Soriano rumor....

[Sammy Sofa]

Soriano should hit 5th if he was on the Cubs, period. He drives the ball too much to be wasted near the top of the order. He steals bases, fine--let him steal them from the 5 spot. Michael Barrett and Jock Jones will thank him for the RBI opportunities.

 

No, it is much MORE important to have Soriano's bat protecting Ramirez. Not that I have any delusions the Cubs will actually acquire Fonzie, but it's fun to think it out.

I agree 100%. It's a waste of his slugging power to have him bat leadoff. Especially if his BB/PA reverts, we want that power lower in the lineup.

 

Oh, I totally agree as well. I'm just thinking that knowing the Cubs they're probably going to keep him at the top of the lineup, in which case I'd rather see him hitting second instead of first.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Ideally, Soriano would hit lower in the order. But if having Soriano leading off means we can have a player like Edmonds in CF, I could live with Soriano leading off because frankly position in the batting order is less important than having talented players in the order to begin with.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Furthermore, I'd be tempted to let Pie play CF if Soriano is signed.

 

2b Soriano

LF Murton

1b Lee

3b Ramirez

RF Jones

C Barrett

CF Pie

SS Izturis

 

That's not a horrible line-up. Use the excess money to sign Schmidt for the rotation.

[mg420]

Soriano should hit 5th if he was on the Cubs, period. He drives the ball too much to be wasted near the top of the order. He steals bases, fine--let him steal them from the 5 spot. Michael Barrett and Jock Jones will thank him for the RBI opportunities.

 

No, it is much MORE important to have Soriano's bat protecting Ramirez. Not that I have any delusions the Cubs will actually acquire Fonzie, but it's fun to think it out.

I agree 100%. It's a waste of his slugging power to have him bat leadoff. Especially if his BB/PA reverts, we want that power lower in the lineup.

 

soriano only hits well when he leads off. other teams have tried to drop him down in the lineup and his production falls way off.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

soriano only hits well when he leads off. other teams have tried to drop him down in the lineup and his production falls way off.

 

That's not true. Link

[mg420]

soriano only hits well when he leads off. other teams have tried to drop him down in the lineup and his production falls way off.

 

That's not true. Link

i stand corrected. he hasnt done too bad in the 5th spot but has lesser production everywhere else. his obp does fall to a measly .316 at #5 though.

[erik316wttn]

Wow.

 

I didn't realize that Soriano has walked over 60 times this year, almost doubling his previous career high.

 

He's got an isolated patience over .70. If he could keep that up next year, I could live with him. And I'll take anyone at 2B over RonCe.

 

Go get him!

 

I had the exact same reaction when I looked up his stats. his power is up as well likely as a consequence.

 

Do you really think this newfound patience would continue in this organization, though?

 

Sans Dusty? Perhaps.

 

I don't think Hendry is as anti-OBP as Dusty is.

 

He may not be anti-OBP, but he sure as hell doesn't value it. I can almost guarantee you given this organization's track record that we'll hire yet another manager after Dusty that has an antiquated view of the game and refuses to acknowledge the walk as a desireable thing. Also one that believes all of his pitchers should pitch 250 innings.

[A New Era]

If we got Soriano I'd take Pie too. And then spend that Pierre money saved to go toward your 1 great starter.

[soapy]

Furthermore, I'd be tempted to let Pie play CF if Soriano is signed.

 

2b Soriano

LF Murton

1b Lee

3b Ramirez

RF Jones

C Barrett

CF Pie

SS Izturis

 

That's not a horrible line-up. Use the excess money to sign Schmidt for the rotation.

This is pretty much my ideal lineup, Vance. I agree that saving money by playing Pie in CF allows the Cubs to upgrade SP (which is very much needed). Make sure Jones has a nice platoon partner, and make sure you have someone on the bench who can play CF in case Pie completely bombs. I'd probably change the batting order, but that's not really a big concern for me.

 

Now, if Soriano could/would play CF, that would absolutely be a great way to go. I just don't see that happening.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Furthermore, I'd be tempted to let Pie play CF if Soriano is signed.

 

2b Soriano

LF Murton

1b Lee

3b Ramirez

RF Jones

C Barrett

CF Pie

SS Izturis

 

That's not a horrible line-up. Use the excess money to sign Schmidt for the rotation.

This is pretty much my ideal lineup, Vance. I agree that saving money by playing Pie in CF allows the Cubs to upgrade SP (which is very much needed). Make sure Jones has a nice platoon partner, and make sure you have someone on the bench who can play CF in case Pie completely bombs. I'd probably change the batting order, but that's not really a big concern for me.

 

Now, if Soriano could/would play CF, that would absolutely be a great way to go. I just don't see that happening.

 

I'll run payroll figures later when I don't have a class, but signing Soriano for second and letting Pie be the CF, here is a possible roster(bolded are FA aquisitions):

 

C Barrett

1b Lee

2b Soriano

SS Izturis

3b Ramirez

Lf Murton

CF Pie

RF Jones

 

SP Zambrano

SP Schmidt

SP Prior

SP Hill

SP: Marshall/Guzman/Mateo/Marmol

 

Bench:

Soto C

Theriot 3b/SS/2b

C. Wilson 1b/RF

Pagan OF

Mark Derosa 3b/ss/2b/of

 

Bullpen:

Dempster

Eyre

Howry

Wuertz

Ohman

Aardsma

 

There is still depth for SP as there will be four guys sent to Iowa in whichever is not the fifth starter. Furthermore sending Novoa to Iowa will allow for some bullpen depth as well.

 

Cedeno also isn't included in the above either. He could be on the major league bench or sent to get at bats in Iowa.

 

This roster should be affordable. There's some limited power on the bench and the bench still has some versatility.

 

On another avenue, if money were available and Pie is deemed not ready, I wouldn't hesitate to explore Mike Cameron as an option for CF or to look at Edmonds if the Cardinals decline his option.

[JWCUB]

Furthermore, I'd be tempted to let Pie play CF if Soriano is signed.

 

2b Soriano

LF Murton

1b Lee

3b Ramirez

RF Jones

C Barrett

CF Pie

SS Izturis

 

That's not a horrible line-up. Use the excess money to sign Schmidt for the rotation.

This is pretty much my ideal lineup, Vance. I agree that saving money by playing Pie in CF allows the Cubs to upgrade SP (which is very much needed). Make sure Jones has a nice platoon partner, and make sure you have someone on the bench who can play CF in case Pie completely bombs. I'd probably change the batting order, but that's not really a big concern for me.

 

Now, if Soriano could/would play CF, that would absolutely be a great way to go. I just don't see that happening.

 

I'll run payroll figures later when I don't have a class, but signing Soriano for second and letting Pie be the CF, here is a possible roster(bolded are FA aquisitions):

 

C Barrett

1b Lee

2b Soriano

SS Izturis

3b Ramirez

Lf Murton

CF Pie

RF Jones

 

SP Zambrano

SP Schmidt

SP Prior

SP Hill

SP: Marshall/Guzman/Mateo/Marmol

 

Bench:

Soto C

Theriot 3b/SS/2b

C. Wilson 1b/RF

Pagan OF

Mark Derosa 3b/ss/2b/of

 

Bullpen:

Dempster

Eyre

Howry

Wuertz

Ohman

Aardsma

 

There is still depth for SP as there will be four guys sent to Iowa in whichever is not the fifth starter. Furthermore sending Novoa to Iowa will allow for some bullpen depth as well.

 

Cedeno also isn't included in the above either. He could be on the major league bench or sent to get at bats in Iowa.

 

This roster should be affordable. There's some limited power on the bench and the bench still has some versatility.

 

On another avenue, if money were available and Pie is deemed not ready, I wouldn't hesitate to explore Mike Cameron as an option for CF or to look at Edmonds if the Cardinals decline his option.

 

You might as well pencil Woody into the Bullpen. I do believe that he will be re-signed to a 1 year deal just to see how he does there. I could be wrong, but that is what I see happening.

[TheDude]

I've read from numerous posters that 'Hendry won't go after Soriano' or something to that affect. Can I ask why folks feel this way? Is this just general anti-Hendry sentiment, or with a justifiable line of thinking?

 

I see it this way:

 

-The Cubs have positional needs at either LF or 2B, conveniently the two positions Soriano can play (I didn't say play well defensively).

-Hendry has been known to have an interest in Soriano for years.

-Hendry is a tools-infatuated GM and Soriano is the poster-boy of toolsy players.

-The Cubs have some money to spend.

-Signing Soriano to play 2B allows the Cubs to keep and develop Murton, a fan favorite who may not have a position on the team next year.

-The Cubs can have enough young talent on the roster to offset another big contract player, if they so choose. Murton, Hill, and Marshall as regulars and likely one or two kids as bullpen pitchers.

-Hendry has a reputation for shying away from big contracts. But it is worth noting that reputation applies primarily to pitchers.

 

I understand people have their doubts of Hendry. But from a basic 'fit analysis' of the player, the team, and the GM, I see no reason why Hendry wouldn't be all over Soriano. I should note also this is abstract analysis of the situation, not a personal advocation to go after Soriano.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Here is a payroll implication of my proposed moves.

 

C Barrett- 4.5 million

1b Lee - 13 million

2b – Soriano (signs 5/70 deal)- 14 million

SS Izturis – 4 million

3b Ramirez- 13 million (4/52 extension)

LF Murton- 350 K (est)

CF Pie- 330 K

RF Jones- 4 million

SP Zambrano- 10 million (est)

SP Schmidt (4/45- structured 10,11,12,12)- 10

SP Prior 4.5 million (est)

SP Hill 350 K

SP Marshall/Mateo/Marmol/Ryu/Guzman- 350 K

 

Bullpen: Dempster (5 million), Howry (4 million), Eyre (3.5 million), Ohman (1 million- est), Wuertz (350 K), and Aardsma (350 K)

 

Bench:

Soto- 330 K

Theriot- 330 K

C. Wilson (2 year 7.5 million contract)- 3.5

Pagan – 350 K

DeRosa (2 year 4.5 million contract)- 2.25

 

That’s a total payroll of 99.76 million.

 

There will be a few other additons that push it just over 100 million, escpecially adding in money we will pay to Rusch.

 

If the Cubs push the payroll to 105-107 million range, there would be enough money to pursue Edmonds or Cameron for CF.

 

I think this roster is very doable.

 

I'd like someone to run a simulation and let me know if that line-up would be strong enough.

[BigbadB]

If Craig Wilson is a FA, I see him in the AL. He's lost a lot of at bats over the years playing in the NL.

[TheDude]

Vance, I see the Cubs going cheaper on the bench than Wilson and DeRosa and signing Pierre instead.

 

Otherwise I could easily see Hendry pursuing this roster and it is a believable projection. It's not a complete overhaul or blown-up scenario, instead it only requires a small number of transactions concentrated on high-end talent.

[BigbadB]

Vance, I see the Cubs going cheaper on the bench than Wilson and DeRosa and signing Pierre instead.

 

Otherwise I could easily see Hendry pursuing this roster and it is a believable projection. It's not a complete overhaul or blown-up scenario, instead it only requires a small number of transactions concentrated on high-end talent.

 

If we could get Lugo signed rather than Pierre, Pie's position for the next 10 years won't be blocked. There's your lead off guy. Either Izturis or Lugo can play SS or 2nd.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Vance, I see the Cubs going cheaper on the bench than Wilson and DeRosa and signing Pierre instead.

 

Otherwise I could easily see Hendry pursuing this roster and it is a believable projection. It's not a complete overhaul or blown-up scenario, instead it only requires a small number of transactions concentrated on high-end talent.

 

If we could get Lugo signed rather than Pierre, Pie's position for the next 10 years won't be blocked. There's your lead off guy. Either Izturis or Lugo can play SS or 2nd.

 

But I can easily see Hendry viewing Soriano as a lead-off man, negating the need to pay for Pierre's services. If Soriano is signed to play second, I don't see Hendry going after Lugo. He'll have his SS in Izturis, and I think if Soriano is brought in, it will be to play secondbase.

[TheDude]

Vance, I see the Cubs going cheaper on the bench than Wilson and DeRosa and signing Pierre instead.

 

Otherwise I could easily see Hendry pursuing this roster and it is a believable projection. It's not a complete overhaul or blown-up scenario, instead it only requires a small number of transactions concentrated on high-end talent.

 

If we could get Lugo signed rather than Pierre, Pie's position for the next 10 years won't be blocked. There's your lead off guy. Either Izturis or Lugo can play SS or 2nd.

 

But I can easily see Hendry viewing Soriano as a lead-off man, negating the need to pay for Pierre's services. If Soriano is signed to play second, I don't see Hendry going after Lugo. He'll have his SS in Izturis, and I think if Soriano is brought in, it will be to play secondbase.

 

I don't see Hendry slotting a 40 HR at the lead-off slot, speed or not.

[goonys evil twin]

Vance, I see the Cubs going cheaper on the bench than Wilson and DeRosa and signing Pierre instead.

 

Otherwise I could easily see Hendry pursuing this roster and it is a believable projection. It's not a complete overhaul or blown-up scenario, instead it only requires a small number of transactions concentrated on high-end talent.

 

If we could get Lugo signed rather than Pierre, Pie's position for the next 10 years won't be blocked. There's your lead off guy. Either Izturis or Lugo can play SS or 2nd.

 

But I can easily see Hendry viewing Soriano as a lead-off man, negating the need to pay for Pierre's services. If Soriano is signed to play second, I don't see Hendry going after Lugo. He'll have his SS in Izturis, and I think if Soriano is brought in, it will be to play secondbase.

 

I don't see Hendry slotting a 40 HR at the lead-off slot, speed or not.

 

I wouldn't think so, but speed is Jim's number 1 priority for that position. And he's pretty much followed the "make the player happy" strategy. Soriano sees himself as a leadoff man, and has practically demanded the spot, hitting there all this year (and wasting his .600 SLG in that spot). I would guess Soriano would demand the leadoff spot in his negotiations, or at least make it clear that's what he wants. And Hendry is exactly the type of GM that would greenlight misusing a player.

[CuseCubFan69]

Here is a payroll implication of my proposed moves.

 

C Barrett- 4.5 million

1b Lee - 13 million

2b – Soriano (signs 5/70 deal)- 14 million

SS Izturis – 4 million

3b Ramirez- 13 million (4/52 extension)

LF Murton- 350 K (est)

CF Pie- 330 K

RF Jones- 4 million

SP Zambrano- 10 million (est)

SP Schmidt (4/45- structured 10,11,12,12)- 10

SP Prior 4.5 million (est)

SP Hill 350 K

SP Marshall/Mateo/Marmol/Ryu/Guzman- 350 K

 

Bullpen: Dempster (5 million), Howry (4 million), Eyre (3.5 million), Ohman (1 million- est), Wuertz (350 K), and Aardsma (350 K)

 

Bench:

Soto- 330 K

Theriot- 330 K

C. Wilson (2 year 7.5 million contract)- 3.5

Pagan – 350 K

DeRosa (2 year 4.5 million contract)- 2.25

 

That’s a total payroll of 99.76 million.

 

There will be a few other additons that push it just over 100 million, escpecially adding in money we will pay to Rusch.

 

If the Cubs push the payroll to 105-107 million range, there would be enough money to pursue Edmonds or Cameron for CF.

 

I think this roster is very doable.

 

I'd like someone to run a simulation and let me know if that line-up would be strong enough.

 

So you bid farewell to Mr. Wood? I don't see Wilson leaving the Yanks and signing a small part time role for the Cubs. Could a minor league AAAA guy like Restovich take his place and the money goes elsewhere?

[HoopsCubs]

I've read from numerous posters that 'Hendry won't go after Soriano' or something to that affect. Can I ask why folks feel this way? Is this just general anti-Hendry sentiment, or with a justifiable line of thinking?

 

Ken Rosenthal thinks the Cubs may be interested in having Soriano play CF.

 

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5977638

 

"The Cubs view Soriano as an option in center."

[C.C.]

I've read from numerous posters that 'Hendry won't go after Soriano' or something to that affect. Can I ask why folks feel this way? Is this just general anti-Hendry sentiment, or with a justifiable line of thinking?

 

Ken Rosenthal thinks the Cubs may be interested in having Soriano play CF.

 

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5977638

 

"The Cubs view Soriano as an option in center."

 

I was just going to post this also...Interesting...

[CuseCubFan69]

I've read from numerous posters that 'Hendry won't go after Soriano' or something to that affect. Can I ask why folks feel this way? Is this just general anti-Hendry sentiment, or with a justifiable line of thinking?

 

Ken Rosenthal thinks the Cubs may be interested in having Soriano play CF.

 

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5977638

 

"The Cubs view Soriano as an option in center."

 

That's just Mr. Hendry trying to scare Pierre into signing.

[cubweiser03]

You guys must of missed the game yesterday. There is no need for Soriano to play secondbase with the big bopping bat of The Riot.

 

I was a little worried Soriano's OBP imrovement might have something to due with Washington's lineup but i dont think so. He has improved his P/PA from about 3.60 to 3.90 and he is actually striking out more. I know, i think its actually a good sign for him. He does have about 10 more IBB than he has had in years past, so his roughlyt 30 BB improvement is really like 20.

 

I really dont care if they overpay for him. I dont think it hurts a team to overpay for a very productive player. Id be more inclined to overpay for him playing 2b or CF than LF, but id still overpay for him playing LF.

 

I dont know what the MLB average is for hitters GB/FB ratio but Soriano is way more tilted to FB than Lee and Aramis. Soriano is .57, Lee is 1.02 and Aramis is .86. I think this is a good characteristic for Soriano to have for playing at Wrigley.

[CuseCubFan69]

How old is Soriano?