So what should we do next year?

[synergy]

Murton clearly has to stay.....where do you stick him in RF? or keep him in LF? I don't know what guys will be available for RF after this season. Do we keep the same outfield? Or have Pagan replace Pierre? Pagan is an unknown. But still, I think we need one more power bat. So, I don't know what position do we replace with? It has to be either SS or 2B. Do we keep Izturis and replace Ronny with Soriano at 2B? Or replace Izturis with Tejada and keep Ronny at 2B?

[cubsjunky95]

Murton is coming on but if Hendry has the chance to pull the trigger on a power bat I say do it. Jones isn't going anywhere with that contract and I really see Hendry re-signing Pierre so that might leave Murton as a 4th outfielder. Honestly I wouldnt be upset if Matt Murton is the opening day starter in LF in April '07. Neither Izturis or Cedeno are going anywhere I think Hendry plans for that to be his middle infield of the future.

[A New Era]

If that's the case. And you're probably right. Where the HECK do we improve offensively? If that's his plan, that sucks. We clearly need to say goodbye to SOMEBODY, to improve this offense.

 

If anyone, it will be matt murton unfortunatly to get a power bat in LF. Even though he should think of improving offense at 2B, CF, or RF instead of letting go of Murton. Cedeno, Pierre, and Jones should be ahead of Mutt on the "must part with" list.

[Butterscup1679666578]

C. Lee in LF

Matthews Jr. in CF

Jones/Murton platoon in RF

[RonnieWooWooSanto]

C. Lee in LF

Matthews Jr. in CF

Jones/Murton platoon in RF

 

Matthews Jr. is having a career year? Are those numbers going to stay what they are this season or is he going to revert back to his old numbers?

 

If he reverts back to the old numbers then he will be making a lot of money for numbers not worthy of it.

 

Plus, would he want to come back to a team that traded him once and very well may fire his father after this season?

[Butterscup1679666578]

C. Lee in LF

Matthews Jr. in CF

Jones/Murton platoon in RF

 

Matthews Jr. is having a career year? Are those numbers going to stay what they are this season or is he going to revert back to his old numbers?

 

If he reverts back to the old numbers then he will be making a lot of money for numbers not worthy of it.

 

Plus, would he want to come back to a team that traded him once and very well may fire his father after this season?

 

He is having a great year, but the thing I like is how he's improved nearly every year since 03. His OBP and BA were down last year, but his OPS was still decent. I think as he finally gets more PT, he's finally starting to "get it" at the plate.

 

As for your last point, that very well could be an important factor.

[Soul]

Murton's one of the very few Cub hitters who actually has a respectable OBP.

 

Dumping him for a "power bat" would be sooooooo typical Cubs.

 

 

We'd probably get another Nevin in return. No thanks. I'll take my chances with Murt -- either as an eventual starter, or off the bench. Either way, at least the guy has an OBP more than a few points higher than his avg.

[neely crenshaw]

C. Lee in LF

Matthews Jr. in CF

Jones/Murton platoon in RF

 

the platoon would make sense to everyone but hendry. he did not drop that kind of cash on jones to platoon him. chances are the outfield is exactly the same. if someone goes it will be murton which would be a shame.

we are also looking hard at izturis/cedeno middle for next season. again if someone goes it would be theyoung guy. our only spot to get better is that d.lee will be back.

we either have to hit the starters hard in free agency or we will be only slightly better next year.

i think it willalldepend on how secure hednry feels in his job. if feels pressure, he may deal some kids for bigger name, more proven players if not...status quo, baby!

[Soriano12]

Sign

 

Jason Schmidt

Adam Eaton

 

 

Re-sign

 

Pierre (what other options do we have at this point....Dave Roberts..thats

about it)

[Mizzou]

Sign

 

Jason Schmidt

Adam Eaton

 

 

Re-sign

 

Pierre (what other options do we have at this point....Dave Roberts..thats

about it)

I would've preferred Lofton this year, and I'd prefer him next year too.

[mg420]

2007:

LF murton

CF lofton or jp

RF jj

3b aram

ss izzy

2b fontenot/theriot

1b lee

c barrett/kottaras

 

bench

pagan, restovich bynum

 

sp

z

schmidt

prior or miller

hill

marshall

 

pen:

ohman/rapada

eyre

aardsma

wuertz

guzman

howry

demp

[Ding Dong Johnson]

2007:

LF murton

CF lofton or jp

RF jj

3b aram

ss izzy

2b fontenot/theriot

1b lee

c barrett/kottaras

 

bench

pagan, restovich bynum

 

sp

z

schmidt

prior or miller

hill

marshall

 

pen:

ohman/rapada

eyre

aardsma

wuertz

guzman

howry

demp

 

That really doesn't look much more promising than 2006's team.

[mg420]

2007:

LF murton

CF lofton or jp

RF jj

3b aram

ss izzy

2b fontenot/theriot

1b lee

c barrett/kottaras

 

bench

pagan, restovich bynum

 

sp

z

schmidt

prior or miller

hill

marshall

 

pen:

ohman/rapada

eyre

aardsma

wuertz

guzman

howry

demp

 

That really doesn't look much more promising than 2006's team.

other than a new manager & another year of experience, what changed from 2005 to 2006 for the tigers? a guy like schmidt along with having lee back in the lineup would make a huge difference imo.

[goonys evil twin]

2007:

LF murton

CF lofton or jp

RF jj

3b aram

ss izzy

2b fontenot/theriot

1b lee

c barrett/kottaras

 

bench

pagan, restovich bynum

 

sp

z

schmidt

prior or miller

hill

marshall

 

pen:

ohman/rapada

eyre

aardsma

wuertz

guzman

howry

demp

 

That really doesn't look much more promising than 2006's team.

other than a new manager & another year of experience, what changed from 2005 to 2006 for the tigers? a guy like schmidt along with having lee back in the lineup would make a huge difference imo.

 

Using the "well, it worked out of them" philosophy is not a good way to build a team. This was the same thought process that people used to justify fielding a lineup that was a lock to have a poor OBP. There is no excuse to improve the team as little as that roster would improve this team.

[baseball7897]

2007:

LF murton

CF lofton or jp

RF jj

3b aram

ss izzy

2b fontenot/theriot

1b lee

c barrett/kottaras

 

bench

pagan, restovich bynum

 

sp

z

schmidt

prior or miller

hill

marshall

 

pen:

ohman/rapada

eyre

aardsma

wuertz

guzman

howry

demp

 

Who are the Cubs giving up for Kottaras?

 

Im not sure you can count on Prior or Schmidt staying healthy.

 

You also cant hope for Barrett to have the same yr he is having this year.

 

Hendry needs to add a Power Bat in that lineup.

[daske17]

Using the "well, it worked out of them" philosophy is not a good way to build a team. This was the same thought process that people used to justify fielding a lineup that was a lock to have a poor OBP. There is no excuse to improve the team as little as that roster would improve this team.

 

Welcome to the mind of Jim Hendry

 

2005 Cubs = 2004 Red Sox (all chemistry, all the time)

2006 Cubs = 2005 White Sox (small ball redux)

2007 Cubs = whoever wins it this year

[soccer10k]

Using the "well, it worked out of them" philosophy is not a good way to build a team. This was the same thought process that people used to justify fielding a lineup that was a lock to have a poor OBP. There is no excuse to improve the team as little as that roster would improve this team.

 

Welcome to the mind of Jim Hendry

 

2005 Cubs = 2004 Red Sox (all chemistry, all the time)

2006 Cubs = 2005 White Sox (small ball redux)

2007 Cubs = whoever wins it this year

 

Well then I'm pulling for the Yankees and the Red Sox. They are the top two teams in MLB in OBP.

[mg420]

2007:

LF murton

CF lofton or jp

RF jj

3b aram

ss izzy

2b fontenot/theriot

1b lee

c barrett/kottaras

 

bench

pagan, restovich bynum

 

sp

z

schmidt

prior or miller

hill

marshall

 

pen:

ohman/rapada

eyre

aardsma

wuertz

guzman

howry

demp

 

That really doesn't look much more promising than 2006's team.

other than a new manager & another year of experience, what changed from 2005 to 2006 for the tigers? a guy like schmidt along with having lee back in the lineup would make a huge difference imo.

 

Using the "well, it worked out of them" philosophy is not a good way to build a team. This was the same thought process that people used to justify fielding a lineup that was a lock to have a poor OBP. There is no excuse to improve the team as little as that roster would improve this team.

 

actually i consider it the "go young and rely on your own prospects" philosophy. with the bullpen the cuns have, if they get good starting pitching (ie if they can stay healthy), they dont have to have a great offense to win alot of games. what is oaklands team obp this year? they seem to be doing well with a so-so at best offense and solid pitching.

[mg420]

2007:

LF murton

CF lofton or jp

RF jj

3b aram

ss izzy

2b fontenot/theriot

1b lee

c barrett/kottaras

 

bench

pagan, restovich bynum

 

sp

z

schmidt

prior or miller

hill

marshall

 

pen:

ohman/rapada

eyre

aardsma

wuertz

guzman

howry

demp

 

Who are the Cubs giving up for Kottaras?

 

Im not sure you can count on Prior or Schmidt staying healthy.

 

You also cant hope for Barrett to have the same yr he is having this year.

 

Hendry needs to add a Power Bat in that lineup.

 

a heathy lee to go along with aram, jones & barrett has the makings of a fine offense imo. would wells, shaver & novoa be enough for a guy like kottaras?who knows if he is even available- i assume the padres need pitching more than anything and already have several other good young catchers i their system.

[UMFan83]

"So what should be do next year?"

 

The same thing we try to do every year.....take over the WORLD! Wait, I mean win the World Series (and fail)

[biittner77]

Since Hendry will still be here this off season and will be under a lot of pressure to win now, I don't see any kind of rebuilding effort that most people here would want.

 

Hendry's first order of business will be to sign Ramirez, assuming he opts out of his current contract. Hendry will offer Pierre arbitration and go from there. Some other GM will probably be dumb enough to give Juan Pierre a long term deal. If not Hendry signs Pierre to a one year/ $8 million with a player option in 08 and a team option in 09. With Pierre still in the fold, Hendry will try to strengthen the starting rotation and win with pitching and defense. The difference being that Lee will be healthy, Murton and Cedeno will get better and Izturis or Jones will have a career year. If Pierre is gone then Pagan gets the CF job until Pie is ready.

 

Hendry will concentrate his efforts on landing one starting pitcher through FA and one by trading away some of his young pitchers. Hopefully Veal will not fall victim but he is definitely someone other teams are likely to ask about. Trading Veal this off season could be a huge mistake in the long run but Hendry won't care because he's trying to save his job. Same holds true for Gallagher though he probably wouldn't be as highly sought after.

 

The NL Central is likely to be pretty weak again next year. The Reds should give back a bunch of the wins they added this year- at least from a historical standpoint they should. The Astros lineup is questionable and they lose Clemens and Pettite. The Cards are not the team they once were. They still have Pujols and a rapidly aging Rolen but the rest of their lineup is junk. Milwaukee should be the preseason favorite on the basis of their young talent but they always seem to find their way to mediocrity. As a result, Hendry will not see the need to really do anything overly dramatic. He won't trade Zambrano, Lee or Barrett which is what it would take to rebuild. Purple Monkey ashtray- a Simpson's reference to reflect the fact that no one reads past the first paragraph of a long post.

 

So basically it's going to take improvement from all the youngsters, a career year from a vet and good health to right the ship. Not the best plan to be sure but better than usual for an organization that has always hoped for the best.

[Outshined_One]

a heathy lee to go along with aram, jones & barrett has the makings of a fine offense imo. would wells, shaver & novoa be enough for a guy like kottaras?who knows if he is even available- i assume the padres need pitching more than anything and already have several other good young catchers i their system.

 

Kottaras is the top prospect in the Padres' system and a very good prospect at catcher, especially considering he might get a crack at the starting job in 2007. It'll take a lot to pry him away from them.