Winter Meetings Thread (Merged)

[wade]

Well, I started a GM meetings thread, may as well start one for this week as well.

 

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/

 

Subscription link has two articles on what teams will be / should be looking for. They say the Cubs still need to improve OBP and need an innings eater, but right now are probably the favorites in a weak NL Central.

 

I really believe there will be lots o' trading this week. Hopefully the Cubs can improve the squad for 2007.

[wade]

Suntimes says Hendry is loaded for bear.

 

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/122329,CST-SPT-cub03.article

[RynoRules]

Suntimes says Hendry is loaded for bear.

 

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/122329,CST-SPT-cub03.article

 

I like what he is saying here.

 

The more I read the more I believe it was MacPahil who was holding us back all these years.

[C.C.]

LETS GET IT ON! This could be a fun week...

[Soul]

The plum of a busy couple of weeks was signing Alfonso Soriano to an eight-year, $136 million deal. And it would make no sense to spend that type of money on one player without putting the right pieces around him to compete for a World Series. The Cubs are committed to spending as much as needed, and Hendry vows to acquire pitching help and perhaps some left-handed hitting.

 

Good Lord, that sounds like no limit poker to me.

 

This is reaching epic insanity proportions. I've got to think most other teams are pretty shocked at the Cubs' suddenly changed behavior this offseason. I know it's shocking the heck out of me.

[RynoRules]

The plum of a busy couple of weeks was signing Alfonso Soriano to an eight-year, $136 million deal. And it would make no sense to spend that type of money on one player without putting the right pieces around him to compete for a World Series. The Cubs are committed to spending as much as needed, and Hendry vows to acquire pitching help and perhaps some left-handed hitting.

 

Good Lord, that sounds like no limit poker to me.

 

This is reaching epic insanity proportions. I've got to think most other teams are pretty shocked at the Cubs' suddenly changed behavior this offseason. I know it's shocking the heck out of me.

 

Again, I think this is further proof that the change at the "top" was more significant than initially thought.

[C.C.]

The plum of a busy couple of weeks was signing Alfonso Soriano to an eight-year, $136 million deal. And it would make no sense to spend that type of money on one player without putting the right pieces around him to compete for a World Series. The Cubs are committed to spending as much as needed, and Hendry vows to acquire pitching help and perhaps some left-handed hitting.

 

Good Lord, that sounds like no limit poker to me.

 

This is reaching epic insanity proportions. I've got to think most other teams are pretty shocked at the Cubs' suddenly changed behavior this offseason. I know it's shocking the heck out of me.

 

KEEP SHOCKING US, PLEASE!!!!!!

[Schwarber Fan]

Bruce, please post frequently in this thread! ;)

[wade]

More than once I've seen Hendry's quote about the market last year (Furcal going way higher than he thought) and I think Hendry's taking the if you can't beat 'em, join 'em stance.

 

Hendry and company could have said "man, it'd take 8 years at 18 per to get Soriano. That's not a sensible contract down the road and we'd like to get better value." Then, they'd end up without an impact bat.

 

It's funny to me the previous restraint for top players, but the nice paydays for role players. Now everybody's gettin' paid.

[wade]

Bruce, please post frequently in this thread! ;)

 

When I started this one I was hoping for Bruce and Hoopscubs visits.

[cheapseats]

The plum of a busy couple of weeks was signing Alfonso Soriano to an eight-year, $136 million deal. And it would make no sense to spend that type of money on one player without putting the right pieces around him to compete for a World Series. The Cubs are committed to spending as much as needed, and Hendry vows to acquire pitching help and perhaps some left-handed hitting.

 

Good Lord, that sounds like no limit poker to me.

 

This is reaching epic insanity proportions. I've got to think most other teams are pretty shocked at the Cubs' suddenly changed behavior this offseason. I know it's shocking the heck out of me.

 

Again, I think this is further proof that the change at the "top" was more significant than initially thought.

 

Not necessarily. Most insiders over the years have said it was the Tribune's board, not MacPhail, that instituted a strict salary limit.

 

Hendry's spending, in my mind, is a sign that the Cubs will be sold in the near future.

[RynoRules]

The plum of a busy couple of weeks was signing Alfonso Soriano to an eight-year, $136 million deal. And it would make no sense to spend that type of money on one player without putting the right pieces around him to compete for a World Series. The Cubs are committed to spending as much as needed, and Hendry vows to acquire pitching help and perhaps some left-handed hitting.

 

Good Lord, that sounds like no limit poker to me.

 

This is reaching epic insanity proportions. I've got to think most other teams are pretty shocked at the Cubs' suddenly changed behavior this offseason. I know it's shocking the heck out of me.

 

Again, I think this is further proof that the change at the "top" was more significant than initially thought.

 

Not necessarily. Most insiders over the years have said it was the Tribune's board, not MacPhail, that instituted a strict salary limit.

 

Hendry's spending, in my mind, is a sign that the Cubs will be sold in the near future.

 

So they are spending tons more with the hope of attracting investors? I am not an economist, but that makes little sense.

[Soul]

The plum of a busy couple of weeks was signing Alfonso Soriano to an eight-year, $136 million deal. And it would make no sense to spend that type of money on one player without putting the right pieces around him to compete for a World Series. The Cubs are committed to spending as much as needed, and Hendry vows to acquire pitching help and perhaps some left-handed hitting.

 

Good Lord, that sounds like no limit poker to me.

 

This is reaching epic insanity proportions. I've got to think most other teams are pretty shocked at the Cubs' suddenly changed behavior this offseason. I know it's shocking the heck out of me.

 

Again, I think this is further proof that the change at the "top" was more significant than initially thought.

 

Not necessarily. Most insiders over the years have said it was the Tribune's board, not MacPhail, that instituted a strict salary limit.

 

Hendry's spending, in my mind, is a sign that the Cubs will be sold in the near future.

 

So they are spending tons more with the hope of attracting investors? I am not an economist, but that makes little sense.

 

Maybe the pool of potential buyers is such that a winning club more attractive even if the payroll is super-high.

 

That's blind speculation. It's so difficult to say.

[wade]

Rotoworld preview-

 

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/features/column.aspx?sport=MLB&columnid=2&articleid=27208

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Bruce, please post frequently in this thread! ;)

 

Looks like the Daily Herald is encouraging us to ask Bruce questions.

 

Link.

[soapy]

Rotoworld preview-

 

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/features/column.aspx?sport=MLB&columnid=2&articleid=27208

 

Interesting re Jason Jennings:

 

Possibility: To Cubs for Angel Guzman and RHP Sean Gallagher

[CubColtPacer]

Rotoworld preview-

 

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/features/column.aspx?sport=MLB&columnid=2&articleid=27208

 

Interesting re Jason Jennings:

 

Possibility: To Cubs for Angel Guzman and RHP Sean Gallagher

 

The funny thing is there, that Guzman+Gallagher is one trade package for Jennings, and another Jennings trade is Jennings straight up for Taveras. I could just imagine the board's reaction if Hendry went past the middle man and offered up Guzman+Gallagher for Taveras. :D

[BigbadB]

Rotoworld preview-

 

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/features/column.aspx?sport=MLB&columnid=2&articleid=27208

 

Lots of interesting information in there. I still like Marcus Giles/Tim Hudson. Would love to see Baldelli in CF. Wish there were some decent SS options out there.

 

Willy Tavares for Jason Jennings comparted to Sean Gallagher AND Angel Guzman is somewhat ridiculous when determining fair value for Jennings between the two clubs. Maybe Willy Tavares and Jason Hirsch

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I think Willy is over-valued by many baseball types, just as Juan Pierre is.

[E.J.]

I think Willy is over-valued by many baseball types, just as Juan Pierre is.

 

But he's really, really fast. Who cares if he doesn't know how to take a walk and doesn't have enough power to hit the ball out of the infield. :D

[RynoRules]

Marshall and Guz seems a bit steep for Jennings, no?

[BigbadB]

Marshall and Guz seems a bit steep for Jennings, no?

 

Haven't seen that offer. Gallagher and Guz is definitely too steep. Heck, I think I'd rather trade Rich Hill for Jennings than give up Gallagher AND Guz.

[USSoccer]

Marshall and Guz seems a bit steep for Jennings, no?

 

Haven't seen that offer. Gallagher and Guz is definitely too steep. Heck, I think I'd rather trade Rich Hill for Jennings than give up Gallagher AND Guz.

 

Maybe one of those guys for Jennings, but not both. Jennings isn't so good as to trade 2 potentially very good pitchers for him.

[TheDude]

I don't think folks understand the market accurately for 28 year old innings eaters. Jennings will command more than one unproven prospect, or a MLB tested young player.

[BigbadB]

I'm in Tim's camp that Guzman is ready for a break out year. With guys like Marshall, Mateo and Marmol in the fold, those are the guys I'd like to see offered up instead of Veal, Gallagher or Guzman.

 

Guzman will be well rested and have the injury problems well in his past.