Play GM/Manager '07.

[A New Era]

You get to play GM in the offseason, and manager in '07. Who would you realistically get in the offseason, and then fill out your line-up card and bench for '07. Here's a chance for everybody to play with the budget, see who you can get, and go after your ideal team next year, do what you'd really want to do. . In my version I unload the contracts of Pierre Dempster and Rusch and go hard after Schmidt and Soriano with all the money that has been free'd up. .

 

 

Aqusitions. .

 

Schmidt - SP

Wood - Closer

Miller - SP

Soriano - 2B

 

Trade/let go

Rusch

Pierre

Dempster

Novoa

 

Rotation

 

Zambrano

Schmidt

Miller

Hill

Prior

 

Line-up

 

Soriano - 2B

Murton - LF

D Lee - 1B

Ramirez - 3B

Jones - RF

Barret - C

Pie - CF

Izturis - SS

P

 

Long Relief

Guzman

Ryu

 

Bullpen

Howry

Eyre

Ohman

Aardsma

FA RP

 

Closer

Wood

 

Bench

Cedeno

Soto <-he's the catcher right?

Moore

FA OF

[biittner77]

If Kerry Wood pitches at all, I'd still want him in the rotation. I realize that he will start the year (whenever his year starts) in the pen but his real value is as a starter.

 

I'll take Jeff Kent at 2nd base

 

Izturis is gone and Cedeno starts at SS

 

Pierre is allowed to leave. If Pie is ready he can start in CF.

 

Murton stays in LF and leads off.

 

lineup

 

LF Murton

2nd Kent

1st Lee

3rd Ramirez

RF Jones

C Barrett

CF Pie

SS Cedeno

P

 

Starting Rotation

Zambrano

Prior- provided he's recovered, I haven't written him off yet

Hill

Dempster- he's as could as most of the other innings eater types that have been suggested

Marshall/ Guzman/ Mateo/ Marmol

 

Closer Wuertz

 

Eyre

Ohman

Howry

Aardsma

whoever comes in 2nd in the 5th starter sweepstakes

 

bench

Soto

Theriot

Pagan

Restovich

Matt Stairs

Bynum

[wastra]

I'd sign a new manager who is familiar with the new-line baseball thinking that considers objective numbers and favors them over "hunches". I don't follow managers closely, so someone else can supply a name here.

 

My #1 roster priority would be the pitching staff.

 

I'd want to land a top-flight starter first. Schmidt would be fine. I'd also advocate getting ANOTHER solid starter (#3-4 type...these type guys shouldn't be that rare).

 

Zambrano

Hill

Schmidt

New Pitcher

Prior(if healthy)/Marshall, Guzman et al

 

I'd bring Wood back if he'd accept the popular incentive laden bullpen deal WITH the understanding his goal is to ork as setup/backup closer as he bulds strength to re-join the rotation. Then give him incentives botha s a start OR close (i.e. innings pitched, games started, save, holds etc) recognizing that he would provide value if he reaches milestones at either. Obviously, starting milestones would pay more than relieving ones.

 

I'd return the rest of the bullpen largely intact, although I might shop Dempster with the whole "he just needs a change of scenery" routine and look for a closer if someone bites- ala Latroy Hawkins to SF.

 

I would try to sign a good 2B, CF, and corner outfielder.

 

Mathews Jr would be a target.

Maybe Soriano for outfield

Kent/Durham at 2B. if I got both a corner and a CF, I'd try to move Jones. I think he may have more value that I give him credit for, but the trade would obviously be to clear roster space rather than to add talent anywhere else.

I doubt we could significantly upgrade the staff 2B, CF, AND Lf, so it would likely be 3 of the 4.

 

Then I'd bring back Blanco, Theriot, Cedeno, and find a good power corner infield backup bat- preferably lefty. Bynum, Pagan, and Restovich would get looks as the 5th outfielder (assuming Murton is the 4th in a platoon role at worst with Jones).

 

 

LF Murton OR Soriano/corner bat

RF Jones OR Murton (if we add a corner bat)

CF Mathews

1B Lee

2B Kent/Durham or Theriot/Cedeno (if we add a corner bat)

3B Ramirez

SS Izturis

C Barrett

 

This is all done with the, I think realistic, approach that we're saddled with Izturis and Rusch next year.

[VanceJergins]

The guys I would try to sign would be Schmidt, Loretta, Wood, and Miller. I would let Pierre, Blanco (even though I love him), and Mabry go, and try to trade Izturis for whatever I could get, even if it nothing. Then I would trade for Andruw Jones. I think a decent package would be something like Marmol, Mateo, Ryu, Aardsma, and Moore (I'd try not to give up Pie, but I'd be willing to). Then I'd platoon J.Jones with Restovich and let Cedeno and Theriot fight for the starting SS spot.

 

2B-Loretta

LF-Murton

1B-Lee

CF-A.Jones

3B-Ramirez

RF-J.Jones/ Restovich

C- Barrett

SS- Theriot/Cedeno

 

Zambrano

Schmidt

Hill

Prior

Miller/Marshall/Guzman/a surprise like Gallagher

 

Closer- Wood

Howry

Eyre

Wuertz

Ohman

Dempster

Miller/Marshall/Guzman

 

Bench:

Soto

Pagan

Restovich

Cedeno/ Theriot

FA bench player with decent power/ or someone like Bynum

 

Edit: First I would sign either Girardi or the Braves guy as manager, and get a whole new coaching staff, maybe Sandberg as hitting coach because I'm in love with him. Also, if I couldnt trade for Jones, I'd try to sign Soriano and try him in center. And if that didnt work, I'd try to trade for Wells for CF. If THAT didnt work, I'd put J.Jones in CF and sign Catalanotto or Nixon for RF. That would be my last choice because we'd still lack power, but we'd have OBP.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I've answered this in a number of threads....

 

but let me quote it again...

 

 

I'd sign Soriano for second, call up Pie for CF, sign Schmidt, sign C. Wilson and Derosa for the bench.

That's near a 100 million payroll.

 

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.

 

Other options:

 

If I failed to sign Soriano, I'd look at Durham at second and possibly Edmonds in CF.

 

I'd also likely see what the Braves would require to obtain Jones. If I had Jones in CF, I'd pursue Durham or Castillo for second.

 

I might also have some interest in Kent at second if I could acquire a decent CF.

[Abe Frohman]

2B - Ryan Theriot

LF - Matt Murton

1B - Derrek Lee

CF - Andruw Jones

3B - Aramis Ramirez

CA - Michael Barrett

RF - Jacque Jones

SS - Cesar Izturis

 

Rotation:

 

Carlos Zambrano

Barry Zito

Jason Schmidt

Rich Hill

Mark Prior

 

Is it a tall order to get Schmidt, Zito, and Andruw Jones - yes. But it is possible. I am the GM. As for manager, I would try to get Larry Dierker or Joe Girardi (not likely). I wouldn't touch the bullpen, but would work in Kerry Wood if he would resign for an incentive filled 2-year contract.

 

I'd love to sign Soriano for 2B, but I'd bet he is gone to the AL. If we can get Soriano....

 

CF - Kenny Lofton/Felix Pie

LF - Matt Murton

1B - Derrek Lee

3B - Aramis Ramirez

2B - Alfonso Soriano

CA - Michael Barrett

RF - Jacque Jones

SS - Cesar Izturis/Ryan Theriot

[TheDude]

I've answered this in numerous other threads as well, and 'my' team looks very much like Vance's.

 

To go more generically, and just speaking strategically, the Cubs must do the 3 following things IMO:

 

- Sign a top of the rotation starter

- Sign a premiere power bat, likely in LF (excepting the first option of Soriano at 2B)

- Bring in an all-around performing, on-base minded 2B if the power bat comes from LF.

 

My ideal scenario is much like Vance's, because it involves Schmidt and Soriano. In that case, the third point falls on Murton in LF.

[Abe Frohman]

I think Murton - given he now has a year under his belt, is going to break out a little in 2007.

[wastra]

I don't like the idea of committing $100 million and COUNTING on Mark Prior to be a starter.

 

I think you have to sign 2 starters, and use Marshall/Guzman/et al as the emergency starters if/when someone goes down. I know they have potential, but none have shown me they can be a regular starter on a contending team YET.

[wade]

I'm no good at projecting lineups, but I think Hendry should see what trades are available. He said last year he'd look at winter meetings as a time to make a big deal and he got Pierre. This year I'd like to see that strategy again, only get a better hitter, a real good pitcher, or both.

 

I guess I'm just afraid it's going to take more than the free agent market to improve the team dramatically.

 

I understand it takes two to trade, but with free agents it's no gimme either, since a ton of teams will be wooing those guys.

[RichHillIsABeast]

C Barrett

1B Lee

2B Marcus Giles (trade)

SS Julio Lugo (FA)

3B Ramirez (FA)

LF Murton

CF Alfonso Soriano (FA)

RF Jones / Craig Wilson (FA)

 

#1 Zambrano

#2 Prior (#2 on ability, not health)

#3 Hill

#4 ?? Scrub FA

#5 Miller

 

I don't think our rotation is fixable this season. I'd like to concentrate on offense. Zambrano and Hill give you chances to win and FA like Zito and Schmidt are going to get ridiculous contracts. We have lefthanded pitching coming up the pipeline anyway with Veal, Pawelek, and Marshall. Not to mention Hill is already here.

 

This organization doesn't develop position prospects. How do you fix that? FA or trade.

 

Bullpen:

 

Howry

Eyre

Wuertz

Ohman

Aardsma

Wood (if he dominates, he can close)

 

Bench:

 

Theriot

Pagan

Branyan

Soto

Restovich or ST stud

 

We need a long reliever, but I'm not sure what to do about that. I'd rather not do the 12 man pitching staff, but Guzman or Novoa are OK.

[ChiCubsFan]

I don't like the idea of committing $100 million and COUNTING on Mark Prior to be a starter.

 

I think you have to sign 2 starters, and use Marshall/Guzman/et al as the emergency starters if/when someone goes down. I know they have potential, but none have shown me they can be a regular starter on a contending team YET.

 

Well for the difference in salary, I think it would be worth it to go with Marshall or Guzman than signing Zito or Schmidt and another starter. However, if we could get Gil Meche signed to a decent contract, I wouldn't be opposed to that.

[fromthestretch]

I don't like the idea of committing $100 million and COUNTING on Mark Prior to be a starter.

 

I think you have to sign 2 starters, and use Marshall/Guzman/et al as the emergency starters if/when someone goes down. I know they have potential, but none have shown me they can be a regular starter on a contending team YET.

 

Well for the difference in salary, I think it would be worth it to go with Marshall or Guzman than signing Zito or Schmidt and another starter. However, if we could get Gil Meche signed to a decent contract, I wouldn't be opposed to that.

 

I posed this question in another thread and didn't get a response: Why do people support the idea of signing Meche? He's never thrown 200 innings in a season, he's gives up a fair share of homers, his career WHIP is terrible, and he's put up those crappy numbers pitching roughly half his games in a pitcher's park. This year, his numbers are OK, but his WHIP is still terrible. The best you could hope for is a Matt Clement type of turnaround from him. I think you could get similar production from one or a combination of the young pitchers the Cubs have.

[Rob]

Wave goodbye to Blanco, Bynum, Mabry, Ohman, Miller and Pierre.

 

Re-sign Aramis. 4/52 with a no trade should get it done.

 

Sign Schmidt (4/48) to bolster the rotation and hand Guzman the #5 spot. I seem to be alone in thinking he can handle it if he stops getting jerked around, but I still have faith. Hill can slot in as the #3, and Prior as a #4.

 

Sign Trot Nixon (3/24) , Craig Wilson (2/9) , and Ray Durham (1/7).

 

Trade Dempster to any team willing to take on his salary.

 

Re-sign Wood to a one year, one million contract with incentives pushing the deal to as much as four million.

 

Trade Izturis, Pie, Ryu, and Aardsma to the Blue Jays for Vernon Wells.

 

2B - Durham (7)

C - Barrett (4.5)

1B - Lee (13)

3B - Aramis (13)

LF - Nixon (8)

CF - Wells (5.6)

RF - Jones (4)

SS - Cedeno (.350)

 

Bench:

 

Wilson (4.5) in a platoon with Jones

Murton (.350) in a platoon with Nixon

Pagan (.350)

Moore (.350)

Theriot (.350) groomed as a UTIL

Soto (.350)

 

SP1 - Zambrano (10ish)

SP2 - Schmidt (12)

SP3 - Hill (.350)

SP4 - Prior (5ish)

SP5 - Guzman (.350)

 

LRP - Marshall (.350)

MRP - Marmol (.350)

MRP - Wuertz (.350)

SU - Wood (4 tops) moving into closer as the season progresses

SU - Eyre (3.5)

CP - Howry (4)

 

Total Payroll: 101.95 million

 

And that's likely assuming higher than realistic paydays for some of those guys. Depending on the coach we get and his preferences for roster construction, we could drop Moore back down to the minors and bring up that 12th pitcher... Mateo would cost the same though.

 

At any rate, that's a solid offense, with a more than solid bench. The pitching staff is a bit top-heavy, but I imagine at least one of Prior and Hill will perform well enough to give us a stellar top 3. We could survive sup-par performances from the 4 and 5 slots. The bullpen would also be quite effective for a relatively low cost.

 

Any comments, suggestions, or questions?

[Rob]

I don't like the idea of committing $100 million and COUNTING on Mark Prior to be a starter.

 

I think you have to sign 2 starters, and use Marshall/Guzman/et al as the emergency starters if/when someone goes down. I know they have potential, but none have shown me they can be a regular starter on a contending team YET.

 

Well for the difference in salary, I think it would be worth it to go with Marshall or Guzman than signing Zito or Schmidt and another starter. However, if we could get Gil Meche signed to a decent contract, I wouldn't be opposed to that.

 

I posed this question in another thread and didn't get a response: Why do people support the idea of signing Meche? He's never thrown 200 innings in a season, he's gives up a fair share of homers, his career WHIP is terrible, and he's put up those crappy numbers pitching roughly half his games in a pitcher's park. This year, his numbers are OK, but his WHIP is still terrible. The best you could hope for is a Matt Clement type of turnaround from him. I think you could get similar production from one or a combination of the young pitchers the Cubs have.

 

I really don't understand why people think Meche is suddenly worth something... it's not even last call yet.

 

Padilla too, for that matter.

[fromthestretch]

Wave goodbye to Blanco, Bynum, Mabry, Ohman, Miller and Pierre.

 

Re-sign Aramis. 4/52 with a no trade should get it done.

 

Sign Schmidt (4/48) to bolster the rotation and hand Guzman the #5 spot. I seem to be alone in thinking he can handle it if he stops getting jerked around, but I still have faith. Hill can slot in as the #3, and Prior as a #4.

 

Sign Trot Nixon (3/24) , Craig Wilson (2/9) , and Ray Durham (1/7).

 

Trade Dempster to any team willing to take on his salary.

 

Re-sign Wood to a one year, one million contract with incentives pushing the deal to as much as four million.

 

Trade Izturis, Pie, Ryu, and Aardsma to the Blue Jays for Vernon Wells.

 

2B - Durham (7)

C - Barrett (4.5)

1B - Lee (13)

3B - Aramis (13)

LF - Nixon (8)

CF - Wells (5.6)

RF - Jones (4)

SS - Cedeno (.350)

 

Bench:

 

Wilson (4.5) in a platoon with Jones

Murton (.350) in a platoon with Nixon

Pagan (.350)

Moore (.350)

Theriot (.350) groomed as a UTIL

Soto (.350)

 

SP1 - Zambrano (10ish)

SP2 - Schmidt (12)

SP3 - Hill (.350)

SP4 - Prior (5ish)

SP5 - Guzman (.350)

 

LRP - Marshall (.350)

MRP - Marmol (.350)

MRP - Wuertz (.350)

SU - Wood (4 tops) moving into closer as the season progresses

SU - Eyre (3.5)

CP - Howry (4)

 

Total Payroll: 101.95 million

 

And that's likely assuming higher than realistic paydays for some of those guys. Depending on the coach we get and his preferences for roster construction, we could drop Moore back down to the minors and bring up that 12th pitcher... Mateo would cost the same though.

 

At any rate, that's a solid offense, with a more than solid bench. The pitching staff is a bit top-heavy, but I imagine at least one of Prior and Hill will perform well enough to give us a stellar top 3. We could survive sup-par performances from the 4 and 5 slots. The bullpen would also be quite effective for a relatively low cost.

 

Any comments, suggestions, or questions?

 

I don't think Nixon's worth that much at this stage of his career, especially if you're going to platoon him. Also, I'd rather have Ohman in the pen with Marshall getting his innings at Iowa as a starter. Marmol should probably be starting at Iowa, as well, with Aardsma taking that bullpen spot.

[goonys evil twin]

I really don't understand why people think Meche is suddenly worth something... it's not even last call yet.

 

Padilla too, for that matter.

 

Gil Meche ERA+ (had half seasons in both 99 and 00)

2003- 97

2004- 86

2005- 85

He's never thrown 200 innings in a season.

 

Padilla ERA+

2002- 116

2003- 114

2004- 96

2005- 96

He's thrown 200+ twice (his first two years as a starter, and is pretty close this year)

 

VP is also have the better 2006 season. I don't think he's worth all that much, but I think he's the type of guy who could help a team that's biggest pitching weakness has been finding guys who can throw every 5th day. He's racked up major innings, and been pretty effective in 3 of his 5 big league starting seasons. GM has been decent this year, but he hasn't been as effective, nor as durable as Padilla.

 

I use Padilla's name because on the list of free agent pitchers who are a decent bet to give you 200 innings next year, but probably aren't going to break the bank (likely making them unattainable for the Cubs), he's probably been the most effective pitcher. He's not exactly a sexy pick, but if he could come to the Cubs and thrown 190+ innings with an ERA+ around 110 next season, that would be something only Zambrano has given this team recently.

[Rob]

I don't think Nixon's worth that much at this stage of his career, especially if you're going to platoon him. Also, I'd rather have Ohman in the pen with Marshall getting his innings at Iowa as a starter. Marmol should probably be starting at Iowa, as well, with Aardsma taking that bullpen spot.

 

I'm assuming the Wells trade would take an Aardsma throw-in.

 

Earl Weaver (who I'm a devout follower of) is adamant that the best way to bring a pitcher into the bigs is through a long relief role. As such, I'd rather have Marshall coming out of the pen... but Ohman still isn't a horrible player, I suppose. I was about 50/50 on that move.

 

I think Nixon's worth whatever it takes to get him. That might only be 2/12, or it could be more. I did mention I purposefully overestimated contract values, just to prove I could bring it in around 100 million in a worst case scenario. At any rate, I do see him having a resurgent season next year. Having another legit LF in Murton would help give him plenty of rest too... keep the bugger healthy. Between the two of them, a .850 or .900 OPS would be about what we'd get out of LF. Acceptible for around 6-8.5 million combined, certainly. Plus, it'd be nice to have an actual bench for once.

 

goony, I still don't get the Padilla love. He's certainly better than Meche (my sock is)... but I don't see the point in giving a good sized contract to an average player. Our system is supposedly stocked with live arms for a reason... I say we try to get some mileage out of them.

[goonys evil twin]

goony, I still don't get the Padilla love. He's certainly better than Meche (my sock is)... but I don't see the point in giving a good sized contract to an average player. Our system is supposedly stocked with live arms for a reason... I say we try to get some mileage out of them.

 

That's what we did this year and they were awful. The Cubs have a lot of good arms, but nothing all that great for next year.

 

It's not Padilla love. It's acknowledging that Hendry is very likely to go after a guy who stands a good chance of throwin 200 effective innings, while realizing they aren't likely to get a Cy Young candidate. Padilla can give the Cubs more than what Maddux gave them the past 2 years. And they do have, at the very least 2 starting spots to fill, and more likely 3. And that is counting on Hill to be a steady guy. You have to be prepared for the possibility that he takes a step back. You can't go Zambrano, Hill, Prior, Marshall, Mateo, Guzman, Marmol next year. It would be negligent, as that same staff was awful this season. They have to bring in somebody, and quite possibly, two somebodies. While it would be nice to get Schmidt and Zito, both of those guys have their own risks, will cost a ton, and most likely won't be Cubs anyway. Padilla is just a name that fits the bill of what I think Hendry would want, with some capability of being good, as opposed to the plethora of crap veteran pitchers out there. He's nothing special, I realize this. And hopefully he won't get the standard 3/27 that so many pitchers have signed in recent years. I'm not in love with the guy. But I'm resigned to the likelihood that the Cubs will get somebody like him, and I believe he is probably the best of the group of pitchers "like him".

[Anomalied]

Starting Lineup

Should be sufficient. There's no way that Pierre could be as bad as he was at the beginning of this year. Theriot is a great contact hitter. Lee and Ramirez are deadly in the middle of the lineup and Jones is good for 25 dingers and 75 RBI. Barrett is one of the best offensive catchers in the bigs while Murton has a high OBP and Izturis could rebound from injury and end up having a great year.

 

1. Juan Pierre (CF)

2. Ryan Theriot (2B)

3. Derrek Lee (1B)

4. Aramis Ramirez (3B)

5. Jacque Jones (RF)

6. Michael Barrett ©

7. Matt Murton (LF)

8. Cesar Izturis (SS)

 

Starting Rotation

Zambrano is a potential Cy Young winner, while Schmidt is a formidable number two. I've got a feeling that '07 could be Prior's return to form. Rich Hill has just been plain filthy lately, hopefully improving next season. Dempster has shown that perhaps his 2005 season in the closer role was a fluke. I'm advocating a return to the rotation. If he fails, substitute Marshall, Guzman, or Mateo.

 

1. Carlos Zambrano

2. Jason Schmidt

3. Mark Prior

4. Rich Hill

5. Ryan Dempster

 

Bullpen

Marmol is a young strikeout pitcher, good for short or long relief. Ohman is your lefty specialist, while Novoa is a durable righty. Eyre, Howry, and Aardsma handle the 7th, 8th, and 9th, respectively.

 

1. Carlos Marmol

2. Michael Wuertz

3. Will Ohman

4. Roberto Novoa

5. Scott Eyre

6. Bobby Howry

7. David Aardsma (closer)

 

Bench

Cedeno plays the 'Neifi' role, while Moore is the younger Mabry. Pagan is an good defensive outfielder with pop. Catalanotto has had a great year with the Jays, may be expensive. Soto is a cheaper Blanco.

 

1. Ronny Cedeno (SS/2B)

2. Scott Moore (1B/3B)

3. Angel Pagan (OF)

4. Frank Catalanotto (OF)

5. Geovany Soto ©

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Welcome!

[goonys evil twin]

Starting Lineup

Should be sufficient. There's no way that Pierre could be as bad as he was at the beginning of this year. Theriot is a great contact hitter. Lee and Ramirez are deadly in the middle of the lineup and Jones is good for 25 dingers and 75 RBI. Barrett is one of the best offensive catchers in the bigs while Murton has a high OBP and Izturis could rebound from injury and end up having a great year.

 

1. Juan Pierre (CF)

2. Ryan Theriot (2B)

3. Derrek Lee (1B)

4. Aramis Ramirez (3B)

5. Jacque Jones (RF)

6. Michael Barrett ©

7. Matt Murton (LF)

8. Cesar Izturis (SS)

 

So you suggest making zero improvements to a piss-poor lineup that has been one of the worst lineups in baseball for years now? You're counting on a lot of ifs and coulds, but I don't see many shoulds. Pierre is as bad as he's been this year, and he could be worse, as he demonstrated last year. There's next to zero possibility that Izturis could end up having a great year, he's a terrible hitter, and fragile as a pitcher.

 

 

And your pitching staff isn't nearly good enough to make up for that weak lineup.

 

The 2006 team failed miserably, and it was destined to fail, and predicted to fail, early on. You are basically advocating the same team plus one pitcher.

 

And Dempster in the rotation? He was a crappy starter to begin with, that's why he became a reliever. You don't fix a shaky reliever by making him a starter.

[frostwyrm]

I strongly suspect Izturis' lack of durability (plus poor offense) will cause him to wear out his welcome by midseason. Hendry doesn't want the shame of another Nomar situation. Not sure which SS Hendry will target.

[goonys evil twin]

I strongly suspect Izturis' lack of durability (plus poor offense) will cause him to wear out his welcome by midseason. Hendry doesn't want the shame of another Nomar situation. Not sure which SS Hendry will target.

 

This midseason or next midseason?

[baseball7897]

Starting Lineup

Should be sufficient. There's no way that Pierre could be as bad as he was at the beginning of this year. Theriot is a great contact hitter. Lee and Ramirez are deadly in the middle of the lineup and Jones is good for 25 dingers and 75 RBI. Barrett is one of the best offensive catchers in the bigs while Murton has a high OBP and Izturis could rebound from injury and end up having a great year.

 

1. Juan Pierre (CF)

2. Ryan Theriot (2B)

3. Derrek Lee (1B)

4. Aramis Ramirez (3B)

5. Jacque Jones (RF)

6. Michael Barrett ©

7. Matt Murton (LF)

8. Cesar Izturis (SS)

 

Starting Rotation

Zambrano is a potential Cy Young winner, while Schmidt is a formidable number two. I've got a feeling that '07 could be Prior's return to form. Rich Hill has just been plain filthy lately, hopefully improving next season. Dempster has shown that perhaps his 2005 season in the closer role was a fluke. I'm advocating a return to the rotation. If he fails, substitute Marshall, Guzman, or Mateo.

 

1. Carlos Zambrano

2. Jason Schmidt

3. Mark Prior

4. Rich Hill

5. Ryan Dempster

 

Bullpen

Marmol is a young strikeout pitcher, good for short or long relief. Ohman is your lefty specialist, while Novoa is a durable righty. Eyre, Howry, and Aardsma handle the 7th, 8th, and 9th, respectively.

 

1. Carlos Marmol

2. Michael Wuertz

3. Will Ohman

4. Roberto Novoa

5. Scott Eyre

6. Bobby Howry

7. David Aardsma (closer)

 

Bench

Cedeno plays the 'Neifi' role, while Moore is the younger Mabry. Pagan is an good defensive outfielder with pop. Catalanotto has had a great year with the Jays, may be expensive. Soto is a cheaper Blanco.

 

1. Ronny Cedeno (SS/2B)

2. Scott Moore (1B/3B)

3. Angel Pagan (OF)

4. Frank Catalanotto (OF)

5. Geovany Soto ©

 

Your bullpen is not that good in my opinion. Need more reliable guys. Novoa, Marmol, and Aardsma have major control problems. Aardsma as the closer is a down grade from Dempster.

 

Your bench is just like your bullpen. Only guy on the bench that catches my eye is Catalanotto.