The Cubs this offseason

[Keener98]

I think the moves are more likely to be round trades rather than signings which would keep the cost down a bit. We will probably drop a few names for salary room..like floyd. Right now jones has to stay unless we pick someone up. i just don't think you can go with pie and murton as fulltime guys with no one behind them.

we certainly could use bullpen upgrade and I think a starter. we could continue with hill,marquis and marshall but they are too up and down. I would think we could grab a veteran pitcher for 2 young guys. I would love to grab a stud RF and then turn CF over to pie as a number 8 hitter.

 

Yea maybe we could grab a guy like Steve Trachsel, I hear hes a veteran who knows how to pitch in Sept. Starting pitchers are going to be up and down, and to those three you listed have been up and down is wrong

 

Over Marshalls last 10 starts hes given up more than 3 earned runs or less in 8 of those 10 starts, whats up and down about that? Hell in 18 starts this year hes given up 3 earned runs or less 4 times. In 13 of his 18 starts hes given up 2 earned runs or less, do I really need to keep going? The fact that hes been taken out of the rotation is a joke.

[Guest]

I don't mind taking Marshall out of the rotation for a while to protect his arm.

 

I don't like replacing him with Trachsel.

[Keener98]

I don't mind taking Marshall out of the rotation for a while to protect his arm.

 

I don't like replacing him with Trachsel.

 

I wouldnt mind him skipping a start maybe if there was another viable option, but to replace him with a guy who has the worst k/bb ratio in all the majors this year is dumb.

[mdwilla]

I think the Cubs will dump Eyre and Jones on someone , I think counting the Cubs with new ownership, big market, and uncle Lou out of the Arod is silly before the offseason even begins. I have no problem handing right field over to Murton/Floyd with Soranio in left and Pie in center.

[CubFanPhilly]

I like a Burrell trade scenario. It isn't a long-term comittment, but he brings a lot of OBP and some power. The Phillies would be expecting to eat some salary, can afford to shed some offense and desperately need some pitching.

 

I'd ask the Phillies to pick from the following:

 

Two of J. Jones/S. Eyre/R. Dempster/J. Marquis/H. Blanco (Philly must take at least $10 mil. in contracts). PLUS Marshall or Guzman for Burrell + prospect (quality depends on other players selected). If Murton had to be offered in the deal I'd agree, but I'd ask for a quality prospect in return.

 

My guess is they'd go with Eyre, Dempster, & Marshall with the intention of moving Dempster or Brett Myers back to the rotation. This shores up the Phillies bullpen and gives them a couple of starters who are likely to be upgrades over Eaton, Garcia & Lieber while cutting a few million in payroll.

 

Theriot

Soriano

Ramirez

Lee

DeRosa/Fontenot

Burrell

Pie

Soto/Blanco

 

Bench- Ward, Blanco. Fontenot, Murton, Jones, Patterson

 

 

(Or a similar deal involving whatever it takes to pry Griffey from Cincy.)

 

CFP

[JeffH]

The Marlins supposedly love (or at least used to love) Felix Pie.

 

I would like to see Hendry try to initiate talks on a trade centering around Pie and Jeremy Hermida.

[E.J.]

The Marlins supposedly love (or at least used to love) Felix Pie.

 

I would like to see Hendry try to initiate talks on a trade centering around Pie and Jeremy Hermida.

 

Yes please.

[Magnetic Curses]

soto, pie, and theriot should be opening day starters. sign andruw jones to whatever he wants and call it an offseason, save minor changes. gallagher should get marshall's spot, who should be traded for whatever we can get for him--face it, marquis is here to stay regardless of what we might think of him.

 

soriano

theriot

lee

ramirez

a jones

derosa

soto

pie

 

zambrano

lilly

hill

marquis

gallagher

 

i could live with that.

 

let me just add that i think acquiring arod is far all intents and purposes, the biggest pipe dream in the history of pipe dreams. and i'm talking a gas pipe.

[frostwyrm]

Given the pending sale, I don't see how the Cubs make another blockbuster signing when the 2009 payroll already has $90M tied up in 7 players. If we get someone like Andruw Jones we're looking at $105M or more for 8 players. Even if you fill out the 25 man with warm bodies averaging $800K apiece you're looking at $120M payroll for a team that would suck. To make the team actually have a chance to be good you'd need at least $140M, and likely more. This is the type of stuff that potential buyers don't want to see and it would certainly hurt the sale price of the team.

[rawaction]

soto, pie, and theriot should be opening day starters. sign andruw jones to whatever he wants and call it an offseason, save minor changes. gallagher should get marshall's spot, who should be traded for whatever we can get for him--face it, marquis is here to stay regardless of what we might think of him.

 

soriano

theriot

lee

ramirez

a jones

derosa

soto

pie

 

zambrano

lilly

hill

marquis

gallagher

 

i could live with that.

 

let me just add that i think acquiring arod is far all intents and purposes, the biggest pipe dream in the history of pipe dreams. and i'm talking a gas pipe.

 

Jones and Soriano are basically the same player. Where Soriano hits for a higher average, Andruw walks more. Soriano's career line: .281/.326/.512. Jones .263/.342/.498. Both have a career OPS+ of 115. Not to mention, the are both very similar to Aramis, except for the lack of Ks for Ramirez.

 

Andruw is a good player, but personally, I'd like to see a completely different kind of bat to go with this group.

[soapy]

I love the idea of Arod or Tejada obviously, but they seem unlikely to me. I'm be really curious to know what it would take to get Renteria. I'm guessing the Braves wouldn't mind moving and him and his salary to make room for Escobar. I just don't really know what they would be seeking in return.

[rawaction]

I love the idea of Arod or Tejada obviously, but they seem unlikely to me. I'm be really curious to know what it would take to get Renteria. I'm guessing the Braves wouldn't mind moving and him and his salary to make room for Escobar. I just don't really know what they would be seeking in return.

 

I would love Renteria. Put Theriot back in a utility role, which he is probably best suited for. I'd imagine the Braves would want a couple of pretty decent pitchers. Guys like Gallagher, Hart, Holliman, Mateo, Veal who are close to the majors as SP should be of interest to them. They may require a couple of them for Renteria.

 

edit: may be some interest in Pie also. Andruw's not gonna be back and they could use a CF. I thought they would go after a guy like Rowand, but w/ Teixeira, it's doubtful they could spend money.

[NewUserName]

I think a lot of what we are talking about are minor upgrades. So unless a lot of money is spent, The Cubs are just going to be treading water.

 

So I think some "Out of the Box" thinking is in order. This also involves some gambling, but I dont think we would really be losing as much as some would think.

 

Trading Jones is a decent option now. He has really improved the 2nd half and only has a year on his contract. I dont know who to trade him to, but I dont think the return is going to be anything much.

 

I also think Blanco can be traded(though we would have to take at least half of the money). I think if we can than we should resign Kendall. Have a Kendall/Soto catching partnership. Resigning Kendall with the Jones and Blanco money.

 

Trade Howry, Murton and Lee to the Dodgers for Loney and Ethier. I think we would have to throw in some money and probably a couple of young arms. I know this is a stretch. If I was the Dodgers I wouldnt do it. Maybe some window dressing could be added to help though. Truth is though we wouldnt be giving away crap though. Its not like Eyre and Jones for a good player. Anyway if it could be done, it wouldnt make us any worse and would free up a crap load of cash for a

 

Top flight Free Agent bat. With Loney be able to play 1b or the OF and Either can play center plus we would still have Pie. The Bat could play 1b, CF, RF or SS.

 

I dont know if this would make the Cubs drastically better next season, but it would put us in a better position into the future. Personally I would rather trade Soriano than Lee, but I think his crappy contract would stop any trade where we got value in return.

[Backtobanks]

I think a lot of what we are talking about are minor upgrades. So unless a lot of money is spent, The Cubs are just going to be treading water.

 

So I think some "Out of the Box" thinking is in order. This also involves some gambling, but I dont think we would really be losing as much as some would think.

 

Trading Jones is a decent option now. He has really improved the 2nd half and only has a year on his contract. I dont know who to trade him to, but I dont think the return is going to be anything much.

 

I also think Blanco can be traded(though we would have to take at least half of the money). I think if we can than we should resign Kendall. Have a Kendall/Soto catching partnership. Resigning Kendall with the Jones and Blanco money.

 

Trade Howry, Murton and Lee to the Dodgers for Loney and Ethier. I think we would have to throw in some money and probably a couple of young arms. I know this is a stretch. If I was the Dodgers I wouldnt do it. Maybe some window dressing could be added to help though. Truth is though we wouldnt be giving away crap though. Its not like Eyre and Jones for a good player. Anyway if it could be done, it wouldnt make us any worse and would free up a crap load of cash for a

 

Top flight Free Agent bat. With Loney be able to play 1b or the OF and Either can play center plus we would still have Pie. The Bat could play 1b, CF, RF or SS.

 

I dont know if this would make the Cubs drastically better next season, but it would put us in a better position into the future. Personally I would rather trade Soriano than Lee, but I think his crappy contract would stop any trade where we got value in return.

 

I don't agree with your "out of the box" thinking. First, let Kendall go and start Soto with Blanco in reserve. While I like Kendall offensively, he has shown to be terrible on defense. I would love to get Either, but Loney is a big downgrade, offensively and defensively, from Lee. Your idea of trading Howry, Murton, and DLee for Loney and Either and we would probably have to throw in some money and a couple of young arms is unbelievable. The 3 players you mentioned for Either and Loney is so one-sided in the Dodgers' favor that to add cash and young arms is outrageous.

[rawaction]

I don't think anyone is suggesting minor changes, in the sense that the upgrades in production would be minimal. A legit .875 OPS in RF, would do wonders for this team as would an upgrade at SS.

[NewUserName]

I think a lot of what we are talking about are minor upgrades. So unless a lot of money is spent, The Cubs are just going to be treading water.

 

So I think some "Out of the Box" thinking is in order. This also involves some gambling, but I dont think we would really be losing as much as some would think.

 

Trading Jones is a decent option now. He has really improved the 2nd half and only has a year on his contract. I dont know who to trade him to, but I dont think the return is going to be anything much.

 

I also think Blanco can be traded(though we would have to take at least half of the money). I think if we can than we should resign Kendall. Have a Kendall/Soto catching partnership. Resigning Kendall with the Jones and Blanco money.

 

Trade Howry, Murton and Lee to the Dodgers for Loney and Ethier. I think we would have to throw in some money and probably a couple of young arms. I know this is a stretch. If I was the Dodgers I wouldnt do it. Maybe some window dressing could be added to help though. Truth is though we wouldnt be giving away crap though. Its not like Eyre and Jones for a good player. Anyway if it could be done, it wouldnt make us any worse and would free up a crap load of cash for a

 

Top flight Free Agent bat. With Loney be able to play 1b or the OF and Either can play center plus we would still have Pie. The Bat could play 1b, CF, RF or SS.

 

I dont know if this would make the Cubs drastically better next season, but it would put us in a better position into the future. Personally I would rather trade Soriano than Lee, but I think his crappy contract would stop any trade where we got value in return.

 

I don't agree with your "out of the box" thinking. First, let Kendall go and start Soto with Blanco in reserve. While I like Kendall offensively, he has shown to be terrible on defense. I would love to get Either, but Loney is a big downgrade, offensively and defensively, from Lee. Your idea of trading Howry, Murton, and DLee for Loney and Either and we would probably have to throw in some money and a couple of young arms is unbelievable. The 3 players you mentioned for Either and Loney is so one-sided in the Dodgers' favor that to add cash and young arms is outrageous.

 

 

I am ok with Soto/Blanco. As for my Dodger/Cub trade scenario I wasnt trying to get equal value in return. What I am trying to do is dump salary and get better value in return than we are getting from Jones/Floyd/Murton/Pagan and Monroe. If that can be done without adding money or a young arm so be it. Replacing Lee in the order will be done with the high end free agent.

 

What I am trying to do is reasonably improve the team without a major payroll increase. Truthfully the only 2 places I see that major payroll can be decreased yet good cheap value can be brought back is by trading Lee or ARam. If we could really get Loney or Ethier or another good cheap OF for Jones and Howry, sign me up.

 

Also Lee isnt outproducing Loney this year. Since Lee is 32 and Loney is 23 what makes you think that Lee is going to outproduce Loney in the future. I think the Cubs should take advantage of Ned Collette(sp) wanting some "proven veterans"

[Lefty]

I'd like Hermida in RF. I think he is exactly what we need offensively if he develops. While we could figure out what the Marlins get back, I don't know if they have soured on him enough to trade him.

 

Would the Red Sox trade Drew? Would they pay some of his salary and dump him for little in return? I'm a romantic.

[moorecg]

I'd like Hermida in RF. I think he is exactly what we need offensively if he develops. While we could figure out what the Marlins get back, I don't know if they have soured on him enough to trade him.

 

Would the Red Sox trade Drew? Would they pay some of his salary and dump him for little in return? I'm a romantic.

 

Good God keep Drew away....14 mill for 8 hrs and 52 RBIs....who is just as likely to get hurt as stay healthy...no thanks.

[Lefty]

I'd like Hermida in RF. I think he is exactly what we need offensively if he develops. While we could figure out what the Marlins get back, I don't know if they have soured on him enough to trade him.

 

Would the Red Sox trade Drew? Would they pay some of his salary and dump him for little in return? I'm a romantic.

 

Good God keep Drew away....14 mill for 8 hrs and 52 RBIs....who is just as likely to get hurt as stay healthy...no thanks.

 

I'll agree with your numbers on Drew. Obviously I think he would bounce back, and the BoSox would have to pay up, but the burden of proof would be on me. The injury criticism, however, is old and cold.

 

Looked up Hermida's splits. No big platoon difference this year, and hitting almost 100 points higher on the road than at home. Thought I heard grumbling about him over the summer. He's probably too good to be true for us.

[Post Count Padder]

Floyd wants to come back, but not as a pinch hitter:

 

Cliff Floyd-OF- Cubs Sep. 25 - 10:05 am et

 

 

Cliff Floyd, who is a free agent after the 2007 season, says he would be willing to return to the Cubs in a reduced role next season.

 

"Oh, yeah," Floyd said. "But it's something they'd have to look at, because I'm not a pinch-hitter. I have not done well there — let's be real with it. So I don't know whether I'd fit into their system. But anything's possible." The Cubs have Matt Murton in place to take over the right field permanently in 2008, but Floyd could return if he is willing to accept a reasonable contract.

Source: Chicago Tribune

[Lefty]

Floyd wants to come back, but not as a pinch hitter:

 

Cliff Floyd-OF- Cubs Sep. 25 - 10:05 am et

 

 

Cliff Floyd, who is a free agent after the 2007 season, says he would be willing to return to the Cubs in a reduced role next season.

 

"Oh, yeah," Floyd said. "But it's something they'd have to look at, because I'm not a pinch-hitter. I have not done well there — let's be real with it. So I don't know whether I'd fit into their system. But anything's possible." The Cubs have Matt Murton in place to take over the right field permanently in 2008, but Floyd could return if he is willing to accept a reasonable contract.

Source: Chicago Tribune

 

I'm not sure I would want to go into the 2008 season with an OF of Soriano, Pie & Murton. While I like the individual players, I don't think the whole adds up to enough offense. Of course there is still the business of finishing this season in a most fantastic way. This "next year" stuff is a tough habit to break.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Fukudome!

[soapy]

Floyd wants to come back, but not as a pinch hitter:

 

Cliff Floyd-OF- Cubs Sep. 25 - 10:05 am et

 

 

Cliff Floyd, who is a free agent after the 2007 season, says he would be willing to return to the Cubs in a reduced role next season.

 

"Oh, yeah," Floyd said. "But it's something they'd have to look at, because I'm not a pinch-hitter. I have not done well there — let's be real with it. So I don't know whether I'd fit into their system. But anything's possible." The Cubs have Matt Murton in place to take over the right field permanently in 2008, but Floyd could return if he is willing to accept a reasonable contract.

Source: Chicago Tribune

 

no thanks. it's been real, Cornelius.

[MPrior]

Floyd wants to come back, but not as a pinch hitter:

 

Cliff Floyd-OF- Cubs Sep. 25 - 10:05 am et

 

 

Cliff Floyd, who is a free agent after the 2007 season, says he would be willing to return to the Cubs in a reduced role next season.

 

"Oh, yeah," Floyd said. "But it's something they'd have to look at, because I'm not a pinch-hitter. I have not done well there — let's be real with it. So I don't know whether I'd fit into their system. But anything's possible." The Cubs have Matt Murton in place to take over the right field permanently in 2008, but Floyd could return if he is willing to accept a reasonable contract.

Source: Chicago Tribune

 

I'm not sure I would want to go into the 2008 season with an OF of Soriano, Pie & Murton. While I like the individual players, I don't think the whole adds up to enough offense. Of course there is still the business of finishing this season in a most fantastic way. This "next year" stuff is a tough habit to break.

 

I would if we got an upgrade at SS. If not, we probably need to upgrade the outfield somehow (I like Vance's Fukdome suggestion).

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Floyd wants to come back, but not as a pinch hitter:

 

Cliff Floyd-OF- Cubs Sep. 25 - 10:05 am et

 

 

Cliff Floyd, who is a free agent after the 2007 season, says he would be willing to return to the Cubs in a reduced role next season.

 

"Oh, yeah," Floyd said. "But it's something they'd have to look at, because I'm not a pinch-hitter. I have not done well there — let's be real with it. So I don't know whether I'd fit into their system. But anything's possible." The Cubs have Matt Murton in place to take over the right field permanently in 2008, but Floyd could return if he is willing to accept a reasonable contract.

Source: Chicago Tribune

 

I'm not sure I would want to go into the 2008 season with an OF of Soriano, Pie & Murton. While I like the individual players, I don't think the whole adds up to enough offense. Of course there is still the business of finishing this season in a most fantastic way. This "next year" stuff is a tough habit to break.

 

I wanted to go into 2007 with an OF of Soriano, Pie, and Murton providing an upgrade was made at SS. I want to go into 2008 the same way.