The A-Ram contingency plan

[Laura]

The De Luca article that Vance mentions in the Wood/Miller thread had a brief Aramis update.

 

As for the offensive work ahead, sources say the Cubs are pinning their hopes on signing potential free-agent Soriano to be their new center fielder and leadoff hitter. That will take a big chunk of the payroll. Third baseman Aramis Ramirez's reworked contract also will eat into the money needed to attract proven pitching.

 

Agent Paul Kinzer said he expects to resume contract talks with Hendry on Monday concerning Ramirez. Those discussions took a back seat the last two weeks as Hendry zeroed in on hiring Piniella.

 

''Really, we are just getting started,'' Kinzer said Saturday. ''The next two weeks will be crunch time. Aramis wants to stay, and they want him back. So that's where we're at.''

 

Sounds easy compared to the task of rebuilding the rotation.

[USSoccer]

The De Luca article that Vance mentions in the Wood/Miller thread had a brief Aramis update.

 

''Really, we are just getting started,'' Kinzer said Saturday. ''The next two weeks will be crunch time. Aramis wants to stay, and they want him back. So that's where we're at.''

 

I like to hear an agent say this.

[frostwyrm]

The Cubs need one more bat. Replacing Aram with Arod doesn't accomplish that. Adding Arod to the trio of Aram and Lee does.

I agree. Retaining or replacing Aram is not enough by itself. We also need to add Soriano in CF or ARod at SS and get Jones a platoon partner.

[C.C.]

The Cubs need one more bat. Replacing Aram with Arod doesn't accomplish that. Adding Arod to the trio of Aram and Lee does.

I agree. Retaining or replacing Aram is not enough by itself. We also need to add Soriano in CF or ARod at SS and get Jones a platoon partner.

 

I'm not sure we have to do all of that. Add Soriano and get some pitching. If anything is left over go for more offense.

[CuseCubFan69]

The De Luca article that Vance mentions in the Wood/Miller thread had a brief Aramis update.

 

''Really, we are just getting started,'' Kinzer said Saturday. ''The next two weeks will be crunch time. Aramis wants to stay, and they want him back. So that's where we're at.''

 

I like to hear an agent say this.

 

It is nice but not until Ramirez has his name on the dotted line saying that he's a Cub, anything can happen. If I were Ramirez, I'd go free agent and negotiate with all the teams and I'd be especially interested in the Angels and the Yanks. I assume the Cubs can still compete for his services until you can no longer sign a free agent.

Edited October 23, 2006 by CuseCubFan69

[HoopsCubs]

To get back to the thread subject, I don't mean to be too Japan crazy, but the best ARAM replacement would be Akinori Iwamura. I hope to God ARAM re-ups and think he will, but of all other options Iwamura is definitely the best. Anyone have any idea how much his posting fee is going to be? Or even if the Swallows are definitely going to follow through on their promise to post him?

 

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/sports/20061017TDY23002.htm

 

Guess they will let him go.

 

A source told me over the weekend that Iwamura was one of the players Hendry's scouts looked at during the season. Early in the season? Late in the season? I don't know. The source had no idea what the posting fee might be, but felt the contract would be slightly higher than Hideki Matsui's first contract with the Yankees. Hideki had a 3 year $21M deal, maybe Iwamura gets a 3 year and $25M deal.

 

When Hendry made the comment at the Piniella's press conference that the Cubs were more active in Asian scouting, I think everyone took that specifically to mean Japanese pitching. But it seems to me that Iwamura could be part of the contingency plan Hendry told Kinzer (Aramis's agent) last week.

 

Iwamura and ARod on the left side of the IF vs. ARam and Izturis? Hmmm...

[goonys evil twin]

Iwamura and ARod on the left side of the IF vs. ARam and Izturis? Hmmm...

 

Vs. ARam and ARod.

[USSoccer]

Iwamura and ARod on the left side of the IF vs. ARam and Izturis? Hmmm...

 

Vs. ARam and ARod.

 

Or ARam and Tejada.

 

Basically, I'll take the known quantity that is ARam and try and upgrade at SS.

[Banedon]

Does Iwamura hustle?

 

*ducks and covers* 8-[

[CuseCubFan69]

Does Iwamura hustle?

 

*ducks and covers* 8-[

 

I don't know but he does wear loafers.

[HoopsCubs]

Iwamura and ARod on the left side of the IF vs. ARam and Izturis? Hmmm...

 

Vs. ARam and ARod.

 

That would be terrific.

[1908]

A source told me over the weekend that Iwamura was one of the players Hendry's scouts looked at during the season. Early in the season? Late in the season? I don't know. The source had no idea what the posting fee might be, but felt the contract would be slightly higher than Hideki Matsui's first contract with the Yankees. Hideki had a 3 year $21M deal, maybe Iwamura gets a 3 year and $25M deal.

That seems very high for Iwamura. Hideki signed as a free agent, and Iwamura's salary this year was roughly $1.8M. So an initial contract in the 3 years, $12M - $15M range seems like it outta do it. Much cheaper than Aramis, but you'd be getting a lot less power. Best case around .290/.350/.460.

[questionmarkgrace]

we could play barrett at third ala Brandon Inge. And get a good defensive catcher with a bit of offense in Benji Molina.

 

Pros: barrett has played third before and can probably handle it. His power numbers will also go up with the switch from behind the plate. A defensive minded catcher with good game calling skills will help our young staff and cut down on stolen bases.

 

Cons: Barret and Molina would not match the current combo of Barret and Ramirez. We'd have to go get C. Lee and one of Soriano, Mike Cameron or Gary Mathews jr to give Derek Lee some protection in the line up. That would also lead us to trade murton, which would suck because i like his approach. After all that we'd still have a pitiching staff to fix.

 

Final assesment: too much work for an off season. the only way we could contend next year if aramis leaves is if some prospect steps up big time. I don't have faith that jim could accomplish all of that at once. If aramis does indeed leave jim needs to keep his eye on prize and that is pitching. Get the pitching staff set first and then get a bat or two via trade.

[Rob]

we could play barrett at third ala Brandon Inge. And get a good defensive catcher with a bit of offense in Benji Molina.

 

Pros: barrett has played third before and can probably handle it. His power numbers will also go up with the switch from behind the plate. A defensive minded catcher with good game calling skills will help our young staff and cut down on stolen bases.

 

Cons: Barret and Molina would not match the current combo of Barret and Ramirez. We'd have to go get C. Lee and one of Soriano, Mike Cameron or Gary Mathews jr to give Derek Lee some protection in the line up. That would also lead us to trade murton, which would suck because i like his approach. After all that we'd still have a pitiching staff to fix.

 

Final assesment: too much work for an off season. the only way we could contend next year if aramis leaves is if some prospect steps up big time. I don't have faith that jim could accomplish all of that at once. If aramis does indeed leave jim needs to keep his eye on prize and that is pitching. Get the pitching staff set first and then get a bat or two via trade.

 

Molina is neither good defensively anymore nor anything beyond barely serviceable with the bat. Stay far, far away.

[Backtobanks]

we could play barrett at third ala Brandon Inge. And get a good defensive catcher with a bit of offense in Benji Molina.

 

Pros: barrett has played third before and can probably handle it. His power numbers will also go up with the switch from behind the plate. A defensive minded catcher with good game calling skills will help our young staff and cut down on stolen bases.

 

Cons: Barret and Molina would not match the current combo of Barret and Ramirez. We'd have to go get C. Lee and one of Soriano, Mike Cameron or Gary Mathews jr to give Derek Lee some protection in the line up. That would also lead us to trade murton, which would suck because i like his approach. After all that we'd still have a pitiching staff to fix.

 

Final assesment: too much work for an off season. the only way we could contend next year if aramis leaves is if some prospect steps up big time. I don't have faith that jim could accomplish all of that at once. If aramis does indeed leave jim needs to keep his eye on prize and that is pitching. Get the pitching staff set first and then get a bat or two via trade.

 

I don't think there is any chance of the Cubs contending next year if ARam walks. Hendry could replace ARam with ARod or Tejada, but that would use up the resources (money and players) needed to fill the other holes. The Cubs need a big bat in addition to ARam not in place of.

[goonys evil twin]

I don't think there is any chance of the Cubs contending next year if ARam walks. Hendry could replace ARam with ARod or Tejada, but that would use up the resources (money and players) needed to fill the other holes. The Cubs need a big bat in addition to ARam not in place of.

 

That's not true. If ARam was going to make $13m if resigned, then ARod would only make $3m more. He would probably produce enough to make up that difference, and then you'd have whatever money, minus $3m, to improve the rest of the team.

 

I think it would be a mistake to let Aramis walk, and I think it would be incredibly difficult to contend without him next year. But it's not at all true that there would be no chance of contending.

[RammyFanny]

A source told me over the weekend that Iwamura was one of the players Hendry's scouts looked at during the season. Early in the season? Late in the season? I don't know. The source had no idea what the posting fee might be, but felt the contract would be slightly higher than Hideki Matsui's first contract with the Yankees. Hideki had a 3 year $21M deal, maybe Iwamura gets a 3 year and $25M deal.

 

When Hendry made the comment at the Piniella's press conference that the Cubs were more active in Asian scouting, I think everyone took that specifically to mean Japanese pitching. But it seems to me that Iwamura could be part of the contingency plan Hendry told Kinzer (Aramis's agent) last week.

 

Iwamura and ARod on the left side of the IF vs. ARam and Izturis? Hmmm...

 

Maybe Jimbo wants Iwamura to fill in at another position...

 

 

 

Akinori Iwamura is a 27-year Japanese third baseman with a good chance of being posted. Translations indicate that he could post a .850-.900 OPS in the Majors.

 

A recent interview with Iwamura (in Japanese) indicates that he'd be willing to convert to second base, shortstop, or even center field if needed. He was a five-time Gold Glover at third in Japan.

If it's true that Japanese baseball is a cut above American Triple A, Iwamura's .390 OBP and .550 SLG should hold up pretty well.

 

Interesting, all positions that we could be looking to upgrade. Sign me up on his bandwagon.

[muntjack]

That's not true. If ARam was going to make $13m if resigned, then ARod would only make $3m more. He would probably produce enough to make up that difference, and then you'd have whatever money, minus $3m, to improve the rest of the team.

 

 

You'd probably also have to get another starter after losing Hill or Z in a trade for ARod.

[Backtobanks]

That's not true. If ARam was going to make $13m if resigned, then ARod would only make $3m more. He would probably produce enough to make up that difference, and then you'd have whatever money, minus $3m, to improve the rest of the team.

 

 

You'd probably also have to get another starter after losing Hill or Z in a trade for ARod.

 

That's exactly my point. ARam can be replaced but it would involve a trade which would cost players which then causes more holes. Even if we traded prospects for ARod or Tejada, the Cubs wouldn't have those prospects to make trades to fill the other holes on the team. Signing ARam is a must.

[goonys evil twin]

That's not true. If ARam was going to make $13m if resigned, then ARod would only make $3m more. He would probably produce enough to make up that difference, and then you'd have whatever money, minus $3m, to improve the rest of the team.

 

 

You'd probably also have to get another starter after losing Hill or Z in a trade for ARod.

 

I included the part about improving the rest of the team.

 

The Cubs greatest asset is a ton of money they have to spend, more than most teams.

[1908]

Maybe Jimbo wants Iwamura to fill in at another position...

 

Akinori Iwamura is a 27-year Japanese third baseman with a good chance of being posted. Translations indicate that he could post a .850-.900 OPS in the Majors.

 

A recent interview with Iwamura (in Japanese) indicates that he'd be willing to convert to second base, shortstop, or even center field if needed. He was a five-time Gold Glover at third in Japan.

If it's true that Japanese baseball is a cut above American Triple A, Iwamura's .390 OBP and .550 SLG should hold up pretty well.

 

Interesting, all positions that we could be looking to upgrade. Sign me up on his bandwagon.

Either CF or SS would be a stretch for Iwamura. His bat would likely be an asset at 2B.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

Iwamura at 2B, Theriot at SS, A-Rod at 3B, Aramis signed elsewhere, Izturis dealt for a prospect to someone, Graffanino signed as the main utility guy, Cedeno riding the pine as the 25th man. I can live with those outcomes.

 

Make the trades for Vernon Wells and either Pat Burrell or JD Drew, and the offense looks tight. Sign two Japanese pitchers and suddenly, a contenduh.

[Milli1306]

Iwamura at 2B, Theriot at SS, A-Rod at 3B, Aramis signed elsewhere, Izturis dealt for a prospect to someone, Graffanino signed as the main utility guy, Cedeno riding the pine as the 25th man. I can live with those outcomes.

 

Make the trades for Vernon Wells and either Pat Burrell or JD Drew, and the offense looks tight. Sign two Japanese pitchers and suddenly, a contenduh.

 

sorry, but wouldn't it make more sense defensively to have a 5-time (albeit Japanese League) Gold Glover at 3rd and another gold glover (or at least GG caliber player) at SS and then Theriot at 2nd?

[1908]

Gary Garland[/url]"]Third baseman Akinori Iwamura continues to be linked with San Diego in the Japanese press. He has reportedly hired Alan Nero, who just recently finished the negotiations with the Cubs for another client, Lou Piniella. Nero also handles the affairs of Mariners catcher Kenji Johjima. Hochi Sports claims that Cleveland is also interested. Iwamura himself is chomping at the bit to go overseas and would like to be posted sometime in mid-November. Sandy Alderson has reportedly liked what he has seen of Iwamura and they are said to be moving Russell Branyan to the outfield and Aaron Boone got the boot.

 

A Yakult official expressed hope that Iwamura would use his experience in MLB by returning as a coach after his playing days are over. Moreover, it doesn't matter how low the bid is, the Swallows will accept it. One figure has Iwamura going for about $1 million. That includes both the posting fee and his salary.

[CubinNY]

Gary Garland[/url]"]Third baseman Akinori Iwamura continues to be linked with San Diego in the Japanese press. He has reportedly hired Alan Nero, who just recently finished the negotiations with the Cubs for another client, Lou Piniella. Nero also handles the affairs of Mariners catcher Kenji Johjima. Hochi Sports claims that Cleveland is also interested. Iwamura himself is chomping at the bit to go overseas and would like to be posted sometime in mid-November. Sandy Alderson has reportedly liked what he has seen of Iwamura and they are said to be moving Russell Branyan to the outfield and Aaron Boone got the boot.

 

A Yakult official expressed hope that Iwamura would use his experience in MLB by returning as a coach after his playing days are over. Moreover, it doesn't matter how low the bid is, the Swallows will accept it. One figure has Iwamura going for about $1 million. That includes both the posting fee and his salary.

 

Holy smokes! Is this guy any good? $1 million is a bargin if he can play. The Cubs could pick him up as a bench guy.