The General Managers' Meetings Thread

[Post Count Padder]

Yes, please regarding Lee or Westbrook. They are both reliable AL pitchers and I think they would be just as good or better in the NL.

[VanceJergins]

From rotoworld:

Nationals manager Manny Acta said he expected Nook Logan, Kory Casto, Ryan Church and Alex Escobar to compete for two starting jobs alongside Austin Kearns in the Washington outfield

 

Hmmmm...An outfield logjam in Washington they have? Take Church and Kearns we will.

 

This has already been discussed a little bit, but do you think they'd do a Jones/Marshall/Aardsma for Kearns/Church deal or something similar? A Kearns/Church RF platoon with Drew or Soriano in CF would go a long way in filling the offensive void of Iztruris and DeRosa.

[WrigleyField 22]

Maybe I'm crazy and I don't know why the Indians would trade them both, but I would take both of these guys on the Cubs.

Zambrano

Lee

Westbrook

Prior/Miller

Marshall/Guzman/Mateo

 

Zito looks like his contract demands wont be worth it, we lost out on Matz, Schmidt looks likely to go to Seattle. Any of the FAs will be expensive and no better if not worse than them two. Plus they would cost a combined $8.85M. Less than $9M for 400+ innings of ERA from 3.5-4 (you figure they improve AL-NL). We could really pour our money into the offense.

 

Okay I'm done with my crazy ideas for tonight.

[Brian]

From the Piniella article on chicagosports.com

 

Piniella believes he has enough arms in the bullpen but would like to see the Cubs add two more starters. He said they are looking at a group of about six to eight possible additions. That list is believed to be headed by free agents Ted Lilly, Miguel Batista, Vicente Padilla and Japanese lefty Kei Igawa. Righty Gil Meche is another possibility.

 

I don't like the way this is headed :(

 

The only way I'd except those names is if Soriano is in center.

[Laura]

From the Piniella article on chicagosports.com

 

Piniella believes he has enough arms in the bullpen but would like to see the Cubs add two more starters. He said they are looking at a group of about six to eight possible additions. That list is believed to be headed by free agents Ted Lilly, Miguel Batista, Vicente Padilla and Japanese lefty Kei Igawa. Righty Gil Meche is another possibility.

 

I don't like the way this is headed :(

 

I think they just focused on the free agents (I'm not crazy about the names, either).

[Brian]

I didn't like the wording... "headed by" it should be headed by Schmidt.

[Brian]

btw, is there an indication when Igawa is going to get posted?

[BDWeav71]

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6174052

 

 

I don't know if this has been posted or not yet, but it looks to be good news to me.

 

Very interesting that Rosenthal states the chance Lugo moves out to center..

[BDWeav71]

Soriano figures to cost at least $90 million. A free-agent starting pitcher such as Ted Lilly or Gil Meche also will be expensive. The Cubs plan to trade for a second starter.

 

 

Missed this the first time around. Not really a suprise, but its the first time ive seen it in print from someone who isn't a message board poster.

[Laura]

Lots of good tidbits. I'm a little nervous about growing hype over the Cubs signing Soriano. (I prefer Drew and think he would be a better fit and cost less, but I'd be happy if they got Soriano as long as it didn't prevent re-signing Z) It reminds me a little of the Furcal Frenzy or the Trading for Lowell uproar.

 

I wonder who this means: "If they signed free agent Alfonso Soriano, their No. 1 target, to play center, they likely would add a lesser outfield bat to alternate with Jacque Jones and Matt Murton." Apparently not Lugo. I think Theriot has played some OF in the minors, but he obviously wouldn't need to be added.

 

Perhaps the most fascinating development in the aftermath of the DeRosa signing is that the Cubs continue to pursue free agent Julio Lugo, whom they envision batting leadoff and possibly moving to center field, according to major-league sources.

 

Lugo, a shortstop for most of his career, probably would fit with the Cubs only if the team failed to land Soriano. He has played just one game in center, but he's a terrific athlete and high-energy player who was a favorite of Piniella's with the Devil Rays.

 

The Cubs also could trade shortstop Cesar Izturis, perhaps to the Red Sox, to create a spot for Lugo. Izturis, however, is valued for his defense - he won a Gold Glove in 2004 and was an All-Star in '05.

 

I wonder who the Cubs are interested in from the Red Sox.

 

It also says that Lugo is sought after by the Red Sox, by the Mets for 2B ... and possibly by the O's if they trade Tejada.

[WrigleyField 22]

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6174052

 

 

I don't know if this has been posted or not yet, but it looks to be good news to me.

 

Very interesting that Rosenthal states the chance Lugo moves out to center..

 

I also like the idea of finding a 4th OF who can give some rest to Jones and Murton. He obviously would have to be someone with near equal splits. But having a solid backup, with Pagan as the 5th OF would be quite nice.

 

Disappointed to not see a mention of Drewm who I prefer to Soriano, but I can't say I'm surprised.

[WrigleyField 22]

I wonder who the Cubs are interested in from the Red Sox.

 

Manny Ramirez

 

but in all seriousness I would think some nothing minor leaguer. Just don't make us eat more than $0.5-1M

[Laura]

INS News[/url]"] The other big signing at Tuesday's meetings _ Carlstadt, N.J.'s Mark DeRosa cashing in on his breakout season with the Rangers with a three-year, $13 million with the Cubs _ is viewed as a portent of big things to come in Wrigleyville. When Lou Piniella signed on as Cubs manager last month, it was stated by one and all that the Cubs were going to spend what it takes to win. It started with the re-signing of third baseman Aramis Ramirez for five years and $73 million. Now with DeRosa in the fold as an all-purpose insurance policy, Piniella and GM Jim Hendry are on the prowl for two starting pitchers, two power-hitting outfielders and a second baseman.

 

They're going to be big players in the Alfonso Soriano sweepstakes, and Piniella has his eye on his old Tampa Bay shortstop, Julio Lugo, who is also being pursued by the Red Sox and Blue Jays. Piniella actually views Lugo as a potential center field/leadoff hitter as an alternative if the Cubs are unable to sign Gary Matthews Jr. And very quietly the Cubs have been exploring DeRosa's best friend, Jason Marquis, as a potential bargain reclamation project. Marquis had a horrible season with the Cardinals this year, falling out of favor with Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan, after winning 28 games the previous two seasons in St. Louis. But, on his own, he recently worked under the tutelage of a major league pitching coach in Florida and is said to have straightened out two mechanical flaws Duncan couldn't find. Hendry got good reports on Marquis and is strongly considering him for one of the two rotation vacancies. And if the Soriano bidding gets too rich, the Cubs are looking at Cliff Floyd, who, upon recovering from his Achilles surgery, would love to go home to Chicago.

 

Cliff Floyd might be a let down from all the Soriano talk. I'm ignoring all mention of Marquis. Is he really best friends with DeRosa? Do we still need a 2Bman?

 

INS? I dunno. The mention of Hendry and Piniella being on the prowl was too hilarious not to post, though.

[A New Era]

Maybe I'm crazy and I don't know why the Indians would trade them both, but I would take both of these guys on the Cubs.

Zambrano

Lee

Westbrook

Prior/Miller

Marshall/Guzman/Mateo

 

You actually forgot Hill, who in m eyes, if this works out well he could be a very dominating #2 quality starter. Now ofcourse I think it will end up more like this. Just taking a stab at it. .

 

Zambrano

Hill

Cliff Lee

Lily

Miller/Prior/younguns

[WrigleyField 22]

Maybe I'm crazy and I don't know why the Indians would trade them both, but I would take both of these guys on the Cubs.

Zambrano

Lee

Westbrook

Prior/Miller

Marshall/Guzman/Mateo

 

You actually forgot Hill, who in m eyes, if this works out well he could be a very dominating #2 quality starter. Now ofcourse I think it will end up more like this. Just taking a stab at it. .

 

Zambrano

Hill

Cliff Lee

Lily

Miller/Prior/younguns

 

I meant to throw him with either the Prior or Marshall group. Or I don't, maybe he can net us a good bat in a trade. But you're right, otherwise he would be in there.

[A New Era]

Maybe I'm crazy and I don't know why the Indians would trade them both, but I would take both of these guys on the Cubs.

Zambrano

Lee

Westbrook

Prior/Miller

Marshall/Guzman/Mateo

 

You actually forgot Hill, who in m eyes, if this works out well he could be a very dominating #2 quality starter. Now ofcourse I think it will end up more like this. Just taking a stab at it. .

 

Zambrano

Hill

Cliff Lee

Lily

Miller/Prior/younguns

 

I meant to throw him with either the Prior or Marshall group. Or I don't, maybe he can net us a good bat in a trade. But you're right, otherwise he would be in there.

 

I think Hill is going to be very good, and that Miller will be fully ready for the '07 season. That should not share a spot. Instead should be considered #4 and #5. With Prior not even in the #5 spot. Prepare the season as if he was not here. If he is, and he's ON. And you need to find a spot for him. . Well then that's a problem I don't mind having.

[WrigleyField 22]

Maybe I'm crazy and I don't know why the Indians would trade them both, but I would take both of these guys on the Cubs.

Zambrano

Lee

Westbrook

Prior/Miller

Marshall/Guzman/Mateo

 

You actually forgot Hill, who in m eyes, if this works out well he could be a very dominating #2 quality starter. Now ofcourse I think it will end up more like this. Just taking a stab at it. .

 

Zambrano

Hill

Cliff Lee

Lily

Miller/Prior/younguns

 

I meant to throw him with either the Prior or Marshall group. Or I don't, maybe he can net us a good bat in a trade. But you're right, otherwise he would be in there.

 

I think Hill is going to be very good, and that Miller will be fully ready for the '07 season. That should not share a spot. Instead should be considered #4 and #5. With Prior not even in the #5 spot. Prepare the season as if he was not here. If he is, and he's ON. And you need to find a spot for him. . Well then that's a problem I don't mind having.

 

Zambrano i my only absolute right now. The other guys (not sure who, but theres about six of them) account for two other rotation spots at the bottom. That leaves two spots open in the rotation.

 

If I had to guess Hill and Miller would fill those 4 and 5 spots, but its an open competition. It doesn't matter how your break down the groups, you might as well just lump them in one group and call it two spots.

[WrigleyinEngland]

Lugo,Soriano, one SP through FA and a trade for Westbrook or Jennings would at least give me hope for '07.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

btw, is there an indication when Igawa is going to get posted?

 

Hanshin was supposedly waiting for the whole Matsuzaka thing to get figured out so that the teams that lost out on the Matsuzaka might also enter the bidding. So any day now?

[CuseCubFan69]

Lugo,Soriano, one SP through FA and a trade for Westbrook or Jennings would at least give me hope for '07.

 

I wonder how Lou felt about Lugo since he played for him at Tampa?

[CheeseHead Cubs Fan]

Lugo,Soriano, one SP through FA and a trade for Westbrook or Jennings would at least give me hope for '07.

 

I wonder how Lou felt about Lugo since he played for him at Tampa?

 

The latest from Rosenthal

 

Perhaps the most fascinating development in the aftermath of the DeRosa signing is that the Cubs continue to pursue free agent Julio Lugo, whom they envision batting leadoff and possibly moving to center field, according to major-league sources.

 

Lugo, a shortstop for most of his career, probably would fit with the Cubs only if the team failed to land Soriano. He has played just one game in center, but he's a terrific athlete and high-energy player who was a favorite of Piniella's with the Devil Rays.

 

The Cubs also could trade shortstop Cesar Izturis, perhaps to the Red Sox, to create a spot for Lugo. Izturis, however, is valued for his defense - he won a Gold Glove in 2004 and was an All-Star in '05.

[C.C.]

Lugo,Soriano, one SP through FA and a trade for Westbrook or Jennings would at least give me hope for '07.

 

I wonder how Lou felt about Lugo since he played for him at Tampa?

 

The latest from Rosenthal

 

Perhaps the most fascinating development in the aftermath of the DeRosa signing is that the Cubs continue to pursue free agent Julio Lugo, whom they envision batting leadoff and possibly moving to center field, according to major-league sources.

 

Lugo, a shortstop for most of his career, probably would fit with the Cubs only if the team failed to land Soriano. He has played just one game in center, but he's a terrific athlete and high-energy player who was a favorite of Piniella's with the Devil Rays.

 

The Cubs also could trade shortstop Cesar Izturis, perhaps to the Red Sox, to create a spot for Lugo. Izturis, however, is valued for his defense - he won a Gold Glove in 2004 and was an All-Star in '05.

 

So you will have Murton, Lugo, and Jones in the outfield, to go with Izzy and Derosa in the infield? We are the same team as last year?

[muntjack]

Lugo,Soriano, one SP through FA and a trade for Westbrook or Jennings would at least give me hope for '07.

 

I wonder how Lou felt about Lugo since he played for him at Tampa?

 

The latest from Rosenthal

 

Perhaps the most fascinating development in the aftermath of the DeRosa signing is that the Cubs continue to pursue free agent Julio Lugo, whom they envision batting leadoff and possibly moving to center field, according to major-league sources.

 

Lugo, a shortstop for most of his career, probably would fit with the Cubs only if the team failed to land Soriano. He has played just one game in center, but he's a terrific athlete and high-energy player who was a favorite of Piniella's with the Devil Rays.

 

The Cubs also could trade shortstop Cesar Izturis, perhaps to the Red Sox, to create a spot for Lugo. Izturis, however, is valued for his defense - he won a Gold Glove in 2004 and was an All-Star in '05.

 

Then where exactly are we going to spend all this money? Give Lugo 5/55????

 

I really think they're aiming for a .500 team.

 

Lugo

DeRosa

Lee

Ramirez

Jones

Murton

Barrett

Izturis

 

Zambrano

2nd tier FA

Hill

Prior/Marshall/etc.

Miller

 

 

Yuck. Even if we get Schmidt...Yuck.

[BigbadB]

I'm happy that they are looking at Lugo, Soriano, Westbrook, Igawa and Meche, but why on Earth would they be looking at Lugo in CF when we have a humungous hole at SS?

 

Why not have JD Drew's name mentioned at every mention of Soriano? Hendry sold himself short listing Furcal as his main love last year. Drew needs to know the Cubs are very interested.

 

Drew or Soriano, Lugo, Westbrook and Meche would be a nice haul this offseason. Trade for 2b Giles and this would be a very good offseason.

[TruffleShuffle]

I really think they're aiming for a .500 team.

 

Lugo

DeRosa

Lee

Ramirez

Jones

Murton

Barrett

Izturis

 

Zambrano

2nd tier FA

Hill

Prior/Marshall/etc.

Miller

 

This would NOT be a .500 team.