Monroe to Cubs for PTBNL / Coats DFA'd

[frostwyrm]

The Monroe acquisition puts a period on the end of Murton's career with the Cubs. He won't play much anymore, he won't be on the playoff roster, and the odds of him being back next year are close to zero. People bitching about the Murton man-love can quit because it's a dead issue now. He's on his way out.

[seanimal]

The Monroe acquisition puts a period on the end of Murton's career with the Cubs. He won't play much anymore, he won't be on the playoff roster, and the odds of him being back next year are close to zero. People bitching about the Murton man-love can quit because it's a dead issue now. He's on his way out.

 

It's a shame really. Hopefully he gets a chance with another team if he doesn't get it here, because he is a solid MLB player.

[Peoriaman]

I don't think the Jacques Jones signing was bad at all. I personally preferred him over Juan Encarnacion because I thought Jones would at least be productive out of platooning.

 

At the time they looked bad, but I don't think Jones nor Encarnacion were bad signings in hindsight -- not after seeing what guys like Juan Pierre and Eric Byrnes are getting.

This is a key point here.

 

Look, what folks really need to realize is that things have reached the point where free agent signings are not measured on a typical good-to-bad scale. They're basically all bad, and it's simply a matter of degree.

 

Seriously, go have a look at all of the FA signings throughout baseball for the last couple of years, and see how many significant ones (say $20M+) you can look at and go, "wow, that was a really great signing -- that guy's really underpaid." You won't find many, and a guy like Ted Lilly for 4/$40 is going to be one of the best ones out there.

 

The truth is that GMs hate to be in the FA market looking to fill holes. But what they hate even worse is handing a regular job to an overmatched rookie that belongs in AA or AAA. Getting league average production from a Marquis or a Jones for $5-7M beats the heck out of getting an 8.50 ERA or a .600 OPS for $400K.

 

So given proper context, Hendry's signings don't look nearly so bad.

 

 

a voice of reason in the wilderness!

[NewUserName]

I don't think the Jacques Jones signing was bad at all. I personally preferred him over Juan Encarnacion because I thought Jones would at least be productive out of platooning.

 

At the time they looked bad, but I don't think Jones nor Encarnacion were bad signings in hindsight -- not after seeing what guys like Juan Pierre and Eric Byrnes are getting.

This is a key point here.

 

Look, what folks really need to realize is that things have reached the point where free agent signings are not measured on a typical good-to-bad scale. They're basically all bad, and it's simply a matter of degree.

 

Seriously, go have a look at all of the FA signings throughout baseball for the last couple of years, and see how many significant ones (say $20M+) you can look at and go, "wow, that was a really great signing -- that guy's really underpaid." You won't find many, and a guy like Ted Lilly for 4/$40 is going to be one of the best ones out there.

 

The truth is that GMs hate to be in the FA market looking to fill holes. But what they hate even worse is handing a regular job to an overmatched rookie that belongs in AA or AAA. Getting league average production from a Marquis or a Jones for $5-7M beats the heck out of getting an 8.50 ERA or a .600 OPS for $400K.

 

So given proper context, Hendry's signings don't look nearly so bad.

 

 

a voice of reason in the wilderness!

 

 

If this is the voice of reason then the Cubs either need to stay out of the FA market or start spending like the Yankees and Red Sox. Personally I would rather the Cubs way overpay for a really good young FA like Vlad a couple of years ago.

 

What the Cubs are currently doing is just treading water with mostly mediocre free agent signings. Or worse, overpaying for a overrated player coming off a career year. If Lily stays a ok #2 signing then good for him. Truth is the Cubs cant keep building the team with guys like Marquis, Jones, Lily, DeRossa, Howry, Eyre, Floyd, Dempster, Ward and Blanco and think that they are going to win a World Series. It is striving for middle of the road. Its not that some of these guys dont have value. Its just that we are starting to get a roster full of them. Considering also that most of the players that have been coming up are also mediocre.

 

So truth is if the Cubs dont start spending money like the Red Sox or Yankees, they had better start getting serious about player development. Which means that young players are going to have to be allowed to struggle at the major league level, while impatient fans say they should be in AAA. Or really hope that we can pull off a Cardinal like fluke. But the last thing I would say is too keep signing the likes of Jacque Jones to be a major contributer on this team to the contract that he signed is not a voice of reason. It is crying out for help.

[jacey]

The sky is falling!!!

[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.

[RynoRules]

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.

[RynoRules]

point is Hendry's been damn good in the FA market and hasn't made one of his "crappy" signings in a couple of years.

 

Damn good? $100m and we're barely over .500, and he's been damn good?

 

Or we could be the White Sox?

 

Over 100m and in last place?

 

Some guys find anyway to bitch about anything that happens trade-wise.

 

We could get Albert Pujols in a trade for Derrek Lee, and sign him to a 7 year deal, and people would still complain.

 

And then we could get Vlad, and people would still complain about getting him because we traded away our best prospects.

 

it's never ending.

 

(I'm not stating Monroe is anywhere close to the talent of these two guys, but give the guy a chance before you bitch about it.)

 

Very stupid post.

 

It's all true.

 

You seriously believe someone would complain about a Pujols for Lee trade or for acquiring Vlad?

 

Please.

 

I can think of a couple people off the top of my head who would find some sort of negative in the deals.

 

Ditto. Just look in the Zambrano thread for proof.

[RynoRules]

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.

 

This is a good trade if it turns out to be Cotts. At least Monroe has some value. Cotts is worthless at this juncture.

[CubinNY]

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.

[Tracer Bullet]

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

[E.J.]

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.

[RynoRules]

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.

[CubColtPacer]

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.

 

Which is why they made it a PTBNL deal so that they could trade them Rapada after the year.

 

Personally, if it's a Cubs left-hander currently on the 40 man roster like Leyland said, then I don't really care if it is Eyre, Ohman, Cotts, or Rapada. They each have a small bit of value, but none of them have particularly great value now or in the future.

[CubinNY]

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.

 

I was hoping for some enlightenment and I get a scolding. Oh well, I'll just have to have hope.

[CubinNY]

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.

 

Which is why they made it a PTBNL deal so that they could trade them Rapada after the year.

 

Personally, if it's a Cubs left-hander currently on the 40 man roster like Leyland said, then I don't really care if it is Eyre, Ohman, Cotts, or Rapada. They each have a small bit of value, but none of them have particularly great value now or in the future.

And Monroe has more value?

 

I don't really see it. I'm not against this trade I just don't really see much value in Monroe.

 

I know he's hit LHP well this year but he's a career .277 hitter against LHP. I guess he gives the Cubs some "versitility"*. They seem to really covit versital players.

 

* Versitility- ability to play more than one position.

[Banedon]

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.

 

Which is why they made it a PTBNL deal so that they could trade them Rapada after the year.

 

Personally, if it's a Cubs left-hander currently on the 40 man roster like Leyland said, then I don't really care if it is Eyre, Ohman, Cotts, or Rapada. They each have a small bit of value, but none of them have particularly great value now or in the future.

 

The PTBNL has to go to Detroit by Oct 15th though.

[CubColtPacer]

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.

 

Which is why they made it a PTBNL deal so that they could trade them Rapada after the year.

 

Personally, if it's a Cubs left-hander currently on the 40 man roster like Leyland said, then I don't really care if it is Eyre, Ohman, Cotts, or Rapada. They each have a small bit of value, but none of them have particularly great value now or in the future.

 

The PTBNL has to go to Detroit by Oct 15th though.

 

Yes, and deals without waivers can be made October 1st, so they will complete the deal between the 1st and the 15th.

[Banedon]

The PTBNL has to go to Detroit by Oct 15th though.

 

Yes, and deals without waivers can be made October 1st, so they will complete the deal between the 1st and the 15th.

 

Gotcha. Didn't realize that...thanks.

[CubColtPacer]

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.

 

Which is why they made it a PTBNL deal so that they could trade them Rapada after the year.

 

Personally, if it's a Cubs left-hander currently on the 40 man roster like Leyland said, then I don't really care if it is Eyre, Ohman, Cotts, or Rapada. They each have a small bit of value, but none of them have particularly great value now or in the future.

And Monroe has more value?

 

I don't really see it. I'm not against this trade I just don't really see much value in Monroe.

 

I know he's hit LHP well this year but he's a career .277 hitter against LHP. I guess he gives the Cubs some "versitility"*. They seem to really covit versital players.

 

* Versitility- ability to play more than one position.

 

His career OPS against left-handers is .821. Jones's career OPS against left-handers is .632. That will be most of Monroe's value right there with that 190 point difference.

The rest of his value will be in a right-handed pinch-hitting option. Since the Cubs have so many OF's that do not hit left-handers well (Jones, Floyd, Pie, Ward), it is really nice to have two options off of the bench that can pinch-hit for one of those OF's in a key situation, which allows one of them to pinch-hit for Jones for example when the team goes to a left-hander late and the other one can pinch-hit for the pitcher during the game.

 

So does Monroe provide a ton of value? Maybe not, but the addition of him in the lineup instead of Jones against LHP will help the team in its struggles against that side of the plate.

[Tracer Bullet]

His career OPS against left-handers is .821. Jones's career OPS against left-handers is .632. That will be most of Monroe's value right there with that 190 point difference.

The rest of his value will be in a right-handed pinch-hitting option. Since the Cubs have so many OF's that do not hit left-handers well (Jones, Floyd, Pie, Ward), it is really nice to have two options off of the bench that can pinch-hit for one of those OF's in a key situation, which allows one of them to pinch-hit for Jones for example when the team goes to a left-hander late and the other one can pinch-hit for the pitcher during the game.

 

So does Monroe provide a ton of value? Maybe not, but the addition of him in the lineup instead of Jones against LHP will help the team in its struggles against that side of the plate.

 

But it's not that simple. Overall, he's been pretty good against LHP, but it fluctuates greatly from year to year. If we get the .734 OPS against LHP that he had last year, this isn't that helpful.

[CubinNY]

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.

 

Which is why they made it a PTBNL deal so that they could trade them Rapada after the year.

 

Personally, if it's a Cubs left-hander currently on the 40 man roster like Leyland said, then I don't really care if it is Eyre, Ohman, Cotts, or Rapada. They each have a small bit of value, but none of them have particularly great value now or in the future.

And Monroe has more value?

 

I don't really see it. I'm not against this trade I just don't really see much value in Monroe.

 

I know he's hit LHP well this year but he's a career .277 hitter against LHP. I guess he gives the Cubs some "versitility"*. They seem to really covit versital players.

 

* Versitility- ability to play more than one position.

 

His career OPS against left-handers is .821. Jones's career OPS against left-handers is .632. That will be most of Monroe's value right there with that 190 point difference.

The rest of his value will be in a right-handed pinch-hitting option. Since the Cubs have so many OF's that do not hit left-handers well (Jones, Floyd, Pie, Ward), it is really nice to have two options off of the bench that can pinch-hit for one of those OF's in a key situation, which allows one of them to pinch-hit for Jones for example when the team goes to a left-hander late and the other one can pinch-hit for the pitcher during the game.

 

So does Monroe provide a ton of value? Maybe not, but the addition of him in the lineup instead of Jones against LHP will help the team in its struggles against that side of the plate.

 

I think looking at his carrer OPS is a little decieving. In addition, I don't see him replacing Jones at all.

 

He had two seasons where his OPS against LHP was above .900, but for the most part he's been in the .700 range, still better than JJ, but really not that good at all. In fact, I'd would say the difference in improvement is so small that over the course of the next 6 weeks we're likely to see no difference at all. However, his SLG is certianly better than Jones.

 

At the same time, I have to ask, who will he be replacing? You seem to think it's Jones. I suspect it's Murton. After all it doesn't really make much sense b/c Jones is a lefty and Monroe is a righty.

 

I think when Soriano comes back we'll see an OF of Soriano, Jones, Monroe/Floyd.

 

If you compare him to Murton v LHP His numbers just don't stack up. Murton has an AVE, OBP, and OPS atvantage.

 

So, I don't really see what value Monroe brings to the Cubs. I suppose if he replaces Jones @ lefties that would be great, but I doubt that will happen.

[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.

 

dude, nice that you're in Abingdon. I grew up in Galesburg.

 

that being said, everything in your post is completely wrong. first of all, the Cub payroll has not topped 100M to date. not this year, not any year. secondly, the Cubs under Hendry are just over .500 if i remember correctly. thirdly, the Cub farm was NEVER rated top three. the Cubs, under Hendry, have made the playoffs.

 

is Hendry good? Or even passable? No, not in my opinion. However, you need to set the record straight, dude...

 

Thats cool you are from Galesburg, and not sure if you have heard but it was struck very very hard yesterday with the storms. Also Im actually now in Pekin, but grew up in Abingdon, send me a pm with who you are if you want, Im sure we know some of the same people.

 

Now, as others have already mentioned, nothing in my post is wrong. The farm system that Hendry built was ranked as high as #1 at one point. Secondly, regardless of the exact dollar amount in the payroll, he has had one of the highest payrolls in baseball to work with the last few years, and what has he done with it?Thirdly, I wasnt wrong about the Cubs being average or below average with Hendry. The Cubs record coming into this season under Hendry was 322-326, which is below average, and even adding this seasons record into it puts them basically average.Lastly, I dont know what your point is about the Cubs under Hendry making the playoffs, big deal. 1 time in 4 years, with more payroll flexibility than any GM ever for the Chicago Cubs. Im sorry, I am not satisfied with just making the playoffs. If Hendry had done a better job and done a better job with what has been given too him, we wouldnt still be talking about having never won a WS in any of our lifetimes.

[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?

[CubColtPacer]

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.

 

Which is why they made it a PTBNL deal so that they could trade them Rapada after the year.

 

Personally, if it's a Cubs left-hander currently on the 40 man roster like Leyland said, then I don't really care if it is Eyre, Ohman, Cotts, or Rapada. They each have a small bit of value, but none of them have particularly great value now or in the future.

And Monroe has more value?

 

I don't really see it. I'm not against this trade I just don't really see much value in Monroe.

 

I know he's hit LHP well this year but he's a career .277 hitter against LHP. I guess he gives the Cubs some "versitility"*. They seem to really covit versital players.

 

* Versitility- ability to play more than one position.

 

His career OPS against left-handers is .821. Jones's career OPS against left-handers is .632. That will be most of Monroe's value right there with that 190 point difference.

The rest of his value will be in a right-handed pinch-hitting option. Since the Cubs have so many OF's that do not hit left-handers well (Jones, Floyd, Pie, Ward), it is really nice to have two options off of the bench that can pinch-hit for one of those OF's in a key situation, which allows one of them to pinch-hit for Jones for example when the team goes to a left-hander late and the other one can pinch-hit for the pitcher during the game.

 

So does Monroe provide a ton of value? Maybe not, but the addition of him in the lineup instead of Jones against LHP will help the team in its struggles against that side of the plate.

 

I think looking at his carrer OPS is a little decieving. In addition, I don't see him replacing Jones at all.

 

He had two seasons where his OPS against LHP was above .900, but for the most part he's been in the .700 range, still better than JJ, but really not that good at all. In fact, I'd would say the difference in improvement is so small that over the course of the next 6 weeks we're likely to see no difference at all. However, his SLG is certianly better than Jones.

 

At the same time, I have to ask, who will he be replacing? You seem to think it's Jones. I suspect it's Murton. After all it doesn't really make much sense b/c Jones is a lefty and Monroe is a righty.

 

I think when Soriano comes back we'll see an OF of Soriano, Jones, Monroe/Floyd.

 

If you compare him to Murton v LHP His numbers just don't stack up. Murton has an AVE, OBP, and OPS atvantage.

 

So, I don't really see what value Monroe brings to the Cubs. I suppose if he replaces Jones @ lefties that would be great, but I doubt that will happen.

 

You are correct that looking at career numbers is deceiving, but when combining what he has done overall in his career with what he has done this year, it seems reasonable to conclude that he's more likely than not to put up over a 100 point difference from what Jones is likely to do against left-handers.

 

Why do I think it is Jones? Lou has tried to sit Jones against left-handers all season. After he was forced to start him against a left-hander a day in May (which was only Jones's 1st or 2nd start against a left-hander all season at that point), Lou said he can't keep doing that and Pagan was brought up the next day to be Jones's platoon partner. From then on, Jones got I think 1 start against left-handers for the next 2 1/2 months. When Pagan went down, Lou has been forced to use Jones out there again lately against all types of pitchers. Suddenly, Monroe is traded for, and it was emphasized that they can use him at all 3 OF positions.

 

Murton meanwhile has started against most of the LHP this year with only a 3-4 exceptions.

 

Since Lou has been so reluctant to use Jones out there against LHP unless he has been forced to, I think you'll see Monroe in CF against LHP, especially when Soriano comes back. Before that you might see a Monroe/Jones/Murton OF against LHP, but when Soriano comes back you'll probably see a Soriano/Jones/Floyd against RHP, and Soriano/Monroe/Murton against LHP.

 

One last caveat: if Pagan comes back, he may take Murton's spot in the lineup, where Pagan plays center and Monroe plays right. If Pagan does not come back though, from the way Lou has used both of them this year I think Monroe will cut more into Jacque's time, not Murton's.