Potential Free Agent Targets

[RonnieWooWooSanto]

This is an honest question.

 

What player of any real value would really want to play for the Cubs right now?

 

for some guys the price is always right

 

True. But, with any player of real value I would think they would receive offers similar to what the Cubs would offer.

 

Simple, Chicago is a big market and players like to play in Wrigley. I can think of worse places to play then Chicago in front of 40,000 people everyday...

 

Yes, but for the players of any value I would think teams such a the Mets, Yankees, Dodgers, Angels, or White Sox would come calling. (I would think at least one of those teams would be interested). From a player stand point these are better options because of the opportunity to win, in my opinion.

 

For example, take LF. Kenny Williams might be intested in a LF for next season. Are they going to stick with Podsednick/Ozuna in LF? Is Josh Fields being moved to LF and will he be ready for that position next season?

 

If Kenny Williams looks to the free agent market for a left fielder as opposed to trade, then which option is more attractive? Most likely winning in US Cellular or losing in Wrigley (using the past 2 years as the gage)?

 

If this were true, then no player of value would ever sign for a team other than the current best teams.

 

When those teams are interested and winning they often times do nab the players.

 

The key being are those winning big market teams interested in the player, if not then they could end up in another city.

 

It also often requires those other teams to overspend to beat out the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Angels, and Red Sox.

[goonys evil twin]

When those teams are interested and winning they often times do nab the players.

 

The key being are those winning big market teams interested in the player, if not then they could end up in another city.

 

It also often requires those other teams to overspend to beat out the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Angels, and Red Sox.

 

I think it's an interesting theory, but I'm not so sure it's true. Every year people lament that the Yankees will get everybody who is any good, and while they do get good players, they don't get all of them. Just a couple years ago nobody would have talked about the Mets as a team that veterans were really wanting to go to. The Cubs could get virtually anybody they wanted. Worrying about players who will always choose the White Sox over them isn't very reasonable.

[RonnieWooWooSanto]

When those teams are interested and winning they often times do nab the players.

 

The key being are those winning big market teams interested in the player, if not then they could end up in another city.

 

It also often requires those other teams to overspend to beat out the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Angels, and Red Sox.

 

I think it's an interesting theory, but I'm not so sure it's true. Every year people lament that the Yankees will get everybody who is any good, and while they do get good players, they don't get all of them. Just a couple years ago nobody would have talked about the Mets as a team that veterans were really wanting to go to. The Cubs could get virtually anybody they wanted. Worrying about players who will always choose the White Sox over them isn't very reasonable.

 

I agree with what you say about the Mets a couple of years ago. Players wanted money and winning. The Mets couldn't guarantee the winning.

 

And I think the Cubs could get top free agents. I just question whether they can right now. The key being right now. Top players want long term deals and they also want to win (at least in most cases). The problem is that the Cubs can't guarantee the winning portion just as the Mets couldn't a couple of years back, but the Cubs can ante up the money. The money is not the problem in the Cubs case.

 

Now if the Cubs can turn things around just as the Mets did than it makes the Cubs a much more attractive destination for the top free agents.

 

I guess the question is whether the players of value take the Cubs seriously in regards to winning, enough so that they would be willing to sign with them?

[Butterscup1679666578]

Schmidt, Catalanotto, and a second baseman that can hit in the top 2 in the order. Maybe a platoon partner for Jones if you hate Restovich.

 

Cat/Murton/2B

2B/Cat/Murton

Lee

Ramirez

Barrett

Jones/Restovich

Pie

Izturis

 

Hendry needs to add another POWER bat in the OF. Basically that is the same team they are rolling out this year.

 

I think you're underestimating the benefit of the platoon. By getting capable hitters in LF v. RHP and RF v. LHP, it probably boosts the combined output of the two spots by 75-100 points in OPS. Basically, the same as going to get the "POWER bat" and leaving the other spot the same, except without paying a heinous amount of money and/or prospects.

 

To be fair, IF Baker returns, I think you are greatly overestimating Baker's ability to use an effective platoon. If we get a real manager however, I really like what you have there.

[MajikRat]

What do you guys think of Mark DeRosa? He would seem to be a decent and economical option as a potential platoon partner for Jones (.406 vs lefties, .435 OBP), plus he would provide backup flexibility at all the infield positions. He certainly has been more productive then Mabry and for a fraction of the cost, and could free us of the albatross that is Neifi.

[EricG]

I would see if what the trade market would be like for Izturis in the offseason. If you can get an OF or starting pitcher for him then move Cedeno back to SS. Then find a table setter type for 2B. Move Jones to CF and platoon him with Pagan. Keep Murton in LF (or RF) and hope he develops more. Maybe sign Nevin for the bench. Maybe sign Cattalano.

 

My ideal situation would be trade Izturis for Vernon Wells and sign Schmidt and some undervalued 2B. Who would overvalue Isturis' defense?

[Shavo]

Izturis for Wells?

 

:lol:

[baseball7897]

I would see if what the trade market would be like for Izturis in the offseason. If you can get an OF or starting pitcher for him then move Cedeno back to SS. Then find a table setter type for 2B. Move Jones to CF and platoon him with Pagan. Keep Murton in LF (or RF) and hope he develops more. Maybe sign Nevin for the bench. Maybe sign Cattalano.

 

My ideal situation would be trade Izturis for Vernon Wells and sign Schmidt and some undervalued 2B. Who would overvalue Isturis' defense?

 

If you not going to sign a impact bat, then you should spend the money on the best SP available. ZITO.

[EricG]

Wells would be your impact bat and he will likely take more than Izturis to get. Would Pie and Izturis be worth it? Maybe a couple minor league pitchers and Izturis and they send us an overpriced player too. They waived Hillenbrand and Wells just declined an extension.

[RonnieWooWooSanto]

Wells would be your impact bat and he will likely take more than Izturis to get. Would Pie and Izturis be worth it? Maybe a couple minor league pitchers and Izturis and they send us an overpriced player too. They waived Hillenbrand and Wells just declined an extension.

 

Ricciardi looks at OBP. I can't see that he would want Izturis. I know that the Blue Jays need a ss, but I would think he might look at someone else.

 

So I don't think any package for Wells would include Izturis, in my opinion.

[baseball7897]

I think the Blue Jays traded Izturis a couple of years ago to the Dodgers.

[d_money]

I would see if what the trade market would be like for Izturis in the offseason. If you can get an OF or starting pitcher for him then move Cedeno back to SS. Then find a table setter type for 2B. Move Jones to CF and platoon him with Pagan. Keep Murton in LF (or RF) and hope he develops more. Maybe sign Nevin for the bench. Maybe sign Cattalano.

 

My ideal situation would be trade Izturis for Vernon Wells and sign Schmidt and some undervalued 2B. Who would overvalue Isturis' defense?

 

I don't see him w/ us next year, if anyone. At best, he's DH'ing somewhere. At best.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

I think the Blue Jays traded Izturis a couple of years ago to the Dodgers.

 

Yeah, in 2001. It was Paul Quantrill and Izturis for two young pitchers Luke Prokopec and Chad Ricketts (Ricketts was actually drafted by the Cubs).

[bannor10]

I wouldn't be surprised if the Cubs sign sheffield to play leftfield next year for us...He fits the Cubs need of a power bat.....(who is out of his prime) (old)

 

basically lightning in a bottle

[dew1679666265]

What do you guys think of Mark DeRosa? He would seem to be a decent and economical option as a potential platoon partner for Jones (.406 vs lefties, .435 OBP), plus he would provide backup flexibility at all the infield positions. He certainly has been more productive then Mabry and for a fraction of the cost, and could free us of the albatross that is Neifi.

 

I wouldn't want him. This is a career year that likely won't be repeated. His three year splits are .272 BA, .335 OBP, .430 SLG vs lefties. Plus, he's 31 years old, meaning he's not likely to get any better at all. Also, not directed toward you, I don't understand wanting Gary Matthews Jr. either. His career numbers, .260 BA .334 OBP .416 SLG, are not that impressive and would be a lateral move to a downgrade from Pierre (though granted with less cost). And again, he's 31 meaning he's not getting any better unless he's a real late bloomer. Cameron would be ok despite the low OBP, he's had multiple .800+OPS years. Of course he's 33, so what could we expect from him?

[jmajew]

It seems to me there is two moves Jim Hendry will be interested in making this offseason. First, he will attempt to sign Soriano and then he will try to sign a top of the rotation pitcher, Zito or Schmidt preferably, but I can see Hendry over paying for Mulder. Other than that I bet the team would maintain the status quo.

 

What he should do is look at the holes on this team. We need a center fielder, and a second basemen, another high slg bat, and a high OBP leadoff hitter, someone to platoon with Jones, and another starting pitcher.

 

The centerfielder we should go after in a 2 yr/10 mil deal is Mike Cameron(Thus giving Pie some more time). The second baseman we should go after is Mark Loretta or Julio Lugo. The platoon partner for Jones we already have in the organization in resterovich. The pitchers we should look at are the same ones I believe hendry with go after.

 

Proposed lineup RH (OBP)

Loretta/Lugo (350)

Murton (360)

Lee (380)

Ramirez (360)

Barrett (365)

Jones (335)

Cameron (340)

Izturis (310)

 

LH (OBP)

Loretta/Lugo

Murton

Lee

Ramirez

Barrett

Cameron

Resterovich (335)

Izturis

 

For Jones and Resterovich I figured assuming they would only play in the platoon that their numbers would not get pulled lower.

 

I think this is a good way to build a team that can be competetive for next season but also not hurt our future.

[Laura]

Oh Shebash, I hope he doesn't overpay for Mulder.

[RonnieWooWooSanto]

Oh Shebash, I hope he doesn't overpay for Mulder.

 

Maybe you'll get your wish and he won't overpay for Mulder because he'll be too busy overpaying for Woody Williams and Jeff Suppan. :P

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

This is what I'd do and I think it in no way represents what Hendry will do.

 

I'd offer Pierre arbitration but make no attempt to sign him to a long term deal in hopes of getting a draft pick.

 

I would trade one of Izturis or Cedeno, likely as part of a package deal.

 

I'd attempt to sign Sheffield to a 1/9 contract and shift Jones to CF.

 

I'd sign Schmidt if at all possible.

 

I'd look at what Soriano's tag would be, then likely move on to another option at second base and hopefully get someone with the ability to lead-off.

 

My line-up:

 

2b ?

LF Murton

1b Lee

RF Sheffield

3b Ramirez

C Barrett

CF Jones

SS Izturis or Cedeno

 

SP Zambrano

SP Schmidt

SP Prior

SP 4-5: Marshall, Marmol, Hill, or Guzman

 

I think the pitching could be good enough if both Sheff and Lee can remain healthy.

[goonys evil twin]

I don't think you can justify trying to fix this team by signing Sheffield at 38, coming off an injury marred season, which followed another season when he was banged up and had his worst numbers in several years.

[KaiserCesar]

1st off, Jacque should be followed around by a platoon partner wherever he goes, maybe that's Restovich, maybe DeRosa, which is a name mentioned earlier in this thread.

 

Also, the CF option I think should be very short term. Pie has been heating up after his cold stretch in May/June and I think he'll be ready after he gets a shot to tear up AAA next year. Therefore, not a lot of money nor years should be eaten up. Pierre should be offered arbitration, no long term deal, in order to try to get that pick, and if he doesn't accept arby then, Dave Roberts has been an option I've liked for awhile now.

 

For second base, you could pay for some mediocre players, or you could play Fontenot or Theriot or a combination I'm going to call Fontheriot. They both can OBP high and in combinated with Roberts, give you a nice 1-2 thats cheap and could combine to put together a .360 OBP.

 

I was down on Murton earlier this year, strongly hoping for a Jones/Murton platoon but his splits have been less exagerrated aand he is red hot since the ASB, despite not playing everyday. I think he could pretty easily build on his 1st full season with a .800+ OPS that is OBP heavy. When you weigh that for LF with some options like Carlos Lee whose OPS is more BA dependent, he could outproduce guys like that by 08, without investing a lot. I'd make an offer to Soriano and outside of signing him, not replace Murton in LF.

 

Starting pitching, get some. Schmidt/Zito good top of the rotation, and with the quantity of young guys, I'll just hope that a couple of em can be good back end of the rotation starters.

[The Q]

Pardon my ignorance, I'm a Sox fan and know less about the Cubs than you guys, but...

 

4 pages and nothing about Carlos Lee? I'd call him a pretty big bat.

 

Loretta is a solid #2 guy just because he gets on base at a pretty decent clip. He's also very good around the bag, nice glove.

 

IIRC, Gammons was saying during the season that Toronto actually had alot of interest in Izturis, so I think taht definately would be a realistic option to pursue, although I wouldnt' be shocked to see Julio Lugo end up there either (although I hope he signs with the Sox, even if it's as a CF).

[YearofDaCubs]

C. Lee, Lugo, Schmidt, and Lilly.

[Guancous]

Lilly went berserk and bloodied his manager's nose after he got lifted tonight. I can't blame Gibbons because Lilly gave up 7 runs in 2+ innings after getting spotted 8.

[RonnieWooWooSanto]

Lilly went berserk and bloodied his manager's nose after he got lifted tonight. I can't blame Gibbons because Lilly gave up 7 runs in 2+ innings after getting spotted 8.

 

It seems that Gibbons is the one that brought it to the point of being physical. But who knows for sure until all the details are known?

 

When Lilly left the mound for the locker room, Gibbons followed him. A team trainer and a number of players then ran down the stairs of the tunnel leading to the clubhouse.

 

Cameramen near the dugout saw Gibbons push Lilly first. A television camera later showed Gibbons with a bloody nose.