Car Jumping Joey Gathright a Cub?

[Colin Wyers]

A run saved on defense is equally as valuable as a run scored on offense. Joey Gathright is a top defensive player at a premium defensive position, who also has a little surplus value as a baserunner. Oh, yeah, and he's played his career in a tougher league, so you should expect to see his hitting stats improve a bit when he moves to a weaker league and a hitter's park.

 

Let me tell you - the Cubs could do worse things than a Soriano-Gathright-Fukudome outfield, and you can let Reed Johnson spell one of the lefties against RHP for good measure. Worse things include Bobby Abreu - I'd rather have Gathright at whatever salary Abreu ends up making than have Abreu at whatever salary Gathright ends up making.

 

Very good signing by the Cubs if true, especially if it's a minor-league deal.

[inari]

Yeah, they could do worse, but it would be pretty difficult.

[Colin Wyers]

Yeah, they could do worse, but it would be pretty difficult.

 

Really? Because of the four offseason RF targets the Cubs had going into the winter meetings, Gathright is better than 2-3 of them (depending on how many games you think Bradley will last in the outfield). And that's BEFORE you take contract value into account.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Yeah, they could do worse, but it would be pretty difficult.

 

Really? Because of the four offseason RF targets the Cubs had going into the winter meetings, Gathright is better than 2-3 of them (depending on how many games you think Bradley will last in the outfield). And that's BEFORE you take contract value into account.

 

I know projections put him at about a .305 w/OBA, but I'm skeptical of him reaching a level he's only met once in 4+ seasons.

 

Still, getting another Pie with less upside isn't bad at all if you're going to trade the original.

[Outshined_One]

Yeah, they could do worse, but it would be pretty difficult.

 

Really? Because of the four offseason RF targets the Cubs had going into the winter meetings, Gathright is better than 2-3 of them (depending on how many games you think Bradley will last in the outfield). And that's BEFORE you take contract value into account.

 

Are you a Juan Pierre fan?

[OleMissCub]

This guy isn't good

[A New Era]

Remember a couple of seasons ago when we were all "OMG get Gathright!".

[Little Slide Rooter]

Remember a couple of seasons ago when we were all "OMG get Gathright!".

 

Im sure that the fans for a lot of teams a few years ago who were like "OMG get Patterson!"

[Little Slide Rooter]

Joey Gathright, who was non-tendered by the Royals on Friday, is likely to join the Cubs as a reserve.

 

Assuming that they do sign a right fielder, the Cubs' bench already seem to be pretty crowded with Mike Fontenot, Ronny Cedeno, Reed Johnson/Kosuke Fukudome, Micah Hoffpauir and the backup catcher. It wouldn't make sense to bump any of those guys for Gathright.

 

Rotoworld gets it. Even if Gathright would be a decent signing for someone as a back up, we really dont have a use or a spot for him.

[bhogg]

it's cool. The cubs will get shut out, but win the game 0 to -1 due to a sweet run saving catch by Joey Joe!

[Post Count Padder]

We wouldn't be making a huge deal over this if we did more than acquire Gregg and re-sign Demp.

 

This is a boring offseason.

[Jehrico]

I wonder if our organization has a clue sometimes.

 

Yeah...signing guys like this to compete for the last couple roster spots is such a clueless move. What are we thinking?

Yeah...instead of signing him, we should be going after Abreu and Dunn in addition to Bradley. Abreu and Dunn can compete for at bats from our bench. I don't know what our organization is thinking...why are they being so cheap with a minor league contract for our last bench spot when everyone knows a team is only as strong as it's weakest link. If Gathright makes the roster out of ST, then that means we have a team of Gathrights, right?!?! If you're not a former all-star, or have all-star potential, go play for someone elses bench!

[Little Slide Rooter]

I wonder if our organization has a clue sometimes.

 

Yeah...signing guys like this to compete for the last couple roster spots is such a clueless move. What are we thinking?

Yeah...instead of signing him, we should be going after Abreu and Dunn in addition to Bradley. Abreu and Dunn can compete for at bats from our bench. I don't know what our organization is thinking...why are they being so cheap with a minor league contract for our last bench spot when everyone knows a team is only as strong as it's weakest link. If Gathright makes the roster out of ST, then that means we have a team of Gathrights, right?!?! If you're not a former all-star, or have all-star potential, go play for someone elses bench!

 

Its not about wanting a team of all stars. It not a spot that has to be filled. If we we needed a few extra bench players, then Id be all about signing him. However, as is we have a full bench. All assuming we end up signing that lefty for RF, We have Cedeno, who we need as a back up SS. We'll need a back up catcher of some kind. Unless we trade one,. we'll have whichever of Johnson/Fukudome isnt starting. We'll have Fontenot and Hoffpauir, as well as Pie, who will not only fill the same need Gathright would, but should be a more complete player, plus the fact that were already paying him. This is already a full bench, and chances are, there wont be room for all of these guys.

Edited December 16, 2008 by Little Slide Rooter

[inari]

Yeah, they could do worse, but it would be pretty difficult.

 

Really? Because of the four offseason RF targets the Cubs had going into the winter meetings, Gathright is better than 2-3 of them (depending on how many games you think Bradley will last in the outfield). And that's BEFORE you take contract value into account.

 

If we're considering those targets to be Ibanez, Hermida, Abreu, and Bradley, than there's no argument to be made that Gathright is even close to as good as any of them.

[Jehrico]

I wonder if our organization has a clue sometimes.

 

Yeah...signing guys like this to compete for the last couple roster spots is such a clueless move. What are we thinking?

Yeah...instead of signing him, we should be going after Abreu and Dunn in addition to Bradley. Abreu and Dunn can compete for at bats from our bench. I don't know what our organization is thinking...why are they being so cheap with a minor league contract for our last bench spot when everyone knows a team is only as strong as it's weakest link. If Gathright makes the roster out of ST, then that means we have a team of Gathrights, right?!?! If you're not a former all-star, or have all-star potential, go play for someone elses bench!

 

Its not about wanting a team of all stars. It not a spot that has to be filled. If we we needed a few extra bench players, then Id be all about signing him. However, as is we have a full bench. All assuming we end up signing that lefty for RF, We have Cedeno, who we need as a back up SS. We'll need a back up catcher of some kind. Unless we trade one,. we'll have whichever of Johnson/Fukudome isnt starting. We'll have Fontenot and Hoffpauir, as well as Pie, who will not only fill the same need Gathright would, but should be a more complete player, plus the fact that were already paying him. This is already a full bench, and chances are, there wont be room for all of these guys.

Two problems with your post...number one, do you understand what a minor league contract is and what purpose is serves? Number two, no, our bench is not full.

[Jehrico]

Yeah, they could do worse, but it would be pretty difficult.

 

Really? Because of the four offseason RF targets the Cubs had going into the winter meetings, Gathright is better than 2-3 of them (depending on how many games you think Bradley will last in the outfield). And that's BEFORE you take contract value into account.

 

If we're considering those targets to be Ibanez, Hermida, Abreu, and Bradley, than there's no argument to be made that Gathright is even close to as good as any of them.

Why is this comparison even being made? There's zero rumors floating out there even remotely linking us to Hermida. Ibanez is a Philly. Abreu and Bradley are being looked at as replacements to Kosuke in RF so he can platoon in LF. No one ever advocated Gathright as a substitute to Abreu and Bradley. He signed a minor league contract for crying out loud. If Pie gets traded, then Gathright basically replaces him as "organizational depth."

[inari]

Yeah, they could do worse, but it would be pretty difficult.

 

Really? Because of the four offseason RF targets the Cubs had going into the winter meetings, Gathright is better than 2-3 of them (depending on how many games you think Bradley will last in the outfield). And that's BEFORE you take contract value into account.

 

If we're considering those targets to be Ibanez, Hermida, Abreu, and Bradley, than there's no argument to be made that Gathright is even close to as good as any of them.

Why is this comparison even being made? There's zero rumors floating out there even remotely linking us to Hermida. Ibanez is a Philly. Abreu and Bradley are being looked at as replacements to Kosuke in RF so he can platoon in LF. No one ever advocated Gathright as a substitute to Abreu and Bradley. He signed a minor league contract for crying out loud. If Pie gets traded, then Gathright basically replaces him as "organizational depth."

 

Uh, that guy made the comparison? I was just responding to exactly what he said. And we have definitely been linked to Hermida.

[17 Seconds]

Yeah, they could do worse, but it would be pretty difficult.

 

Really? Because of the four offseason RF targets the Cubs had going into the winter meetings, Gathright is better than 2-3 of them (depending on how many games you think Bradley will last in the outfield). And that's BEFORE you take contract value into account.

 

wait, are you being serious right now?

[Little Slide Rooter]

I wonder if our organization has a clue sometimes.

 

Yeah...signing guys like this to compete for the last couple roster spots is such a clueless move. What are we thinking?

Yeah...instead of signing him, we should be going after Abreu and Dunn in addition to Bradley. Abreu and Dunn can compete for at bats from our bench. I don't know what our organization is thinking...why are they being so cheap with a minor league contract for our last bench spot when everyone knows a team is only as strong as it's weakest link. If Gathright makes the roster out of ST, then that means we have a team of Gathrights, right?!?! If you're not a former all-star, or have all-star potential, go play for someone elses bench!

 

Its not about wanting a team of all stars. It not a spot that has to be filled. If we we needed a few extra bench players, then Id be all about signing him. However, as is we have a full bench. All assuming we end up signing that lefty for RF, We have Cedeno, who we need as a back up SS. We'll need a back up catcher of some kind. Unless we trade one,. we'll have whichever of Johnson/Fukudome isnt starting. We'll have Fontenot and Hoffpauir, as well as Pie, who will not only fill the same need Gathright would, but should be a more complete player, plus the fact that were already paying him. This is already a full bench, and chances are, there wont be room for all of these guys.

Two problems with your post...number one, do you understand what a minor league contract is and what purpose is serves? Number two, no, our bench is not full.

 

If it is a minor league contract then go for it, but from the way it sounds, its a big league deal. If they have some kind of trade planned out for Pie, then he can fill that role, I just hop that its not a throwawy trade.

 

And our bench is essentially full, this is assuming that we do land that coveted lefty bat.

Cedeno

Johnson/Fukudome

Fontenot

Hoffpauir

Pie

backup C

[17 Seconds]

Yeah, they could do worse, but it would be pretty difficult.

 

Really? Because of the four offseason RF targets the Cubs had going into the winter meetings, Gathright is better than 2-3 of them (depending on how many games you think Bradley will last in the outfield). And that's BEFORE you take contract value into account.

 

If we're considering those targets to be Ibanez, Hermida, Abreu, and Bradley, than there's no argument to be made that Gathright is even close to as good as any of them.

Why is this comparison even being made? There's zero rumors floating out there even remotely linking us to Hermida. Ibanez is a Philly. Abreu and Bradley are being looked at as replacements to Kosuke in RF so he can platoon in LF. No one ever advocated Gathright as a substitute to Abreu and Bradley. He signed a minor league contract for crying out loud. If Pie gets traded, then Gathright basically replaces him as "organizational depth."

 

did you even read the series of posts you're replying to? doesn't sound like it.

[erik316wttn]

I'll always remember where I was the day the Cubs signed the great Joey Gaithright. Years from now I'll tell my grandkids the story...

 

"Gather round, kids. Let me tell you about the move that changed baseball forever... the great Joey Gaithright signed with the Cubs. It was a cold winter's day in December of aught-eight...."

 

Seriously, though, this move makes us the runaway favorites in the NL.

[Little Slide Rooter]

Yeah, they could do worse, but it would be pretty difficult.

 

Really? Because of the four offseason RF targets the Cubs had going into the winter meetings, Gathright is better than 2-3 of them (depending on how many games you think Bradley will last in the outfield). And that's BEFORE you take contract value into account.

 

If we're considering those targets to be Ibanez, Hermida, Abreu, and Bradley, than there's no argument to be made that Gathright is even close to as good as any of them.

Why is this comparison even being made? There's zero rumors floating out there even remotely linking us to Hermida. Ibanez is a Philly. Abreu and Bradley are being looked at as replacements to Kosuke in RF so he can platoon in LF. No one ever advocated Gathright as a substitute to Abreu and Bradley. He signed a minor league contract for crying out loud. If Pie gets traded, then Gathright basically replaces him as "organizational depth."

 

did you even read the series of posts you're replying to? doesn't sound like it.

 

This is the big IF. If Pie gets traded, for something of value than I wouldnt mind Gathright as a replacement. However, I just hope it would be for something of value, not just to get him off the team. Still, when you have Pie for league minimum, I dont understand throwing Gathright 1-2 mil when by all accounts, were trying to shed some pay roll.

[Wheelimus]

Meh, who cares. Let him come to camp and then send him to Iowa when he sucks. And/or anoint him the precious 25th man/official pinch runner who hops around in between real batters.

 

Hell, who knows, maybe our coaches can finally get through his damn head and find a way to make use to his limited skills. And then trade him in July. :D

[Jehrico]

Yeah, they could do worse, but it would be pretty difficult.

 

Really? Because of the four offseason RF targets the Cubs had going into the winter meetings, Gathright is better than 2-3 of them (depending on how many games you think Bradley will last in the outfield). And that's BEFORE you take contract value into account.

 

If we're considering those targets to be Ibanez, Hermida, Abreu, and Bradley, than there's no argument to be made that Gathright is even close to as good as any of them.

Why is this comparison even being made? There's zero rumors floating out there even remotely linking us to Hermida. Ibanez is a Philly. Abreu and Bradley are being looked at as replacements to Kosuke in RF so he can platoon in LF. No one ever advocated Gathright as a substitute to Abreu and Bradley. He signed a minor league contract for crying out loud. If Pie gets traded, then Gathright basically replaces him as "organizational depth."

 

Uh, that guy made the comparison? I was just responding to exactly what he said. And we have definitely been linked to Hermida.

Badly written post on my part after going back and rereading it. My intent was to reinforce your said, not counter your post.

 

As far as the Hermida link, I've seen it nothing outside of posters here saying they'd love him and one or two local writers suggesting we should go after him. I haven't seen anything saying Hendry contacted them about Hermida.

[17 Seconds]

Yeah, they could do worse, but it would be pretty difficult.

 

Really? Because of the four offseason RF targets the Cubs had going into the winter meetings, Gathright is better than 2-3 of them (depending on how many games you think Bradley will last in the outfield). And that's BEFORE you take contract value into account.

 

If we're considering those targets to be Ibanez, Hermida, Abreu, and Bradley, than there's no argument to be made that Gathright is even close to as good as any of them.

Why is this comparison even being made? There's zero rumors floating out there even remotely linking us to Hermida. Ibanez is a Philly. Abreu and Bradley are being looked at as replacements to Kosuke in RF so he can platoon in LF. No one ever advocated Gathright as a substitute to Abreu and Bradley. He signed a minor league contract for crying out loud. If Pie gets traded, then Gathright basically replaces him as "organizational depth."

 

Uh, that guy made the comparison? I was just responding to exactly what he said. And we have definitely been linked to Hermida.

Badly written post on my part after going back and rereading it. My intent was to reinforce your said, not counter your post.

 

As far as the Hermida link, I've seen it nothing outside of posters here saying they'd love him and one or two local writers suggesting we should go after him. I haven't seen anything saying Hendry contacted them about Hermida.

 

They've definitely been linked to him