Cubs sign Ohman, talk with Prior/Zambrano

[LuckyPup]

Now while I see that a loogy is intregal part of the bullpen, but what kind of player do you expect to recieve for a loogy?

 

I'm not envisioning any 1/1 type of trade.

yeah, i'm thinking Eyre with Jones and a young arm to net a solid ML position player-

[frostwyrm]

I'll take a wild guess and say Z will be offered a heavily backloaded deal with the first big paycheck in 2009.

 

Just a hunch.

[HoopsCubs]

He could always be part of a trade and not the main piece.

 

Bingo. I still think it is possible that one of these lefties (Ohman or Cotts or Eyre) could be packaged with Jones to increase his trade value during the next 2 months.

 

I suspect Hendry doesn't care as much about what he gets back for Jones as he cares about how much of the $11.67M due Jones over the next 2 years the trading partner is willing to pick up.

 

A source, having no knowledge of any pending deal, said Hendry seems quite content to go with Murton in LF, Soriano in RF and a half-season placeholder in CF like a Steve Finley or Darin Erstad just as long as they free up cash by jettisoning the "disgruntled" Jones.

 

The object of the Hendry's game here is to get rid of Jones and pick up little to no cash on his guaranteed money.

 

Hoops

[CubinNY]

He could always be part of a trade and not the main piece.

 

Bingo. I still think it is possible that one of these lefties (Ohman or Cotts or Eyre) could be packaged with Jones to increase his trade value during the next 2 months.

 

I suspect Hendry doesn't care as much about what he gets back for Jones as he cares about how much of the $11.67M due Jones over the next 2 years the trading partner is willing to pick up.

 

A source, having no knowledge of any pending deal, said Hendry seems quite content to go with Murton in LF, Soriano in RF and a half-season placeholder in CF like a Steve Finley or Darin Erstad just as long as they free up cash by jettisoning the "disgruntled" Jones.

 

The object of the Hendry's game here is to get rid of Jones and pick up little to no cash on his guaranteed money.

 

Hoops

 

I cannot believe they are banking on Pie being ready to contribute.

[HoopsCubs]

I cannot believe they are banking on Pie being ready to contribute.

 

Right, wrong or indifferent, they are.

[CubinNY]

I cannot believe they are banking on Pie being ready to contribute.

 

Right, wrong or indifferent, they are.

 

I believe you. I just don't want to believe the Cubs.

[CuseCubFan69]

He could always be part of a trade and not the main piece.

 

Bingo. I still think it is possible that one of these lefties (Ohman or Cotts or Eyre) could be packaged with Jones to increase his trade value during the next 2 months.

 

I suspect Hendry doesn't care as much about what he gets back for Jones as he cares about how much of the $11.67M due Jones over the next 2 years the trading partner is willing to pick up.

 

A source, having no knowledge of any pending deal, said Hendry seems quite content to go with Murton in LF, Soriano in RF and a half-season placeholder in CF like a Steve Finley or Darin Erstad just as long as they free up cash by jettisoning the "disgruntled" Jones.

 

The object of the Hendry's game here is to get rid of Jones and pick up little to no cash on his guaranteed money.

 

Hoops

 

I just don't understand the lack of interest in Jones. I was hoping he'd be part of a package that would bring a good SS to the Cubs but what you just said he's being dumped plus losing Ohman for nothing. Along with thinking Pie is ready it sounds as if they think Izturis is the answer at SS too.

[HoopsCubs]

I cannot believe they are banking on Pie being ready to contribute.

 

Right, wrong or indifferent, they are.

 

I believe you. I just don't want to believe the Cubs.

 

Can't blame you.

 

It's pretty much like the papers have been reporting. Both the Cubs and Jacque Jones want to separate. For Hendry, it simple comes down to money. He wants someone to take on all or most of that $9M salary and $2.67M signing bonus.

[cheapseats]

Zambrano has asked for $15.5 million in arbitration. The Cubs offered $11 million.

 

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&id=3106

Edited January 16, 2007 by cheapseats

[goonys evil twin]

I just don't understand the lack of interest in Jones. I was hoping he'd be part of a package that would bring a good SS to the Cubs but what you just said he's being dumped plus losing Ohman for nothing. Along with thinking Pie is ready it sounds as if they think Izturis is the answer at SS too.

 

What is there to understand? He's a mediocre corner OF. Mediocre pitchers are making a ton of money. And mediocre guys who are considered quality top of the order CF are making lots of money. But mediocre corner OF are not in high demand.

[goonys evil twin]

I'll take a wild guess and say Z will be offered a heavily backloaded deal with the first big paycheck in 2009.

 

Just a hunch.

 

I doubt he makes less than $10m in 2007. Is that big? I'm sure he'll make more than that in 2008.

[CP_414]

Zambrano has asked for $15.5 million in arbitration. The Cubs offered $11 million.

 

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&id=3106

 

 

Z is going to get paid. I'm talking $140M+ paid.

[CuseCubFan69]

I just don't understand the lack of interest in Jones. I was hoping he'd be part of a package that would bring a good SS to the Cubs but what you just said he's being dumped plus losing Ohman for nothing. Along with thinking Pie is ready it sounds as if they think Izturis is the answer at SS too.

 

What is there to understand? He's a mediocre corner OF. Mediocre pitchers are making a ton of money. And mediocre guys who are considered quality top of the order CF are making lots of money. But mediocre corner OF are not in high demand.

 

Perhaps. How was he OPS wise as a corner OF compared to other corner OF's?

[goonys evil twin]

I just don't understand the lack of interest in Jones. I was hoping he'd be part of a package that would bring a good SS to the Cubs but what you just said he's being dumped plus losing Ohman for nothing. Along with thinking Pie is ready it sounds as if they think Izturis is the answer at SS too.

 

What is there to understand? He's a mediocre corner OF. Mediocre pitchers are making a ton of money. And mediocre guys who are considered quality top of the order CF are making lots of money. But mediocre corner OF are not in high demand.

 

Perhaps. How was he OPS wise as a corner OF compared to other corner OF's?

 

Last year, I think he was above average. But no sane GM will judge a guy by one year. Generally Jones is just another guy. And nobody is going to jump when they notice a GM really wants to get rid of just another guy.

[CuseCubFan69]

I just don't understand the lack of interest in Jones. I was hoping he'd be part of a package that would bring a good SS to the Cubs but what you just said he's being dumped plus losing Ohman for nothing. Along with thinking Pie is ready it sounds as if they think Izturis is the answer at SS too.

 

What is there to understand? He's a mediocre corner OF. Mediocre pitchers are making a ton of money. And mediocre guys who are considered quality top of the order CF are making lots of money. But mediocre corner OF are not in high demand.

 

Perhaps. How was he OPS wise as a corner OF compared to other corner OF's?

 

Last year, I think he was above average. But no sane GM will judge a guy by one year. Generally Jones is just another guy. And nobody is going to jump when they notice a GM really wants to get rid of just another guy.

 

But if Hendry can sell him as a CF he may have more interest for Jones and that's what I think he's trying to do. I agree he is trying to push him out the door and other GM's know this but this happens with a lot of players that get traded and they get a decent return in many instances.

[goonys evil twin]

But if Hendry can sell him as a CF he may have more interest for Jones and that's what I think he's trying to do. I agree he is trying to push him out the door and other GM's know this but this happens with a lot of players that get traded and they get a decent return in many instances.

 

I don't see how he can, or is even trying to, sell him as a CF. Everybody else knows his limitations, and Hendry hasn't shown the least bit of interest in allowing Jones to play CF for his own team. It would be hard to convince other GMs that Jones is a worthwhile CF when you have nobody to fill that position and won't even mention the guy as a possibility for the spot.

[frostwyrm]

Could be that consensus opinion on Jones is that he belongs in a platoon, but that he would sulk if platooned. Sulking aside, Jones is not really a great bargain if you have to spend a few mil to get him a platoon partner.

 

Also could be that people are skeptical that he'll produce another .886 OPS vs. RHP.

[Mephistopheles]

I find it hard to believe that there's any chance Carlos can win that case if it reaches it. Arbitration awarded salaries are much stickier than free agent salaries and last year Soriano lost his 12 million case but still was awarded a record 10 million.

[goonys evil twin]

I find it hard to believe that there's any chance Carlos can win that case if it reaches it. Arbitration awarded salaries are much stickier than free agent salaries and last year Soriano lost his 12 million case but still was awarded a record 10 million.

 

Jeter and Rivera both crossed the $10m line in arbitration years ago. They settled before the actual case, but that fact alone is enough to drive up later awards. Maddux settled at the $13m in arbitration a few years ago. While that's different than Zambrano's case, it's relavent. Don't they compared 6-year arbitration guys to everybody, as opposed to just other arbitration guys? I don't think 15.5m is all that outlandish, not with multiple pitchers making more than that. I would think he stands a chance to win the case, especially if the Cubs offer is just $11m. Had they gone to $12-13, I'd bet they'd win. But that is where they'll settle.

[A New Era]

I cannot believe they are banking on Pie being ready to contribute.

 

Right, wrong or indifferent, they are.

 

Good, I'm looking foward to seeing Pie in a Cubs uniform.

[AlwaysaCub]

Zambrano has asked for $15.5 million in arbitration. The Cubs offered $11 million.

 

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&id=3106

 

 

Z is going to get paid. I'm talking $140M+ paid.

 

I completely believe you, but I don't think we have the space. Therefore, the last name on his checks will be Steinbrenner.

[Andy]

I find it hard to believe that there's any chance Carlos can win that case if it reaches it. Arbitration awarded salaries are much stickier than free agent salaries and last year Soriano lost his 12 million case but still was awarded a record 10 million.

 

Jeter and Rivera both crossed the $10m line in arbitration years ago. They settled before the actual case, but that fact alone is enough to drive up later awards. Maddux settled at the $13m in arbitration a few years ago. While that's different than Zambrano's case, it's relavent. Don't they compared 6-year arbitration guys to everybody, as opposed to just other arbitration guys? I don't think 15.5m is all that outlandish, not with multiple pitchers making more than that. I would think he stands a chance to win the case, especially if the Cubs offer is just $11m. Had they gone to $12-13, I'd bet they'd win. But that is where they'll settle.

Give Z 14M, then start negotiating something like a 6-year deal at 16 per if you can work it.

[Sammy Sofa]

Zambrano has asked for $15.5 million in arbitration. The Cubs offered $11 million.

 

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&id=3106

 

 

Z is going to get paid. I'm talking $140M+ paid.

 

I completely believe you, but I don't think we have the space.

 

 

Why not?

[AlwaysaCub]

Zambrano has asked for $15.5 million in arbitration. The Cubs offered $11 million.

 

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&id=3106

 

 

Z is going to get paid. I'm talking $140M+ paid.

 

I completely believe you, but I don't think we have the space.

 

 

Why not?

 

I have two reasons.

1. That's another large commitment, and will hurt out flexibility in future years even more. On its own it won't, obviously, because Z will most likely be really good. On top of the other contracts, though, we have a bit of a squeeze.

2. Will the Trib okay that, especially with this sale about to go down? I realize this is basically the Maddux situation all over again, but will they let the wallet open again after this year's offseason? They might see this payroll as being acceptable. We're already first in NL payroll, aren't we?

[AlwaysaCub]

Zambrano has asked for $15.5 million in arbitration. The Cubs offered $11 million.

 

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&id=3106

 

 

Z is going to get paid. I'm talking $140M+ paid.

 

I completely believe you, but I don't think we have the space.

 

 

Why not?

 

I have two reasons.

1. That's another large commitment, and will hurt out flexibility in future years even more. On its own it won't, obviously, because Z will most likely be really good. On top of the other contracts, though, we have a bit of a squeeze.

2. Will the Trib okay that, especially with this sale about to go down? I realize this is basically the Maddux situation all over again, but will they let the wallet open again after this year's offseason? They might see this payroll as being acceptable. We're already first in NL payroll, aren't we?

 

Actually though, that's a really sweet deal for big Z, all things considered. I suppose that could be incentive to sign that kind of deal. But seriously, would Zambrano do it?