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

[C.C.]

The Sun-Times article (and a couple of other places) claimed that the Cubs offered Gallagher/Cedeno/Veal/Ceda. The Cubs denied it and apparently "furious" with the false report.

 

Who knows what's true, but I doubt Hendry would offer that.

 

I wouldn't be shocked if he did.

[UMFan83]

FWIW, Ken Rosenthal was on MLB ON XM today and said that he thinks a deal will get done. He said he also thinks the Cubs will get a right handed centerfielder.

 

that would probably mean the Cubs get Byrd from Texas since they just traded for Hamilton. :cry:

 

Like 3 months ago...

[UBlink]

Yeah, Hendry really needs to end this stuff one way or another before opening day. Even if he has to lie and say the talks are officially off (while not actually meaning it), he has to do it. When all the players are talking about it with reporters on a regular basis, that's not good. We don't need those kind of distractions when we're trying to avoid getting off to another bad start.

 

I think we really do need Roberts on the Cubs, then, since maybe he (spring traning OBP=.405) can teach the rest of the Cubs how to deal with distractions. Or when he comes to the Cubs will he also fall victim to distractionitis?

 

I'm not really sure what you're trying to say here. If Roberts were traded, the distraction would be gone. I'm not syaing it's a huge deal or anything, but I think the players would like to definitively know who their teammates will be on opening day.

 

My point was that Roberts has demonstrated during this spring training that he is not distracted by the trade talk. If he does come to the Cubs, maybe he can teach his new teammates how to cope with distraction.

 

On the other hand, maybe being easily distracted from doing your job is something peculiar to the Cubs and once he joins the Cubs he also will become susceptible to distractionitis.

[CuseCubFan69]

Yeah, Hendry really needs to end this stuff one way or another before opening day. Even if he has to lie and say the talks are officially off (while not actually meaning it), he has to do it. When all the players are talking about it with reporters on a regular basis, that's not good. We don't need those kind of distractions when we're trying to avoid getting off to another bad start.

 

I think we really do need Roberts on the Cubs, then, since maybe he (spring traning OBP=.405) can teach the rest of the Cubs how to deal with distractions. Or when he comes to the Cubs will he also fall victim to distractionitis?

 

I'm not really sure what you're trying to say here. If Roberts were traded, the distraction would be gone. I'm not syaing it's a huge deal or anything, but I think the players would like to definitively know who their teammates will be on opening day.

 

My point was that Roberts has demonstrated during this spring training that he is not distracted by the trade talk. If he does come to the Cubs, maybe he can teach his new teammates how to cope with distraction.

 

On the other hand, maybe being easily distracted from doing your job is something peculiar to the Cubs and once he joins the Cubs he also will become susceptible to distractionitis.

 

I agree with you but when it comes to the younger guys and distractions I think it's a little different. If Gally keeps pitching well I'll be pretty impressed with all of this going on.

[Banedon]

If Pie goes in the Roberts deal, would the Cubs sign Lofton? Does Dick van Dyck know something we don't, or is he just doing the whole "random reporter speculation" bit?

 

Outfield: It is clear Piniella isn't overjoyed with his center-field choices, raw kids Felix Pie and Sam Fuld. If there is a major trade or free-agent signing ( Kenny Lofton?), this might be the area for improvement.

[UMFan83]

Great recap courtesy of OH :)

 

March 17 - It will be a 5 for 2 deal, IF it finally happens. (Belkast)

 

March 17 - From what I was told this could be happening very soon....(Big Bird)

 

March 4 - UPDATE......I am told we should have a decision by the weekend on Roberts. I am getting the impression that he will indeed be dealt. (Belkast)

 

February 29 - It looks as things with Roberts are finally coming to a end. According to my information, we have received final offers from two teams, Cleveland and Chicago. AM and his staff are reviewing each offer and willl be attempting to make a decision in the near future. (Belkast)

 

February 24 - Not to rain on everyone's parade, but I was told the chances are not as strong as a month ago that Roberts gets dealt. (Belkast)

 

February 19 - As usual read into this as little or as much as you want. I was told late last evening that Roberts has spoken with upper management and ownership and requested a trade to happen soon if he is in fact going to be traded. AM wants him moved. The focus now is with the Cubs and Payton would be a part of the package going back to Chicago. With Roberts scheduled to report today he feels a deal could happen by the end of the week. (Big Bird)

 

February 7 - This time next week we will be talking about the "other" big possible trade. (Belkast)

 

February 7 - And its a strong possibility too. (Peace21)

 

January 9 - Several sources have indicated that the trade of All-Star second baseman Brian Roberts to the Cubs has been finalized. However, the Orioles have denied this rumor and have called it "inaccurate." (OH)

 

January 9 - My last contact was the deal was still with PA. (Big Bird)

 

January 8 – Nothing close Rec'd word that nothing was close to happening as of 10am this morning. Paperwork has been exchanged with the Cubs. He thinks the deal is with PA right now. (Big Bird)

 

January 8 - I really wish I could tell more but we are very close on multiple fronts. (Belkast)

 

December 20 - Not trying to be cryptic, but today should be a busy day. Main word is Should. (Peace21)

 

December 20 - Deal isn't done yet...AM has said another team is in the talks and we are trying to get another player. I asked...Do you believe him? He said it's possible but AM tends to get what he goes out for. Take it for what's it's worth. (Belkast)

 

December 20 - BB and Peace, ANything on your end? Just spoke to my guy and he said the deal is getting ready to be announced. Check with your guys if you haven't already! (Belkast)

 

December 20 - The final delay is AM trying to squeeze a little more before he pulls the trigger. (Belkast)

 

December 19 - Yes. Final deals are be worked out as we speak. Sorry Cindy (Belkast)

 

December 19 - Take it for what its worth. Talked to my guy. He is hearing the O's are really close with Roberts to Chicago. And that MacPhail has Angelos convinced. (Peace21)

[cbbryan]

The Sun-Times article (and a couple of other places) claimed that the Cubs offered Gallagher/Cedeno/Veal/Ceda. The Cubs denied it and apparently "furious" with the false report.

 

Who knows what's true, but I doubt Hendry would offer that.

 

Had Hendry offered that the O's should have accepted immediately.

[CuseCubFan69]

The Sun-Times article (and a couple of other places) claimed that the Cubs offered Gallagher/Cedeno/Veal/Ceda. The Cubs denied it and apparently "furious" with the false report.

 

Who knows what's true, but I doubt Hendry would offer that.

 

Had Hendry offered that the O's should have accepted immediately.

 

If they had a normal owner, yes. I wonder if they want Patterson instead of Cedeno? I would if I were them.

[C.C.]

The Sun-Times article (and a couple of other places) claimed that the Cubs offered Gallagher/Cedeno/Veal/Ceda. The Cubs denied it and apparently "furious" with the false report.

 

Who knows what's true, but I doubt Hendry would offer that.

 

Had Hendry offered that the O's should have accepted immediately.

 

If they had a normal owner, yes. I wonder if they want Patterson instead of Cedeno? I would if I were them.

 

Yep. I can see them wanting Patterson over Cedeno. Especially if their scouts were questioning Cedano's motivation for the game.

[Wolfgangbucks]

I really wont believe Roberts is a Cub until I've seen him bat while wearing a Cubs jersey.

 

So you believe Billy Crystal is a Yankee?? :D

[Soul]

Alright, who's ready? Wait for it.....wait for it........

 

bigbird[/color]"]From what I was told this could be happening very soon....

 

 

:lol: :lol: classic!

 

As my Mom was so fond of saying, "Soon is not a time."

[Rob]

I really wont believe Roberts is a Cub until I've seen him bat while wearing a Cubs jersey.

 

So you believe Billy Crystal is a Yankee?? :D

 

At least somebody caught that...

[kujay]

Not that I would dare read anything into it, but the Trib's articles and blog posts are making this thing (and maybe another deal) sound inevitable.

[17 Seconds]

Not that I would dare read anything into it, but the Trib's articles and blog posts are making this thing (and maybe another deal) sound inevitable.

 

Which ones are you talking about? Links?

[Soul]

Apparently DeRosa made some comments about this proposed deal, saying that it's making it difficult for him to concentrate on getting ready with this whole thing hanging over his head.

 

I swear to God, if we start tanking games in April because this stupid Roberts deal hangs over the club like a black cloud, I'm going to start killing small animals.

[98navigator]

Apparently DeRosa made some comments about this proposed deal, saying that it's making it difficult for him to concentrate on getting ready with this whole thing hanging over his head.

 

I swear to God, if we start tanking games in April because this stupid Roberts deal hangs over the club like a black cloud, I'm going to start killing small animals.

 

I'd like to see the quotes because it sounds unprofessional. He has a job to do. If he doesn't like the rumors he can elect to not answer questions about them (and stop reading the latest gossip as he has confessed to in the past).

[Magnetic Curses]

i keep saying that we have a second baseman. if we make a deal for roberts, it's not fair to derosa and i wouldn't blame him for being pissed off.

[Roast]

Apparently DeRosa made some comments about this proposed deal, saying that it's making it difficult for him to concentrate on getting ready with this whole thing hanging over his head.

 

I swear to God, if we start tanking games in April because this stupid Roberts deal hangs over the club like a black cloud, I'm going to start killing small animals.

 

I'd like to see the quotes because it sounds unprofessional. He has a job to do. If he doesn't like the rumors he can elect to not answer questions about them (and stop reading the latest gossip as he has confessed to in the past).

 

Yeah, stop being human, DeRosa!

[Moonshot]

Apparently DeRosa made some comments about this proposed deal, saying that it's making it difficult for him to concentrate on getting ready with this whole thing hanging over his head.

 

I swear to God, if we start tanking games in April because this stupid Roberts deal hangs over the club like a black cloud, I'm going to start killing small animals.

 

I'd like to see the quotes because it sounds unprofessional. He has a job to do. If he doesn't like the rumors he can elect to not answer questions about them (and stop reading the latest gossip as he has confessed to in the past).

 

He was apparently on WSCR this morning or afternoon (I heard a clip of it later on, but not the whole interview). He was basically saying that he understands he's a professional and has a job to do regardless, but that he'd be lying if he said it wasn't somewhat of a distraction. Sorry, I can't quote, I can only paraphrase, if someone has the actual quote, feel free to add.

 

I personally don't put much into it, I think he was just answering a question honestly. I mean, it's a distraction for EVERYONE, players, coaches, front office people, broadcasters, fans, etc. This is the exact reason why Hendry needs to give the O's an ultimatum, "This is our final offer, if you don't accept it right now, we're walking away."

[17 Seconds]

Apparently DeRosa made some comments about this proposed deal, saying that it's making it difficult for him to concentrate on getting ready with this whole thing hanging over his head.

 

I swear to God, if we start tanking games in April because this stupid Roberts deal hangs over the club like a black cloud, I'm going to start killing small animals.

 

I'd like to see the quotes because it sounds unprofessional. He has a job to do. If he doesn't like the rumors he can elect to not answer questions about them (and stop reading the latest gossip as he has confessed to in the past).

 

Yeah, stop being human, DeRosa!

 

I think there's a difference between him feeling those things and him actually saying them to the media. Just sayin....

[98navigator]

Apparently DeRosa made some comments about this proposed deal, saying that it's making it difficult for him to concentrate on getting ready with this whole thing hanging over his head.

 

I swear to God, if we start tanking games in April because this stupid Roberts deal hangs over the club like a black cloud, I'm going to start killing small animals.

 

I'd like to see the quotes because it sounds unprofessional. He has a job to do. If he doesn't like the rumors he can elect to not answer questions about them (and stop reading the latest gossip as he has confessed to in the past).

 

Yeah, stop being human, DeRosa!

 

He can be human on his own time. He has a job to do. Allegedly making excuses about the trade rumors disturbing him, especially after saying as recent as last week that he wouldn't, is just stupid. He should keep those comments to himself.

[CarolinaCubFan]

If this deal gets done by opening day, I'll be happy. I'm excited about this move.

 

Roberts

Fukudome

 

These guys should get on base a ton. Fukudome's patience will allow Roberts to be active on the bases. Opposing pitchers will get tested right from the start of the game.

 

Lee

Aram

Soriano

 

With Roberts and Fukudome at the top, Lee shouldn't see the bases empty very often. We know he's going to give us a great OBP and good power. Aram and Soriano should be in a battle for team leader in RBI's. The OBP starts a decline and batting Soriano 5th will allow him to "lead off" for the bottom of the order.

 

Pie

Soto

Theriot

Pitcher

 

The bottom of the order needs to take pitches. Starting Pitchers will have been put to task from our 1-5 spots. Any of these young guys who swing at the first pitch need benched for a couple of days. HR's should be discouraged. Preach getting on base. Soriano, Pie, and Theriot will put a lot of speed on the bases at the bottom of the order. Playing small ball with the youngsters will help deal with the pitchers spot and transition well back to the top of the order.

[pitchcs]

i keep saying that we have a second baseman. if we make a deal for roberts, it's not fair to derosa and i wouldn't blame him for being pissed off.

 

 

I say screw fairness.

[Post Count Padder]

Said it before, and I'l say it again. I would want this lineup:

 

Roberts

Fukudome

Lee

Ramirez

Soriano

Soto

Pie

Theriot

 

but instead we'll get this:

 

Soriano

Roberts

Lee

Ramirez

Fukudome

Soto

Pie

Theriot

 

or this:

 

Roberts

Theriot

Lee

Ramirez

Soriano

Fukudome

Soto

Pie

[rawaction]

If this deal gets done by opening day, I'll be happy. I'm excited about this move.

 

Roberts

Fukudome

 

These guys should get on base a ton. Fukudome's patience will allow Roberts to be active on the bases. Opposing pitchers will get tested right from the start of the game.

 

Lee

Aram

Soriano

 

With Roberts and Fukudome at the top, Lee shouldn't see the bases empty very often. We know he's going to give us a great OBP and good power. Aram and Soriano should be in a battle for team leader in RBI's. The OBP starts a decline and batting Soriano 5th will allow him to "lead off" for the bottom of the order.

 

Pie

Soto

Theriot

Pitcher

 

The bottom of the order needs to take pitches. Starting Pitchers will have been put to task from our 1-5 spots. Any of these young guys who swing at the first pitch need benched for a couple of days. HR's should be discouraged. Preach getting on base. Soriano, Pie, and Theriot will put a lot of speed on the bases at the bottom of the order. Playing small ball with the youngsters will help deal with the pitchers spot and transition well back to the top of the order.

 

HRs should never be discouraged. They are better than any other possible outcome in any given at bat. Young or old, any player would be stupid to give up a drivable pitch just because it's the first one. Playing small ball yields small results. Pie and Soto have 15-20 HR potential this year. Should they just slap at the ball because they are young? When do they graduate to being old enough to swing hard?