My 2007 Cubs

[Mizzou]

Theriot (2B) – 400,000

Murton (LF) – 400,000

Lee (1B) – 13,000,000

Aramis (3B) – 13,000,000 (4@52)

Soriano (CF) – 14,000,000 (5@70)

Barrett © – 4,500,000

Jones (RF) – 5,333,000

Izturis (SS) – 4,150,000

 

Bench:

Cedeno – 400,000

Soto – 400,000

Craig Wilson – 4,000,000

Pagan – 400,000

Moore – 400,000

Fontenot – 400,000

 

Rotation:

Zambrano –15,000,000 (5@75M)

Hill – 400,000

Marmol/Mateo – 400,000

Prior – 4,000,000

Wade Miller – 2,000,000 base

 

Bullpen:

Wood (closer) – 2,000,000 base

Howry – 4,000,000

Eyre – 3,500,000

Wuertz – 400,000

Aardsma – 400,000

Guzman (long relief) – 400,000

 

That's a payroll just shy of 94 million dollars. That leaves several million in flexibility to add a contract in July. I'm also trading Dempster somewhere (Detroit, Cinci, Cleveland, LA?) for prospects. I don't know what kind of prospects he would get, so I left that part out. Also, I don't completely understand the pay system for the 2nd and 3rd year guys, so I'm listing them all at 400K (even though that's probably wrong, but hopefully close enough).

 

The top of the order features two guys who are good at getting on base. The 3-4-5 would rank among the best in baseball. The lower portion of the order is solid as well, if Jones is platooned. Maybe it's blind optimism, but I think that Prior is going to come into ST healthy and have a really solid year. I think that rotation, if healthy, will be one of the tops in baseball.

 

This is what I would do right now. It will probably change in the next few weeks, but I've been thinking about it a lot lately and this is what I came up with and I wanted to get some feedback.

[Shilzzz]

i will veto the rotation.

[A New Era]

My 2007 chicago cubs. And let me just note the line-up. .

 

SS Theroit

LF Murton

1B D Lee

3B Ramirez

2B Soriano

C Barret

CF Vernon Wells

RF some beside Jones

 

As for your pitching. You're gonna need to go out and get a top of the rotation guy via trade or signing, at the very least. .

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Craig Wilson made 3.5 million this year in arbitration. On the open market it'll take more than 4 million to get him to come for a platoon/bench role(if he's willing to take that role).

[RichHillIsABeast]

I think we need to get a top of the rotation starter this offseason, either via trade or FA. We're not going to fix the rotation in one offseason, but it'll help.

 

I like your offense. It's pretty much what I want too.

[SouthSideRyan]

Craig Wilson made 3.5 million this year in arbitration. On the open market it'll take more than 4 million to get him to come for a platoon/bench role(if he's willing to take that role).

 

I doubt Wilson costs much more than 4M, he should be starting at 1B or OF for some horrible offense, but I just don't know if there's a fit out there for him.

[CubsInNC]

Non-Constructive criticism:

 

I fear that outfield defense. I think Hector Villanueva might have a chance of hitting an inside-the-park homerun (single + 3 base error) on that defense.

 

Constructive.

 

I think your rotation has too many question marks. Zambrano is #1. Hill's maybe able to hold down a #3. I would let Prior and Miller fight it out for #4/5. I think we need someone stable to hold down the #2 (my preference is Schmidt on a 2/26), and I'd prefer to have someone else pickup #3(Wolf on a 1-yr $5mil deal to re-establish himself?), and slot Hill as a 4, and Prior as a 5. Re-sign Miller as insurance for Prior, and if Prior's still healthy come May 31, trade him. Miller's not 100% yet, and unless he works hard this offseason, I don't know that he will be in the Spring.

 

Offensively, that lineup should score well. But I'm not sold on Theriot keeping up this pace as a FT major leaguer. I hope he does, and there is some minor league analysis that could indicate he will, but I'm not convinced yet. I'd try to get Soriano for 2B. I'd like to explore the possibility of trading Jacque, since he might be amenable to a move with Dusty gone. I'd shoot for Lofton or Sarge Jr as my 1yr stopgap in CF. Can Shannon Stewart play RF? I can see Hendry drooling over him because of his 3yr splits on BA-RISP.

 

On the bench, I'm not sure about improving it, but I don't think we can sustain a bench with 3 non-hitters (Cedeno, Soto, Pagan), 1 hitter (Wilson), 1 possible hitter (Moore), and a complete question mark (Fontenot). I look at it this way with Fontenot. There has to be a reason that given the Cubs firesale, no one took him off our hands for something we desired more, in a package. Even if the Cubs de-value him unnecessarily, do the other 29 teams? I almost would rather have Theriot as my bench middle infielder, over Cedeno. I'd be content to let him get a fresh start in AAA (at SS/2B rotation) or some other team.

 

Pipe dreams, I know.

[questionmarkgrace]

Thats probably the most realistic line up I have seen to date. I do think that something will happen in the way of a starting pitcher a ted lilly or a vincent padilla type guy, but not one of the three that everyone is hoping for (Matsuzaka, Zito, or Schmidt). ALso I too doubt that C. Wilson takes a bench role he'd make a nice addition to any small-mid market team at 1st or in left.

[Soriano12]

Soriano (CF) – 14,000,000 (5@70)

 

CF? That could get ugly.

[BigbadB]

Thats probably the most realistic line up I have seen to date. I do think that something will happen in the way of a starting pitcher a ted lilly or a vincent padilla type guy, but not one of the three that everyone is hoping for (Matsuzaka, Zito, or Schmidt). ALso I too doubt that C. Wilson takes a bench role he'd make a nice addition to any small-mid market team at 1st or in left.

 

I don't see this as realistic at all. Every bench player is nearly a rookie except for Wilson. Wilson will be AL bound, IMO. I don't mind seeing a guy like Theriot make the team, but to have a bunch of Theriot's (guys who have next to no major league service time) on the roster and mostly sitting the pines is NOT a good idea. Cedeno would be better suited to play everyday in AAA rather than sit everyday. Same with Fontenot. Same with Pagan. Pick up a Dave Roberts or a Kenny Lofton. Guys who have plenty of major league service time and have seen thousands of major league breaking balls. No, I don't want Lenny Harris.

 

The pitching staff has no one new in it.

 

All offseason, the Cubs will only sign Alfonso Soriano and Craig Wilson? Boy, will I be pissed. Actually, if that's all the Cubs do this offseason, I'll be taking 2007 off as I'll need the break to keep my sanity.

[SouthSideRyan]

I don't mind seeing a guy like Theriot make the team, but to have a bunch of Theriot's (guys who have next to no major league service time) on the roster and mostly sitting the pines is NOT a good idea. Cedeno would be better suited to play everyday in AAA rather than sit everyday. Same with Fontenot. Same with Pagan. Pick up a Dave Roberts or a Kenny Lofton. Guys who have plenty of major league service time and have seen thousands of major league breaking balls. No, I don't want Lenny Harris.

 

Agreed on Cedeno, not on Fontenot or Pagan. Both of these guys, along with Theriot are just too old to gain much of anything by being in AAA. I believe Fontenot's been there for 2 years already, there's no reason for him to be there. It's most likely moot to even talk about though since Fontenot sorta ran over Hendry's dog. Only replace with sorta with repeatedly and dog with son.

[CoolHandLuke]

I would Sign Loretta to play second.

 

Sign Barry Zito.

 

Sign Craig Wilson to be the number 1 bat off the bench and to be a very capable backup for my next move.

 

Trade for JD. Drew. Not sure what it would take, but I have a feeling Coletti would love to rid himself of the Depodesta signing who only hits 20 homers for his 11 million dollars.

 

Trade for Carl Crawford to play CF. Again not sure what it would take and also not sure if he could play center, but he is fast so I can't see him not being able to handle it. He only costs 4 million next year but with all the young talent the drays have I have heard some rumblings that he could be available.

 

Theriot would back up Izturis and Loretta. Soto would backup Barrett. I guess the bench would be made up of Theriot, Wilson, Soto, maybe Scott Moore and maybe a speedy cf backup like Lofton or Roberts.

 

The rotation would depend on the cost of Crawford because it might take Hill or Prior (If Zambrano is what they wanted I would most likely look in another direction)

 

I guess it would be something like:

1)Zambrano

2)Zito (or schmidt, if we cant sign either of them, then I guess we are screwed)

3)Hill or Prior -or If we can get Crawford with a package of a few of the Marshall/Guzmans then they would both slot in the rotation.

4)a journeymanish guy like Meche, Padilla, or like someone previously

said Wolf

5)Guzman/Marshall/Mateo etc given a chance to win the job in ST(anyone else who maybe be ready to win a job?)

 

The bullpen would be Howry, Eyre, Wuertz, Woody (low base with incentives), Dempster (unless I can trade him for some decent prospects, if not I will pitch him carefully in nice spots to build his value up and try to trade him before the deadline) and then a guy like Aardsma would have a shot to be the 6th man (any other young guys ready to fight for a spot?) Nobody would be designated as Closer (not at first at least) the best pitcher for the situation at hand would be used (closer by committee?! it would work if implemented correctly with quality arms)

 

I did the rough salaries earlier with giving Aramis a new contract similar to Lees and Zambrano an escelating contract with a similar overall value to Oswalts. I don't think either Loretta or Wilson would take too much. Zito i estimated at about 12 which is probably low especially if he pitches well this post season. It came out to a bit over 100, we'll call it 105. That is what I would try to do.

 

Lineup:

 

Crawford

Drew

Lee

Ramirez

Barrett

Murton

Loretta

Izturis

 

bench:

Theriot

Wilson

Soto

speedy cheap CF backup (or pagan possibly)

Moore or cheap veteran infielder

 

Rotation:

Zambrano

Zito

Hill

Meche

Prior (I want to assume that I can get Crawford with a package centering on Guzman and Marshall :lol: )

 

Bullpen:

Howry

Eyre

Wood

Dempster

Wuertz

Aardsma

 

I guess that leaves me one short so I would probably have another middle infielder (Neifi! anyone?) just kidding.

 

This plan heavily depends on Crawford actually being availalbe and not just available but available for something we have besides Zambrano. Jacque I guess got dealt, maybe in the Drew deal. Cedeno starts at short in Iowa.

[BigbadB]

I don't mind seeing a guy like Theriot make the team, but to have a bunch of Theriot's (guys who have next to no major league service time) on the roster and mostly sitting the pines is NOT a good idea. Cedeno would be better suited to play everyday in AAA rather than sit everyday. Same with Fontenot. Same with Pagan. Pick up a Dave Roberts or a Kenny Lofton. Guys who have plenty of major league service time and have seen thousands of major league breaking balls. No, I don't want Lenny Harris.

 

Agreed on Cedeno, not on Fontenot or Pagan. Both of these guys, along with Theriot are just too old to gain much of anything by being in AAA. I believe Fontenot's been there for 2 years already, there's no reason for him to be there. It's most likely moot to even talk about though since Fontenot sorta ran over Hendry's dog. Only replace with sorta with repeatedly and dog with son.

 

My point on Fontenot, Cedeno, Soto, Pagan, etc. is that they have hardly seen any major league pitching. How good will they be coming off the bench once every other game for a PH at bat? They may not be all that good at hitting a major league breaking ball if they played everyday, let alone one at bat every 3 days.

[muntjack]

I would offer Florida Donny Veal, Felix Pie, Jake Fox, Scott Moore and Sean Gallagher for Miguel Cabrera.

 

I would offer Atlanta Jacque Jones, Sean Marshall and David Aardsma for Andruw Jones.

 

I would sign Jason Schmidt

 

Theriot

Murton

Cabrera

Lee

Ramirez

Jones

Barrett

Izturis

 

Zambrano

Schmidt

Hill

Prior

Miller

[BigbadB]

Sean Marshall for a a 1 year rental? No thanks.

[nilodnayr]

Ehh, Crawford is a fantasy stud, but in reality hes Matt Murton who can steal. Hes not going to be worth what the DRays will be asking and some one is going to offer an arm and a leg for him. Some one like Ryan Church would cost a ton less and will likely offensively (not on the basepaths) put up similar numbers. Over the past two years in 364 ML ABs hes put up about 283/359/490. Plus hes a lefty. He'd fit perfectly in CF and in the second slot. And somehow hes behind Nook Logan on the depth chart. This would actually be only a part of my plunder of the Nats. Ideally, I would try for a Church, Kearns, Vidro for Jones, Dempster, Izturis, Marshall. Or something along those lines. I know Bowden wants starting pitching, corner OF, and relivers (and probably in that order). Plus he can't resist a guy who can "cath the ball". Kearns is supremely unhappy there. Vidro is on his way out with Bowden wanting to trade him and move Lopez to second to make room for the venerable Christian Guzman. Vidro has fallen off, mostly in power, but if you look at his splits much of that comes from RFK. He still could be quite useful to even out the deal $wise.

 

Theriot essentially is a Loretta for 400K, with the ability to play quality short. Ronny backs up short, Fontenot 2b, Moore the corner IF, Pagan and lefty back up the OF, Soto backs up Barrett.

 

In terms of pitching, unfortunately this is where we are going to have to spend a decent chunk. Given the recent and current health issues, we need to sign a to of the order "safe" bet to stay healthy. So sorry Schmidt, Zito and his smooth delivery is the only one that meets that qualification. Plus, he could be a good mentor to Hill. We can be a bit more risky with the second rotation filler. I would shoot for some one we wont have to give the standard 3/21 contract to. Some one like Wolf, Weaver, Woody (Williams), or Lidle. Resigning Miller wouldn't be a bad idea, but it all depends on how he continues to rehab in the offseason.

 

My dream (if all of the above isnt just a dream) cherry on top is a Murton and whomever for Dunn trade. However, I don't think the offseason is a good time for the trade because we would obviously have to throw in some quality pitching and at this point we have no clue whos going to be healthy and who will be progressing in the minors. Im guessing Murton, Veal, and another non-Paw high end pitcher (God, do we even have any of those anymore)?

 

I calc this out at about 95M, which is right where we started in 06. Including uping ARAM and Z significantly

 

Theriot-SS

Church-CF

Lee-1b

ARAM-3B

Kearns-RF

Barrett-C

Murton-LF

Vidro-2b

 

Zambrano

Zito

Prior

Hill

Wolf/Weaver/Williams/Miller/Lidle

 

In the stable (Guzman, Marmol, Ryu, Mateo)

 

Howry

Wood

Wuertz

Eyre

Ohman

Novoa/Aardsma

 

Soto

Moore

Fontenot

Cedeno

Pagan

lefty OF

[Ding Dong Johnson]

My 2007 Cubs outfield is Murton, Pie, Jones.

 

My 2007 Cubs infield is Aramis, ARod, Soriano, Lee.

 

Prior and Wood will both be healthy, Houston Wade Miller will return, Zambrano with throw 33 perfect games, and Giorgia Palmas will finally stop resisting her urges to have her way with me.

[CubsInNC]

My 2007 Cubs outfield is Murton, Pie, Jones.

 

My 2007 Cubs infield is Aramis, ARod, Soriano, Lee.

 

Prior and Wood will both be healthy, Houston Wade Miller will return, Zambrano with throw 33 perfect games, and Giorgia Palmas will finally stop resisting her urges to have her way with me.

 

 

Sadly enough, the bolded parts are the most likely to happen....

[Mizzou]

I don't see this as realistic at all. Every bench player is nearly a rookie except for Wilson. Wilson will be AL bound, IMO. I don't mind seeing a guy like Theriot make the team, but to have a bunch of Theriot's (guys who have next to no major league service time) on the roster and mostly sitting the pines is NOT a good idea. Cedeno would be better suited to play everyday in AAA rather than sit everyday. Same with Fontenot. Same with Pagan. Pick up a Dave Roberts or a Kenny Lofton. Guys who have plenty of major league service time and have seen thousands of major league breaking balls. No, I don't want Lenny Harris.

 

The pitching staff has no one new in it.

 

All offseason, the Cubs will only sign Alfonso Soriano and Craig Wilson? Boy, will I be pissed. Actually, if that's all the Cubs do this offseason, I'll be taking 2007 off as I'll need the break to keep my sanity.

You have to consider the payroll. Locking up Zambrano before the '07 season should be a priority - you don't want to run the risk of him having another great season and then bolting in free agency because the Cubs finish in last place again. Locking him up reduces your ability to sign other free agents.

 

I don't see Cedeno as anything more than a utility player, so I don't see the point in sending him down to AAA next year. Same with Fontenot (what else does he need to prove in AAA?). And same with Pagan. If these guys had a future as a starter, then yeah, I'd agree. But none of them do. I'd love to sign Kenny Lofton, but someone will give him a starting job. And he's not going to turn down an everyday job to be a bench player on a team that finished with the worst record in the league.

 

But with that said, this year's team wasn't as bad as it's record indicates. I don't think that a major overhaul is needed. And I certainly don't see the point in spending millions on every bench player when you have guys in the minors who will likely give you the same, if not better, production for the league minimum. I'd love to sign a FA starter, but the funds aren't there if you want to add an impact bat (which I feel is more important) and lock Zambrano up long-term.

[Bull]

I don't see this as realistic at all. Every bench player is nearly a rookie except for Wilson. Wilson will be AL bound, IMO. I don't mind seeing a guy like Theriot make the team, but to have a bunch of Theriot's (guys who have next to no major league service time) on the roster and mostly sitting the pines is NOT a good idea. Cedeno would be better suited to play everyday in AAA rather than sit everyday. Same with Fontenot. Same with Pagan. Pick up a Dave Roberts or a Kenny Lofton. Guys who have plenty of major league service time and have seen thousands of major league breaking balls. No, I don't want Lenny Harris.

 

The pitching staff has no one new in it.

 

All offseason, the Cubs will only sign Alfonso Soriano and Craig Wilson? Boy, will I be pissed. Actually, if that's all the Cubs do this offseason, I'll be taking 2007 off as I'll need the break to keep my sanity.

You have to consider the payroll. Locking up Zambrano before the '07 season should be a priority - you don't want to run the risk of him having another great season and then bolting in free agency because the Cubs finish in last place again. Locking him up reduces your ability to sign other free agents.

 

I don't see Cedeno as anything more than a utility player, so I don't see the point in sending him down to AAA next year. Same with Fontenot (what else does he need to prove in AAA?). And same with Pagan. If these guys had a future as a starter, then yeah, I'd agree. But none of them do. I'd love to sign Kenny Lofton, but someone will give him a starting job. And he's not going to turn down an everyday job to be a bench player on a team that finished with the worst record in the league.

 

But with that said, this year's team wasn't as bad as it's record indicates. I don't think that a major overhaul is needed. And I certainly don't see the point in spending millions on every bench player when you have guys in the minors who will likely give you the same, if not better, production for the league minimum. I'd love to sign a FA starter, but the funds aren't there if you want to add an impact bat (which I feel is more important) and lock Zambrano up long-term.

You're both right ... uh ... and wrong. The 25 men in the initial post aren't going to win many games. And Steinbrenner himself doesn't have enough money to fix this team properly.

 

TIme to blow it up. Trade Z, Lee, Barrett, Howry, Dempster, Eyre and Jones for what you can get. Offer ramiraz arby and hope he turns it down.

 

Rotation:

 

Hill

Marshall

Pitcher recieved in trade

Pitcher received in trade

Prior/Miller

 

Line-up

 

Theriot

Cedeno

Pie

1b received in trade

Murton

3b received in trade

Rf received in trade

Soto

 

Bench and Pen

rooks and retreads

 

Weurtz for closer

 

Pack it in pack it up and pack it out

[goonys evil twin]

I don't see this as realistic at all. Every bench player is nearly a rookie except for Wilson. Wilson will be AL bound, IMO. I don't mind seeing a guy like Theriot make the team, but to have a bunch of Theriot's (guys who have next to no major league service time) on the roster and mostly sitting the pines is NOT a good idea. Cedeno would be better suited to play everyday in AAA rather than sit everyday. Same with Fontenot. Same with Pagan. Pick

 

I disagree strongly.

 

Cedeno, Pagan, Fontenot and the like aren't going to learn from anymore AAA time. Introduce them to the majors and get their feet wet. I don't want a 21 year old getting 75 at bats on the bench. But guys with a lot of minor league service time, especially ones who have already had a decent amount of major league time, should be fine for the bench. I think it's a waste to spend a few million on a veteran version of the same player.

[frostwyrm]

I think we're still on the hook for Glendone's $3.25 million, and making Demp go away will probably involve eating two thirds of his contract.

[Bull]

I think we're still on the hook for Glendone's $3.25 million, and making Demp go away will probably involve eating two thirds of his contract.

 

*Insert Rusch and eating joke here*

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I'd try to trade Marshall and others (possibilities include Mateo, Novoa, Aardsma, Marmol, Harvey, Dopriak) for Andruw Jones. I'd then sign Durham for second.

 

2b Durham

LF Murton

1b Lee

3b Ramirez

CF Jones

RF Jones

C Barrett

SS Izturis

 

I'd then pursue Schmidt as a starting pitcher, giving me a rotation of:

Zambrano, Schmidt, Prior, Hill, and Miller or one of the rookies.

 

My bench would be: Pagan, Moore, Theriot, Soto, and Craig Wilson if I could get him.

 

The bullpen would be Dempster, Howry, Eyre, Wuertz, Aardsma, Ohman, and Ryu.

 

I think that team could come in at or near 100 million.

 

The key move would be getting Jones for CF.

[Bull]

I'd try to trade Marshall and others (possibilities include Mateo, Novoa, Aardsma, Marmol, Harvey, Dopriak) for Andruw Jones. I'd then sign Durham for second.

 

2b Durham

LF Murton

1b Lee

3b Ramirez

CF Jones

RF Jones

C Barrett

SS Izturis

 

I'd then pursue Schmidt as a starting pitcher, giving me a rotation of:

Zambrano, Schmidt, Prior, Hill, and Miller or one of the rookies.

 

My bench would be: Pagan, Moore, Theriot, Soto, and Craig Wilson if I could get him.

 

The bullpen would be Dempster, Howry, Eyre, Wuertz, Aardsma, Ohman, and Ryu.

 

I think that team could come in at or near 100 million.

 

The key move would be getting Jones for CF.

 

You're still counting on Prior or Miller to be healthy April 1st and exceeding the payroll. Did you lock Zambrano up? Probably the best line-up yet, but your rotation ends up schmidt and Z and pray for D.