Rotoworld Offseason Free agent predictions

[b_wiggy_66]

Pitchers:

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/features/column.aspx?sport=MLB&columnid=2&articleid=24772

 

Hitters:

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/features/column.aspx?sport=MLB&columnid=2

 

His predictions on who the Cubs get:

Aramis Ramirez (Cubs) - 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

 

Juan Pierre (Cubs) - 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 (Padres) - 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 (Nationals) - 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

 

Miguel Batista (Diamondbacks) - It’s hard to get excited about an NL starter with a 4.46 ERA and a 1.56 WHIP, but Batista has durability and versatility on his side. If he stays in the NL, he’ll likely be a reasonable fourth starter for a few more years. The Diamondbacks should make an effort to re-sign him, and the Cubs, Cardinals, Braves and Giants are possibilities to get involved. Prediction: Cubs - two years, $12 million

 

 

Interesting picks if this is what Hendry were to do I wouldbe pretty pissed because I still don't think it would put us over the top.

[RichHillIsABeast]

What makes you think one offseason is going to bring us from the cellar to "over the top?" It's a little unrealistic to expect Hendry to pull off a miracle.

[goonys evil twin]

Interesting picks if this is what Hendry were to do I wouldbe pretty pissed because I still don't think it would put us over the top.

 

It certainly wouldn't considering it's basically staying the same and adding mediocrity.

 

What makes you think one offseason is going to bring us from the cellar to "over the top?" It's a little unrealistic to expect Hendry to pull off a miracle.

 

Hendry has had several offseasons to get it right, he has no other option besides pulling off a miracle.

[jmajew]

If we aren't going to re-sign Pierre we better find a way to trade him before thursday. I don't want to offer him arbitration and then have him take it...it is best that we trade him as soon as possible.

 

I was shocked to learn that Dave Roberts was currently that much better than Pierre. Is the option there to platoon him and Pie next year? Just a thought...

[rawaction]

I'm not liking that Aramis deal. 13M/year isn't horrible, especially for 07-09, but the 5 years makes that an ugly deal. A 33-year old Aramis, with a history of leg problems has a strong possibility of coming back to "Alou" the Cubs....without the big contract year.

 

Roberts is a decent option. At first glance, I didn't like the 2 years, but he is easily tradeable with that contract and leadoff ability. Pie should be ready to take over by this time next year....unless the Cubs are winning.

 

Guillen- yuck. Could have a resurgent year....but he's the RH Jacque Jones, with slightly more OBP ability. And to think he wouldn't be starting over or platooning with Jones....he would play instead of Murton, that would be a disasterous move.

 

Batista is a guy I always pictured as a Cub when he got old and ineffective. I hope to God there's no interest there.

[goonys evil twin]

I'm not liking that Aramis deal. 13M/year isn't horrible, especially for 07-09, but the 5 years makes that an ugly deal. A 33-year old Aramis, with a history of leg problems has a strong possibility of coming back to "Alou" the Cubs....without the big contract year.

 

5 years isn't ideal, but the Cubs don't have much of a choice. Just like Beltran's deal wasn't ideal, but if you want to contend you have to offer it. I'd much rather offer such a deal to a guy who will be 33 when it expires, than to guys who are already in their 30's.

[UMFan83]

If we aren't going to re-sign Pierre we better find a way to trade him before thursday. I don't want to offer him arbitration and then have him take it...it is best that we trade him as soon as possible.

 

I was shocked to learn that Dave Roberts was currently that much better than Pierre. Is the option there to platoon him and Pie next year? Just a thought...

 

We'd still get compensation picks if he leaves right? I would think that is a better "gain" to the organization then whatever teams would be offering for a one month rental.

[rawaction]

I'm not liking that Aramis deal. 13M/year isn't horrible, especially for 07-09, but the 5 years makes that an ugly deal. A 33-year old Aramis, with a history of leg problems has a strong possibility of coming back to "Alou" the Cubs....without the big contract year.

 

5 years isn't ideal, but the Cubs don't have much of a choice. Just like Beltran's deal wasn't ideal, but if you want to contend you have to offer it. I'd much rather offer such a deal to a guy who will be 33 when it expires, than to guys who are already in their 30's.

 

Very good point. And I am on record as saying I would have given the deal to Beltran. I'd probably do it regardless anyway, because like you said, not much choice. He basically holds the Cubs for ransom because there is nothing else out there to replace him and they don't have the resources to fill yet 1 more hole.

[rawaction]

If we aren't going to re-sign Pierre we better find a way to trade him before thursday. I don't want to offer him arbitration and then have him take it...it is best that we trade him as soon as possible.

 

I was shocked to learn that Dave Roberts was currently that much better than Pierre. Is the option there to platoon him and Pie next year? Just a thought...

 

We'd still get compensation picks if he leaves right? I would think that is a better "gain" to the organization then whatever teams would be offering for a one month rental.

 

Agree completely. I'd like to see Pierre traded though just so the temptation isn't there for Hendry. I think we can all agree that if Pierre is traded, it's a good sign he won't be back.

[baseball7897]

Pitchers:

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/features/column.aspx?sport=MLB&columnid=2&articleid=24772

 

Hitters:

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/features/column.aspx?sport=MLB&columnid=2

 

His predictions on who the Cubs get:

Aramis Ramirez (Cubs) - 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

 

Juan Pierre (Cubs) - 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 (Padres) - 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 (Nationals) - 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

 

Miguel Batista (Diamondbacks) - It’s hard to get excited about an NL starter with a 4.46 ERA and a 1.56 WHIP, but Batista has durability and versatility on his side. If he stays in the NL, he’ll likely be a reasonable fourth starter for a few more years. The Diamondbacks should make an effort to re-sign him, and the Cubs, Cardinals, Braves and Giants are possibilities to get involved. Prediction: Cubs - two years, $12 million

 

 

Interesting picks if this is what Hendry were to do I wouldbe pretty pissed because I still don't think it would put us over the top.

 

WOW. Im not expecting much next year.

[Shavo]

Free agent predictions are useless. I hope nobody takes these serious.

[C.C.]

Pitchers:

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/features/column.aspx?sport=MLB&columnid=2&articleid=24772

 

Hitters:

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/features/column.aspx?sport=MLB&columnid=2

 

His predictions on who the Cubs get:

Aramis Ramirez (Cubs) - 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

 

Juan Pierre (Cubs) - 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 (Padres) - 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 (Nationals) - 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

 

Miguel Batista (Diamondbacks) - It’s hard to get excited about an NL starter with a 4.46 ERA and a 1.56 WHIP, but Batista has durability and versatility on his side. If he stays in the NL, he’ll likely be a reasonable fourth starter for a few more years. The Diamondbacks should make an effort to re-sign him, and the Cubs, Cardinals, Braves and Giants are possibilities to get involved. Prediction: Cubs - two years, $12 million

 

 

Interesting picks if this is what Hendry were to do I wouldbe pretty pissed because I still don't think it would put us over the top.

 

WOW. Im not expecting much next year.

 

I just threw up in my mouth...

[oldcubsfan]

I enjoyed both columns immensely, Hot Stove talk in August. But before everyone gets upset, please read this line from the author:

 

". Last year, I was right on Kevin Millar to the Orioles and not a lot else."

[Brian]

They also have Wood going to the Rangers at 1yr 4mill + incentives.

[NorthsideAvenger]

If we aren't going to re-sign Pierre we better find a way to trade him before thursday. I don't want to offer him arbitration and then have him take it...it is best that we trade him as soon as possible.

 

I was shocked to learn that Dave Roberts was currently that much better than Pierre. Is the option there to platoon him and Pie next year? Just a thought...

 

We'd still get compensation picks if he leaves right? I would think that is a better "gain" to the organization then whatever teams would be offering for a one month rental.

 

Only if the Cubs offer arbitration.

[Outshined_One]

Cubs trade candidates: Mark Prior, Jerome Williams, Rich Hill, Will Ohman, and Michael Barrett (zuh?)

 

Glendon Rusch is also listed as a top FA in the 2007/2008 offseason. Hee hee hee.

[NCCubFan]

What makes you think one offseason is going to bring us from the cellar to "over the top?" It's a little unrealistic to expect Hendry to pull off a miracle.

Realistic or not, that's exactly what should be demanded of him in order for him to return after next year. He destroyed the franchise with his moves, he's responsible for fixing it right away.

[RichHillIsABeast]

What makes you think one offseason is going to bring us from the cellar to "over the top?" It's a little unrealistic to expect Hendry to pull off a miracle.

Realistic or not, that's exactly what should be demanded of him in order for him to return after next year. He destroyed the franchise with his moves, he's responsible for fixing it right away.

 

I agree that he's totally responsible for this mess, but don't expect a winning team next season. Hendry isn't capable of pulling off a miracle. He isn't that good, and this organization isn't that lucky. I fully expect Hendry to be gone after next season. :D

 

We can then start from scratch having wasted Z's cheap years and ruined Prior's arm. :(

 

Hopefully Marshall and Hill both step up and reach their ceilings quickly at the league minimum.

[NCCubFan]

I agree that he's totally responsible for this mess, but don't expect a winning team next season. Hendry isn't capable of pulling off a miracle. He isn't that good, and this organization isn't that lucky. I fully expect Hendry to be gone after next season. :D

I think we're saying the same thing with different words. I'm saying a contending team should be demanded as a condition of Hendry returning for 2008. If they don't contend next year sayanara, au revoir, auf wiedersehn, don't let the door hit you on the way out.

[Shilzzz]

jim hendry has to have the greatest offseason of all time in order for the cubs to contend for a championship next season.

[WindyCity]

jim hendry has to have the greatest offseason of all time in order for the cubs to contend for a championship next season.

 

The NL is not that good -- Hendry doesn't have to do much to contend next year. That said-- I fully expect this franchise to screw things up again in the off-season and for the Cubs to waste another golden opportunity in a weak National League.

[Backtobanks]

jim hendry has to have the greatest offseason of all time in order for the cubs to contend for a championship next season.

 

I think Hendry needs to sign a starting pitcher (Schmidt) and make a trade for an impact bat for the Cubs to be in contention next year. With Hill, Marshall, Mateo, Guzman, and Marmol all showing some major league potential, the Cubs have what a lot of teams want (young pitching). Put a couple of those pitchers together with Cedeno and you might get someone like Tejada if Angelos finally wakes up to the status of his team. I dream about the Cubs putting together a good enough package to get Cabrera, but that probably won't happen. I am assuming that Prior can come back and be a decent #3 starter. Finally, let's not forget that the Cubs are in the NL Central where contending might mean winning 88 games.

[jmajew]

If Hendry can manage to raise or team OBP next year up to 335 from the 319 it is this year our offense will be muched improved. Take into account all of our young starting pitchers will have another year of experience thus you can expect them to be better and that the NL Central is going to be so bad next year there is no doubt in my mind we should be able to compete next year. Lofton, Loretta, DLEE, Ramirez, Barrett, Jones, Murton, Izturis is a lot better than the lineup we have been putting out there this year. Everyone in that lineup except Izturis and Jones/Platoon partner will probably have an OBP of 350 or higher.

 

I'm not saying these things will be done but i'm not going to give up hope until I see what Hendry does in the offseason.

[Shilzzz]

jim hendry has to have the greatest offseason of all time in order for the cubs to contend for a championship next season.

 

The NL is not that good -- Hendry doesn't have to do much to contend next year. That said-- I fully expect this franchise to screw things up again in the off-season and for the Cubs to waste another golden opportunity in a weak National League.

 

i don't think hendry has any idea or sort of plan. as of right now he has one good, well great, starting pitcher, a decent to good bullpen(if the right people are kept, ie, wuertz, not novoa), and a few good position players(ramirez, lee, barrett), and everything else is shaky. there is no manager(hopefully) for next year, and they will also (hopefully) need a new pitching/ hitting coach.

 

the free agent market isn't that deep, and when that happens the value in trades always shifts to a sellers market, no matter how many decent pitching prospects that you have you will probably be paying big. with that said, whatever good free agents there are will be able to command that much more(espically pitching after that assinine Oswalt contract).

 

izturis is horrible, as is cedeno.

 

jones is very mediocre, and murton, who will be very good someday, is a tough buy in a corner outfield spot at this point(and if you think the cubs brass are going to platoon the two you are out of your mind).

 

pagan is worthless. nevin could be useful, but for what amount?

 

blanco should be gone and who knows about mabry.

 

one bright spot imo is theroit, but who knows if he's ever going to get that chance? he could be our ryan freel.

 

so where does that leave jim? in a heap of trouble. the turnover since 2003 has been incredible, espically when you think about the kind of season that was.

[CuseCubFan69]

This team won't compete for anything called the playoffs until 2009 at the earliest. There are way too many holes to fill and if they overpay for Ramirez I don't see Hendry spending big bucks for any quality free agents because Ramirez would be the big signing and once again he'll search for such gems as Perez, Macias, Rusch, Estes and Bynum to match up with the big Ramirez signing.