Could Pie play so well that he makes the 25 Man Roster?

[CuseCubFan69]

I'm not saying this because he had 1 good exhibition game but I was thinking that he might make it tough for the Cubs to send him down. If he makes all the plays in CF and hits well is it possible the Cubs would move Jones and slide Soriano over to right and keep Pie up? I'd like for him to get some time in Iowa until May or June at least but if Soriano and Jones struggle in CF and Pie is hitting well I wonder if the Cubs would make this move? Could the Cubs afford this if they still have Izturis in the lineup too? If Pie is up with the big club I'd like him in the 8 slot and that is where Izzy hits...or should hit and Pie doesn't or won't have the numbers Jones will have IMO so he can't hit 5th against righties. I know we've talked about this before and I hope Pie gives the Cubs a nice problem to have.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

I still think Jones is on the block, but I doubt he'll be dealt this spring. I'd love to see Felix make the roster, but an offensive upgrade would be necessary at SS.

[CuseCubFan69]

I still think Jones is on the block, but I doubt he'll be dealt this spring. I'd love to see Felix make the roster, but an offensive upgrade would be necessary at SS.

 

I agree and that seems to be the stumbling block. Of course a trade for a good SS involving Jones and Izturis would be perfect. Who's even out there that would be an upgrade at SS other than ARod?

[Wheelimus]

I'd prefer to see Pie stay in the minors, at least for however long he needs to so we retain his rights for an extra season.

[CuseCubFan69]

I'd prefer to see Pie stay in the minors, at least for however long he needs to so we retain his rights for an extra season.

 

That's a good point, when is that?

[BigbadB]

I'd prefer to see Pie stay in the minors, at least for however long he needs to so we retain his rights for an extra season.

 

Yeah, I think this will definitely weigh in on the decision.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

I still think Jones is on the block, but I doubt he'll be dealt this spring. I'd love to see Felix make the roster, but an offensive upgrade would be necessary at SS.

 

I agree and that seems to be the stumbling block. Of course a trade for a good SS involving Jones and Izturis would be perfect. Who's even out there that would be an upgrade at SS other than ARod?

 

Tejada

[CuseCubFan69]

I still think Jones is on the block, but I doubt he'll be dealt this spring. I'd love to see Felix make the roster, but an offensive upgrade would be necessary at SS.

 

I agree and that seems to be the stumbling block. Of course a trade for a good SS involving Jones and Izturis would be perfect. Who's even out there that would be an upgrade at SS other than ARod?

 

Tejada

 

Oh yeah, I forgot about him. I wouldn't give up the farm for him like I would have last year though.

[justlikethecubs]

I'll probably get ripped for this but it was a thought I had last night. With our current lineup, if Pie was to make the 25 man and start, do you think it would be smart to hit him in the 2 hole? With Soriano on and a threat to steal, Lee and Ramirez behind him, he'd probably see a lot more fastballs. If you put him in front of Izturis, or the pitcher they are more likely to throw offspeed or breaking pitches to him. Just a thought ..

[Ding Dong Johnson]

I still think Jones is on the block, but I doubt he'll be dealt this spring. I'd love to see Felix make the roster, but an offensive upgrade would be necessary at SS.

 

I agree and that seems to be the stumbling block. Of course a trade for a good SS involving Jones and Izturis would be perfect. Who's even out there that would be an upgrade at SS other than ARod?

 

Tejada

 

Oh yeah, I forgot about him. I wouldn't give up the farm for him like I would have last year though.

 

I'd love to find out how steep the asking price is. I'd do it for Guzman and Gallagher (and I'm one of Gooz's biggest fans), assuming Izturis is also involved.

[CubColtPacer]

I still think Jones is on the block, but I doubt he'll be dealt this spring. I'd love to see Felix make the roster, but an offensive upgrade would be necessary at SS.

 

I agree and that seems to be the stumbling block. Of course a trade for a good SS involving Jones and Izturis would be perfect. Who's even out there that would be an upgrade at SS other than ARod?

 

Tejada

 

Oh yeah, I forgot about him. I wouldn't give up the farm for him like I would have last year though.

 

I'd love to find out how steep the asking price is. I'd do it for Guzman and Gallagher (and I'm one of Gooz's biggest fans), assuming Izturis is also involved.

 

I can't see that being anywhere close. Remember how the Angels were willing to offer Santana and a top prospect or two (and the Astros had a huge deal also offered), and the Orioles said no. Angelos has declined so many deals for Tejada that the GM wanted to make-by the time Angelos would say yes, the Cubs would be giving so much talent that it wouldn't nearly be worth it.

[CuseCubFan69]

I'll probably get ripped for this but it was a thought I had last night. With our current lineup, if Pie was to make the 25 man and start, do you think it would be smart to hit him in the 2 hole? With Soriano on and a threat to steal, Lee and Ramirez behind him, he'd probably see a lot more fastballs. If you put him in front of Izturis, or the pitcher they are more likely to throw offspeed or breaking pitches to him. Just a thought ..

 

How often is Soriano going to be on first? I agree I'd like him to get more fastballs but if he can hit in the 8th slot while getting a big dose of offspeed stuff I think it might help his development in becoming a complete hitter. It could hurt him as well and wreck his confidence because you know pitchers won't be giving him a lot to hit but pitchers also like to get that 8th guy out and have the pitcher lead off if they can. I also don't think he'd get on base enough to be able to hit second like a Murton or even DeRosa could.

[justlikethecubs]

I'll probably get ripped for this but it was a thought I had last night. With our current lineup, if Pie was to make the 25 man and start, do you think it would be smart to hit him in the 2 hole? With Soriano on and a threat to steal, Lee and Ramirez behind him, he'd probably see a lot more fastballs. If you put him in front of Izturis, or the pitcher they are more likely to throw offspeed or breaking pitches to him. Just a thought ..

 

How often is Soriano going to be on first? I agree I'd like him to get more fastballs but if he can hit in the 8th slot while getting a big dose of offspeed stuff I think it might help his development in becoming a complete hitter. It could hurt him as well and wreck his confidence because you know pitchers won't be giving him a lot to hit but pitchers also like to get that 8th guy out and have the pitcher lead off if they can. I also don't think he'd get on base enough to be able to hit second like a Murton or even DeRosa could.

 

True. Hadn't thought about it from that point. Having him see a steady diet of offspeed stuff in the 8 hole might help him develop a little more. I prefer Murton in the two hole over just about anybody we have on the team, Pie just didnt make sense to me anywhere but 2 or 7,8 depending on whether Izturis is still around.

[goonys evil twin]

I'm guessing the Cubs are really holding out hope that Pie does play well enough to earn the spot. How well he'd have to play, however, is questionable. They'd probably prefer to delay his service time by first sending him to Iowa, but if they got a trade offer for Jones and Pie was looking good, I'd bet they would forfeit that little perk.

[Guancous]

I still think Jones is on the block, but I doubt he'll be dealt this spring. I'd love to see Felix make the roster, but an offensive upgrade would be necessary at SS.

 

I agree and that seems to be the stumbling block. Of course a trade for a good SS involving Jones and Izturis would be perfect. Who's even out there that would be an upgrade at SS other than ARod?

 

How about Jorge Cantu for the Devil Rays? We could move DeRosa over to SS.

[CuseCubFan69]

I still think Jones is on the block, but I doubt he'll be dealt this spring. I'd love to see Felix make the roster, but an offensive upgrade would be necessary at SS.

 

I agree and that seems to be the stumbling block. Of course a trade for a good SS involving Jones and Izturis would be perfect. Who's even out there that would be an upgrade at SS other than ARod?

 

How about Jorge Cantu for the Devil Rays? We could move DeRosa over to SS.

 

I wonder how well DeRosa could play SS? Didn't he struggle there and that's why they moved him to 2nd?

 

Cantu used to play for Lou at TB, I wonder what he (Lou) thinks of him?

[Amazing_Grace]

To me, it all depends on how well Soriano is handling CF defensively. I think the Cubs know they already have 2 automatic outs in their lineup when Blanco plays and having a probably inconsistent hitter in CF would put a big hit on our offense. I think they would honestly prefer to go with Soriano in CF and hope Pie can come up as a RF and backup CF initially this season after Jones is traded, knowing that there's not a ton of risk if he does poorly since there's still Murton, Floyd, and Ward on the team.

 

If Soriano shows he can't play CF however, I think all bets are off and it becomes a choice of Jones or Pie in CF, with the likely outcome being a trade of Jones if Pie plays well.

[Backtobanks]

I'm not saying this because he had 1 good exhibition game but I was thinking that he might make it tough for the Cubs to send him down. If he makes all the plays in CF and hits well is it possible the Cubs would move Jones and slide Soriano over to right and keep Pie up? I'd like for him to get some time in Iowa until May or June at least but if Soriano and Jones struggle in CF and Pie is hitting well I wonder if the Cubs would make this move? Could the Cubs afford this if they still have Izturis in the lineup too? If Pie is up with the big club I'd like him in the 8 slot and that is where Izzy hits...or should hit and Pie doesn't or won't have the numbers Jones will have IMO so he can't hit 5th against righties. I know we've talked about this before and I hope Pie gives the Cubs a nice problem to have.

 

It will be interesting to see if Pie stays hot as to whether they try Soriano in right. I think I read somewhere that Soriano doesn't want to keep changing positions especially since he seems to have trouble adjusting to different positions (LF last year, CF this year). Also, if he has had problems reading the ball off the bat in CF, how long will it take him to learn the hooks and slices in RF? Then again, putting Pie in a different position (RF) might affect his hitting.

[Sammy Sofa]

I'm not saying this because he had 1 good exhibition game but I was thinking that he might make it tough for the Cubs to send him down. If he makes all the plays in CF and hits well is it possible the Cubs would move Jones and slide Soriano over to right and keep Pie up? I'd like for him to get some time in Iowa until May or June at least but if Soriano and Jones struggle in CF and Pie is hitting well I wonder if the Cubs would make this move? Could the Cubs afford this if they still have Izturis in the lineup too? If Pie is up with the big club I'd like him in the 8 slot and that is where Izzy hits...or should hit and Pie doesn't or won't have the numbers Jones will have IMO so he can't hit 5th against righties. I know we've talked about this before and I hope Pie gives the Cubs a nice problem to have.

 

It will be interesting to see if Pie stays hot as to whether they try Soriano in right. I think I read somewhere that Soriano doesn't want to keep changing positions especially since he seems to have trouble adjusting to different positions (LF last year, CF this year). Also, if he has had problems reading the ball off the bat in CF, how long will it take him to learn the hooks and slices in RF? Then again, putting Pie in a different position (RF) might affect his hitting.

 

I don't think Soirano is a disaster as an OFer...pretty far from it, actually...but I worry about him in RF at Wrigley. That's a notoriously tough spot to play.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I think Pie playing well could be part of the equation. The second part could be Soriano's play in CF. If Soriano struggles in CF, I think Pie has a huge shot to play his way on the team. If Soriano handles CF well, then I think it's much more an uphill climb, and much could depend on the play of the other outfielders.

[Dirt Dog Sparly]

I would rather see Theriot at SS in that scenario, and I am not wanting to see Theriot play SS anymore than he has too.

 

Aaron Hill from Toronto maybe to play SS?

 

ORRRR (Crazy Trade Idea Alert)

 

We get Kalil Greene and Todd Walker back from SD for Jones/Murton, Izturis, and Marshall/Guzman/Mateo/ and a mid range prospect depending on if they take Murton or not.

 

I do not want to trade Murton at all but you have to give value to get value.

 

Derosa becomes your very expensive utility guy and Walker and Greene become your MI tandem. That would let Pie play CF and hit toward the bottom of the order and still give us a good overall IF defense.

 

Please be nice in your replies.

[Amazing_Grace]

I would rather see Theriot at SS in that scenario, and I am not wanting to see Theriot play SS anymore than he has too.

 

Aaron Hill from Toronto maybe to play SS?

 

ORRRR (Crazy Trade Idea Alert)

 

We get Kalil Greene and Todd Walker back from SD for Jones/Murton, Izturis, and Marshall/Guzman/Mateo/ and a mid range prospect depending on if they take Murton or not.

 

I do not want to trade Murton at all but you have to give value to get value.

 

Derosa becomes your very expensive utility guy and Walker and Greene become your MI tandem. That would let Pie play CF and hit toward the bottom of the order and still give us a good overall IF defense.

 

Please be nice in your replies.

 

That would be a good trade for the Cubs, and SD might do it depending on how badly they want out of Walker's deal and what they think of Greene long term (his numbers have been OK but not outstanding). He only has 4 years of service time so he'll be cheap for a while longer. They probably would take Murton, but I think I could live with that. The reason I think this doesn't happen is because I think the Hendry/Dusty regime didn't like TWalk and Hendry wouldn't consider bringing him back.

[CuseCubFan69]

I would rather see Theriot at SS in that scenario, and I am not wanting to see Theriot play SS anymore than he has too.

 

Aaron Hill from Toronto maybe to play SS?

 

ORRRR (Crazy Trade Idea Alert)

 

We get Kalil Greene and Todd Walker back from SD for Jones/Murton, Izturis, and Marshall/Guzman/Mateo/ and a mid range prospect depending on if they take Murton or not.

 

I do not want to trade Murton at all but you have to give value to get value.

 

Derosa becomes your very expensive utility guy and Walker and Greene become your MI tandem. That would let Pie play CF and hit toward the bottom of the order and still give us a good overall IF defense.

 

Please be nice in your replies.

 

Toronto hasn't really committed to Hill at SS yet. They had Adams there for most of last year so I'm not positive Hill could handle the everyday SS job.

Edited March 6, 2007 by CuseCubFan69

[Dirt Dog Sparly]

I would rather see Theriot at SS in that scenario, and I am not wanting to see Theriot play SS anymore than he has too.

 

Aaron Hill from Toronto maybe to play SS?

 

ORRRR (Crazy Trade Idea Alert)

 

We get Kalil Greene and Todd Walker back from SD for Jones/Murton, Izturis, and Marshall/Guzman/Mateo/ and a mid range prospect depending on if they take Murton or not.

 

I do not want to trade Murton at all but you have to give value to get value.

 

Derosa becomes your very expensive utility guy and Walker and Greene become your MI tandem. That would let Pie play CF and hit toward the bottom of the order and still give us a good overall IF defense.

 

Please be nice in your replies.

 

That would be a good trade for the Cubs, and SD might do it depending on how badly they want out of Walker's deal and what they think of Greene long term (his numbers have been OK but not outstanding). He only has 4 years of service time so he'll be cheap for a while longer. They probably would take Murton, but I think I could live with that. The reason I think this doesn't happen is because I think the Hendry/Dusty regime didn't like TWalk and Hendry wouldn't consider bringing him back.

 

I am with you in thinking that Walker is on the downside of Hendrys braintrust. The way I saw it Walker was the guy we would have to take to get a contract off the books to get Greene w/o giving up a ton of arms. Maybe platoon Walker and DeRosa?

[biittner77]

For those interested, the Cubs would have to wait 11 days in order to defer Pie's 1st year of FA.

 

I doubt that figure's in the decision though. There's not enough room on the 25 for both Pie and Jones.

 

As for the lineup, I'd like Pie to bat 7th with whomever is playing SS 8th. That will give him a little more protection than 8th with still not the pressure that goes with top or middle of the order. If he's successful, I could see him moving to 6th or 5th.