back. instead, he's pulling a mcgriff and he's probably earned an extension (in hendry's mind).

 

it's too bad too, because the only way i can see the cubs having a respectable offense next year is to move jones to cf and get a big bat for one of the corners. a lineup with murton, pierre, cedeno and izturis is going to be awful.

[rawaction]

Like TT said, you can't have Izturis, Cedeno, Murton, and Pierre (or insert other slappy leadoff option) in the same lineup and expect to score enough runs to win consistently.

 

This is the generic model of building an offense.

 

LF, RF, 3B, 1B = power positions. At least 1 of those has to be a .380+ OBP player and you'd like all to get on base 35% of the time, but can afford 1 (at most) of them to be sub .340, but shouldn't be below league average. Typically, the 3-6 hitters in the lineup.

 

SS, 2B, CF, C= defensive positions. Only can afford 1 (at most) of them to be comparatively inept offensively. At least 2 of them have to be able to get on base at least 34% of the time to be at the top of the lineup (and .340 is at the absolute low end). And the other has to bring something to the table either power or OBP.

 

The Cubs have the great OBP at 1B in Lee. They have Ramirez and Barrett, who comprise 3/4 of the "power positions" and do so with levels of production you should about expect from the middle of the lineup. The 4th in this group would be Jones, who has the SLG part, but gets on base at a below average level, making the Cubs short a "power" bat.

 

That leaves SS, 2B, CF, and LF as the "defensive positions". Murton does his part by getting on base, and gives the Cubs 1 guy worthy of a top-2 hitter. But with Izturis and Cedeno being very good shots to have sub-.310 OBPs and neither having any power to make up for it, that gives the Cubs 2 inept bats. Pierre in CF, because he doesn't get on base enough, gives the Cubs 3 hitters that provide very little.

 

Basically, the current Cubs lineup has 3 players who should be 8th hitters in a good ML lineup. Only 1 player worthy of a top of the order spot, without sacrificing a middle of the order bat. And are below average at one of the power spots (possibly 2 if Barrett reverts at all).

[Balsa]

The way I see it, there's only two options.

 

Either have Murton or Cedeno on the team. We can't afford to have both on there, dragging down the offense.

 

Which leads me to believe that we should trade Cedeno and upgrade at 2B. Probably (sigh) Soriano. As much as I hate to say it, we have the money, we have a huge lack of offense there, and it just makes sense.

 

I think Murton stands a much better chance than Cedeno of making it at the everyday level, he's more patient and has more power.

[rawaction]

The way I see it, there's only two options.

 

Either have Murton or Cedeno on the team. We can't afford to have both on there, dragging down the offense.

 

Which leads me to believe that we should trade Cedeno and upgrade at 2B. Probably (sigh) Soriano. As much as I hate to say it, we have the money, we have a huge lack of offense there, and it just makes sense.

 

I think Murton stands a much better chance than Cedeno of making it at the everyday level, he's more patient and has more power.

 

No, the Cubs can't afford to have Izturis and Jones on the team, dragging down the offense. Murton and Cedeno are from the Cubs system (well, Murton was a trade, but you know what I mean). The Cubs should be able to break their own in as everyday players. The Cubs consciously went out and paid money to bring Jones in and traded away something to get Izturis. It's those 2 that should go, especially considering the salaries they make.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Let's assume that Lee, Ramirez, Barrett are absolute locks for next year's lineup. Ideally then, we'd have:

 

1

2

Lee

Ramirez

5

Barrett

7

8

 

Now let's assume it's pretty likely Jones and Izturis are in the lineup next year. Adjusting for that, ideally it'd be:

 

1

2

Lee

Ramirez

5

Barrett

Jones

Izturis

 

With 2B, LF, and CF to be filled

 

Obviously that makes things more difficult, since Cedeno, Pierre, Theriot, Fontenot, and Pie aren't good choices for any of the remaining spots. On the plus side, we were dealing with the ideal situation, so it's not the end of the world if we can't do that.

 

My suggestion, would be to go into next year with Pie in CF, then use LF and 2B as the top 2 spots in the order. I'd target Catalanotto and Loretta. Neither will cost a fortune, neither will be big names or extremely sought after that will inflate their cost beyond reason. One is right handed, the other left. Most importantly, their cost will be low enough to make sure we get a good SP, whether it's making sure we have the money to get Schmidt, or the money to take on the contract of someone we trade for(not counting on Murton or Cedeno to start adds to our trading depth as well). So, the finished product is:

 

Loretta

Catalanotto

Lee

Ramirez

Barrett

Jones

Pie

Izturis

[SoonerCubFan]

Let's assume that Lee, Ramirez, Barrett are absolute locks for next year's lineup. Ideally then, we'd have:

 

1

2

Lee

Ramirez

5

Barrett

7

8

 

Now let's assume it's pretty likely Jones and Izturis are in the lineup next year. Adjusting for that, ideally it'd be:

 

1

2

Lee

Ramirez

5

Barrett

Jones

Izturis

 

With 2B, LF, and CF to be filled

 

Obviously that makes things more difficult, since Cedeno, Pierre, Theriot, Fontenot, and Pie aren't good choices for any of the remaining spots. On the plus side, we were dealing with the ideal situation, so it's not the end of the world if we can't do that.

 

My suggestion, would be to go into next year with Pie in CF, then use LF and 2B as the top 2 spots in the order. I'd target Catalanotto and Loretta. Neither will cost a fortune, neither will be big names or extremely sought after that will inflate their cost beyond reason. One is right handed, the other left. Most importantly, their cost will be low enough to make sure we get a good SP, whether it's making sure we have the money to get Schmidt, or the money to take on the contract of someone we trade for(not counting on Murton or Cedeno to start adds to our trading depth as well). So, the finished product is:

 

Loretta

Catalanotto

Lee

Ramirez

Barrett

Jones

Pie

Izturis

 

Pretty close to the way I see it, and I love the idea of Loretta at 2B. However, I'd put it as Jones/Murton in RF (or LF), and consider Barrett (or Murton on his playing days) at #2, opening up the #5 slot for a bigger bat (preferably Sheffield but more likely CLee). I just don't see enough power in the lineup shown, we need another high SLG guy IMO. Pie, like the way Patterson SHOULD have been, is slotted perfectly at #7, where he can do some occasional damage until he's ready for a more prominent role. I'd love to see this lineup:

 

Loretta

Barrett/Murton

DLee

Ramirez

CLee (or Sheffield)

Jones/Barrett

Pie

Izturis

P

 

Now THAT lineup has the elements - high OBP/OPS 1 thru 5 or 6, and occasional productivity at the bottom, plus some smart ballplayers with an excellent D at most positions, while not taking a whole lot more salary overall, offset by the loss of Maddux, Pierre and Wood's current salary. Get the Trib to up the overall budget enough to land Schmidt and/or Zito and we'd be back in the game.

[Nobody youd want to know]

I'd love to see this lineup:

 

Loretta

Barrett/Murton

DLee

Ramirez

CLee (or Sheffield)

Jones/Barrett

Pie

Izturis

P

 

Now THAT lineup has the elements - high OBP/OPS 1 thru 5 or 6, and occasional productivity at the bottom, plus some smart ballplayers with an excellent D at most positions, while not taking a whole lot more salary overall, offset by the loss of Maddux, Pierre and Wood's current salary. Get the Trib to up the overall budget enough to land Schmidt and/or Zito and we'd be back in the game.

 

That's a great lineup, but it would most likely preclude us signing Schmidt or Zito. Even taking away Maddux and Wood ($20m total, I think), you add CLee at something like $13m, Loretta's going to get $4m MINIMUM, Izturis gets $4.15m, Ramirez likely will get a boost, then factor in the raises Z, Prior and some of the young'uns will get, and you're already $7-$10m OVER this years' budget.

 

The Cubs absolutely HAVE to play 2 or 3 of Murton/Cedeno/Theriot/Fontenot in order to afford ANY free agents. And that means they have to deal Izturis. Hendry really painted himself into a corner with that trade.

[NewUserName]

I say let both Cedeno and Murton stay and become starters. WE ARE NOT GOING TO WIN THE WS NEXT YEAR ANYWAY. The other options via free agency will be way overpaid for their declining production. Only a short sighted that want to contend in a lousy division would sign Carlos Lee and Juan Pierre this off season. They are both going to be over paid. Slightly better than average players in the next few years. A much better idea would be to keep the young guys let them develop and see if better options for the team come up in the next offseason.

 

If the Cubs are serious about winning the WS next year the list of things that would have to happen are pretty long.

1. Prior returns to being stud

2. DLee returns to MVP form, which by the way he has only done once in his career.

3. Either a strong #3 starter would need to be found or one of the youngsters becomes much more consistent.

4. The bench would need major improvements.

5. The entire pitching staff would need to cut at least one walk per game.

6. Pierre would have to put up a .350 obp all season not just when it is over or Aram would have to start his season well.

7. If CLee or Soriano were added they would have to produce at the level they are now. Which is a career year for Soriano in a contract year. I predict that both of them will decline in the next couple of years.

8. 1 of Izturas or Cedeno would have to have a .330 obp or Matt Murton would need a .480 slugging percentage.

 

I am thinking that at least 6 of these things would have to happen for the Cubs to win the WS, with number 1,2 and 3 being have to happens.

 

Since I dont think all of 1,2 and 3 will happen. Hendry has proven not clue on what a bench is. Aram always starts slow. Pierre is probably not a .350 obp guy. The Cubs pitchers walking way to many batters has been a issue for years now. CLee and Soriano are both overrated now and are only going to be overpaid. I would just assume take my chances with Murton and Cedeno and see if they can become .480 slugging and .330 obp guys.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

The Cubs absolutely HAVE to play 2 or 3 of Murton/Cedeno/Theriot/Fontenot in order to afford ANY free agents. And that means they have to deal Izturis. Hendry really painted himself into a corner with that trade.

 

I don't think that's true. An FA starter will essentially replace Wood's salary. If you let 1 of them play(Pie replacing Pierre's 5.75 mil is my choice), let Soto replace Blanco, and then you've freed up another 6-7 million. Add in the fact that we had money to spend last year that we may be able to use again, and the fact/hope that a budget crunch would force trades of Neifi and/or Rusch, I think we can add a big contract player and 2 intermediate ones if we need to.

[bhogg]

I don't buy into the "we not gonna win next year" idea.

 

No one in the central is setting the world on fire, nor do they appear to be in line to be all that much better next season.

 

 

A fine example of what a year can do for you would be the Tigers. Sure, some folks thought they'd be competetive, but who really thought they'd be the best team in baseball?

 

 

I'm not going to worry too much about the remainder of this season. Our transformation should begin about a week or so following the WS --- aka: Dusty's determination.

 

Everything will "flow" from there :)

[Fro]

I say let both Cedeno and Murton stay and become starters. WE ARE NOT GOING TO WIN THE WS NEXT YEAR ANYWAY. .

 

You might as well blow the team up if you're going to say that.

 

This team has TWO years to win, then we'll have to rebuild somewhat around a new core of players besides Lee/Z/Prior/Aram/Barrett.

[WrigleyField 22]

I say let both Cedeno and Murton stay and become starters. WE ARE NOT GOING TO WIN THE WS NEXT YEAR ANYWAY. .

 

You might as well blow the team up if you're going to say that.

 

This team has TWO years to win, then we'll have to rebuild somewhat around a new core of players besides Lee/Z/Prior/Aram/Barrett.

 

I think two years is the perfect time to aim to win it all in. Regarding this offseason we can make moves that improve us for next season, but are shortsighted or make moves that make us better and are not shortsighted. I think a lot of the big FA names thrown around are shortsighted.

 

After that two year mark you wont NEED to find a new core. Ages of these players in the 2009 season.

Lee-33 Past his prime but likely still productive

Zambrano- 27 going on 28

Prior- 28

Aramis- 30 going on 31 tail end of prime

Barrett- 32 being a catcher, likey past his prime

Thats a solid veteran core to play with. Hopefully within those three offseasons we can aquire some younger players that will take the reigns. There aren't too many promising players in our farm system, but a lot can change in a few years.

[Balsa]

I say let both Cedeno and Murton stay and become starters. WE ARE NOT GOING TO WIN THE WS NEXT YEAR ANYWAY. .

 

You might as well blow the team up if you're going to say that.

 

This team has TWO years to win, then we'll have to rebuild somewhat around a new core of players besides Lee/Z/Prior/Aram/Barrett.

Exactly.

 

No, the Cubs can't afford to have Izturis and Jones on the team, dragging down the offense. Murton and Cedeno are from the Cubs system (well, Murton was a trade, but you know what I mean). The Cubs should be able to break their own in as everyday players. The Cubs consciously went out and paid money to bring Jones in and traded away something to get Izturis. It's those 2 that should go, especially considering the salaries they make.

I didn't like either signing/trade that brough in Jones or Izturis, but let's work in a slightly more realistic standpoint here. Neither of them is going anywhere. I would be shocked if Hendry traded either this offseason. So let's assume they're here to stay.

 

That means we have LF, CF, and 2B up for grabs.

 

I think Cedeno just won't fit into 2B, he's just not productive enough, and therefore should be traded to help any of those above situations. I think we can afford to have Murton in the lineup, but if Carlos Lee comes into LF (somehow I doubt it) than we should probably move Murton, as Pagan is a good 4th OF.

 

As for CF, I'm guessing we're gonna sign Pierre to a 2 year deal with a team option for the third year, and frankly, the class of CF is pretty weak this year so I don't mind.

 

So that most likely leaves Cedeno as the odd man out.

[SoonerCubFan]

I'd love to see this lineup:

 

Loretta

Barrett/Murton

DLee

Ramirez

CLee (or Sheffield)

Jones/Barrett

Pie

Izturis

P

 

Now THAT lineup has the elements - high OBP/OPS 1 thru 5 or 6, and occasional productivity at the bottom, plus some smart ballplayers with an excellent D at most positions, while not taking a whole lot more salary overall, offset by the loss of Maddux, Pierre and Wood's current salary. Get the Trib to up the overall budget enough to land Schmidt and/or Zito and we'd be back in the game.

 

That's a great lineup, but it would most likely preclude us signing Schmidt or Zito. Even taking away Maddux and Wood ($20m total, I think), you add CLee at something like $13m, Loretta's going to get $4m MINIMUM, Izturis gets $4.15m, Ramirez likely will get a boost, then factor in the raises Z, Prior and some of the young'uns will get, and you're already $7-$10m OVER this years' budget.

 

The Cubs absolutely HAVE to play 2 or 3 of Murton/Cedeno/Theriot/Fontenot in order to afford ANY free agents. And that means they have to deal Izturis. Hendry really painted himself into a corner with that trade.

 

I think $7-10M is about right, and I again opine that it's pretty minor and actually gets us right around where the budget was projected to be this year (I think Hendry actually had more to play with than he used). Certainly the Trib could and should up the ante by at least $20M to pull in Schmidt or Zito and maybe a #5 type starter who throws some innings and/or a good bench player or two.

[Andy]

I still think Murton is too good to abandon, but unless the Cubs have a great offense elsewhere, giving him a starting job is sketchy. That's why Murton and Pagan should both be playing as much as possible these last two months - to figure out what we want to do in 2007.

[stitchface]

Loretta is a great choice at 2b - the Cubs should stay as far away from Soriano as they can. Is Cat much better than Murton though? I'd plug Matt in the 2 spot and go from there.

 

The $5.5 million question is, can Jones play CF? Followed closely by, would the Cubs even consider such a move?

[WrigleyField 22]

I say let both Cedeno and Murton stay and become starters. WE ARE NOT GOING TO WIN THE WS NEXT YEAR ANYWAY. .

 

You might as well blow the team up if you're going to say that.

 

This team has TWO years to win, then we'll have to rebuild somewhat around a new core of players besides Lee/Z/Prior/Aram/Barrett.

 

I think two years is the perfect time to aim to win it all in. Regarding this offseason we can make moves that improve us for next season, but are shortsighted or make moves that make us better and are not shortsighted. I think a lot of the big FA names thrown around are shortsighted.

 

After that two year mark you wont NEED to find a new core. Ages of these players in the 2009 season.

Lee-33 Past his prime but likely still productive

Zambrano- 27 going on 28

Prior- 28

Aramis- 30 going on 31 tail end of prime

Barrett- 32 being a catcher, likey past his prime

Thats a solid veteran core to play with. Hopefully within those three offseasons we can aquire some younger players that will take the reigns. There aren't too many promising players in our farm system, but a lot can change in a few years.

 

Just expanding on what I just wrote:

Looking at who might form that "core" Hopefully we can find a way to let Murton play next year he solidifies himself as the number 2 hitter for this team for years to come. EPatt looks ready to contribute by 2009 as a full time. That two year gap would be bridged beautifully by Loretta (2 yrs 6mil?). Hopefully those guys would be our 1-2 hitters to build around. Pie would be ready for a 2008 bottom of the order guy. I'll be consevative and say hes still bottom of the order in 2009, with the chance to become a middle of the order guy(if he can develop that power) by 2010.

 

After 2009/2010, You would figure is when some of our current core starts to go.. Lee is signed through 2010 Barrett could sign a nice 3 year deal after 2007.. Ramirez if he opts out and renogotiates would probably get a new deal bringing him to 2010/2011. Prior and Z will still be relatively young and hopefully anchoring our rotation along with some of the nice young guys we have now. (Side note, with the way we have developed arms, I'm not too concerned. Yea we may need a FA signing here and there to bridge the gap, but cost in the rotation hopefully wont be an issue. Things could change drastically, but we are covered with cheap talent for a least a while longer likely).

 

Some other guys who we could see start to break in around 2009(bench roles) are Dopriak and Fox (Lee and Barretts replacements?) The next year Colvin might be ready to come and fill the bottom of the order. This requires him to skip a level, but hopefully being a college guy he makes an easier tranistion.

 

This group of position players leaves little room for error, but there are some notable free agents along the way if you can't find a young guy to fill a hole. Some of these are: 2008-Michael Young, Brad Wilkerson,Milton Bradley,Abreu,Suzuki 2009-Baldelli, Mo Pena, Hank Blalock, Kearns and then the "big two" in 2010 if you are struggling to replace the core (yes I'm getting ahead of myself, but humor me) Cabrera and Mauer. Two positions 3B and C that could need replacing. Yea you'd expect whatever two teams that have them to lock them up. Besides prospects and FA, you may also find we can aquire core position players by trading pitchers whom you don't want to pay big bucks for if we can continue to develop replaceable young pitching talent like we have. The options are there.

 

So you let 2007 be a developmental year

2008/2009 core

Lee

Barrett

Ramirez

Zambrano

Prior

FA signings (Loretta07? Young 08? Wilkerson 08?)

--------

Future "core guys"

EPatt

Pie

Murton

Zambrano

Prior

Any of our current young pitchers

FA money we have cuz we arent still paying Carlos Lee from that 5 yr deal in 2007

Lesser "core future":

Fox

Dopriak

Colvin

-lesser as they are farther away and have more legitamite concerns about ability to reach ceilings

 

This post might seem all over the place and gets ahead of things way to much, but I typed it all to maybe help prove we dont NEED to win within the next two years. Our current core can probably last three more years, and with the right moves we will have the young talent and $$ needed to secure a bright future as well.

[soccer10k]

I'd love to see this lineup:

 

Loretta

Barrett/Murton

DLee

Ramirez

CLee (or Sheffield)

Jones/Barrett

Pie

Izturis

P

 

Now THAT lineup has the elements - high OBP/OPS 1 thru 5 or 6, and occasional productivity at the bottom, plus some smart ballplayers with an excellent D at most positions, while not taking a whole lot more salary overall, offset by the loss of Maddux, Pierre and Wood's current salary. Get the Trib to up the overall budget enough to land Schmidt and/or Zito and we'd be back in the game.

 

That's a great lineup, but it would most likely preclude us signing Schmidt or Zito. Even taking away Maddux and Wood ($20m total, I think), you add CLee at something like $13m, Loretta's going to get $4m MINIMUM, Izturis gets $4.15m, Ramirez likely will get a boost, then factor in the raises Z, Prior and some of the young'uns will get, and you're already $7-$10m OVER this years' budget.

 

The Cubs absolutely HAVE to play 2 or 3 of Murton/Cedeno/Theriot/Fontenot in order to afford ANY free agents. And that means they have to deal Izturis. Hendry really painted himself into a corner with that trade.

 

Prior's getting a raise? I realize he is eligible for arbitration but what has he done to earn a raise?

[RynoRules]

I don't think you can exclude the possibility that JH will pursue Tejada again, using Ronny and two of our young pitchers as bait. Then you move Izturis to 2B (though I'd prefer to move Tejada there). Assuming we resign Pierre (looks like we will right now, based on JH's radio interview of this week), you have:

 

Pierre - CF

Murton - LF

Lee - 1B

Tejada - SS

ARam - 3B

Barrett - C

Jones - RF

Izturis - 2B

 

Not the situation I'd prefer, but not so bad either.

[SoonerCubFan]

I don't think you can exclude the possibility that JH will pursue Tejada again, using Ronny and two of our young pitchers as bait. Then you move Izturis to 2B (though I'd prefer to move Tejada there). Assuming we resign Pierre (looks like we will right now, based on JH's radio interview of this week), you have:

 

Pierre - CF

Murton - LF

Lee - 1B

Tejada - SS

ARam - 3B

Barrett - C

Jones - RF

Izturis - 2B

 

Not the situation I'd prefer, but not so bad either.

 

Actually, that also would be a pretty decent lineup. From a very surface review, it seems to me that the 3-5 or 3-6 slots filled with high OPS guys is the most common denominator in high output offenses, and this is another way to get it. This would actually slot our weaker OF into useful slots in the lineup, optimizing what they each could provide, and gets Izturis down where he belongs.

 

I like any number of these suggested moves way better than what we'll probably see happen.

[jmajew]

Does anyone see it being possible to trade Jones in the offseason. It seems to me that if we can move him we have room for our two young players while still allowing ourselves to sign another bat.

 

I'm sure I'm repeating myself but I trully see our offense only being one player away. I think the guy we need is Soriano. Pierre, Murton, Lee, Ramirez, Soriano, Barrett, Izturis, Cedeno is a lineup that can compete everday.

 

My favorite situation would be to trade for Andruw Jones. We could put him in Center and move Pierre to left and put Murton in right. Not only would our offense be improved but our defense up the middle would be the best in baseball, which i'm sure could only help the pitching staff.

[bhogg]

depending upon who the new manager will be, Murton could very well be our #2 hitter.

 

It shouldn't take a genius to see that's where he should be hitting.