Mock Headline #2

[goonys evil twin]

Is there something about Lowell that does interest you?

 

The fact that he's seemingly available via trade, only has 1 year left on his contract, plays good D and has an OPS over 800 interested me. Of course, I'd much rather have ARod, Miguel Cabrera or Troy Glaus, but I don't think they're available. And Morgan Ensberg intrigues me, but I'm not sure if Houston would trade him and what his injury situation is.

 

If Aramis walks, what would be your plan for 3B?

 

He's got as many red flags as Blalock, without the upside. He's older, was brutal in 2005, and has been terrible in the 2nd half of 2006. I'm not saying I want Hank, but if nothing about him interests you, nothing about Lowell should interest you either.

[HoopsCubs]

Is there something about Lowell that does interest you?

 

The fact that he's seemingly available via trade, only has 1 year left on his contract, plays good D and has an OPS over 800 interested me. Of course, I'd much rather have ARod, Miguel Cabrera or Troy Glaus, but I don't think they're available. And Morgan Ensberg intrigues me, but I'm not sure if Houston would trade him and what his injury situation is.

 

If Aramis walks, what would be your plan for 3B?

 

He's got as many red flags as Blalock, without the upside. He's older, was brutal in 2005, and has been terrible in the 2nd half of 2006. I'm not saying I want Hank, but if nothing about him interests you, nothing about Lowell should interest you either.

 

Understood, but if Aramis walks, what would be your plan to backfill 3B?

[Andy]

I don't think Hendry would make either of those deals. He likes Murton, he used to like Cedeno (not sure if his opinion's colored by this season, probably not), and he likes Izturis too much to give him up for Lowell.

[goonys evil twin]

Is there something about Lowell that does interest you?

 

The fact that he's seemingly available via trade, only has 1 year left on his contract, plays good D and has an OPS over 800 interested me. Of course, I'd much rather have ARod, Miguel Cabrera or Troy Glaus, but I don't think they're available. And Morgan Ensberg intrigues me, but I'm not sure if Houston would trade him and what his injury situation is.

 

If Aramis walks, what would be your plan for 3B?

 

He's got as many red flags as Blalock, without the upside. He's older, was brutal in 2005, and has been terrible in the 2nd half of 2006. I'm not saying I want Hank, but if nothing about him interests you, nothing about Lowell should interest you either.

 

Understood, but if Aramis walks, what would be your plan to backfill 3B?

 

If I could get ARod or Tejada for 3B, then I'd try to field a team that could win in 2007. Otherwise, I'd start a massive overhaul.

 

 

Actually, I'd do what I would do regardless of Ramirez leaving, offer the farm for Cabrera.

[Guest]

Is there something about Lowell that does interest you?

 

The fact that he's seemingly available via trade, only has 1 year left on his contract, plays good D and has an OPS over 800 interested me. Of course, I'd much rather have ARod, Miguel Cabrera or Troy Glaus, but I don't think they're available. And Morgan Ensberg intrigues me, but I'm not sure if Houston would trade him and what his injury situation is.

 

If Aramis walks, what would be your plan for 3B?

 

He's got as many red flags as Blalock, without the upside. He's older, was brutal in 2005, and has been terrible in the 2nd half of 2006. I'm not saying I want Hank, but if nothing about him interests you, nothing about Lowell should interest you either.

 

Understood, but if Aramis walks, what would be your plan to backfill 3B?

 

If I could get ARod or Tejada for 3B, then I'd try to field a team that could win in 2007. Otherwise, I'd start a massive overhaul.

 

 

Actually, I'd do what I would do regardless of Ramirez leaving, offer the farm for Cabrera.

 

 

I think I would only do that if Ramirez stays. If not we are going to need the farm when the team builds up enough talent to be good again.

[goonys evil twin]

I think I would only do that if Ramirez stays. If not we are going to need the farm when the team builds up enough talent to be good again.

 

I don't have the heart for going through another "we'll be fine once the farm starts delivering" stage. If I could get a young superstar, I take it, then hope my financial advantage gives me the chance to acquire the rest of the pieces I'd need.

[Guest]

I would be more enthused about such a prospect if I believed Hendry was capable of formulating a plan to win. Cabrera is going to eat up a lot of dollars in a couple years so your best bet is to win with him now. I would give up Pie in a heartbeat but I think Veal may be contributing really soon. I guess I would trade anyone but Veal and Hill when it comes down to it.

[NCCubFan]

Yep, the boat is sinking and Hendry would be trying to fill the holes with toothpicks.

And with Dusty gone, he won't even have access to the toothpicks. :D

[UMFan83]

When told that Lowell hit .252/.315/.413 after the all star break, which was close to being in line with his disastrous 2005 line of .236/.298/.360, Jim Hendry responded, "How can a guy have three batting averages?"

 

 

What a terrible series of moves that would be. They go from having great 3B production and crap SS production to crap 3B production and great SS production. And they leave LF wide open to more crap production.

 

Definitely LOLed at that comment.

[NorthsideAvenger]

Is there something about Lowell that does interest you?

 

The fact that he's seemingly available via trade, only has 1 year left on his contract, plays good D and has an OPS over 800 interested me. Of course, I'd much rather have ARod, Miguel Cabrera or Troy Glaus, but I don't think they're available. And Morgan Ensberg intrigues me, but I'm not sure if Houston would trade him and what his injury situation is.

 

If Aramis walks, what would be your plan for 3B?

 

He's got as many red flags as Blalock, without the upside. He's older, was brutal in 2005, and has been terrible in the 2nd half of 2006. I'm not saying I want Hank, but if nothing about him interests you, nothing about Lowell should interest you either.

 

Understood, but if Aramis walks, what would be your plan to backfill 3B?

 

Hoops, I kknow the question is for gooney, but I am going to hijack it and give my two $.02. If ARam walks, I think the Cubs should stick Moore at third base (would be better then trading MORE young/cheap players for a guy like Blalock or Lowell), unless the Cubs get a bargain, which I don't' see happening.

[HoopsCubs]

Hoops, I kknow the question is for gooney, but I am going to hijack it and give my two $.02. If ARam walks, I think the Cubs should stick Moore at third base (would be better then trading MORE young/cheap players for a guy like Blalock or Lowell), unless the Cubs get a bargain, which I don't' see happening.

 

NA,

 

That's fine, but then we better get at least 2 sluggers at LF, CF, SS or 2B.

[Guest]

Mike Lowell is worse than just not perfect.

 

If Aramis leaves, the worst thing the team could do would be to go out and trade for a bunch of 30-somethings.

 

If Aramis leaves, then they should back the truck up and sell, sell, sell. Not becuase Aramis is that good but becuase he's all the Cubs have besides Lee and third base is a terribly hard position to fill.

 

As I wrote in another thread. Losing Aramis would set off a cascade of bad trades. This is just one example.

Is 3B really that hard of a position to fill these days? Great 3B aren't really all that rare anymore. Even with down years from some of the established (but still pretty young) 3B's around the league, there were still 13 guys that both had enough AB's to qualify for the batting title and also posted at least an .800 OPS. There were nine that posted at least an .850 OPS. And those lists excludes guys like Chavez, Tracy, Mora & Blalock. There's a whole bunch of young players on the list like Cabrera, Atkins, Wright & Zimmerman. There are a number of 3B studs in the minors like Gordon & Stewart.

 

Third is almost becoming easier to fill with an offensive player than first base.

[goonys evil twin]

Is 3B really that hard of a position to fill these days? Great 3B aren't really all that rare anymore. Even with down years from some of the established (but still pretty young) 3B's around the league, there were still 13 guys that both had enough AB's to qualify for the batting title and also posted at least an .800 OPS. There were nine that posted at least an .850 OPS. And those lists excludes guys like Chavez, Tracy, Mora & Blalock. There's a whole bunch of young players on the list like Cabrera, Atkins, Wright & Zimmerman. There are a number of 3B studs in the minors like Gordon & Stewart.

 

Third is almost becoming easier to fill with an offensive player than first base.

 

I wouldn't go that far. Plus, your list of excluded names includes guys who were once thought of as great producers. Their lack of production says something about the difficulty of finding stable production at 3B. When looking at team production, 19 teams have an 800 OPS or better from 1B. 9 are over 900, 2 over 1000. And none of this includes the Cubs, which could be the 3rd 1000+ OPS team. There isn't a single team in baseball getting 1000+ OPS. Only 3 are at 900 or better. 4 are below 700 (only 1 team has below 700 1B production).

 

Sure, there are a good amount of productive 3B, but it's not an unlimited supply, and aside from Ramirez, there probably won't be any available.

[Guest]

Of the top 10 guys in OPS at third, the only ones over 30 are Rolen (31) and Glaus (30). Of the next seven guys (the ones who are pretty good bets to be productive), only Lowell (32) is over 30. So of the top 17 guys in the league, only 3 are above 30 years in age. With guys like Cabrera, Atkins and Wright leading the league in OPS at the position, I'd say it's really likely that the number of 1.000 OPS people at the positions is going to increase in the coming years. ARod is likely to be back at that level, too. Zimmerman is only going to get better and should push .900 next year. Tracy & Chavez could easily rebound and put up a .900 OPS (or at least .800 - .850). Gordon, Stewart, Marte and others are likely to be at least .800 players in the near future and could be significantly better than that.

 

Not only is the production pretty good at 3B right now, but the stars at the position are very young. Let's just say I wouldn't waste my first round choice in a fantasy league on finding a good 3B. There are a lot of productive choices out there.

[CubinNY]

Mike Lowell is worse than just not perfect.

 

If Aramis leaves, the worst thing the team could do would be to go out and trade for a bunch of 30-somethings.

 

If Aramis leaves, then they should back the truck up and sell, sell, sell. Not becuase Aramis is that good but becuase he's all the Cubs have besides Lee and third base is a terribly hard position to fill.

 

As I wrote in another thread. Losing Aramis would set off a cascade of bad trades. This is just one example.

Is 3B really that hard of a position to fill these days? Great 3B aren't really all that rare anymore. Even with down years from some of the established (but still pretty young) 3B's around the league, there were still 13 guys that both had enough AB's to qualify for the batting title and also posted at least an .800 OPS. There were nine that posted at least an .850 OPS. And those lists excludes guys like Chavez, Tracy, Mora & Blalock. There's a whole bunch of young players on the list like Cabrera, Atkins, Wright & Zimmerman. There are a number of 3B studs in the minors like Gordon & Stewart.

 

Third is almost becoming easier to fill with an offensive player than first base.

 

Are any of those players on the market? And what would it take to acquire one?

 

Third base is not an easy position to fill unless you have an in-house candidate, like the Cubs.

[Guest]

Mike Lowell is worse than just not perfect.

 

If Aramis leaves, the worst thing the team could do would be to go out and trade for a bunch of 30-somethings.

 

If Aramis leaves, then they should back the truck up and sell, sell, sell. Not becuase Aramis is that good but becuase he's all the Cubs have besides Lee and third base is a terribly hard position to fill.

 

As I wrote in another thread. Losing Aramis would set off a cascade of bad trades. This is just one example.

Is 3B really that hard of a position to fill these days? Great 3B aren't really all that rare anymore. Even with down years from some of the established (but still pretty young) 3B's around the league, there were still 13 guys that both had enough AB's to qualify for the batting title and also posted at least an .800 OPS. There were nine that posted at least an .850 OPS. And those lists excludes guys like Chavez, Tracy, Mora & Blalock. There's a whole bunch of young players on the list like Cabrera, Atkins, Wright & Zimmerman. There are a number of 3B studs in the minors like Gordon & Stewart.

 

Third is almost becoming easier to fill with an offensive player than first base.

 

Are any of those players on the market? And what would it take to acquire one?

 

Third base is not an easy position to fill unless you have an in-house candidate, like the Cubs.

Let's see...there are rumors that either Cabrera or ARod could be had for a stiff price. Ensberg is probably available much more cheaply (though with significant performance caveats). Colorado will have to decide what to do with Atkins & Stewart given that 1B is blocked for years to come. I'm sure that others would be available if the price were right. But few are FA's this year. And Aramis is the only elite one that will be a FA this offseason.

 

Personally, if Aramis leaves I'd actually target Cleveland and see if I could get Kouzmanoff from them if they prefer Marte at 3B. I don't think he'd be off limits and probably wouldn't be tremendously expensive to acquire, either. I wouldn't expect Kouz to come close to reproducing his 2006 minor league numbers, but I think he'll be a solid big leaguer.

[wade]

When told that Lowell hit .252/.315/.413 after the all star break, which was close to being in line with his disastrous 2005 line of .236/.298/.360, Jim Hendry responded, "How can a guy have three batting averages?"

 

 

What a terrible series of moves that would be. They go from having great 3B production and crap SS production to crap 3B production and great SS production. And they leave LF wide open to more crap production.

 

Definitely LOLed at that comment.

 

Yes, that was outstanding!

[cybercub]

Here's another one for your amusement.

 

 

Chicago – Cubs GM Jim Hendry did not leave Cub fans crying for too long. Less than 24 hours after 3B Aramis Ramirez bolted from the Cubs to sign a 5 year $75M contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Hendry completed two deals to re-build the left side of his infield and improve the overall offense.

 

In the first deal, the Cubs traded LF Matt Murton, SS Ronny Cedeno and pitchers Juan Mateo and Ryan O’Malley to the Baltimore Orioles for SS Miguel Tejada. Though financial details were not disclosed, one Oriole source speaking on the condition of anonymity indicated that Baltimore would be contributing $7M towards Tejada’s remaining 3 years and $42M. It is believed the Cubs will pay Tejada $11M in 2007 and $12M each in 2008 and 2009. Hendry spoke glowingly of Tejada: “He is the best shortstop in baseball, complete package and we’re thrilled to get him. We hated to give up young, promising talent in Matt and Juan, but Miggy is a high impact player, who doesn’t come along on the market very often.” Tejada will be introduced to the Cubs media later in the week, but his agent said: ”While Miguel is very happy with the contributions he made to the Orioles, he and the team probably needed to go in different directions, and he is very much looking forward to playing in front of the great Cub fans.” It was thought that the Angels and Red Sox were offering a better package, but owner Peter Angelos preferred to deal Tejada to an NL team. One league source said the Astros were also in the running to acquire Tejada, but Astro GM Tim Purpura insisted that Baltimore pick up half the contract.

 

 

This one stuck with me. I think a similar deal could still be done and fortunately, Aramis Ramirez is still a Cub. I would substitute Ceasar Izturis for Cedeno however.

 

The worst part of this deal is loosing Murton. Thats where part 2 comes in.

 

Sean Marshall, Jacque Jones and a prospect or two for Adam Dunn. Its a "buy-low" on Dunn and I think that might be enough to make it happen.

 

Sign Cliff Floyd as a 4th outfielder and we're set :wink:

 

Soriano RF

Theriot 2B

Lee 1B

Dunn LF

Tejada SS

Ramirez 3B

Barrett C

Pie CF

 

DeRosa INF

Cedeno MIF

Blanco C

Floyd COF

Pagan OF

 

:shock:

[TruffleShuffle]

I love how Jacque Jones is getting dumped in every proposed deal, as if he has some solid trade value.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I love how Jacque Jones is getting dumped in every proposed deal, as if he has some solid trade value.

 

By the end of the offseason, Jones could definitely have some value considering his contract in this market, and he had a career year too. Especially if some team gets shut out from making offensive upgrades.

[Jazz]

I love how Jacque Jones is getting dumped in every proposed deal, as if he has some solid trade value.

 

Jacque Jones - 2 years/10 mil

 

Career - 280/.328/.461

2006 - .285/.334/.499

 

Gary Matthews Jr. - 5 years/50 mil

 

Career - .263/.336/.419

2006 - .313/.371/.495

 

I think there's a case to be made that he has "some solid trade value".

[Guest]

kind of like manny, jones deal now looks better than it did a year ago. I bet he does have trade value.

[BigbadB]

I absolutely hated the Jacque Jones contract. But..... , the Jones contract definitely makes him valuable in this market.

[Bruno7481]

I love how Jacque Jones is getting dumped in every proposed deal, as if he has some solid trade value.

 

Jacque Jones - 2 years/10 mil

 

Career - 280/.328/.461

2006 - .285/.334/.499

 

Gary Matthews Jr. - 5 years/50 mil

 

Career - .263/.336/.419

2006 - .313/.371/.495

 

I think there's a case to be made that he has "some solid trade value".

 

That is why I think it would be crazy to trade him. It is very popular around here to bash him, but in this lineup he can be a very productive player as your fifth or sixth best hitter.

 

Unless you can seriously upgrade, I don't think it is a bad idea to keep him.

[Jazz]

I love how Jacque Jones is getting dumped in every proposed deal, as if he has some solid trade value.

 

Jacque Jones - 2 years/10 mil

 

Career - 280/.328/.461

2006 - .285/.334/.499

 

Gary Matthews Jr. - 5 years/50 mil

 

Career - .263/.336/.419

2006 - .313/.371/.495

 

I think there's a case to be made that he has "some solid trade value".

 

That is why I think it would be crazy to trade him. It is very popular around here to bash him, but in this lineup he can be a very productive player as your fifth or sixth best hitter.

 

Unless you can seriously upgrade, I don't think it is a bad idea to keep him.

 

You're right. I wouldn't mind keeping him. Problem is, the feeling here is that the lineup needs one more productive bat, and by trading Jones away, you free up room to put in another impact bat like Andruw Jones or Pat Burrell. Also Jones has been linked to rumored talk of a Jake Westbrook trade.

 

If you can sign Julio Lugo to be your starting SS, or trade for a SS like Renteria, there probably isnt a need to trade jones.