Bradley Signs with Cubs 3/$30 million (p. 33)

[CaliforniaRaisin]

I fail to see how Jeremy Hermida isn't a starter.

[davearm2]

I fail to see how Jeremy Hermida isn't a starter.

I thought that comment was very curious as well.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

The whole copycat thing was weird too. The Cubs weren't a top heavy offense, they were probably the most balanced in baseball. And they weren't a bunch stiffs either, especially in RF. Anyone in the offense who could possibly qualify as non-athletic isn't going anywhere because they hit the crap out of the ball.

[17 Seconds]

I fail to see how Jeremy Hermida isn't a starter.

 

I'd start him, but if he performs like he did last season I could see him not being a starter. I've liked him for awhile and I think he'll rebound, but he was pretty awful last year.

[Post Count Padder]

NY Daily News says we're looking at Hermida, but that's about all it says. Nothing new.

[nilodnayr]

Hopefully this article will prevent there being any future suggestions ever that we should or could somehow acquire Brian Giles, and we'll never see the idea on NSBB again.

 

Well "could" and "should" are very very different things.

Yes they are. That's why I listed them both.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/11/olney-as-nearly.html

 

Olney: A's Nearly Acquired Giles

By Tim Dierkes [November 10 at 10:02am CST]

Interesting note from Buster Olney's Sunday blog post:

 

San Diego nearly dealt Brian Giles to Boston and later to Oakland during the season, and it stands to reason that this winter the Padres will approach Giles about waiving his no-trade rights to facilitate a trade out of San Diego. (As of Saturday evening, they had not done this.)

 

We knew that Giles vetoed a trade to Boston and would've probably done the same if the Rays won the claim. Olney indicates that Giles was nearly dealt to the A's later during August, which is confusing given that Boston won the claim and failed to make a trade.

 

Giles now has full no-trade powers as a 10-and-5 player, and apparently receives a $2MM raise if dealt. He revealed new information regarding his Boston veto on Friday. He would've spent significant time on the bench for the Red Sox, and the Sox would've turned around and traded him this winter. Furthermore, staying with San Diego allowed Giles to secure the 10-and-5 rights. He seems more open to a deal now: "If it would help our organization get better, I'm not saying I would veto a trade."

[The Other 15]

Can't recall where I read it, but I think that Ibanez is 4th in RBI's over the last 3 seasons behind Howard, Arod, and Pujols.

[nilodnayr]

Can't recall where I read it, but I think that Ibanez is 4th in RBI's over the last 3 seasons behind Howard, Arod, and Pujols.

 

And 1st in stats that have no predictive value.

[Guest]

Ibanez would be horrible in right field.

[KingCubsFan]

Ibanez would be horrible in right field.

Defensively? Because offensively he's pretty good

[Guest]

Ibanez would be horrible in right field.

Defensively? Because offensively he's pretty good

 

Yeah, I just meant defensively. Obviously his bat would be great and his health is better than Milton Bradley's.

[YearofDaCubs]

Ibanez would be horrible in right field.

Defensively? Because offensively he's pretty good

Ibanez to a one year deal would be OK but he's getting older. I don't expect the same type of numbers from him 1-2 years from now.

[Cubswin11]

Ibanez would be horrible in right field.

Defensively? Because offensively he's pretty good

Ibanez to a one year deal would be OK but he's getting older. I don't expect the same type of numbers from him 1-2 years from now.

A 1 year deal would be ideal but he probably will at least demand a 2 year deal and possibly at least a 3rd year option, I wouldn't be opposed to a 2 year 18-22 mil. deal. Now that Willingham got traded I doubt Hermida is available(unless we overpay). It looks like Ibanez is a real possibility, unless we open up the check book (unlikely) for Dunn or Abreu. Or take a big chance on Bradley as it is unlikely that he can make it through a full season healthy playing 150+ games in the field. Ibanez is probably my first choice of all the available FA even though I really want Hermida, but that is looking unlikely.

[davearm2]

Ibanez would be horrible in right field.

Defensively? Because offensively he's pretty good

Ibanez to a one year deal would be OK but he's getting older. I don't expect the same type of numbers from him 1-2 years from now.

A 1 year deal would be ideal but he probably will at least demand a 2 year deal and possibly at least a 3rd year option, I wouldn't be opposed to a 2 year 18-22 mil. deal. Now that Willingham got traded I doubt Hermida is available(unless we overpay). It looks like Ibanez is a real possibility, unless we open up the check book (unlikely) for Dunn or Abreu. Or take a big chance on Bradley as it is unlikely that he can make it through a full season healthy playing 150+ games in the field. Ibanez is probably my first choice of all the available FA even though I really want Hermida, but that is looking unlikely.

Frankly I don't think Bradley represents that much injury risk at all, given the depth the Cubs have.

 

I don't mind a scenario where Bradley puts up a 900-950 OPS but spends 30 or 40 games on the DL. That'd pave the way for some combination of Fontenot (DeRo to RF), and/or Hoffpaiur to play more regularly for a couple weeks at a time. Or you shift Fukudome over to RF and give Pie the extra ABs in the CF platoon.

 

Plenty of decent short-term options there.

 

IMO the risk Bradley represents is his combustability, but I'd feel ok about that with the Cubs' veteran clubhouse and Lou's no-nonsense approach.

[Cubswin11]

Ibanez would be horrible in right field.

Defensively? Because offensively he's pretty good

Ibanez to a one year deal would be OK but he's getting older. I don't expect the same type of numbers from him 1-2 years from now.

A 1 year deal would be ideal but he probably will at least demand a 2 year deal and possibly at least a 3rd year option, I wouldn't be opposed to a 2 year 18-22 mil. deal. Now that Willingham got traded I doubt Hermida is available(unless we overpay). It looks like Ibanez is a real possibility, unless we open up the check book (unlikely) for Dunn or Abreu. Or take a big chance on Bradley as it is unlikely that he can make it through a full season healthy playing 150+ games in the field. Ibanez is probably my first choice of all the available FA even though I really want Hermida, but that is looking unlikely.

Frankly I don't think Bradley represents that much injury risk at all, given the depth the Cubs have.

 

I don't mind a scenario where Bradley puts up a 900-950 OPS but spends 30 or 40 games on the DL. That'd pave the way for some combination of Fontenot (DeRo to RF), and/or Hoffpaiur to play more regularly for a couple weeks at a time. Or you shift Fukudome over to RF and give Pie the extra ABs in the CF platoon.

 

Plenty of decent short-term options there.

 

IMO the risk Bradley represents is his combustability, but I'd feel ok about that with the Cubs' veteran clubhouse and Lou's no-nonsense approach.

I would say missing 30-40 games would be considered a injury risk, that is roughly 1/5 of the games. I agree we do have great depth but Ibanez is the safer bet to stay healthy and therefore produce better numbers, however if Bradley is healthy for the full season he could put up some good numbers and I do like the fact he is a switch hitter. If we end up with either I would be happy.

[nilodnayr]

Ibanez's terrible defense nearly cancels out all his offensive production...true story.

[davearm2]

Ibanez would be horrible in right field.

Defensively? Because offensively he's pretty good

Ibanez to a one year deal would be OK but he's getting older. I don't expect the same type of numbers from him 1-2 years from now.

A 1 year deal would be ideal but he probably will at least demand a 2 year deal and possibly at least a 3rd year option, I wouldn't be opposed to a 2 year 18-22 mil. deal. Now that Willingham got traded I doubt Hermida is available(unless we overpay). It looks like Ibanez is a real possibility, unless we open up the check book (unlikely) for Dunn or Abreu. Or take a big chance on Bradley as it is unlikely that he can make it through a full season healthy playing 150+ games in the field. Ibanez is probably my first choice of all the available FA even though I really want Hermida, but that is looking unlikely.

Frankly I don't think Bradley represents that much injury risk at all, given the depth the Cubs have.

 

I don't mind a scenario where Bradley puts up a 900-950 OPS but spends 30 or 40 games on the DL. That'd pave the way for some combination of Fontenot (DeRo to RF), and/or Hoffpaiur to play more regularly for a couple weeks at a time. Or you shift Fukudome over to RF and give Pie the extra ABs in the CF platoon.

 

Plenty of decent short-term options there.

 

IMO the risk Bradley represents is his combustability, but I'd feel ok about that with the Cubs' veteran clubhouse and Lou's no-nonsense approach.

I would say missing 30-40 games would be considered a injury risk, that is roughly 1/5 of the games. I agree we do have great depth but Ibanez is the safer bet to stay healthy and therefore produce better numbers, however if Bradley is healthy for the full season he could put up some good numbers and I do like the fact he is a switch hitter. If we end up with either I would be happy.

Perhaps I wasn't clear.

 

Injury risk? Yes. But one that's easily and effectively manageable, thus negating most of the damage.

 

Ibanez' defense is a scary thought. I think Bradley would be appreciably better in that regard but perhaps not.

[Cubswin11]

Ibanez would be horrible in right field.

Defensively? Because offensively he's pretty good

Ibanez to a one year deal would be OK but he's getting older. I don't expect the same type of numbers from him 1-2 years from now.

A 1 year deal would be ideal but he probably will at least demand a 2 year deal and possibly at least a 3rd year option, I wouldn't be opposed to a 2 year 18-22 mil. deal. Now that Willingham got traded I doubt Hermida is available(unless we overpay). It looks like Ibanez is a real possibility, unless we open up the check book (unlikely) for Dunn or Abreu. Or take a big chance on Bradley as it is unlikely that he can make it through a full season healthy playing 150+ games in the field. Ibanez is probably my first choice of all the available FA even though I really want Hermida, but that is looking unlikely.

Frankly I don't think Bradley represents that much injury risk at all, given the depth the Cubs have.

 

I don't mind a scenario where Bradley puts up a 900-950 OPS but spends 30 or 40 games on the DL. That'd pave the way for some combination of Fontenot (DeRo to RF), and/or Hoffpaiur to play more regularly for a couple weeks at a time. Or you shift Fukudome over to RF and give Pie the extra ABs in the CF platoon.

 

Plenty of decent short-term options there.

 

IMO the risk Bradley represents is his combustability, but I'd feel ok about that with the Cubs' veteran clubhouse and Lou's no-nonsense approach.

I would say missing 30-40 games would be considered a injury risk, that is roughly 1/5 of the games. I agree we do have great depth but Ibanez is the safer bet to stay healthy and therefore produce better numbers, however if Bradley is healthy for the full season he could put up some good numbers and I do like the fact he is a switch hitter. If we end up with either I would be happy.

Perhaps I wasn't clear.

 

Injury risk? Yes. But one that's easily and effectively manageable, thus negating most of the damage.

 

Ibanez' defense is a scary thought. I think Bradley would be appreciably better in that regard but perhaps not.

How bad is Ibanez' defense? Worse than Dunn? Like I said I really would like to have either and am not biased towards either. Just for reference here is Bradley's defensive line from last year

20 G 165.1 IN 50 TC 43 PO 4 A 3 E 3 DP .940 FP

Here is Ibanez'

153 G 1340 IN 316 TC 302 PO 9 A 5 E 1 DP .984 FP

 

Bradley played 19 of his 20 games in RF. All of Ibanez' games were in LF.

[nilodnayr]

Ibanez would be horrible in right field.

Defensively? Because offensively he's pretty good

Ibanez to a one year deal would be OK but he's getting older. I don't expect the same type of numbers from him 1-2 years from now.

A 1 year deal would be ideal but he probably will at least demand a 2 year deal and possibly at least a 3rd year option, I wouldn't be opposed to a 2 year 18-22 mil. deal. Now that Willingham got traded I doubt Hermida is available(unless we overpay). It looks like Ibanez is a real possibility, unless we open up the check book (unlikely) for Dunn or Abreu. Or take a big chance on Bradley as it is unlikely that he can make it through a full season healthy playing 150+ games in the field. Ibanez is probably my first choice of all the available FA even though I really want Hermida, but that is looking unlikely.

Frankly I don't think Bradley represents that much injury risk at all, given the depth the Cubs have.

 

I don't mind a scenario where Bradley puts up a 900-950 OPS but spends 30 or 40 games on the DL. That'd pave the way for some combination of Fontenot (DeRo to RF), and/or Hoffpaiur to play more regularly for a couple weeks at a time. Or you shift Fukudome over to RF and give Pie the extra ABs in the CF platoon.

 

Plenty of decent short-term options there.

 

IMO the risk Bradley represents is his combustability, but I'd feel ok about that with the Cubs' veteran clubhouse and Lou's no-nonsense approach.

I would say missing 30-40 games would be considered a injury risk, that is roughly 1/5 of the games. I agree we do have great depth but Ibanez is the safer bet to stay healthy and therefore produce better numbers, however if Bradley is healthy for the full season he could put up some good numbers and I do like the fact he is a switch hitter. If we end up with either I would be happy.

Perhaps I wasn't clear.

 

Injury risk? Yes. But one that's easily and effectively manageable, thus negating most of the damage.

 

Ibanez' defense is a scary thought. I think Bradley would be appreciably better in that regard but perhaps not.

How bad is Ibanez' defense? Worse than Dunn? Like I said I really would like to have either and am not biased towards either. Just for reference here is Bradley's defensive line from last year

20 G 165.1 IN 50 TC 43 PO 4 A 3 E 3 DP .940 FP

Here is Ibanez'

153 G 1340 IN 316 TC 302 PO 9 A 5 E 1 DP .984 FP

 

Bradley played 19 of his 20 games in RF. All of Ibanez' games were in LF.

 

Pulling the ESPN defensive metrics is about as fruitful as spray painting your bald head and telling everyone you have hair.

[cheapseats]

How bad is Ibanez' defense? Worse than Dunn?

 

See Chris Dial's Offense Plus Defense for the AL here:

 

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=p9BODtOllD4u0JrhtbUmILA&gid=1

 

Ibanez was terrible defensively, almost completely negating his bat.

 

As for Dunn, he wasn't that bad defensively before the trade, but after he went to Arizona, his bad defense did negate his bat.

[Jehrico]

How bad is Ibanez' defense? Worse than Dunn?

 

See Chris Dial's Offense Plus Defense for the AL here:

 

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=p9BODtOllD4u0JrhtbUmILA&gid=1

 

Ibanez was terrible defensively, almost completely negating his bat.

 

As for Dunn, he wasn't that bad defensively before the trade, but after he went to Arizona, his bad defense did negate his bat.

That's because in Cincy the park is such a bandbox that many balls leave the park, leaving him few opportunities to not field a ball.

 

I still want him in my lineup. I'll take the hit in LF for his bat.

[Elrhino]

Bradley was loved by the Rangers clubhouse. That's one of the key reasons they didn't dump him at the trading deadline, because he had become something of the leader of the lockerroom on a team full of younger players. He's a passionate and intense guy, but he's respected by his teammates because of it. Umpires and beatwriters might feel differently. The bottomline is if this is a playoff team, we need an optimal bat for a playoff lineup. We have plenty of inhouse options at RF to treadwater if he misses a stretch of the season with minor injuries. As long as he's ready in September and October.

[The Other 15]

Ibanez was terrible defensively, almost completely negating his bat.

 

Wow, that's one hell of a bad glove seeing how Ibanez's bat is responsible for roughly scoring and driving in about 200 runs.

 

I'm not going to defend his defense, but maybe some people are getting carried away? Just a little?

[imb]

Ibanez was terrible defensively, almost completely negating his bat.

 

Wow, that's one hell of a bad glove seeing how Ibanez's bat is responsible for roughly scoring and driving in about 200 runs.

 

I'm not going to defend his defense, but maybe some people are getting carried away? Just a little?

 

i dont think you understand how that works

[tfarks]

I think if they are going after some of these guys there is definitely a significant bump in the payroll. If its a priority to sign Dempster and Wood, or at least one and get Peavy, that leaves the big hole of getting a lefty bat still on the checklist. I don't see Bradley and Furcal, but I definitely think the Cubs offer a contract to Ibanez or Bradley, preferably the latter. It will suck to watch him only play 100 games, but if hes around playoff time it will be forgiven. Either way, it will be nice to see one of those guys in the middle of our order next season.