Interesting Note about Cubs in Pittsburgh Paper

[HoopsCubs]

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/pirates/s_512483.html

 

"Who needs a shortstop? The Los Angeles Angels reportedly have been trying to pry Miguel Tejada away from Baltimore, but they covet Tejada's bat much more than his defense. Boston, Minnesota and the Chicago Cubs also might be looking."

 

 

What would the Angels do with Cabrera if they got Tejada?

What would the Red Sox do with Lugo if they got Tejada?

What would the Cubs do with Izturis... hmmm... never mind...

 

I just hope it's not Jack Wilson the Cubs are interested in...

 

 

Hoops

[CubmanPi]

Cubs won't get Tejada. I have complete faith in this organization that, if they deal for a SS, it will be someone of Jack Wilson's caliber.

[erik316wttn]

Maybe they'll take Prior.

[photoguy9883]

Cubs won't get Tejada. I have complete faith in this organization that, if they deal for a SS, it will be someone of Jack Wilson's caliber.

 

At least Wilson can field the ball. Which is better than Izturis.

[Amazing_Grace]

It's pretty clear at this point Lou is dissatisfied with Izturis at short. I think the main impetus to "see what Fontenot" can do was to try to get a new supersub so he can put Theriot, who he obviously likes, at SS full time.

[Roast]

It's pretty clear at this point Lou is dissatisfied with Izturis at short. I think the main impetus to "see what Fontenot" can do was to try to get a new supersub so he can put Theriot, who he obviously likes, at SS full time.

 

If that is true, then praise the lord.

 

Also, I was staunchly opposed to the Prior/Tejada trade idea at the time...but boy...what if.

[YearofDaCubs]

It's pretty clear at this point Lou is dissatisfied with Izturis at short. I think the main impetus to "see what Fontenot" can do was to try to get a new supersub so he can put Theriot, who he obviously likes, at SS full time.

Getting Tejada would be huge but who knows if that will happen. As far as the other options are concerned it's probably best we keep Theriot and Fontenot but get rid of the flea Izturis any way possible.

[synergy]

Why do we need Tejada and his salary? Fontenot and Theriot are good enough. We don't need a declining SS.

[MembersOnlyJacket]

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/pirates/s_512483.html

 

"Who needs a shortstop? The Los Angeles Angels reportedly have been trying to pry Miguel Tejada away from Baltimore, but they covet Tejada's bat much more than his defense. Boston, Minnesota and the Chicago Cubs also might be looking."

 

 

What would the Angels do with Cabrera if they got Tejada?

What would the Red Sox do with Lugo if they got Tejada?

What would the Cubs do with Izturis... hmmm... never mind...

 

I just hope it's not Jack Wilson the Cubs are interested in...

 

 

Hoops

 

Other than driving in Pedroia at a surprisingly high rate (34 RBI this season), Lugo has been quite bad offensively.

 

Francona's great patience has finally been tested with Lugo and the .270 OBP has been moved to the 9th spot with Pedroia flipping to 1st. Francona hit Lugo lead-off in nearly every game this season leading up to this past week.

[jersey cubs fan]

Why do we need Tejada and his salary? Fontenot and Theriot are good enough. We don't need a declining SS.

 

The Cubs have a black hole at SS this year. Last in the NL with an OPS of 555. And before you say Theriot has turned that around, his OPS at SS is 474. Fontenot doesn't play SS. Neither is "good enough" to make this team better. They are 13th in RF and 12th at catcher. The other positions are middle of the road or near the top. The best way to improve this team is to improve the production they get at SS, RF and C. Since it's going to be impossible to improve at C, the choice is finding a real RF or a real SS. They currently do not have either. There is a chance that when all is said and done that a platoon of Floyd and a revitalized Murton will put them at least to middle of the road at RF. As for SS, they basically have zero chance of getting respectable production out of the group they currently have in the fold.

[Banedon]

Why do we need Tejada and his salary? Fontenot and Theriot are good enough. We don't need a declining SS.

 

The Cubs have a black hole at SS this year. Last in the NL with an OPS of 555. And before you say Theriot has turned that around, his OPS at SS is 474. Fontenot doesn't play SS. Neither is "good enough" to make this team better. They are 13th in RF and 12th at catcher. The other positions are middle of the road or near the top. The best way to improve this team is to improve the production they get at SS, RF and C. Since it's going to be impossible to improve at C, the choice is finding a real RF or a real SS. They currently do not have either. There is a chance that when all is said and done that a platoon of Floyd and a revitalized Murton will put them at least to middle of the road at RF. As for SS, they basically have zero chance of getting respectable production out of the group they currently have in the fold.

 

But there's no stat to account for Theriot's scrappiness...

 

8-[

[TheDude]

I asked for Tejada three years ago when he was 'declining'. He is probably the player that makes the most sense for the Cubs, since upgrading SS is the most pressing and logical move.

 

Give the Orioles some young pitching. The Cubs are stacked there, even with all the injuries.

[jersey cubs fan]

I asked for Tejada three years ago when he was 'declining'. He is probably the player that makes the most sense for the Cubs, since upgrading SS is the most pressing and logical move.

 

Give the Orioles some young pitching. The Cubs are stacked there, even with all the injuries.

 

I wished they signed him when he was a free agent. I should have been more pro Tejada when trades were discussed, but I'd take him in a heartbeat now. Baltimore's record is no worse than the Cubs, but they are free falling and way out of the race. I can't understand why they wouldn't be up for trading him.

[YearofDaCubs]

Why do we need Tejada and his salary? Fontenot and Theriot are good enough. We don't need a declining SS.

 

The Cubs have a black hole at SS this year. Last in the NL with an OPS of 555. And before you say Theriot has turned that around, his OPS at SS is 474. Fontenot doesn't play SS. Neither is "good enough" to make this team better. They are 13th in RF and 12th at catcher. The other positions are middle of the road or near the top. The best way to improve this team is to improve the production they get at SS, RF and C. Since it's going to be impossible to improve at C, the choice is finding a real RF or a real SS. They currently do not have either. There is a chance that when all is said and done that a platoon of Floyd and a revitalized Murton will put them at least to middle of the road at RF. As for SS, they basically have zero chance of getting respectable production out of the group they currently have in the fold.

 

But there's no stat to account for Theriot's scrappiness...

 

8-[

So you would rather have Izturis start over Theriot?

[jersey cubs fan]

Why do we need Tejada and his salary? Fontenot and Theriot are good enough. We don't need a declining SS.

 

The Cubs have a black hole at SS this year. Last in the NL with an OPS of 555. And before you say Theriot has turned that around, his OPS at SS is 474. Fontenot doesn't play SS. Neither is "good enough" to make this team better. They are 13th in RF and 12th at catcher. The other positions are middle of the road or near the top. The best way to improve this team is to improve the production they get at SS, RF and C. Since it's going to be impossible to improve at C, the choice is finding a real RF or a real SS. They currently do not have either. There is a chance that when all is said and done that a platoon of Floyd and a revitalized Murton will put them at least to middle of the road at RF. As for SS, they basically have zero chance of getting respectable production out of the group they currently have in the fold.

 

But there's no stat to account for Theriot's scrappiness...

 

8-[

So you would rather have Izturis start over Theriot?

 

I would rather have a real SS. Barring that, the only real option is to try and get the most out of a Izturis/Theriot platoon.

[USSoccer]

I asked for Tejada three years ago when he was 'declining'. He is probably the player that makes the most sense for the Cubs, since upgrading SS is the most pressing and logical move.

 

Give the Orioles some young pitching. The Cubs are stacked there, even with all the injuries.

 

I wished they signed him when he was a free agent. I should have been more pro Tejada when trades were discussed, but I'd take him in a heartbeat now. Baltimore's record is no worse than the Cubs, but they are free falling and way out of the race. I can't understand why they wouldn't be up for trading him.

 

Do you really think Peter Angelos would deal that team's only marketable player now that there's competition for fans in the DC area?

[Amazing_Grace]

Why do we need Tejada and his salary? Fontenot and Theriot are good enough. We don't need a declining SS.

 

The Cubs have a black hole at SS this year. Last in the NL with an OPS of 555. And before you say Theriot has turned that around, his OPS at SS is 474. Fontenot doesn't play SS. Neither is "good enough" to make this team better. They are 13th in RF and 12th at catcher. The other positions are middle of the road or near the top. The best way to improve this team is to improve the production they get at SS, RF and C. Since it's going to be impossible to improve at C, the choice is finding a real RF or a real SS. They currently do not have either. There is a chance that when all is said and done that a platoon of Floyd and a revitalized Murton will put them at least to middle of the road at RF. As for SS, they basically have zero chance of getting respectable production out of the group they currently have in the fold.

 

But there's no stat to account for Theriot's scrappiness...

 

8-[

So you would rather have Izturis start over Theriot?

 

I would rather have a real SS. Barring that, the only real option is to try and get the most out of a Izturis/Theriot platoon.

 

Why bother with a platoon? Theriot has at least shown by his short MLB time and his minor league numbers that he can get on base at a reasonable clip. His success may or may not continue, but we know with a fair degree of certainty that Izturis sucks.

 

Trading for Tejada would be a great idea but... I don't think the Cubs will trade for Tejada for the same reason they won't sign Zambrano. They won't spend any more of someone else's money with the pending ownership change. I'm fairly certain any deal we see will involve trading minor pieces for other minor pieces, unless they have an all out fire sale.

[jersey cubs fan]

Why bother with a platoon? Theriot has at least shown by his short MLB time and his minor league numbers that he can get on base at a reasonable clip. His success may or may not continue, but we know with a fair degree of certainty that Izturis sucks.

 

Trading for Tejada would be a great idea but... I don't think the Cubs will trade for Tejada for the same reason they won't sign Zambrano. They won't spend any more of someone else's money with the pending ownership change. I'm fairly certain any deal we see will involve trading minor pieces for other minor pieces, unless they have an all out fire sale.

 

Theriot has shown that the more he plays the worse he gets. He's been awful for the past week. His May wasn't any better than Izturis's May.

 

Neither player is an everyday shortstop. Each is capable of having semi decent stretches. I think the only hope is to see if Lou can have the magic touch in terms of who he uses.

[jersey cubs fan]

I asked for Tejada three years ago when he was 'declining'. He is probably the player that makes the most sense for the Cubs, since upgrading SS is the most pressing and logical move.

 

Give the Orioles some young pitching. The Cubs are stacked there, even with all the injuries.

 

I wished they signed him when he was a free agent. I should have been more pro Tejada when trades were discussed, but I'd take him in a heartbeat now. Baltimore's record is no worse than the Cubs, but they are free falling and way out of the race. I can't understand why they wouldn't be up for trading him.

 

Do you really think Peter Angelos would deal that team's only marketable player now that there's competition for fans in the DC area?

 

I don't really think he's all that marketable. We aren't talking Jeter here, let alone Jose Reyes. He's probably less marketable than Soriano. They aren't selling tickets because of Miguel Tejada, #12 in the majors for SS OPS. The team stinks, it's stunk for years. They need an overhaul. Angelos is goofy, so maybe he won't. But the smart thing would be to trade him and try to build a contender for 2009-2012. That's how you sell tickets.

 

And really, are the Nationals that big of a draw that they are taking away ticket sales?

[Banghart]

 

I don't really think he's all that marketable. We aren't talking Jeter here, let alone Jose Reyes. He's probably less marketable than Soriano. They aren't selling tickets because of Miguel Tejada, #12 in the majors for SS OPS. The team stinks, it's stunk for years. They need an overhaul. Angelos is goofy, so maybe he won't. But the smart thing would be to trade him and try to build a contender for 2009-2012. That's how you sell tickets.

 

And really, are the Nationals that big of a draw that they are taking away ticket sales?

All solid points, but the bolded part cannot be overlooked. Tejada is the most likely SS that would be an actual upgrade out there. The Cubs clearly could use another bat, and the upgrade of Tejada over Izturis/Theriot would be the biggest boost we could realistically hope for. That said I am not expecting another Nomar trade this year.

 

-Banghart

[TheDude]

And really, are the Nationals that big of a draw that they are taking away ticket sales?

 

I don't think so. I lived in DC for the first two years of the Nationals and people without ties to either team just wanted watch a good game. If the Cubs or Mets were in town, it was a Nats game. If the Yankees or Red Sox were in town, travel the hour up I-95 to Baltimore.

 

None of my friends that were longtime Orioles fans gave up allegiance to root for the Nationals.

[USSoccer]

I asked for Tejada three years ago when he was 'declining'. He is probably the player that makes the most sense for the Cubs, since upgrading SS is the most pressing and logical move.

 

Give the Orioles some young pitching. The Cubs are stacked there, even with all the injuries.

 

I wished they signed him when he was a free agent. I should have been more pro Tejada when trades were discussed, but I'd take him in a heartbeat now. Baltimore's record is no worse than the Cubs, but they are free falling and way out of the race. I can't understand why they wouldn't be up for trading him.

 

Do you really think Peter Angelos would deal that team's only marketable player now that there's competition for fans in the DC area?

 

I don't really think he's all that marketable. We aren't talking Jeter here, let alone Jose Reyes. He's probably less marketable than Soriano. They aren't selling tickets because of Miguel Tejada, #12 in the majors for SS OPS. The team stinks, it's stunk for years. They need an overhaul. Angelos is goofy, so maybe he won't. But the smart thing would be to trade him and try to build a contender for 2009-2012. That's how you sell tickets.

 

And really, are the Nationals that big of a draw that they are taking away ticket sales?

 

You and I both know that the Nats suck, and shouldn't really siphon fans away from the O's. You and I also know that the O's need to be blown up if that team is ever going to contend in the AL East.

 

The question is whether or not Peter Angelos knows. I'm not sure he does.

[Amazing_Grace]

Why bother with a platoon? Theriot has at least shown by his short MLB time and his minor league numbers that he can get on base at a reasonable clip. His success may or may not continue, but we know with a fair degree of certainty that Izturis sucks.

 

Trading for Tejada would be a great idea but... I don't think the Cubs will trade for Tejada for the same reason they won't sign Zambrano. They won't spend any more of someone else's money with the pending ownership change. I'm fairly certain any deal we see will involve trading minor pieces for other minor pieces, unless they have an all out fire sale.

 

Theriot has shown that the more he plays the worse he gets. He's been awful for the past week. His May wasn't any better than Izturis's May.

 

Neither player is an everyday shortstop. Each is capable of having semi decent stretches. I think the only hope is to see if Lou can have the magic touch in terms of who he uses.

 

Theriot's OBP is still over .330 despite his average being down to .268. Izturis's OBP is .305 with an AVG of .247. Theriot has the third most walks on the team with 19 in 220 TPA, a rate of .083, while Izturis has 12 walks in 168 TPA, a rate of .071, but two of Izturis's walks have been for some unknown reason, intentional. Take away those two and the rate is .059.

 

The difference is not huge and I'm not saying by any means that Theriot is the long term answer at SS. He clearly isn't, but he is a better option right now, and if he plays well enough the rest of this season, he could be a useful trading chip. Izturis is a FA at season's end with a buyout of his contract being almost a lock. Playing him gets us nothing.

[baseball7897]

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/pirates/s_512483.html

 

"Who needs a shortstop? The Los Angeles Angels reportedly have been trying to pry Miguel Tejada away from Baltimore, but they covet Tejada's bat much more than his defense. Boston, Minnesota and the Chicago Cubs also might be looking."

 

 

What would the Angels do with Cabrera if they got Tejada?

What would the Red Sox do with Lugo if they got Tejada?

What would the Cubs do with Izturis... hmmm... never mind...

 

I just hope it's not Jack Wilson the Cubs are interested in...

 

 

Hoops

 

Either Tejeda or Cabrera would move to 3B. My guess would be they would have Tejeda move to 3B and Cabrera would remain the SS.

[CubsWin]

Why do we need Tejada and his salary? Fontenot and Theriot are good enough. We don't need a declining SS.

 

The Cubs have a black hole at SS this year. Last in the NL with an OPS of 555. And before you say Theriot has turned that around, his OPS at SS is 474. Fontenot doesn't play SS. Neither is "good enough" to make this team better. They are 13th in RF and 12th at catcher. The other positions are middle of the road or near the top. The best way to improve this team is to improve the production they get at SS, RF and C. Since it's going to be impossible to improve at C, the choice is finding a real RF or a real SS. They currently do not have either. There is a chance that when all is said and done that a platoon of Floyd and a revitalized Murton will put them at least to middle of the road at RF. As for SS, they basically have zero chance of getting respectable production out of the group they currently have in the fold.

Excellently put. Agree on all counts. That's why I'm for getting Tejada (or any other large upgrade) depending on what the player cost is, of course.

 

And for those that are concerned that Tejada is declining, while you may be right, so what?

 

How much and how quickly is he declining and from what height? When you ask yourself those all important questions, he is still a way better option than anything the Cubs have currently or could realistically hope to acquire which begs the question how realistic is it that the Cubs could acquire Tejada. I think its clear that the Cubs should go after him. What is unclear is can they get him...