My questions for '08:

[UK1679666180]

Are the Cubs content w/Hendry as their GM?

 

I assume so, but for the increased payroll and only 85 wins to show for it & the disappointment of the previous 3 years and the avail. of Jocketty, it is a fair question to ask.

 

Personally, I think Hendry's job is safe.

 

5th starter-Should the Cubs have an open competition for the #5?

 

I think they will and should, Marshall while posting more than adequate numbers has never been able to last a full season as a starter. Obviously, you need durability and production combined to be a starter and he hasn't been able to show he can do both. I assume Hart and Gallagher will get their shot in ST to become a 5th starter. Prior is the darkhorse, though they should consider moving Marmol to the rotation I don't think they will.

 

I think Hart will be the #5 next year.

 

Will Theriot go into Mesa as their starting SS?

 

I'm hoping they upgrade this position, we'll see how the finances play out, if they don't increase the payroll and can't upgrade the position, I assume he'll be starting and likely hitting 2nd or 8th.

 

I would let Theriot and Cedeno battle for that spot and give a slight edge towards Cedeno given that his ceiling is higher than Theriot and Theriot is more suited as a utility player than Ronny.

 

But like I said, if they don't upgrade SS, Theriot has the inside track as the starting SS next year.

 

Will Dempster be the closer next year?

 

He had his ups and downs, he was much better in save opportunities than non save chances. If needing to cut payroll to improve other areas has to happen, I can see him being traded depending on the market for a closer with avg. stuff.

 

I think Marmol will go into next year as the closer with Howry as the set-up and the Cubs looking to explore trading Dempster.

 

Will Wood be back?

 

He loves playing in Chicago, he gave the Cubs a nice discounted contract, performed well down the stretch and once again will become a FA and likely can make more than last year which might tip the scales of him testing the market and a diff. team offering more.

 

I think he is back next year once the Cubs trade Dempster.

 

Will Soto start?

 

This is the easiest of the off-season questions, there isn't a doubt in my mind he strts next year. I think Blanco will give it another go next year prompting the Cubs to go with a Soto/Blanco duo.

 

Who will play CF?

 

Will the Cubs try once again to trade Jones? I think they will and they'll be successful in doing so, they'll eat some of his contract. This will open the door for Pie, who should have the inside track as the starting CF'er for next year. Don't be surprised to see an upgrade with a 4th OF'er who can play CF.

 

Who will play RF?

 

I hope Murton has opened some eyes as far as his ability at worse to be a platoon player out there in RF, despite a fair ability to hit RH'ers. If they don't feel confident in Murton, I would expect this to be the position when they spend the most of their avail. off-season money. The crop for RF'ers is weak, which makes it more diff., I think the option Seattle has on Guillen is worth watching.

 

I mentioned this earlier, I would look into acq'g a young platoon partner to compliment Murton. I think Seth Smith is the perfect example.

 

Right now, I'm guessing Floyd/Murton as next year's RF.

[Schwarber Fan]

I don't think Cliff is back next season

 

give the job to Murton

[CUBZ99]

5th starter-Should the Cubs have an open competition for the #5?

 

I think they will and should, Marshall while posting more than adequate numbers has never been able to last a full season as a starter. Obviously, you need durability and production combined to be a starter and he hasn't been able to show he can do both. I assume Hart and Gallagher will get their shot in ST to become a 5th starter. Prior is the darkhorse, though they should consider moving Marmol to the rotation I don't think they will.

 

I think Hart will be the #5 next year.

 

I think there is a chance that Hendry gauges interest for Marquis over the winter. With the year that Marquis had, there will be some team dumb enough to look at his overall performance and think his salary is worth the gamble that he will be an innings eater. They may even be willing to trade a useful SS or RF.

 

Other than Gallagher and Hart, the Cubs don't have much in the minors to compete for the 5th starter position. Any chance that Shark or Veal get an opportunity to battle for the spot?

 

 

Will Theriot go into Mesa as their starting SS?

 

I'm hoping they upgrade this position, we'll see how the finances play out, if they don't increase the payroll and can't upgrade the position, I assume he'll be starting and likely hitting 2nd or 8th.

 

I would let Theriot and Cedeno battle for that spot and give a slight edge towards Cedeno given that his ceiling is higher than Theriot and Theriot is more suited as a utility player than Ronny.

 

But like I said, if they don't upgrade SS, Theriot has the inside track as the starting SS next year.

 

You hit it on the head. Theriot would be a wonderful utility guy, but he is not a starter at the big league level. The Cubs are going to have to go outside of the organization to get a SS if they want to improve. I don't have any faith in Cedeno. Sure he has proven that he can hit in spurts, but he is the same free swinging no patience hitter that the team is filled with already.

 

 

 

Will Dempster be the closer next year?

 

He had his ups and downs, he was much better in save opportunities than non save chances. If needing to cut payroll to improve other areas has to happen, I can see him being traded depending on the market for a closer with avg. stuff.

 

I think Marmol will go into next year as the closer with Howry as the set-up and the Cubs looking to explore trading Dempster.

 

Can't really see Dempster moving back to starter. He has no control over his pitches. I'm hoping Hendry will trade him over the offseason, and utilize some of the young guys or Howry. If Marmol stays in the pen, the end of the bullpen is stacked.

 

 

Will Wood be back?

 

He loves playing in Chicago, he gave the Cubs a nice discounted contract, performed well down the stretch and once again will become a FA and likely can make more than last year which might tip the scales of him testing the market and a diff. team offering more.

 

I think he is back next year once the Cubs trade Dempster.

 

It was tough seeing Woody throw 97-98mph consistently last night. It would be wonderful to see him make another attempt at starting. Hopefully, Hendry is around long enough to get some incentive laden deal with Wood, based upon starts/saves, etc.

 

Will Soto start?

 

This is the easiest of the off-season questions, there isn't a doubt in my mind he strts next year. I think Blanco will give it another go next year prompting the Cubs to go with a Soto/Blanco duo.

 

This question is the easiest to answer. Soto has shown enough at AAA and in his short stint with the Cubs to deserve a shot at the starting job. However, with Hendry in charge who knows what he is thinking. Sometimes he makes moves that make no sense based upon a whim. He aquired Monroe, even though he already had Murton. He acquired Kendall, even though he already had Soto. He acquired Trachsel even though he already had Marshall. Lets hope that there are no gritty veteran Catchers available that Hendry can't keep his hands off.

 

Who will play CF?

 

Will the Cubs try once again to trade Jones? I think they will and they'll be successful in doing so, they'll eat some of his contract. This will open the door for Pie, who should have the inside track as the starting CF'er for next year. Don't be surprised to see an upgrade with a 4th OF'er who can play CF.

 

Pie has to get the opportunity to play next year. He will be an improvement on defense, and he is never going to adjust to big league pitching sitting on the bench all game.

 

 

Who will play RF?

 

I hope Murton has opened some eyes as far as his ability at worse to be a platoon player out there in RF, despite a fair ability to hit RH'ers. If they don't feel confident in Murton, I would expect this to be the position when they spend the most of their avail. off-season money. The crop for RF'ers is weak, which makes it more diff., I think the option Seattle has on Guillen is worth watching.

 

I mentioned this earlier, I would look into acq'g a young platoon partner to compliment Murton. I think Seth Smith is the perfect example.

 

Right now, I'm guessing Floyd/Murton as next year's RF.

 

I hope your wrong. I don't want to see Floyd out in RF anymore. I'm not sure that Murton is the right guy, but I would rather give him an opportunity and see what he's got.

[HoopsCubs]

I think the Cubs will have a better shot at trading Jacque this offseason.

Only one year left on the deal.

[anabiono]

as long as floyd, trachsel, monroe, and *please dear lord* marquis are gone

 

i will be cool with that...

[NewUserName]

Most of what is mentioned in this thread is only water treading moves.

[Illini Iceman]

I don't think there is any way Floyd is back next year. Monroe would be fine if he is just RH role player / pinch hitter off the bench

 

They need to make a big splash at SS to upgrade the production there. That allows them to put Pie in CF and bat eighth and not worry so much about his offense.

 

Hendry has come this far with Jones so I think he lets him play out the contract. Jones/Murton platoon in RF is not so bad.

 

Marshall, Dempster, Cedeno seem to be trade bait. Prior can compete with Hart, Gallagher, etc for the 5th spot. Dempster is very replaceable with Wuertz, Wood, Howry and Marmol still here. Cedeno is not as good an option for utility man as Theriot and he is not going to get a shot as starting SS again if the Cubs do make that their priority position to upgrade this winter.

[UK1679666180]

I think the Cubs will have a better shot at trading Jacque this offseason.

Only one year left on the deal.

 

Agreed, we'll see what happens in Minnesota. I'm not too sure about their OF situation once Hunter leaves.

[UK1679666180]

Most of what is mentioned in this thread is only water treading moves.

 

Sure it is, I don't see them having the resources to make any big splashes until they trade for someone like Renteria. Which I don't consider that big, unless you expect to contribute like he did last year compared to his career norms.

[soapy]

Are the Cubs content w/Hendry as their GM?

 

Personally, I think Hendry's job is safe.

 

I agree, unfortunately

 

5th starter-Should the Cubs have an open competition for the #5?

 

I think they will and should, Marshall while posting more than adequate numbers has never been able to last a full season as a starter. Obviously, you need durability and production combined to be a starter and he hasn't been able to show he can do both. I assume Hart and Gallagher will get their shot in ST to become a 5th starter. Prior is the darkhorse, though they should consider moving Marmol to the rotation I don't think they will.

 

I think Hart will be the #5 next year.

 

Interesting. I have to assume Marshall, Hart and Gallagher are the front runners unless traded. Ideally, Prior makes a comeback, but I won't hold my breath. Agreed on Marmol.

 

Will Theriot go into Mesa as their starting SS?

 

I'm hoping they upgrade this position, we'll see how the finances play out, if they don't increase the payroll and can't upgrade the position, I assume he'll be starting and likely hitting 2nd or 8th.

 

I would let Theriot and Cedeno battle for that spot and give a slight edge towards Cedeno given that his ceiling is higher than Theriot and Theriot is more suited as a utility player than Ronny.

 

But like I said, if they don't upgrade SS, Theriot has the inside track as the starting SS next year.

 

Lou loves Theriot. If they don't upgrade externally, I have to believe has has a huge advantage over Cedeno to get the spot.

 

I still think they need to upgrade at SS. Forgetting Arod for a moment, I really think Renteria is the best candidate once considering age, availability, cost (players and dollars) and production. I'd love to see the Cubs make a strong push for Renteria.

 

Will Dempster be the closer next year?

 

He had his ups and downs, he was much better in save opportunities than non save chances. If needing to cut payroll to improve other areas has to happen, I can see him being traded depending on the market for a closer with avg. stuff.

 

I think Marmol will go into next year as the closer with Howry as the set-up and the Cubs looking to explore trading Dempster.

 

I really don't expect Dempster to go in as the closer. I agree it will probably be Marmol, though that's not necessarily the route I would go. I'd also consider Wood for closer, keeping Marmol available for more high-leverage situations. There's also the possibility they may try to make Dempster a starter again.

 

Will Wood be back?

 

He loves playing in Chicago, he gave the Cubs a nice discounted contract, performed well down the stretch and once again will become a FA and likely can make more than last year which might tip the scales of him testing the market and a diff. team offering more.

 

I think he is back next year once the Cubs trade Dempster.

 

I think he's back, regardless of Dempster's situation.

 

Will Soto start?

 

This is the easiest of the off-season questions, there isn't a doubt in my mind he strts next year. I think Blanco will give it another go next year prompting the Cubs to go with a Soto/Blanco duo.

 

agreed. no-brainer

 

Who will play CF?

 

Will the Cubs try once again to trade Jones? I think they will and they'll be successful in doing so, they'll eat some of his contract. This will open the door for Pie, who should have the inside track as the starting CF'er for next year. Don't be surprised to see an upgrade with a 4th OF'er who can play CF.

 

It really would be benificial for them to move Jones this off-season. He only has one year left on his deal, and it's a dollar amount that probably looks reasonable to many owners. Plus, he's shown he can play CF if necessary. They've got to see what they have with Pie, or trade him (I obviously prefer the former). As you said, bring in a vet 4th/5th OF who can play CF.

 

Who will play RF?

 

I hope Murton has opened some eyes as far as his ability at worse to be a platoon player out there in RF, despite a fair ability to hit RH'ers. If they don't feel confident in Murton, I would expect this to be the position when they spend the most of their avail. off-season money. The crop for RF'ers is weak, which makes it more diff., I think the option Seattle has on Guillen is worth watching.

 

I mentioned this earlier, I would look into acq'g a young platoon partner to compliment Murton. I think Seth Smith is the perfect example.

 

Right now, I'm guessing Floyd/Murton as next year's RF.

 

I think/hope that Floyd is done. I prefer one of the following: 1. If the Cubs upgrade at SS (Renteria, Tejada, Arod, etc) I'd love to see Murton in RF. Bring in a LH 4th OF (maybe even Floyd) as a back-up and potential platoon partner if Murton struggles against RHP, which I don't see any reason that he would; 2. If they go into next season with Theriot/Cedeno at SS, they need an upgrade in RF. My number one preference is probably Bobby Abreu. Murton becomes the 4th OF.

[Derwood]

Theriot is a gritty little hustle guy who fans love because he's small, white, and has a neat nickname. Thus, he'll be back and zero effort will be made to upgrade at SS

[rynefan]

In the paper today they were saying get ARod, put him at SS. Move Theriot to second. Put DeRosa in right. Hmmm.....

[d_money]

In the paper today they were saying get ARod, put him at SS. Move Theriot to second. Put DeRosa in right. Hmmm.....

 

What paper? The toilet paper?

[CuseCubFan69]

In the paper today they were saying get ARod, put him at SS. Move Theriot to second. Put DeRosa in right. Hmmm.....

 

What paper? The toilet paper?

 

No that said keep the team as it is.

[Soul]

Theriot is a gritty little hustle guy who fans love because he's small, white, and has a neat nickname. Thus, he'll be back and zero effort will be made to upgrade at SS

 

 

Oooohhhhhh, how we love our grinders.

 

Keep Theriot, and dump ARam. Word.

[biittner77]

With Pie getting a shot at CF I see the Cubs keeping Jones and platooning him with Murton in RF as insurance in case Pie flames out. Jones is by no means ideal but he is a decent complimentary player that can be moved once Pie has shown he can play. If Soto starts and continues to hit that will be a big boost to the offense and will relieve pressure on Pie.

 

I don't believe Hendry wants to trade Marquis as he provided what he was supposed to provide. Granted, Hendry paid too much.

[jersey cubs fan]

Most of what is mentioned in this thread is only water treading moves.

 

Sure it is, I don't see them having the resources to make any big splashes until they trade for someone like Renteria. Which I don't consider that big, unless you expect to contribute like he did last year compared to his career norms.

 

Yeah, unfortunately with the ownership situation and Hendry's ability as a GM, treading water is probably the most we can hope for at this time. Some people will act as though this was a good team and that treading water would be fine. Unfortunately, they are going to have to rely on the weakness of the competition if they want to sniff the postseason again.

 

The four biggest chances for internal improvement are:

 

1. Pie playing well in centerfield, holding his own with a 750 or better OPS. That would lift the Cubs CF production from the bottom to the middle of the NL pack, and the improved defense for a full season would be a bonus.

 

2. Murton getting full-time duty in RF and responding with an 850 or better OPS. The Cubs were 6th in the NL in RF OPS this year, but it was a tight race between team 6-10. 850 likely puts them in the top 2-3 teams, and Murton is clearly capable of such numbers. Whether or not he's given a chance, or responds to that chance is to be determined.

 

3. Soto building on his remarkable 2007 season and putting up some solid numbers in 100 or more starts behind the plate next season. The Cubs were 14 out of 16 NL teams in catcher OPS with a line of .239/.304/.369. If Blanco is the backup, his line is going to look something like that, or worse. So, if Soto can OPS 740 or higher, or possibly even flirt with an 800 (a big if, but one that doesn't look unreasonable), the Cubs may move from bottom of the barrel in catcher production to upper half of the league.

 

4. Prior starting 20+ games at a reasonably effective level. This may be the longest reach. The chances of seeing 2002/2003 Prior are slim and none, but if Prior can give the Cubs 20 starts at or about the level he pitched at in 2004/2005, ideally starting with the big club by late May and lasting all year, it could be a major improvement if it replaces the kind of junk they were getting from Marquis and Trachsel late in 2007.

[USSoccer]

-I'd shop Marquis, offering to eat 50% of 2008 and 25% of 2009

-I'd deal Dempster to pretty much anyone who would take him. Baltimore?

-I'd resign Wood for 2/$6m plus incentives

-I'd make sure to keep Prior and look at him as a May aquisition. I like the Carpenter comp. for him very much.

 

-I'd see if LA was dumb enough to trade Loney or Kemp for Lee.

-I'd let Floyd, Monroe, Trachsel and Kendall walk

-I'd let Pie and Soto be opening day starters

-I'd look at dealing Jones.

 

Could something like Dempster/Jones/Veal/Marshall for Tejada work?

[anabiono]

-I'd shop Marquis, offering to eat 50% of 2008 and 25% of 2009

-I'd deal Dempster to pretty much anyone who would take him. Baltimore?

-I'd resign Wood for 2/$6m plus incentives

-I'd make sure to keep Prior and look at him as a May aquisition. I like the Carpenter comp. for him very much.

 

-I'd see if LA was dumb enough to trade Loney or Kemp for Lee.

-I'd let Floyd, Monroe, Trachsel and Kendall walk

-I'd let Pie and Soto be opening day starters

-I'd look at dealing Jones.

 

Could something like Dempster/Jones/Veal/Marshall for Tejada work?

 

i quite like this...maybe not tejada...but...i like it

[USSoccer]

Jersey is correct about the main point, though: This team is going to have to have either one of their young position players break out, or have Prior return to form to see signifigant improvement over 2007. We're not going to have the payroll to add impact players.

 

Thus, it comes down to Prior, Pie, Soto, or maybe Murton to exceed expectations.

[nilodnayr]

Most of what is mentioned in this thread is only water treading moves.

 

Sure it is, I don't see them having the resources to make any big splashes until they trade for someone like Renteria. Which I don't consider that big, unless you expect to contribute like he did last year compared to his career norms.

 

We got a 640 OPS out of SS, so even if you expect a 756 OPS from him, thats a big improvement. I don't think he'll repeat his 860, but his 2006 performance of 797 is not unreasonable.

[UK1679666180]

It's an improvement, but having a typical year from Renteria isn't a big splash move. Especially, if he has a typical year and hits 2nd. If Murton played 130 games in RF, I think he would likely be as productive with a better chance for a higher OBP. Of course, that's coming from a corner OF'er rather than SS.

[jersey cubs fan]

It's an improvement, but having a typical year from Renteria isn't a big splash move. Especially, if he has a typical year and hits 2nd. If Murton played 130 games in RF, I think he would likely be as productive with a better chance for a higher OBP. Of course, that's coming from a corner OF'er rather than SS.

 

Yeah, but it's not like Murton and Renteria can't be in the same lineup. It's much less important where they hit than that they hit at all. Turning a low 600 OPS into a high 700 OPS from a position would be a tremendous help. Not as big as going to ARod, obviously, but still big.

[UK1679666180]

It all depends which Renteria shows up, he's streaky from year to year. If he puts up a .330-.340 OBP hitting 2nd, the offense would be better off going with Murton 2nd and Renteria 6/7.

[jersey cubs fan]

It all depends which Renteria shows up, he's streaky from year to year. If he puts up a .330-.340 OBP hitting 2nd, the offense would be better off going with Murton 2nd and Renteria 6/7.

 

He's definitely not a sure thing. But my point is the difference between where they bat is far less consequential than if they are in the lineup in the first place (and producing, of course).