Cubs Sign Floyd, 1 yr / $3M

[Wrigley Rat]

I think Floyd makes the team better, but I think his addition takes away from Murton at bats. Will Lou want Ward and Floyd as the main threats off the bench, or will he like Ward and Murton?

 

I fear Jones will play everyday. Especially considering Jacque wanted to be traded and Hendry failed to accomodate him.

 

I think Floyd (when healthy) and Murton are better producers than Jones. So, if Jones is playing everyday and Murton and Floyd are splitting time, the Cubs really improved very little by adding Floyd. That improvement is basically only in the form of bench help.

 

But, I suppose I shouldn't assume Lou is Dusty part 2. But, he is the same manager who had Alex Gonzalez playing 3b in Tampa.

 

Triple B,

Short of the Cubs acquiring a right-handed platoon partner for Jones, I still think that when the Cubs are facing a lefty, Lou Piniella will consider using DeRosa in RF and starting Theriot at 2B.

 

Hoops

 

Essentially, offensively you are platooning Theriot and Jones. While Theriot is definitely an improvement over Jones vs lefties, we could do much better without costing much. I assume we are going with 12 pitchers, which means that our bench will be done with Floyd, Ward, Pagan, Theriot, and Cedeno. I could see Cedeno starting off in Iowa, but that leaves us a middle infielder short, not an OF.

 

I don't think there's much of a chance that Cedeno will start the year in the majors. Theriot can play 2B, SS, OF - DeRosa can play 2B, SS, 3B, OF - Ward can play 1B, LF, RF - Soriano can play 2B in a pinch.

 

Floyd and Ward will be counted on off the bench and in Floyd's case against many righties. Pagan is not a lock to make the team, but probably will as our backup CF. You're forgetting Blanco - which puts the Cubs at 13 position players (8 starters + Blanco, Theriot, Ward, Pagan, Floyd).

 

I see Pagan not making the team and a surprise player to make it instead - this surprise player can play anywhere since Theriot and Jones can back up in CF. (Scott Moore?)

[nilodnayr]

I think Floyd makes the team better, but I think his addition takes away from Murton at bats. Will Lou want Ward and Floyd as the main threats off the bench, or will he like Ward and Murton?

 

I fear Jones will play everyday. Especially considering Jacque wanted to be traded and Hendry failed to accomodate him.

 

I think Floyd (when healthy) and Murton are better producers than Jones. So, if Jones is playing everyday and Murton and Floyd are splitting time, the Cubs really improved very little by adding Floyd. That improvement is basically only in the form of bench help.

 

But, I suppose I shouldn't assume Lou is Dusty part 2. But, he is the same manager who had Alex Gonzalez playing 3b in Tampa.

 

Triple B,

Short of the Cubs acquiring a right-handed platoon partner for Jones, I still think that when the Cubs are facing a lefty, Lou Piniella will consider using DeRosa in RF and starting Theriot at 2B.

 

Hoops

 

Essentially, offensively you are platooning Theriot and Jones. While Theriot is definitely an improvement over Jones vs lefties, we could do much better without costing much. I assume we are going with 12 pitchers, which means that our bench will be done with Floyd, Ward, Pagan, Theriot, and Cedeno. I could see Cedeno starting off in Iowa, but that leaves us a middle infielder short, not an OF.

 

I don't think there's much of a chance that Cedeno will start the year in the majors. Theriot can play 2B, SS, OF - DeRosa can play 2B, SS, 3B, OF - Ward can play 1B, LF, RF - Soriano can play 2B in a pinch.

 

Floyd and Ward will be counted on off the bench and in Floyd's case against many righties. Pagan is not a lock to make the team, but probably will as our backup CF. You're forgetting Blanco - which puts the Cubs at 13 position players (8 starters + Blanco, Theriot, Ward, Pagan, Floyd).

 

I see Pagan not making the team and a surprise player to make it instead - this surprise player can play anywhere since Theriot and Jones can back up in CF. (Scott Moore?)

 

Just came back to say I forgot Blanco...beat me to it.

 

I would be fine with Cedeno starting in AAA and Pagan not making the team, but Moore is a lefty too, we need a righty.

[Wrigley Rat]

A couple interesting Cliff Floyd stats I ran across today:

 

In the past three years:

- Floyd is 0 for 12 in pinch hitting appearances.

- Floyd is 16 for 16 in stolen base attempts when batting cleanup.

- Floyd is a worse hitter in the day (.246) and on grass (.259) than he is at night (.268) and on turf (.379) (great for Wrigley games - sic).

- Floyd's stats at Shea Stadium (.279) were better than on the road (.244).

- Close and Late (.205)

 

It's not sabermetrics, but I found it interesting. Let's hope playing in the city he grew up in is enough to boost his stats!

[Wrigley Rat]

I think Floyd makes the team better, but I think his addition takes away from Murton at bats. Will Lou want Ward and Floyd as the main threats off the bench, or will he like Ward and Murton?

 

I fear Jones will play everyday. Especially considering Jacque wanted to be traded and Hendry failed to accomodate him.

 

I think Floyd (when healthy) and Murton are better producers than Jones. So, if Jones is playing everyday and Murton and Floyd are splitting time, the Cubs really improved very little by adding Floyd. That improvement is basically only in the form of bench help.

 

But, I suppose I shouldn't assume Lou is Dusty part 2. But, he is the same manager who had Alex Gonzalez playing 3b in Tampa.

 

Triple B,

Short of the Cubs acquiring a right-handed platoon partner for Jones, I still think that when the Cubs are facing a lefty, Lou Piniella will consider using DeRosa in RF and starting Theriot at 2B.

 

Hoops

 

Essentially, offensively you are platooning Theriot and Jones. While Theriot is definitely an improvement over Jones vs lefties, we could do much better without costing much. I assume we are going with 12 pitchers, which means that our bench will be done with Floyd, Ward, Pagan, Theriot, and Cedeno. I could see Cedeno starting off in Iowa, but that leaves us a middle infielder short, not an OF.

 

I don't think there's much of a chance that Cedeno will start the year in the majors. Theriot can play 2B, SS, OF - DeRosa can play 2B, SS, 3B, OF - Ward can play 1B, LF, RF - Soriano can play 2B in a pinch.

 

Floyd and Ward will be counted on off the bench and in Floyd's case against many righties. Pagan is not a lock to make the team, but probably will as our backup CF. You're forgetting Blanco - which puts the Cubs at 13 position players (8 starters + Blanco, Theriot, Ward, Pagan, Floyd).

 

I see Pagan not making the team and a surprise player to make it instead - this surprise player can play anywhere since Theriot and Jones can back up in CF. (Scott Moore?)

 

Just came back to say I forgot Blanco...beat me to it.

 

I would be fine with Cedeno starting in AAA and Pagan not making the team, but Moore is a lefty too, we need a righty.

 

Disclaimer - This only applies if the philosophy of "best players play" holds true:

 

After giving it some thought, I think the Cubs need a LH 2B to be our 25th man. The way I see it is this:

- Lee, Ramirez, Soriano, and Barrett are the only players guaranteed to get a huge portion of their positions' at bats.

- Since they are all right-handed, you would like lefty complementary hitters to be available to play the other positions to create the most balance in your lineup.

- That pretty much guarantees switch-hitting Izturis a daily job.

- It also provides an opportunity for J. Jones and C. Floyd to get at bats against righties.

- That gives us a lefty hitter at #5, #6, and #8 in the lineup, but it could use one more at #2 for better balance.

- The only position left is 2B and no lefty/switch-hitter on our current roster has had experience at 2B.

- Maybe Scott Moore can get his chance there? Maybe Eric Patterson makes the team? Maybe a trade/waiver claim can bring in someone?

 

Against lefties we have it set easily. Soriano, Theriot (2B), Lee, Ramirez, Murton, DeRosa (RF), Barrett, Izturis. We have no lefties who consistently hit lefties well enough to start against them. Forget the concept of balance in the lineup here!

[Illini Iceman]

I think Floyd makes the team better, but I think his addition takes away from Murton at bats. Will Lou want Ward and Floyd as the main threats off the bench, or will he like Ward and Murton?

 

I fear Jones will play everyday. Especially considering Jacque wanted to be traded and Hendry failed to accomodate him.

 

I think Floyd (when healthy) and Murton are better producers than Jones. So, if Jones is playing everyday and Murton and Floyd are splitting time, the Cubs really improved very little by adding Floyd. That improvement is basically only in the form of bench help.

 

But, I suppose I shouldn't assume Lou is Dusty part 2. But, he is the same manager who had Alex Gonzalez playing 3b in Tampa.

 

Triple B,

Short of the Cubs acquiring a right-handed platoon partner for Jones, I still think that when the Cubs are facing a lefty, Lou Piniella will consider using DeRosa in RF and starting Theriot at 2B.

 

Hoops

 

Essentially, offensively you are platooning Theriot and Jones. While Theriot is definitely an improvement over Jones vs lefties, we could do much better without costing much. I assume we are going with 12 pitchers, which means that our bench will be done with Floyd, Ward, Pagan, Theriot, and Cedeno. I could see Cedeno starting off in Iowa, but that leaves us a middle infielder short, not an OF.

 

I don't think there's much of a chance that Cedeno will start the year in the majors. Theriot can play 2B, SS, OF - DeRosa can play 2B, SS, 3B, OF - Ward can play 1B, LF, RF - Soriano can play 2B in a pinch.

 

Floyd and Ward will be counted on off the bench and in Floyd's case against many righties. Pagan is not a lock to make the team, but probably will as our backup CF. You're forgetting Blanco - which puts the Cubs at 13 position players (8 starters + Blanco, Theriot, Ward, Pagan, Floyd).

 

I see Pagan not making the team and a surprise player to make it instead - this surprise player can play anywhere since Theriot and Jones can back up in CF. (Scott Moore?)

 

Just came back to say I forgot Blanco...beat me to it.

 

I would be fine with Cedeno starting in AAA and Pagan not making the team, but Moore is a lefty too, we need a righty.

 

Disclaimer - This only applies if the philosophy of "best players play" holds true:

 

After giving it some thought, I think the Cubs need a LH 2B to be our 25th man. The way I see it is this:

- Lee, Ramirez, Soriano, and Barrett are the only players guaranteed to get a huge portion of their positions' at bats.

- Since they are all right-handed, you would like lefty complementary hitters to be available to play the other positions to create the most balance in your lineup.

- That pretty much guarantees switch-hitting Izturis a daily job.

- It also provides an opportunity for J. Jones and C. Floyd to get at bats against righties.

- That gives us a lefty hitter at #5, #6, and #8 in the lineup, but it could use one more at #2 for better balance.

- The only position left is 2B and no lefty/switch-hitter on our current roster has had experience at 2B.

- Maybe Scott Moore can get his chance there? Maybe Eric Patterson makes the team? Maybe a trade/waiver claim can bring in someone?

 

Against lefties we have it set easily. Soriano, Theriot (2B), Lee, Ramirez, Murton, DeRosa (RF), Barrett, Izturis. We have no lefties who consistently hit lefties well enough to start against them. Forget the concept of balance in the lineup here!

 

Meh. DeRosa is going to play against all the RH pitchers anyway so a LH 2B back-up most likely just would mean wasting a spot on Tomas Perez. I would rather have Pagan off the bench than Perez since he at least has some usefulness as a defensive replacement in the OF for Murton/Floyd and a speed threat for late inning pinch running assignments.

[Backtobanks]

I think Floyd makes the team better, but I think his addition takes away from Murton at bats. Will Lou want Ward and Floyd as the main threats off the bench, or will he like Ward and Murton?

 

I fear Jones will play everyday. Especially considering Jacque wanted to be traded and Hendry failed to accomodate him.

 

I think Floyd (when healthy) and Murton are better producers than Jones. So, if Jones is playing everyday and Murton and Floyd are splitting time, the Cubs really improved very little by adding Floyd. That improvement is basically only in the form of bench help.

 

But, I suppose I shouldn't assume Lou is Dusty part 2. But, he is the same manager who had Alex Gonzalez playing 3b in Tampa.

 

Triple B,

Short of the Cubs acquiring a right-handed platoon partner for Jones, I still think that when the Cubs are facing a lefty, Lou Piniella will consider using DeRosa in RF and starting Theriot at 2B.

 

Hoops

 

Essentially, offensively you are platooning Theriot and Jones. While Theriot is definitely an improvement over Jones vs lefties, we could do much better without costing much. I assume we are going with 12 pitchers, which means that our bench will be done with Floyd, Ward, Pagan, Theriot, and Cedeno. I could see Cedeno starting off in Iowa, but that leaves us a middle infielder short, not an OF.

 

I don't think there's much of a chance that Cedeno will start the year in the majors. Theriot can play 2B, SS, OF - DeRosa can play 2B, SS, 3B, OF - Ward can play 1B, LF, RF - Soriano can play 2B in a pinch.

 

Floyd and Ward will be counted on off the bench and in Floyd's case against many righties. Pagan is not a lock to make the team, but probably will as our backup CF. You're forgetting Blanco - which puts the Cubs at 13 position players (8 starters + Blanco, Theriot, Ward, Pagan, Floyd).

 

I see Pagan not making the team and a surprise player to make it instead - this surprise player can play anywhere since Theriot and Jones can back up in CF. (Scott Moore?)

 

Just came back to say I forgot Blanco...beat me to it.

 

I would be fine with Cedeno starting in AAA and Pagan not making the team, but Moore is a lefty too, we need a righty.

 

Disclaimer - This only applies if the philosophy of "best players play" holds true:

 

After giving it some thought, I think the Cubs need a LH 2B to be our 25th man. The way I see it is this:

- Lee, Ramirez, Soriano, and Barrett are the only players guaranteed to get a huge portion of their positions' at bats.

- Since they are all right-handed, you would like lefty complementary hitters to be available to play the other positions to create the most balance in your lineup.

- That pretty much guarantees switch-hitting Izturis a daily job.

- It also provides an opportunity for J. Jones and C. Floyd to get at bats against righties.

- That gives us a lefty hitter at #5, #6, and #8 in the lineup, but it could use one more at #2 for better balance.

- The only position left is 2B and no lefty/switch-hitter on our current roster has had experience at 2B.

- Maybe Scott Moore can get his chance there? Maybe Eric Patterson makes the team? Maybe a trade/waiver claim can bring in someone?

 

Against lefties we have it set easily. Soriano, Theriot (2B), Lee, Ramirez, Murton, DeRosa (RF), Barrett, Izturis. We have no lefties who consistently hit lefties well enough to start against them. Forget the concept of balance in the lineup here!

 

Where's Todd Walker when you need him.

[Soul]

*pokes head in*

 

Deal done yet? What's the holdup Cliff, you know you're coming here :wink:

 

If the Cubs are reviewing his medical records it could take awhile.

 

Ouch. I didn't think of that, and I should have...

 

Now I'm starting to get spring training fever. Why do I do this to myself every year? 8-)

[Backtobanks]

*pokes head in*

 

Deal done yet? What's the holdup Cliff, you know you're coming here :wink:

 

If the Cubs are reviewing his medical records it could take awhile.

 

Ouch. I didn't think of that, and I should have...

 

Now I'm starting to get spring training fever. Why do I do this to myself every year? 8-)

 

I've had spring fever ever since the Tribune started running 8 pages daily about the Bears. I'm a Bear fan, but the over-hype on the Bears is driving me crazy.

[goonys evil twin]

*pokes head in*

 

Deal done yet? What's the holdup Cliff, you know you're coming here :wink:

 

If the Cubs are reviewing his medical records it could take awhile.

 

Ouch. I didn't think of that, and I should have...

 

Now I'm starting to get spring training fever. Why do I do this to myself every year? 8-)

 

I've had spring fever ever since the Tribune started running 8 pages daily about the Bears. I'm a Bear fan, but the over-hype on the Bears is driving me crazy.

 

Why do people consider this overhype? They are going to the Super Bowl. That's what happens.

[Lefty]

If Floyd has really talked to AL West teams and the Pirates, why do we assume that a proud athlete will settle for a bench role? If he is healthy and plays well in Pittsburgh, he may be traded to a contender in July (the Pirates can't possibly be in contention, right?). Why do we assume he will be here? I am beginning to think, not necessarily for the worse, that he won't sign here.

[CuseCubFan69]

If Floyd has really talked to AL West teams and the Pirates, why do we assume that a proud athlete will settle for a bench role? If he is healthy and plays well in Pittsburgh, he may be traded to a contender in July (the Pirates can't possibly be in contention, right?). Why do we assume he will be here? I am beginning to think, not necessarily for the worse, that he won't sign here.

 

Maybe his friend Hendry is trying to up the ante from the AL teams to make Floyd some more money.

[SAMMYWHO]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think Lou gives a hoot about Jacque Jones being happy. He's not that type of manager. I think Lou will recognize Derosa's abilities vs lefties and Jacque's inept skills against them. The only thing going against the idea is promising Derosa the 2nd base job.

[Soul]

*pokes head in*

 

Deal done yet? What's the holdup Cliff, you know you're coming here :wink:

 

If the Cubs are reviewing his medical records it could take awhile.

 

Ouch. I didn't think of that, and I should have...

 

Now I'm starting to get spring training fever. Why do I do this to myself every year? 8-)

 

I've had spring fever ever since the Tribune started running 8 pages daily about the Bears. I'm a Bear fan, but the over-hype on the Bears is driving me crazy.

 

Why do people consider this overhype? They are going to the Super Bowl. That's what happens.

 

I'm just amazed (and maybe even a little dismayed :)) because I figured with the Bears in the Super Bowl I wouldn't even think about baseball until Feb 5th. But, here I am, mulling over whether I want to plan a trip out to Arizona or not.

 

LOL, I'm hopeless. The Trib may as well have my checking account routing number.

[C.C.]

*pokes head in*

 

Deal done yet? What's the holdup Cliff, you know you're coming here :wink:

 

If the Cubs are reviewing his medical records it could take awhile.

 

Ouch. I didn't think of that, and I should have...

 

Now I'm starting to get spring training fever. Why do I do this to myself every year? 8-)

 

I've had spring fever ever since the Tribune started running 8 pages daily about the Bears. I'm a Bear fan, but the over-hype on the Bears is driving me crazy.

 

Why do people consider this overhype? They are going to the Super Bowl. That's what happens.

 

I'm just amazed (and maybe even a little dismayed :)) because I figured with the Bears in the Super Bowl I wouldn't even think about baseball until Feb 5th. But, here I am, mulling over whether I want to plan a trip out to Arizona or not.

 

LOL, I'm hopeless. The Trib may as well have my checking account routing number.

 

It's a sickness. I'm in full-on craving baseball mode right now. I thought the Bears might keep the baseball cravings down some, but it's not really helping.

[goonys evil twin]

I'm just amazed (and maybe even a little dismayed :)) because I figured with the Bears in the Super Bowl I wouldn't even think about baseball until Feb 5th. But, here I am, mulling over whether I want to plan a trip out to Arizona or not.

 

LOL, I'm hopeless. The Trib may as well have my checking account routing number.

 

It's a sickness. I'm in full-on craving baseball mode right now. I thought the Bears might keep the baseball cravings down some, but it's not really helping.

 

I know my cravings will return, but they have not. The combination of the Bears in the Super Bowl and the Cubs hitting rock bottom last year has cooled my spring fever a bit. By Feb 6 however, I expect to be in full Cubs anticipation mode.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Going to Cubs Convention has me ready for some baseball.

 

I hate that I can't go to spring training.

[E.J.]

I'm just amazed (and maybe even a little dismayed :)) because I figured with the Bears in the Super Bowl I wouldn't even think about baseball until Feb 5th. But, here I am, mulling over whether I want to plan a trip out to Arizona or not.

 

LOL, I'm hopeless. The Trib may as well have my checking account routing number.

 

It's a sickness. I'm in full-on craving baseball mode right now. I thought the Bears might keep the baseball cravings down some, but it's not really helping.

 

I know my cravings will return, but they have not. The combination of the Bears in the Super Bowl and the Cubs hitting rock bottom last year has cooled my spring fever a bit. By Feb 6 however, I expect to be in full Cubs anticipation mode.

 

I feel the same way. After the debacle that was the 2006 season, and with the Bears doing so well, I haven't been craving all things Cubs like I have in the past. I'm excited for the season to start, but I haven't been obsessed about what the Cubs are doing like years before.

[YearofDaCubs]

I definitely feel better about this upcoming season than I did about 2005 and 2006.

[C.C.]

Going to Cubs Convention has me ready for some baseball.

 

I hate that I can't go to spring training.

 

Same here. Glad my parents retired out in Arizona. I'll be seeing them and the Cubs shortly!

[Backtobanks]

*pokes head in*

 

Deal done yet? What's the holdup Cliff, you know you're coming here :wink:

 

If the Cubs are reviewing his medical records it could take awhile.

 

Ouch. I didn't think of that, and I should have...

 

Now I'm starting to get spring training fever. Why do I do this to myself every year? 8-)

 

I've had spring fever ever since the Tribune started running 8 pages daily about the Bears. I'm a Bear fan, but the over-hype on the Bears is driving me crazy.

 

Why do people consider this overhype? They are going to the Super Bowl. That's what happens.

 

The problem is that the "overhype" started months ago and not in the last 2 weeks. I'm at the point where reading about our 3rd-string tight end's second cousin used to date Vince Lombardi's granddaughter is overhype. A special section or "wrap-around" pages leading up to the Super Bowl is one thing, but not in the middle of November.

[Soul]

I definitely feel better about this upcoming season than I did about 2005 and 2006.

 

It'll definitely start out much more exciting than '06, no question there.

[goonys evil twin]

*pokes head in*

 

Deal done yet? What's the holdup Cliff, you know you're coming here :wink:

 

If the Cubs are reviewing his medical records it could take awhile.

 

Ouch. I didn't think of that, and I should have...

 

Now I'm starting to get spring training fever. Why do I do this to myself every year? 8-)

 

I've had spring fever ever since the Tribune started running 8 pages daily about the Bears. I'm a Bear fan, but the over-hype on the Bears is driving me crazy.

 

Why do people consider this overhype? They are going to the Super Bowl. That's what happens.

 

The problem is that the "overhype" started months ago and not in the last 2 weeks. I'm at the point where reading about our 3rd-string tight end's second cousin used to date Vince Lombardi's granddaughter is overhype. A special section or "wrap-around" pages leading up to the Super Bowl is one thing, but not in the middle of November.

 

I didn't realize the trib was doing that since November. I only read it online and have noticed a huge pickup in stories during the postseason, but not earlier.

 

You know, you don't have to read about the 3rd string TE's second cousin. I enjoy the "overhype" because it means that the Bears are worth talking about late in the season.

[Backtobanks]

*pokes head in*

 

Deal done yet? What's the holdup Cliff, you know you're coming here :wink:

 

If the Cubs are reviewing his medical records it could take awhile.

 

Ouch. I didn't think of that, and I should have...

 

Now I'm starting to get spring training fever. Why do I do this to myself every year? 8-)

 

I've had spring fever ever since the Tribune started running 8 pages daily about the Bears. I'm a Bear fan, but the over-hype on the Bears is driving me crazy.

 

Why do people consider this overhype? They are going to the Super Bowl. That's what happens.

 

The problem is that the "overhype" started months ago and not in the last 2 weeks. I'm at the point where reading about our 3rd-string tight end's second cousin used to date Vince Lombardi's granddaughter is overhype. A special section or "wrap-around" pages leading up to the Super Bowl is one thing, but not in the middle of November.

 

I didn't realize the trib was doing that since November. I only read it online and have noticed a huge pickup in stories during the postseason, but not earlier.

 

You know, you don't have to read about the 3rd string TE's second cousin. I enjoy the "overhype" because it means that the Bears are worth talking about late in the season.

 

I stopped reading all of the redundant Bears' stories weeks ago. It's great that the Bears are going to the Super Bowl, but I can't wait to read about baseball.

[Lefty]

I'm a huge Bears fan, but the news that excited me the most last week was that Prior was throwing off a mound. If the Cubs ever won the World Series I don't know what I'd do.

[CubinNY]

I'm a huge Bears fan, but the news that excited me the most last week was that Prior was throwing off a mound. If the Cubs ever won the World Series I don't know what I'd do.

 

Me either, but drinking heavily would probably be involved.