Jones/Pie/DeRosa tidbit from Fox Sports' Ben Maller

[Post Count Padder]

Probably nothing we don't already know, but thought I'd post it anyway:

 

With little available in the free-agent market, the Cubs might elect to sign a veteran, defensive-minded outfielder who can play center field in case Felix Pie doesn't prove in spring training he's ready to become an everyday player. Alfonso Soriano also can move to center, though the Cubs would prefer him on a corner. First they would have to move Jacque Jones, but they won't do it unless they can get some value in return. ... The Cubs still are concerned about Pie's free-swinging tendencies, and they haven't forgotten how Corey Patterson put too much pressure on himself in 2005. If Jones is traded, the Cubs could move Mark DeRosa to the outfield and play Ryan Theriot at second base, though they've already announced that DeRosa is their starting second baseman.

[Electron Blue]

I agree with everything in that article.

[CubinNY]

I agree with everything in that article.

 

So do I and all the options are bad except finding a CFer or keeping JJ.

 

Pie isn't ready and if the Cubs put DeRosa in the OF and start Theriot at 2nd it will be another in a long line of long seasons.

[Vinestal]

Hmm that is word for word what was in a piece on the trib site today, they must of got it from there.

[Backtobanks]

Hmm that is word for word what was in a piece on the trib site today, they must of got it from there.

 

Most of BenMaller.com is direct quotes from sites all over the U.S.

[TheDude]

I agree with everything in that article.

 

So do I and all the options are bad except finding a CFer or keeping JJ.

 

Keeping Jones and playing him in CF is not a bad option. It's a mediocre option, but not bad.

[goonys evil twin]

I agree with everything in that article.

 

So do I and all the options are bad except finding a CFer or keeping JJ.

 

Keeping Jones and playing him in CF is not a bad option. It's a mediocre option, but not bad.

 

I think that's what he was saying, the options are bad except .... keeping JJ. I think the bad options are using DeRosa in the OF and playing Theriot everyday, or starting Pie.

 

Jones in CF is the best realistic option at this point, unless some trade target becomes available.

[CubColtPacer]

I agree with everything in that article.

 

So do I and all the options are bad except finding a CFer or keeping JJ.

 

Keeping Jones and playing him in CF is not a bad option. It's a mediocre option, but not bad.

 

I think that's what he was saying, the options are bad except .... keeping JJ. I think the bad options are using DeRosa in the OF and playing Theriot everyday, or starting Pie.

 

Jones in CF is the best realistic option at this point, unless some trade target becomes available.

 

From the quotes that keep coming out, I don't think that the Cubs are planning to play Jones in CF whatsoever. Look at the quote carefully-it says for Soriano to play one of the corners, they first have to move Jones. If Jones ends up not getting moved, I bet the defensive alignment will have Soriano in center and Jones in right, although the Cubs would prefer to trade Jones, sign a center fielder, and have Soriano in right.

[Soul]

It's starting to look like CF will be a major hole for us next year.

[goonys evil twin]

It's starting to look like CF will be a major hole for us next year.

 

I really don't understand what Hendry is planning to do with CF.

 

All I know is he cannot go into 2007 with the current lineup, as is, minus Jones, and plus Pie, or any other similarly questionable CF possibility. They have to get something out of that position, or, find some improvements at another spot.

[Mark Priors Calves]

I think Aaron Rowand might be possibility for Hendry to make a move on.

[goonys evil twin]

I think Aaron Rowand might be possibility for Hendry to make a move on.

 

I really hope he's not the Cubs starting CF. The Cubs can't afford anymore potential black hole spots in the lineup.

[Backtobanks]

I think Aaron Rowand might be possibility for Hendry to make a move on.

 

I really hope he's not the Cubs starting CF. The Cubs can't afford anymore potential black hole spots in the lineup.

 

I think the Cubs are going to wait until somebody makes a decent offer for Jones. That might not be until spring training. I've posted before that Hendry has made so many moves that we go crazy because he doesn't make one for a week or two. I do think he will trade Jones, but he's not going to give him away for nothing. As many posters have written, Jones in CF is not perfect, but it's not a disaster either.

[goonys evil twin]

I think Aaron Rowand might be possibility for Hendry to make a move on.

 

I really hope he's not the Cubs starting CF. The Cubs can't afford anymore potential black hole spots in the lineup.

 

I think the Cubs are going to wait until somebody makes a decent offer for Jones. That might not be until spring training. I've posted before that Hendry has made so many moves that we go crazy because he doesn't make one for a week or two. I do think he will trade Jones, but he's not going to give him away for nothing. As many posters have written, Jones in CF is not perfect, but it's not a disaster either.

 

I'm not worried about whether it happens today or in March. I'm just saying Hendry has to get some production out of CF, or he has to improve another position significantly. The best part of the lineup isn't good enough to make up for more black holes.

[Yestheydo]

Jones for Griffey! Who's with me?

 

 

 

 

*crickets chirping*

[TheDude]

I think Aaron Rowand might be possibility for Hendry to make a move on.

 

I really hope he's not the Cubs starting CF. The Cubs can't afford anymore potential black hole spots in the lineup.

 

I know this won't make you happy, but I thought for certain one of the quotes from Hendry in the last few weeks was that he wanted a terrific defensive CF with lots of range, and that he wasn't as concerned about the offense.

 

I believe Oneri Fleita (sp?), the player development director, said the same thing when discussing Pie as an option for CF coming out of ST. I got the feeling that directive came down to him when I read his quotes in a Cubs.com article.

 

It sounds to me like Hendry is working toward building a classic old-school team formula in the field: concentrated defense up the middle with suspect offense, but big time offense from most of the corners.

 

Right now, only Murton, Barret, and DeRosa don't fit that thinking (but bench options Blanco and Theriot do). And Murton is a young player worth waiting on.

[Soul]

I think Aaron Rowand might be possibility for Hendry to make a move on.

 

I really hope he's not the Cubs starting CF. The Cubs can't afford anymore potential black hole spots in the lineup.

 

I know this won't make you happy, but I thought for certain one of the quotes from Hendry in the last few weeks was that he wanted a terrific defensive CF with lots of range, and that he wasn't as concerned about the offense.

 

I believe Oneri Fleita (sp?), the player development director, said the same thing when discussing Pie as an option for CF coming out of ST. I got the feeling that directive came down to him when I read his quotes in a Cubs.com article.

 

It sounds to me like Hendry is working toward building a classic old-school team formula in the field: concentrated defense up the middle with suspect offense, but big time offense from most of the corners.

 

Right now, only Murton, Barret, and DeRosa don't fit that thinking (but bench options Blanco and Theriot do). And Murton is a young player worth waiting on.

 

Trouble is the pitching won't hold. We would need a very good offense to keep up with the runs that will likely be scored against us.

[nilodnayr]

I agree with everything in that article.

 

So do I and all the options are bad except finding a CFer or keeping JJ.

 

Keeping Jones and playing him in CF is not a bad option. It's a mediocre option, but not bad.

 

I think that's what he was saying, the options are bad except .... keeping JJ. I think the bad options are using DeRosa in the OF and playing Theriot everyday, or starting Pie.

 

Jones in CF is the best realistic option at this point, unless some trade target becomes available.

 

From the quotes that keep coming out, I don't think that the Cubs are planning to play Jones in CF whatsoever. Look at the quote carefully-it says for Soriano to play one of the corners, they first have to move Jones. If Jones ends up not getting moved, I bet the defensive alignment will have Soriano in center and Jones in right, although the Cubs would prefer to trade Jones, sign a center fielder, and have Soriano in right.

 

And what about Hendry promising Soriano that he would not move him around? If they chose to go with Soriano in CF next year, then either Pie moves to RF for the long term, or Hendry takes back his promise.

[samhainn77]

I agree with everything in that article.

 

So do I and all the options are bad except finding a CFer or keeping JJ.

 

Keeping Jones and playing him in CF is not a bad option. It's a mediocre option, but not bad.

 

I think that's what he was saying, the options are bad except .... keeping JJ. I think the bad options are using DeRosa in the OF and playing Theriot everyday, or starting Pie.

 

Jones in CF is the best realistic option at this point, unless some trade target becomes available.

 

I would have liked to have seen Jones/DeRosa platoon in Right, Soriano Center, and Marcus Giles at 2b. At least then Izturis in the 8 spot would be our only completely useless hitter.

[goonys evil twin]

I agree with everything in that article.

 

So do I and all the options are bad except finding a CFer or keeping JJ.

 

Keeping Jones and playing him in CF is not a bad option. It's a mediocre option, but not bad.

 

I think that's what he was saying, the options are bad except .... keeping JJ. I think the bad options are using DeRosa in the OF and playing Theriot everyday, or starting Pie.

 

Jones in CF is the best realistic option at this point, unless some trade target becomes available.

 

I would have liked to have seen Jones/DeRosa platoon in Right, Soriano Center, and Marcus Giles at 2b. At least then Izturis in the 8 spot would be our only completely useless hitter.

 

I'd be cool with a Jones/DeRosa platoon. I was thinking this story was referring to DeRosa being more of a regular out there though.

[Backtobanks]

Jones for Griffey! Who's with me?

 

 

 

 

*crickets chirping*

 

Jones for Jones (Andruw) as long as we're dreaming.

[samhainn77]

I agree with everything in that article.

 

So do I and all the options are bad except finding a CFer or keeping JJ.

 

Keeping Jones and playing him in CF is not a bad option. It's a mediocre option, but not bad.

 

I think that's what he was saying, the options are bad except .... keeping JJ. I think the bad options are using DeRosa in the OF and playing Theriot everyday, or starting Pie.

 

Jones in CF is the best realistic option at this point, unless some trade target becomes available.

 

I would have liked to have seen Jones/DeRosa platoon in Right, Soriano Center, and Marcus Giles at 2b. At least then Izturis in the 8 spot would be our only completely useless hitter.

 

I'd be cool with a Jones/DeRosa platoon. I was thinking this story was referring to DeRosa being more of a regular out there though.

 

Oh no, I agree with you. The story was talking along those lines...I was just wishing outloud.

[abuck1220]

i'm kinda afraid hendry's going to trade barrett for a defensive-minded cf...meaning that they'll still have an offensive black hole in cf, and they'll add one at catcher.

[goonys evil twin]

i'm kinda afraid hendry's going to trade barrett for a defensive-minded cf...meaning that they'll still have an offensive black hole in cf, and they'll add one at catcher.

 

I'm not even thinking about such a terrible scenario.

[Guancous]

i'm kinda afraid hendry's going to trade barrett for a defensive-minded cf...meaning that they'll still have an offensive black hole in cf, and they'll add one at catcher.

 

I'm not even thinking about such a terrible scenario.

 

Hendry coveted Barrett too long to trade him for Brad Ausmus.