Cubs looking at Randy Winn?

[E.J.]

SF Gate

Cub talk: It could be a coincidence, but Gary Hughes, one of the Cubs' top talent evaluators, attended the A's-Giants games just after his club lost Alfonso Soriano to a broken hand. The Cubs are believed to be looking for a left-handed bat, but a source said they have not phoned the Giants about switch-hitting Randy Winn, the outfielder most likely to be shopped.

[RammyFanny]

SF Gate

Cub talk: It could be a coincidence, but Gary Hughes, one of the Cubs' top talent evaluators, attended the A's-Giants games just after his club lost Alfonso Soriano to a broken hand. The Cubs are believed to be looking for a left-handed bat, but a source said they have not phoned the Giants about switch-hitting Randy Winn, the outfielder most likely to be shopped.

Well, it said we haven't called about Randy Winn. Maybe we were taking a peak at Cain or somone, though unlikely.

[jersey cubs fan]

They are still looking for more LH bats? Why? Why not just bats in general? Lou said it himself, we're a little short on RH bats right now when facing a lefty.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Someone said last week that Hughes was at the Yankees-A's series. He's probably looking at Oakland's starters, namely Blanton and Harden.

[Bruno7481]

Someone said last week that Hughes was at the Yankees-A's series. He's probably looking at Oakland's starters, namely Blanton and Harden.

 

That was me. It was mentioned during the Yankees YES broadcast. Hughes is probably just on a regular West Coast trip.

[Jehrico]

Someone said last week that Hughes was at the Yankees-A's series. He's probably looking at Oakland's starters, namely Blanton and Harden.

That was a pretty poorly written blurb. They just assumed that they're only scouting out Giants players and not the As, which is pretty dumb.

[FamilyTradition]

Hughes was already in Oakland when Soriano broke his hand last Wednesday. I was listening to the A's pregame show and they were interviewing Hughes (which caught my attention) when the host pointed out the Cubs were up 4-0 in their game. Hughes also pointed out Soriano left the game after being hit on the hand and hoped he would be alright. So much for that.

 

That said, I'm sure the reason for Hughes' trip could change as quickly as a key cog on your winning team can break his hand. Winn grew up in the Bay Area, but I'm sure he could be had by anyone.

 

As for what they were discussing in the interview, it was nothing at all interesting (not "so who on this Oakland team are you interested in?").

 

Also, according to the radio advertisement he was forced to do with the host, Gary Hughes' favorite east coast pizzeria in the Bay Area is Amicis East Coast Pizzeria, specifically the one in San Mateo. If Hughes really has to eat at some lame pizzeria dozens of miles away from San Francisco, I feel sorry for the entire Cubs front office and their travel budget. I hate radio ads, they are so fake.

[rawaction]

I like Winn, but he's pretty pointless until Jim Edmonds falls flat on his face.

[Little Slide Rooter]

When the time comes, we could probably get Milton Bradley for a similar price as Randy Winn.

[NCCubFan]

Maybe he was there to scout Lincecum.

 

 

 

 

 

OK, back to reality.

[Brett]

Just curious what Winn's deal looks like... doesn't he still have another year left at a relatively unreasonable rate?

[Post Count Padder]

Winn wouldn't be terrible if we don't have to give up much, but he's nothing special either. I'd rather focus on another pitcher for now and see what Hoff/Edmonds/Reed can do out there for now.

[Guest]

Just curious what Winn's deal looks like... doesn't he still have another year left at a relatively unreasonable rate?

 

$8.25M for 2009.

[mdwilla]

I rather shoot a lot higher than Randy Winn for an upgrade in center field.

[TruffleShuffle]

randy winn is also not an adequate fielder in center field.

[Rob]

When the time comes, we could probably get Milton Bradley for a similar price as Randy Winn.

 

Milton Bradley:

.329/.451/.630, 30 years old, paid $5.25 mil this year plus incentives. Likely will be a type A free agent, which yields compensation picks.

 

Randy Winn:

.301/.361/.454, 34 years old, paid $8 mil this season, and $8.25 mil next season.

 

Rumor has the Rangers currently debating whether to attempt to resign Bradley or see whether they can get a return huge enough to justify moving him. We could probably get Winn plus half his 09 salary for a live arm like Ascanio and a scrub in instructs.