Cubs expected to sign Paul Bako (1 yr, $500,000)

[Schwarber Fan]

The Cubs have interest in bringing in Paul Bako as a non-roster player, according to The Daily Herald.

That probably won't happen. Bako figures to get a guaranteed contract after spending the bulk of last season as the Reds' top catcher. The Cubs would view him as a fallback in case they fail to re-sign Henry Blanco. Dec. 10 -

 

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=MLB&id=2568&line=252946&spln=1

 

LOL!

Edited January 1, 2009 by Rondon Fan

[PackLandVA]

And he's the left-handed bat they're looking for!! :roll:

[Bruce Miles]

They've been talking about him for a while:

 

http://blogs.dailyherald.com/node/1094

[cubsfan26]

I wouldn't mind signing Bako on a minor league deal, and let him battle with Koyie Hill in spring training.

[rchap24]

I wouldn't mind signing Bako on a minor league deal, and let him battle with Koyie Hill in spring training.

 

me either

[biittner77]

I wouldn't mind signing Bako on a minor league deal, and let him battle with Koyie Hill in spring training.

 

Is there really a difference between Bako and Hill?

[Clem Fandango]

I wouldn't mind signing Bako on a minor league deal, and let him battle with Koyie Hill in spring training.

 

Is there really a difference between Bako and Hill?

 

It's not nearly as fun or appealing to say "Hillowned"

[haubrich91]

Does he play right field?

[Illini Iceman]

Geovany Soto's backup: Paul Bako, a left-handed hitter, is expected to sign a one-year deal for about $500,000. The Cubs don't want a No. 2 catcher who costs much or expects to play a lot. Bako certainly fills the bill.

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-01-cubs-mark-derosa-chicagojan01,0,6804478.story

[Schwarber Fan]

Haha, what an epic day in Cubs offseason history

 

Aaron Miles signed

Mark DeRosa traded

Marquis for Vizcaino

Likely Milton Bradley

PAUL BAKO

[NCCubFan]

Gabor's back! Get yer World Series tickets!

[RedFlash]

Gabor's back! Get yer World Series tickets!

 

Alright, we have a member of "The Lemons" back....Ye.........haw.

 

At least Hendry no understands that you don't need to pay 2.5 mill for a backup catcher. Now he can learn not to pay that said amount for a backup infielder. But hey, he DID have that 6 RBI game once upon a time.

[cubsfan26]

I wouldn't mind signing Bako on a minor league deal, and let him battle with Koyie Hill in spring training.

 

Is there really a difference between Bako and Hill?

 

 

 

Yes I think Bako could get some hits backing up Soto if he gets 110-120 AB's next year. Bako was having a pretty good season last year and was hitting 256/338/768 in his first 121 AB's last year. Of course then Dusty Baker decided to give him 299 AB's so his numbers dropped off alot. But if he can hit 230-250 in 120 AB's or so for 500,000 next year he will be a bargin back up catcher IMO. Keep in mind Koyie Hill has hit below 150 in 114 AB's with the Cubs over the last two years. Bako might suck, and be a crappy back up catcher, but I think he's still a major leaguer. Koyie Hill isn't even a major leaguer at this point. But if Hill can beat out Bako for a roster spot, I'd be fine with it. But signing Bako would at least give us insurance incase Hill doesn't hit his weight.

[Vinestal]

This off season has filled me with great hope and excitement for the coming season

[Little Slide Rooter]

Granted, hes a significant downgrade offensively and defensively from Hank, hes also $2+ million, and backup catcher is a position where we can afford a downgrade, especially when were saving that much money.

[Peoriaman]

good move.

[Post Count Padder]

Awesome offseason

[TruffleShuffle]

stay healthy, geo

[jiml60]

You will be missed, Hank White.

 

http://www.desipio.com/images/blanco_henry.JPG

[rawaction]

Koyie Hill is just as cheap.

Koyie Hill is better defensively.

Koyie Hill has more power.

Koyie Hill is much, much younger.

 

For a team that needs to cut payroll, they sure are nickel and diming the hell out of the payroll flexibility they do have.

[Monco]

This seems strictly about money and hitting lefty.

 

How much more for Blanco?

[Derwood]

Paul Bako has more fingers.

[Post Count Padder]

Paul Bako has more fingers.

:-))

[Derwood]

Paul Bako has more fingers.

:-))

 

HILL: Ryan, why do you keep throwing the fastball when I'm calling for the splitter?

DEMPSTER: You're only putting one finger down

HILL: :glare:

[Monco]

Paul Bako has more fingers.

 

We need Alfonseca back too.