Cubs Will Target Soriano, Schmidt

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

According to the Sun Times

 

Link

 

Among the big names on the Cubs' radar are slugging outfielder Alfonso Soriano and right-handed pitcher Jason Schmidt. The Cubs first must focus their attention on signing third baseman Aramis Ramirez to a multiyear extension, preventing him from filing for free agency. General manager Jim Hendry has rated that as his top priority now that Lou Piniella has been hired as manager.

[Shavo]

I'm glad Carlos Lee isn't on the radar.

[erik316wttn]

At least Hendry has at least one of his priorities straight.

[moorecg]

According to the Sun Times

 

Link

 

Among the big names on the Cubs' radar are slugging outfielder Alfonso Soriano and right-handed pitcher Jason Schmidt. The Cubs first must focus their attention on signing third baseman Aramis Ramirez to a multiyear extension, preventing him from filing for free agency. General manager Jim Hendry has rated that as his top priority now that Lou Piniella has been hired as manager.

 

We'd be better...and only in need of 2 more starting pitchers

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I think we could get by signing Schmidt and one other pitcher.

 

If the Cubs signed Schmidt and maybe Kudora...

 

Then the rotation is Zambrano, Schmidt, Hill, Kudora with Marshall, Mateo, Marmol, Prior, Guzman or Ryu all competing for that fifth spot. From that group, I think the Cubs could get one to produce on an adequate level for a fifth starter.

 

I'd try for Schmidt and Soriano...and depending on where Soriano is going to play, aim for Durham or a CF.

[OleMissCub]

I can dig that. However, would they want him to play CF? 2B? I'd be afraid of the butchery at either position. Although I would definitely like his speed and bat. What position would he do the least damage defensively if we were to pick him up?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I'd probably want him in CF. I think he could handle it and there are more options for 2b than there are at CF.

[OleMissCub]

I'd probably want him in CF. I think he could handle it and there are more options for 2b than there are at CF.

 

While Wrigley does have some severe wind to deal with every now and then, I'd guess that because the dimensions of the outfield are so standard, playing CF in Wrigley isn't as bad as some stadiums, like Fenway or Minute Maid

[CaliforniaRaisin]

I'd rather play him at 2B and get a stopgap CF like Dave Roberts or Kenny Lofton.

[jtownie]

I think we could get by signing Schmidt and one other pitcher.

 

If the Cubs signed Schmidt and maybe Kudora...

 

Then the rotation is Zambrano, Schmidt, Hill, Kudora with Marshall, Mateo, Marmol, Prior, Guzman or Ryu all competing for that fifth spot. From that group, I think the Cubs could get one to produce on an adequate level for a fifth starter.

 

I'd try for Schmidt and Soriano...and depending on where Soriano is going to play, aim for Durham or a CF.

 

I wouldn't mind seeing the Cubs go after Iwamura for 2B if he can handle the position. I'm not sure how Japanese stats translate to the ML level but I think he could provide above-average to great production at 2B.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I wish Fukudome would get posted, but that's just wishful thinking.

[BigbadB]

I think we could get by signing Schmidt and one other pitcher.

 

If the Cubs signed Schmidt and maybe Kudora...

 

Then the rotation is Zambrano, Schmidt, Hill, Kudora with Marshall, Mateo, Marmol, Prior, Guzman or Ryu all competing for that fifth spot. From that group, I think the Cubs could get one to produce on an adequate level for a fifth starter.

 

I'd try for Schmidt and Soriano...and depending on where Soriano is going to play, aim for Durham or a CF.

 

I thought that Miller was a Hendry priority this offseason as well?

 

I'd love to see Schmidt and Soriano. Lugo or Durham (preferably Lugo to play SS). Lofton and Pagan sharing CF until Pie is ready.

[da bears]

I like this. Hopefully Hendry ponies up the money this year. On another note, has Hendry said anything about resigning Pierre, or is he content to just let him go? I wouldn't complain if he was gonna let him go, I'm just curious if he's even gonna offer him a contract.

[b_wiggy_66]

This is good news, Kuroda was mentioned again in the Trib today as well. I would like them to get someone who could leadoff at the position that Soriano is not at. If hes in CF get a leadoff guy at 2B and the opposite if hes at 2B. Someone like Dave Roberts in CF or Durham at 2B. I would prefer Soriano at least bat 2nd so that he has some RBI chances. It is also a good thing to have Prior, Miller, Guzman, Marshall, and Marmol all battling for the 5th spot. One of those guys would step up and have a decent year. It would also give us some starting pitching depth. Resinging A-ram is also a key component get rid of the last 2 years of this deal and give him a 5/75 deal Jim. Save some money to re-sign Zambrano as well, hes going to command at least and Oswalt contract. I don't know where Theriot fits either. It was a small sample size, but if you wanted to I guess you could try him as a starter and see how that goes.

[Pinktermite]

I think Soriano is a bad call. The exact thing the Cubs should try and stay away from is a guy at the top of the lineup that strikes out as much as he helps you.

 

I'd prefer saving that money and using Theriot or Ray Durham at second and finding something else for CF. Signing CLee for left or Right due to his career .850 batting ave in Wrigley...he'd be cheaper and has better (though slightly so) plate discipline.

 

I just don't like Soriano...he's a whiner like Sheffield is...

 

Just my opinion. Love Schmidt...maybe a long shot for Zito...

[b_wiggy_66]

I think Soriano is a bad call. The exact thing the Cubs should try and stay away from is a guy at the top of the lineup that strikes out as much as he helps you.

 

I'd prefer saving that money and using Theriot or Ray Durham at second and finding something else for CF. Signing CLee for left or Right due to his career .850 batting ave in Wrigley...he'd be cheaper and has better (though slightly so) plate discipline.

 

I just don't like Soriano...he's a whiner like Sheffield is...

 

Just my opinion. Love Schmidt...maybe a long shot for Zito...

 

All they were talking about at the end of the season was how much the fans liked Soriano and wanted to see him back in Wash. They also said how good of a teammate he was and that he was fun in the clubhouse. So I think comparing him to Sheff. is a little extreme.

 

Zito would be no good at Wrigley. Huge walk numbers and a ton of flyballs are not a good combination to have there.

[ManCrushOnNomar]

Can Soriano actually play CF or is all of this just speculation and fans' fantasy?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Can Soriano actually play CF or is all of this just speculation and fans' fantasy?

 

In an article somewhere, it said Hendry was looking at Soriano for CF. He's never played it, but many believe he has the skills to play it.

[BigbadB]

I'd take Soriano and his strike outs all day long over Pierre and his contact. Soriano's increased walk/K rates have turned him into a more complete player. The .074 increase in his OBP over his AVG is what makes him valuable.

 

That gives the Cubs 3 guys with the capability of 90+ XBH's, assuming Aramis is back. All they need after that is some roster filler with guys with respectable to above average OBP and they should be in pretty good shape offensively.

[Outshined_One]

I wish Fukudome would get posted, but that's just wishful thinking.

 

Iwamura has expressed a desire to play pretty much any position on the diamond. He would be worth a look-see, imo.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I wish Fukudome would get posted, but that's just wishful thinking.

 

Iwamura has expressed a desire to play pretty much any position on the diamond. He would be worth a look-see, imo.

 

I agree, but Fukudome would be great too.

[sherwood921]

I think Soriano is a bad call. The exact thing the Cubs should try and stay away from is a guy at the top of the lineup that strikes out as much as he helps you.

 

How exactly does he strike out at much as he helps you? That makes no sense.

 

I'd prefer saving that money and using Theriot or Ray Durham at second and finding something else for CF. Signing CLee for left or Right due to his career .850 batting ave in Wrigley...he'd be cheaper and has better (though slightly so) plate discipline.

 

Against Cubs pitching.

[Yestheydo]

Can Soriano actually play CF or is all of this just speculation and fans' fantasy?

Scouts have been saying for years that he could be a very good CF if he'd just agree to try it.

[shnsajax]

When are we going to find out anything on the Postings? If FA period begins without us knowing anything that is going to impact how agressive we go after a guy like Schmidt. We can't sit around and wait have Schmidt get signed in the process.

[A New Era]

That's cool.

 

It looks like our biggest "targets" are this pitcher Koruda, Schmidt, and Soriano. I can live with that. Hopefully we get atleast 2 of them, and explore trades to fill any holes we couldn't via FA.

 

Anyway, isn't Schmidt highly regarded as an injury risk here on NSBB? Because of his age, injury history, and recent usage patterns?