Levine: Cubs are happy with what they got

[Warren Brusstar]

 

He's 34 years old and currently has an under .700 OPS. Why would you want him and jones on the same team?

 

I don't. I'd trade Jones for Payton.

 

Why, exactly?

 

We play 70% of our games v. RHP.

 

Career OPS v. RHP:

Jones .824

Payton .747

 

That move makes us significantly worse v. RHP.

[pitchcs]

Don't the Cubs have the best record in the NL this year in the second half.....So far! I'm just saying....

Going back to the start of the hot streak (day after Lou's ejection and suspension) I believe the Cubs have the best record in all of baseball, not just the NL.

 

Is it fair to say that this isn't a hot streak anymore, the Cubs are just good?

 

It has been almost 2 months.

I think so; I didn't mean to imply that it was temporary with my wording. I only meant that I think they're currently the hottest team in all of baseball, not just the NL.

 

Yeah, this week's games (against legit squads) are really going to be fun now that we are good.

[USSoccer]

 

He's 34 years old and currently has an under .700 OPS. Why would you want him and jones on the same team?

 

I don't. I'd trade Jones for Payton.

 

Why, exactly?

 

We play 70% of our games v. RHP.

 

Career OPS v. RHP:

Jones .824

Payton .747

 

That move makes us significantly worse v. RHP.

 

Because our team has no issues hitting RHP. We suck against LHP.

 

Payton is just an example. I don't care who we get, but we need to improve our offense against left handers.

[Warren Brusstar]

 

He's 34 years old and currently has an under .700 OPS. Why would you want him and jones on the same team?

 

I don't. I'd trade Jones for Payton.

 

Why, exactly?

 

We play 70% of our games v. RHP.

 

Career OPS v. RHP:

Jones .824

Payton .747

 

That move makes us significantly worse v. RHP.

 

Because our team has no issues hitting RHP. We suck against LHP.

 

Payton is just an example. I don't care who we get, but we need to improve our offense against left handers.

 

So you're advocating a substantial downgrade v. RHP to get a minor upgrade v. LHP?

 

That's dumb.

[USSoccer]

 

He's 34 years old and currently has an under .700 OPS. Why would you want him and jones on the same team?

 

I don't. I'd trade Jones for Payton.

 

Why, exactly?

 

We play 70% of our games v. RHP.

 

Career OPS v. RHP:

Jones .824

Payton .747

 

That move makes us significantly worse v. RHP.

 

Because our team has no issues hitting RHP. We suck against LHP.

 

Payton is just an example. I don't care who we get, but we need to improve our offense against left handers.

 

So you're advocating a substantial downgrade v. RHP to get a minor upgrade v. LHP?

 

That's dumb.

 

It would be dumb if Jones were the sole reason we were good against RHP. Look at the team numbers vs RHP and then look at the LHP #'s. Look at the amount of PA's Jones has.

 

It's a marginal hit against RHP (which we could absorb due to everyone else's good numbers against RHP) for a potential gain against LHP.

 

And it doesn't have to be removing Jones or getting Payton. That's just one example. We need to improve against LHP, and I'm for anything within reason to do it.

Edited July 30, 2007 by USSoccer

[CubsWin]

And I'm still not understanding people's problem with Theriot. Assuming we can add one bat, I think we are fine.

 

I don't have a problem with Theriot. I have a problem with being satisfied having 4 holes in the lineup. I'd be fine with Theriot, just as long as something happens to improve the lineup elsewhere. Just remember, the Cubs are 9th in the NL in OPS, they are, at best, an average lineup. Since it takes a lot more than average to be a great team, and I want the Cubs to be a great team, I'm not going to be happy with average, or worse, production.

 

True, but SS is not the realistic upgrade. We all know Hendry is not going to get another MI. We need to focus on an OF.

 

I don't buy much of the "realistic upgrade" talk. The Cubs have 4 holes, on the plus side, that leaves them with several options to find improvements. A good GM should be able to find something out there to improve what is 4 good sized holes in the lineup. I don't care where it comes from at this point, I just feel like they have to get it.

Yes, why buy into realism?

 

Okay, realistically, what pieces do the Cubs have (and can afford to give up without hurting the big league club) that other teams want? do you want to trade low on Veal? Gallagher? Not bad. What else? EPatt? OK. Is Soto really that highly thought of? Cedeno? I'd trade Colvin but what will he bring? So what do you see Sean Gallagher and Eric Patterson bringing in return? Or do you realistically think the Cubs will get a really good upgrade in CF by throwing Jacque Jones into that mix?

 

You also called this a hot streak. Its not. The D-backs are on a hot streak. They've won 8 out of their last 9. Good for them. The Cubs have the best record in baseball since June 3rd. That's 50 games. A 50-game hot streak?

 

Do they have holes? Of course. But you complain about the holes on this team like they shouldn't be there. Every team has holes. Let me say that again, EVERY TEAM HAS HOLES. And usually more than one. Heck, usually more than two. But we don't want usual. We want extraordinary, so I agree that Hendry should be trying to fill those holes.

 

And he is. Saying that he is happy with what they got does not mean that he isn't trying to improve the team. The fact that that quote is what kicked off this thread is ridiculous.

 

But trying to fill them isn't good enough. A good GM succeeds at improving his team. Has Hendry improved this team? Yes. Will he do it again at this trade deadline? Not sure. He has in the past. Doesn't look like a good market for doing so this season, though. Oh, sorry, I forgot. You don't believe in the realistic difficulties of this market. A good GM should just make great players appear out of thin air and give up next to nothing for them.

 

Like Aramis Ramirez. Derrek Lee. Nomar Garciaparra...

[Yestheydo]

Anyone remember the lineup the Yankees took into the playoffs last year? Fat lotta good that did 'em. Pitching pitching pitching

[soapy]

You also called this a hot streak. Its not. The D-backs are on a hot streak. They've won 8 out of their last 9. Good for them. The Cubs have the best record in baseball since June 3rd. That's 50 games. A 50-game hot streak?

 

The Cubs record after game 50: 22-28. Is that a cold streak?

 

Edit: It got worse; 22-31 on June 2.

Edited July 30, 2007 by soapy

[jersey cubs fan]

You also called this a hot streak. Its not. The D-backs are on a hot streak. They've won 8 out of their last 9. Good for them. The Cubs have the best record in baseball since June 3rd. That's 50 games. A 50-game hot streak?

 

I'm not talking about the Cubs' team as a whole, I'm talking about the actual positions where they need improvement. People mentioned Theriot and Jones post-ASB, and Kendall of late, as examples of guys who are making any need for improvement at SS, CF and C a thing of the past.

 

 

The Cubs are good. I want them to get better. The easiest way to get better is improving one of the positions that are giving you very little.

 

As for your criticism of my ignorance of MLB realities. All I'm saying is good GM finds a way to get deals done. We constantly hear about how hard it is to make a deal, but trades happen all the time. The Cubs should have known long ago where their weaknesses are, and there's really no excuse for being unable to find improvements. If you are foolish enough to sign Jones, I'm not going to give you any slack when you find it difficult to trade him away and get something better. If you purposefully trade for Cesar Izturis, I'm not about to forgive you for not having adaquate SS production. If you put Jason Kendall and Koyie Hill behind the plate, it's your own damn fault when they don't produce.

 

Jim painted himself into this corner, it's time for him to stop watching the paint dry and finish the damn job.

[Banedon]

Even though Mahay is gone, Phil Rogers thinks the Cubs are still thinking about giving up Pie for Laird. That's just so ridiculous it's almost not worth mentioning....

 

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports_hardball/2007/07/no-mahay-but-wh.html

[rickrolled]

Phil Rogers needs to shut up

[jersey cubs fan]

Even though Mahay is gone, Phil Rogers thinks the Cubs are still thinking about giving up Pie for Laird. That's just so ridiculous it's almost not worth mentioning....

 

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports_hardball/2007/07/no-mahay-but-wh.html

 

I'm not one who has noticed or thought that the Trib covers the Cubs more than the Sox. I just haven't paid enough attention over the years. BUT, lately I've definitely noticed the Sox have been getting about 3 articles/links per day, while the Cubs seem to be getting about 5 or so. Here's a concrete example....take a look at this blog section at the moment...the last 10 posts have 7 Cubs posts and 3 general baseball posts. That leaves the Sox with a grand total of 0. I know that this has been a tough year, but I'm not sure the reporting would be in the same favor of the Sox if the tables were turned. And it's not like the Sox don't have anything going on or worth discussing at the moment.

 

Yes I'm a Sox fan, but I've been noticing this trend for weeks now, which may simply be a result of bandwagon jumping (on the cubs and off the sox) and the trib trying to take advantage of that. I do think it's worth pointing out though. I look forward to the sale of the Cubs from the Trib so this possible conflict of interest is forever done away with...

 

...or maybe Gonzalez and Van Dyck are just being lazy!!! ;)

 

Posted by: Drew | Jul 30, 2007 12:43:00 PM

[TysonCBulls423]

if that happens...I don't know what I'll do but I will be awfully upset

[Banedon]

Even though Mahay is gone, Phil Rogers thinks the Cubs are still thinking about giving up Pie for Laird. That's just so ridiculous it's almost not worth mentioning....

 

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports_hardball/2007/07/no-mahay-but-wh.html

 

I'm not one who has noticed or thought that the Trib covers the Cubs more than the Sox. I just haven't paid enough attention over the years. BUT, lately I've definitely noticed the Sox have been getting about 3 articles/links per day, while the Cubs seem to be getting about 5 or so. Here's a concrete example....take a look at this blog section at the moment...the last 10 posts have 7 Cubs posts and 3 general baseball posts. That leaves the Sox with a grand total of 0. I know that this has been a tough year, but I'm not sure the reporting would be in the same favor of the Sox if the tables were turned. And it's not like the Sox don't have anything going on or worth discussing at the moment.

 

Yes I'm a Sox fan, but I've been noticing this trend for weeks now, which may simply be a result of bandwagon jumping (on the cubs and off the sox) and the trib trying to take advantage of that. I do think it's worth pointing out though. I look forward to the sale of the Cubs from the Trib so this possible conflict of interest is forever done away with...

 

...or maybe Gonzalez and Van Dyck are just being lazy!!! ;)

 

Posted by: Drew | Jul 30, 2007 12:43:00 PM

 

Hmm...I've never seen Drew and Goony in the same place at the same time...hmmm.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Even though Mahay is gone, Phil Rogers thinks the Cubs are still thinking about giving up Pie for Laird. That's just so ridiculous it's almost not worth mentioning....

 

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports_hardball/2007/07/no-mahay-but-wh.html

 

I'm not one who has noticed or thought that the Trib covers the Cubs more than the Sox. I just haven't paid enough attention over the years. BUT, lately I've definitely noticed the Sox have been getting about 3 articles/links per day, while the Cubs seem to be getting about 5 or so. Here's a concrete example....take a look at this blog section at the moment...the last 10 posts have 7 Cubs posts and 3 general baseball posts. That leaves the Sox with a grand total of 0. I know that this has been a tough year, but I'm not sure the reporting would be in the same favor of the Sox if the tables were turned. And it's not like the Sox don't have anything going on or worth discussing at the moment.

 

Yes I'm a Sox fan, but I've been noticing this trend for weeks now, which may simply be a result of bandwagon jumping (on the cubs and off the sox) and the trib trying to take advantage of that. I do think it's worth pointing out though. I look forward to the sale of the Cubs from the Trib so this possible conflict of interest is forever done away with...

 

...or maybe Gonzalez and Van Dyck are just being lazy!!! ;)

 

Posted by: Drew | Jul 30, 2007 12:43:00 PM

 

I remember when WSI used to keep a running count of how the Cubs were favored by the media. It was hilarious.

[Elrhino]

Even though Mahay is gone, Phil Rogers thinks the Cubs are still thinking about giving up Pie for Laird. That's just so ridiculous it's almost not worth mentioning....

 

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports_hardball/2007/07/no-mahay-but-wh.html

 

At this point, I'm eagerly awaiting the trading deadline to pass without any more moves. Every trade rumor that leaks out scares me more and more. Everytime I hear a "breaking news" flash on my sports talk radio, my stomach sinks.

 

And the rumor circulating here in Texas is Laird and Gagne for Pie + pieces.

Edited July 30, 2007 by Elrhino

[TheDude]

Laird? He of the sub-.300 OBP and sub-.700 OPS? For Pie? That is absolutely [expletive].

[Flames24Rulz]

Well, Levine is saying that the Cubs are happy with what they have. I would hope that he can't be serious because of the weaknesses that we have on offense. Now Rogers is saying something as ludicrous as Pie for Laird. So what is it? I really don't think any of these guys have a clue to what is going on.

[inari]

What about something along the lines of Pie, Veal, and Murton for Salty and Gagne? Would they laugh us out of the building or is that a legitamate offer?

[TheDude]

What about something along the lines of Pie, Veal, and Murton for Salty and Gagne? Would they laugh us out of the building or is that a legitamate offer?

 

That isn't even close to realistic offer.

[jersey cubs fan]

Well, Levine is saying that the Cubs are happy with what they have. I would hope that he can't be serious because of the weaknesses that we have on offense. Now Rogers is saying something as ludicrous as Pie for Laird. So what is it? I really don't think any of these guys have a clue to what is going on.

 

Well, they could both be right. The Cubs could be happy with what they have, and since Laird is an unproductive catcher, and they have plenty of those, the Cubs could be happy adding another.

[NCCubFan]

If the Cubs trade Pie for Laird Hendry better arrange police protection to keep him safe from the lynch mob. :twisted:

[RynoRules]

If the Cubs trade Pie for Laird Hendry better arrange police protection to keep him safe from the lynch mob. :twisted:

 

I know I don't normally say this kind of thing, but I'd be leading the charge.

 

"Have fun storming the castle!!!"

[USSoccer]

Trading Pie for that mess of crap would be easily the worst trade of the Hendry era.

[RyCubsFan]

Pie for Laird makes no sense...and I'm sure that Hendry knows it. I don't see him trading Pie right now.

 

I do question the interest in Laird. I don't see him being all that different from Soto...