Rogers: Cubs, Red Sox showing most interest in Drew

[Butterscup1679666578]

Wow...

 

It looks like they're actively pursuing both Drew and Soriano at the same time. Doesn't seem like either is a backup plan to the other.

 

The thought of a Murton/Drew/Soriano outfield makes me happy...

In another thread--maybe the rotoworld rumors thread, not sure--there was talk about Murton possibly being used in drawing Westbrook from Cleveland. If they're shopping Murton as trade bait, then we'll likely end up settling for Soriano/Drew/Jones.

 

The problem with trading Murton is, he'll probably be undervalued on the market. I hope they don't wind up shipping him off, if that's the case, if only because we won't get a fair return.

 

Oh well, I could live with Soriano, Drew, Jones.. :)

 

Haha, yeah that would be nice. What's that payroll going to be this year again? 150 mil?

 

Still 2 or 3 SPs to sign, Jim.

 

I'm assuming they wanna stay under the luxury tax thing, which I believe is 148 mil.

[Backtobanks]

On mlbtraderumors Buster Olney lists the Cubs as a posible suiter for Manny. Throwing the names of Veal, Pie, Gallagher out there. I hope Hendry reads these things. =P~

 

If the deal is Veal or Gallagher, Pie, and one of Marshall/Mateo/Marmal/Ryu/Guzman, sign me up. I dunno if I'd include both Veal and Gallagher. If I am going to assume Manny's contract and give up my three best prospects, I'd want something additional in return or at least want the Sox to assume responsibility for 33-40% of the remaining money on Manny's deal.

 

This really makes the argument for Drew. Giving up 3 of our best prospects for Manny plus paying his salary plus dealing with his lousy defense and crazy attitude as opposed to signing Drew for about the same money, keeping the prospects, and dealing with his injury history. Using those arguments, I'd go for Drew.

[David]

I'm thinking there might be something to the whole theory that MacPhail was holding back our spending in the past because of the whole responsible spending in baseball idea that he was pushing...

 

I guess we'll see in the next few weeks.

[Soul]

Wow...

 

It looks like they're actively pursuing both Drew and Soriano at the same time. Doesn't seem like either is a backup plan to the other.

 

The thought of a Murton/Drew/Soriano outfield makes me happy...

In another thread--maybe the rotoworld rumors thread, not sure--there was talk about Murton possibly being used in drawing Westbrook from Cleveland. If they're shopping Murton as trade bait, then we'll likely end up settling for Soriano/Drew/Jones.

 

The problem with trading Murton is, he'll probably be undervalued on the market. I hope they don't wind up shipping him off, if that's the case, if only because we won't get a fair return.

 

Oh well, I could live with Soriano, Drew, Jones.. :)

 

Haha, yeah that would be nice. What's that payroll going to be this year again? 150 mil?

 

Still 2 or 3 SPs to sign, Jim.

 

I'm assuming they wanna stay under the luxury tax thing, which I believe is 148 mil.

 

I'm guessing they'll settle in more at the $115mil level, which won't leave room for all these proposed signings.

 

Also, I'm starting to wonder if Hendry looked at the poor pitching the Cards got away with last year, and feels he needs offense. Let the young arms come around, deal with Miller, Prior......put Marshall in there full time.

 

Then try to pound the ball all year.

[David]

This really makes the argument for Drew. Giving up 3 of our best prospects for Manny plus paying his salary plus dealing with his lousy defense and crazy attitude as opposed to signing Drew for about the same money, keeping the prospects, and dealing with his injury history. Using those arguments, I'd go for Drew.

 

On the other hand, while Drew is a very good, very productive hitter, Manny is and has been significantly more productive at the plate.

[Soul]

This really makes the argument for Drew. Giving up 3 of our best prospects for Manny plus paying his salary plus dealing with his lousy defense and crazy attitude as opposed to signing Drew for about the same money, keeping the prospects, and dealing with his injury history. Using those arguments, I'd go for Drew.

 

On the other hand, while Drew is a very good, very productive hitter, Manny is and has been significantly more productive at the plate.

 

He'll be 35, but...

 

Year Ag Tm  Lg  G   AB    R    H   2B 3B  HR  RBI  SB CS  BB  SO   BA   OBP   SLG   TB 
2006 34 BOS AL 130  449   79  144  27  1  35  102   0  1 100 102  .321  .439  .619  278   

 

 

I'll take that, and deal with his attitude. 100 walks -- finally!

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Here's the deal I offer Drew:

 

2007: 15 (No trade protection)

2008: 15 (No trade protection)

2009 Team option for 15 million (or 2 million buyout) or Player option for 12 million. (Limited 10 team no-trade)

2010: Team option for 15 million. (Limited 10 team no-trade)

 

If the Cubs opt out after 2 years, he's guaranteed 2/32. If the Cubs pick up the option it could be 3/45 or 4/60. If he picks up his option in 2009, it would be 3/40 or 4/55.

 

Drew has some flexibility and the team does as well. It pays him quite well.

[Magnetic Curses]

Wow...

 

It looks like they're actively pursuing both Drew and Soriano at the same time. Doesn't seem like either is a backup plan to the other.

 

The thought of a Murton/Drew/Soriano outfield makes me happy...

In another thread--maybe the rotoworld rumors thread, not sure--there was talk about Murton possibly being used in drawing Westbrook from Cleveland. If they're shopping Murton as trade bait, then we'll likely end up settling for Soriano/Drew/Jones.

 

The problem with trading Murton is, he'll probably be undervalued on the market. I hope they don't wind up shipping him off, if that's the case, if only because we won't get a fair return.

 

Oh well, I could live with Soriano, Drew, Jones.. :)

 

Haha, yeah that would be nice. What's that payroll going to be this year again? 150 mil?

 

Still 2 or 3 SPs to sign, Jim.

 

I'm assuming they wanna stay under the luxury tax thing, which I believe is 148 mil.

 

I'm guessing they'll settle in more at the $115mil level, which won't leave room for all these proposed signings.

 

Also, I'm starting to wonder if Hendry looked at the poor pitching the Cards got away with last year, and feels he needs offense. Let the young arms come around, deal with Miller, Prior......put Marshall in there full time.

 

Then try to pound the ball all year.

 

i don't like the idea of neglecting pitching. the cards barely made the playoffs last year, and at 83 wins, would be very unlikely to win the central next season.

 

the cubs still need pitching.

[Neuby]

“I’d say we’ve got 25 lines in the water, and over the next few weeks, we’ll see,” Bavasi said. “Most of them are pitchers, but not all. The majority are with free agents, but not all.”

 

The Angels, looking for a productive hitter, have offered a deal to Soriano and talked to the agent for Bonds. Oakland, which is losing DH Thomas, is looking for a lower-salaried bat to replace him.

 

Boston has offered J.D. Drew a huge contract – and Lou Piniella’s Cubs have matched it.

 

http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/mariners/story/6237098p-5446393c.html

 

I know it's just one source but at least it will shut down the Jim Hendry isn't chasing JD Drew whine machine for a little while.

[jmajew]

I was thinking about the 2/30 deal the Red Sox are supposedly offering and I caught myself wondering if after the 2008 season they will blow up this team. Manny's contract will be up, Schilling will be retired, Varitek will be old, and Ortiz will be old. It seems like they may be viewing as their window only having 2 more years then they need to have a major youth movement.

 

Just an idea that popped in my head.

[Backtobanks]

This really makes the argument for Drew. Giving up 3 of our best prospects for Manny plus paying his salary plus dealing with his lousy defense and crazy attitude as opposed to signing Drew for about the same money, keeping the prospects, and dealing with his injury history. Using those arguments, I'd go for Drew.

 

On the other hand, while Drew is a very good, very productive hitter, Manny is and has been significantly more productive at the plate.

 

I agree, but the cost in prospects, his attitude, and his defense makes me lean more toward Drew. Also, Drew fills a hole (CF) and doesn't replace a productive hitter (Murton). The real catch to me is the 3 prospects mentioned in the trade.

[A New Era]

that's cool. Just a day or two ago I remember it sounding like Boston all but had Drew signed. Now we are hearing, Lou Piniella's Cubs have matched it. I'm deffinatly really happy about that. Because Drew is good, very good for us.

[Rob]

This whole "matching" business is stupid.

 

We're matching the money. We aren't matching with the team already on the field. Given a choice, I'm sure Drew would probably rather play on a winner if the same amount of money is at stake.

 

Throwing in an extra year or another couple mil per is much more likely to bring him into the fold than "matching" their offer.

[CuseCubFan69]

What worries me is what happens if Hendry doesn't get Drew or Soriano? I don't think he would go after Manny.

[Rob]

What worries me is what happens if Hendry doesn't get Drew or Soriano? I don't think he would go after Manny.

 

Say hello to Gary Matthews Junior on a 4 year deal.

[YearofDaCubs]

What worries me is what happens if Hendry doesn't get Drew or Soriano? I don't think he would go after Manny.

 

Say hello to Gary Matthews Junior on a 4 year deal.

I can see that happening. If Hendry was willing to take a risk on DeRosa, I can also see him taking a risk on GMJR. We really need to one of Drew or Soriano to have a respectable lineup for next season.

[E.J.]

I'm sure it's been mentioned before, but I could really see the Boston fans/media crucifying Drew if/when he misses some time with a small injury.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

What worries me is what happens if Hendry doesn't get Drew or Soriano? I don't think he would go after Manny.

 

Say hello to Gary Matthews Junior on a 4 year deal.

 

Guaranteed 4/42 with a player option for 12M.

[Guest]

This whole "matching" business is stupid.

 

We're matching the money. We aren't matching with the team already on the field. Given a choice, I'm sure Drew would probably rather play on a winner if the same amount of money is at stake.

 

Throwing in an extra year or another couple mil per is much more likely to bring him into the fold than "matching" their offer.

So much we don't know, though. Maybe Drew's agent has told Hendry that JD prefers the NL and if Hendry matches any offer from Boston that he'll win in the end.

 

Hard to get too upset until something actually happens.

[CubsWin]

This whole "matching" business is stupid.

 

We're matching the money. We aren't matching with the team already on the field. Given a choice, I'm sure Drew would probably rather play on a winner if the same amount of money is at stake.

 

Throwing in an extra year or another couple mil per is much more likely to bring him into the fold than "matching" their offer.

So much we don't know, though. Maybe Drew's agent has told Hendry that JD prefers the NL and if Hendry matches any offer from Boston that he'll win in the end.

 

Hard to get too upset until something actually happens.

I couldn't agree more.

[Rob]

This whole "matching" business is stupid.

 

We're matching the money. We aren't matching with the team already on the field. Given a choice, I'm sure Drew would probably rather play on a winner if the same amount of money is at stake.

 

Throwing in an extra year or another couple mil per is much more likely to bring him into the fold than "matching" their offer.

So much we don't know, though. Maybe Drew's agent has told Hendry that JD prefers the NL and if Hendry matches any offer from Boston that he'll win in the end.

 

Hard to get too upset until something actually happens.

 

Irregardless of his "preference" for the NL or the midwest or whatever... wouldn't you be willing to throw down an extra million per year to make sure the deal gets done (and in short order)?

 

I know I wouldn't make the best GM in the world if I were willing to cave in to early demands just to get my guys into the fold quickly as possible, but I do believe I'd be able to put out a competitive team year in and year out if I were to do so.... the extra money is worth a guarantee you don't have to scramble to fill that hole later on.

 

What are the other options in CF?

 

Soriano - we're likely to get outbid on... and even if we weren't, there's no guarantee he'd be much more productive than an average CF.

 

Dave Roberts - he's surely not worth the three year deal at five per that he's supposedly commanding.

 

Juan Pierre - Uh huh... 3/30 is about 3 times more than he's worth.

 

Gary Matthews Jr. - Another career-year guy who hasn't proven he's worth much at all... we'd be once again overpaying for mediocrity.

 

Vernon Wells - Jays are gonna probably demand Barrett back in a trade... it's a lateral move at best.

 

Andruw Jones - Yeah... he's a solid option. But what would it take to get him?

 

I guess the whole point behind my philosophy is that when a guy like JD Drew, who fills every hole we could hope for somebody to, is available in free agency... he's worth overpaying slightly for. I realize I can't judge Hendry now, as I don't really have all the info... but if history is any indicator, we're S.O.L. right now... over 3 million over 2-3 years. In the grand scheme of things, it makes no sense to make such maneuvers unless we're already well aware of JD Drew's intentions...

[NorthsideAvenger]

http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/cubs.asp

 

Bruce Miles' article, mind you:

 

J.D. Drew, the free-agent outfielder late of the Los Angeles Dodgers, isn’t on the Cubs’ front burner yet, but that could change as the market continues to take shape.

 

At the very BOTTOM on the article. So, we got one out of town source saying the Cubs have "matched" an offer for JD Drew, and then we have a LOCAL writer saying that Drew isn't even on the "front burner yet?

 

Do we as fans, even have a clue what is ACTUALLY going on?

[Neuby]

http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/cubs.asp

 

Bruce Miles' article, mind you:

 

J.D. Drew, the free-agent outfielder late of the Los Angeles Dodgers, isn’t on the Cubs’ front burner yet, but that could change as the market continues to take shape.

 

At the very BOTTOM on the article. So, we got one out of town source saying the Cubs have "matched" an offer for JD Drew, and then we have a LOCAL writer saying that Drew isn't even on the "front burner yet?

 

Do we as fans, even have a clue what is ACTUALLY going on?

I think it's been clear for awhile Fonzie is on the front burner , If Drew is cooking on the side burner too that fine by me . Please let us get both.

[CubinNY]

http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/cubs.asp

 

Bruce Miles' article, mind you:

 

J.D. Drew, the free-agent outfielder late of the Los Angeles Dodgers, isn’t on the Cubs’ front burner yet, but that could change as the market continues to take shape.

 

At the very BOTTOM on the article. So, we got one out of town source saying the Cubs have "matched" an offer for JD Drew, and then we have a LOCAL writer saying that Drew isn't even on the "front burner yet?

 

Do we as fans, even have a clue what is ACTUALLY going on?

I think it's been clear for awhile Fonzie is on the front burner , If Drew is cooking on the side burner too that fine by me . Please let us get both.

 

I turn the Fonzie burner off and stop cooking. Fonzie doesn't taste that good and is over priced, kind of like cavierior.

 

Then I'd heat up the Drew burner. Drew is like pot roast.

[Roast]

 

I turn the Fonzie burner off and stop cooking. Fonzie doesn't taste that good and is over priced, kind of like cavierior.

 

Then I'd heat up the Drew burner. Drew is like pot roast.

 

And there is NOTHING better than Roast...

 

Anyway, I'm all for overpaying for Alfonzo. AND Drew.

 

The way I see it; its either overpay for Soriano and/or Drew, or overpay for another Jones type player.