What moves are we looking to make?

[Jazz]

At the beginning of the year, our situation was a lot different as far as who we were thinking about acquiring and where our holes were. Now it seems that we are pretty good at SP 1-4 (so far it seems), but 5 might need some work if Guzman doesn't pan out. Before it seemed we didnt have a solid RF option, but now we actually have a logjam of players. With Izturis no longer being the starting SS, and Theriot coming in, and doing very well, the SS hole isn't there as much. However, it does seem like we have some moves to make, but my only question is, where?

[killthegoat06]

At the beginning of the year, our situation was a lot different as far as who we were thinking about acquiring and where our holes were. Now it seems that we are pretty good at SP 1-4 (so far it seems), but 5 might need some work if Guzman doesn't pan out. Before it seemed we didnt have a solid RF option, but now we actually have a logjam of players. With Izturis no longer being the starting SS, and Theriot coming in, and doing very well, the SS hole isn't there as much. However, it does seem like we have some moves to make, but my only question is, where?

 

5th starter, maybe a big bat, maybe a setup man/closer. The last two aren't holes, but there is room for improvement.

[Roast]

Uh...shortstop?

 

I love Theriot, but SS is still one of the weakest points on the field.

[Outshined_One]

It's still relatively early. However, there will be a few moves this team will probably look to make by the trade deadline. The problem is, it depends on whether certain guys are able to stick at their respective spots. Still, I think a few moves could be in the works...

 

1) Acquiring another starting pitcher. This is certainly no slight against the Cubs' current rotation, but I'm concerned about how that #5 slot is going to play out over the coming weeks and months. While I wouldn't be surprised if Guzman was able to hold down that spot and post reasonable numbers, I'm still wondering if better options might be available.

 

I don't know what SPs are out there who might be on the trade block, but if the Cubs could swing a deal for someone who could out-produce Guzman and give them #2/#3 production, they should do it.

 

2) Addressing one of the OF spots. Look, I love Matt Murton as much as the next guy, but two things are clear to me about him. First, this team is incredibly hesitant to hand him a corner OF job without any questions asked. For better or worse, Cliff Floyd and Jacque Jones both seem to be above him on the food chain. Second, even if he manages to play every day, I don't know if he'd be able to provide the kind of production that a team needs out of a corner OF. This point also holds true for Floyd and Jones, even though Jones is playing CF these days.

 

3) Even with Theriot at SS, that position could still be upgraded. He has a good bat, but if the Cubs can get a guy with an even better bat and better defense, they should pull the trigger.

 

4) Relief pitching. So far, so good with this relief crew. But at the same time, I can't help but think that a top of the line reliever would put this group over the top. I'm still not 100% comfortable with Dempster closing since he's happy to pull a Rod Beck and scare the crap out of Cubs fans every time he steps on the mound to close it out.

 

Finally, just to throw some names out for trade targets in terms of addressing these four spots, all or none of which could be moved by the trade deadline...

 

Pat Burrell

Bobby Abreu

Rich Harden (rumored to be available)

Brian Fuentes

Dontrelle Willis

Miguel Cabrera (I know, I know, but let me dream)

Armando Benitez

Noah Lowry (might be moved for an OF)

Johan Santana (hahahahahahahaha, yeah right)

Andruw Jones

[killthegoat06]

Uh...shortstop?

 

I love Theriot, but SS is still one of the weakest points on the field.

 

*refraining from seeing hole at ss and need of one more big bat and mentioning arod* ... *self control...*

[rickrolled]

Uh...shortstop?

 

I love Theriot, but SS is still one of the weakest points on the field.

 

time to get Nomah

[killthegoat06]

Uh...shortstop?

 

I love Theriot, but SS is still one of the weakest points on the field.

 

time to get Nomah

 

Hopefully this works out better than last time...

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

While it's a bit early to make assumptions, I think the Cubs could look to upgrade by acquiring one starting pitcher, a SS, and possible a RF or CF.

 

What we do know is that 3b, 1b, and LF are set, not just for this year, but for the foreseeable future.

 

It's likely the Cubs are satisfied with what they have at C and 2b for this year at least. Furthermore, a long term CF is not going to be acquired as the Cubs will leave that open for Pie.

 

That leaves one starter, a SS, and one OF (most likely RF) as the places the Cubs could improve.

 

The most likely means is to acquire an impending FA or a salary dump.

 

A look at the crop of 2007-2008 FA reveals that there is no upgrade at SS there. Unless the Cubs find a team willing to dump a player in the middle of his contract, it's quite possible no veteran SS will be acquired.

 

While it's the least likely spot for upgrade, RF provides the most possibilites. How would having Jermaine Dye come across town improve the line-up?

 

Dye has started slowly, only hitting 216 thus far, but if he gets out of his funk, he could be a possible acquisition. His contract ends at the end of the season and it's possible he won't re-sign with the Sox. If the White Sox fail to right their sinking ship, Dye could be a player they place on the market.

 

Another OF that could be acquired would be Ichiro. Ichiro would be nice, because he could handle CF. Ichiro is hitting 270, which is a little lower than the 300 avg everyone expects of him. He might be available if Seattle falls far out of the race and contract talks go no where. Right now, Seattle is only a game behind LA, so Ichiro is probably not on the market right now.

 

If the Cubs move to acquire a starting pitcher, then a number of possibilites could emerge. None of them are going to be great, but any of them could provide a shot in the arm.

 

Barring an injury, my best guess is that the Cubs go after an OF. I think Dye could be the leader in that race.

[Sammy Sofa]

Just say "no" to Ichiro.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Count me in for trading Zambrano for a big bat(SS or OF) then dealing some combination of Jones/Murton and pitching prospects to get another starter.

[CubsWin]

I'm not such a big fan of trading Zambrano unless the return is really, really good. Z's been struggling at the start of this season, but I'm confident he will soon be the Z he's been over the previous 3 seasons. That's not Cy Young worthy, but he's still be pretty darn good. If the Cubs could improve their rotation by trading Zambrano, I'd do it. If they could acquire a better starter than Z, by trading Murton and prospects, which I highly doubt, I'd do it. Otherwise, I'd hang to Z.

 

Marquis will return to earth. Lilly and Hill will, too, but to a lesser degree. The Cubs weakness is still their rotation. The offense is looking good, especially with the emergence of Theriot as a legit starter. The Cubs can't afford to trade Z without getting someone better in return. Now, if Guzman can emerge the way some people think he can, we'll talk, but I'm skeptical when it comes to him.

 

I agree with Vance in that the Cubs areas of improvement are SS, RF and CF, but not long term in center. I wouldn't count out catcher, though. Barrett's bat will return, but he is coming to the end of his contract and he's not a strong defensive catcher. If the right opportunity presented itself to Hendry, I can see him acquiring a catcher. I would love to see the Cubs get a SS, but not many GMs can afford to trade one away. Does any team have two really good, starting SSs on their roster?

 

All that said, I can see, barring injury, the Cubs dumping Jones on somebody for some minor leaguers and then being happy with Sori in left, Pie in center and Murton and Floyd sharing right the rest of the season. Should Dye become available, I'd certainly look into it.

 

The only other trade I see happening is for a starter. I'm assuming that Guzman just isn't ready yet. The most likely move I see on the horizon is packaging some prospects for a reliable veteran starter with short time left on is contract.

[soccer10k]

Bobby Abreu

 

Why would the Yankees trade Abreu?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

It's still relatively early. However, there will be a few moves this team will probably look to make by the trade deadline. The problem is, it depends on whether certain guys are able to stick at their respective spots. Still, I think a few moves could be in the works...

 

1) Acquiring another starting pitcher. This is certainly no slight against the Cubs' current rotation, but I'm concerned about how that #5 slot is going to play out over the coming weeks and months. While I wouldn't be surprised if Guzman was able to hold down that spot and post reasonable numbers, I'm still wondering if better options might be available.

 

I don't know what SPs are out there who might be on the trade block, but if the Cubs could swing a deal for someone who could out-produce Guzman and give them #2/#3 production, they should do it.

 

2) Addressing one of the OF spots. Look, I love Matt Murton as much as the next guy, but two things are clear to me about him. First, this team is incredibly hesitant to hand him a corner OF job without any questions asked. For better or worse, Cliff Floyd and Jacque Jones both seem to be above him on the food chain. Second, even if he manages to play every day, I don't know if he'd be able to provide the kind of production that a team needs out of a corner OF. This point also holds true for Floyd and Jones, even though Jones is playing CF these days.

 

3) Even with Theriot at SS, that position could still be upgraded. He has a good bat, but if the Cubs can get a guy with an even better bat and better defense, they should pull the trigger.

 

4) Relief pitching. So far, so good with this relief crew. But at the same time, I can't help but think that a top of the line reliever would put this group over the top. I'm still not 100% comfortable with Dempster closing since he's happy to pull a Rod Beck and scare the crap out of Cubs fans every time he steps on the mound to close it out.

 

Finally, just to throw some names out for trade targets in terms of addressing these four spots, all or none of which could be moved by the trade deadline...

 

Pat Burrell

Bobby Abreu

Rich Harden (rumored to be available)

Brian Fuentes

Dontrelle Willis

Miguel Cabrera (I know, I know, but let me dream)

Armando Benitez

Noah Lowry (might be moved for an OF)

Johan Santana (hahahahahahahaha, yeah right)

Andruw Jones

 

As long as the Braves are right behind the Mets, Andruw isn't going to be made available either.

 

Burrell is interesting, but can he play RF? If not, he doesn't fit unless they shift Soriano again.