When are the Cubs going to get a third baseman?

[RynoRules]

If that's your criteria, then odds are we'd get that from what we have now over the next month until Ramirez comes back. If you want some guy who looks the part of the third baseman too, who is it? Even mediocre 3B at the MLB level aren't given away, look at the discussion about Kouzmanoff from last week.

 

Kouzmanoff is better than the type of guys I'm talking about.

 

Then please, say who you're talking about. Who should they get to fill this one month void until Ramirez is back?

 

I'm not a GM. I have no idea who is available. I'm talking simly aout a backup 3B. Something that we should have had in the organization before the season started in the first place. Koskie would have been fine. If Freel can somehow get hot and give us like .285/.350/.360, even that would be fine.

 

I'm simpl talking about a guy who can play the piosition and not be a complete black hole in the lineup like Blanco is

 

So you are assailing Hendry for not getting someone to fill the hole left by Ramirez's injury and arguing that we have the prospects to acquire someone, but you have "no idea who is available". Your arguments are standing on some pretty unstable ground.

[dew1679666265]

Branyan is a career -7 defender at 3B who hasn't played there this year(he's been playing 1B at a -1.5 pace). Plus he's left handed, which is less of a bench priority with Hoffpauir on the bench.

 

Branyan is worse defensively at third than Fontenot has been, but I don't think he'll be significantly worse. He played 35 games there last year so I doubt he's deteriorated much.

 

The key is, if he keeps up even in the neighborhood of his current hitting pace, he'll be a large upgrade offensively. Also keep in mind Aramis will likely need a few extra days off and we'd then have Branyan to fill those spots while Fontenot stays at second.

 

Hoff does make him a bit redundant in a bench role, though.

 

That will be fine until Ramirez comes back. Assuming we get Branyan, for now, hes at 3rd with Font at 2nd, with Reed, Hoff, Miles, Hill, and 1 of Blanco/Scales/Freel. Since We really should have more than 1 backup middle infielder, when Ramirez comes back, Hoff could be the odd man out, as Branyan would make him obsolete. The, we have a bench of Branyan, Reed, Miles, Hill, and 1 of F/S/B.

 

Branyan wouldn't make Hoff obsolete. The idea would be to bring in Branyan, play him at third til Ramirez gets back, then play him some in the outfield (when Bradley goes down especially) but mostly as another power bat off the bench and a fill-in for the numerous days Aramis will likely need off.

 

Hoff would then also play some outfield, be another lefty power bat off the bench and be the primary backup to DLee. Both would have defined roles, even if they overlapped some.

[Little Slide Rooter]

Branyan is a career -7 defender at 3B who hasn't played there this year(he's been playing 1B at a -1.5 pace). Plus he's left handed, which is less of a bench priority with Hoffpauir on the bench.

 

Branyan is worse defensively at third than Fontenot has been, but I don't think he'll be significantly worse. He played 35 games there last year so I doubt he's deteriorated much.

 

The key is, if he keeps up even in the neighborhood of his current hitting pace, he'll be a large upgrade offensively. Also keep in mind Aramis will likely need a few extra days off and we'd then have Branyan to fill those spots while Fontenot stays at second.

 

Hoff does make him a bit redundant in a bench role, though.

 

That will be fine until Ramirez comes back. Assuming we get Branyan, for now, hes at 3rd with Font at 2nd, with Reed, Hoff, Miles, Hill, and 1 of Blanco/Scales/Freel. Since We really should have more than 1 backup middle infielder, when Ramirez comes back, Hoff could be the odd man out, as Branyan would make him obsolete. The, we have a bench of Branyan, Reed, Miles, Hill, and 1 of F/S/B.

 

Branyan wouldn't make Hoff obsolete. The idea would be to bring in Branyan, play him at third til Ramirez gets back, then play him some in the outfield (when Bradley goes down especially) but mostly as another power bat off the bench and a fill-in for the numerous days Aramis will likely need off.

 

Hoff would then also play some outfield, be another lefty power bat off the bench and be the primary backup to DLee. Both would have defined roles, even if they overlapped some.

 

You need more than 1 back up middle infielder. Then we have Hoff, Reed, and Branyan on the bench, along with Hill, and just Miles to backup the middle infield. I suppose the alternative could be to trade Reed, and hang onto Freel who can also play infield.

[dew1679666265]

You need more than 1 back up middle infielder. Then we have Hoff, Reed, and Branyan on the bench, along with Hill, and just Miles to backup the middle infield. I suppose the alternative could be to trade Reed, and hang onto Freel who can also play infield.

 

Could always dump Patton for the extra MI, but that likely won't happen.

[Post Count Padder]

How bout bringing back Brendan Harris? He can play 2B, 3B and SS and is better than Miles. I don't think the Twins would ask for much.

[Little Slide Rooter]

You need more than 1 back up middle infielder. Then we have Hoff, Reed, and Branyan on the bench, along with Hill, and just Miles to backup the middle infield. I suppose the alternative could be to trade Reed, and hang onto Freel who can also play infield.

 

Could always dump Patton for the extra MI, but that likely won't happen.

 

With al of the extra inning games weve been seeing lately, I wouldnt suggest playing with 11 pitchers.

 

However, it makes one wonder if they could throw a hail Mary and dig up someone like Morgan Ensberg or even Shea Hillenbrand. Granted, thered the chance that theyd be no better if not worse than the garbage brigade. However, with one of these guys, if they cant produce, you just cut ties having given up nothing in the process.

[SouthSideRyan]

You need more than 1 back up middle infielder. Then we have Hoff, Reed, and Branyan on the bench, along with Hill, and just Miles to backup the middle infield. I suppose the alternative could be to trade Reed, and hang onto Freel who can also play infield.

 

Could always dump Patton for the extra MI, but that likely won't happen.

 

With al of the extra inning games weve been seeing lately, I wouldnt suggest playing with 11 pitchers.

 

However, it makes one wonder if they could throw a hail Mary and dig up someone like Morgan Ensberg or even Shea Hillenbrand. Granted, thered the chance that theyd be no better if not worse than the garbage brigade. However, with one of these guys, if they cant produce, you just cut ties having given up nothing in the process.

 

What is your obsession with bad minor leaguers?

[Little Slide Rooter]

You need more than 1 back up middle infielder. Then we have Hoff, Reed, and Branyan on the bench, along with Hill, and just Miles to backup the middle infield. I suppose the alternative could be to trade Reed, and hang onto Freel who can also play infield.

 

Could always dump Patton for the extra MI, but that likely won't happen.

 

With al of the extra inning games weve been seeing lately, I wouldnt suggest playing with 11 pitchers.

 

However, it makes one wonder if they could throw a hail Mary and dig up someone like Morgan Ensberg or even Shea Hillenbrand. Granted, thered the chance that theyd be no better if not worse than the garbage brigade. However, with one of these guys, if they cant produce, you just cut ties having given up nothing in the process.

 

What is your obsession with bad minor leaguers?

 

Last I checked, neither of these guys were even in the minors. My only obsession is doing anything possible to get a bat in the lineup. If anything, Id like to see the team rid itself of "bad minor leaguers" and throw up a prayer with a washed up vet and hope for lightenig in a bottle.

[dew1679666265]

You need more than 1 back up middle infielder. Then we have Hoff, Reed, and Branyan on the bench, along with Hill, and just Miles to backup the middle infield. I suppose the alternative could be to trade Reed, and hang onto Freel who can also play infield.

 

Could always dump Patton for the extra MI, but that likely won't happen.

 

With al of the extra inning games weve been seeing lately, I wouldnt suggest playing with 11 pitchers.

 

However, it makes one wonder if they could throw a hail Mary and dig up someone like Morgan Ensberg or even Shea Hillenbrand. Granted, thered the chance that theyd be no better if not worse than the garbage brigade. However, with one of these guys, if they cant produce, you just cut ties having given up nothing in the process.

 

I don't think somebody like Ensberg or Hillenbrand would be worth wasting the roster spot on. And surely these extra inning games won't continue at this pace, though the likelihood of us dropping down to 11 pitchers is extremely low.

[Little Slide Rooter]

You need more than 1 back up middle infielder. Then we have Hoff, Reed, and Branyan on the bench, along with Hill, and just Miles to backup the middle infield. I suppose the alternative could be to trade Reed, and hang onto Freel who can also play infield.

 

Could always dump Patton for the extra MI, but that likely won't happen.

 

With al of the extra inning games weve been seeing lately, I wouldnt suggest playing with 11 pitchers.

 

However, it makes one wonder if they could throw a hail Mary and dig up someone like Morgan Ensberg or even Shea Hillenbrand. Granted, thered the chance that theyd be no better if not worse than the garbage brigade. However, with one of these guys, if they cant produce, you just cut ties having given up nothing in the process.

 

I don't think somebody like Ensberg or Hillenbrand would be worth wasting the roster spot on. And surely these extra inning games won't continue at this pace, though the likelihood of us dropping down to 11 pitchers is extremely low.

 

If were going to waste a roster spot, why not be it on someone who has had major league success at one point, although they are quite a ways removed from that success.

[SouthSideRyan]

You need more than 1 back up middle infielder. Then we have Hoff, Reed, and Branyan on the bench, along with Hill, and just Miles to backup the middle infield. I suppose the alternative could be to trade Reed, and hang onto Freel who can also play infield.

 

Could always dump Patton for the extra MI, but that likely won't happen.

 

With al of the extra inning games weve been seeing lately, I wouldnt suggest playing with 11 pitchers.

 

However, it makes one wonder if they could throw a hail Mary and dig up someone like Morgan Ensberg or even Shea Hillenbrand. Granted, thered the chance that theyd be no better if not worse than the garbage brigade. However, with one of these guys, if they cant produce, you just cut ties having given up nothing in the process.

 

I don't think somebody like Ensberg or Hillenbrand would be worth wasting the roster spot on. And surely these extra inning games won't continue at this pace, though the likelihood of us dropping down to 11 pitchers is extremely low.

 

If were going to waste a roster spot, why not be it on someone who has had major league success at one point, although they are quite a ways removed from that success.

 

Because they're so bad they can't even get a minor league job at this point? I mean, Shea Hillenbrand?? Holy [expletive], I can't wait to hear the next one.

[Little Slide Rooter]

 

Because they're so bad they can't even get a minor league job at this point? I mean, Shea Hillenbrand?? Holy [expletive], I can't wait to hear the next one.

 

Ooh, ooh, I got it. Aaron Miles. Get used to him, because we'll be seeing a lot of him over the next month. enjoy.

[dew1679666265]

You need more than 1 back up middle infielder. Then we have Hoff, Reed, and Branyan on the bench, along with Hill, and just Miles to backup the middle infield. I suppose the alternative could be to trade Reed, and hang onto Freel who can also play infield.

 

Could always dump Patton for the extra MI, but that likely won't happen.

 

With al of the extra inning games weve been seeing lately, I wouldnt suggest playing with 11 pitchers.

 

However, it makes one wonder if they could throw a hail Mary and dig up someone like Morgan Ensberg or even Shea Hillenbrand. Granted, thered the chance that theyd be no better if not worse than the garbage brigade. However, with one of these guys, if they cant produce, you just cut ties having given up nothing in the process.

 

I don't think somebody like Ensberg or Hillenbrand would be worth wasting the roster spot on. And surely these extra inning games won't continue at this pace, though the likelihood of us dropping down to 11 pitchers is extremely low.

 

If were going to waste a roster spot, why not be it on someone who has had major league success at one point, although they are quite a ways removed from that success.

 

Both Blanco and Scales provide some value to the roster (defense), though they don't provide much offense. There's a 99% chance Ensberg and Hillenbrand (who has been out of the majors since 2007) won't provide any value to the roster.

 

Hoping for lightning in a bottle on the ML roster is signing a guy like Jim Edmonds who has had good success in the majors in the past (the more recent the better). Hillenbrand wasn't very good when he was in the league and Ensberg hasn't had much offensive value since 2006.

[dew1679666265]

 

Because they're so bad they can't even get a minor league job at this point? I mean, Shea Hillenbrand?? Holy [expletive], I can't wait to hear the next one.

 

Ooh, ooh, I got it. Aaron Miles. Get used to him, because we'll be seeing a lot of him over the next month. enjoy.

 

Miles is likely to be more productive than Ensberg or Hillenbrand, I would think.

 

And I don't think I'm exaggerating much.

[imb]

Because they're so bad they can't even get a minor league job at this point? I mean, Shea Hillenbrand?? Holy [expletive], I can't wait to hear the next one.

 

i think we should trade juan cruz for shea hillenbrand. he's the star 3B we need to fill the hole Santo left.

[SouthSideRyan]

 

Because they're so bad they can't even get a minor league job at this point? I mean, Shea Hillenbrand?? Holy [expletive], I can't wait to hear the next one.

 

Ooh, ooh, I got it. Aaron Miles. Get used to him, because we'll be seeing a lot of him over the next month. enjoy.

 

Look, I hate Aaron Miles, we all hate Aaron Miles, it's fun to hate Aaron Miles. He's a better hitter than both those guys, not to mention the fact that he can fake defense somewhere other than 1B.

[Little Slide Rooter]

 

Because they're so bad they can't even get a minor league job at this point? I mean, Shea Hillenbrand?? Holy [expletive], I can't wait to hear the next one.

 

Ooh, ooh, I got it. Aaron Miles. Get used to him, because we'll be seeing a lot of him over the next month. enjoy.

 

Look, I hate Aaron Miles, we all hate Aaron Miles, it's fun to hate Aaron Miles. He's a better hitter than both those guys, not to mention the fact that he can fake defense somewhere other than 1B.

 

And Aarons going to be our guy for a while. If a move were to be made, it would have happened. For the record, hes at 3rd for Iowa tonight. It sure would be nice if Milton Bradley and Rick Wilkens would get cracking once and for all, because were really going to need them.

[RedFlash]

When are the Cubs going to get a third baseman?

 

When Aram is activated from the DL, that's when.

[abuck1220]

let me get this straight, you hate andres blanco with all of your heart, but you want the cubs to sign shea hillenbrand?

 

i'd like to say something clever along the lines of "who's next, [some washed up 3b that hasn't played professional baseball since 1999 or so]," but shea hillenbrand would be the name i would use for that joke.

[Old Style]

I wonder what Gary Scott is up to these days.

[inari]

 

Because they're so bad they can't even get a minor league job at this point? I mean, Shea Hillenbrand?? Holy [expletive], I can't wait to hear the next one.

 

Ooh, ooh, I got it. Aaron Miles. Get used to him, because we'll be seeing a lot of him over the next month. enjoy.

 

You're trying to imply that Aaron Miles isn't a lot better than Shea Hillbenbrand, right?

[gflore34]

If it’s true the Rockies are desperate to dump Atkins, Hendry should take a flier. Something like taking his contract off the books may be all that's necessary perhaps; the pending sale has held Hendry up. If not Atkins, why not take a chance on Branyan, if neither work out, it won't be any change from what the Cubs are getting now at 3B - a whole lot of nothing.

[Little Slide Rooter]

If it’s true the Rockies are desperate to dump Atkins, Hendry should take a flier. Something like taking his contract off the books may be all that's necessary perhaps; the pending sale has held Hendry up. If not Atkins, why not take a chance on Branyan, if neither work out, it won't be any change from what the Cubs are getting now at 3B - a whole lot of nothing.

 

Hopefully, Aramis will be beack in 3 weeks or so. Hopefully. That being the case, unless hes incredibly cheap, Im no longer interested in Atkins, whod be a project at this point. He has yet to crack the mendoza line, so wed be better off with Branya, who we could get some use out of when Rams back.

[RynoRules]

I guarantee Kevin Orie, Vance Law, Steve Buechele, Luis Salazar, Curt Wilkerson, Todd Zeile, Steve Ontiveros and several other former 3B luminaries have availability.

 

I wouldn't mess with the 3B situation. Aramis will be back in a month or so. Again, I would plug that hole with Fontenot and concentrate on finding a 2B.

 

Felipe Lopez has been doing ok this year and most definitely could be had on the cheap: Lopez

 

Of course there is also the oft-mentioned Freddy Sanchez, who would unquestionably be more expensive to acquire: Sanchez

 

Given his rough start, I should think we could get Dan Uggla for relatively little, and Hendry has a good history with the Fish: Uggla

 

Of course, DeRosa remains a good option as well.

[NCCubFan]

Of course, DeRosa remains a good option as well.

It always seems to come back to the stupidity of trading DeRosa in the first place.