Cubs Will Target Soriano, Schmidt

[Rob]

It means that over the last 3 years Drew has been the best RF in the NL,

 

Bobby Abreau disagrees.

 

Too bad for Bobby. the stats agree with me...

 

Drew OPS+

 

158

148

125

 

Abreu OPS+

 

123

129

120 (as a Phillie, since my claim was that Drew has been the best RF in the NL)

 

Drew beat him all 3 years and pwned him in 04 and 05

 

 

Abreu VORP:

 

73.5

47.0

49.0 (25.5 in NL)

 

 

Drew VORP:

 

69.5

26.9

34.9

 

Seems to me that Drew's rate stats are just as good as, if not better than, Abreu's... but Drew just isn't ever healthy enough. And even in his one healthy year, Abreu stole 40 bases and only got caught 5 times, so he still got the edge.

[nilodnayr]

I think LA sees their lineup as it is now: Furcal-SS, Ethier-LF, Drew-RF, Kent-2B, Loney-1B, Kemp-CF, Martin-C, Betemit-3B. I think they want to upgrade at 3B. And if they can't get a big enough bat there, which they likely won't if Ramirez re-signs and ARod stays in NY, they will look to replace Drew. I fully believe they will enter the Carlos Lee/Soriano sweepstakes. The Dodgers don't have the big RH hitter. Nomar will likely be gone. Kent is an injury risk who will be 39 in March and shouldn't be counted on as more than a 5th or 6th hitter for a good offensive team. Kemp isn't there yet. I don't think they will want to go into the season with their 2 biggest hitters, being their 2 biggest injury risks. Kent will be impossible to trade....again being 39 and in the last year of his contract.

 

And the fact that LA gave Drew a huge contract and he has barely has a full season's worth of plate appearances in his 2 years there could lead to him being traded.

 

886 PAs would be one hell of a season (I know you were just exaggerating). Its a longshot that they will be able to get AROD or ARam, but if they do, then that will take up about 16M of the 30M they have to spend. So they will still have 14M to lure a Schmidt/Zito if they so desire. It doesnt make a lot of sense to subtract Drew's production unless you think you can use his 11M more effectively and get a good amount back in a trade. So far, no one has come up with that scenario, so I remain unconvinced that it would be best for the dodgers to trade Drew.

[nilodnayr]

It means that over the last 3 years Drew has been the best RF in the NL,

 

Bobby Abreau disagrees.

 

Too bad for Bobby. the stats agree with me...

 

Drew OPS+

 

158

148

125

 

Abreu OPS+

 

123

129

120 (as a Phillie, since my claim was that Drew has been the best RF in the NL)

 

Drew beat him all 3 years and pwned him in 04 and 05

 

 

Abreu VORP:

 

73.5

47.0

49.0 (25.5 in NL)

 

 

Drew VORP:

 

69.5

26.9

34.9

 

Seems to me that Drew's rate stats are just as good as, if not better than, Abreu's... but Drew just isn't ever healthy enough. And even in his one healthy year, Abreu stole 40 bases and only got caught 5 times, so he still got the edge.

 

Yes, obviously any player will fall behind in comparison when injured for a good part of the year. Drew was healthy enough in 04 and 06 to be nearly as good and better than Abreu.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

I think LA sees their lineup as it is now: Furcal-SS, Ethier-LF, Drew-RF, Kent-2B, Loney-1B, Kemp-CF, Martin-C, Betemit-3B. I think they want to upgrade at 3B. And if they can't get a big enough bat there, which they likely won't if Ramirez re-signs and ARod stays in NY, they will look to replace Drew. I fully believe they will enter the Carlos Lee/Soriano sweepstakes. The Dodgers don't have the big RH hitter. Nomar will likely be gone. Kent is an injury risk who will be 39 in March and shouldn't be counted on as more than a 5th or 6th hitter for a good offensive team. Kemp isn't there yet. I don't think they will want to go into the season with their 2 biggest hitters, being their 2 biggest injury risks. Kent will be impossible to trade....again being 39 and in the last year of his contract.

 

And the fact that LA gave Drew a huge contract and he has barely has a full season's worth of plate appearances in his 2 years there could lead to him being traded.

 

Just to add to what raw said, the Dodgers have supposedly targeted Aramis and Soriano as their two biggest FA targets.

[ManCrushOnNomar]

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.

 

Is it me or is Fukudome the most comical name ever? Look at how it's spelled, then seperate the letters.

 

Dick Trickle

Rusty Kuntz

 

http://www.baseball-reference.com/k/kuntzru01.shtml

[Drew Doughty]

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.

 

Is it me or is Fukudome the most comical name ever? Look at how it's spelled, then seperate the letters.

 

Dick Trickle

Rusty Kuntz

 

http://www.baseball-reference.com/k/kuntzru01.shtml

 

Ooooh, I can play this.

 

Connor Fux

 

http://imdb.com/name/nm1894182/

 

Yukata Fukufuji

 

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid=70188

 

and finally...Lucious Pusey

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=148900

[Derwood]

Ft. Wayne, IN Mayor Harry Baals

[Rob]

It means that over the last 3 years Drew has been the best RF in the NL,

 

Bobby Abreau disagrees.

 

Too bad for Bobby. the stats agree with me...

 

Drew OPS+

 

158

148

125

 

Abreu OPS+

 

123

129

120 (as a Phillie, since my claim was that Drew has been the best RF in the NL)

 

Drew beat him all 3 years and pwned him in 04 and 05

 

 

Abreu VORP:

 

73.5

47.0

49.0 (25.5 in NL)

 

 

Drew VORP:

 

69.5

26.9

34.9

 

Seems to me that Drew's rate stats are just as good as, if not better than, Abreu's... but Drew just isn't ever healthy enough. And even in his one healthy year, Abreu stole 40 bases and only got caught 5 times, so he still got the edge.

 

Yes, obviously any player will fall behind in comparison when injured for a good part of the year. Drew was healthy enough in 04 and 06 to be nearly as good and better than Abreu.

 

Well, like it or not, health is a skill, and Bobby Abreu has excelled at it.

 

Bobby Abreu has been better because his baseball skills paired with his health has resulted in more production. If JD Drew were healthy, could he possibly outdo Abreu? Sure, it's possible.

 

Just don't let Drew's flashy rate stats make you confuse potential production with actual production. When looking at their bodies of work... Abreu has been more productive (and hence, better) than Drew for every single season of their careers.

[davearm]

Can you please explain to me why the dodgers would be in a hurry to get rid of Drew's contract? Or why they would even want to trade him at all?

To be honest, I'm not fully up to speed on the Dodgers' current payroll situation, although I distinctly remember their budget being stretched to the limit not too long ago after adding guys like Furcal and Nomar. Maybe they've got some more breathing room now, I dunno.

 

But if they're still feeling cash-strapped, there can be a lot worse ways to save ~$7M/yr than by taking the downgrade from Drew to Jones. If making that move frees up the $$$ they need to make a run at Soriano or Matsuzaka or whomever, then it's not a stretch at all.

[Soul]

I think LA sees their lineup as it is now: Furcal-SS, Ethier-LF, Drew-RF, Kent-2B, Loney-1B, Kemp-CF, Martin-C, Betemit-3B. I think they want to upgrade at 3B. And if they can't get a big enough bat there, which they likely won't if Ramirez re-signs and ARod stays in NY, they will look to replace Drew. I fully believe they will enter the Carlos Lee/Soriano sweepstakes. The Dodgers don't have the big RH hitter. Nomar will likely be gone. Kent is an injury risk who will be 39 in March and shouldn't be counted on as more than a 5th or 6th hitter for a good offensive team. Kemp isn't there yet. I don't think they will want to go into the season with their 2 biggest hitters, being their 2 biggest injury risks. Kent will be impossible to trade....again being 39 and in the last year of his contract.

 

And the fact that LA gave Drew a huge contract and he has barely has a full season's worth of plate appearances in his 2 years there could lead to him being traded.

 

Just to add to what raw said, the Dodgers have supposedly targeted Aramis and Soriano as their two biggest FA targets.

 

It was bound to happen. Aramis has alot of value. A bidding war over him with another team is a fearful proposition. The grass has to be looking mighty green on the other side of the fence right about now. Though I thought I heard Aram say he would prefer to stay in Chicago. Saying something like that is usually the baseball equivalent of pillow talk.

 

Lose Aram and we are surely in serious trouble for '07. I'm willing to say that right now.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

I think LA sees their lineup as it is now: Furcal-SS, Ethier-LF, Drew-RF, Kent-2B, Loney-1B, Kemp-CF, Martin-C, Betemit-3B. I think they want to upgrade at 3B. And if they can't get a big enough bat there, which they likely won't if Ramirez re-signs and ARod stays in NY, they will look to replace Drew. I fully believe they will enter the Carlos Lee/Soriano sweepstakes. The Dodgers don't have the big RH hitter. Nomar will likely be gone. Kent is an injury risk who will be 39 in March and shouldn't be counted on as more than a 5th or 6th hitter for a good offensive team. Kemp isn't there yet. I don't think they will want to go into the season with their 2 biggest hitters, being their 2 biggest injury risks. Kent will be impossible to trade....again being 39 and in the last year of his contract.

 

And the fact that LA gave Drew a huge contract and he has barely has a full season's worth of plate appearances in his 2 years there could lead to him being traded.

 

Just to add to what raw said, the Dodgers have supposedly targeted Aramis and Soriano as their two biggest FA targets.

 

It was bound to happen. Aramis has alot of value. A bidding war over him with another team is a fearful proposition. The grass has to be looking mighty green on the other side of the fence right about now. Though I thought I heard Aram say he would prefer to stay in Chicago. Saying something like that is usually the baseball equivalent of pillow talk.

 

Lose Aram and we are surely in serious trouble for '07. I'm willing to say that right now.

 

The Dodgers aren't the only Los Angeles team interested in Aramis. Quite frankly, if he's not a Cub next year, I expect him to be an Angel.

[Lefty]

Lose Aram and we are surely in serious trouble for '07. I'm willing to say that right now.

 

I believe we are in serious trouble right now.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I forgot about Drew in my original list of OF's, he'd be great.

 

Another reason why he might get moved is that Colletti is heinously old school and might be souring on Drew's lack of intangibles, laissez-faire attitude, etc.

[CubinNY]

Lose Aram and we are surely in serious trouble for '07. I'm willing to say that right now.

 

I believe we are in serious trouble right now.

 

I'll second that. The window is closing quickly.

[erik316wttn]

Lose Aram and we are surely in serious trouble for '07. I'm willing to say that right now.

 

I believe we are in serious trouble right now.

 

I'd even be willing to overpay to keep Aram here. He's that important to our offense.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

According to this, Soriano is going to ask for a lot of moola!

 

Several executives said during this postseason that they expect Soriano to ask for at least $18 million per season for a deal that could last five or six seasons, though he could end up signing a deal worth slightly less.

[Soul]

Lose Aram and we are surely in serious trouble for '07. I'm willing to say that right now.

 

I believe we are in serious trouble right now.

 

I'll second that. The window is closing quickly.

 

I agree. What I had meant to say was, if we lose Aram, we're in the kind of trouble that isn't likely to be resolved for '07. In other words, no Aram likely = no chance for a positive '07 beyond some rebuilding takeaways for '08.

[Soul]

According to this, Soriano is going to ask for a lot of moola!

 

Several executives said during this postseason that they expect Soriano to ask for at least $18 million per season for a deal that could last five or six seasons, though he could end up signing a deal worth slightly less.

 

Why, that's Sammy money!!

[CubinNY]

According to this, Soriano is going to ask for a lot of moola!

 

Several executives said during this postseason that they expect Soriano to ask for at least $18 million per season for a deal that could last five or six seasons, though he could end up signing a deal worth slightly less.

 

I've said it before, but anyone who gives Soriano a five year deal will have very expensive 36 year-old player.

 

I don't mind giving younger players longer contracts but Soriano will already be on the wrong side of 30 when he signs his next deal. I don't think I like it unless the contract is heavily front-loaded.

[frostwyrm]

According to this, Soriano is going to ask for a lot of moola!

 

Several executives said during this postseason that they expect Soriano to ask for at least $18 million per season for a deal that could last five or six seasons, though he could end up signing a deal worth slightly less.

 

Why, that's Sammy money!!

 

I want Soriano but not at that price.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I used to preach fiancial responsibility. Not so much anymore. Give Sori what he wants. We need a bat!!!!

[Soul]

I used to preach fiancial responsibility. Not so much anymore. Give Sori what he wants. We need a bat!!!!

 

It's Lou time! Give 'em the buckeroonies! Reign of Terror! RAH!

 

8)

[Mizzou]

According to this, Soriano is going to ask for a lot of moola!

 

Several executives said during this postseason that they expect Soriano to ask for at least $18 million per season for a deal that could last five or six seasons, though he could end up signing a deal worth slightly less.

I've been saying to get Soriano for CF for months now, but at 18 million? I'd have to think hard about doing that. It's an extra 3 million more than what I'd like to sign him for, but is it really worth letting him walk and getting a worse CF and other bench players for that 18M?

 

The Cubs need to add another bat. Period. If an extra 3-4 million is going to stop them from signing the best bat on the market, then they're nowhere near as serious about winning at all as they have been saying.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

According to this, Soriano is going to ask for a lot of moola!

 

Several executives said during this postseason that they expect Soriano to ask for at least $18 million per season for a deal that could last five or six seasons, though he could end up signing a deal worth slightly less.

I've been saying to get Soriano for CF for months now, but at 18 million? I'd have to think hard about doing that. It's an extra 3 million more than what I'd like to sign him for, but is it really worth letting him walk and getting a worse CF and other bench players for that 18M?

 

The Cubs need to add another bat. Period. If an extra 3-4 million is going to stop them from signing the best bat on the market, then they're nowhere near as serious about winning at all as they have been saying.

 

The big issue is that it's a dry market. There's really not much there. On top of that, many teams have money to spend. The bad contracts signed in 2000 are now off the books of most teams. Many teams have 30-40 million to spend. With few targets, the bidding will rise because most teams know they won't get but one of these guys anyway.

 

I like the fact that the Cubs seem willing to spend. I fear that it still won't be enough.

[CuseCubFan69]

According to this, Soriano is going to ask for a lot of moola!

 

Several executives said during this postseason that they expect Soriano to ask for at least $18 million per season for a deal that could last five or six seasons, though he could end up signing a deal worth slightly less.

I've been saying to get Soriano for CF for months now, but at 18 million? I'd have to think hard about doing that. It's an extra 3 million more than what I'd like to sign him for, but is it really worth letting him walk and getting a worse CF and other bench players for that 18M?

 

The Cubs need to add another bat. Period. If an extra 3-4 million is going to stop them from signing the best bat on the market, then they're nowhere near as serious about winning at all as they have been saying.

 

The big issue is that it's a dry market. There's really not much there. On top of that, many teams have money to spend. The bad contracts signed in 2000 are now off the books of most teams. Many teams have 30-40 million to spend. With few targets, the bidding will rise because most teams know they won't get but one of these guys anyway.

 

I like the fact that the Cubs seem willing to spend. I fear that it still won't be enough.

 

Or they'll waste too much of it on the mediocre types and notice that most of the money has already been spent and Plan B From Outer Space once again takes over. Hendry has to keep Ramirez and nail 2 impact guys right away.