Bring Back Moises

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

In trying to have more productivity in the OF for 2007, I might approach Alou about becoming a platoon partner with Jones and being a right-handed bat off the bench. I think with platooning with Jones and subing occasionally for Murton, Alou might get in 100 games. I think, if he were willing to accept it, would be a role he would excell in.

 

Against LH in 2006, the venerable Alou hit 349/407/687. While he is not the best defensively, I think Alou's production against lefties combined with Jones' production against righties would make for all-star level production.

 

Alou is not bad against righties either.

 

He still had a 286/334/534 line against righties. Alou's biggest problems are his defense and ability to remain healthy. Using him as a platoon RF, part-time LF, and productive pinch hitter should keep him healthy.

 

Alou made 7 million in 2006. If he could be signed for a price of around 4-5 million, I think it would be worth it. The Cubs would be spending 9-10 million on rightfield and getting better production than what a 10-12 million dollar player would be likely to provide.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

With the added bonus that there would be much adventure on the basepaths, regardless of who starts in RF.

[Wheelimus]

You know, I like it. If you signed Soriano for center, that would be a very productive outfield, with Moises taking all of Jacques lefties and any righties he has good history against but Murton might struggle.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

There's also the added bonus that Ramirez was supposedly better when Alou was around.

[Banedon]

Alou was injured frequently when with the Cubs previously. And he's not getting any younger. There could certainly be worse signings, but I'm not a big fan of this idea personally.

[b_wiggy_66]

I've heard Alou's name mentioned in many places this offseason: Detroit, Cleveland, Boston, and Baltimore. I think he will get a starting job somewhere as a DH possibly as a fielder somewhere. Plus with the way the Cubs let him go(not picking up his option after a big year) I don't think he was to happy about that. So I don't think he would come back.

[goonys evil twin]

Only a really smart person would think of this option.

[RichHillIsABeast]

Great. Alou and Jones can compare their blunders on the basepaths in their spare time.

 

Murton, ?, and Jones/Alou across the outfield? That's some pretty weak defense. Alou doesn't bring enough with his bat (as a platoon partner) to make it worth the bad knees and baserunning gaffes.

[goonys evil twin]

Great. Alou and Jones can compare their blunders on the basepaths in their spare time.

 

Murton, ?, and Jones/Alou across the outfield? That's some pretty weak defense. Alou doesn't bring enough with his bat (as a platoon partner) to make it worth the bad knees and baserunning gaffes.

 

I think he brings more than enough with the bat, as a platoon partner, to offset his bad knees and baserunning gaffes.

 

Alou/Jones would be a tremendously productive platoon. Unfortunately, they are two guys who probably would balk at sitting while a kid like Murton gets to play.

[Magnetic Curses]

Great. Alou and Jones can compare their blunders on the basepaths in their spare time.

 

Murton, ?, and Jones/Alou across the outfield? That's some pretty weak defense. Alou doesn't bring enough with his bat (as a platoon partner) to make it worth the bad knees and baserunning gaffes.

 

I think he brings more than enough with the bat, as a platoon partner, to offset his bad knees and baserunning gaffes.

 

Alou/Jones would be a tremendously productive platoon. Unfortunately, they are two guys who probably would balk at sitting while a kid like Murton gets to play.

 

i think i'd rather trade jones, bring in geoff jenkins, and semi-platoon him with a guy like restovich.

[USSoccer]

Only a really smart person would think of this option.

 

Are you insinuating that the thought will never cross our GM's mind?

[ManCrushOnNomar]

With the added bonus that there would be much adventure on the basepaths, regardless of who starts in RF.

Think we could get them to pump the Benny Hill theme song through Wrigley when he's on base?

[Neuby]

I would rather spend that kind of cash on Craig Wilson. He's a younger, better health, Strong arm,can play first and be your third string catcher. Alou will get a DH job somewhere.

[goonys evil twin]

I would rather spend that kind of cash on Craig Wilson. He's a younger, better health, Strong arm,can play first and be your third string catcher. Alou will get a DH job somewhere.

 

I'd prefer Wilson myself, but Alou is significantly more productive.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Great. Alou and Jones can compare their blunders on the basepaths in their spare time.

 

Murton, ?, and Jones/Alou across the outfield? That's some pretty weak defense. Alou doesn't bring enough with his bat (as a platoon partner) to make it worth the bad knees and baserunning gaffes.

 

:shock:

 

Alou in 2006 vs LH had an OPS of over 1000. In 2005, it was over 1100. Jacque had an 886 vs RH. That's a pretty good platoon. The sad thing is Alou hit 849 vs RH last season.

 

Alou can still hit. As a part-time player, I think he could also stay healthy for an entire season. He might get offers from AL teams to DH and play every day. If so, we likely lose out to one of those teams.

 

But it doesn't hurt to make him an offer. He might prefer to stay in the NL. He might want to return to Chicago.

 

The fact is the Cubs would be improved with Alou on the team. He'll be much cheaper than many of the other possibilities. And Alou-Jones tandem also will be as productive as an all-star caliber outfield.

 

I know a lot of people didn't like Alou because when he came to Chicago he didn't produce on par with his contract and often looked like he didn't care in the process. But the fact is that he mashes LH pitching and still holds his own against righties. As a platoon player, he would be great. It would also be nice on some days to have his presence on the bench as a PH. I imagine teams would think hard about bringing in a loogy to face Jones or any of our other LH bats if they knew Alou was waiting for a chance to pinch hit.

 

Would Alou agree to such a role at his advanced age? I don't know. But it is an avenue I'd pursue quickly.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I would rather spend that kind of cash on Craig Wilson. He's a younger, better health, Strong arm,can play first and be your third string catcher. Alou will get a DH job somewhere.

 

I'd prefer Wilson myself, but Alou is significantly more productive.

 

QFT

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

With the added bonus that there would be much adventure on the basepaths, regardless of who starts in RF.

Think we could get them to pump the Benny Hill theme song through Wrigley when he's on base?

 

Is it possible Alou's baserunning gaffes were more indicative of a Baker-led team and that they are less likely to happen with Piniella in charge?

 

I haven't seen too many complaints of his baserunning since he's been in San Francisco and I don't recall Astros fans complaining about them either.

 

I think with Baker in charge, Alou became complacent.

[baseball7897]

Jay Payton

[Mizzou]

Alou never should have been let go.

 

I'm all for bringing him back, but it wont happen.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Jay Payton

 

Why?

 

Alou is more productive against both lefties and righties than Payton has been.

 

Payton's OPS in 2006 vs LH- 817

Alou's OPS in 2006 vs LH- 1094

 

This is true for their entire careers. Alou is a more productive hitter. Payton might be a nice plan C or D or M-Z, but he shouldn't come before a pursuit of Alou.

[b_wiggy_66]

No matter who it is I don't think that Jones will be here next year so they would start anyways. If he is here they won't platoon anyways. Not many managers platoon players when they should. They like to have their main guys play all the time.

[Soriano12]

I always liked Alou.

 

Someday I would love to shake his hand.

[wekse]

before or after he pisses on them?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

before or after he pisses on them?

 

During :shock: :lol:

[Banedon]

Would Alou be content being a part time player?