Potential Free Agent Targets

[Magnetic Curses]

I just found that bolded part to be a joke.

 

if only it were. freel will be valued more for his ability to slide around on the field than his ability to not make outs.

[baseball7897]

I just found that bolded part to be a joke.

 

if only it were. freel will be valued more for his ability to slide around on the field than his ability to not make outs.

 

Unless he is falling into the Torii Hunter category, I dont think he will cost you a arm and a leg, due to him being on "web gems".

 

Cedeno, Marshall, Jones, and cash for Freel is insane. If I were the Reds, and I was offered a deal like that, I would accept it in a heat beat.

[Magnetic Curses]

I just found that bolded part to be a joke.

 

if only it were. freel will be valued more for his ability to slide around on the field than his ability to not make outs.

 

Unless he is falling into the Torii Hunter category, I dont think he will cost you a arm and a leg, due to him being on "web gems".

 

Cedeno, Marshall, Jones, and cash for Freel is insane. If I were the Reds, and I was offered a deal like that, I would accept it in a heat beat.

 

are you kidding me? ryan freel is an extremely cheap, extremely effective top of the order hitter who can play nearly anywhere and not hurt a team defensively.

 

1. cedeno never was a player that could be considered a prospect. he could be considered a "project" when taking into account that he looks completely ridiculous at the plate right now, and may never get it together long enough to even be a utility infielder in the major leagues. miguel cairo was a much bigger prospect than cedeno and he was either traded or let go twice by the cubs.

 

2. i'm not sure what the point in keeping marshall is. he's an optical illusion right now, some people think he looks good when he doesn't, so we should take advantage of this situation while we can. he's expendable anyway if hendry is considering bringing in a real pitching staff to surround zambrano.

 

3. jones is nothing special, especially at his salary. if we can nab a player with actual value as opposed to fake value to play right field, trading jones would be easy.

 

4. unfortunately, while freel is making 1.5 mil next season, we will not be able to make the trade without involving cash. none of the players listed are ACTUALLY worth all that much while the return would deliver us a valuable top of the order hitter with OBP (for those who choose to simply admire the game without asking for proof of value, he's fast and can play defense as well.)

 

freel will be expensive, make no mistake about it. i doubt many here would disagree with that.

[David]

I wouldn't mind making it Izturis in that deal instead of Cedeno. I doubt the Reds would be that stupid, though.

 

How sweet would it be to get rid of two of Hendry's mistake contracts for Freel?

[baseball7897]

I wouldn't mind making it Izturis in that deal instead of Cedeno. I doubt the Reds would be that stupid, though.

 

How sweet would it be to get rid of two of Hendry's mistake contracts for Freel?

 

The Cubs would be stupid to deal Izturis.

 

I guess people love a player who makes mental mistakes every time he steps on the field. I guess that makes sense. :? That player is Cedeno btw.

[TruffleShuffle]

I don't think that's enough to get Freel. I'd be thrilled if the Cubs could get him though, especially if they had the brains to stick him at a more "defensive" position like 2B or CF. I think Krivsky is a competent GM, although the Lopez/Kearns trade was pretty baffling. Maybe he'd have another brain fart and get ripped off for Freel too.

[CubsInNC]

Rotoworld's latest off-season Cubs-related guesses:

 

Henry Blanco

Likewise, the Cubs figure to make a strong bid to retain Henry Blanco, who is finishing up a two-year, $2.7 million contract.

 

Michael Barret

Barrett has finally settled in as one of the game’s top offensive catchers, but the Cubs crave defense and could choose to move him, especially since it would take quite a bit of money to keep him beyond next season. The Jays and maybe the Brewers would be interested.

 

Aramis Ramirez

Ramirez can and should opt out of the two years and $22.5 million remaining on his deal with the Cubs. However, it may never come to that, as it appears both Ramirez and the club are very interested in continuing the partnership. The 28-year-old could agree to terms on a new deal before he even has to make a decision on the option. On the off chance that nothing can be worked out, expect the Phillies, Angels, Giants and maybe the Red Sox to be involved in the bidding. Prediction: Cubs - five years, $65 million

 

Tejada

If Tejada again decides he wants out, the Orioles would likely grant his wish. The Angels, Red Sox, Astros and Cubs will be among the potential suitors

 

Carlos Lee

Prediction: Rangers - five years, $65 million

 

Soriano

A $100 million deal might be a possibility. Prediction: Angels - five years, $80 million

 

Pierre

The thinking all along has been that the Cubs didn’t trade three pitchers with the intention of keeping Pierre for just one year, and with Felix Pie still not ready, there’s no obvious reason for the club not to make a big offer to Pierre. Other than him simply not being a very good player, of course. Pierre has guaranteed himself a healthy contract with his performance the last couple of months, but he likely peaked as a player a couple of years ago. He’s not going to put many wins on the board while earning $7 million-$8 million per year. Projection: Nationals - four years, $30 million

 

Dave Roberts

Even though he’s playing in a worse environment for hitters, Roberts has nearly 50 points of OBP on Pierre this year. He’s also probably at least as good of a defensive center fielder, though since he is 34, that could change any day now. The big negative with Roberts is his lack of durability. He should be platooned, not because he’s a liability against lefties but mostly because it might help keep him healthy. He’d make a lot of sense for the Cubs if Pierre leaves. Also, the Twins might pursue him if they decide to proceed without Torii Hunter. Prediction: Cubs - two years, $11 million

 

Jose Guillen

 

Guillen likely could have had at least $30 million over four years from the Nationals in the spring, but he wanted $50 million for five and talks were put on hold until after the season. Now he’s unlikely to get anything more than one-year offers while coming off an injury-filled season that came to a conclusion when he underwent Tommy John surgery. That he needed his elbow reconstructed is an especially big concern considering that his arm was his lone strength as an outfielder. Guillen has the potential to be a nice pickup for some team, but no will make a major investment until he proves he’s healthy. Prediction: Cubs - one year, $5 million

 

They also note that if Torii Hunter and/or Edmonds are shopped or boughtout this winter that the Cubs might head that direction as well.

[Soriano12]

Dave Roberts and Jose Guillen.

 

I could see that. Hendry loves to go dumpster diving in the offseason.

[C.C.]

Dave Roberts and Jose Guillen.

 

I could see that. Hendry loves to go dumpster diving in the offseason.

 

 

Makes me sick!

[CubsInNC]

Dave Roberts and Jose Guillen.

 

I could see that. Hendry loves to go dumpster diving in the offseason.

 

 

Makes me sick!

 

I found their thoughts on Barrett amusing. They talk about it talking quite a bit of money to retain him. Barrett's basically getting about $4mil/yr for 3 years. He's not a $8+mil/year talent.

 

In terms of top paid catchers there are:

 

Kendal 6/60 thru 07

Bengie Molina 7.5mil in 07

Victor Martinez 7mil in 2010

Kenji Johjima 5.5mil

LoDuca 6.25mil thru 07

Brian Schnieder 5mil thru 09

Ramon Hernandez 7-9mil thru 2010

Piazza 8mil

Lieberthanl 7.5 ends in 06

Jason Larue 5mil thru 07

Varitek 9mil thru 08

Javy Lopez 8.5mil

Pudge 11mil in 07, 13mil in 08

Pierzynski 5.5 thru 08

Posada 12mil in 07

 

You can (arguably) toss Piazza's deal out of consideration for how Barret should be paid as it was a 1yr deal for an aging vet. You can also arguably toss out any contract negotiated by the Yankees. Of those catchers who are better overall than Barrett? Kendall, LoDuca, Ramon Hernandez, Varitek, and Pudge. Worse? Johjima, Schneider, maybe Larue. Barrett is gonna cost more than 4mil/year, but not elite catcher level. He doesn't have the power bat or the defense to accompany his OBP/BA. His best chance of "big money" would be from Beane. But to make matters worse for him, he's not even the biggest FA catcher on the market in 07. You've got Molina, Kendall, Larue, LoDuca, Posada on the market that year, and Pudge, AJ, and Varitek the next year which could sway some teams to go with a 1yr stopgap and throw money at the next FAs. Barret's probably going to get ~6-7mil/yr on the market due to the defense concerns and the lack of much power in his bat. And that's not that much of raise, in my eyes.

[goonys evil twin]

Dave Roberts and Jose Guillen.

 

I could see that. Hendry loves to go dumpster diving in the offseason.

 

 

Makes me sick!

 

I found their thoughts on Barrett amusing. They talk about it talking quite a bit of money to retain him. Barrett's basically getting about $4mil/yr for 3 years. He's not a $8+mil/year talent.

 

In terms of top paid catchers there are:

 

Kendal 6/60 thru 07

Bengie Molina 7.5mil in 07

Victor Martinez 7mil in 2010

Kenji Johjima 5.5mil

LoDuca 6.25mil thru 07

Brian Schnieder 5mil thru 09

Ramon Hernandez 7-9mil thru 2010

Piazza 8mil

Lieberthanl 7.5 ends in 06

Jason Larue 5mil thru 07

Varitek 9mil thru 08

Javy Lopez 8.5mil

Pudge 11mil in 07, 13mil in 08

Pierzynski 5.5 thru 08

Posada 12mil in 07

 

You can (arguably) toss Piazza's deal out of consideration for how Barret should be paid as it was a 1yr deal for an aging vet. You can also arguably toss out any contract negotiated by the Yankees. Of those catchers who are better overall than Barrett? Kendall, LoDuca, Ramon Hernandez, Varitek, and Pudge. Worse? Johjima, Schneider, maybe Larue. Barrett is gonna cost more than 4mil/year, but not elite catcher level. He doesn't have the power bat or the defense to accompany his OBP/BA. His best chance of "big money" would be from Beane. But to make matters worse for him, he's not even the biggest FA catcher on the market in 07. You've got Molina, Kendall, Larue, LoDuca, Posada on the market that year, and Pudge, AJ, and Varitek the next year which could sway some teams to go with a 1yr stopgap and throw money at the next FAs. Barret's probably going to get ~6-7mil/yr on the market due to the defense concerns and the lack of much power in his bat. And that's not that much of raise, in my eyes.

 

I think you grossly mischaracterize the rankings of catchers. Barrett doesn't have the power bat, but LoDuca ranks ahead of him? MB is the 2nd best hitting catcher in all of baseball, and probably the biggest power threat of any of the catchers. He will get $8m per easily, and could get as much as $10-12m if he repeats his 2006 numbers in 2007.

[Magnetic Curses]

I don't think that's enough to get Freel. I'd be thrilled if the Cubs could get him though, especially if they had the brains to stick him at a more "defensive" position like 2B or CF. I think Krivsky is a competent GM, although the Lopez/Kearns trade was pretty baffling. Maybe he'd have another brain fart and get ripped off for Freel too.

 

you don't think there's enough perceived value in cedeno, marshall, and jones + cash? you could be right.

 

personally, i'd be desperate to sell jones during the offseason, and i think that he has enough inflated value to be a key piece in a trade, considering we eat a lot of his salary, though.

 

i'd throw in howry instead of cedeno if that's what it would take to get the job done, but i wouldn't absorb his contract.

[David]

I wouldn't mind making it Izturis in that deal instead of Cedeno. I doubt the Reds would be that stupid, though.

 

How sweet would it be to get rid of two of Hendry's mistake contracts for Freel?

 

The Cubs would be stupid to deal Izturis.

 

I guess people love a player who makes mental mistakes every time he steps on the field. I guess that makes sense. :? That player is Cedeno btw.

 

Yea, they'd be stupid to trade an overpaid terrible player (defensive replacement at best).

 

The biggest difference between Cedeno and Izturis has nothing to do with what either player does on the field. It's about $4 million that could be better spent elsewhere (like on anyone that doesn't suck).

[CubsInNC]

I think you grossly mischaracterize the rankings of catchers. Barrett doesn't have the power bat, but LoDuca ranks ahead of him? MB is the 2nd best hitting catcher in all of baseball, and probably the biggest power threat of any of the catchers. He will get $8m per easily, and could get as much as $10-12m if he repeats his 2006 numbers in 2007.

 

Even if NONE of them rank ahead of him, Barret does NOT rank ahead of the ANY of the catchers in the 7-8mil range, and nor should he ever be in a discussion that pays him equal to what Pudge gets paid. Never. If that what he wants and gets, good riddance. His offense is his ONLY asset. Once that declines OR his knees/back give out, he's nothing more than a part-time C/PH/DH at best. And since he will be 31 before that season starts, the chances of him living out a long-term deal and being tradeable or useful in year 3 or 4 of a multi-year 10+mil/yr deal are slim to none.

[David]

I think you grossly mischaracterize the rankings of catchers. Barrett doesn't have the power bat, but LoDuca ranks ahead of him? MB is the 2nd best hitting catcher in all of baseball, and probably the biggest power threat of any of the catchers. He will get $8m per easily, and could get as much as $10-12m if he repeats his 2006 numbers in 2007.

 

QFAT

[goonys evil twin]

Even if NONE of them rank ahead of him, Barret does NOT rank ahead of the ANY of the catchers in the 7-8mil range, and nor should he ever be in a discussion that pays him equal to what Pudge gets paid. Never.

 

I'm not saying I want to sign him to a 4/$40 million deal, I'm just saying you were dead wrong in your assessment of the offensive quality of catchers, and you are probably underestimating what MB could get after next year. If he comes close to repeating 2006, there's no doubt he'll make a ton. He and Mauer are the elite offensive catchers in baseball.

[Andy]

Blanco should not be retained, the Cubs should have an open competition between Soto and Fox to back up Barrett next March.

 

Jose Guillen would be a decent low-risk pickup, and I like the idea of Dave Roberts in center field. But unless the Cubs move Jacque, there's no room in the outfield for Guillen, unless of course the Cubs make the stupid decision to trade Murton.

 

So what Rotoworld thinks combined with what I think would presume something like:

 

C - Barrett, Fox/Soto

1B - Lee, Nevin (if he will accept a bench role)

2B - Cedeno, Theriot

SS - Izturis, Theriot

3B - Aramis (re-signed to a Lee-type deal)

LF - Murton/Guillen/Pagan

CF - Roberts

RF - Jones/Guillen

Util - Bynum

 

SP - Zambrano, Prior, Mateo, Marshall, Marmol/Guzman/fill in FA pickup here

RP - Dempster, Howry, Eyre, Wuertz, Novoa, Wood (signed to 1/5.5 with player option for 2nd year at 6.5)

 

There's 2-3 slots still left for FA pickups and whatnot

[OBPMatters]

Is Fox even catching anymore? I thought he's been playing a lot of OF since Robinson came over. Regardless, he's a poor catcher.

[Andy]

Is Fox even catching anymore? I thought he's been playing a lot of OF since Robinson came over. Regardless, he's a poor catcher.

He was in the Minor League Player of the Year voting as a catcher and no one mentioned that he had moved, so I don't know.

[CubColtPacer]

I sure hope we do not sign a player like Guillen for the outfield. That is the exact type of player we do not need-Guillen has always hit better against right handers than left handers for some reason. We need to find a guy who can drill left handed pitching so we can platoon him with Jacque. Any opinions out there on who that guy could be (if we don't go home-grown and go with somebody like Restovich)?