Do we need more moves?

[Tim]

This is kinda being talked about in a couple of threads, but I figured I'd start a clear conversation about this. Here is a view of the current depth chart for the team. I'm assuming the following:

 

• Dempster is in the pen
  
• Marshall is the 5th starter
  
• Lahey makes the team as the 7th reliever

 

I think that's a pretty good team...with some definite strengths and weaknesses:

 

Strengths:

 

• Outfield Defense: This would be the best defensive outfield the Cubs have had in a long time. That, combined with pretty good (though not as exceptional) infield defense would make this pitching staff look significantly better than it really is.
  
• Relief: Wood - Marmol - Wuertz is a really strong core for relief. Dempster is okay as closer. Eyre is a decent lefty option. The only thing I don't like the lack of flexibility with shuttling people to Iowa, where there will be several additional quality right handers. Nobody on that list has options other than Lahey, who would have to stay on the 25 man all year.
  
• Top 3 Starters - Z, Hill, Lilly are all solid options at the top of the rotation. Unless Z gets it together, it lacks a clear ace, but they're all solid guys.
  
• Options of Back of Rotation - There are a lot of options here, though they're either proven mediocre (Marquis, possibly Dempster) or unproven (Gallagher, Hart) or unable to go 32 starts deep (Marshall). But it is good to have choices. I predict one of Marquis or Dempster will actually get dealt during ST to a team needing a starter if one of Gallagher or Hart steps up. I don't think Demp or Marquis gets dealt until then.

 

Weaknesses:

 

• Back of the rotation - good to have options, but better to have sure things!
  
• Risks in the Lineup - Hard to go into a season expecting to contend with a near-definite poor hitter plus two relatively risky rookie hitters in Theriot, Pie & Soto. The latter two guys have the upside to perform well, but they could also be major sinks in the lineup. Soriano, DeRosa, Lee, Ramirez, Kosuke are probably strong enough options to overcome two poor performers, but if both Pie & Soto join Theriot in the negative value category the lineup will really suffer.

 

In short, the team would really benefit from an upgrade at SS. Another more sure thing in the rotation would be a good thing, as well, but not as pressing given the options there.

[UMFan83]

Honestly, I highly doubt these moves would happen but if all of them did, I'd be sold on this team.

 

-One more moderate power bat. After the big 3 (Lee, Ramirez, Soriano), there is a drop off to Fukudome, and then a larger drop off to DeRosa, Soto, Pie, Theriot. Of course no one really knows what sort of power Soto or Pie would have over a full season, but I wouldn't expect either of them to be 20 HR hitters next year. I would hate to see us go on another 9 game HR drought like we went on last year.

 

-One more starter. I feel like our starters overachieved last year. Lilly had the best year in his career, Hill had a pretty good year and Marquis had a great first half. I think expecting that same starting 4 (while adding Dempster and his 4.31 career ERA) would not be enough. If we make a trade for another bat (Roberts) our staff will look pretty thin and will not be able to withstand injuries like we suffered in 2006.

 

-Another SS. If we had a lineup like the Yankees, we could easily afford to take a hit on a weak hitting defensive MI, but we simply cannot with our offense and in an NL lineup. I don't Theriot is the answer, and you can't expect Cedeno to make that impact either. This I could hold off on the longest, perhaps waiting to see how things go until July 31 to make a move.

[Rob]

Honestly, I would feel fine going into the season if we replaced Theriot with Cedeno, and told Dempster he was staying in the pen and gave Marshall the #5 spot. I still wouldn't mind going after another starter, but I'd be confident enough to deal with it.

[jersey cubs fan]

Depends on what you want to see.

 

The team as is probably wins 82-88 games and "contends". A signficant upgrade to SS could push this team into 90 plus territory.

 

Personally I want a team capable of winning 95, without needing everything to go right. It's been 19 years since they've won more than 90 games in a season. Failing to win 90 is putting yourself behind the 8-ball when trying to win a World Series.

 

For this team to be great, they either need most everything to go right (Zambrano an ace, Lilly and Hill remain solid, 4 and 5 don't implode, bullpen stays solid and healthy including Wood and Marmol, Pie/Soto really do well, Lee/Ramirez/Soriano stay healthy and very productive, Fukudome meeting expectations, and a bench player or two having a career type year), or go out and get somebody who significantly upgrades the lineup and possibly the rotation. I'm going to assume something goes wrong in the ideal scenario, and that they will need to upgrade some more to makes up for that likelihood.

 

This team still took the 2nd fewest walks in the league last year, and gave up the 4th most. I don't see that improving from the pitching side. And as for hitting, Fukudome will help, but he's replacing 2 guys, Murton and Floyd, who combined for 61 walks last season. 20 more walks would have left them at 12th out of 16 teams last year. 40 puts them at 6th. If they can find a way to improve both these numbers, I think they can go a long way to being a solid all around team. Colorado and San Diego were both very good at this last year, whereas Philly and the Mets at least took walks, although they gave up almost as many as the Cubs. These were the class teams in the NL, I believe. And the walk remains the largest single simple aspect of the game the Cubs have struggled with consistently this decade.

[frostwyrm]

I'd love to have an SS we could use at leadoff. I'm sick of Soriano hitting homers and doubles with nobody on base.

[zonk 6]

I don't see Howry on the depth chart????

[don_kessinger_was_good]

The Cubs have a lot of tradeable players of dubious quality, but they might be able to make up for in quantity what they lack in quality. Murton no longer has a role with this team, one of Theriot/Cedeno could certainly be moved, and at least one of Marshall, Marquis, Dempster, Gallagher and Eyre are moveable. The question should be (a) what teams might be interested in some of these guys, that also (b) have someone the Cubs could use? I will assume we do not have the talent quality (if Pie and Hill are untouchable) to put together a competitive package for either Bedard or Santana.

[rawaction]

I'd like one more move. SS is clearly the weakest link, but I would settle for 1 more pitcher to make the staff better. A marginal-to-moderate pitching upgrade and a moderate gain at C and RF (Fukudome and Soto), should make this team the best in the NL. A league average SS, would probably come as close as 1 move could to making this team a 90-win team.

[rawaction]

I'd like one more move. SS is clearly the weakest link, but I would settle for 1 more pitcher to make the staff better. A marginal-to-moderate pitching upgrade and a moderate gain at C and RF (Fukudome and Soto), should make this team the best in the NL. A league average SS, would probably come as close as 1 move could to making this team a 90-win team.

[BigbadB]

I'm in agreement with most everyone that they could "live" with what they have, but it would be nice to have an upgrade at SS or SP.

 

With that said, I think the team also needs more lefty bench depth. As it stands, you're probably looking at Ward and one of Pagan or Fuld as your lefty bench depth. That's it. It would be nice if we had a bench guy with Floyd pop that can play some 3b. I don't know what's going on with Corie Koskie, but if he's able to play in 2008, he might make for a decent bench option. About the closest thing we have on the farm is Matt Craig. Do the Cubs want that much inexperience sitting on the bench though?

[jersey cubs fan]

I don't see Howry on the depth chart????

 

Good catch. I didn't see him in the bullpen part of the write up and just assumed Tim chose not to write about him.

 

He's got Demspter in the bullpen with Wood, Marmol, Wuertz, Lahey, Eyre and Cotts.

 

I don't think Dempster will be in the pen, and I don't think Cotts should be in the pen. Lahey is an extremely longshot, who they might have to end up trading something for to be able to put him in AAA. I think the Cubs can throw a bullpen arm into a trade to sweeten an offer.

 

But think the pitching staff is most likely going to be Zambrano, Hill, Lilly, Marquis, Dempster, Hart, Wuertz, Eyre, Howry, Marmol, Wood, with one wild card spot available for Lahey/Cotts or a youngster.

[wade]

I agree with what's been said. If I had to choose, I'd go for a shortstop and take my chances with the pitching.

[jersey cubs fan]

I'm in agreement with most everyone that they could "live" with what they have, but it would be nice to have an upgrade at SS or SP.

 

With that said, I think the team also needs more lefty bench depth. As it stands, you're probably looking at Ward and one of Pagan or Fuld as your lefty bench depth. That's it. It would be nice if we had a bench guy with Floyd pop that can play some 3b. I don't know what's going on with Corie Koskie, but if he's able to play in 2008, he might make for a decent bench option. About the closest thing we have on the farm is Matt Craig. Do the Cubs want that much inexperience sitting on the bench though?

 

I think they need a RH bat. Assuming Murton is dealt or somehow starting with Fukudome in center, they will have no RH bat on the bench. Blanco will be there, but he's not a bat. If Cedeno or Theriot is the backup, that's not a legit bat. Ward at least provides one legit bench bat from the left. If Murton is gone, they won't have any RH bat.

[JeffH]

I'm in agreement with most everyone that they could "live" with what they have, but it would be nice to have an upgrade at SS or SP.

 

With that said, I think the team also needs more lefty bench depth. As it stands, you're probably looking at Ward and one of Pagan or Fuld as your lefty bench depth. That's it. It would be nice if we had a bench guy with Floyd pop that can play some 3b. I don't know what's going on with Corie Koskie, but if he's able to play in 2008, he might make for a decent bench option. About the closest thing we have on the farm is Matt Craig. Do the Cubs want that much inexperience sitting on the bench though?

 

I think they need a RH bat. Assuming Murton is dealt or somehow starting with Fukudome in center, they will have no RH bat on the bench. Blanco will be there, but he's not a bat. If Cedeno or Theriot is the backup, that's not a legit bat. Ward at least provides one legit bench bat from the left. If Murton is gone, they won't have any RH bat.

 

I'm sure they hope DeRosa will be that guy.

[Butterscup1679666578]

I'm in agreement with most everyone that they could "live" with what they have, but it would be nice to have an upgrade at SS or SP.

 

With that said, I think the team also needs more lefty bench depth. As it stands, you're probably looking at Ward and one of Pagan or Fuld as your lefty bench depth. That's it. It would be nice if we had a bench guy with Floyd pop that can play some 3b. I don't know what's going on with Corie Koskie, but if he's able to play in 2008, he might make for a decent bench option. About the closest thing we have on the farm is Matt Craig. Do the Cubs want that much inexperience sitting on the bench though?

 

I think they need a RH bat. Assuming Murton is dealt or somehow starting with Fukudome in center, they will have no RH bat on the bench. Blanco will be there, but he's not a bat. If Cedeno or Theriot is the backup, that's not a legit bat. Ward at least provides one legit bench bat from the left. If Murton is gone, they won't have any RH bat.

 

I agree with this. If DeRosa remains as our 2B, I wouldn't mind if the team took a look at Tony Clark or something off the bench. He's a switch hitter, and can still hit the long ball. Or someone like Brad Wilkerson or something. Someone who has got some pop left in their bat and wouldn't mind being relegated to a PH role.

[jersey cubs fan]

I'm in agreement with most everyone that they could "live" with what they have, but it would be nice to have an upgrade at SS or SP.

 

With that said, I think the team also needs more lefty bench depth. As it stands, you're probably looking at Ward and one of Pagan or Fuld as your lefty bench depth. That's it. It would be nice if we had a bench guy with Floyd pop that can play some 3b. I don't know what's going on with Corie Koskie, but if he's able to play in 2008, he might make for a decent bench option. About the closest thing we have on the farm is Matt Craig. Do the Cubs want that much inexperience sitting on the bench though?

 

I think they need a RH bat. Assuming Murton is dealt or somehow starting with Fukudome in center, they will have no RH bat on the bench. Blanco will be there, but he's not a bat. If Cedeno or Theriot is the backup, that's not a legit bat. Ward at least provides one legit bench bat from the left. If Murton is gone, they won't have any RH bat.

 

I'm sure they hope DeRosa will be that guy.

 

He's still probably going to start more often than not.

[XZero771679666304]

I'm in agreement with most everyone that they could "live" with what they have, but it would be nice to have an upgrade at SS or SP.

 

With that said, I think the team also needs more lefty bench depth. As it stands, you're probably looking at Ward and one of Pagan or Fuld as your lefty bench depth. That's it. It would be nice if we had a bench guy with Floyd pop that can play some 3b. I don't know what's going on with Corie Koskie, but if he's able to play in 2008, he might make for a decent bench option. About the closest thing we have on the farm is Matt Craig. Do the Cubs want that much inexperience sitting on the bench though?

 

I think they need a RH bat. Assuming Murton is dealt or somehow starting with Fukudome in center, they will have no RH bat on the bench. Blanco will be there, but he's not a bat. If Cedeno or Theriot is the backup, that's not a legit bat. Ward at least provides one legit bench bat from the left. If Murton is gone, they won't have any RH bat.

 

I'm sure they hope DeRosa will be that guy.

 

He's still probably going to start more often than not.

 

Unless the Cubs pick up Roberts. Then he'd be splitting time with Fukudome, Roberts and Aram.

[wrigley23]

IMO we need to add a top 3 starting pitcher, need to consider getting a real closer & would help our offense immensely if we got a real leadoff hitter to play either center (Figgins) or 2B (Roberts) so we can move strikeout king (soriano) down in the order where he needs to be. I doubt any of this happens, however. Another year of no closer & w/ Sori batting leadoff is another year of coming up short.

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

We could use Hanley, IMO.

[XZero771679666304]

We could use Hanley, IMO.

 

 

Well, there's an idea. Jim should get on that one right away.

[Rob]

If Hendry gets Roberts for a package that looks something like Gallagher, Murton, and another pitching prospect, our team is gonna shake out something like this... (assuming Dempster bombs out of the SP role fairly quickly)

 

LF - Soriano

2B - Roberts

1B - Lee

3B - Ramirez

RF - Fukudome

C - Soto

CF - Pie

SS - Theriot

 

Bench:

 

C - Blanco

1B/LF/RF - Ward

1B/2B/3B/RF - DeRosa

SS - Cedeno

OF - Pagan/Fuld (probably Pagan if healthy)

 

SP1 - Z

SP2 - Lilly

SP3 - Hill

SP4 - Marquis

SP5 - Marshall

 

Bullpen:

 

Wood

Marmol

Howry

Wuertz

Dempster

Lahey

Eyre

Cotts

 

Marshall still has options, so picking up another starter wouldn't hurt anything... and if by chance Cedeno is included in a Roberts trade, we definately need to acquire a new SS, at least for the bench. And there certainly wont be enough room to add in any big bats to the bench.

[jersey cubs fan]

We could use Hanley, IMO.

 

 

Well, there's an idea. Jim should get on that one right away.

 

I would be in favor.

[rawaction]

I'd really like AJ Burnett, but I don't know if the Cubs have what it takes. I'd imagine they'd at least want a top prospect like Colvin.

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

I'd really like AJ Burnett, but I don't know if the Cubs have what it takes. I'd imagine they'd at least want a top prospect like Colvin.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[JeffH]

I'd really like AJ Burnett, but I don't know if the Cubs have what it takes. I'd imagine they'd at least want a top prospect like Colvin.

 

The Blue Jays should be anxious to get out of that deal. If he's great in '08, he'll opt out and become a free agent. If he stinks or is hurt, he'll stay and collect his $24/2.