Hendry Not So Perfect Anymore

[hardcorecubfan]

Getting excited about a middle infield of Izturis and DeRosa defies logic, unless Hendry truly is attempting to get the attention of other GMs in the league or tempering the contract demands of other 2b FA's. But, I don't understand what talking these guys up really accomplishes. Unless it's in hopes that media can portray these as good signings.

 

Izturis has played very little the last 2 years. The time off will likely drop his offensive production to something lower than his career average. Unfortunately, his career average was nothing to write home about.

 

DeRosa has never held down a major league position in his life. Even last year, he was a super utility player that managed to get significant playing time due to his success in that role.

 

DeRosa is valuable as a super utility player, IMO. But, more than likely a liability if he's counted on to play 2b all year.

 

IBID

 

I can only see it discouraging young talent like Theriot. Don't you wonder if Lou is sitting down with Jim and helping him. It almost looks like Dusty is

[CubsWin]

Don't you dare lose faith in Hendry. Who will I argue with?

I'm sorry, BBB, but if Hendry fails to bring in some good pitching this off season, I don't think you'll have anyone to argue with when it comes to Hendry's effectiveness.

[BigbadB]

Getting excited about a middle infield of Izturis and DeRosa defies logic, unless Hendry truly is attempting to get the attention of other GMs in the league or tempering the contract demands of other 2b FA's. But, I don't understand what talking these guys up really accomplishes. Unless it's in hopes that media can portray these as good signings.

 

Izturis has played very little the last 2 years. The time off will likely drop his offensive production to something lower than his career average. Unfortunately, his career average was nothing to write home about.

 

DeRosa has never held down a major league position in his life. Even last year, he was a super utility player that managed to get significant playing time due to his success in that role.

 

DeRosa is valuable as a super utility player, IMO. But, more than likely a liability if he's counted on to play 2b all year.

 

IBID

 

I can only see it discouraging young talent like Theriot. Don't you wonder if Lou is sitting down with Jim and helping him. It almost looks like Dusty is

 

IBID? I need to update my computer language dictionary.

[BigbadB]

Don't you dare lose faith in Hendry. Who will I argue with?

I'm sorry, BBB, but if Hendry fails to bring in some good pitching this off season, I don't think you'll have anyone to argue with when it comes to Hendry's effectiveness.

 

He's going to get some pitching. I'm just not sure if you're going to like what he gets.

[A New Era]

Don't you dare lose faith in Hendry. Who will I argue with?

I'm sorry, BBB, but if Hendry fails to bring in some good pitching this off season, I don't think you'll have anyone to argue with when it comes to Hendry's effectiveness.

 

He's going to get some pitching. I'm just not sure if you're going to like what he gets.

 

The Cubs just need some reliable effective pitchers. If we end up with Zambrano, a #3, a #4, and two #5's. I don't care. Atleast we won't be relying on rookies and men like Rusch and Williams. It's the NL central for heavens sake. Just give me Meche, Weston, Zambrano, Hill, and Miller and a good offense and I'll be happy.

[CubsWin]

Don't you dare lose faith in Hendry. Who will I argue with?

I'm sorry, BBB, but if Hendry fails to bring in some good pitching this off season, I don't think you'll have anyone to argue with when it comes to Hendry's effectiveness.

 

He's going to get some pitching. I'm just not sure if you're going to like what he gets.

I did say "good pitching". :wink:

 

By bypassing the biggest names left on the market, Barry Zito and Jason Schmidt, the Cubs apparently believe they can stretch their pitching dollar to add three known quantities, with one caveat.

 

According to major-league sources, the third starter—the bonus one—very well could be Jason Marquis, who didn't pitch for St. Louis in the postseason after going 14-16 with a 6.02 earned-run average.

 

Hendry hopes to get two others off a list that includes Ted Lilly (15-13, 4.31 for Toronto), Meche (11-8, 4.48 for Seattle), Miguel Batista (11-8, 4.58 for Arizona) and Japanese left-hander Kei Igawa, who is expected to be posted by the Hanshin Tigers on Monday.

About the only positive I can take from the list of pitchers put forth by Phil Rogers is that Hendry certainly appears to be buying low.

 

That said, I still hold true to waiting and seeing what he does and not criticizing a supposed acquisition based on a newspaper article.

[CubsWin]

There was no mention of Drew in Phil Rogers' latest article, but Soriano did get named as a target.

Well, my wishes to hear Drew mentioned in connection with the Cubs got answered just one day later in another Phil Rogers article.

 

According to sources, Boston and the Cubs have expressed the most interest in Drew, who used an early-out clause to reach free agency only two years into a five-year, $55 million deal with the Dodgers. He's believed to be seeking $14 million a year for four or five years.

Without a doubt, I want J.D. Drew over Alfonso Soriano. Drew is a better hitter, a better fielder, bats lefty, has experience in both CF and RF and, if the above quote is at all accurate, is a lot less expensive in both millions per year and length of contract. The only thing that he lacks is a history of being healthy. I can live with that.

 

This should, hands down, be Hendry's main focus right now. If he can somehow pull off signing Drew, talking about getting back into the good graces...

[BigbadB]

Agreed. If he gets Soriano AND Drew, I'll be jumping for joy.

 

I actually like how he's approaching the pitching. I think improving the offense has to be the main priority.

 

While I agree that it's a very big gamble to end up relying on the rookies in the rotation, these rookies would have a confidence boost with a solid offense putting runs on the board. And only 1 or 2 of them (if any if Miller and Prior end up contributing) would need to step up. I'm still pretty high on Guzman.

[goonys evil twin]

There was no mention of Drew in Phil Rogers' latest article, but Soriano did get named as a target.

Well, my wishes to hear Drew mentioned in connection with the Cubs got answered just one day later in another Phil Rogers article.

 

According to sources, Boston and the Cubs have expressed the most interest in Drew, who used an early-out clause to reach free agency only two years into a five-year, $55 million deal with the Dodgers. He's believed to be seeking $14 million a year for four or five years.

Without a doubt, I want J.D. Drew over Alfonso Soriano. Drew is a better hitter, a better fielder, bats lefty, has experience in both CF and RF and, if the above quote is at all accurate, is a lot less expensive in both millions per year and length of contract. The only thing that he lacks is a history of being healthy. I can live with that.

 

This should, hands down, be Hendry's main focus right now. If he can somehow pull off signing Drew, talking about getting back into the good graces...

 

I'd give him all the graces he wanted.

[Catman61]

Walker - DeRosa = Neifi.

 

Speaking of Niefi

 

Rotoworld - The Cubs and Mark DeRosa have agreed to terms on a three-year deal worth about $13 million, ESPN's Buster Olney reports.

 

It's way too much of a commitment to someone who only figures to be an asset against left-handers. A platoon of Jacque Jones and DeRosa in right field would be very productive, but the Cubs are probably going to give DeRosa a chance to be their primary second baseman. DeRosa turns 32 in February and is a career .260/.316/.366 hitter against righties (to put that in perspective, Neifi Perez is a career .268/.298/.376 hitter).

[Catman61]

Anyone else read that the Cubs are quietly looking at Jason Marquis as a possible signing?

 

The Cubs are looking at bringing in Jason Marquis in an effort to load up on starting pitcher this weekend.

 

The Chicago Tribune suggests that the Cubs would actually like to acquire three starting pitchers, leaving Mark Prior without a spot initially. However, that feat would be incredibly difficult to pull off in this market. Even Marquis, who finished with a 6.02 ERA last season, seems likely to land a substantial multiyear deal if he wants one.

 

And your thoughts?

Edited November 16, 2006 by Catman61

[BigbadB]

Mark DeRosa career: .273 .331 .404

Aaron Miles career: .280 .322 .360

 

Don't you have your own crappy players to concern yourself with?

[baseball7897]

Anyone else read that the Cubs are quietly looking at Jason Marquis as a possible signing?

 

And your thoughts?

 

Marquis, will turn his career around in Chicago.

[Catman61]

Mark DeRosa career: .273 .331 .404

Aaron Miles career: .280 .322 .360

 

Don't you have your own crappy players to concern yourself with?

 

When WJ signs Miles to a 3 yr/13M contract, that might be a valid comparison.

[BigbadB]

Mark DeRosa career: .273 .331 .404

Aaron Miles career: .280 .322 .360

 

Don't you have your own crappy players to concern yourself with?

 

When WJ signs Miles to a 3 yr/13M contract, that might be a valid comparison.

 

Well, you're a little late to the party if you think you are the first person to state that 3/13 is a bit over the top.

[biittner77]

No Scmidt and no Zito doesn't surprise me at all. Scmidt has pretty much said he wants to stay on the West Coast all along. Zito will get paid way more than he's worth.

 

The Cardinals have proved the last few years that a good lineup can carry a mediocre starting rotation. Get rid of Izturis and sign Lugo and Drew and the lineup is pretty good:

 

SS Lugo

LF Murton

1st Lee

CF Drew

3rd Ramirez

RF Jones (would like to upgrade here of course)

C Barrett

2nd Derosa/ Theriot/ Cedeno

 

Upgrade RF and that lineup can be a division winner.

[BigbadB]

Anyone else read that the Cubs are quietly looking at Jason Marquis as a possible signing?

 

The Cubs are looking at bringing in Jason Marquis in an effort to load up on starting pitcher this weekend.

 

The Chicago Tribune suggests that the Cubs would actually like to acquire three starting pitchers, leaving Mark Prior without a spot initially. However, that feat would be incredibly difficult to pull off in this market. Even Marquis, who finished with a 6.02 ERA last season, seems likely to land a substantial multiyear deal if he wants one.

 

And your thoughts?

 

What's Marquis' Elias FA rating? A, B or C?

[Peoriaman]

Zito to the Angels. My prediction.

 

The Angles have a ton of money to spend and will do so.

[Catman61]

What's Marquis' Elias FA rating? A, B or C?

 

Type B

[sethuel1]

Anyone else read that the Cubs are quietly looking at Jason Marquis as a possible signing?

 

The Cubs are looking at bringing in Jason Marquis in an effort to load up on starting pitcher this weekend.

 

The Chicago Tribune suggests that the Cubs would actually like to acquire three starting pitchers, leaving Mark Prior without a spot initially. However, that feat would be incredibly difficult to pull off in this market. Even Marquis, who finished with a 6.02 ERA last season, seems likely to land a substantial multiyear deal if he wants one.

 

And your thoughts?

 

What's Marquis' Elias FA rating? A, B or C?

 

Z

[BigbadB]

Might as well be "Z". If he'll count towards a FA signing, I'll pass.

[Guest]

I'm not convinced Marquis is much if any worse than Cliff Lee.

[Soul]

I don't need a perfect GM performance in the offseason, but when you need 2 quality SP and maybe even 3, hearing your GM talk about Marquis & Ted Lilly makes one feel a sudden need to locate a bomb shelter before April rolls around.

[Catman61]

& Ted Lilly

 

Like they say, if you can throw left handed and have a pulse, you will always have a job in MLB.

[rocket]

& Ted Lilly

 

Like they say, if you can throw left handed and have a pulse, you will always have a job in MLB.

 

i have both of those and i'm not an mlb pitcher