Let's play GM!

[CuseCubFan69]

If money were not a problem, which one player would you rather have on the Cubs:

 

ARod

Santana

Cabrera

[killthegoat06]

ARod.

[UMFan83]

If I could have one of those players for the same price, I'd pick Santana because I think that finding an ace through FA is nearly impossible (especially one as dominant as him) and significantly more expensive than a hitter at comparable value.

 

But if it was just "money is no object" in general meaning I could spend as much as I want for anyone, and I could only get one of those 3 than probably ARod.

[RynoRules]

ARod is the best player in baseball, and arguably one of the top 5 of all-time. He can be moved to the OF to maitain his productivity as he gets older. No-brainer.

[Drew Doughty]

without putting much thought into it: Santana.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Cabrera, easy

[jersey cubs fan]

I chose ARod, but I'm not positive I'd take him over Cabrera.

 

ARod fills the Cubs biggest need, at SS. He's the best player in the game, and I'm fairly confident he'll be excellent for the next 5-8 years, even if you need to move him to 3B, 1B, or the OF in years 4-8. Cabrera is right behind him. He's younger, and should be great for a much longer time. I'd put him in RF until Lee is gone. There's a slight concern over his dedication to excellence, given his weight. But I'd be more than happy with either.

[Guest]

Miggy narrowly over ARod because he's a lot younger.

[NCCubFan]

I chose Arod because I'm operating under the assumption that the goal is to win a championship in 2008. If I were thinking more long-term I'd go with Miggy. Santana would certainly be a nice addition to the pitching staff, but the rotation is already fairly good. The offense is in much more need of improvement.

[wolf stansson]

Santana?

[NCCubFan]

Santana?

There's been some talk that the Twins may trade him because they may not be able to afford to sign him once he becomes a free agent.

[Derwood]

A-Rod

 

Cabrera is 18 months from making Prince Fielder look like Juan Pierre

[Mizzou]

Given the choice between the best player in baseball and two guys who aren't the best player in baseball... I'm gonna go with the best player in baseball.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I voted Arod, but either of those three would make me very happy.

[Roast]

Sanrodera.

[rawaction]

I voted for Arod, but I could go any possible way.

 

Arod's the best player in baseball. And he possibly fills a need at SS. But what if he can't play SS? He hasn't played there in 4 full seasons, and 27 (the age he was the 1st half 03) is a lot different from 33 (the age he'll be in the 2nd half of 08). If he can't play SS for 3-4 years, he becomes redundant to another really good player, Ramirez. But he's shown no signs of losing his bat anytime soon and recent history has shown great offensive players can be great into their late 30s-early 40s. He's probably easily got 6 years of top 10 in the game production.

 

Santana is the best pitcher in the game, maybe by more of a margin than ARod is over the next best hitter. He is in the midst of his prime at 28. No position change is ever likely to be in his future. As good of a bet as anybody to maintain his level of dominance for the foreseeable future.

 

At first glance, I couldn't see why anyone could pick Cabrera. He's probably the 3rd best player of the three. He has clear defensive deficiencies. He is not nearly in the shape as his competition in this group. But, he is 23. He is the most versatile. He has played 3B, SS, both corner OF positions and could play at least an adequate 1B from all accounts. If Arod easily has 6 great years left, then Cabrera probably has 10 even with his weight. And something that may be lost in all of this is the fact that Cabrera has outproduced Arod as recently as 2006, and matched him stat for stat in his first full season in 2004. Granted, he's had 0 seasons up to par with Arod's top 5.

[CuseCubFan69]

Wow...I thought this would have been a lot closer. I voted for ARod due to his ability, position and the fact he takes care of himself. Santana worries me due to the simple fact he's a pitcher and due to miss some time imo, and Miggy may Kruk himself. All wonderful players though and I'd be thrilled if the Cubs had any of the 3.

[Skyballer]

I'll take the best player in baseball.

[haltz]

I'll take the best player in baseball.

Pujols isn't available.

[ottawacubbie]

A Zambrano, Santana punch would be devastating in the playoffs. Plus it pushed Ted Lilly where he REALLY belongs in the rotation . . . 3rd. If TL pitched like he did last year in the third spot he could have won 18 games.

[WrigleyField 22]

A Zambrano, Santana punch would be devastating in the playoffs. Plus it pushed Ted Lilly where he REALLY belongs in the rotation . . . 3rd. If TL pitched like he did last year in the third spot he could have won 18 games.

How does his "spot" change how many wins he'll get? That might be one of the most absurd things I've ever read on this forum.

[Careless]

A Zambrano, Santana punch would be devastating in the playoffs. Plus it pushed Ted Lilly where he REALLY belongs in the rotation . . . 3rd. If TL pitched like he did last year in the third spot he could have won 18 games.

How does his "spot" change how many wins he'll get? That might be one of the most absurd things I've ever read on this forum.

Well, if you'd face the other team's #3 instead of #2 every game, it would make a difference. Doesn't happen in practice, though.

[hardcorecubfan]

Get rid of marquis and insert Santana a solid starting three.

[javy knows my name]

Given the choice between the best player in baseball and two guys who aren't the best player in baseball... I'm gonna go with the best player in baseball.

This was my thought process as well