Monroe to Cubs for PTBNL / Coats DFA'd

[jersey cubs fan]

besides the Pierre trade, how has he "torn our minor leagues apart"? Seems more like a lot of prospects simply didn't work out

 

You have been around long enough to know that people who treat Hendry like he shot their dog will not let facts get in the way of their arguments.

 

Why do you see fit to make yourself the commentary critic of NSBB? What makes you superior to us mere mortals? Tell me please, I'd really like to know. Was it your upbringing or your education? Enlighten us all with your wisdom.

 

Please get over it.

 

I was hardly commenting on all of NSBB. My comment was directed at a vocal minority who seem to allow their hate of Jim Hendry to color their opinions.

The irony of your post is that you often respond to hyperbole with sarcasm. So when you take that tact it's "ok", but when others do it it's not?

 

Here's a thought: If you don't like what I post, put me on ignore or pm a mod. Otherwise, quit trolling everything I write.

 

Anybody in particular?

[RynoRules]

So did I miss when Hendry brought a World Series to Chicago with 100 + million payroll in basically every year hes been here? Hendry has destroyed what was a top 3 minor league system when he got here, and hasnt won anything in Chicago. The Cubs under Hendry have either been average, or below average since he got here, and thats with a 100+ million payroll to work with, but for those of you who like mediocrity go ahead and keep praising Hendry, because that is exactly what he has brought to this team since being the GM of Chicago.

Cool down. I don't think many people here are praising Hendry's job as GM. I know I'm not. We're just saying this is a smart move.

 

There are some who are saying this is a smart move, but there is an awful lot of Hendry ass kissing going on in this thread by some people.

 

What a stupid remark.

 

What a stupid remark. Boy, it sure is fun adding nothing to a discussion with ignorant posts like that huh?

 

Yes, yes, and stating that there is a lot of people kissing Hendry's posterior is very insightful and helpful to the convo.

 

I don't know why it bugs me b/c I think Hendry's overall performance as GM has been below avg at best, but I hate it when people fire low-ball insults at anyone who likes him. I find it equally annoying when he and Piniella are called "stupid" or "idiot". I just think there is a better way.

[soapy]

It seems clear to me Monroe will be taking Murton's spot, for the most part. Trammel didn't seem to think CF would be Monroe's forte. Something along the lines of, "he can play CF in a pinch".

 

That's too bad because I think Murton has the better long-term potential. As for 2007, it may not make much difference. I certainly prefer Murton, but he hasn't exactly been tearing up lefties the way he has in the past.

 

It's been hashed and re-hashed, but I wish we could have seen more of Murton in the first half of the season to have a better gauge of what he can do. Certainly he performed last year (and 2005) and should have been given more time this year over Floyd.

[CubinNY]

It seems clear to me Monroe will be taking Murton's spot, for the most part. Trammel didn't seem to think CF would be Monroe's forte. Something along the lines of, "he can play CF in a pinch".

 

That's too bad because I think Murton has the better long-term potential. As for 2007, it may not make much difference. I certainly prefer Murton, but he hasn't exactly been tearing up lefties the way he has in the past.

 

It's been hashed and re-hashed, but I wish we could have seen more of Murton in the first half of the season to have a better gauge of what he can do. Certainly he performed last year (and 2005) and should have been given more time this year over Floyd.

 

Just to add on to that.

 

The most games he's played in CF in one season was 33. I suspect it was because of an injury. In all other seasons he's played CF in less than a dozen games/year.

[Keener98]

So did I miss when Hendry brought a World Series to Chicago with 100 + million payroll in basically every year hes been here? Hendry has destroyed what was a top 3 minor league system when he got here, and hasnt won anything in Chicago. The Cubs under Hendry have either been average, or below average since he got here, and thats with a 100+ million payroll to work with, but for those of you who like mediocrity go ahead and keep praising Hendry, because that is exactly what he has brought to this team since being the GM of Chicago.

Cool down. I don't think many people here are praising Hendry's job as GM. I know I'm not. We're just saying this is a smart move.

 

There are some who are saying this is a smart move, but there is an awful lot of Hendry ass kissing going on in this thread by some people.

 

What a stupid remark.

 

What a stupid remark. Boy, it sure is fun adding nothing to a discussion with ignorant posts like that huh?

 

Yes, yes, and stating that there is a lot of people kissing Hendry's posterior is very insightful and helpful to the convo.

 

I don't know why it bugs me b/c I think Hendry's overall performance as GM has been below avg at best, but I hate it when people fire low-ball insults at anyone who likes him. I find it equally annoying when he and Piniella are called "stupid" or "idiot". I just think there is a better

 

way.

 

If you read this thread there are alot of people basically kissing Hendrys ass, saying "hes got us to the playoffs", "he got us DLee and ARam" etc...

I just really dont understand how at this point in Hendrys regime, people can still be praising him, and saying hes done an ok job.

[jersey cubs fan]

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=24253

"He's 30 years old, so he's certainly got a lot left in the tank," Hendry said. "Our scouts feel that he can really add something to the table, especially against lefties. After that, his time will be dictated by how he does."

 

 

Whoa doctor, Hendry and his love for the 30 year olds. Are we looking forward to a 2008 OF that features Monroe and his .258/.303/.448 97 OPS+ career line in a prominent position?

 

I really hope we only see this guy on the roster for the next 10 weeks.

[soapy]

It seems clear to me Monroe will be taking Murton's spot, for the most part. Trammel didn't seem to think CF would be Monroe's forte. Something along the lines of, "he can play CF in a pinch".

 

That's too bad because I think Murton has the better long-term potential. As for 2007, it may not make much difference. I certainly prefer Murton, but he hasn't exactly been tearing up lefties the way he has in the past.

 

It's been hashed and re-hashed, but I wish we could have seen more of Murton in the first half of the season to have a better gauge of what he can do. Certainly he performed last year (and 2005) and should have been given more time this year over Floyd.

 

Just to add on to that.

 

The most games he's played in CF in one season was 33. I suspect it was because of an injury. In all other seasons he's played CF in less than a dozen games/year.

 

Right. Hey, if he's going to play CF against LHP, that's great. I'd love to see it. I'm just not sure that's going to be the case based on what I'm hearing from the Cubs at this point. I suspect he's more likely to play in place of Murton against LHP. I hope not.

 

We've been through this before. Lou just doesn't seem to be a big fan of Murton, which is a shame.

[RynoRules]

So did I miss when Hendry brought a World Series to Chicago with 100 + million payroll in basically every year hes been here? Hendry has destroyed what was a top 3 minor league system when he got here, and hasnt won anything in Chicago. The Cubs under Hendry have either been average, or below average since he got here, and thats with a 100+ million payroll to work with, but for those of you who like mediocrity go ahead and keep praising Hendry, because that is exactly what he has brought to this team since being the GM of Chicago.

Cool down. I don't think many people here are praising Hendry's job as GM. I know I'm not. We're just saying this is a smart move.

 

There are some who are saying this is a smart move, but there is an awful lot of Hendry ass kissing going on in this thread by some people.

 

What a stupid remark.

 

What a stupid remark. Boy, it sure is fun adding nothing to a discussion with ignorant posts like that huh?

 

Yes, yes, and stating that there is a lot of people kissing Hendry's posterior is very insightful and helpful to the convo.

 

I don't know why it bugs me b/c I think Hendry's overall performance as GM has been below avg at best, but I hate it when people fire low-ball insults at anyone who likes him. I find it equally annoying when he and Piniella are called "stupid" or "idiot". I just think there is a better

 

way.

 

If you read this thread there are alot of people basically kissing Hendrys ass, saying "hes got us to the playoffs", "he got us DLee and ARam" etc...

I just really dont understand how at this point in Hendrys regime, people can still be praising him, and saying hes done an ok job.

 

I get it and agree. I just did not like your methedology. Carry on.

[RynoRules]

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=24253

"He's 30 years old, so he's certainly got a lot left in the tank," Hendry said. "Our scouts feel that he can really add something to the table, especially against lefties. After that, his time will be dictated by how he does."

 

 

Whoa doctor, Hendry and his love for the 30 year olds. Are we looking forward to a 2008 OF that features Monroe and his .258/.303/.448 97 OPS+ career line in a prominent position?

 

I really hope we only see this guy on the roster for the next 10 weeks.

 

Hopefully the last line in that quote indicates that Hendry agrees with you.

[XZero771679666304]

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=24253

"He's 30 years old, so he's certainly got a lot left in the tank," Hendry said. "Our scouts feel that he can really add something to the table, especially against lefties. After that, his time will be dictated by how he does."

 

 

Whoa doctor, Hendry and his love for the 30 year olds. Are we looking forward to a 2008 OF that features Monroe and his .258/.303/.448 97 OPS+ career line in a prominent position?

 

I really hope we only see this guy on the roster for the next 10 weeks.

 

I think he pretty much said it right there. If Monroe performs like he is likely to perform, he will probably only be with the team for the remainder of the season.

 

Now if he tears it up for the next 10 weeks.....

 

Of course when the time comes, there is no guarantee Jim will be the one making the decision whether to keep him or not.

[jersey cubs fan]

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=24253

"He's 30 years old, so he's certainly got a lot left in the tank," Hendry said. "Our scouts feel that he can really add something to the table, especially against lefties. After that, his time will be dictated by how he does."

 

 

Whoa doctor, Hendry and his love for the 30 year olds. Are we looking forward to a 2008 OF that features Monroe and his .258/.303/.448 97 OPS+ career line in a prominent position?

 

I really hope we only see this guy on the roster for the next 10 weeks.

 

I think he pretty much said it right there. If Monroe performs like he is likely to perform, he will probably only be with the team for the remainder of the season.

 

Now if he tears it up for the next 10 weeks.....

 

Of course when the time comes, there is no guarantee Jim will be the one making the decision whether to keep him or not.

 

The question then is, what would Jim consider to be tearing it up? I'd imagine Monroe could come up with some big timely hits and homers, and be considered by some to be tearing it up, while still actually putting up some seriously pathetic numbers overall.

 

Regardless, even if he does do something like OPS 900 the rest of the way, does that justify trying to keep a guy like Monroe around? His peak is clearly in his past, his age 27 season .293/.337/.488 115 OPS+ (which, oddly enough, was heavily weighted toward hitting RHP). He pulled back to his more normal numbers as he approached 30, and is now nothing more than one trick pony. Granted, that trick is fun and all, and I've got no problem with him being on the team right now. But any sort of attempt to bring him back next year at anything more than a nominal one year contract would be very foolish, regardless of how he finishes up 2007.

 

 

 

*I'm operating on the assumption that Hendry will be very much involved in decision making this offseason until I see the actual news release of his dismissal. He's already lasted 2 more seasons than he deserved and is signed through 2008.

[XZero771679666304]

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=24253

"He's 30 years old, so he's certainly got a lot left in the tank," Hendry said. "Our scouts feel that he can really add something to the table, especially against lefties. After that, his time will be dictated by how he does."

 

 

Whoa doctor, Hendry and his love for the 30 year olds. Are we looking forward to a 2008 OF that features Monroe and his .258/.303/.448 97 OPS+ career line in a prominent position?

 

I really hope we only see this guy on the roster for the next 10 weeks.

 

I think he pretty much said it right there. If Monroe performs like he is likely to perform, he will probably only be with the team for the remainder of the season.

 

Now if he tears it up for the next 10 weeks.....

 

Of course when the time comes, there is no guarantee Jim will be the one making the decision whether to keep him or not.

 

The question then is, what would Jim consider to be tearing it up? I'd imagine Monroe could come up with some big timely hits and homers, and be considered by some to be tearing it up, while still actually putting up some seriously pathetic numbers overall.

 

Regardless, even if he does do something like OPS 900 the rest of the way, does that justify trying to keep a guy like Monroe around? His peak is clearly in his past, his age 27 season .293/.337/.488 115 OPS+ (which, oddly enough, was heavily weighted toward hitting RHP). He pulled back to his more normal numbers as he approached 30, and is now nothing more than one trick pony. Granted, that trick is fun and all, and I've got no problem with him being on the team right now. But any sort of attempt to bring him back next year at anything more than a nominal one year contract would be very foolish, regardless of how he finishes up 2007.

 

I totally agree. I can totally see Hendry re-signing him, which is why I hope the decision is made by a new GM.

[CUBZ99]

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=24253

"He's 30 years old, so he's certainly got a lot left in the tank," Hendry said. "Our scouts feel that he can really add something to the table, especially against lefties. After that, his time will be dictated by how he does."

 

 

Whoa doctor, Hendry and his love for the 30 year olds. Are we looking forward to a 2008 OF that features Monroe and his .258/.303/.448 97 OPS+ career line in a prominent position?

 

I really hope we only see this guy on the roster for the next 10 weeks.

 

I think he pretty much said it right there. If Monroe performs like he is likely to perform, he will probably only be with the team for the remainder of the season.

 

Now if he tears it up for the next 10 weeks.....

 

Of course when the time comes, there is no guarantee Jim will be the one making the decision whether to keep him or not.

 

The question then is, what would Jim consider to be tearing it up? I'd imagine Monroe could come up with some big timely hits and homers, and be considered by some to be tearing it up, while still actually putting up some seriously pathetic numbers overall.

 

Regardless, even if he does do something like OPS 900 the rest of the way, does that justify trying to keep a guy like Monroe around? His peak is clearly in his past, his age 27 season .293/.337/.488 115 OPS+ (which, oddly enough, was heavily weighted toward hitting RHP). He pulled back to his more normal numbers as he approached 30, and is now nothing more than one trick pony. Granted, that trick is fun and all, and I've got no problem with him being on the team right now. But any sort of attempt to bring him back next year at anything more than a nominal one year contract would be very foolish, regardless of how he finishes up 2007.

 

I totally agree. I can totally see Hendry re-signing him, which is why I hope the decision is made by a new GM.

 

First of all your assuming that Hendry will be the person that gets to make the decision as to whether Monroe is re-signed or not. That is a pretty big assumption considering that if the Cubs do not go deep into the playoffs (or win the WS), this season will be viewed as a gigantic failure by everyone. I can't see him lasting too long at that point.

 

Second, it is not a dumb move to give a struggling player encouragement. I hope nobody expected Hendry to say "We signed him to be a part-time player for this year, and after that we don't have any use for him."

[CUBZ99]

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=24253

"He's 30 years old, so he's certainly got a lot left in the tank," Hendry said. "Our scouts feel that he can really add something to the table, especially against lefties. After that, his time will be dictated by how he does."

 

 

Whoa doctor, Hendry and his love for the 30 year olds. Are we looking forward to a 2008 OF that features Monroe and his .258/.303/.448 97 OPS+ career line in a prominent position?

 

I really hope we only see this guy on the roster for the next 10 weeks.

 

I think he pretty much said it right there. If Monroe performs like he is likely to perform, he will probably only be with the team for the remainder of the season.

 

Now if he tears it up for the next 10 weeks.....

 

Of course when the time comes, there is no guarantee Jim will be the one making the decision whether to keep him or not.

 

The question then is, what would Jim consider to be tearing it up? I'd imagine Monroe could come up with some big timely hits and homers, and be considered by some to be tearing it up, while still actually putting up some seriously pathetic numbers overall.

 

Regardless, even if he does do something like OPS 900 the rest of the way, does that justify trying to keep a guy like Monroe around? His peak is clearly in his past, his age 27 season .293/.337/.488 115 OPS+ (which, oddly enough, was heavily weighted toward hitting RHP). He pulled back to his more normal numbers as he approached 30, and is now nothing more than one trick pony. Granted, that trick is fun and all, and I've got no problem with him being on the team right now. But any sort of attempt to bring him back next year at anything more than a nominal one year contract would be very foolish, regardless of how he finishes up 2007.

 

 

 

*I'm operating on the assumption that Hendry will be very much involved in decision making this offseason until I see the actual news release of his dismissal. He's already lasted 2 more seasons than he deserved and is signed through 2008.

 

Should have read gooney's post before my other post. Well put. I doubt Hendry will be making any decisions if the Cubs fail to go deep into the post season. I don't view Hendry's comments as any thing more, than encouragement for Monroe. I'm sure he wants Monroe to feel he has a fresh start, and not dwell on the rest of his terrible season this year. I don't see any way the Cubs would have room for him beyond this year, in any role beside a pinch hitter.

[hawkeyecub]

I think worst case scenario is that Hendry brings him back to play the same role he was acquired to play this year. We all know Hendry's act and how he (understandably) talks up everyone's skills and talents beyond reality when they're acquired.

Every time he's talked about Monroe he's either emphasized that he can hit lefties and can be a right-handed bat off the bench. I think he's made it clear that he doesn't see him as an everyday player.

[XZero771679666304]

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=24253

"He's 30 years old, so he's certainly got a lot left in the tank," Hendry said. "Our scouts feel that he can really add something to the table, especially against lefties. After that, his time will be dictated by how he does."

 

 

Whoa doctor, Hendry and his love for the 30 year olds. Are we looking forward to a 2008 OF that features Monroe and his .258/.303/.448 97 OPS+ career line in a prominent position?

 

I really hope we only see this guy on the roster for the next 10 weeks.

 

I think he pretty much said it right there. If Monroe performs like he is likely to perform, he will probably only be with the team for the remainder of the season.

 

Now if he tears it up for the next 10 weeks.....

 

Of course when the time comes, there is no guarantee Jim will be the one making the decision whether to keep him or not.

 

The question then is, what would Jim consider to be tearing it up? I'd imagine Monroe could come up with some big timely hits and homers, and be considered by some to be tearing it up, while still actually putting up some seriously pathetic numbers overall.

 

Regardless, even if he does do something like OPS 900 the rest of the way, does that justify trying to keep a guy like Monroe around? His peak is clearly in his past, his age 27 season .293/.337/.488 115 OPS+ (which, oddly enough, was heavily weighted toward hitting RHP). He pulled back to his more normal numbers as he approached 30, and is now nothing more than one trick pony. Granted, that trick is fun and all, and I've got no problem with him being on the team right now. But any sort of attempt to bring him back next year at anything more than a nominal one year contract would be very foolish, regardless of how he finishes up 2007.

 

I totally agree. I can totally see Hendry re-signing him, which is why I hope the decision is made by a new GM.

 

First of all your assuming that Hendry will be the person that gets to make the decision as to whether Monroe is re-signed or not. That is a pretty big assumption considering that if the Cubs do not go deep into the playoffs (or win the WS), this season will be viewed as a gigantic failure by everyone. I can't see him lasting too long at that point.

 

Second, it is not a dumb move to give a struggling player encouragement. I hope nobody expected Hendry to say "We signed him to be a part-time player for this year, and after that we don't have any use for him."

 

I am not assuming anything about Hendry's future, as my posts show. Secondly, Hendry said exactly what he should have said. What he may be thinking is another matter altogether.

 

 

I like the move, in and of itself. I have no problem whatsoever giving up Rapada or Cotts for Monroe. Hendry traded a spare part for a potentially very useful one, at least for the stretch drive.

 

However, he does have a track record a keeping a lot of the extra parts he acquires far beyond their usefulness, much to the team's detriment.

[CubColtPacer]

It seems clear to me Monroe will be taking Murton's spot, for the most part. Trammel didn't seem to think CF would be Monroe's forte. Something along the lines of, "he can play CF in a pinch".

 

That's too bad because I think Murton has the better long-term potential. As for 2007, it may not make much difference. I certainly prefer Murton, but he hasn't exactly been tearing up lefties the way he has in the past.

 

It's been hashed and re-hashed, but I wish we could have seen more of Murton in the first half of the season to have a better gauge of what he can do. Certainly he performed last year (and 2005) and should have been given more time this year over Floyd.

 

Just to add on to that.

 

The most games he's played in CF in one season was 33. I suspect it was because of an injury. In all other seasons he's played CF in less than a dozen games/year.

 

He also played 27 games there in 2004 in addition to the 33 in 2005.

 

In 2006 and 2007, he hasn't played much center, but that's understandable considering Granderson started 143 games there last year and has started 110 games there already this year.

 

He's certainly played enough there to be considered a candidate out there, and both Lou and Hendry emphasized that he can play all 3 OF positions, so I don't think they will be hesitant to put him out there.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

It seems clear to me Monroe will be taking Murton's spot, for the most part. Trammel didn't seem to think CF would be Monroe's forte. Something along the lines of, "he can play CF in a pinch".

 

That's too bad because I think Murton has the better long-term potential. As for 2007, it may not make much difference. I certainly prefer Murton, but he hasn't exactly been tearing up lefties the way he has in the past.

 

It's been hashed and re-hashed, but I wish we could have seen more of Murton in the first half of the season to have a better gauge of what he can do. Certainly he performed last year (and 2005) and should have been given more time this year over Floyd.

 

Just to add on to that.

 

The most games he's played in CF in one season was 33. I suspect it was because of an injury. In all other seasons he's played CF in less than a dozen games/year.

 

He also played 27 games there in 2004 in addition to the 33 in 2005.

 

In 2006 and 2007, he hasn't played much center, but that's understandable considering Granderson started 143 games there last year and has started 110 games there already this year.

 

He's certainly played enough there to be considered a candidate out there, and both Lou and Hendry emphasized that he can play all 3 OF positions, so I don't think they will be hesitant to put him out there.

 

In 2004-2005 the alternatives were Nook Logan and Alex Sanchez in CF.

[jersey cubs fan]

I doubt Hendry will be making any decisions if the Cubs fail to go deep into the post season. I don't view Hendry's comments as any thing more, than encouragement for Monroe. I'm sure he wants Monroe to feel he has a fresh start, and not dwell on the rest of his terrible season this year. I don't see any way the Cubs would have room for him beyond this year, in any role beside a pinch hitter.

 

I'm not so sure success of 2007 will determine Hendry's job status at all. I think it depends greatly on when the ownership change takes place. The earlier, the better chance they overhaul the front office. If it's not for a while, then I think the current regime remains status quo. If they tank from now until October, then maybe they make a move to placate the fans. But a deep run into the playoffs is not necessary. Even if they miss the playoffs, they will spin anything above .500 as a tremendous success, coming off last year's failure.

 

I understand the making the guy feel good routine. The problem is I've seen Hendry make new guys feel good by offering unwarrented extensions to people like Neifi, Rusch, Blanco and Alfonseca.

 

It seems pretty clear to me the Cubs have more or less given up on Murton. There has to be some thought about 2008 right now, and more likely than not, they will have to go with a relatively cheap RF, given all their other financial commitments.

[biittner77]

Hendry probably looks at it this way. He needed a platoon partner for Jones in RF and Monroe fits that role. If He can find a vet RH CF to back up Pie his OF for next year is set. If Pie emerges as the player most think he can become the lineup looks like this:

 

Soriano

Theriot

Lee

Ramirez

Jones/ Monroe

Derosa

Pie/ Jay Payton type guy

Kendall/ Soto

 

Hendry is probably OK with this lineup since it is basically the same as the one now and that lineup- in Hendry's eyes is good enough for the NL Central.

 

If Pie develops, Theriot stays productive and Hendry adds another starting pitcher to push Marquis back to the 5th spot then they probably can win the NL Central.

[CubColtPacer]

It seems clear to me Monroe will be taking Murton's spot, for the most part. Trammel didn't seem to think CF would be Monroe's forte. Something along the lines of, "he can play CF in a pinch".

 

That's too bad because I think Murton has the better long-term potential. As for 2007, it may not make much difference. I certainly prefer Murton, but he hasn't exactly been tearing up lefties the way he has in the past.

 

It's been hashed and re-hashed, but I wish we could have seen more of Murton in the first half of the season to have a better gauge of what he can do. Certainly he performed last year (and 2005) and should have been given more time this year over Floyd.

 

Just to add on to that.

 

The most games he's played in CF in one season was 33. I suspect it was because of an injury. In all other seasons he's played CF in less than a dozen games/year.

 

He also played 27 games there in 2004 in addition to the 33 in 2005.

 

In 2006 and 2007, he hasn't played much center, but that's understandable considering Granderson started 143 games there last year and has started 110 games there already this year.

 

He's certainly played enough there to be considered a candidate out there, and both Lou and Hendry emphasized that he can play all 3 OF positions, so I don't think they will be hesitant to put him out there.

 

In 2004-2005 the alternatives were Nook Logan and Alex Sanchez in CF.

 

Agreed. Basically Monroe is kind of like Jacque Jones. Can he play CF? Yes. His true position is at one of the corners, but if your team does not have a true CF he can play there and not be awful.

[Burtonbell]

 

Agreed. Basically Monroe is kind of like Jacque Jones. Can he play CF? Yes. His true position is at one of the corners, but if your team does not have a true CF he can play there and not be awful.

 

It took you one post to describe how I feel about him.

I don't know why it took me like 15 to do the same yesterday. I will blame the storms!

[Guest]

According to a Trib article, Detroit possibly wants Clay Rapada or Neal Cotts in return. I imagine this will take place after the season when the Cubs can move a player from the 40 man roster. It seems like an awful lot to pay for Monroe--if this is true.

 

Detroit is speculating that it's Rapada.

 

"Leyland stopped short of disclosing the traded player, but speculation is centered on Clay Rapada, who is 6-2 with a 3.74 ERA at Triple-A Iowa."

 

link

 

Rapada is on the 40-man, which means he'd have to clear waivers to be traded. Pretty doubtful that a cheap lefty reliever with decent numbers makes it through waivers.

 

As a PTBNL, Rapada can be traded after the season is over and he wouldn't have to worry about clearing waivers. A PTBNL can't be on the 25-man at the time of the trade or any time after until he's traded, so if Rapada (or Cotts) joins the Cubs once rosters expand, we can easily scratch them off the list.

[jersey cubs fan]

If the Cubs do keep Monroe for next season, and platoon him with Jones in RF, with Pie in center, on the surface, it might sound good. But think about that OF OBP. The AVG OBP in the NL this year is .332. That includes, obviously, pitchers, catchers, middle infielders and bench players. Last year it was .334. Right now, only Soriano is above that level, at just .336. But he's only surpassed that number twice in his career and is a career .327 guy. Pie is certainly no great bet to beat the .332 mark next season (and neither would a dark horse candidate like Colvin). Monroe and Jones would seem to be a potentially great platoon in right, but neither is a sure thing to succeed against the opposing armed pitchers. Jones has just a .318 OBP against RHP this year, and Monroe is .317 vs LHP. Of the two, Jones is the only one with a relatively decent OBP against his potential platoon, at .341 for his career. Monroe is just .322 career vs LHP. And of course Soriano, Monroe and Jones would all be more than a few years past their prime producing ages.

 

You might see above average power out of that OF (might), but more likely than not, you'll be getting below average OBP, and in comparison to other OF, well below average. The last thing this team needs is more weakness in the OBP department.

[davearm]

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=24253

"He's 30 years old, so he's certainly got a lot left in the tank," Hendry said. "Our scouts feel that he can really add something to the table, especially against lefties. After that, his time will be dictated by how he does."

 

 

Whoa doctor, Hendry and his love for the 30 year olds. Are we looking forward to a 2008 OF that features Monroe and his .258/.303/.448 97 OPS+ career line in a prominent position?

 

I really hope we only see this guy on the roster for the next 10 weeks.

More needless piling on and assuming all sorts of facts not in evidence.

 

The evidence suggests Hendry and co. see Monroe as the RH equivalent of Randall Simon or Daryle Ward -- a useful reserve/spot starter with a specialized skillset (in this case hitting LHP) and some defensive flexibility.

 

There's absolutely nothing here to suggest that Hendry's got bigger plans than that for the guy, either now or in the future.

 

And so what if the guy's 30? That's not even close to old for a typical ballplayer. Hendry's right to expect he's still got a lot left in the tank.

 

You're really reaching to find fault with Hendry for making this deal.