David Kaplan: Cubs pursuing Figgins

[rawaction]

Agreed. Speed accompanied with a guy who can actually get on base to use it is a great thing. And I'd love Roberts OR Figgins, but not both. They are both .750 OPS guys. Combined with Theriot and possibly Soto being in the same range, the offense doesn't improve enough in that scenario. Of course, Pie and Derosa, aren't exactly .900 OPS players, but at least in Pie's case, the upside is there to be more than league average....and he doesn't cost anything in player movement.

[jersey cubs fan]

Agreed. Speed accompanied with a guy who can actually get on base to use it is a great thing. And I'd love Roberts OR Figgins, but not both. They are both .750 OPS guys. Combined with Theriot and possibly Soto being in the same range, the offense doesn't improve enough in that scenario. Of course, Pie and Derosa, aren't exactly .900 OPS players, but at least in Pie's case, the upside is there to be more than league average....and he doesn't cost anything in player movement.

 

I tell you what though, if they end up with Figgins in CF, Roberts at 2B, and Fukudome in RF, I can live with that. Throw in a Pie and Prior for Greene trade (and blow the budget in the process) and you've got a very potent, if not excellent, lineup next year.

[Guest]

True. Unfortunately, they play positions where we already have decent OBP guys.

 

It reminds me of the single minded pursuit of McGriff when they already had a 1B doing a credible job. Yeah, it's an improvement, but how much of one?

 

I think I'd be fine with Roberts and Fukudome as the centerpiece of the 2007/08 offseason. Neither plays the position that most needs improvement, but they may wind up with a lineup that can withstand the crappiness of Theriot at that point. You'd really need guys to hit their upper ranges though.

I really wish I was excited about our prospect pipeline again. Or that ownership is changing and bringing truckloads of cash (and a philosophy of spending it more wisely).

 

It sucks being constrained by money.

[Guest]

Agreed. Speed accompanied with a guy who can actually get on base to use it is a great thing. And I'd love Roberts OR Figgins, but not both. They are both .750 OPS guys. Combined with Theriot and possibly Soto being in the same range, the offense doesn't improve enough in that scenario. Of course, Pie and Derosa, aren't exactly .900 OPS players, but at least in Pie's case, the upside is there to be more than league average....and he doesn't cost anything in player movement.

I'd be ecstatic if Theriot ended up in the .750 range. Not to mention stunned.

[Guest]

Agreed. Speed accompanied with a guy who can actually get on base to use it is a great thing. And I'd love Roberts OR Figgins, but not both. They are both .750 OPS guys. Combined with Theriot and possibly Soto being in the same range, the offense doesn't improve enough in that scenario. Of course, Pie and Derosa, aren't exactly .900 OPS players, but at least in Pie's case, the upside is there to be more than league average....and he doesn't cost anything in player movement.

 

I tell you what though, if they end up with Figgins in CF, Roberts at 2B, and Fukudome in RF, I can live with that. Throw in a Pie and Prior for Greene trade (and blow the budget in the process) and you've got a very potent, if not excellent, lineup next year.

I have no idea how they'd have the budget to support that, but it would be an outstanding lineup.

 

Figgins

Roberts

Lee

Ramirez

Kosuke

Soriano

Greene

Soto

[BigbadB]

Agreed. Speed accompanied with a guy who can actually get on base to use it is a great thing. And I'd love Roberts OR Figgins, but not both. They are both .750 OPS guys. Combined with Theriot and possibly Soto being in the same range, the offense doesn't improve enough in that scenario. Of course, Pie and Derosa, aren't exactly .900 OPS players, but at least in Pie's case, the upside is there to be more than league average....and he doesn't cost anything in player movement.

 

I tell you what though, if they end up with Figgins in CF, Roberts at 2B, and Fukudome in RF, I can live with that. Throw in a Pie and Prior for Greene trade (and blow the budget in the process) and you've got a very potent, if not excellent, lineup next year.

 

While I definitely agree with this, I don't see how the Cubs have enough talent to get Figgins, Roberts AND Greene. Add in Fukudome and you've actually spent a ton in cash. This administration says they can't afford Tejada, and Figgins, Roberts and Greene is probably more than Tejada makes.

 

I don't think Pie and Prior gets Greene, but let's pretend it does.

Let's also pretend that it takes Gallagher, Murton and Cedeno to get Roberts.

I have no idea what Anaheim would want for Figgins, but what can the Cubs offer them outside of Marmol that would bring Figgins?

[rocket]

Agreed. Speed accompanied with a guy who can actually get on base to use it is a great thing. And I'd love Roberts OR Figgins, but not both. They are both .750 OPS guys. Combined with Theriot and possibly Soto being in the same range, the offense doesn't improve enough in that scenario. Of course, Pie and Derosa, aren't exactly .900 OPS players, but at least in Pie's case, the upside is there to be more than league average....and he doesn't cost anything in player movement.

 

I tell you what though, if they end up with Figgins in CF, Roberts at 2B, and Fukudome in RF, I can live with that. Throw in a Pie and Prior for Greene trade (and blow the budget in the process) and you've got a very potent, if not excellent, lineup next year.

I have no idea how they'd have the budget to support that, but it would be an outstanding lineup.

 

Figgins

Roberts

Lee

Ramirez

Kosuke

Soriano

Greene

Soto

 

well maybe they'd save money if jim remembered he has a competent second basemen already on his roster.

 

figgins

derosa

lee

ramirez

soriano

fukudome

greene

soto

 

is just as potent.

[Guest]

Agreed. Speed accompanied with a guy who can actually get on base to use it is a great thing. And I'd love Roberts OR Figgins, but not both. They are both .750 OPS guys. Combined with Theriot and possibly Soto being in the same range, the offense doesn't improve enough in that scenario. Of course, Pie and Derosa, aren't exactly .900 OPS players, but at least in Pie's case, the upside is there to be more than league average....and he doesn't cost anything in player movement.

 

I tell you what though, if they end up with Figgins in CF, Roberts at 2B, and Fukudome in RF, I can live with that. Throw in a Pie and Prior for Greene trade (and blow the budget in the process) and you've got a very potent, if not excellent, lineup next year.

I have no idea how they'd have the budget to support that, but it would be an outstanding lineup.

 

Figgins

Roberts

Lee

Ramirez

Kosuke

Soriano

Greene

Soto

 

well maybe they'd save money if jim remembered he has a competent second basemen already on his roster.

 

figgins

derosa

lee

ramirez

soriano

fukudome

greene

soto

 

is just as potent.

Dude - you're losing speed and left-handedness!

[jersey cubs fan]

Agreed. Speed accompanied with a guy who can actually get on base to use it is a great thing. And I'd love Roberts OR Figgins, but not both. They are both .750 OPS guys. Combined with Theriot and possibly Soto being in the same range, the offense doesn't improve enough in that scenario. Of course, Pie and Derosa, aren't exactly .900 OPS players, but at least in Pie's case, the upside is there to be more than league average....and he doesn't cost anything in player movement.

 

I tell you what though, if they end up with Figgins in CF, Roberts at 2B, and Fukudome in RF, I can live with that. Throw in a Pie and Prior for Greene trade (and blow the budget in the process) and you've got a very potent, if not excellent, lineup next year.

 

While I definitely agree with this, I don't see how the Cubs have enough talent to get Figgins, Roberts AND Greene. Add in Fukudome and you've actually spent a ton in cash. This administration says they can't afford Tejada, and Figgins, Roberts and Greene is probably more than Tejada makes.

 

I don't think Pie and Prior gets Greene, but let's pretend it does.

Let's also pretend that it takes Gallagher, Murton and Cedeno to get Roberts.

I have no idea what Anaheim would want for Figgins, but what can the Cubs offer them outside of Marmol that would bring Figgins?

 

I don't really have any idea. He's not even on my wish list or anything, ignore him for all I care. But I suspect they are willing to clear out a large number of younger players, maybe Marshall, Veal, Ceda, some names like that. Wuertz would be a nice name to throw around in trade talks. Doesn't have a ton of value by himself, but everybody likes pre free agency relievers with a solid track record. Kevin Hart has to have some trade value with all the talk of him being in the mix. Maybe Kyler Burke has rebuilt some value. If EPatt doesn't go in one of the other deals, he may have value to Anaheim. Somebody else might be interested in Lahey hanging out in the back of their bullpen all season as a project.

 

Does Ceda, Wuertz and Patterson get it done? I don't know, just throwing stuff out there. Jim seems intent on going for it this year, and has talked about trading away talent all offseason. They don't have blue chippers, but they are fairly well stocked with 2nd tier prospect talent. They can probably let Figgins walk after this season, letting Colvin slot into CF for 2009.

 

I think Jim would be more than comfortable leaving the farm system with just Vitters, Colvin, Donaldson and Samardzija as the core group going into the next draft. If they can move Marquis and/or Dempster, and backload Fukudome a bit, they may be able to afford it as well.

 

Hendry is probably working for his next job right now, or doing whatever he can to convince the next owner not to fire him. If the team does really well in 2008, the owners are going to have a tough time justifying making a move. And if he can do whatever he can to make 2008 as good as possible, within reason, then rely on Wilken and the scouts to restock the farm.

[CyHawk_Cub]

jesus christ...this is all fine and dandy but can we please sign silva or something because i don't care who we sign for the lineup...dempster is NOT going to work!!!!

 

 

](*,)

 

 

The offense is still a more pressing area of need.

 

 

Exactly.... Losing 5-2 is no better than losing 8-2.

[TheDude]

we are

 

 

Figgins will be 30 come opening day. Fukudome is 30 and will be 31 for most of next season. Roberts is 30. I just wish some of the guys we're pursuing would be in the 26-28 range..

 

You and everyone else in baseball. The asking price for players in the prime years is very high. The reality is that these guys aren't available unless you give up similar talent - Hill is the only such qualified talent on the Cubs MLB roster.

 

Besides, the one possibly available talent at that age is Crawford, and many people around cried at the news the Cubs had interest, despite the fact it probably would have been a solid move. As soon as the cost of Hill was announced, nobody around here wanted to pursue, and that pattern repeats on this board.

[biittner77]

Hendry is probably working for his next job right now, or doing whatever he can to convince the next owner not to fire him. If the team does really well in 2008, the owners are going to have a tough time justifying making a move.

 

I disagree. Unless the Cubs win the WS they can play the "Bring us to the next level" card. I can't see the fans revolting over Hendry getting fired. Nor do I see the press having much of a reaction since the new owner would simply be bringing in his own guy.

[nilodnayr]

Roberts and Figgins is redundant. Hendry says he wants speed and LH hitting, well Felix Pie is fast and left-handed. He's also young, cheap, and doesn't cost you prospects. This reeks of the Juan Pierre obsession all over again.

 

FYI

Figgins career stats: .293/.354/.400

Roberts career stats: .281/.351/.409

 

They are the same player. Do the Cubs really need 2 of them?

 

Do you think he is going for both? The Figgins' rumors came out after the Roberts' deal cooled. I think Jim is going for one of them and Fukudome, not all three. It doesn't seem like the Cubs could afford all three anyways if they are keeping it around 120 mil.

 

Interest has been rumored the whole time the Roberts thing was going on.

Don't we crucify Hendy for having a one track mind and when he doesnt get plan A, we are screwed because he doesnt have plan B? If anything, this shows growth as a GM.

 

Figgins isn't a plan B, he is part of plan A. And it doesn't show growth, it shows another unnecessary obsession.

 

"If a player is left-handed, fast, and can play middle infield, we're interested"

"I decided I like guys who can catch the ball"

"It would be so much easier if Murton was left handed"

Spending big money on relievers.

Continually valuing about versatility (Neifi, Macias)

 

Need I go on?

 

While, I'm making an assumption that the Cubs are after EITHER Figgins or Roberts, unless I've missed some quotes, I think you are making an assumption that the Cubs are after BOTH Figgins and Roberts. I don't disagree at all that Hendry is an idiot with an insane obsession, but at least hes multi-tasking.

[David]

we are

 

 

Figgins will be 30 come opening day. Fukudome is 30 and will be 31 for most of next season. Roberts is 30. I just wish some of the guys we're pursuing would be in the 26-28 range..

 

You and everyone else in baseball. The asking price for players in the prime years is very high. The reality is that these guys aren't available unless you give up similar talent - Hill is the only such qualified talent on the Cubs MLB roster.

 

Besides, the one possibly available talent at that age is Crawford, and many people around cried at the news the Cubs had interest, despite the fact it probably would have been a solid move. As soon as the cost of Hill was announced, nobody around here wanted to pursue, and that pattern repeats on this board.

 

 

I'm big on the Hamilton and Teahen bandwagons. I'm 80% sold on the Khalil bandwagon, too. Crawford, not so much.

 

Either way, it's not like I'd mind guys like Fukudome and Roberts, I just prefer some other options that are younger and very probably cheaper.

[E.J.]

This sucks. We had all these rumors on Wednesday night and now nothing.

[jersey cubs fan]

Hendry is probably working for his next job right now, or doing whatever he can to convince the next owner not to fire him. If the team does really well in 2008, the owners are going to have a tough time justifying making a move.

 

I disagree. Unless the Cubs win the WS they can play the "Bring us to the next level" card. I can't see the fans revolting over Hendry getting fired. Nor do I see the press having much of a reaction since the new owner would simply be bringing in his own guy.

 

I understand what you're saying, however, if the Cubs go out and win 95 games next year, there's going to be a significant amount of pressure to keep Hendry. My point is Hendry needs to go big to save his job. He probably can't just win 86 games and expect to be kept around. So why not go balls out. It does him no good to keep the farm system stocked for 2010, when there's no guarantee he has a job in 2009.

[CuseCubFan69]

Hendry is probably working for his next job right now, or doing whatever he can to convince the next owner not to fire him. If the team does really well in 2008, the owners are going to have a tough time justifying making a move.

 

I disagree. Unless the Cubs win the WS they can play the "Bring us to the next level" card. I can't see the fans revolting over Hendry getting fired. Nor do I see the press having much of a reaction since the new owner would simply be bringing in his own guy.

 

I understand what you're saying, however, if the Cubs go out and win 95 games next year, there's going to be a significant amount of pressure to keep Hendry. My point is Hendry needs to go big to save his job. He probably can't just win 86 games and expect to be kept around. So why not go balls out. It does him no good to keep the farm system stocked for 2010, when there's no guarantee he has a job in 2009.

 

Then he better get some impact players and not light hitting speedy dudes. If they are guys that can get on base, fine, but I just see a 280/310 fast type guy in our Cub future.

[BigbadB]

While, I'm making an assumption that the Cubs are after EITHER Figgins or Roberts, unless I've missed some quotes, I think you are making an assumption that the Cubs are after BOTH Figgins and Roberts. I don't disagree at all that Hendry is an idiot with an insane obsession, but at least hes multi-tasking.

 

To a degree, yes we have made that assumption. But, it was based on reports that a deal was extremely close with the Orioles at the very same time Hendry had something working with Chone Figgins. I want to say the report about Figgins might have been Rosenthal, since I can't find anything on Rotoworld. It's somewhere deep down in the long Roberts thread.

[BigbadB]

I found the quote.

 

Not sure if it has been mentioned, but Kap talked Cubs from 7-8. He said this Roberts stuff is very serious. They had an O's beat guy on and he speculated Murton and Gallagher would get it done. Kap asked about Pie, and the Baltimore guy didn't think they could get him for Roberts.

 

Also, Kap said he heard from "great sources," that the Cubs plan A at this point is Fukudome in RF, Roberts at 2B, and Chone Figgens in CF. Fukudome is priority #1. He seemed to imply the Cubs would part with Pie to make this happen if possible.

 

I almost never listen to Kap, is he credible?

 

Yes, we are assuming. But, every rumor is basically just that.

[David]

It's funny how of all the rumors we're hearing, not one of them addresses the biggest offensive hole in the lineup. Some of them even address areas of strength. I know I'm beating a dead horse, but it's beyond ridiculous.

[nilodnayr]

I found the quote.

 

Not sure if it has been mentioned, but Kap talked Cubs from 7-8. He said this Roberts stuff is very serious. They had an O's beat guy on and he speculated Murton and Gallagher would get it done. Kap asked about Pie, and the Baltimore guy didn't think they could get him for Roberts.

 

Also, Kap said he heard from "great sources," that the Cubs plan A at this point is Fukudome in RF, Roberts at 2B, and Chone Figgens in CF. Fukudome is priority #1. He seemed to imply the Cubs would part with Pie to make this happen if possible.

 

I almost never listen to Kap, is he credible?

 

Yes, we are assuming. But, every rumor is basically just that.

 

Thanks for the quote.

 

So, that reeks of 3 way deal between us, the Angels and the O's, if Pie is involved. Angels are interested in Bedard and Miggy. Of course, there was the original (insane) rumor that Pie was going to be involved in a Roberts deal. Most likely Kaplan was talking about that, which is insanely bunk.

[TheDude]

It's funny how of all the rumors we're hearing, not one of them addresses the biggest offensive hole in the lineup. Some of them even address areas of strength. I know I'm beating a dead horse, but it's beyond ridiculous.

 

You have to expect that at least 2/3 of Soriano, Lee, and Ramirez will regain more power numbers. All 3 should be in the 30+ range, and really producing 100+ between the three of them.

 

I would love one more true power bat as well, but its not like the team is devoid of power with that core plus DeRosa, Soto, Fukudome, and Roberts likely to chip-in the teens (assuming the rumors work out).

 

Folks should be glad that all three hot rumor targets are OBP capable, at .350+ each.

[David]

It's funny how of all the rumors we're hearing, not one of them addresses the biggest offensive hole in the lineup. Some of them even address areas of strength. I know I'm beating a dead horse, but it's beyond ridiculous.

 

You have to expect that at least 2/3 of Soriano, Lee, and Ramirez will regain more power numbers. All 3 should be in the 30+ range, and really producing 100+ between the three of them.

 

I would love one more true power bat as well, but its not like the team is devoid of power with that core plus DeRosa, Soto, Fukudome, and Roberts likely to chip-in the teens (assuming the rumors work out).

 

Folks should be glad that all three hot rumor targets are OBP capable, at .350+ each.

 

 

I'm more concerned with the gaping hole at shortstop than any true power bats, but yea.

[TruffleShuffle]

Agreed. Speed accompanied with a guy who can actually get on base to use it is a great thing. And I'd love Roberts OR Figgins, but not both. They are both .750 OPS guys. Combined with Theriot and possibly Soto being in the same range, the offense doesn't improve enough in that scenario. Of course, Pie and Derosa, aren't exactly .900 OPS players, but at least in Pie's case, the upside is there to be more than league average....and he doesn't cost anything in player movement.

 

I tell you what though, if they end up with Figgins in CF, Roberts at 2B, and Fukudome in RF, I can live with that. Throw in a Pie and Prior for Greene trade (and blow the budget in the process) and you've got a very potent, if not excellent, lineup next year.

I have no idea how they'd have the budget to support that, but it would be an outstanding lineup.

 

Figgins

Roberts

Lee

Ramirez

Kosuke

Soriano

Greene

Soto

 

well maybe they'd save money if jim remembered he has a competent second basemen already on his roster.

 

figgins

derosa

lee

ramirez

soriano

fukudome

greene

soto

 

is just as potent.

 

he'd REALLY save a lot of money if he remembered that he had a competent 2B and RF on the team. Stick Kosuke in CF and trade for Tejada, call it an offseason.

[WrigleyField 22]

The way I see it, assuming we aren't able or even trying to dump Dempster/Marquis/Eyre, you have two choices:

 

Fukudome and not lose valuable young players at minimum salary (Gallagher, Marshall, Murton, etc.)

or

Roberts and Figgins and losing at least a few you players at minimum salary

 

Lineup One:

Soriano

DeRosa

Lee

Ramirez

Fukudome

Soto

Theriot

Pie

 

All your young players

 

Lineup Two:

Roberts

Figgins

Lee

Ramirez

Soriano

Murton/DeRosa

Soto

Theriot

 

That just because I can't see all three of Fukudome, Roberts, and Figgins' salaries fitting unless we move Marquis/Dempster/Eyre, but considering that we are probably losing our cheap replacement pitchers like Marshall or Gallagher in those moves, you don't have many options for 4/5 starter and bullpen.

 

If we could get one of Figgins/Roberts I'm not sure who would be better. Roberts is a better bet to hit well, whereas Figgins could fill a position where we have a hole, as well as having "versatility"