Realistically what can we do?

[Ding Dong Johnson]

The problem with the Cubs lineup is they have two black holes in the bottom of the lineup at C and CF, and three blackholes in the lineup when Zambrano isn't pitching (and Marquis to a lesser extent) and four blackholes in the bottom of the lineup with Itzturis starts. They could elminate one of those holes if Soriano would move to CF and call up Murton.

 

the production from SS isn't anything to write home about either

[jersey cubs fan]

The problem with the Cubs lineup is they have two black holes in the bottom of the lineup at C and CF, and three blackholes in the lineup when Zambrano isn't pitching (and Marquis to a lesser extent) and four blackholes in the bottom of the lineup with Itzturis starts. They could elminate one of those holes if Soriano would move to CF and call up Murton.

 

the production from SS isn't anything to write home about either

 

And it's not just when Izturis starts. The Cubs are still bottom of the league in SS OPS, and Izturis actually has the best numbers out of the SS position. Plus, RF is still ranked 10th in the league.

 

They are being carried by 3B (2nd in league), 1B (3rd in league), LF (4th) and 2B (5th in league).

[mul21]

The problem with the Cubs lineup is they have two black holes in the bottom of the lineup at C and CF, and three blackholes in the lineup when Zambrano isn't pitching (and Marquis to a lesser extent) and four blackholes in the bottom of the lineup with Itzturis starts. They could elminate one of those holes if Soriano would move to CF and call up Murton.

 

the production from SS isn't anything to write home about either

 

And it's not just when Izturis starts. The Cubs are still bottom of the league in SS OPS, and Izturis actually has the best numbers out of the SS position. Plus, RF is still ranked 10th in the league.

 

They are being carried by 3B (2nd in league), 1B (3rd in league), LF (4th) and 2B (5th in league).

 

I can't believe that there are 6 worse RF in the NL than what the Cubs have had. That hasn't been nearly the abyss that SS and CF have been, but I'm surprised it's ranked that high.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

I can't believe that there are 6 worse RF in the NL than what the Cubs have had. That hasn't been nearly the abyss that SS and CF have been, but I'm surprised it's ranked that high.

 

it wouldn't be so bad if Cliffy could hit a gap or find bleachers every now and again

[jersey cubs fan]

The problem with the Cubs lineup is they have two black holes in the bottom of the lineup at C and CF, and three blackholes in the lineup when Zambrano isn't pitching (and Marquis to a lesser extent) and four blackholes in the bottom of the lineup with Itzturis starts. They could elminate one of those holes if Soriano would move to CF and call up Murton.

 

the production from SS isn't anything to write home about either

 

And it's not just when Izturis starts. The Cubs are still bottom of the league in SS OPS, and Izturis actually has the best numbers out of the SS position. Plus, RF is still ranked 10th in the league.

 

They are being carried by 3B (2nd in league), 1B (3rd in league), LF (4th) and 2B (5th in league).

 

I can't believe that there are 6 worse RF in the NL than what the Cubs have had. That hasn't been nearly the abyss that SS and CF have been, but I'm surprised it's ranked that high.

 

Jacque Jones put up a 600 OPS there over half the games, so it shouldn't be that surprising. Murton sucked in his brief RF stint, and Floyd didn't start hitting at all until Soriano was moved to LF and RF became his regular spot.

 

About 2-3 weeks ago I think they were 13th in the NL in OPS from RF.

[CubColtPacer]

The problem with the Cubs lineup is they have two black holes in the bottom of the lineup at C and CF, and three blackholes in the lineup when Zambrano isn't pitching (and Marquis to a lesser extent) and four blackholes in the bottom of the lineup with Itzturis starts. They could elminate one of those holes if Soriano would move to CF and call up Murton.

 

the production from SS isn't anything to write home about either

 

And it's not just when Izturis starts. The Cubs are still bottom of the league in SS OPS, and Izturis actually has the best numbers out of the SS position. Plus, RF is still ranked 10th in the league.

 

They are being carried by 3B (2nd in league), 1B (3rd in league), LF (4th) and 2B (5th in league).

 

I can't believe that there are 6 worse RF in the NL than what the Cubs have had. That hasn't been nearly the abyss that SS and CF have been, but I'm surprised it's ranked that high.

 

It's propped up by their OBP in right. The OBP is 4th in the league, the SLG is 15th.

[muntjack]

I would try to acquire a legit #2 starter if it's possible. Marshall + Marmol for Erik Bedard, perhaps?

[killthegoat06]

I would try to acquire a legit #2 starter if it's possible. Marshall + Marmol for Erik Bedard, perhaps?

 

Prior for Tejada and Bedard? Ignoring people on DL, we get Bedard?

 

 

Man how I wish we had done that trade. Anyone have a time machine?

[nilodnayr]

The problem with the Cubs lineup is they have two black holes in the bottom of the lineup at C and CF, and three blackholes in the lineup when Zambrano isn't pitching (and Marquis to a lesser extent) and four blackholes in the bottom of the lineup with Itzturis starts. They could elminate one of those holes if Soriano would move to CF and call up Murton.

 

the production from SS isn't anything to write home about either

 

How about bringing back Brendan Harris? Its not like hes the SS of the future in TB with Brignac about ready to come up. They are probably looking to selll high on guys like Harris and Pena. That would solve the whole not being able to take on money thing. He does have a high BABIP, but he also has a ridiculous LD%. Hendry always was a fan of his and said that he was the toughest piece to give away in the Nomar trade. His potential and minor league #s haven't transfered over to the majors until this year, but hes always been a pretty good prospect. We've seen a bunch of SS prospects take a bit longer to mature than those at less defensive demanding positions lately. Hes the only SS whos probably available with any potential to help in the majors.

[inari]

I was thinking a bit about our options last night and something came to mind that seems quite feasible. The Giants are sellers. I've already brought up Omar Vizquel as someone that Hendry would probably love, but what about Bengie Molina? He's having a pretty mediocre season, but he still seems like a guy Hendry would love and I can't imagine the Giants would be asking for too much. Vizquel and Molina aren't exactly world beaters, but they do improve us at our weakest positions.

[nilodnayr]

I was thinking a bit about our options last night and something came to mind that seems quite feasible. The Giants are sellers. I've already brought up Omar Vizquel as someone that Hendry would probably love, but what about Bengie Molina? He's having a pretty mediocre season, but he still seems like a guy Hendry would love and I can't imagine the Giants would be asking for too much. Vizquel and Molina aren't exactly world beaters, but they do improve us at our weakest positions.

 

Molina wouldn't be bad. I'm not a big fan of his, but he is very Barrett-esque except with a lot more contact. Unfortunately, Molina is signed through 09 so we probably couldnt take on the future liability. Plus, hes 32.

 

Vizquel I would worry about. Hes 40 and sucking offensively. Even when hes not sucking hes probably around a 700 OPS. I don't think hes really an upgrade over Theriot. And I'm not a big fan of Theriot.

 

Its hard to see that either of these guys would be that significantly better than what we currently have or what Cedeno/Soto could give us.

[cuubs4life]

I was thinking a bit about our options last night and something came to mind that seems quite feasible. The Giants are sellers. I've already brought up Omar Vizquel as someone that Hendry would probably love, but what about Bengie Molina? He's having a pretty mediocre season, but he still seems like a guy Hendry would love and I can't imagine the Giants would be asking for too much. Vizquel and Molina aren't exactly world beaters, but they do improve us at our weakest positions.

 

Molina wouldn't be bad. I'm not a big fan of his, but he is very Barrett-esque except with a lot more contact. Unfortunately, Molina is signed through 09 so we probably couldnt take on the future liability. Plus, hes 32.

 

Vizquel I would worry about. Hes 40 and sucking offensively. Even when hes not sucking hes probably around a 700 OPS. I don't think hes really an upgrade over Theriot. And I'm not a big fan of Theriot.

 

Its hard to see that either of these guys would be that significantly better than what we currently have or what Cedeno/Soto could give us.

 

 

I would be all for Molina, vizquel not so much. bring up ronny, trade for molina, griffy, and another lefty in the pen.

[jersey cubs fan]

Molina is a horrible idea. The best part of trading Barrett is the Cubs aren't tied to an older catcher on the downside. Molina is older, has more miles and has a contract through 2009 that pays more than Barrett got. To top it off, he's not good.

 

Terrible idea.

[inari]

I figured Molina was signed through 08 at the most. Definitely not interested in his contract.

[Rob]

Molina isn't a plus defensive or offensive catcher anymore, and he's expensive.

 

Does it sound like something Jim Hendry would do? Yeah... but that's hardly a reason to get behind the idea.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

I do not bemoan the trade of Michael Barrett one whit. But after seeing a month of Bowen and Koyie Hill, we really need to find a catcher that can at least hit a LITTLE. These two couldn't hit their way out of a wet paper bag.

 

It is really a shame that Geovanny Soto picked the absolute worst time for his sake to get hurt, because he would surely have gotten a shot here. Soto is at least as good defensively as Bowen (I realize that's not saying all THAT much), but he can certainly hit better.

 

Maybe we could re-acquire Damien Miller from the Brewers (ducks)....

[weis21]

I do not bemoan the trade of Michael Barrett one whit. But after seeing a month of Bowen and Koyie Hill, we really need to find a catcher that can at least hit a LITTLE. These two couldn't hit their way out of a wet paper bag.

 

It is really a shame that Geovanny Soto picked the absolute worst time for his sake to get hurt, because he would surely have gotten a shot here. Soto is at least as good defensively as Bowen (I realize that's not saying all THAT much), but he can certainly hit better.

 

Maybe we could re-acquire Damien Miller from the Brewers (ducks)....

 

He was hurt a month ago. He (as far as I know) is fine now. I too am counting until the days soto is called up.

[JeffH]

Someone in the media recently suggested Brad Ausmus as a possible fit for the Cubs.

 

Normally, I'd be horrified at the idea, but even he seems like he'd be a decent addition at this point.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

It's obvious we're winning because of Theriot and Fontenot. That means only one thing....we need Brad Cresse.

[weis21]

It's obvious we're winning because of Theriot and Fontenot. That means only one thing....we need Brad Cresse.

Or....murton1?

[shnsajax]

I do not bemoan the trade of Michael Barrett one whit. But after seeing a month of Bowen and Koyie Hill, we really need to find a catcher that can at least hit a LITTLE. These two couldn't hit their way out of a wet paper bag.

 

It is really a shame that Geovanny Soto picked the absolute worst time for his sake to get hurt, because he would surely have gotten a shot here. Soto is at least as good defensively as Bowen (I realize that's not saying all THAT much), but he can certainly hit better.

 

Maybe we could re-acquire Damien Miller from the Brewers (ducks)....

 

He was hurt a month ago. He (as far as I know) is fine now. I too am counting until the days soto is called up.

 

Seriously, what do we have to do to get him up. I think Bowen is going to be a solid backup, and Koyie Hill would probably be too. We just don't need two backups at catcher.

[Lockes Eye Scar]

Yeah, Soto is NOT hurt. You'd have to ask Jimbo why he's still in Iowa.

[weis21]

Yeah, Soto is NOT hurt. You'd have to ask Jimbo why he's still in Iowa.

 

I more or less have.

[B]

Yeah, Soto is NOT hurt. You'd have to ask Jimbo why he's still in Iowa.

 

I more or less have.

 

What did he say?

[weis21]

Yeah, Soto is NOT hurt. You'd have to ask Jimbo why he's still in Iowa.

 

I more or less have.

 

What did he say?

 

ummm...I'm not sure why I wrote that. I don't remember writing it. I drank too much rum. Maybe I had a vison???