Rogers: Cubs, Red Sox showing most interest in Drew

[Guest]

Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports[/url]"] The Red Sox are interested in free agent J.D. Drew, but one National League executive who knows Drew thinks the outfielder would be a poor fit in the high-pressure Boston environment.

 

"If there ever was a person who wasn't meant to be in New York or Boston, it's J.D. Drew," the exec says. "I don't think he can take the catcalls that he'll get in those places.

 

"J.D. is a very talented guy, but he has a lot of nothing at-bats, then walks back to the dugout like he could care less. I truly don't think that's the case. But if you're paying $75 a seat and look him in the eye and don't believe he cares, you're going to wear him out."

 

The Cubs also would be interested in Drew if they failed to sign free-agent outfielder Alfonso Soriano, but the executive says that Drew might fit best in a city like Houston.

 

The Astros reportedly have made offers to Soriano and free-agent left fielder Carlos Lee.

 

he may not want to play for the cubs just from what he heard out there while with st. louis.

[BigbadB]

Plus, if Hendry sat on his hands waiting to spend all the dough on top free agents and not fixing the rest of the team, the top FA's might not see the team as a place to sign if they aren't serious about being competitive.

 

So a top free agent is going to sign because the cubs signed DeRosa? doubtful.

 

I don't know if Hendry has a plan in place and is fitting the pieces together. I sure hope so. Hard to give him the benefit of the doubt after the last two offseasons though. I have said all along that the DeRosa move has to be put in context. Hendry definitely overpaid and I'm just praying he isn't the starting 2b.

 

Active teams tend to get more attention. I wasn't really referring to DeRosa. But, since you mention it, I'm not really dogging DeRosa like everyone else is. He wasn't on my list of choices for 2b, but some of Hendry's bold past moves worked out fairly decent, so I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt on that one.

 

Hendry has been busy. He managed to work a deal for Ramirez. He re-upped Miller and Wood, made a few trades and the Cubs seem to be listed as interested in every FA on the market.

 

I like the vibe I'm hearing from the Cub camp this offseason. Can't say the same about previous years. Hendry, this offseason, kind of reminds me of a a player in the last year of their contract. They seem to always be better in that year where the fat, long term deal lurks.

 

I can only hope we continue seeing this aggressiveness in the future. It's almost as if Hendry takes on the personality of his manager. Dusty was ho-hum, and Piniella is intense. Hendry was ho-hum the past few offseasons and this season he appears to be intense.

 

There is no way you can sit there and say he's done nothing this offseason. Hendry has bid 30m on Mats, is rumored to have said he will not be outbid by ANYBODY for Soriano, has been mentioned as one of two teams serious about Drew, is mentioned in talks for pitching, like Westbrook and Marquis. Signed a guy to play 2b.

 

Who is really signed at this point? Soriano? Nope. Drew? Nope. Bonds? Nope. The Cubs have arguably been the busiest team this offseason.

 

I'll be first on the list to bash on him some more if he doesn't get some of the guys he's after. But, I'll hold off judgment for now, because he is not the same Hendry that went into the '04 and '05 offseasons at this point.

 

I think he's actually waking from a 2 year coma.

[CubsWin]

just out of curiosity what do you guys think 4 million buys in the market today? this is in context to derosa, i dont think he will set the world on fire but i think he will prove to be a pretty good player for 4 million. look what jose valentin, helms, and spiezio got, sad to say this is the market so i don't think he over paid for him. what are your thoughts?

 

didn't spiezio get half of what DeRosa got? To me its four million more to a big contract (actually 13 million) so what 4 million will get is irrelevant.

Thats a completely different market. DeRosa was seen by more teams than just the Cubs as a starting 2B. Spiezio is a sub.

 

And he is also rewarding the team that gave him a chance when he was down and out, like Miller is rewarding the Cubs by sticking with them. Not to mention, Spiezio has family ties to the Cardinals. His dad played for them. Also he just won a WS with them which he said was a childhood dream come true. Its safe to say that Spiezio might have given the Cards a little discount.

[jjgman21]

 

Well, if he had made reasonable moves that didn't pan out, that would be one thing. he made moves that were universally panned prior to conversations very similar to this one, on this board. the moves he made gave the cubs no chance to succeed.

 

see I'm torn about this and even though most of his moves over the past year have driven me insane, Hendry in many ways is an extremely sympathetic figure.

 

the preseason of 2005 wasn't that bad. the offense should have been improved with Nomar-Dutch/Dubois v. Agone-Alou (Sosa and Burnitz being a wash). the pen should have been a scratch over the year before. the rotation improved with the guys coming back for a full season. none of that happened, and although its easy to blame for not stocking the organization properly, that's rather unrealistic considering salary and roster constraints. and all along I felt that the house clearing was being orchestrated from on high.

 

last year is a different story as far as building the team, but in a way it felt like things were being orchestrated from down below (I need a leadoff man, I need a flexible bench, I need more speed and D was all we ever heard from Dusty, and he got what he wished for).

 

the moves the past four days enrage me. it truly feels like throwing darts and piddling away the treasure on unnecessary veterans. but at the same time, I think it unfair to not see Hendry as a victim of circumstance to a certain extent.

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

Why does it matter? The Cubs aren't some small market team. 3 million dollars isn't hurting our payroll much.

 

You know I really hate that mentality.

 

The Cubs are a business. Business requires efficency, and just because we aren't a small market team doesn't mean we can throw money at meh players and say "hm, its only 13 million."

 

We have the money, spend it WISELY. Derosa wasn't a terrible signing, but the years + salary is not something to be happy with.

 

I don't care how much money we have to spend, that just means its a bit easier to entice the big guys with big money. We can pay the best what they want, not a boatload of crap a boatload of money.

[CubsWin]

Why does it matter? The Cubs aren't some small market team. 3 million dollars isn't hurting our payroll much.

 

You know I really hate that mentality.

 

The Cubs are a business. Business requires efficency, and just because we aren't a small market team doesn't mean we can throw money at meh players and say "hm, its only 13 million."

 

We have the money, spend it WISELY. Derosa wasn't a terrible signing, but the years + salary is not something to be happy with.

 

I don't care how much money we have to spend, that just means its a bit easier to entice the big guys with big money. We can pay the best what they want, not a boatload of crap a boatload of money.

While I agree that the attitude of the Cubs being a big market team so its okay if they "waste" money is a dumb one, the DeRosa signing may not have been a waste of money. Reports show that the weak-hitting SS Alex Gonzalez may have been offered 3/15. According to ESPN's Rumor Central, Ray Durham is asking for 2/16 or 1/10. If those reports are accurate and those players wind up getting paid that kind of money, the DeRosa signing will make Hendry look like he was way ahead of the curve.

[nilodnayr]

I don't buy the rumor at all. Meanwhile, I get excited everytime I hear that Hendry is looking at one of the top FA.

 

I'd be shocked if Drew signed that deal. If he did, it likely means he really wanted to play in Boston.

 

In this money crazy market, he's worth more than that.

 

As far as signing DeRosa and other role player moves, I hate to say it, but these guys typically get signed much earlier than the top tier guys. the semi-decent one's anyway. There's not nearly the market for these guys and if a good deal comes along, they are wise to take it.

 

Plus, if Hendry sat on his hands waiting to spend all the dough on top free agents and not fixing the rest of the team, the top FA's might not see the team as a place to sign if they aren't serious about being competitive.

 

I'm certainly not a Hendry apologist by any means. But, I'm not about to let this rumor get me all worked up.

 

Hendry should be talking to all the agents of the top tier FA's. He needs to make them well aware how interested he is in each player, and to make sure they don't forget. Hopefully, he gets 1 or 2 of them.

 

 

What does DeRosa fix?

 

The whole point isn't that DeRosa is a steal at 4M or not. That obviously is yet to be determined. The point is taht DeRosa is a nice to have, not a fix for this team. This team has no NEED for a possible upgrade at 2b. With 2b being the only position that supply far outweighs demand, if Jim is looking to upgrade, why not wait until a few of them have signed and in the mean time use that money on players that will actually fix the team. If at the end of the day you have 4 more M, then spend it on one of the many similar second basemen on the market, if you don't have the money, that means you likely landed a big time player (or more than one) and can afford to risk handing 2b over to Theriot.

 

And just like last year, these little signings add up. At this early stage we could have kept Soto as the backup catcher and Theroit as starting 2b and had nearly enough money to sign a second tier starting pitcher.

[beowulf28]

:cheers:

 

 

Get it done Hendry. An outfield of Murton, Soriano, and Drew has me salivating. Cubs probably can't afford both Soriano or Drew, but it's fun to dream anyway.

 

I'm not so sure they won't have the money. I just read that entire article and the usually cynical Rogers seems to think payroll will extend beyond $120M if need be! They're talking about having 6 starters (Sounds like they're trying to take a page out of the White Sox book). I know it's dangerous for my emotional well being but I'm drinking the Kool aid now. Get it done!

 

I'm diabetic and I'm drinking the Kool Aid! Go JH, get JD!

[nilodnayr]

I don't buy the rumor at all. Meanwhile, I get excited everytime I hear that Hendry is looking at one of the top FA.

 

I'd be shocked if Drew signed that deal. If he did, it likely means he really wanted to play in Boston.

 

 

I agree that this rumor should be dismissed. JD Drew in Boston makes no sense at all. We are talking about a guy who felt he was treated harshly by the St. Louis fans and media, and who feld he was treated harshly by the Los Angeles fans and media. So he goes to Boston?

 

This is a quiet Christian southern boy. So he chooses the liberal, gay marriage haven of Massachusettes?

 

Drew to Boston for less money than he is worth makes no damn sense. This has Boras false rumor written all over it.

 

While it does take two to tango, Drew to Boston makes plenty of sense because they are one of the three organizations that covet his approach. While he may not agree morally with a lot that goes on in Mass. he only would have to be in the city for about 2 months out of the year (remember they play 81 road games too). Many players do not live in their teams' cities in the offseason.

[CubinNY]

just out of curiosity what do you guys think 4 million buys in the market today? this is in context to derosa, i dont think he will set the world on fire but i think he will prove to be a pretty good player for 4 million. look what jose valentin, helms, and spiezio got, sad to say this is the market so i don't think he over paid for him. what are your thoughts?

 

Imagine if at the end of the free agent period still sitting out there for the Cubs to grab is Drew. Now imagine if Hendry signs Ted Lilly, or Vicente Padilla to some high dollar contract to go along with Blanco and DeRossa and some other fillers. Drew is looking for 15 mill/year for four years and Hendry has already spent enough that he only has 10 million left. Maybe he didn't overpay for DeRosa or Blanco, but what if signing them costs the Cubs the opportunity to sign Drew.

 

If Hendry covets Drew or Soriano he has to set aside money for them. Niether is likely to be signed right away. I guess it is sort of a catch 22 in some ways. But I'd rather he fills the holes he has first.

 

The Cubs have to get a CF and probably need another run producer to boot. Getting Drew and putting him in CF fills almost holes. I don't like the idea of Sorano playing CF and I don't like the idea of giving him a six or seven year contract.

[jjgman21]

I don't buy the rumor at all. Meanwhile, I get excited everytime I hear that Hendry is looking at one of the top FA.

 

I'd be shocked if Drew signed that deal. If he did, it likely means he really wanted to play in Boston.

 

 

I agree that this rumor should be dismissed. JD Drew in Boston makes no sense at all. We are talking about a guy who felt he was treated harshly by the St. Louis fans and media, and who feld he was treated harshly by the Los Angeles fans and media. So he goes to Boston?

 

This is a quiet Christian southern boy. So he chooses the liberal, gay marriage haven of Massachusettes?

 

Drew to Boston for less money than he is worth makes no damn sense. This has Boras false rumor written all over it.

 

While it does take two to tango, Drew to Boston makes plenty of sense because they are one of the three organizations that covet his approach. While he may not agree morally with a lot that goes on in Mass. he only would have to be in the city for about 2 months out of the year (remember they play 81 road games too). Many players do not live in their teams' cities in the offseason.

 

the part about lifestyle considerations was the lesser point. see Serena's post on page 15, which essentially confirms exactly what I said here.

 

plus, your point about Boston's philosophy addresses a completely different angle than I was addressing. of course he fits in with Boston's philosophy. the question I raise is whether the RedSox culture fits Drew, and it most certainly does not.

[NorthsideAvenger]

As mentioned by some in this thread, I think the WEEI report that "the Red Sox is close to signing Drew" is nothing but speculative at this point. I could say "the Cubs are close to signing JD Drew to a 5 yr deal worth $58 mill" and it would be taken just like the WEEI report. My guess is....whoever made this "Report" is just speculating right now.

IMO, Boras isn't going to let Drew sign THIS QUICKLY (especially before Thanksgiving), as several mentioned earlier.

 

But it won't surprise me if Drew does sign quickly, due to his religion, and that he might want his contract his contract done quickly, so he can "enjoy Thanksgiving" with his family.

[nilodnayr]

I don't buy the rumor at all. Meanwhile, I get excited everytime I hear that Hendry is looking at one of the top FA.

 

I'd be shocked if Drew signed that deal. If he did, it likely means he really wanted to play in Boston.

 

 

I agree that this rumor should be dismissed. JD Drew in Boston makes no sense at all. We are talking about a guy who felt he was treated harshly by the St. Louis fans and media, and who feld he was treated harshly by the Los Angeles fans and media. So he goes to Boston?

 

This is a quiet Christian southern boy. So he chooses the liberal, gay marriage haven of Massachusettes?

 

Drew to Boston for less money than he is worth makes no damn sense. This has Boras false rumor written all over it.

 

While it does take two to tango, Drew to Boston makes plenty of sense because they are one of the three organizations that covet his approach. While he may not agree morally with a lot that goes on in Mass. he only would have to be in the city for about 2 months out of the year (remember they play 81 road games too). Many players do not live in their teams' cities in the offseason.

 

the part about lifestyle considerations was the lesser point. see Serena's post on page 15, which essentially confirms exactly what I said here.

 

plus, your point about Boston's philosophy addresses a completely different angle than I was addressing. of course he fits in with Boston's philosophy. the question I raise is whether the RedSox culture fits Drew, and it most certainly does not.

 

The counterpoint to that is that the BoSox have a bunch of strong personalities so its a perfect place for a quiet guy like Drew to have a lot of the attention deflected from him. He wouldn't be going into the team to be "the guy" as hes a distant fourth to Manny, Papi, and DMat. The Bosox are pretty much the only team where he wouldnt be the talk of the offseason. If he were to come to the cubs, he would be the biggest offseason acquisition and would be counted on to be the key to winning the WS in the year that a big push is being made. Remember when CPatt would strike out or ground out and just walk back to the dugout like he didnt care? And the media jumped down his throat for it. Well Drew does that even more than CPatt.

 

I'm just playing devil's advocate.

[ShawonOmeter12]

just out of curiosity what do you guys think 4 million buys in the market today? this is in context to derosa, i dont think he will set the world on fire but i think he will prove to be a pretty good player for 4 million. look what jose valentin, helms, and spiezio got, sad to say this is the market so i don't think he over paid for him. what are your thoughts?

 

Imagine if at the end of the free agent period still sitting out there for the Cubs to grab is Drew. Now imagine if Hendry signs Ted Lilly, or Vicente Padilla to some high dollar contract to go along with Blanco and DeRossa and some other fillers. Drew is looking for 15 mill/year for four years and Hendry has already spent enough that he only has 10 million left. Maybe he didn't overpay for DeRosa or Blanco, but what if signing them costs the Cubs the opportunity to sign Drew.

 

If Hendry covets Drew or Soriano he has to set aside money for them. Niether is likely to be signed right away. I guess it is sort of a catch 22 in some ways. But I'd rather he fills the holes he has first.

 

The Cubs have to get a CF and probably need another run producer to boot. Getting Drew and putting him in CF fills almost holes. I don't like the idea of Sorano playing CF and I don't like the idea of giving him a six or seven year contract.

 

i think it is safe to assume that they will hold enough back to get the guys they want like a drew or soriano. on the flip side what happens if they hold all this money back and dont get a drew or soriano? then you are stuck having to play a theriot(good or bad is in the eye of the beholder) a soto on the bench and so one and so one. look at last year all the eggs in the furcal basket and once he ditched us we had already missed out on a bunch of guys that could help us. i would be really upset if we didnt sign anyone because all we went after was big guys, the middle level solid players are a must too, ask the cardinals how they feel about eckstein for example.

[jjgman21]

I don't buy the rumor at all. Meanwhile, I get excited everytime I hear that Hendry is looking at one of the top FA.

 

I'd be shocked if Drew signed that deal. If he did, it likely means he really wanted to play in Boston.

 

 

I agree that this rumor should be dismissed. JD Drew in Boston makes no sense at all. We are talking about a guy who felt he was treated harshly by the St. Louis fans and media, and who feld he was treated harshly by the Los Angeles fans and media. So he goes to Boston?

 

This is a quiet Christian southern boy. So he chooses the liberal, gay marriage haven of Massachusettes?

 

Drew to Boston for less money than he is worth makes no damn sense. This has Boras false rumor written all over it.

 

While it does take two to tango, Drew to Boston makes plenty of sense because they are one of the three organizations that covet his approach. While he may not agree morally with a lot that goes on in Mass. he only would have to be in the city for about 2 months out of the year (remember they play 81 road games too). Many players do not live in their teams' cities in the offseason.

 

the part about lifestyle considerations was the lesser point. see Serena's post on page 15, which essentially confirms exactly what I said here.

 

plus, your point about Boston's philosophy addresses a completely different angle than I was addressing. of course he fits in with Boston's philosophy. the question I raise is whether the RedSox culture fits Drew, and it most certainly does not.

 

The counterpoint to that is that the BoSox have a bunch of strong personalities so its a perfect place for a quiet guy like Drew to have a lot of the attention deflected from him. He wouldn't be going into the team to be "the guy" as hes a distant fourth to Manny, Papi, and DMat. The Bosox are pretty much the only team where he wouldnt be the talk of the offseason. If he were to come to the cubs, he would be the biggest offseason acquisition and would be counted on to be the key to winning the WS in the year that a big push is being made. Remember when CPatt would strike out or ground out and just walk back to the dugout like he didnt care? And the media jumped down his throat for it. Well Drew does that even more than CPatt.

 

I'm just playing devil's advocate.

 

the thing is, it doesn't work that way whatsoever. exhibit A, Mark Bellhorn. exhibit B, Edgar Renterria.

 

I do agree to a large extent with what you say about the Cubs. however, I don't think you are strictly playing devil's advocate. I think you are trying to p in the cereal bowls of people who explore how these rumors and transactions might benefit the Cubs.

[nilodnayr]

just out of curiosity what do you guys think 4 million buys in the market today? this is in context to derosa, i dont think he will set the world on fire but i think he will prove to be a pretty good player for 4 million. look what jose valentin, helms, and spiezio got, sad to say this is the market so i don't think he over paid for him. what are your thoughts?

 

Imagine if at the end of the free agent period still sitting out there for the Cubs to grab is Drew. Now imagine if Hendry signs Ted Lilly, or Vicente Padilla to some high dollar contract to go along with Blanco and DeRossa and some other fillers. Drew is looking for 15 mill/year for four years and Hendry has already spent enough that he only has 10 million left. Maybe he didn't overpay for DeRosa or Blanco, but what if signing them costs the Cubs the opportunity to sign Drew.

 

If Hendry covets Drew or Soriano he has to set aside money for them. Niether is likely to be signed right away. I guess it is sort of a catch 22 in some ways. But I'd rather he fills the holes he has first.

 

The Cubs have to get a CF and probably need another run producer to boot. Getting Drew and putting him in CF fills almost holes. I don't like the idea of Sorano playing CF and I don't like the idea of giving him a six or seven year contract.

 

i think it is safe to assume that they will hold enough back to get the guys they want like a drew or soriano. on the flip side what happens if they hold all this money back and dont get a drew or soriano? then you are stuck having to play a theriot(good or bad is in the eye of the beholder) a soto on the bench and so one and so one. look at last year all the eggs in the furcal basket and once he ditched us we had already missed out on a bunch of guys that could help us. i would be really upset if we didnt sign anyone because all we went after was big guys, the middle level solid players are a must too, ask the cardinals how they feel about eckstein for example.

 

A) I don't think that is accurate, Furcal signed early in the offseason (Dec 3rd). Who do you think we passed up on that signed before Dec 3rd?

 

B) Given the second base market this year, Hendry had the ability to wait it out with the supply massively outweighing the demand. Middle level solid players are a must at positions you need them at...we however did not need a backup catcher and starting second baseman.

[CubsWin]

I don't buy the rumor at all. Meanwhile, I get excited everytime I hear that Hendry is looking at one of the top FA.

 

I'd be shocked if Drew signed that deal. If he did, it likely means he really wanted to play in Boston.

 

In this money crazy market, he's worth more than that.

 

As far as signing DeRosa and other role player moves, I hate to say it, but these guys typically get signed much earlier than the top tier guys. the semi-decent one's anyway. There's not nearly the market for these guys and if a good deal comes along, they are wise to take it.

 

Plus, if Hendry sat on his hands waiting to spend all the dough on top free agents and not fixing the rest of the team, the top FA's might not see the team as a place to sign if they aren't serious about being competitive.

 

I'm certainly not a Hendry apologist by any means. But, I'm not about to let this rumor get me all worked up.

 

Hendry should be talking to all the agents of the top tier FA's. He needs to make them well aware how interested he is in each player, and to make sure they don't forget. Hopefully, he gets 1 or 2 of them.

 

 

What does DeRosa fix?

 

The whole point isn't that DeRosa is a steal at 4M or not. That obviously is yet to be determined. The point is taht DeRosa is a nice to have, not a fix for this team. This team has no NEED for a possible upgrade at 2b. With 2b being the only position that supply far outweighs demand, if Jim is looking to upgrade, why not wait until a few of them have signed and in the mean time use that money on players that will actually fix the team. If at the end of the day you have 4 more M, then spend it on one of the many similar second basemen on the market, if you don't have the money, that means you likely landed a big time player (or more than one) and can afford to risk handing 2b over to Theriot.

 

And just like last year, these little signings add up. At this early stage we could have kept Soto as the backup catcher and Theroit as starting 2b and had nearly enough money to sign a second tier starting pitcher.

Well, this is complete conjecture, so take it for what its worth, but because we don't know what Hendry's spending limits are, the following might be true:

 

Hendry wanted to give the Cubs the best chance at winning this season. He didn't feel comfortable relying on unproven entities like Theriot and Cedeno to man 2B, so he decided to "upgrade" to a veteran bat. He could see the writing on the wall when he spoke to the agents for Durham and heard that he was expecting 2/16 or 1/10. He knew that he likely couldn't afford to sign Durham and sign the hitters he wants and the pitchers he needs, so he proactively jumped at the chance to sign DeRosa at 3/14, thus making it possible to upgrade or solidfy 2B and still afford Soriano or Drew and the starting pitchers.

 

Again, who knows if that is anywhere close to what actually happened, but it shows hypothetically why waiting to fill other needs (and yes, unless you wanted to count on Theriot or Cedeno, 2B was a need) would have cost the Cubs in the end.

 

Those that say signing back-up catchers, marginally upgrading 2B and re-signing possible hole-fillers for the pitching staff before signing the big name FA only serves to hinder the big FA signing have a very valid point, but its still completely hypothetical and they need to keep in mind that the Cubs finished with the worst record in the NL last year. The big name FAs are well aware of how well the Cubs did last season and will be looking at how the Cubs are improving themselves by filling out the roster with solid, unspectacular yet still needed and more reliable pieces.

 

Hypotheticals can be successfully created from both points of view.

Edited November 17, 2006 by CubsWin

[Guest]

blanco is no better than soto. DeRosa may be better than Theriot.

[CubsWin]

blanco is no better than soto.

Are you talking offensively, defensively or both?

[nilodnayr]

Well, this is complete conjecture, so take it for what its worth, but because we don't know what Hendry's spending limits are, the following might be true:

 

Hendry wanted to give the Cubs the best chance at winning this season. He didn't feel comfortable relying on unproven entities like Theriot and Cedeno to man 2B, so he decided to "upgrade" to a veteran bat. He could see the writing on the wall when he spoke to the agents for Durham and heard that he was expecting 2/16 or 1/10. He knew that he likely couldn't afford to sign Durham and sign the hitters he wants and the pitchers he needs, so he proactively jumped at the chance to sign DeRosa at 3/14, thus making it possible to upgrade or solidfy 2B and still afford Soriano or Drew and the starting pitchers.

 

Again, who knows if that is anywhere close to what actually happened, but it shows hypothetically why waiting to fill other needs (and yes, unless you wanted to count on Theriot or Cedeno, 2B was a need) would have cost the Cubs in the end.

 

Those that say signing back-up catchers, marginally upgrading 2B and re-signing possible hole-fillers for the pitching staff before signing the big name FA only serves to hinder the big FA signing have a very valid point, but its still completely hypothetical and they need to keep in mind that the Cubs finished with the worst record in the NL last year. The big name FAs are well aware of how well the Cubs did last season and will be looking at how the Cubs are improving themselves by filling out the roster with solid, unspectacular yet still needed and more reliable pieces.

 

Hypotheticals can be successfully created from both points of view.

 

I think your guess at Hendry's thinking is probably accurate, but still doesnt excuse the fact that Loretta, Belliard, Kennedy, Aurilia, and Giles (through trade) are probably all better alternatives to DeRosa and will most likely get similar salaries, especially considering the fact that there are not 5 other teams in need of second basemen. Not to mention that all of the options I listed (except Belliard) are better options at the top of the order, which supposedly is such a concern of Hendry's. The only thing that DeRosa has over those players is outfield experience and my opinion on that is whoopdeefreakindoo.

[Guest]

blanco is no better than soto.

Are you talking offensively, defensively or both?

 

value to the team.

[Guest]

Well, this is complete conjecture, so take it for what its worth, but because we don't know what Hendry's spending limits are, the following might be true:

 

Hendry wanted to give the Cubs the best chance at winning this season. He didn't feel comfortable relying on unproven entities like Theriot and Cedeno to man 2B, so he decided to "upgrade" to a veteran bat. He could see the writing on the wall when he spoke to the agents for Durham and heard that he was expecting 2/16 or 1/10. He knew that he likely couldn't afford to sign Durham and sign the hitters he wants and the pitchers he needs, so he proactively jumped at the chance to sign DeRosa at 3/14, thus making it possible to upgrade or solidfy 2B and still afford Soriano or Drew and the starting pitchers.

 

Again, who knows if that is anywhere close to what actually happened, but it shows hypothetically why waiting to fill other needs (and yes, unless you wanted to count on Theriot or Cedeno, 2B was a need) would have cost the Cubs in the end.

 

Those that say signing back-up catchers, marginally upgrading 2B and re-signing possible hole-fillers for the pitching staff before signing the big name FA only serves to hinder the big FA signing have a very valid point, but its still completely hypothetical and they need to keep in mind that the Cubs finished with the worst record in the NL last year. The big name FAs are well aware of how well the Cubs did last season and will be looking at how the Cubs are improving themselves by filling out the roster with solid, unspectacular yet still needed and more reliable pieces.

 

Hypotheticals can be successfully created from both points of view.

 

I think your guess at Hendry's thinking is probably accurate, but still doesnt excuse the fact that Loretta, Belliard, Kennedy, Aurilia, and Giles (through trade) are probably all better alternatives to DeRosa and will most likely get similar salaries, especially considering the fact that there are not 5 other teams in need of second basemen. Not to mention that all of the options I listed (except Belliard) are better options at the top of the order, which supposedly is such a concern of Hendry's. The only thing that DeRosa has over those players is outfield experience and my opinion on that is whoopdeefreakindoo.

 

Aurilia? Otherwise, I agree.

[nilodnayr]

Well, this is complete conjecture, so take it for what its worth, but because we don't know what Hendry's spending limits are, the following might be true:

 

Hendry wanted to give the Cubs the best chance at winning this season. He didn't feel comfortable relying on unproven entities like Theriot and Cedeno to man 2B, so he decided to "upgrade" to a veteran bat. He could see the writing on the wall when he spoke to the agents for Durham and heard that he was expecting 2/16 or 1/10. He knew that he likely couldn't afford to sign Durham and sign the hitters he wants and the pitchers he needs, so he proactively jumped at the chance to sign DeRosa at 3/14, thus making it possible to upgrade or solidfy 2B and still afford Soriano or Drew and the starting pitchers.

 

Again, who knows if that is anywhere close to what actually happened, but it shows hypothetically why waiting to fill other needs (and yes, unless you wanted to count on Theriot or Cedeno, 2B was a need) would have cost the Cubs in the end.

 

Those that say signing back-up catchers, marginally upgrading 2B and re-signing possible hole-fillers for the pitching staff before signing the big name FA only serves to hinder the big FA signing have a very valid point, but its still completely hypothetical and they need to keep in mind that the Cubs finished with the worst record in the NL last year. The big name FAs are well aware of how well the Cubs did last season and will be looking at how the Cubs are improving themselves by filling out the roster with solid, unspectacular yet still needed and more reliable pieces.

 

Hypotheticals can be successfully created from both points of view.

 

I think your guess at Hendry's thinking is probably accurate, but still doesnt excuse the fact that Loretta, Belliard, Kennedy, Aurilia, and Giles (through trade) are probably all better alternatives to DeRosa and will most likely get similar salaries, especially considering the fact that there are not 5 other teams in need of second basemen. Not to mention that all of the options I listed (except Belliard) are better options at the top of the order, which supposedly is such a concern of Hendry's. The only thing that DeRosa has over those players is outfield experience and my opinion on that is whoopdeefreakindoo.

 

Aurilia? Otherwise, I agree.

 

2006 ops+...112 and 106. Guess which one was DeRosa and which one was Aurilia.

[Guest]

yea, but talk about old and fragile! What was his 2005 ops+?

[nilodnayr]

yea, but talk about old and fragile! What was his 2005 ops+?

99 and 98...guess which one was DeRosa and which one was Aurilia.

 

This game is fun.