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

[17 Seconds]

From Jayson Stark:

 

STRIKE TWO -- Bird Land: An official of one club that has been in touch with the Orioles and Cubs predicts the Orioles will trade Brian Roberts to Wrigleyville in the third week of March. The most likely package continues to be Roberts and Jay Payton for Sean Gallagher, Ronny Cedeno and at least one more prospect.

 

The Orioles also have been telling clubs they'll add at least one more veteran starting pitcher before Opening Day. Translation: Kyle Lohse, if they can keep Scott Boras' asking price within reason.

 

At the moment, the Orioles are planning on Steve Trachsel as their Opening Day starter, just to take the heat off their younger pitchers. Which leads us to this question: What's the last team to start a free agent who signed a minor-league contract on Opening Day? If you can think of one, let us know, at uselessinfodept@yahoo.com.

[Post Count Padder]

From Jayson Stark:

 

STRIKE TWO -- Bird Land: An official of one club that has been in touch with the Orioles and Cubs predicts the Orioles will trade Brian Roberts to Wrigleyville in the third week of March. The most likely package continues to be Roberts and Jay Payton for Sean Gallagher, Ronny Cedeno and at least one more prospect.

 

The Orioles also have been telling clubs they'll add at least one more veteran starting pitcher before Opening Day. Translation: Kyle Lohse, if they can keep Scott Boras' asking price within reason.

 

At the moment, the Orioles are planning on Steve Trachsel as their Opening Day starter, just to take the heat off their younger pitchers. Which leads us to this question: What's the last team to start a free agent who signed a minor-league contract on Opening Day? If you can think of one, let us know, at uselessinfodept@yahoo.com.

If that's true, then I'd be content with that depending on the prospect.

[BigbadB]

Cubs must have had one or two of those sometime between after Sutcliffe and before Lieber.

[BigbadB]

From Jayson Stark:

 

STRIKE TWO -- Bird Land: An official of one club that has been in touch with the Orioles and Cubs predicts the Orioles will trade Brian Roberts to Wrigleyville in the third week of March. The most likely package continues to be Roberts and Jay Payton for Sean Gallagher, Ronny Cedeno and at least one more prospect.

 

The Orioles also have been telling clubs they'll add at least one more veteran starting pitcher before Opening Day. Translation: Kyle Lohse, if they can keep Scott Boras' asking price within reason.

 

At the moment, the Orioles are planning on Steve Trachsel as their Opening Day starter, just to take the heat off their younger pitchers. Which leads us to this question: What's the last team to start a free agent who signed a minor-league contract on Opening Day? If you can think of one, let us know, at uselessinfodept@yahoo.com.

If that's true, then I'd be content with that depending on the prospect.

 

Considering the Cubs would be doing Baltimore a favor in taking Payton and his bad contract off their hands, I don't see much need to add another prospect.

 

Roberts and Payton = Gallagher and Cedeno

Roberts by himself = Gallagher, Cedeno and maybe Veal.

 

If it's the second deal, as much as I hate to see it, it would probably be Murton for Crisp.

 

Why can't Oakland just pony up the cash for Crisp? They have Chris Denorfia penciled in CF for cryin' out loud.

[CubsGM]

Cubs have Brian on the brain

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/835595,CST-SPT-cub11.article

MARYVALE, Ariz. -- Mark DeRosa's return to the lineup Monday was a calming sight for the Cubs and a reminder of how unsettled the climate remains over a team trying to pull off at least one major trade in the last 20 days before the season opens.

 

''I mean, you can see the roster,'' DeRosa said. ''You've got to believe there's going to be moves made. There has to be.''

 

Too many major-league pitchers for two too few spots. Infielders playing center field to provide backup options. At least one young starter-quality outfielder with no position openings.

 

Even in the most ill-fitting case, the Cubs have more than enough talent and depth to repeat as National League Central champions. But even the guys in the clubhouse who claim they're not paying attention can recognize the irony playing out this week: As the Cubs regulars are almost ready to take the field as a whole lineup for the first time this spring, it's a lineup few expect to remain intact for the next three weeks.

[cubfan1955]

How about if we just forget about Roberts, Payton and/or Crisp and make Cedeno the SS, DeRosa the 2B and let Theriot be the utility guy and send Gallagher to AAA to get ready when either Lieber's arm falls off or Marquis starts throwing batting practice?

[Dallas Green]

I would like to see Cedeno win the SS job, but I like Roberts over De Rosa too much, and Lou doesn't trust Pie it seems.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

How about if we just forget about Roberts, Payton and/or Crisp and make Cedeno the SS, DeRosa the 2B and let Theriot be the utility guy and send Gallagher to AAA to get ready when either Lieber's arm falls off or Marquis starts throwing batting practice?

 

Cedeno isn't inspiring much confidence this spring. I'm all for DeRosa as the second baseman, but as things stand who's the back-up CF?

 

I think there's going to have to be a move of some kind.

[FergieJ31]

This has probably been discussed before, but why isn't DeRosa even being considered a SS option?

 

He's played over 110 games at short in his career with passable fielding pct / range factor numbers (not that those fielding stats alone can say much). A MI of DeRo/BRob w/Theriot utility backup is pretty intriguing.

[BigbadB]

This has probably been discussed before, but why isn't DeRosa even being considered a SS option?

 

He's played over 110 games at short in his career with passable fielding pct / range factor numbers (not that those fielding stats alone can say much). A MI of DeRo/BRob w/Theriot utility backup is pretty intriguing.

 

If Mark Loretta, Brendan Harris and Jeff Keppinger can do it, so can DeRosa.

 

The Cubs are a better team if they add Roberts and move DeRosa to SS.

 

The Cubs are a better team if they move Soriano to 2b, start Murton in LF and DeRosa to SS.

 

The Cubs are a better team if Patterson plays 2b and DeRosa plays SS.

 

The Cubs are probably a better team if they go with Cedeno at SS.

[Backtobanks]

This has probably been discussed before, but why isn't DeRosa even being considered a SS option?

 

He's played over 110 games at short in his career with passable fielding pct / range factor numbers (not that those fielding stats alone can say much). A MI of DeRo/BRob w/Theriot utility backup is pretty intriguing.

 

If Mark Loretta, Brendan Harris and Jeff Keppinger can do it, so can DeRosa.

 

The Cubs are a better team if they add Roberts and move DeRosa to SS.

 

The Cubs are a better team if they move Soriano to 2b, start Murton in LF and DeRosa to SS.

 

The Cubs are a better team if Patterson plays 2b and DeRosa plays SS.

 

The Cubs are probably a better team if they go with Cedeno at SS.

 

While I may agree with some of what you posted, I wonder if DeRosa's days at SS were when he was much younger. Playing Murton in LF is great, but the Soriano at 2B and Derosa at SS could really get ugly without a whole lot of practice time. The last two points are moot because it's obvious that Lou has more confidence in Theriot over Patterson and/or Cedeno. Let's hope the Roberts deal happens soon because Cedeno certainly isn't increasing his trade value this spring.

[Moonshot]

Great lets talk about Hendry's trade history on this thread and make it even longer.

Aramis Ramirez and Kenny Lofton for Jose Hernandez, Bobby Hill, and Matt Bruback

 

Todd Hundley and Chad Hermanson for Eric Karros and Mark Grudzielanek

 

That is all.

 

Couldn't agree more. Hendry's steals have worked out far better long term for him than his busts have bit him in the long run.

[BigbadB]

While I may agree with some of what you posted, I wonder if DeRosa's days at SS were when he was much younger.

 

Here's a pretty amazing statistic: Take out the games DeRosa played at 2b last year, and DeRosa has more games logged at SS over the course of his career than he does at 2b.

 

DeRosa played behind Furcal, Renteria and Michael Young at SS, but he was the popular SS replacement when those guys needed a day off.

 

Theriot makes for a decent late inning defensive replacement for him, or spell him at SS when we need him in a corner OF spot or 3rd or 2nd.

[cbbryan]

Maybe the Cubs are actually thinking of DeRo at SS and just haven't made it public knowledge. Or they're hoping Theriot holds down the fort at SS and DeRo can get starter ABs as the "super-sub." I just hope Lou knows DeRo can play SS and is his first choice to replace Theriot when Theriot struggles.

[ter]

Hmmm...Roberts has now played in 7 games for the O's.

 

BA of .316

OBA of .435

7 stolen bases in 7 attempts.

 

As much as I would hate ro see DeRosa become a super-sub, BRob really would be a great person to have bat ahead of Fukudome, Lee, Ramirez and Soriano. Plus the fact, that is a very good defensive player.

 

He not only improves the defense (although DeRosa did O.K.) but that would give the Cubs one heck of a line-up from 1 through 5 plus Soto, etc..

[BigbadB]

Great lets talk about Hendry's trade history on this thread and make it even longer.

Aramis Ramirez and Kenny Lofton for Jose Hernandez, Bobby Hill, and Matt Bruback

 

Todd Hundley and Chad Hermanson for Eric Karros and Mark Grudzielanek

 

That is all.

 

Couldn't agree more. Hendry's steals have worked out far better long term for him than his busts have bit him in the long run.

 

I couldn't disagree more. Since Hendry became GM:

 

The Tribune has upped Cubs payroll from 70m to 110m+

The farm system has gone from one of the top farm systems to the bottom and back to the middle of the pack

 

Cubs record since 2003 is 407-403 while playing in arguably the worst division in baseball during that span.

 

My expectations are a bit higher than yours, I guess.

[cbbryan]

Great lets talk about Hendry's trade history on this thread and make it even longer.

Aramis Ramirez and Kenny Lofton for Jose Hernandez, Bobby Hill, and Matt Bruback

 

Todd Hundley and Chad Hermanson for Eric Karros and Mark Grudzielanek

 

That is all.

 

Couldn't agree more. Hendry's steals have worked out far better long term for him than his busts have bit him in the long run.

 

I couldn't disagree more. Since Hendry became GM:

 

The Tribune has upped Cubs payroll from 70m to 110m+

The farm system has gone from one of the top farm systems to the bottom and back to the middle of the pack

 

Cubs record since 2003 is 407-403 while playing in arguably the worst division in baseball during that span.

 

My expectations are a bit higher than yours, I guess.

 

It's been said before, but Hendry is an average at best GM. You can certainly have a worse GM. Also, the clubs record since 2003 doesn't really rest solely on Hendry. What if Prior and Wood are healthy those years? What if DLee doesn't break his wrist? There's a bunch of factors that go into the teams record and it's unfair to cast all the blame on Hendry's trades.

 

He's average. Nothing more and nothing less.

[17 Seconds]

 

He not only improves the defense (although DeRosa did O.K.) but that would give the Cubs one heck of a line-up from 1 through 5 plus Soto, etc..

 

Derosa actually ha a higher career RF at second.

[Backtobanks]

Maybe the Cubs are actually thinking of DeRo at SS and just haven't made it public knowledge. Or they're hoping Theriot holds down the fort at SS and DeRo can get starter ABs as the "super-sub." I just hope Lou knows DeRo can play SS and is his first choice to replace Theriot when Theriot struggles.

 

I have trouble believing that, for whatever reason Lou and Hendry think the world of Theriot. A little grittiness goes a long way.

[Soul]

Great lets talk about Hendry's trade history on this thread and make it even longer.

Aramis Ramirez and Kenny Lofton for Jose Hernandez, Bobby Hill, and Matt Bruback

 

Todd Hundley and Chad Hermanson for Eric Karros and Mark Grudzielanek

 

That is all.

 

Couldn't agree more. Hendry's steals have worked out far better long term for him than his busts have bit him in the long run.

 

I couldn't disagree more. Since Hendry became GM:

 

The Tribune has upped Cubs payroll from 70m to 110m+

The farm system has gone from one of the top farm systems to the bottom and back to the middle of the pack

 

Cubs record since 2003 is 407-403 while playing in arguably the worst division in baseball during that span.

 

My expectations are a bit higher than yours, I guess.

 

It's been said before, but Hendry is an average at best GM. You can certainly have a worse GM. Also, the clubs record since 2003 doesn't really rest solely on Hendry. What if Prior and Wood are healthy those years? What if DLee doesn't break his wrist? There's a bunch of factors that go into the teams record and it's unfair to cast all the blame on Hendry's trades.

 

He's average. Nothing more and nothing less.

 

He's not close to winning a World Series and that's my expectation, so the sooner we can find someone who can get the job done, the better.

[TheDude]

Great lets talk about Hendry's trade history on this thread and make it even longer.

Aramis Ramirez and Kenny Lofton for Jose Hernandez, Bobby Hill, and Matt Bruback

 

Todd Hundley and Chad Hermanson for Eric Karros and Mark Grudzielanek

 

That is all.

 

Couldn't agree more. Hendry's steals have worked out far better long term for him than his busts have bit him in the long run.

 

I couldn't disagree more. Since Hendry became GM:

 

The Tribune has upped Cubs payroll from 70m to 110m+

The farm system has gone from one of the top farm systems to the bottom and back to the middle of the pack

 

Cubs record since 2003 is 407-403 while playing in arguably the worst division in baseball during that span.

 

My expectations are a bit higher than yours, I guess.

 

This could spin way out of control for the umpteenth time, so people should probably let it die in this thread.

[TheDude]

Maybe the Cubs are actually thinking of DeRo at SS and just haven't made it public knowledge. Or they're hoping Theriot holds down the fort at SS and DeRo can get starter ABs as the "super-sub." I just hope Lou knows DeRo can play SS and is his first choice to replace Theriot when Theriot struggles.

 

If a guy was going to be asked to move to one of the two most critical defensive spots on the field (C,SS), the transition work would have happened day one of the player's readiness in ST. There is literally nothing to be gained by holding out on this transition time.

[Burtonbell]

 

This could spin way out of control for the umpteenth time, so people should probably let it die in this thread.

 

Agreed. How many dumb Hendry trade threads have there been. We should sticky a thread called "The GM Thread." That way Hendry and all future GM's can be criticized or praised in one, nice spot.

 

That thread could easily reach 300 pages by July 31st.

[ter]

 

He not only improves the defense (although DeRosa did O.K.) but that would give the Cubs one heck of a line-up from 1 through 5 plus Soto, etc..

 

Derosa actually ha a higher career RF at second.

 

 

I realize discussing stats can become an endless debate but I show secondbase career numbers as follows:

 

Roberts...FP=.987...Rfg=4.57...innings at position=6256

DeRosa...FP=.984...Rfg=4.09...innings at position=1564.7

 

I know I am only expressing my opinion but I have seen Roberts play probably a couple of dozen games over the years (Xtra innings) and he has looked awfully solid on defense, although DeRosa has too.

 

Regardless, I feel Roberts would make a great addition to this team but as I said, I hate to see DeRosa relegated to the role of the super-sub. I really like the way he plays and he always seems to be "aware" of what is going on and what to do depending on the situation. I guess you call it baseball "savvy".

 

If DeRosa was a first-class shortstop or centerfielder, then the world would be perfect (well, almost perfect).

[anabiono]

 

He not only improves the defense (although DeRosa did O.K.) but that would give the Cubs one heck of a line-up from 1 through 5 plus Soto, etc..

 

Derosa actually ha a higher career RF at second.

 

 

I realize discussing stats can become an endless debate but I show secondbase career numbers as follows:

 

Roberts...FP=.987...Rfg=4.57...innings at position=6256

DeRosa...FP=.984...Rfg=4.09...innings at position=1564.7

 

I know I am only expressing my opinion but I have seen Roberts play probably a couple of dozen games over the years (Xtra innings) and he has looked awfully solid on defense, although DeRosa has too.

 

Regardless, I feel Roberts would make a great addition to this team but as I said, I hate to see DeRosa relegated to the role of the super-sub. I really like the way he plays and he always seems to be "aware" of what is going on and what to do depending on the situation. I guess you call it baseball "savvy".

 

If DeRosa was a first-class shortstop or centerfielder, then the world would be perfect (well, almost perfect).

 

since felix finally has his nuts sorted out, i think we will be just fine in center field