Other possible trade targets?

[CubsBears29]

Yeah, mine was a response to all the discussion I've heard about Wolf and/or Maddux. These are not guys the Cubs should spend any time looking at.

 

I'm a little torn on the issue.

 

For sentimental value, I wouldn't mind seeing Greg back in the rotation's 5-hole, but in the end... would he be significantly better than Marquis/Marshall? Probly not. Sure Marquis and Marshall have been, or can get, knocked around slightly more than occasionally, but what can really be expected of a 4th/5th starter??

 

 

In the end, if we go for another SP, I'd rather it be a proven type of pitcher; than a guy to just throw in there at the end of the rotation and hope he basically just eats some innings and keeps games within striking distance for the offense.

[BigbadB]

Yeah, mine was a response to all the discussion I've heard about Wolf and/or Maddux. These are not guys the Cubs should spend any time looking at.

 

I'm a little torn on the issue.

 

For sentimental value, I wouldn't mind seeing Greg back in the rotation's 5-hole, but in the end... would he be significantly better than Marquis/Marshall? Probly not. Sure Marquis and Marshall have been, or can get, knocked around slightly more than occasionally, but what can really be expected of a 4th/5th starter??

 

 

In the end, if we go for another SP, I'd rather it be a proven type of pitcher; than a guy to just throw in there at the end of the rotation and hope he basically just eats some innings and keeps games within striking distance for the offense.

 

Sean Marshall, Rich Hill, Kevin Hart, Chad Gaudin, Jon Lieber or Jason Marquis can do what either Wolf or Maddux can do in regards to keeping the Cubs in striking distance in games they pitch, so why give up talent and eat any remaining budget when you already have 6 guys capable of putting up equal numbers on the roster? Of course, Marquis could possibly net yet another arm as well if he gets dealt.

[TheDude]

Some "news" from BCB. Love or hate BCB, some of Al's inside info has been true in the past.

 

Finally, some Deep Goat rumors heard today: there were definitely scouts at the ballpark watching Jason Marquis today, and there is interest from more than one team. After this performance, which lowered his ERA to a not-unreasonable 4.44, interest might heat up. Cub scouts have been dispatched to watch at least one minor league team in order to gauge possible prospects the Cubs might want in return. (Sorry, can't tell you who at this time.) Also, the Cubs are still seeking left-handed relief help, so although there aren't any deals (that I know of) in the works right this minute, Jim Hendry may not be done dealing, and of course there are three weeks remaining.

 

Need to move him to the NL West. Marquis could have a decent couple of years pitching to any of SD, LA, or SF regularly.

[killthegoat06]

Some "news" from BCB. Love or hate BCB, some of Al's inside info has been true in the past.

 

Finally, some Deep Goat rumors heard today: there were definitely scouts at the ballpark watching Jason Marquis today, and there is interest from more than one team. After this performance, which lowered his ERA to a not-unreasonable 4.44, interest might heat up. Cub scouts have been dispatched to watch at least one minor league team in order to gauge possible prospects the Cubs might want in return. (Sorry, can't tell you who at this time.) Also, the Cubs are still seeking left-handed relief help, so although there aren't any deals (that I know of) in the works right this minute, Jim Hendry may not be done dealing, and of course there are three weeks remaining.

 

Need to move him to the NL West. Marquis could have a decent couple of years pitching to any of SD, LA, or SF regularly.

FUENTES. We need to try and get him.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Based on the way Marmol has pitched, I'd agree that Fuentes would be an excellent choice. We could move Marmol into lower leverage situations for awhile and use Howry and Fuentes and the main set-up guys.

[killthegoat06]

Based on the way Marmol has pitched, I'd agree that Fuentes would be an excellent choice. We could move Marmol into lower leverage situations for awhile and use Howry and Fuentes and the main set-up guys.

Do you think there's a chance Hendry wants to/could get him?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Based on the way Marmol has pitched, I'd agree that Fuentes would be an excellent choice. We could move Marmol into lower leverage situations for awhile and use Howry and Fuentes and the main set-up guys.

Do you think there's a chance Hendry wants to/could get him?

 

I have no clue. I don't have a good feeling on what the asking price is for him. I think it is certainly possible, but right now I wouldn't consider it likely.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

As we head into the break, I've been thinking about what could be done to make this team better. I'll begin by saying that I don't think we need to make any more moves. Getting Rich Harden answered the biggest issue this team had.

 

On the other hand, if we could fit it all within the roster, I think our needs could be:

 

1. Another arm for the bullpen.

2. A RH power bat off the bench.

3. A more consistent bat that could back-up SS.

 

Along with those, we could go for another SP, but I find it unlikely.

 

As I look at those three needs, I think the bullpen arm could be the best possible avenue. I'm not sure there's a RH bat that fits our needs and could fit on our current roster. Getting another back-up SS could also be problematic since Cedeno is out of options. Replacing him on the roster would require letting him go. I don't think we're prepared to do that.

 

So, focusing on bullpen, here are some options.

 

1. Mike Gonzalez (Atlanta Braves). If the Braves become sellers, Gonzalez could be an interesting option. He's a lefty, but also has experience as a closer. He's just returned from injury and has only pitched 9.7 innings thus far. In those nine innings, he's given up four hits, walked none, and allowed three runs. His ERA is 1.86, and he's K'ed 14. He's still under team control for next season, and the Braves may view him as the closer for 2009, so he might not be on the block. If he is, he would be a nice choice to slot into the back of the bullpen.

 

2. David Weathers (Reds). I'm not sure how I'd feel about this acquisition. Weathers does have experience being a late inning reliever and has even closed out games. His ERA is respectable at 3.55 this season, but his WHIP is a problematic 1.50. He's 38 years old and his contract is up at the end of the season. If the goal is to add another bullpen arm without giving up too much, then Weathers might be a good choice. I personally would prefer to aim higher or do nothing at all.

 

3. Arthur Rhodes (Mariners). Following the trend of old relievers who could be had cheaply, next up is Rhodes. Rhodes is a 38-yr-old lefty who has had his ups and downs. He sports a 3.12 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. Rhodes is simply a loogy at this point in his career. Lefties are batting 206 off of him while righties are hitting 310. If the Cubs feel another loogy is needed in place of Cotts or Eyre, then Rhodes could be an option. Getting him to do anything other than situational work is probably not a good idea.

 

4. Ron Mahay (Royals) Mahay is a lefty that has a 1.88 ERA and a 1.167 WHIP. While he's a lefty, he's equally good versus both left handed and right-handed hitters. He still has another year on his deal, so KC may not be willing to deal. But he's a very good left-handed bullpen arm that can be used against both lefties and righties.

 

5. Brian Fuentes. (Rockies) Fuentes has been discussed the most. He's a lefty and like Mike Gonzalez has experience as a closer. He can get out both lefties and righties and could be used as an eighth inning guy that gets us to Wood. Of the relievers on the market, he will probably be the most expensive to acquire.

 

Of the listed above, my preference would be in this order: Gonzalez, Fuentes, Mahay, Weathers, and then Rhodes.

[Banghart]

In keeping with the theme of bullpen arms that could possibly be had to make an impact, here are a couple of other lefties that Hendry might want to think about:

 

1. Eddie Guardado (TEX)- 2.70 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 18 Ks, 9 BBs, lefty BAA .184

Steady Eddie has been pretty good this year. He pitches as well against righties as lefties, so he wouldn't have to be a specialist. With Texas going no where this season, and Guardado making 2 million at age 38 you would think he could be had. For the cost that it ought to take to get him he might be the best option.

 

2. Damaso Marte (PIT)- 3.22 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 44 Ks, 14 BBs, lefty BAA .250

Marte has pitched well this year as well. The K:BB ratio is certainly quite good. Interestingly enough righties are hitting better off of Marte this year than lefties. This is different than his three year splits so it is probably an aberration. Again Marte could be used more than just a loogy.

 

Either probably could be had for a lot cheaper than Fuentes, and would fill a developing hole at the backend of the bullpen.

 

Oh just one more thought about bullpens at this point. Wouldn't it be nice to have a lefty putting up these numbers:

2.77 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 34 Ks, 17 BBs, lefty BAA .143

 

That would be Will Ohman in Atlanta this year. Just something that popped out at me while digging through relievers to try and find some interesting options.

Edited July 13, 2008 by Banghart

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

In keeping with the theme of bullpen arms that could possibly be had to make an impact, here are a couple of other lefties that Hendry might want to think about:

 

1. Eddie Guardado (TEX)- 2.70 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 18 Ks, 9 BBs, lefty BAA .184

Steady Eddie has been pretty good this year. He pitches as well as against righties and lefties, so he wouldn't have to be a specialist. With Texas going no where this season, and Guardado making 2 million at age 38 you would think he could be had. For the cost that it ought to take to get him he might be the best option.

 

2. Damaso Marte (PIT)- 3.22 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 44 Ks, 14 BBs, lefty BAA .250

Marte has pitched well this year as well. The K:BB ratio is certainly quite good. Interestingly enough righties are hitting better off of Marte this year than lefties. This is different than his three year splits so it is probably an aberration. Again Marte could be used more than just a loogy.

 

Either probably could be had for a lot cheaper than Fuentes, and would fill a developing hole at the backend of the bullpen.

 

Oh just one more thought about bullpens at this point. Wouldn't it be nice to have a lefty putting up these numbers:

2.77 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 34 Ks, 17 BBs, lefty BAA .143

 

That would be Will Ohman in Atlanta this year. Just something that popped out at me while digging through relievers to try and find some interesting options.

 

Good choices there. I think the list shows that there should be a plethora of choices if the Cubs decide to add a reliever. No reason to overpay for one.

[rawaction]

As we head into the break, I've been thinking about what could be done to make this team better. I'll begin by saying that I don't think we need to make any more moves. Getting Rich Harden answered the biggest issue this team had.

 

On the other hand, if we could fit it all within the roster, I think our needs could be:

 

1. Another arm for the bullpen.

2. A RH power bat off the bench.

3. A more consistent bat that could back-up SS.

 

Along with those, we could go for another SP, but I find it unlikely.

 

As I look at those three needs, I think the bullpen arm could be the best possible avenue. I'm not sure there's a RH bat that fits our needs and could fit on our current roster. Getting another back-up SS could also be problematic since Cedeno is out of options. Replacing him on the roster would require letting him go. I don't think we're prepared to do that.

 

So, focusing on bullpen, here are some options.

 

1. Mike Gonzalez (Atlanta Braves). If the Braves become sellers, Gonzalez could be an interesting option. He's a lefty, but also has experience as a closer. He's just returned from injury and has only pitched 9.7 innings thus far. In those nine innings, he's given up four hits, walked none, and allowed three runs. His ERA is 1.86, and he's K'ed 14. He's still under team control for next season, and the Braves may view him as the closer for 2009, so he might not be on the block. If he is, he would be a nice choice to slot into the back of the bullpen.

 

2. David Weathers (Reds). I'm not sure how I'd feel about this acquisition. Weathers does have experience being a late inning reliever and has even closed out games. His ERA is respectable at 3.55 this season, but his WHIP is a problematic 1.50. He's 38 years old and his contract is up at the end of the season. If the goal is to add another bullpen arm without giving up too much, then Weathers might be a good choice. I personally would prefer to aim higher or do nothing at all.

 

3. Arthur Rhodes (Mariners). Following the trend of old relievers who could be had cheaply, next up is Rhodes. Rhodes is a 38-yr-old lefty who has had his ups and downs. He sports a 3.12 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. Rhodes is simply a loogy at this point in his career. Lefties are batting 206 off of him while righties are hitting 310. If the Cubs feel another loogy is needed in place of Cotts or Eyre, then Rhodes could be an option. Getting him to do anything other than situational work is probably not a good idea.

 

4. Ron Mahay (Royals) Mahay is a lefty that has a 1.88 ERA and a 1.167 WHIP. While he's a lefty, he's equally good versus both left handed and right-handed hitters. He still has another year on his deal, so KC may not be willing to deal. But he's a very good left-handed bullpen arm that can be used against both lefties and righties.

 

5. Brian Fuentes. (Rockies) Fuentes has been discussed the most. He's a lefty and like Mike Gonzalez has experience as a closer. He can get out both lefties and righties and could be used as an eighth inning guy that gets us to Wood. Of the relievers on the market, he will probably be the most expensive to acquire.

 

Of the listed above, my preference would be in this order: Gonzalez, Fuentes, Mahay, Weathers, and then Rhodes.

 

Braves could have Smoltz as closer last year. I'd think Gonzalez could be pretty available. Mahay is really good. I don't think he will be available though.

[BigbadB]

Saw Gonzalez pitch against San Diego last night. He might have the most annoying delivery I've ever seen. But, he was very effective.

[bubbycub]

Is John Rauch (sp) still pitching with Nationals, thought he might be an interesting option

[NCCubFan]

Is John Rauch (sp) still pitching with Nationals, thought he might be an interesting option

He's their closer now with Cordero out for the year. 17 saves, 2.91 ERA, 146 ERA+, 1.01 WHIP, and 42/6 K/BB in 46.3 IP. Nice.

[Post Count Padder]

How cheap would Gonzalez come? If he's recovered, he could be pretty solid

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

How cheap would Gonzalez come? If he's recovered, he could be pretty solid

 

To be honest, I don't know. My guess is he could be had for one really good prospect or a package of prospects. I think Fuentes will be the most expensive to acquire. After that, it's all anyone's guess with relievers like Weathers and Rhodes on the cheap end, if anyone has interest in them at all.

 

The Braves have needs at 1b (assuming they move Tex), SP (though they are loaded with young, but inconsistent arms), and OF (though Brandon Jones and Jordan Shafer are highly thought of).

 

To get Gonzalez, the Braves might be willing to do a Wuertz for Gonzalez swap. Wuertz would give them a pretty good reliever under team control for a few more years. They might also have interest in Hoffpauir. but I'd think something would have to be included along with Hoffpauir to get it done.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

According to this article, Link, Ron Mahay is available.

 

Another interesting bullpen arm listed there is Chad Bradford. His numbers aren't bad this year. Bradford is more of a roogy, but this year he hasn't gotten right handers out as well as he has in the past. He might come cheap.

[CuseCubFan69]

I'd like to see the Cubs work out a blockbuster with the Rockies and get Holiday and Fuentes, kind of what Boston did to get Burkett and Lowell. I'd send Marmol, Cedeno and 3 to 4 of the top prospects (Pie/Vitters)...if the Rockies like them and it would match up.

[nolanwood]

I don't see the Braves letting go of Gonzalez - if he's gone, they've got NOBODY to close games for them. He came right off a year + DL stint from TJ surgery and took over the closer role immediately, and has been successful. I don't see Gonzalez going anywhere...

[rchap24]

I'd like to see the Cubs work out a blockbuster with the Rockies and get Holiday and Fuentes, kind of what Boston did to get Burkett and Lowell. I'd send Marmol, Cedeno and 3 to 4 of the top prospects (Pie/Vitters)...if the Rockies like them and it would match up.

 

Ha if it would be at all possible I would take that in a second! On there other hand would you have Fuku playing Center? If so that would be an awful fielding outfield. Would Edmonds and Johnson be off the bench?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I'd like to see the Cubs work out a blockbuster with the Rockies and get Holiday and Fuentes, kind of what Boston did to get Burkett and Lowell. I'd send Marmol, Cedeno and 3 to 4 of the top prospects (Pie/Vitters)...if the Rockies like them and it would match up.

 

 

Ummm....I think you meant Beckett. Though John Burkett did pitch for Boston in 2002-2003. And was a deadline deal in 1996, but not for the Red Sox. That year, he went from the Marlins to the Rangers.

[CuseCubFan69]

I'd like to see the Cubs work out a blockbuster with the Rockies and get Holiday and Fuentes, kind of what Boston did to get Burkett and Lowell. I'd send Marmol, Cedeno and 3 to 4 of the top prospects (Pie/Vitters)...if the Rockies like them and it would match up.

 

 

Ummm....I think you meant Beckett. Though John Burkett did pitch for Boston in 2002-2003. And was a deadline deal in 1996, but not for the Red Sox. That year, he went from the Marlins to the Rangers.

 

Darn...I always get those two mixed up! I'd be curious how much the Rockies would ask for those two.

 

And rchap24...I suppose I'd try to include Johnson in the deal or find a way to move him, or release Edmonds....or, go to 12 pitchers.

[Exile on Waveland]

I'd like to see the Cubs work out a blockbuster with the Rockies and get Holiday and Fuentes, kind of what Boston did to get Burkett and Lowell. I'd send Marmol, Cedeno and 3 to 4 of the top prospects (Pie/Vitters)...if the Rockies like them and it would match up.

 

 

Ummm....I think you meant Beckett. Though John Burkett did pitch for Boston in 2002-2003. And was a deadline deal in 1996, but not for the Red Sox. That year, he went from the Marlins to the Rangers.

 

Darn...I always get those two mixed up! I'd be curious how much the Rockies would ask for those two.

 

And rchap24...I suppose I'd try to include Johnson in the deal or find a way to move him, or release Edmonds....or, go to 12 pitchers.

 

You want to release a player that's batting .269/.369/.552 for the Cubs?

[SouthSideRyan]

Yeah it's really weird how eager people are to push Edmonds out of the starting lineup. I was as big a doubter as anyone when he first came here, but I think it might be time to accept that Edmonds isn't the washed up piece of crap he was the first couple months of the year.

[JonnyRed]

I'd like to see the Cubs work out a blockbuster with the Rockies and get Holiday and Fuentes, kind of what Boston did to get Burkett and Lowell. I'd send Marmol, Cedeno and 3 to 4 of the top prospects (Pie/Vitters)...if the Rockies like them and it would match up.

 

Ha if it would be at all possible I would take that in a second! On there other hand would you have Fuku playing Center? If so that would be an awful fielding outfield. Would Edmonds and Johnson be off the bench?

 

Who cares what our defense would look like...we'd outscore everyone by 6+ runs a night adding Holliday with Lee, Ram, Soriano, Soto, Fuku, DeRo!