Sifting through the Trash: Looking at FA Who Might Help

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

As we turn the calendar from 2006 to 2007, most of the premier FA have been signed.

 

As I see it, the Cubs still could use a CF and a bat for the bench. The bat for the bench could be LH or RH, though the bench as constructed lacks much RH power, the offense is heavily RH so either one might do. It would be nice if the bat could play some 3b as we seem to have enough corner OF and middle IF types on the bench.

 

Here are a few interesting candidates still available.

 

At top of the list is Cliff Floyd.

 

Floyd will be 34 next season and has had problems staying healthy. If healthy he mashes RH and would give the line-up some balance. Signing Floyd likely insures that Jones will be moved but also opens the question of who will be in CF.

 

Another interesting candidate is David Bell.

 

Bell would be a RH bat on the bench and gives the Cubs some insurance if Ramirez gets injured. Bell hit 270/337/399 last year. He's also had his struggles with injuries and has a career 257/320/396 mark. He'd definitely be worth a look for the bench if is price isn't too high.

 

If the CF vacancy isn't filled soon, I fear that we may start hearing the name of Steve Finely.

 

Finely is LH and hit 246/320/394 last season as a member of the Giants. He'll be 42 years old and likely has little left in the tank. Hopefully, Jim stays clear of Finely.

 

Two other interesting options for RHed power might be Phil Nevin and Craig Wilson. While both can handle the bat, they play positions the Cubs have adequately filled. Other than pinch-hitting duties, I don't see where they would fit into the 2007 Cubs plans.

 

Preston Wilson is an interesting option, but only if he still has the ability to play CF. I have my doubts about that and so, I'd steer clear of Wilson.

 

Of the remaining options, David Bell likely makes the most sense for the Cubs.

[shnsajax]

Two years ago Wilson would be an almost lock for who the Cubs would want. I really hope and doubt they would consider him now.

[rawaction]

Is Trot signed yet? Wonder if he would take a bench role?

[nilodnayr]

Two years ago Wilson would be an almost lock for who the Cubs would want. I really hope and doubt they would consider him now.

 

I think a Wilson/Jacque platoon would be quite productive. I think he could still play CF defensively 1/3rd of the time.

[A New Era]

Give me Floyd and let's play some ball.

[cheapseats]

Two years ago Wilson would be an almost lock for who the Cubs would want. I really hope and doubt they would consider him now.

 

I think a Wilson/Jacque platoon would be quite productive. I think he could still play CF defensively 1/3rd of the time.

 

I dunno. Wilson was the 2nd worst defensive CF in baseball from 2003-2005 according to the Fielding Bible, and I don't think his knees are getting any better.

 

I do like the idea of platooning Jacque in CF, though. A lot of people are in favor of platooning him, and a lot are in favor of playing him in CF, but I haven't seen many advocating both.

[cheapseats]

 

If the CF vacancy isn't filled soon, I fear that we may start hearing the name of Steve Finely.

 

Finely is LH and hit 246/320/394 last season as a member of the Giants. He'll be 42 years old and likely has little left in the tank. Hopefully, Jim stays clear of Finely.

 

ZIPS projection if Finley were a Giant in 2007:

 

.227 .291 .335

 

Yikes. The projection sees his power vanishing this year.

[nilodnayr]

 

If the CF vacancy isn't filled soon, I fear that we may start hearing the name of Steve Finely.

 

Finely is LH and hit 246/320/394 last season as a member of the Giants. He'll be 42 years old and likely has little left in the tank. Hopefully, Jim stays clear of Finely.

 

ZIPS projection if Finley were a Giant in 2007:

 

.227 .291 .335

 

Yikes. The projection sees his power vanishing this year.

 

Meaning he had power last year? :D

[nilodnayr]

Two years ago Wilson would be an almost lock for who the Cubs would want. I really hope and doubt they would consider him now.

 

I think a Wilson/Jacque platoon would be quite productive. I think he could still play CF defensively 1/3rd of the time.

 

I dunno. Wilson was the 2nd worst defensive CF in baseball from 2003-2005 according to the Fielding Bible, and I don't think his knees are getting any better.

 

I do like the idea of platooning Jacque in CF, though. A lot of people are in favor of platooning him, and a lot are in favor of playing him in CF, but I haven't seen many advocating both.

 

Oh, I didn't mean he could play CF well, or even average, or even just below average. But like with most players there are pros and cons. His defensive deficiencies are much more tolerable A) when hes only playing 1/3rd of the time and B) when it is offset by his offensive prowess vs lefties.