The Cubs this offseason

[marc_foust]

I am just curious as to what you all think of the cubs possibilities for this offseason. When I look at our team including the farm system I dont see many possibilities for improving this team in the offseason. Our trading chips (Pie, Murton, Marshall, Hill, etc) and our prospects(Again Pie, Soto, Cedeno, EPatt, Galagher,etc.) plus the free agent class does not bode well for drastically improving this team. The positions where we are looking to upgrade (C, SS, RF, CF, maybe 2B, SP) dont exactly have answers that are obvious to me.

 

Which brings me to the questions: What caliber of player are we going to be able to aquire this offseason? Are our trading chips valuable enough to land any upgrades? Which free agents are we going to be able to land that will improve the club? And which prospects are we willing to hand playing time to?

[Roast]

Arod

[Post Count Padder]

Carl Crawford, Johan Santana, Mariano Rivera, and and A-Rod.

 

2008 WS

 

 

(I don't think Crawford is a FA, but TB trades away their young talent before they get too pricey anyway)

[marc_foust]

Carl Crawford, Johan Santana, Mariano Rivera, and and A-Rod.

 

2008 WS

 

 

(I don't think Crawford is a FA, but TB trades away their young talent before they get too pricey anyway)

 

I know those options are out there but I just dont see us able to add enough payroll to go out and sign those kind of players after this past offseason. As far as Crawford is concerned, what kind of package would you ask for is you were TB? I dont reallysee a package the Cubs could afford to give to land that caliber of player without creating holes elsewhere. Maybe we could land ARod assuming him and the Yanks part ways. But does that alone secure us a playoff spot? Because that size of contract would probably handcuff any moves we can make in the next 3-5 years. How many 100 mil contract players can one team afford?? Would the 2007 Cubs + ARod be enough in 08?

[Post Count Padder]

Carl Crawford, Johan Santana, Mariano Rivera, and and A-Rod.

 

2008 WS

 

 

(I don't think Crawford is a FA, but TB trades away their young talent before they get too pricey anyway)

 

I know those options are out there but I just dont see us able to add enough payroll to go out and sign those kind of players after this past offseason. As far as Crawford is concerned, what kind of package would you ask for is you were TB? I dont reallysee a package the Cubs could afford to give to land that caliber of player without creating holes elsewhere. Maybe we could land ARod assuming him and the Yanks part ways. But does that alone secure us a playoff spot? Because that size of contract would probably handcuff any moves we can make in the next 3-5 years. How many 100 mil contract players can one team afford?? Would the 2007 Cubs + ARod be enough in 08?

I probably should have mentioned I was dreaming. We'd have to mortgage the future in order to acquire those guys.

[Little Slide Rooter]

they'll be too busy sorting out the ownership situation to do anything.

[Guest]

Geovany soto.

[marc_foust]

Carl Crawford, Johan Santana, Mariano Rivera, and and A-Rod.

 

2008 WS

 

 

(I don't think Crawford is a FA, but TB trades away their young talent before they get too pricey anyway)

 

I know those options are out there but I just dont see us able to add enough payroll to go out and sign those kind of players after this past offseason. As far as Crawford is concerned, what kind of package would you ask for is you were TB? I dont reallysee a package the Cubs could afford to give to land that caliber of player without creating holes elsewhere. Maybe we could land ARod assuming him and the Yanks part ways. But does that alone secure us a playoff spot? Because that size of contract would probably handcuff any moves we can make in the next 3-5 years. How many 100 mil contract players can one team afford?? Would the 2007 Cubs + ARod be enough in 08?

I probably should have mentioned I was dreaming. We'd have to mortgage the future in order to acquire those guys.

That is kind of the purpose of this thread. Are we looking at basically the same team next year and mediocrity for years to come or do the Cubs make a big splash this offseason and make a run at next year while being screwed for years to come?

[shnsajax]

Carl Crawford, Johan Santana, Mariano Rivera, and and A-Rod.

 

2008 WS

 

 

(I don't think Crawford is a FA, but TB trades away their young talent before they get too pricey anyway)

 

I know those options are out there but I just dont see us able to add enough payroll to go out and sign those kind of players after this past offseason. As far as Crawford is concerned, what kind of package would you ask for is you were TB? I dont reallysee a package the Cubs could afford to give to land that caliber of player without creating holes elsewhere. Maybe we could land ARod assuming him and the Yanks part ways. But does that alone secure us a playoff spot? Because that size of contract would probably handcuff any moves we can make in the next 3-5 years. How many 100 mil contract players can one team afford?? Would the 2007 Cubs + ARod be enough in 08?

I probably should have mentioned I was dreaming. We'd have to mortgage the future in order to acquire those guys.

 

WTF, screw the future if you get those guys who cares. Also we really don't need Rivera, Marmol is already better.

[Post Count Padder]

Carl Crawford, Johan Santana, Mariano Rivera, and and A-Rod.

 

2008 WS

 

 

(I don't think Crawford is a FA, but TB trades away their young talent before they get too pricey anyway)

 

I know those options are out there but I just dont see us able to add enough payroll to go out and sign those kind of players after this past offseason. As far as Crawford is concerned, what kind of package would you ask for is you were TB? I dont reallysee a package the Cubs could afford to give to land that caliber of player without creating holes elsewhere. Maybe we could land ARod assuming him and the Yanks part ways. But does that alone secure us a playoff spot? Because that size of contract would probably handcuff any moves we can make in the next 3-5 years. How many 100 mil contract players can one team afford?? Would the 2007 Cubs + ARod be enough in 08?

I probably should have mentioned I was dreaming. We'd have to mortgage the future in order to acquire those guys.

That is kind of the purpose of this thread. Are we looking at basically the same team next year and mediocrity for years to come or do the Cubs make a big splash this offseason and make a run at next year while being screwed for years to come?

I would like to think that seeing how we tailed off at the end of this season (barring a big win streak) management would want to upgrade at a few positions in teh offseason. However, the sale of the club may serve to hinder our offseason. I can see us adding another bat and another pitcher, but probably not making a huge splash.

[sethuel1]

Geovany soto.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Geovany soto.

[Backtobanks]

It wouldn't surprise me to see the Cubs go make a deal for someone like Renteria or Tejada, with Theriot sliding over to 2B. I would make Cedeno part of the package along with some young pitching. I was hoping Cedeno would make it, but he seems to be totally overmatched at the major league level. Also, I'm not sure where Patterson fits into the future of the Cubs, so he might be trade bait. I would think Jones, Murton, Ohman, Cedeno, Patterson, Marshall/Hill, plus prospects could be mentioned in trade talks depending on the other players involved. The other moves I would make would be to let Kendall go (start Soto) and move Soriano to RF and bat him 5th.

[CuseCubFan69]

I want ARod. Go cheap at 2nd (Theriot/Patterson, C Soto and CF Pie and get a right handed hitter that can play D at CF to help Pie. I think the pitching will be fine and if they could somehow move Eyre, it would be even better.

[LeftCoastCubFan]

Looking at salaries for 2008:

 

The big 11 at 100.7 million (Zambrano (16), Lilly (8), Marquis (6.4), Dempster (5.8), Howry (4.5), Blanco (2.8), Lee (13), DeRosa (4.8), Ramirez (15), Soriano (14), Jones (6.3)). Jones is on the list as I don’t see him as tradeable until the trading deadline.

 

Options likely to be picked up 2 at 5 million (Eyre (3.8 player), Ward (1.2 club). I don’t see Eyre doing better in the market and Ward has no real in house replacement.

 

Likely resigned free agents 1 at 4 million Wood (4 swag)

 

Young players likely in mix 6 at 2.5 million (1 of Hill or Marshall, Marmol, Weurtz, Soto, Theriot, Pie)

 

Players likely gone Trachsel (4.8 club) due to age, Floyd ( club option) power and cost, and Monroe (arb eligible made 4.8 in 2007) too expensive.

 

Trade bait (1 of Hill or Marshall, Ohman, Pagan, Murton)

 

So we are looking at 21 players at over 112 million, which is about where this year’s payroll was at.

 

I also believe that they will resign Prior if he shows any signs of being ready later in 2008, which would bring payroll over 115 million range.

 

So there are likely looking at a corner outfielder, a veteran catcher, a veteran middle infielder, and a veteran #5 starting pitcher (possibly just for competition), but with probably only 5 to 10 million to spend.

 

With the impending sale, I don’t see any more major contracts so this is pretty much the team we will have for 2008, unless a decision is made to sell the farm (unlikely).

 

No A-Rod or Tejeda

[CuseCubFan69]

Looking at salaries for 2008:

 

The big 11 at 100.7 million (Zambrano (16), Lilly (8), Marquis (6.4), Dempster (5.8), Howry (4.5), Blanco (2.8), Lee (13), DeRosa (4.8), Ramirez (15), Soriano (14), Jones (6.3)). Jones is on the list as I don’t see him as tradeable until the trading deadline.

 

Options likely to be picked up 2 at 5 million (Eyre (3.8 player), Ward (1.2 club). I don’t see Eyre doing better in the market and Ward has no real in house replacement.

 

Likely resigned free agents 1 at 4 million Wood (4 swag)

 

Young players likely in mix 6 at 2.5 million (1 of Hill or Marshall, Marmol, Weurtz, Soto, Theriot, Pie)

 

Players likely gone Trachsel (4.8 club) due to age, Floyd ( club option) power and cost, and Monroe (arb eligible made 4.8 in 2007) too expensive.

 

Trade bait (1 of Hill or Marshall, Ohman, Pagan, Murton)

 

So we are looking at 21 players at over 112 million, which is about where this year’s payroll was at.

 

I also believe that they will resign Prior if he shows any signs of being ready later in 2008, which would bring payroll over 115 million range.

 

So there are likely looking at a corner outfielder, a veteran catcher, a veteran middle infielder, and a veteran #5 starting pitcher (possibly just for competition), but with probably only 5 to 10 million to spend.

 

With the impending sale, I don’t see any more major contracts so this is pretty much the team we will have for 2008, unless a decision is made to sell the farm (unlikely).

 

No A-Rod or Tejeda

 

Ya, you're probably right about the impact SS not being signed or traded for but I'm not sure about the Vet middle guy and don't they already have Blanco signed for next year?

[NCCubFan]

don't they already have Blanco signed for next year?

Yes; he was signed to a two-year contract this past offseason. Bad move by Hendry. I'm sure he would have agreed to a one-year deal, and if he wouldn't they could have found someone else who would have to fill the same role.

[CuseCubFan69]

don't they already have Blanco signed for next year?

Yes; he was signed to a two-year contract this past offseason. Bad move by Hendry. I'm sure he would have agreed to a one-year deal, and if he wouldn't they could have found someone else who would have to fill the same role.

 

Thanks, so now they can just move Soto up and saves some cash.

[CubColtPacer]

don't they already have Blanco signed for next year?

Yes; he was signed to a two-year contract this past offseason. Bad move by Hendry. I'm sure he would have agreed to a one-year deal, and if he wouldn't they could have found someone else who would have to fill the same role.

 

Yeah, apparently they signed him quickly to keep him away from the Yankees who had shown interest in Blanco. I'd have much rather given him to the Yankees than sign him to a 2 year deal though. 1, maybe-but not 2.

[E.J.]

With the sale likely not completed until the start of next season at the earliest, I don't see the Cubs doing much this offseason. I don't have a problem with letting some of our prospects get a chance next season with an eye towards getting better in 2009. And it's not like it would be hard to compete next season in the Comedy Central anyway.

 

Give Pie a full chance next season. Let Murton and Kroeger split time in RF. Give Soto the starting job at catcher. Pretty much gives us the same chance at competing as this year's team.

[LeftCoastCubFan]

don't they already have Blanco signed for next year?

Yes, but given his back problems, limited sample size for Soto, and lack of depth in the minors; I see them signing a veteran backstop.

[Backtobanks]

Looking at salaries for 2008:

 

The big 11 at 100.7 million (Zambrano (16), Lilly (8), Marquis (6.4), Dempster (5.8), Howry (4.5), Blanco (2.8), Lee (13), DeRosa (4.8), Ramirez (15), Soriano (14), Jones (6.3)). Jones is on the list as I don’t see him as tradeable until the trading deadline.

 

Options likely to be picked up 2 at 5 million (Eyre (3.8 player), Ward (1.2 club). I don’t see Eyre doing better in the market and Ward has no real in house replacement.

 

Likely resigned free agents 1 at 4 million Wood (4 swag)

 

Young players likely in mix 6 at 2.5 million (1 of Hill or Marshall, Marmol, Weurtz, Soto, Theriot, Pie)

 

Players likely gone Trachsel (4.8 club) due to age, Floyd ( club option) power and cost, and Monroe (arb eligible made 4.8 in 2007) too expensive.

 

Trade bait (1 of Hill or Marshall, Ohman, Pagan, Murton)

 

So we are looking at 21 players at over 112 million, which is about where this year’s payroll was at.

 

I also believe that they will resign Prior if he shows any signs of being ready later in 2008, which would bring payroll over 115 million range.

 

So there are likely looking at a corner outfielder, a veteran catcher, a veteran middle infielder, and a veteran #5 starting pitcher (possibly just for competition), but with probably only 5 to 10 million to spend.

 

With the impending sale, I don’t see any more major contracts so this is pretty much the team we will have for 2008, unless a decision is made to sell the farm (unlikely).

 

No A-Rod or Tejeda

 

Ya, you're probably right about the impact SS not being signed or traded for but I'm not sure about the Vet middle guy and don't they already have Blanco signed for next year?

 

As I mentioned in my post, Renteria or Tejada might be options depending on what salary the other team will take back in trade (Eyre or Jones) or eat as part of the deal. Another possibility would be to trade someone like Eyre or Jones first and then go after Renteria or Tejada.

[CuseCubFan69]

With the impending sale, I don’t see any more major contracts so this is pretty much the team we will have for 2008, unless a decision is made to sell the farm (unlikely).

 

No A-Rod or Tejeda

 

Ya, you're probably right about the impact SS not being signed or traded for but I'm not sure about the Vet middle guy and don't they already have Blanco signed for next year?

 

As I mentioned in my post, Renteria or Tejada might be options depending on what salary the other team will take back in trade (Eyre or Jones) or eat as part of the deal. Another possibility would be to trade someone like Eyre or Jones first and then go after Renteria or Tejada.

 

Getting rid of those two guys and getting someone to take their full salaries is going to be one tough sell and it might take losing a prospect too boot. Add to that the prospects it'll take to get Tejada and it would leave the Cubs pretty low on the prospect train unless Hendry can convince the O's on some guys guys that the Cubs are not as high on.

 

I think the Cubs, if they can't get an impact SS, will have to go the RF route for the best bat to help this team.

[UK1679666180]

If I'm Hendry and knowing I have a minimal budget for next year, I'm looking for someone cheap or a hidden gem for RF.

 

I'd consider someone like Seth Smith of the Rockies, who doesn't have a spot with Hawpe and Holliday on the corners and platoon him with Murton. I don't like Murton in RF, but his bat, makes him a cheap and likely productive RF'er against LH'ers.

[RynoRules]

I want ARod. Go cheap at 2nd (Theriot/Patterson, C Soto and CF Pie and get a right handed hitter that can play D at CF to help Pie. I think the pitching will be fine and if they could somehow move Eyre, it would be even better.

 

Yes please.

 

Theriot (2b)

Soriano (LF)

Lee

ARod

ARam

DeRow (RF)

Soto

Pie

 

Yum, yum, dim-sum.