Do The Cubs Really Believe in Pie?

[Backtobanks]

It's great to cover your rear end, but a lot of the trade speculation for a backup CF seems to be on players that could take over full time if Pie flops. Isn't Murton a better option as a 4th OF than all of the rumored deals mentioned? This would mean Fukudome would slide over to CF (he stated that he would if asked) on a temporary basis. I'm sure Fukudome wouldn't object to playing 25-30 games in CF. Why would it be necessary to make a trade for a backup CF if you already have a solid replacement unless you're looking for a possible permanent replacement? :scratch:

Murton>Willits, Payton, Crisp, etc.

[soapy]

It's hard to understand what Hendry is thinking at any given time. First he publicly moaned that things would be so much better if Murton were a LHB. Then he starts hunting down RHB platoon options for Pie in CF, most of which are pretty bad options. Then he states that the Cubs need an effected RHB "off the bench". Which of course Murton is.

 

I really don't understand why you wouldn't just play Fukudome, or even Soriano, in CF when you want to sit Pie against LHP. Put Murton in RF or LF those days. Problem solved.

 

The only explination I can possibly think of is that he thinks Murton has more value in a trade than on the bench, but that doesn't explain possibly trading him for someone like Byrd.

Edited March 21, 2008 by soapy

[anabiono]

lets trade lix to the tigers for jacque!!

 

:P

[UK1679666180]

One of their goals was to upgrade defensively in the OF via Fukudome and Pie. Fukudome is most comfortable in RF, Soriano in LF, and I doubt they feel comfortable throwing out Murton in RF for any extended of time. Honestly, if they acquire Roberts and Pie struggles forcing them to put Fukudome in CF I think that Derosa would get more reps in RF than Murton.

[CuseCubFan69]

One of their goals was to upgrade defensively in the OF via Fukudome and Pie. Fukudome is most comfortable in RF, Soriano in LF, and I doubt they feel comfortable throwing out Murton in RF for any extended of time. Honestly, if they acquire Roberts and Pie struggles forcing them to put Fukudome in CF I think that Derosa would get more reps in RF than Murton.

 

I agree unless DeRosa has to play SS because Theriot and Fontenot (Cedeno gone in trade) fail at SS. Has DeRosa even played SS this spring?

[UK1679666180]

Not that I know of, he might've had some reps during one of the infields, but I don't recall any game action.

 

They appear content with Theriot at SS.

[CuseCubFan69]

Not that I know of, he might've had some reps during one of the infields, but I don't recall any game action.

 

They appear content with Theriot at SS.

 

I'd love to see 2 bizzaro seasons and have Theriot play SS for 150 and DeRosa play 150 and see how it goes, offensively and defensively.

[Abe Frohman]

It seems to me that Lou, at this point, would favor Micah Hoff in RF if a platoon were to take Pie out against LHP. I really don't understand the Murton phenomenon. The guy rakes LHP, had a pretty nice rookie season, and seems ideal for the #2 spot in the lineup.

 

SS Theriot

RF Murton

3B Ramirez

1B Lee

CF Fukudome

LF Soriano

2B DeRosa

CA Soto

 

or

 

SS Theriot

CF Fukudome

3B Ramirez

LF Soriano

1B Lee

2B DeRosa

RF Murton

CA Soto

[CuseCubFan69]

Would the Cubs ever think about moving Fuk over to CF full time and platooning Pie/Murton in right?

[MSG T]

It seems to me that Lou, at this point, would favor Micah Hoff in RF if a platoon were to take Pie out against LHP. I really don't understand the Murton phenomenon. The guy rakes LHP, had a pretty nice rookie season, and seems ideal for the #2 spot in the lineup.

 

SS Theriot

RF Murton

3B Ramirez

1B Lee

CF Fukudome

LF Soriano

2B DeRosa

CA Soto

 

or

 

SS Theriot

CF Fukudome

3B Ramirez

LF Soriano

1B Lee

2B DeRosa

RF Murton

CA Soto

 

RF is going to be kinda crowded with Murton and Fukudome both there, isn't it? :D

 

Edit: Did you change that, or can I not read?

[Abe Frohman]

RF is going to be kinda crowded with Murton and Fukudome both there, isn't it? :D

 

Edit: Did you change that, or can I not read?

 

Yeah, I was kinda thinking the same thing. Doh!

[Tyrant]

I really don't understand the Murton phenomenon. The guy rakes LHP, had a pretty nice rookie season, and seems ideal for the #2 spot in the lineup.

 

Yes, he rakes left-hand pitching, but not so much right-handed pitching. And he's awful defensively. He's a great 4th OF, or a platoon guy to start against LHP. He shouldn't be getting 100-plus starts. He's basically Craig Wilson.

[UK1679666180]

Not that I know of, he might've had some reps during one of the infields, but I don't recall any game action.

 

They appear content with Theriot at SS.

 

I'd love to see 2 bizzaro seasons and have Theriot play SS for 150 and DeRosa play 150 and see how it goes, offensively and defensively.

 

I question whether or not Derosa could handle it at SS, I don't know if he has the body control to do it. I think Theriot has borderline range and arm strength to handle the position and I think he's a better defensive SS than Derosa.

 

He could be used in an emergency situation or if Theriot is struggling and they need an extra bat in the lineup, but other than that I would assume that Derosa's glove would play him out of the spot.

 

With that said, I think Theriot is a utility player starting at SS despite him being one for that spot.

 

Back to Pie...

 

I think would consider Fukudome in CF, espec. if Pie starts off slow although I don't think we would see Pie in RF w/Fukudome in CF and I doubt we'll see much of Murton or Ward in RF.

 

Somehow I think Lou was not pleased with his defensive OF last year with Jones, Soriano, Floyd, Ward, and Ward for much of the year.

[CuseCubFan69]

Not that I know of, he might've had some reps during one of the infields, but I don't recall any game action.

 

They appear content with Theriot at SS.

 

I'd love to see 2 bizzaro seasons and have Theriot play SS for 150 and DeRosa play 150 and see how it goes, offensively and defensively.

 

I question whether or not Derosa could handle it at SS, I don't know if he has the body control to do it. I think Theriot has borderline range and arm strength to handle the position and I think he's a better defensive SS than Derosa.

 

He could be used in an emergency situation or if Theriot is struggling and they need an extra bat in the lineup, but other than that I would assume that Derosa's glove would play him out of the spot.

 

With that said, I think Theriot is a utility player starting at SS despite him being one for that spot.

 

Back to Pie...

 

I think would consider Fukudome in CF, espec. if Pie starts off slow although I don't think we would see Pie in RF w/Fukudome in CF and I doubt we'll see much of Murton or Ward in RF.

 

Somehow I think Lou was not pleased with his defensive OF last year with Jones, Soriano, Floyd, Ward, and Ward for much of the year.

 

This is why I think they would slide Pie over to right and have him and Murton (if he's still there) platoon and Fuk play CF every day. I don't thing Fukedome would want to slide back and forth from right to center. I'm still not 100% sure Soriano will be able to play over 150 games either.

[UK1679666180]

Pie is prob. a better defender than Fukudome and has played more in CF while Fukudome is more comfortable in RF, they'd prob. keep the players where they feel most comfortable.

[CuseCubFan69]

Pie is prob. a better defender than Fukudome and has played more in CF while Fukudome is more comfortable in RF, they'd prob. keep the players where they feel most comfortable.

 

I agree with that but it may depend on matching up the platoon guy for Pie. I do not see the Cubs leaving him in there against lefties and I don't see Fukedome sliding from right to center because of it. Fukedome is fine with center and if Pie does prove to handle hitting at the MLB level, they may switch positions then. You are right, Pie isn't a RF or may not be comfortable there and if they put him there, it'll be another thing he has to adjust too along with trying to hit MLB pitchers. Ok...maybe this move won't work but I was looking for a way to keep Murton's bat in the lineup and getting the most production possible. I just see Hendry getting some cruddy vet to platoon with Pie and being an auto out.

[David]

Pie is prob. a better defender than Fukudome and has played more in CF while Fukudome is more comfortable in RF, they'd prob. keep the players where they feel most comfortable.

 

I agree with that but it may depend on matching up the platoon guy for Pie. I do not see the Cubs leaving him in there against lefties and I don't see Fukedome sliding from right to center because of it. Fukedome is fine with center and if Pie does prove to handle hitting at the MLB level, they may switch positions then. You are right, Pie isn't a RF or may not be comfortable there and if they put him there, it'll be another thing he has to adjust too along with trying to hit MLB pitchers. Ok...maybe this move won't work but I was looking for a way to keep Murton's bat in the lineup and getting the most production possible. I just see Hendry getting some cruddy vet to platoon with Pie and being an auto out.

 

Who is Fukedome?

 

Is he pals with Meddenhall?

[CuseCubFan69]

Pie is prob. a better defender than Fukudome and has played more in CF while Fukudome is more comfortable in RF, they'd prob. keep the players where they feel most comfortable.

 

I agree with that but it may depend on matching up the platoon guy for Pie. I do not see the Cubs leaving him in there against lefties and I don't see Fukedome sliding from right to center because of it. Fukedome is fine with center and if Pie does prove to handle hitting at the MLB level, they may switch positions then. You are right, Pie isn't a RF or may not be comfortable there and if they put him there, it'll be another thing he has to adjust too along with trying to hit MLB pitchers. Ok...maybe this move won't work but I was looking for a way to keep Murton's bat in the lineup and getting the most production possible. I just see Hendry getting some cruddy vet to platoon with Pie and being an auto out.

 

Who is Fukedome?

 

Is he pals with Meddenhall?

 

Good stuff.

[David]

Thought you'd like that.

[Backtobanks]

I do think Hendry is a man of his word and as such, I think Fukudome would only play CF on a temporary basis. Fukudome signed with the Cubs specifically to play RF.

[Sammy Sofa]

No. Pie is a mythical creature like a centaur. He's not real.