Are there any more transactions coming?

[baseball7897]

The way I see it, we have some nice assets for trading in Jones, Eyre, and Dempster.

 

I'd be interested in seeing if Washington will take all three of them, plus Izturis and Novoa, for Ryan Church and Felipe Lopez. That would leave us with this.

 

C - Barrett

1B - Lee

2B - DeRosa

SS - Lopez

3B - Aramis

LF - Murton

CF - Soriano

RF - Floyd

 

Bench:

 

Blanco ©

Ward (1B, LF)

Theriot (IF)

Church (OF)

Pagan (OF)

 

Rotation:

 

SP1 - Zambrano

SP2 - Lilly

SP3 - Prior

SP4 - Hill

SP5 - Marquis

 

Bullpen:

 

Swingman - Miller

LRP - Guzman

MRP - Cotts

MRP - Ohman

SU - Howry

SU - Wuertz

CP - Wood

 

Seems to me that would work out pretty well for both Washington and us. It'd relieve us of our logjam while upgrading SS and the OF, while not being such a huge downgrade for Washington at either position and also filling in their completely vacant bullpen.

 

Lopez is garbage with the glove. He is not someone I would want handling a demanding spot for defense.

[Rob]

Lopez is garbage with the glove. He is not someone I would want handling a demanding spot for defense.

 

While he is certainly a defensive liability, the problem is minimized by the fact this is a high strikeout flyball staff... a circumstance that also hampers the defensive value of Izturis. The likely value of Lopez's bat, on the other hand, is worth a lot more than the difference in defense is likely to be.

 

If our staff were composed differently, or our offense was likely to be strong enough to carry such a liability at the plate as Izturis, I might not be so strongly opposed to his starting job. Unfortunately, the reality of the situation is that his strengths are diminished in this setting, and his failures as a hitter are put even more strongly under the spotlight. The reality simply is that Lopez fits this team better than Izturis does.

[Sammy Sofa]

Lopez' defense would be more worrisome if this team's defense was anything even close to a problem in the first place. Defense was the one thing they were able to do right last year.

[CuseCubFan69]

Felipe is another ex Blue Jay that Wilken had a history with, like Izturis.

[HoopsCubs]

What do you guys think? Are the Cubs gonna pull any trades off before the season starts, or is our roster more or less set? I doubt Hendry does anything earth-shattering, but I'd like to see another minor trade or two.

 

This is a thread for you to get creative - I'll say my piece, which is very broad and generally unhelpful, but I'd love for more people to be more specific with their ideas (or not). Post any last-second trade ideas/wishes/whatever here.

 

We have a surplus in the bullpen, and Eyre is likely to be overvalued. I'd trade him now - he's a lefty setup man who is viewed by some to be dominant, and good ERA belied his poor performance. Plus, he's overpaid. So, if anything could be had for him, I'd trade him.

 

Dempster is also a potential chip, but I'm not sure he'd net anything good, and he's no worse than Eyre.

 

Jones could also still be traded, but only if we could acquire a decent CF (I'm assuming that if Jones is traded, Soriano plays RF).

 

I would absolutely love to get rid of Izturis. He's the single biggest black hole on this team. However, I seriously doubt that a) Hendry would trade him and b) anyone would take him.

 

So, here's who I would look to trade:

 

Izturis

Eyre

Dempster (maybe)

Jones (maybe)

 

I'd be willing to trade many other players, but those are the ones I'd actively shop.

 

As far as who to target, I think Ryan Church is still an excellent option, as he'll put up good numbers for a CF, likely match or surpass Jones' production, but wouldn't block Pie when the time came. More generally, I think we should target good CFers or RFers.

 

I'd also try to find an at least servicable SS, as we certainly don't have one now. It's been suggested that Rollins is available, but I highly doubt it. Anyone capable of consistently putting up even a .700 OPS would be a major upgrade, especially if they get on base at all.

 

Lastly, a decent prospect or two wouldn't hurt. I would trade, say, Eyre or Izturis for prospects even if it didn't offer our current team anything but salary relief.

 

Purely speculation on my part, but I think the Cubs and Jacque Jones will separate before we see April. With all the discussion/speculation in print and on sports talk radio, I don't see how Jones can remain a Cub. I say this separation will happen for non-baseball reasons.

[YearofDaCubs]

Lopez' defense would be more worrisome if this team's defense was anything even close to a problem in the first place. Defense was the one thing they were able to do right last year.

Tell that to Maddux.

[VanceJergins]

I'm just wondering what we're going to do with:

 

Miller (if healthy)

Marshall

Guzman

Marmol

Mateo

Ryu

Novoa

 

Also, with Rapada, I think basically anyone in our bullpen is expendable, especially if Wood is healthy. Rapada could replace one of Ohman, Cotts, Eyre, and one of the young guys that started last year could replace one of the righties (though I'd much prefer to keep Wuertz and Howry).

 

If we dont make any trades, there's going to be a killer pitching logjam in Iowa, especially with Gallagher coming up. We have plenty of (not necessarily great) parts to use in a trade.

[CubinNY]

I don't know if this has been mentioned or not but I assume Jocque Jones will not be with the team by the start of the season.

 

[speculation] I believe that Hendry & Co. are banking on Pie filling either CF or RF and using some sort of platoon with Floyd and Murton. If Pie struggles the Cubs will probably use Pagen in CF and move Soriano to RF (if he is not there already). [/speculation]

 

I don't have a clue as to whom they would trade Jocque for, probably a mid-level AA pitcher of some sort and PTBL. Pennies on the dollar.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I'm just wondering what we're going to do with:

 

Miller (if healthy)

Marshall

Guzman

Marmol

Mateo

Ryu

Novoa

 

Also, with Rapada, I think basically anyone in our bullpen is expendable, especially if Wood is healthy. Rapada could replace one of Ohman, Cotts, Eyre, and one of the young guys that started last year could replace one of the righties (though I'd much prefer to keep Wuertz and Howry).

 

If we dont make any trades, there's going to be a killer pitching logjam in Iowa, especially with Gallagher coming up. We have plenty of (not necessarily great) parts to use in a trade.

 

It was made abundantly clear to me last weekend that all of those guys have options, so they aren't worried about the logjam.

[Backtobanks]

I'm just wondering what we're going to do with:

 

Miller (if healthy)

Marshall

Guzman

Marmol

Mateo

Ryu

Novoa

 

Also, with Rapada, I think basically anyone in our bullpen is expendable, especially if Wood is healthy. Rapada could replace one of Ohman, Cotts, Eyre, and one of the young guys that started last year could replace one of the righties (though I'd much prefer to keep Wuertz and Howry).

 

If we dont make any trades, there's going to be a killer pitching logjam in Iowa, especially with Gallagher coming up. We have plenty of (not necessarily great) parts to use in a trade.

 

I've been saying the same thing. Also, I'm wondering about 2008 too. With a few of those no-trade contracts, the starting rotation doesn't seem to have much room for anybody for 2008, especially if Prior and/or Miller make healthy returns. I can't believe we can't put together a package for Church with some of this young pitching. I still think Hendry should go after a superstar SS (Tejada, Young, Renteria, etc.) using some combination of Jones, Izturis, Eyre, Dempster, Marshall, Guzman, Novoa, etc. At midseason (or next winter) you might be able to add players like Miller, Marquis, or Prior. Maybe I'm prejudiced, but I see a lot of players on that list that could help many teams (depending on their needs).

[CuseCubFan69]

I'm just wondering what we're going to do with:

 

Miller (if healthy)

Marshall

Guzman

Marmol

Mateo

Ryu

Novoa

 

Also, with Rapada, I think basically anyone in our bullpen is expendable, especially if Wood is healthy. Rapada could replace one of Ohman, Cotts, Eyre, and one of the young guys that started last year could replace one of the righties (though I'd much prefer to keep Wuertz and Howry).

 

If we dont make any trades, there's going to be a killer pitching logjam in Iowa, especially with Gallagher coming up. We have plenty of (not necessarily great) parts to use in a trade.

 

I've been saying the same thing. Also, I'm wondering about 2008 too. With a few of those no-trade contracts, the starting rotation doesn't seem to have much room for anybody for 2008, especially if Prior and/or Miller make healthy returns. I can't believe we can't put together a package for Church with some of this young pitching. I still think Hendry should go after a superstar SS (Tejada, Young, Renteria, etc.) using some combination of Jones, Izturis, Eyre, Dempster, Marshall, Guzman, Novoa, etc. At midseason (or next winter) you might be able to add players like Miller, Marquis, or Prior. Maybe I'm prejudiced, but I see a lot of players on that list that could help many teams (depending on their needs).

 

I think it will depend on how well the O's are doing. If they are in the race I doubt they make a move but if they are hopelessly out of it I see them dumping Tejada to the highest bidder.

[Rob]

I'm just wondering what we're going to do with:

 

Miller (if healthy)

Marshall

Guzman

Marmol

Mateo

Ryu

Novoa

 

Also, with Rapada, I think basically anyone in our bullpen is expendable, especially if Wood is healthy. Rapada could replace one of Ohman, Cotts, Eyre, and one of the young guys that started last year could replace one of the righties (though I'd much prefer to keep Wuertz and Howry).

 

If we dont make any trades, there's going to be a killer pitching logjam in Iowa, especially with Gallagher coming up. We have plenty of (not necessarily great) parts to use in a trade.

 

It was made abundantly clear to me last weekend that all of those guys have options, so they aren't worried about the logjam.

 

Are you sure?

 

I thought Gooz was out of options.

[fromthestretch]

I'm just wondering what we're going to do with:

 

Miller (if healthy)

Marshall

Guzman

Marmol

Mateo

Ryu

Novoa

 

Also, with Rapada, I think basically anyone in our bullpen is expendable, especially if Wood is healthy. Rapada could replace one of Ohman, Cotts, Eyre, and one of the young guys that started last year could replace one of the righties (though I'd much prefer to keep Wuertz and Howry).

 

If we dont make any trades, there's going to be a killer pitching logjam in Iowa, especially with Gallagher coming up. We have plenty of (not necessarily great) parts to use in a trade.

 

It was made abundantly clear to me last weekend that all of those guys have options, so they aren't worried about the logjam.

 

Are you sure?

 

I thought Gooz was out of options.

 

I think he was granted another option due to medical reasons.

[Guest]

I'm just wondering what we're going to do with:

 

Miller (if healthy)

Marshall

Guzman

Marmol

Mateo

Ryu

Novoa

 

Also, with Rapada, I think basically anyone in our bullpen is expendable, especially if Wood is healthy. Rapada could replace one of Ohman, Cotts, Eyre, and one of the young guys that started last year could replace one of the righties (though I'd much prefer to keep Wuertz and Howry).

 

If we dont make any trades, there's going to be a killer pitching logjam in Iowa, especially with Gallagher coming up. We have plenty of (not necessarily great) parts to use in a trade.

 

It was made abundantly clear to me last weekend that all of those guys have options, so they aren't worried about the logjam.

 

Are you sure?

 

I thought Gooz was out of options.

 

I think he was granted another option due to medical reasons.

This is correct.

[BRASKYS SCOTCH]

Lopez' defense would be more worrisome if this team's defense was anything even close to a problem in the first place. Defense was the one thing they were able to do right last year.

Tell that to Maddux.

 

Beat me to it. Thought it was telling of how complimentary Maddux was on the LA defensive infield and how worry-free he was with them behind him. He's not one to throw parting shots.

[goonys evil twin]

Lopez' defense would be more worrisome if this team's defense was anything even close to a problem in the first place. Defense was the one thing they were able to do right last year.

Tell that to Maddux.

 

Beat me to it. Thought it was telling of how complimentary Maddux was on the LA defensive infield and how worry-free he was with them behind him. He's not one to throw parting shots.

 

I thought that was extremely weak of Maddux to insinuate the Cubs defense is why he struggled. He sucked last year. The fact is, defense is not why the team struggled, and improved defense isn't going to win them more games. The Cubs need production, and they need it desperately.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I'm just wondering what we're going to do with:

 

Miller (if healthy)

Marshall

Guzman

Marmol

Mateo

Ryu

Novoa

 

Also, with Rapada, I think basically anyone in our bullpen is expendable, especially if Wood is healthy. Rapada could replace one of Ohman, Cotts, Eyre, and one of the young guys that started last year could replace one of the righties (though I'd much prefer to keep Wuertz and Howry).

 

If we dont make any trades, there's going to be a killer pitching logjam in Iowa, especially with Gallagher coming up. We have plenty of (not necessarily great) parts to use in a trade.

 

It was made abundantly clear to me last weekend that all of those guys have options, so they aren't worried about the logjam.

 

Are you sure?

 

I thought Gooz was out of options.

 

I think he was granted another option due to medical reasons.

This is correct.

 

Yes, it is correct. Fleita said so in the Down on the Farm session.

[gus_dog]

I'm hearing that Hendry is trying to swing a deal -

 

Jaques Jones, Gallagher & a ptbnl to Seattle for Ichiro Suzuki....

 

Unconfirmed on the players, but from what I am told, they are in talks for Suzuki....

[Sammy Sofa]

Where was this heard?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I'm hearing that Hendry is trying to swing a deal -

 

Jaques Jones, Gallagher & a ptbnl to Seattle for Ichiro Suzuki....

 

Unconfirmed on the players, but from what I am told, they are in talks for Suzuki....

 

That would be an interesting deal to say the least. I have to wonder if we'd be given up too much depending on the ptbnl.

 

If we get Ichiro, does Soriano play right and Ichiro CF or is it Soriano in CF and Ichiro in right?

[CubColtPacer]

I'm hearing that Hendry is trying to swing a deal -

 

Jaques Jones, Gallagher & a ptbnl to Seattle for Ichiro Suzuki....

 

Unconfirmed on the players, but from what I am told, they are in talks for Suzuki....

 

That would be an interesting deal to say the least. I have to wonder if we'd be given up too much depending on the ptbnl.

 

If we get Ichiro, does Soriano play right and Ichiro CF or is it Soriano in CF and Ichiro in right?

 

I think Ichiro would play CF in that scenario.

 

This deal certainly seems plausible. Seattle was rumored to let him on the market, and Ichiro seems like Hendry's model for a top of the order hitter (a good OBP player fueled by an exceptional average with great defense as well). I'm with Vance-if the PTBNL is a very good prospect, then no. But if it's only a decent prospect, I'd pull the trigger. Ichiro has the potential to make the top of the order dynamic-even if they bat him 2nd.

 

Soriano

Ichiro

Lee

Ramirez

Barrett

Murton

 

That first 6 especially would score a lot of runs.

[CubinNY]

I'm hearing that Hendry is trying to swing a deal -

 

Jaques Jones, Gallagher & a ptbnl to Seattle for Ichiro Suzuki....

 

Unconfirmed on the players, but from what I am told, they are in talks for Suzuki....

 

Where did you hear this from?

 

It sounds too good to be true.

 

Ichiro Suzuki or some other Suzuki?

[Knightlife_in_Lubbock]

I'm hearing that Hendry is trying to swing a deal -

 

Jaques Jones, Gallagher & a ptbnl to Seattle for Ichiro Suzuki....

 

Unconfirmed on the players, but from what I am told, they are in talks for Suzuki....

 

Where did you hear this from?

 

It sounds too good to be true.

 

Ichiro Suzuki or some other Suzuki?

 

Jim's looking at getting around this summer on:

 

http://www.suzukicycles.com/images/ProductImages/logo/500/C90TK7.jpg

[Amazing_Grace]

I'm hearing that Hendry is trying to swing a deal -

 

Jaques Jones, Gallagher & a ptbnl to Seattle for Ichiro Suzuki....

 

Unconfirmed on the players, but from what I am told, they are in talks for Suzuki....

 

That's an interesting deal. Could be good or bad depending on the PTBNL. If the PTBNL is one of our many mediocre pitching prospects at AAA, not a terrible deal, if it's Pie/Patterson/Veal, bad deal.

 

I still don't understand why the Cubs don't just put Jacque in CF for this season, trade him after, and put the issue to rest. That scenario is the one that makes the most sense. The fact that we're still talking trade this late in the offseason makes me think there must be some non-baseball factors at work. Jacque must really want to get out of Chicago or Hendry really wants him gone for some reason that we don't know.

[goonys evil twin]

I'm hearing that Hendry is trying to swing a deal -

 

Jaques Jones, Gallagher & a ptbnl to Seattle for Ichiro Suzuki....

 

Unconfirmed on the players, but from what I am told, they are in talks for Suzuki....

 

That would be an interesting deal to say the least. I have to wonder if we'd be given up too much depending on the ptbnl.

 

If we get Ichiro, does Soriano play right and Ichiro CF or is it Soriano in CF and Ichiro in right?

 

I think Ichiro would play CF in that scenario.

 

This deal certainly seems plausible. Seattle was rumored to let him on the market, and Ichiro seems like Hendry's model for a top of the order hitter (a good OBP player fueled by an exceptional average with great defense as well). I'm with Vance-if the PTBNL is a very good prospect, then no. But if it's only a decent prospect, I'd pull the trigger. Ichiro has the potential to make the top of the order dynamic-even if they bat him 2nd.

 

Soriano

Ichiro

Lee

Ramirez

Barrett

Murton

 

That first 6 especially would score a lot of runs.

 

That would be an incredibly interesting deal, and lineup. Ichiro is a bit overhyped by some, and I have a feeling he's going to end up being terribly overpaid when he signs his next contract, but he could be a tremendous addition to this lineup near the top.