Rosenthal's new article

[Guest]

Oh, how far Ronny has fallen.

[98navigator]

The goal is to have Izturis at SS, Theriot at 2B, and DeRosa in right field against LH-that's why they are trying to get a backup MI to be on the bench for those days. I'm not sure why that would have anything to do with SS.

 

You're not sure why that would have anything to do with SS? SS is a MI position. A MI, by definition, has to be able to play SS.

 

True-but to get a backup MI, all they need is somebody who can play 2nd or SS, as long as they are confident that the other 3 can all play both SS and 2nd. There will never be a situation where they will absolutely have to have that other backup play SS, so there's no reason why the backup would have to play SS. That would be preferable, but not a real deterrent if they find a good backup who only plays 2B.

 

Izturis is coming back from injury so the Cubs may want a defensive insurance policy for SS. This would allow both DeRosa and Theriot to play in the same game while keeping Izturis (or his would be substitute) in the game for defensive purposes.

[98navigator]

Oh, how far Ronny has fallen.

 

LOL, so true! Apparently, they aren't impressed with his defense.

[BigbadB]

I like this for several different reasons.

 

#1. Lou doesn't sound like he wants Tomas Perez to be that last middle infielder if they are scouting other teams.

 

#2. Lou has seen Jacques splits against lefties and he would rather have a light hitting middle infielder play in his spot against lefties.

 

#3. He likes Theriot and is looking for more ways to get him playing time.

 

#4. Cedeno will be in Iowa where he can play everyday and work on his plate discipline and defense.

 

Lou has changed my whole perception of him and the season hasn't even started yet. When his signing was announced, I was "meh" about it. Now I'm as excited as I've been in a long while about the direction this team is moving.

 

I'm curious what type of middle infielder they will be in search of. Maybe someone like Chris Woodward?

[CubColtPacer]

The goal is to have Izturis at SS, Theriot at 2B, and DeRosa in right field against LH-that's why they are trying to get a backup MI to be on the bench for those days. I'm not sure why that would have anything to do with SS.

 

You're not sure why that would have anything to do with SS? SS is a MI position. A MI, by definition, has to be able to play SS.

 

True-but to get a backup MI, all they need is somebody who can play 2nd or SS, as long as they are confident that the other 3 can all play both SS and 2nd. There will never be a situation where they will absolutely have to have that other backup play SS, so there's no reason why the backup would have to play SS. That would be preferable, but not a real deterrent if they find a good backup who only plays 2B.

 

Izturis is coming back from injury so the Cubs may want a defensive insurance policy for SS. This would allow both DeRosa and Theriot to play in the same game while keeping Izturis (or his would be substitute) in the game for defensive purposes.

 

Well if Izturis got hurt during a game that both DeRosa and Theriot was playing, then whichever one was playing 2nd could switch over to SS and the backup come in to play 2B. It would be great if we could get a guy who could cover both positions, but I would rather just get the BPA who could play at least one of those 2 positions.

[Backtobanks]

I like this for several different reasons.

 

#1. Lou doesn't sound like he wants Tomas Perez to be that last middle infielder if they are scouting other teams.

 

#2. Lou has seen Jacques splits against lefties and he would rather have a light hitting middle infielder play in his spot against lefties.

 

#3. He likes Theriot and is looking for more ways to get him playing time.

 

#4. Cedeno will be in Iowa where he can play everyday and work on his plate discipline and defense.

 

Lou has changed my whole perception of him and the season hasn't even started yet. When his signing was announced, I was "meh" about it. Now I'm as excited as I've been in a long while about the direction this team is moving.

 

I'm curious what type of middle infielder they will be in search of. Maybe someone like Chris Woodward?

 

As long as it isn't Neifi perez or Jose Macias.

[98navigator]

The goal is to have Izturis at SS, Theriot at 2B, and DeRosa in right field against LH-that's why they are trying to get a backup MI to be on the bench for those days. I'm not sure why that would have anything to do with SS.

 

You're not sure why that would have anything to do with SS? SS is a MI position. A MI, by definition, has to be able to play SS.

 

True-but to get a backup MI, all they need is somebody who can play 2nd or SS, as long as they are confident that the other 3 can all play both SS and 2nd. There will never be a situation where they will absolutely have to have that other backup play SS, so there's no reason why the backup would have to play SS. That would be preferable, but not a real deterrent if they find a good backup who only plays 2B.

 

Izturis is coming back from injury so the Cubs may want a defensive insurance policy for SS. This would allow both DeRosa and Theriot to play in the same game while keeping Izturis (or his would be substitute) in the game for defensive purposes.

 

Well if Izturis got hurt during a game that both DeRosa and Theriot was playing, then whichever one was playing 2nd could switch over to SS and the backup come in to play 2B. It would be great if we could get a guy who could cover both positions, but I would rather just get the BPA who could play at least one of those 2 positions.

 

Yes, but I think the bottom line message here is that Lou isnt comfortable with the defense that DeRosa or Theriot provide at SS. In an emergency, one or the other could play SS but if Izturis goes down for an extended period, the Cubs probably want a skilled defensive specialist to step in and play.

[E.J.]

I'd rather the Cubs find a platoon partner for Jones. Someone who can hit for a little power from the right-side of the plate, come off the bench, or play right field when needed. We've got LH power off the bench, but I think we need that RH power off the bench as well (and no Angel Pagan doesn't count).

 

I think either DeRosa or Theriot could play SS in a pinch, or the Cubs could bring back Cedeno from AAA if Izturis is down for a longer amount of time.

[98navigator]

LOL, I don't think the Cubs are going to call up Cedeno this year unless they are forced to do so (by not having another choice).

[BigbadB]

As long as it isn't Neifi perez or Jose Macias.

 

Gotta love Rotoworld's sense of humor:

 

Neifi Perez left Tuesday's game in the third inning, saying he felt congested and ill.

 

Tigers fans complained of the same symptoms after he was acquired last year. Perez is day-to-day.

[Balsa]

As long as it isn't Neifi perez or Jose Macias.

 

Gotta love Rotoworld's sense of humor:

 

Neifi Perez left Tuesday's game in the third inning, saying he felt congested and ill.

 

Tigers fans complained of the same symptoms after he was acquired last year. Perez is day-to-day.

=D> =D>

[98navigator]

Piniella admits to wanting two extra infielders. Considering Lou also wants a 12 man pitching staff, I would have to think the team isn't going to carry an extra/utility OF. So Pagan/Coats may not be going north with the team.

 

I hope Muskat is speculating about Tomas Perez and Ronny Cedeno...

 

Muskat/Cubs.com

 

Piniella said Tuesday he is leaning toward carrying two extra infielders on the final 25-man roster. ...which means Ronny Cedeno or non-roster invitee Tomas Perez has a chance at the opening.

 

"We're going to need another infielder here," Piniella said. "It's becoming more and more apparent as we watch this thing."

 

Piniella had a little talk with Cedeno prior to Tuesday's game. The message was to go deep in the count in his at-bats and try to hit the ball to right.

 

I think this means Ronny is headed to AAA. The Cubs want a polished backup.

 

"I see an athletic kid who has a lot of ability but needs some polish to be able to play at the big-league level" "Anybody can play at the big-league level, but can you play at the big-league [level] to win?... At this point, we're not really in a developmental stage. We're looking for another middle infielder to help our situation out here."

[CubColtPacer]

Piniella admits to wanting two extra infielders. Considering Lou also wants a 12 man pitching staff, I would have to think the team isn't going to carry an extra/utility OF. So Pagan/Coats may not be going north with the team.

 

I hope Muskat is speculating about Tomas Perez and Ronny Cedeno...

 

Muskat/Cubs.com

 

Piniella said Tuesday he is leaning toward carrying two extra infielders on the final 25-man roster. ...which means Ronny Cedeno or non-roster invitee Tomas Perez has a chance at the opening.

 

"We're going to need another infielder here," Piniella said. "It's becoming more and more apparent as we watch this thing."

 

Piniella had a little talk with Cedeno prior to Tuesday's game. The message was to go deep in the count in his at-bats and try to hit the ball to right.

 

I think this means Ronny is headed to AAA. The Cubs want a polished backup.

 

"I see an athletic kid who has a lot of ability but needs some polish to be able to play at the big-league level" "Anybody can play at the big-league level, but can you play at the big-league [level] to win?... At this point, we're not really in a developmental stage. We're looking for another middle infielder to help our situation out here."

 

I think that quote from Piniella screams for a trade more than an in-house option. He has decided he doesn't want just one backup MI (which I agree with, especially since Theriot is the main weapon pinch-hitting when leading off an inning) and he doesn't see anybody he wants to take with him to be that. I don't mind Muskat in this case speculating Cedeno and Perez-when looking at in-house options right now of middle infielders, they would seem to be the two candidates, and Muskat is not the type to spontaneously think about who they would possibly trade for. I do see a deal coming quite possibly trading one of the Cubs excess bullpen arms for another backup infielder.

[98navigator]

I can absolutely see one of the bullpen arms being traded. For some reason, I think Ohman is being shopped but that may just be because the Cubs traded for Cotts (but the way Cotts has looked he needs to be sent down).

[mhuber92211]

what happened to Bobby Hill? He would have fit this idea. Switch Hitter too

[Transmogrified Tiger]

what happened to Bobby Hill? He would have fit this idea. Switch Hitter too

 

I think back problems.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

what happened to Bobby Hill? He would have fit this idea. Switch Hitter too

 

I think back problems.

 

I believe you're correct. Someone posted in another thread they talked to Fleita and was informed Bobby failed his physical and was sent home.

 

EDIT: Found the thread

viewtopic.php?t=39039

http://www.northsidebaseball.com/PremiumForum/viewtopic.php?t=39039

[nilodnayr]

Ok, on the Toronto side we have:

Royce Clayton (probable starter)

Aaron Hill (probable starter)

Russ Adams (AAA bound, promising going into 2006, but played horribly)

John McDonald (sucks)

Jason Smith (probable 25th man)

Ray Olmedo (sucks)

 

On the Atlanta side we have:

Edgar Renteria (definite starter, not available for backup role)

Kelly Johnson (probable starter)

Martin Prado (pretty decent prospect, Braves may keep him in the bigs if they think they can find ABs him, otherwise will be AAA bound)

Pete Orr (AAA bound)

Willy Aybar (MIF and 3B backup, not available)

Chris Woodward (probable backup/released)

 

Of all of those it sounds like Lou wants a guy with experience, which to me leaves Chirs Woodward, Jason Smith and John McDonald as the only options, try to contain your excitement...God I wish we were there to see Lillibridge (he didn't play in the game).

[NCCubFan]

Jason Smith-been there, done that (twice, if I recall).

[soapy]

Also checkout the interview Rosenthal did with Lou.

 

 

Part one

Part two

 

hahaha..."What was the question?"

[soapy]

I think a one of the relievers and Miller or Marshall are the prime candidates to be traded for a MI, especially if Guzman continues to impress.

[moorecg]

What about Luis Castillo in Minnesota? They are in need of another starter with Lirano being out....Miller fits in there and Castillo would be a very solid guy to add to our team....he'd take away at bats from Theriot and is a bit high priced for a backup (actually...it might move DeRosa to the utility role and he'd be the every day 2nd basemen)...but Castillo has a solid obp (.401 in day games) and could easily slip into the two hole...that moves Murton back in the order...but gives us an outstanding line up.

[98navigator]

I like this for several different reasons.

 

#1. Lou doesn't sound like he wants Tomas Perez to be that last middle infielder if they are scouting other teams.

 

#2. Lou has seen Jacques splits against lefties and he would rather have a light hitting middle infielder play in his spot against lefties.

 

#3. He likes Theriot and is looking for more ways to get him playing time.

 

#4. Cedeno will be in Iowa where he can play everyday and work on his plate discipline and defense.

 

Lou has changed my whole perception of him and the season hasn't even started yet. When his signing was announced, I was "meh" about it. Now I'm as excited as I've been in a long while about the direction this team is moving.

 

I'm curious what type of middle infielder they will be in search of. Maybe someone like Chris Woodward?

 

You were on the money but he's been limited by an injury.

 

AJC Braves Blog

 

Talked to a scout before the game who had spoken with a Cubs official this week and heard they (Cubs) are looking for a utility man. Chris Woodward’s name was mentioned, but I don’t know whether the Braves are considering moving him or not.

 

He hasn’t played a game yet because of his strained calf, but Bobby Cox said this morning that Woodward might play tomorrow.

 

I'm sure the Cubs have others on their radar...

[98navigator]

Braves.com has a new article up about Tony Pena Jr. He is out of options and in danger of not making the club because of the presence of Chris Woodward. So it could be that the Braves have decided to keep Woodward and shop Pena.

 

...With Chris Woodward and Willy Aybar slated to begin the season as the club's utility infielders, there doesn't seem to be an available roster spot for the ever-improving Pena. And even if Woodward or Aybar were to begin the season on the disabled list, Pete Orr might be the more likely candidate to fill that utility role.

 

However, Orr does have options, and the Braves could instead replace either Woodward or Aybar with Pena just to give themselves a better chance to keep his services.

 

"You can't play any better than Tony Pena has played," manager Bobby Cox said. "He's got real good range -- excellent range. His hands are good. He hit .280 last year, didn't he?"

 

"...He's not an out. He's a tough cookie at the plate, and he'll battle you all the way to the end."

 

..."He's been blessed with ability, plus range and a plus arm that allows him to make plays that a lot of shortstops aren't able to make"

[BigbadB]

You were on the money but he's been limited by an injury.

 

Being limited by an injury just makes him cheaper to attain. He can still get enough action the rest of ST to determine whether he'd be a viable option as the 25th man on the Cubs roster.

 

He has shown some pop in the past, but what he's settled into isn't really a whole lot more promising than most of the other options out there.

 

I doubt if there are many utility middle infielders out there that would excite me all that much, actually. Too bad we can't clone Theriot. Of course, a year ago Theriot wasn't even considered an option.

 

I don't know how his defense is, but I've always been semi-impressed with Hector Luna's bat, who I believe is now in the Indians organization. Of course, I like Jhonny Peralta a whole lot more. :D