Monroe to Cubs for PTBNL / Coats DFA'd

[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.

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.

 

You are really clueless. I've said multiple times I don't have a problem with the deal.

 

I'm merely raising an eyebrow to some comments by Hendry, comments that align themselves with his tendancy to provide unwarrented contract offers to undeserving players.

 

The point about 30 is Hendry clearly doesn't understand the concept of players' prime years. Over and over it's been shown the prime of a career is 26-29, but Hendry repeatedly acts as though prime years are in the 30's.

[davearm]

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.

Right now we've got Jones playing against both LHP and RHP.

 

Tell me, does adding Monroe into the mix to face the LHPs strengthen or weaken the OBP situation?

[jersey cubs fan]

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.

Right now we've got Jones playing against both LHP and RHP.

 

Tell me, does adding Monroe into the mix to face the LHPs strengthen or weaken the OBP situation?

 

Try and keep up man.

[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.

 

You are really clueless. I've said multiple times I don't have a problem with the deal.

 

I'm merely raising an eyebrow to some comments by Hendry, comments that align themselves with his tendancy to provide unwarrented contract offers to undeserving players.

 

The point about 30 is Hendry clearly doesn't understand the concept of players' prime years. Over and over it's been shown the prime of a career is 26-29, but Hendry repeatedly acts as though prime years are in the 30's.

Once again, the evidence just doesn't support the rant.

 

The Cubs' roster is right in the middle of MLB in terms of average age.

 

The Cubs' oldest player is 35. Every team in baseball except Washington has at least one player older than that. 13 teams have 40 year olds.

 

And oh by the way, the teams that have the oldest rosters also happen to be the best ones (NYY, NYM, BOS), while the teams that have the youngest rosters also happen to be the worst ones (TB, FLA, PGH).

 

Yes, Hendry and his alleged fascination with 30 year old ballplayers is just killing the Cubs.

[Guest]

You are really clueless.

You know better than this...

[davearm]

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.

Right now we've got Jones playing against both LHP and RHP.

 

Tell me, does adding Monroe into the mix to face the LHPs strengthen or weaken the OBP situation?

 

Try and keep up man.

Answer the question.

 

Jones + Monroe > Jones. Yes or no.

 

Nobody but you has said word one about next year. Although the same algebra would apply then, too.

[hawkeyecub]

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.

 

I was thinking about this type of thing yesterday.

Considering our current situation and the market this offseason, there aren't a lot of options to put together a productive OF for '08. One could be to trade Murton in a package for Burrell, move Soriano to RF and have Jones/Monroe platoon in CF. You've got a very good chance at getting an .800 OPS out of all three spots with the corners having a higher ceiling.

I don't think the Phillies will be asking much for Pat this winter and would probably gladly eat some cash if we send Murt and a couple mid-level prospects.

 

Of course this outfield would be dreadful defensively so it's not very realistic, but it's about the best, most realistic offensive option I can come up with.

If we go with Soriano, Pie, Jones & Monroe/Murton we're going to need Lee to get his power back, and get solid production from the C spot. Then again Pie having a Corey Hart-type year would be just fine also.

[cubweiser03]

Craig better have a couple more of those late season come from behind walk off HR's left in his bat. Thats about all he was good for the Tigers last year.

[abuck1220]

 

Of course this outfield would be dreadful defensively so it's not very realistic, but it's about the best, most realistic offensive option I can come up with.

 

if the cubs are comfortable throwing a defensive OF of floyd, jones and fox/ward out there in the midst of a pennant chase, i think they could more than get by with soriano, pie, burrell.

 

the cubs are in a position where they really have to make a hard push for dunn or burrell this offseason. arod would work too (moving derosa to rf and theriot to 2b).

[hawkeyecub]

 

Of course this outfield would be dreadful defensively so it's not very realistic, but it's about the best, most realistic offensive option I can come up with.

 

if the cubs are comfortable throwing a defensive OF of floyd, jones and fox/ward out there in the midst of a pennant chase, i think they could more than get by with soriano, pie, burrell.

 

With Pie in there that would be adequate, but I was talking about Jones/Monroe in CF with Pat and Soriano on the corners.

[SouthSideRyan]

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.

 

In 2007, the alternative is Jacque vs. lefties.

[Bruno7481]

Stop the presses, Christina Karhl at BP actually had a positive review of the Monroe trade.

 

I'm stunned.

[hawkeyecub]

Stop the presses, Christina Karhl at BP actually had a positive review of the Monroe trade.

 

I'm stunned.

 

Can you give a summary of what she/they said?

[seanimal]

I'm as ready to bang on Monroe for his limitations as the next stathead, but I actually like this well enough for the Cubs. He's coming over to the weaker league—just ask Jason Kendall if that hasn't made a difference—plus he's a guy who can play some center for a club that needs a center fielder. Most importantly, he makes an easy platoon partner for Jacque Jones or Cliff Floyd, having pasted southpaws to a pulp at a .302/.317/.542 clip. He's simply not suited for everyday play, but as long as the Cubs get that, this is an outstanding little move. It might not be perfect for those of us who'd have liked to have Matt Murton or Felix Pie get clean shots at jobs months ago, but a pair of platoons plus Alfonso Soriano in the outfield simply isn't all that bad a scenario. Heck, if you've got the opportunity to mix and match Murton, Floyd, Jones, and Monroe, double-switching in-game, beyond having some ability to actually contribute to the runs the infield plus Soriano are generating, that's actually a potentially fun lineup to follow for those of us watching the games and digging into the boxes every A.M.

[Drew Doughty]

when i think "pasting southpaws to a pulp" i don't think 302/317/542.

[CubColtPacer]

when i think "pasting southpaws to a pulp" i don't think 302/317/542.

 

I guess not everyone can put up Ryan Braun's .463/.542/1.000 line against lefties :D

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

when i think "pasting southpaws to a pulp" i don't think 302/317/542.

 

No. I'd rather have a hitter who hits 320/412/557 against lefties and could have been had for as little as we gave for Monroe.

[SouthSideRyan]

when i think "pasting southpaws to a pulp" i don't think 302/317/542.

 

No. I'd rather have a hitter who hits 320/412/557 against lefties and could have been had for as little as we gave for Monroe.

 

Sammy can't play CF.

[Guest]

I read an interesting possibility for the PTBNL at TCR - Ed Campusano. Campusano has to stick on the Tigers 25-man next April for 90 days or else offer him back to the Cubs. If he's behind in his rehab from TJS and it seems obvious he'll have to be returned, the Cubs could agree to part with the rights to Campusano as the PTBNL.

[CubinNY]

I read an interesting possibility for the PTBNL at TCR - Ed Campusano. Campusano has to stick on the Tigers 25-man next April for 90 days or else offer him back to the Cubs. If he's behind in his rehab from TJS and it seems obvious he'll have to be returned, the Cubs could agree to part with the rights to Campusano as the PTBNL.

 

That would be genius! I'll lay odds he's the PTBNL.

[NCCubFan]

I read an interesting possibility for the PTBNL at TCR - Ed Campusano. Campusano has to stick on the Tigers 25-man next April for 90 days or else offer him back to the Cubs. If he's behind in his rehab from TJS and it seems obvious he'll have to be returned, the Cubs could agree to part with the rights to Campusano as the PTBNL.

 

That would be genius! I'll lay odds he's the PTBNL.

I could see that happening; there is precedence for such a move. A few years ago the Cubs took pitcher Scott Chiasson from Oakland in the Rule 5. The Cubs wanted to keep him, but weren't going to carry him on the major league roster, so they worked out a trade with Oakland which allowed them to keep Chiasson and still send him down (I believe that's when the Cubs traded Eric Hinske; they got Miguel Cairo back in return).

[Exile on Waveland]

Good RH power threat off the bench, something we've been lacking all year. We likely won't be giving up anything significant. Nice addition.

 

It's always fun to have a guy who is a legit threat to hit a HR off the bench, and nothing more. But he hasn't been able to do anything against RHP this year. Need to keep his playing time very limited.

 

DO you think Lou will be limiting his playing time? I see him filling in for Floyd & Murton a lot more. Which is terrible. Lou may even try to play him in CF.

 

See you in a few weeks Fox or Pie.

 

Right, because Lou is such a terrible manager. He just does dumb stuff all the time. He certainly isn't getting the most out of this team.

 

not saying that lou is terrible, but "getting the most out of this team?" you have to be kidding. it's a $100 mil team that's like four games over .500. if that's the "most," i don't want to see the "least."

 

Yes, because it's Lou's fault Hendry doesn't know how to properly construct a roster.

[RynoRules]

Good RH power threat off the bench, something we've been lacking all year. We likely won't be giving up anything significant. Nice addition.

 

It's always fun to have a guy who is a legit threat to hit a HR off the bench, and nothing more. But he hasn't been able to do anything against RHP this year. Need to keep his playing time very limited.

 

DO you think Lou will be limiting his playing time? I see him filling in for Floyd & Murton a lot more. Which is terrible. Lou may even try to play him in CF.

 

See you in a few weeks Fox or Pie.

 

Right, because Lou is such a terrible manager. He just does dumb stuff all the time. He certainly isn't getting the most out of this team.

 

not saying that lou is terrible, but "getting the most out of this team?" you have to be kidding. it's a $100 mil team that's like four games over .500. if that's the "most," i don't want to see the "least."

 

Yes, because it's Lou's fault Hendry doesn't know how to properly construct a roster.

 

Beat me to it. Most of the "mistakes" on this roster occurred before Lou got here.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

This article speculates the PTBNL could be Ohman.

 

Link.

 

Manager Jim Leyland said, based on his understanding, the Tigers will receive a left-hander currently on the Cubs' 40-man roster.

 

According to baseball rules, a player to be named must not be on a 25-man roster. In this case, the list of possible players is likely limited to those left-handers on optional assignment to the minors.

 

The Cubs have three such pitchers: Neal Cotts, Will Ohman and Clay Rapada. The Tigers expressed interest in Ohman last off-season and need lefty relievers in the system.

[JeffH]

Having it be Ohman would be very interesting.

 

That would get the Cubs out from under Ohman's guaranteed $1.6 next season, if you consider that to be a burden.