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

[The Other 15]

Javier Valentin is four years younger, a better hitter, and hits from both sides of the plate (he's a better hitter from the left side, too). He just got a minor league deal from the Nats. I would have preferred him over Bako.

 

Valentin makes Bako look like a gold glover if it's any consolation. For my tastes, its' still more important to have a backup catcher that can handle the glove and pitchers before hitting is factored in. Most young catchers who are any good are turned into corner OF or corner infielders in this country. That's helped street agents in the Dominican Republic develop the Latin Express to the Major Leagues - converting middle infielders with strong arms and no bat to catcher (standard altered birth certificate at no extra cost).

[Wrigley Rat]

Speaking of Bako, the Cubs are making it clear that the competition for the backup catcher's job is wide open between Bako and Koyie Hill. In other words, Cubs people are saying Bako wasn't brought in just to be handed the job. The Cubs like Hill a lot. They also indicated the pitchers liked throwing to Hill last year, even more than they did to Henry Blanco, the respected backup who was not brought back.

- Bruce Miles

[cubsfan26]

Hmmm.... I wonder how much the Cubs would have to pay Bako if he didn't make the team?

[Illini Iceman]

Hmmm.... I wonder how much the Cubs would have to pay Bako if he didn't make the team?

 

I would imagine all of it unless another team picks him up off waivers.

 

Unless Hill suddenly figured out how to hit, I saw enough of him in 2007 to feel much more comfortable with Bako as the back up (and that is saying a lot since I don't think much of Bako either). Hill was about as close to an automatic out as you can get. It's like having two pitchers in the lineup (and even that is an insult to some of our pitchers). His line in 2007 was .161 / .231 / .269. His career line is .190 / .257 / .281. And most of that is before he chopped off a bunch of his fingers. Sorry, he does not belong on any 25 man roster, especially not on one for a contending team that will need the back up to make about 40 starts in order to keep their everyday catcher fresh.

[CubColtPacer]

Hmmm.... I wonder how much the Cubs would have to pay Bako if he didn't make the team?

 

I would imagine all of it unless another team picks him up off waivers.

 

Unless Hill suddenly figured out how to hit, I saw enough of him in 2007 to feel much more comfortable with Bako as the back up (and that is saying a lot since I don't think much of Bako either). Hill was about as close to an automatic out as you can get. It's like having two pitchers in the lineup (and even that is an insult to some of our pitchers). His line in 2007 was .161 / .231 / .269. His career line is .190 / .257 / .281. And most of that is before he chopped off a bunch of his fingers. Sorry, he does not belong on any 25 man roster, especially not on one for a contending team that will need the back up to make about 40 starts in order to keep their everyday catcher fresh.

 

Depending on when he was cut in ST, Bako would receive between 1/4 and 1/6 of his salary for this year. If he outplayed Hill in ST but got cut anyway, he could file a grievance and get his full salary. At least from looking at the CBA that's what it seems to say. If he makes the roster at the start of the year, the full salary is guaranteed.

[BCVM22]

Unless Hill suddenly figured out how to hit, I saw enough of him in 2007 to feel much more comfortable with Bako as the back up (and that is saying a lot since I don't think much of Bako either). Hill was about as close to an automatic out as you can get. It's like having two pitchers in the lineup (and even that is an insult to some of our pitchers). His line in 2007 was .161 / .231 / .269. His career line is .190 / .257 / .281. And most of that is before he chopped off a bunch of his fingers.

 

And you really think Bako would hit appreciably better? If you have the choice of two backup catchers, neither of whom is known to be able to hit worth a damn, isn't the guy that's been around this pitching staff for the last two seasons the better choice?

[dew1679666265]

Hmmm.... I wonder how much the Cubs would have to pay Bako if he didn't make the team?

 

I would imagine all of it unless another team picks him up off waivers.

 

Unless Hill suddenly figured out how to hit, I saw enough of him in 2007 to feel much more comfortable with Bako as the back up (and that is saying a lot since I don't think much of Bako either). Hill was about as close to an automatic out as you can get. It's like having two pitchers in the lineup (and even that is an insult to some of our pitchers). His line in 2007 was .161 / .231 / .269. His career line is .190 / .257 / .281. And most of that is before he chopped off a bunch of his fingers. Sorry, he does not belong on any 25 man roster, especially not on one for a contending team that will need the back up to make about 40 starts in order to keep their everyday catcher fresh.

 

For what it's worth, Hill's OPS'd .834 and .842 the past two seasons in Iowa. Those are the best two years of his career (OPS-wise) in the minors.

 

He's also projected for a roughly .100 point better OPS than Bako this year (Bako: .566-.617 range and Hill: .659-667 range).

 

Again, take that for what it's worth.

[Illini Iceman]

Unless Hill suddenly figured out how to hit, I saw enough of him in 2007 to feel much more comfortable with Bako as the back up (and that is saying a lot since I don't think much of Bako either). Hill was about as close to an automatic out as you can get. It's like having two pitchers in the lineup (and even that is an insult to some of our pitchers). His line in 2007 was .161 / .231 / .269. His career line is .190 / .257 / .281. And most of that is before he chopped off a bunch of his fingers.

 

And you really think Bako would hit appreciably better? If you have the choice of two backup catchers, neither of whom is known to be able to hit worth a damn, isn't the guy that's been around this pitching staff for the last two seasons the better choice?

 

Neither one makes me happy about the options if Soto has to miss some time, but I have a better feeling that over a 2 week period or in spot starts Bako could at least hold his own than I do about Hill. If it is an extended period of more than a couple weeks then the Cubs are screwed either way because the production out of either one is going to be way below replacement level. Hill, however, has never shown at any point that he can handle major league pitching. He was so bad in 2007 that bringing Kendall over seemed like a huge boost to the offense. My feeling is start with Bako and if he really stinks up the joint or if Hill is tearing it up in AAA (you know he would take the minor league assignment and clear waivers) you can always switch it out later in the season.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I think the Cubs should inquire if Pudge would be interested in a back-up role.

[Wrigley Rat]

Bako's deal is not guaranteed, but becomes guaranteed at the end of March. If he's released before that time, the Cubs must pay Bako 20% of the $750,000 upon his release.

[Rob]

I think the Cubs should inquire if Pudge would be interested in a back-up role.

 

Seconded.

[mdwilla]

With Soto playing in the WBC Hill should get plenty of at-bats to out hit Bako by a large enough gap to hopefully win a job.

[cubsfan26]

I think the Cubs should inquire if Pudge would be interested in a back-up role.

 

Seconded.

 

 

He might be interested in a back up role, but not one with a catcher like Soto in front of him. Pudge still wants to play and get AB's, thats not gonna have with Soto on the team. It's gonna be pretty hard to find a catcher better then Bako who would be willing to sign here, unless we overpaid. Thats why I still feel it would have took more then 750 K to resign Blanco. Yes he signed with the Padres for that, but he also has a much better chance to get playing time with the Padres. Pudge will probably sign with the Mets, Marlins or Astros were he will still get alot of AB's even if he isn't starting everyday.

[17 Seconds]

I think the Cubs should inquire if Pudge would be interested in a back-up role.

 

Seconded.

 

 

He might be interested in a back up role, but not one with a catcher like Soto in front of him. Pudge still wants to play and get AB's, thats not gonna have with Soto on the team. It's gonna be pretty hard to find a catcher better then Bako who would be willing to sign here, unless we overpaid. Thats why I still feel it would have took more then 750 K to resign Blanco. Yes he signed with the Padres for that, but he also has a much better chance to get playing time with the Padres. Pudge will probably sign with the Mets, Marlins or Astros were he will still get alot of AB's even if he isn't starting everyday.

 

Blanco seemed to be fine with being a backup while he was with the Cubs. I'd say there's a very good chance he'd rather have stayed in Chicago where he's been the last 4 years. Not all guys want more playing time. You can't just assume that's what a player wants.

[CoolHandLuke]

I think the Cubs should inquire if Pudge would be interested in a back-up role.

 

Seconded.

 

 

He might be interested in a back up role, but not one with a catcher like Soto in front of him. Pudge still wants to play and get AB's, thats not gonna have with Soto on the team. It's gonna be pretty hard to find a catcher better then Bako who would be willing to sign here, unless we overpaid. Thats why I still feel it would have took more then 750 K to resign Blanco. Yes he signed with the Padres for that, but he also has a much better chance to get playing time with the Padres. Pudge will probably sign with the Mets, Marlins or Astros were he will still get alot of AB's even if he isn't starting everyday.

 

Blanco seemed to be fine with being a backup while he was with the Cubs. I'd say there's a very good chance he'd rather have stayed in Chicago where he's been the last 4 years. Not all guys want more playing time. You can't just assume that's what a player wants.

 

Blanco has always been a backup and Pudge is a hall of famer.

[SCCubbieFAN]

can Pudge play any position other than catcher? Could he back-up right field adequately?

[cubbinalltheway]

With Soto playing in the WBC Hill should get plenty of at-bats to out hit Bako by a large enough gap to hopefully win a job.

why hopefully? i'm not seeing how hill is a better option than bako.

[cubbinalltheway]

can Pudge play any position other than catcher? Could he back-up right field adequately?

i highly doubt it. 18 years of catcher's knees out in wrigley RF? seems like a disaster waiting to happen.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

can Pudge play any position other than catcher? Could he back-up right field adequately?

 

He could back up first, but that would probably be the extent of it.

[BigbadB]

I think the Cubs should inquire if Pudge would be interested in a back-up role.

 

Seconded.

 

 

He might be interested in a back up role, but not one with a catcher like Soto in front of him. Pudge still wants to play and get AB's, thats not gonna have with Soto on the team. It's gonna be pretty hard to find a catcher better then Bako who would be willing to sign here, unless we overpaid. Thats why I still feel it would have took more then 750 K to resign Blanco. Yes he signed with the Padres for that, but he also has a much better chance to get playing time with the Padres. Pudge will probably sign with the Mets, Marlins or Astros were he will still get alot of AB's even if he isn't starting everyday.

 

Blanco seemed to be fine with being a backup while he was with the Cubs. I'd say there's a very good chance he'd rather have stayed in Chicago where he's been the last 4 years. Not all guys want more playing time. You can't just assume that's what a player wants.

 

If I had to guess, which is really all I can do since I'm not in the front office, I would think Hendry talked to Hank about coming back and Hank probably told Hendry that he wanted to go somewhere he would have a chance to play more often.

 

That would make the most sense.

[Derwood]

Rotoworld had a brief thing on Pudge, and the Cubs weren't listed as being on his radar

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Rotoworld had a brief thing on Pudge, and the Cubs weren't listed as being on his radar

 

That's probably because he's not on the Cubs radar.

[E.J.]

Radar

[SouthSideRyan]

I think the Cubs should inquire if Pudge would be interested in a back-up role.

 

Seconded.

 

 

He might be interested in a back up role, but not one with a catcher like Soto in front of him. Pudge still wants to play and get AB's, thats not gonna have with Soto on the team. It's gonna be pretty hard to find a catcher better then Bako who would be willing to sign here, unless we overpaid. Thats why I still feel it would have took more then 750 K to resign Blanco. Yes he signed with the Padres for that, but he also has a much better chance to get playing time with the Padres. Pudge will probably sign with the Mets, Marlins or Astros were he will still get alot of AB's even if he isn't starting everyday.

 

Blanco seemed to be fine with being a backup while he was with the Cubs. I'd say there's a very good chance he'd rather have stayed in Chicago where he's been the last 4 years. Not all guys want more playing time. You can't just assume that's what a player wants.

 

If I had to guess, which is really all I can do since I'm not in the front office, I would think Hendry talked to Hank about coming back and Hank probably told Hendry that he wanted to go somewhere he would have a chance to play more often.

 

That would make the most sense.

 

I think Hendry misreading the market for Blanco makes the most sense. Why Blanco all of a sudden at the age of 38 decides hey, I want to get 250 ABs this year instead of the 150 I've gotten every other year the rest of my career would be peculiar.

[cubsfan26]

Blanco seemed to be fine with being a backup while he was with the Cubs.

 

Of course Blanco was fine as the backup catcher while he was here, look at how much money he made. I doubt Blanco minded that much only getting 120 AB's last year, when he was making 2.8m. If the Cubs wanted to bring him back and overpay again I'm sure he would have been fine with that. But if everything is equal, do you think he stays with the Cubs at 750k for 120 AB's, when he could go to another team for the same price for 200-250 AB's?

 

I think Hendry misreading the market for Blanco makes the most sense. Why Blanco all of a sudden at the age of 38 decides hey, I want to get 250 ABs this year instead of the 150 I've gotten every other year the rest of my career would be peculiar.

 

Hendry didn't misread anything about Blanco. The guy obviously took less money to get more playing time. Plus Blanco has averaged 244 AB's a season from 1999-2006, and got the lowest amount of AB's of his career last season(when healthy). Like I said before, why stay with the Cubs for 750k, when you can go to the Padres for the same salary and get double the AB's? From what I have heard Henry Blanco doesn't resign with the Cubs for 750k, and would have been over a million, to get him to stay. Just because a guy signs elsewhere for a lower salary doesn't mean he would sign with you're team for that some price.