MacPhail: Deal is dead (p. 297), stop posting, go outside

[nolanwood]

What if the Reds include Homer Bailey in a deal to get Bedard, and then the Cubs somehow net Bailey and Roberts in their deal if they're willing to part with Pie?

 

Bailey > Pie

 

If the O's are getting Bailey in a package deal in return for Bedard, I'd think Bailey would be the focal point of that package. Why would they then send Bailey back to us because we're giving them Pie? We're not the only ones that know Bailey > Pie.

[Warpticon]

What if the Reds include Homer Bailey in a deal to get Bedard, and then the Cubs somehow net Bailey and Roberts in their deal if they're willing to part with Pie?

 

Bailey > Pie

 

If the O's are getting Bailey in a package deal in return for Bedard, I'd think Bailey would be the focal point of that package. Why would they then send Bailey back to us because we're giving them Pie? We're not the only ones that know Bailey > Pie.

 

Andy MacPhail

[RammyFanny]

The orioles insider who broke the tejada trade is really hinting towards another orioles trade maybe going down tonight. Hendry better not trade Pie for Roberts.

 

If the trade was ONLY Pie for Roberts, straightup--or perhaps with a nobody throw-in like Jake Fox or Juan Mateo--then I would support that. Moving Pie in such a deal implies (to me at least) the Cubs keep Gallagher and Veal, and that's a good thing. With Prior now gone and few of us having any confidence in Ryan Dempster, I think it's more important to keep our pitching prospects than it is to keep our only position player prospect.

It would also mean that we must be somewhat confident of acquiring a CF, since i'm about 99% sure Funkudome wont' be playing any regular time there. Supposedly a main reason he chose us was for RF, and Hendry even said on the radio today we plan to use him at RF.

[Proven Veteran]

What if the Reds include Homer Bailey in a deal to get Bedard, and then the Cubs somehow net Bailey and Roberts in their deal if they're willing to part with Pie?

 

Bailey > Pie

 

If the O's are getting Bailey in a package deal in return for Bedard, I'd think Bailey would be the focal point of that package. Why would they then send Bailey back to us because we're giving them Pie? We're not the only ones that know Bailey > Pie.

 

Andy MacPhail

 

 

Maybe he's still working for the Cubs... :-k

[Guest]

I know it's a few pages ago and might not be the current rumor but the Orioles were really interested in Guzman last offseason.

[hawkeyecub]

I know it's a few pages ago and might not be the current rumor but the Orioles were really interested in Guzman last offseason.

 

I remember MacPhail's line (I think it was from the Cubs Convention) when he said he felt the Cubs would have won the World Series in 2003 if Angel had stayed healthy.

[Guest]

I know it's a few pages ago and might not be the current rumor but the Orioles were really interested in Guzman last offseason.

 

I remember MacPhail's line (I think it was from the Cubs Convention) when he said he felt the Cubs would have won the World Series in 2003 if Angel had stayed healthy.

 

MacPhail wasn't with the O's last offseason, I believe there were a few people in the organization who liked Gooz last offseason.

[CyHawk_Cub]

I don't know how many times on how many different forums but Hendry has clearly stated that he will not move Pie or Hill unless the deal blows him away. Brian Roberts is not a player that fits into the "blow you away" category. If Bedard is included, then maybe Hill goes but Hendry seems to have a hard on for Pie.

 

But Roberts is left-handed....so to Jim, that might be enough to blow him away... Just sayin'

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Bedard for Pie, Hill, Prior and Marmol is fair return.

 

It's been said already, but still...

 

ahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahaaha

[sneakypower]

I don't know how many times on how many different forums but Hendry has clearly stated that he will not move Pie or Hill unless the deal blows him away. Brian Roberts is not a player that fits into the "blow you away" category. If Bedard is included, then maybe Hill goes but Hendry seems to have a hard on for Pie.

 

But Roberts is left-handed....so to Jim, that might be enough to blow him away... Just sayin'

 

is this joke still funny? he got a lefty to balance the lineup, i doubt it's still a big priority.

[David]

Seems like it still is...or else why would he be so hard up for Roberts?

 

Great player, don't get me wrong, but not needed at all.

 

That said, I'm not gonna be upset at all about getting him unless we give up something ridiculous.

[CubFanPhilly]

Skip Roberts.

 

LF- Soriano

CF - Fukudome

RF - Pie/Murton

Or better yet, move Soriano to RF and platoon Pie/Murton in LF.

 

Dealing off Dempster and/or Marquis for something useful would be a lot more impressive than dealing Pie (et. al.) for a minor upgrade at 2B.

 

Bedard would be a nice acquisition if it doesn't involve trading Hill, but I doubt that's possible.

[Butterscup1679666578]

Skip Roberts.

 

LF- Soriano

CF - Fukudome

RF - Pie/Murton

Or better yet, move Soriano to RF and platoon Pie/Murton in LF.

 

Dealing off Dempster and/or Marquis for something useful would be a lot more impressive than dealing Pie (et. al.) for a minor upgrade at 2B.

 

Bedard would be a nice acquisition if it doesn't involve trading Hill, but I doubt that's possible.

 

I like Pie in CF and Fuku in RF, unless Pie is resting, then Fuku CF and Murton RF.

 

And there's no way we get anything close to useful for Dempster/Marquis.

[David]

Skip Roberts.

 

LF- Soriano

CF - Fukudome

RF - Pie/Murton

Or better yet, move Soriano to RF and platoon Pie/Murton in LF.

 

Dealing off Dempster and/or Marquis for something useful would be a lot more impressive than dealing Pie (et. al.) for a minor upgrade at 2B.

 

Bedard would be a nice acquisition if it doesn't involve trading Hill, but I doubt that's possible.

 

Why are you putting Fuku in CF in all your scenarios and putting Pie in either LF or RF?

[CubFanPhilly]

Skip Roberts.

 

LF- Soriano

CF - Fukudome

RF - Pie/Murton

Or better yet, move Soriano to RF and platoon Pie/Murton in LF.

 

Dealing off Dempster and/or Marquis for something useful would be a lot more impressive than dealing Pie (et. al.) for a minor upgrade at 2B.

 

Bedard would be a nice acquisition if it doesn't involve trading Hill, but I doubt that's possible.

 

Why are you putting Fuku in CF in all your scenarios and putting Pie in either LF or RF?

 

I'm not opposed to the idea of shifting Fukudome to CF when Murton starts in RF, but that doens't seem to fit Lou's style (e.g., his handling of Soriano). Fukudome as the every day center fielder is less disruptive. I understand that Pie in a corner OF spot doesn't fully leverage his defense. However, I think Pie will struggle for awhile as he adjusts and I'd prefer something like a 50/50 or 40/60 platoon with Murton. If/when Pie establishes himself, switch him to CF for good.

 

What I don't want to see is Fukudome and Soriano planted in the corner OF spots, Murton languishing on the bench or in AAA, while Pie struggles in CF and Hendry starts shopping for a stopgap CF. I think that's a plausible scenario if Lou names Fukudome the everyday RFer. Even if the Cubs think Murton is a 4th OF, a platoon in LF or RF at least enhances his trade value. While 150-200 ABs in 2008 would probably only result in him being dealt at his lowest potential value.

[XZero771679666304]

Skip Roberts.

 

LF- Soriano

CF - Fukudome

RF - Pie/Murton

Or better yet, move Soriano to RF and platoon Pie/Murton in LF.

 

Dealing off Dempster and/or Marquis for something useful would be a lot more impressive than dealing Pie (et. al.) for a minor upgrade at 2B.

 

Bedard would be a nice acquisition if it doesn't involve trading Hill, but I doubt that's possible.

 

Why are you putting Fuku in CF in all your scenarios and putting Pie in either LF or RF?

 

I'm not opposed to the idea of shifting Fukudome to CF when Murton starts in RF, but that doens't seem to fit Lou's style (e.g., his handling of Soriano). Fukudome as the every day center fielder is less disruptive. I understand that Pie in a corner OF spot doesn't fully leverage his defense. However, I think Pie will struggle for awhile as he adjusts and I'd prefer something like a 50/50 or 40/60 platoon with Murton. If/when Pie establishes himself, switch him to CF for good.

 

What I don't want to see is Fukudome and Soriano planted in the corner OF spots, Murton languishing on the bench or in AAA, while Pie struggles in CF and Hendry starts shopping for a stopgap CF. I think that's a plausible scenario if Lou names Fukudome the everyday RFer. Even if the Cubs think Murton is a 4th OF, a platoon in LF or RF at least enhances his trade value. While 150-200 ABs in 2008 would probably only result in him being dealt at his lowest potential value.

 

Apparently one of the reasons Kosuke chose the Cubs is to play his natural position of RF. He said as much. I wouldn't expect to see him in CF very much at all.

 

What that means for Murton, IDK. But I think it's a very good possibility Matt is traded before the season, and that DeRo is Fukudome's counterpart in RF (to get him AB's if Hendry brings Roberts in as expected), so it may not be an issue.

[CubFanPhilly]

Apparently one of the reasons Kosuke chose the Cubs is to play his natural position of RF. He said as much. I wouldn't expect to see him in CF very much at all.

 

What that means for Murton, IDK. But I think it's a very good possibility Matt is traded before the season, and that DeRo is Fukudome's counterpart in RF (to get him AB's if Hendry brings Roberts in as expected), so it may not be an issue.

 

Well, that's lousy news.

 

Hopefully the Orioles are interested in Murton as a significant part of the Roberts deal. If not, Murton's trade value goes to ZERO as a 5th OF behind Soriano and Fukudome.

 

---------

 

btw- It's interesting that there's so much praise for Hendry after signing Fukudome. Yeah, he got his guy. But what has he accomplished this off season? Faced with holes at SS, C, CF, RF he's spent $12 mil. upgrading the easiest position to upgrade, while banking on two rookies (C, CF) and an over-achieving (we hope) utility infielder at SS. Meanwhile he's already spent 85-95% of the 2009 budget without accounting for replacements for Howry, Dempster, Eyre, Blanco, or Ward.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

btw- It's interesting that there's so much praise for Hendry after signing Fukudome. Yeah, he got his guy. But what has he accomplished this off season? Faced with holes at SS, C, CF, RF he's spent $12 mil. upgrading the easiest position to upgrade, while banking on two rookies (C, CF) and an over-achieving (we hope) utility infielder at SS. Meanwhile he's already spent 85-95% of the 2009 budget without accounting for replacements for Howry, Dempster, Eyre, Blanco, or Ward.

 

Huh? Why are replacements needed for Howry, Dempster, Eyre, Blanco and Ward? Each is under contract for 2008.

 

Also, Hendry may have spent $12MM on Fukudome, but he also saved $3.5MM in cutting Prior, another $3-4MM ( we don't know the exact figure) in cutting Jones, and with Barrett/Kendall out of the picture in favor of Soto, yet another $4MM (roughly). Granted, raises are due to some existing players already under contract, but those are sunk costs. So far this offseason, Hendry hasn't spent a single NEW dime of the new owners' money.

[Guest]

btw- It's interesting that there's so much praise for Hendry after signing Fukudome. Yeah, he got his guy. But what has he accomplished this off season? Faced with holes at SS, C, CF, RF he's spent $12 mil. upgrading the easiest position to upgrade, while banking on two rookies (C, CF) and an over-achieving (we hope) utility infielder at SS. Meanwhile he's already spent 85-95% of the 2009 budget without accounting for replacements for Howry, Dempster, Eyre, Blanco, or Ward.

 

Huh? Why are replacements needed for Howry, Dempster, Eyre, Blanco and Ward? Each is under contract for 2008.

 

Also, Hendry may have spent $12MM on Fukudome, but he also saved $3.5MM in cutting Prior, another $3-4MM ( we don't know the exact figure) in cutting Jones, and with Barrett/Kendall out of the picture in favor of Soto, yet another $4MM (roughly). Granted, raises are due to some existing players already under contract, but those are sunk costs. So far this offseason, Hendry hasn't spent a single NEW dime of the new owners' money.

 

He was talking about the 2009 budget and none of Howry, Dempster, Eyre, Blanco and Ward are under contract for that year. They are for 2008, but not 2009.

[Post Count Padder]

Anything new?

[hawkeyecub]

I know it's a few pages ago and might not be the current rumor but the Orioles were really interested in Guzman last offseason.

 

I remember MacPhail's line (I think it was from the Cubs Convention) when he said he felt the Cubs would have won the World Series in 2003 if Angel had stayed healthy.

 

MacPhail wasn't with the O's last offseason, I believe there were a few people in the organization who liked Gooz last offseason.

 

I'm well aware of that.

[C.C.]

btw- It's interesting that there's so much praise for Hendry after signing Fukudome. Yeah, he got his guy. But what has he accomplished this off season? Faced with holes at SS, C, CF, RF he's spent $12 mil. upgrading the easiest position to upgrade, while banking on two rookies (C, CF) and an over-achieving (we hope) utility infielder at SS. Meanwhile he's already spent 85-95% of the 2009 budget without accounting for replacements for Howry, Dempster, Eyre, Blanco, or Ward.

 

Huh? Why are replacements needed for Howry, Dempster, Eyre, Blanco and Ward? Each is under contract for 2008.

 

Also, Hendry may have spent $12MM on Fukudome, but he also saved $3.5MM in cutting Prior, another $3-4MM ( we don't know the exact figure) in cutting Jones, and with Barrett/Kendall out of the picture in favor of Soto, yet another $4MM (roughly). Granted, raises are due to some existing players already under contract, but those are sunk costs. So far this offseason, Hendry hasn't spent a single NEW dime of the new owners' money.

 

He was talking about the 2009 budget and none of Howry, Dempster, Eyre, Blanco and Ward are under contract for that year. They are for 2008, but not 2009.

 

We not wait to cross that bridge? We may not want some or all of them.

[CubFanPhilly]

btw- It's interesting that there's so much praise for Hendry after signing Fukudome. Yeah, he got his guy. But what has he accomplished this off season? Faced with holes at SS, C, CF, RF he's spent $12 mil. upgrading the easiest position to upgrade, while banking on two rookies (C, CF) and an over-achieving (we hope) utility infielder at SS. Meanwhile he's already spent 85-95% of the 2009 budget without accounting for replacements for Howry, Dempster, Eyre, Blanco, or Ward.

 

Huh? Why are replacements needed for Howry, Dempster, Eyre, Blanco and Ward? Each is under contract for 2008.

 

Also, Hendry may have spent $12MM on Fukudome, but he also saved $3.5MM in cutting Prior, another $3-4MM ( we don't know the exact figure) in cutting Jones, and with Barrett/Kendall out of the picture in favor of Soto, yet another $4MM (roughly). Granted, raises are due to some existing players already under contract, but those are sunk costs. So far this offseason, Hendry hasn't spent a single NEW dime of the new owners' money.

 

He was talking about the 2009 budget and none of Howry, Dempster, Eyre, Blanco and Ward are under contract for that year. They are for 2008, but not 2009.

 

We not wait to cross that bridge? We may not want some or all of them.

 

Indeed, the Cubs may not want any of them back. But my point is that Hendry (or whomever the 2009 GM is) will have little flexibility to improve the team because of the large contracts Hendry is handing out (and particularly with the backloading in those deals).

 

If the new ownership doesn't increase payroll next season, the Cubs will have ~$6-7 mil. to spend replacing at least three bullpen spots (Howry, Eyre, and Dempster or Wood), possibly the 5th starter (if it turns out to be Dempster), and at least two bench spots (Ward & Blanco). If the new ownership bumps payroll $15 mil. (probably best case), you have $21-22 mil. to work with.

 

The 2008 roster is more or less the 2009 roster unless a new owner pours a lot of additional money into the team or a new GM gets very creative. In my opinion, as it stands today, the 2008 roster is only 5-8 wins better than 2007. That's probably good enough to win the Central again, but that's a pretty mediocre outcome considering the resources Hendry's working with.

 

I hope Fukudome is much better than I think he'll be (~800 OPS), because if not, this team is heading for a post-Hendry/Piniella dismantling.

[HoopsCubs]

Just saw something in the ESPN crawler: Roberts is probably going to be named in the Mitchell report.

[CUBZ99]

Just saw something in the ESPN crawler: Roberts is probably going to be named in the Mitchell report.

 

Maybe it will drive the O's asking price down?