Cubs Trade Ascanio, Hart & Harrison for Grabow & Gorzelanny

[Bobson Dugnutt]

Do you think Hendry's lefty obsession is a result of thinking ahead to the postseason with Utley/Howard/Ibanez?

 

I think he had better worry about making the playoffs first. Actually, the Cubs have needed another lefty in the bullpen since Cotts imploded. Gorzelanny and Marshall add a lot of depth to the starting rotation in case of injuries, poor performance, or team matchups. Also, don't forget the impact of this trade on the future. If Grabow doesn't meet expectations, he could net the Cubs 2 draft picks. Marshall and Gorzelanny could step right in as possible starters if Harden isn't resigned.

 

 

Who's going to sign Grabow if they have to sacrifice 2 picks to get him?

[Hairyducked Idiot]

Do you think Hendry's lefty obsession is a result of thinking ahead to the postseason with Utley/Howard/Ibanez?

 

I think he had better worry about making the playoffs first. Actually, the Cubs have needed another lefty in the bullpen since Cotts imploded. Gorzelanny and Marshall add a lot of depth to the starting rotation in case of injuries, poor performance, or team matchups. Also, don't forget the impact of this trade on the future. If Grabow doesn't meet expectations, he could net the Cubs 2 draft picks. Marshall and Gorzelanny could step right in as possible starters if Harden isn't resigned.

 

 

Who's going to sign Grabow if they have to sacrifice 2 picks to get him?

 

The Pirates

[Post Count Padder]

Do you think Hendry's lefty obsession is a result of thinking ahead to the postseason with Utley/Howard/Ibanez?

 

I think he had better worry about making the playoffs first. Actually, the Cubs have needed another lefty in the bullpen since Cotts imploded. Gorzelanny and Marshall add a lot of depth to the starting rotation in case of injuries, poor performance, or team matchups. Also, don't forget the impact of this trade on the future. If Grabow doesn't meet expectations, he could net the Cubs 2 draft picks. Marshall and Gorzelanny could step right in as possible starters if Harden isn't resigned.

 

 

Who's going to sign Grabow if they have to sacrifice 2 picks to get him?

Someone would be dumb enough.

[SouthSideRyan]

Do you think Hendry's lefty obsession is a result of thinking ahead to the postseason with Utley/Howard/Ibanez?

 

I think he had better worry about making the playoffs first. Actually, the Cubs have needed another lefty in the bullpen since Cotts imploded. Gorzelanny and Marshall add a lot of depth to the starting rotation in case of injuries, poor performance, or team matchups. Also, don't forget the impact of this trade on the future. If Grabow doesn't meet expectations, he could net the Cubs 2 draft picks. Marshall and Gorzelanny could step right in as possible starters if Harden isn't resigned.

 

 

Who's going to sign Grabow if they have to sacrifice 2 picks to get him?

 

The signing team would only surrender 1 pick. If they're in the bottom half of the league it wouldn't be a 1st rounder, and if they're in the top half of the league it's possible they sign more than 1 type A possibly pushing Grabow's compensation back to a 2nd or 3rd rounder. It's possible.

[Bobson Dugnutt]

Do you think Hendry's lefty obsession is a result of thinking ahead to the postseason with Utley/Howard/Ibanez?

 

I think he had better worry about making the playoffs first. Actually, the Cubs have needed another lefty in the bullpen since Cotts imploded. Gorzelanny and Marshall add a lot of depth to the starting rotation in case of injuries, poor performance, or team matchups. Also, don't forget the impact of this trade on the future. If Grabow doesn't meet expectations, he could net the Cubs 2 draft picks. Marshall and Gorzelanny could step right in as possible starters if Harden isn't resigned.

 

 

Who's going to sign Grabow if they have to sacrifice 2 picks to get him?

 

The signing team would only surrender 1 pick. If they're in the bottom half of the league it wouldn't be a 1st rounder, and if they're in the top half of the league it's possible they sign more than 1 type A possibly pushing Grabow's compensation back to a 2nd or 3rd rounder. It's possible.

 

Ah, right. I forgot they'd only give up one pick. Still, though, wasn't there a group of players that had a really hard time finding a team in the off-season because no one wanted to give up a pick? If the Cubs were to offer him arbitration, I'm not sure he wouldn't take it.

[Guest]

Do you think Hendry's lefty obsession is a result of thinking ahead to the postseason with Utley/Howard/Ibanez?

 

I think he had better worry about making the playoffs first. Actually, the Cubs have needed another lefty in the bullpen since Cotts imploded. Gorzelanny and Marshall add a lot of depth to the starting rotation in case of injuries, poor performance, or team matchups. Also, don't forget the impact of this trade on the future. If Grabow doesn't meet expectations, he could net the Cubs 2 draft picks. Marshall and Gorzelanny could step right in as possible starters if Harden isn't resigned.

 

 

Who's going to sign Grabow if they have to sacrifice 2 picks to get him?

 

The signing team would only surrender 1 pick. If they're in the bottom half of the league it wouldn't be a 1st rounder, and if they're in the top half of the league it's possible they sign more than 1 type A possibly pushing Grabow's compensation back to a 2nd or 3rd rounder. It's possible.

 

Ah, right. I forgot they'd only give up one pick. Still, though, wasn't there a group of players that had a really hard time finding a team in the off-season because no one wanted to give up a pick? If the Cubs were to offer him arbitration, I'm not sure he wouldn't take it.

 

That Grabow would be a Type A free agent already makes him the least likely candidate to be offered arbitration. It's bad enough that crappy lefty relievers can get Type A status. Overpaying them is even worse.

 

He'll walk next year and it's not that big of a deal, because the Cubs didn't really give up all that much for him anyway.

[bukie]

That Grabow would be a Type A free agent already makes him the least likely candidate to be offered arbitration. It's bad enough that crappy lefty relievers can get Type A status. Overpaying them is even worse.

 

He'll walk next year and it's not that big of a deal, because the Cubs didn't really give up all that much for him anyway.

 

Hendry's biggest flaw, IMO, is overpaying for middling relievers and bench players. I could definitely see Hendry extending Grabow to some kind of a 3 year deal worth 3+ mil per.

[erik316wttn]

That Grabow would be a Type A free agent already makes him the least likely candidate to be offered arbitration. It's bad enough that crappy lefty relievers can get Type A status. Overpaying them is even worse.

 

He'll walk next year and it's not that big of a deal, because the Cubs didn't really give up all that much for him anyway.

 

Hendry's biggest flaw, IMO, is overpaying for middling relievers and bench players. I could definitely see Hendry extending Grabow to some kind of a 3 year deal worth 3+ mil per.

 

After the Miles deal, anything is possible.

[Guest]

That Grabow would be a Type A free agent already makes him the least likely candidate to be offered arbitration. It's bad enough that crappy lefty relievers can get Type A status. Overpaying them is even worse.

 

He'll walk next year and it's not that big of a deal, because the Cubs didn't really give up all that much for him anyway.

 

Hendry's biggest flaw, IMO, is overpaying for middling relievers and bench players. I could definitely see Hendry extending Grabow to some kind of a 3 year deal worth 3+ mil per.

 

I think he's actually learned his lesson with those after the Howry/Eyre fiasco. Not to mention that he would have a tough time finding the money to give to relievers for the next few years because of all the other bad contracts.

 

But, I actually hope that's some other GM's problem, because it's time for Hendry to go.

[Wheelimus]

Not a terrible deal. I liked Hart, but he was playing well over his actual eventual MLB self. It will (please) free up Marshall to start games. Or at least give Lou another quality lefty for his fetish.

 

I'd love to make another move though. If this is it, oh boy, this Central race is going to be legendary. And potentially not in our favor.

[Guest]

Do you think Hendry's lefty obsession is a result of thinking ahead to the postseason with Utley/Howard/Ibanez?

 

I think he had better worry about making the playoffs first. Actually, the Cubs have needed another lefty in the bullpen since Cotts imploded. Gorzelanny and Marshall add a lot of depth to the starting rotation in case of injuries, poor performance, or team matchups. Also, don't forget the impact of this trade on the future. If Grabow doesn't meet expectations, he could net the Cubs 2 draft picks. Marshall and Gorzelanny could step right in as possible starters if Harden isn't resigned.

 

 

Who's going to sign Grabow if they have to sacrifice 2 picks to get him?

 

The signing team would only surrender 1 pick. If they're in the bottom half of the league it wouldn't be a 1st rounder, and if they're in the top half of the league it's possible they sign more than 1 type A possibly pushing Grabow's compensation back to a 2nd or 3rd rounder. It's possible.

 

Could also root for Grabow to be a Type B.

[Guest]

Some scouting information on Josh Harrison:

"his feel for hitting is more impressive than his swing and he's just an average runner. He...isn't going to have much power with wood bats. Of greater concern is Harrison's defense at second base. He made 19 errors in 59 games and doesn't turn the pivot well, and he doesn't profile at another position." - 6/08

http://cubsminors.wikispaces.com/HarrisonJ

Harrison actually has some pretty good speed 10 SB in like 20 games. But he doesn't hit for enough power to be anything except a MI.

 

And he doesn't play good enough defense to, well, play anywhere.

[Derwood]

 

Could also root for Grabow to be a Type B.

 

If he's (supposedly) a Type A now, the only way he ends up a Type B is if he puts up crap numbers the next two months, and why would we root for that?

[Guest]

 

Could also root for Grabow to be a Type B.

 

If he's (supposedly) a Type A now, the only way he ends up a Type B is if he puts up crap numbers the next two months, and why would we root for that?

 

Well, I wasn't aware that he was locked in as a Type A. I thought he was borderline, in which case a couple months likely wouldn't sway him too much one way or another.

[NCCubFan]

Some scouting information on Josh Harrison:

"his feel for hitting is more impressive than his swing and he's just an average runner. He...isn't going to have much power with wood bats. Of greater concern is Harrison's defense at second base. He made 19 errors in 59 games and doesn't turn the pivot well, and he doesn't profile at another position." - 6/08

http://cubsminors.wikispaces.com/HarrisonJ

Harrison actually has some pretty good speed 10 SB in like 20 games. But he doesn't hit for enough power to be anything except a MI.

 

And he doesn't play good enough defense to, well, play anywhere.

So basically he's Jake Fox without the power.

[Backtobanks]

Let's just hope Grabow does great and then the Cubs have the option of signing him to a "fair"

contract or letting him walk and getting draft picks.

[Derwood]

 

Could also root for Grabow to be a Type B.

 

If he's (supposedly) a Type A now, the only way he ends up a Type B is if he puts up crap numbers the next two months, and why would we root for that?

 

Well, I wasn't aware that he was locked in as a Type A. I thought he was borderline, in which case a couple months likely wouldn't sway him too much one way or another.

 

I don't really know....just going by what others here are posting.

[davearm2]

Do you think Hendry's lefty obsession is a result of thinking ahead to the postseason with Utley/Howard/Ibanez?

 

I think he had better worry about making the playoffs first. Actually, the Cubs have needed another lefty in the bullpen since Cotts imploded. Gorzelanny and Marshall add a lot of depth to the starting rotation in case of injuries, poor performance, or team matchups. Also, don't forget the impact of this trade on the future. If Grabow doesn't meet expectations, he could net the Cubs 2 draft picks. Marshall and Gorzelanny could step right in as possible starters if Harden isn't resigned.

 

 

Who's going to sign Grabow if they have to sacrifice 2 picks to get him?

The better question is, why would the Cubs offer Grabow arbitration if he doesn't meet expectations?

[davearm2]

That Grabow would be a Type A free agent already makes him the least likely candidate to be offered arbitration. It's bad enough that crappy lefty relievers can get Type A status. Overpaying them is even worse.

 

He'll walk next year and it's not that big of a deal, because the Cubs didn't really give up all that much for him anyway.

 

Hendry's biggest flaw, IMO, is overpaying for middling relievers and bench players. I could definitely see Hendry extending Grabow to some kind of a 3 year deal worth 3+ mil per.

 

I think he's actually learned his lesson with those after the Howry/Eyre fiasco. Not to mention that he would have a tough time finding the money to give to relievers for the next few years because of all the other bad contracts.

 

But, I actually hope that's some other GM's problem, because it's time for Hendry to go.

I don't think Hendry's learned a lesson so much as he's seen that as far as the bullpen goes, he can get ML production from guys in the system.

 

I'd bet that if the guys coming up were crapping the bed with regularity, then he'd be right back out there on the FA market with his checkbook open.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I don't think the Cubs get anything for Grabow unless he gets signed before the arbitration deadline. He'd get like 3 million in arbitration, and that's too big a risk for the Cubs to take, or at least I hope they think so too.

[nolanwood]

Do you think Hendry's lefty obsession is a result of thinking ahead to the postseason with Utley/Howard/Ibanez?

 

I think he had better worry about making the playoffs first. Actually, the Cubs have needed another lefty in the bullpen since Cotts imploded. Gorzelanny and Marshall add a lot of depth to the starting rotation in case of injuries, poor performance, or team matchups. Also, don't forget the impact of this trade on the future. If Grabow doesn't meet expectations, he could net the Cubs 2 draft picks. Marshall and Gorzelanny could step right in as possible starters if Harden isn't resigned.

 

I wouldn't agree with that line of thinking I suggested in regard to the postseason, just wondered why he has picked up this many lefty arms/projects the last couple months... Grabow won't be netting us two draft picks, and I honestly don't see the need for him and his career 1.45 whip. Sounds like a luckier, lefty version of Heilman. If we needed a loogy, why get one who lefties hit .275 against?

 

Heilman - 47.1 ip, 40K, 30BB, 46 hits, 4.56 era, 1.61 whip

Grabow - 47.1 ip, 41K, 28BB, 43 hits, 3.42 era, 1.50 whip

 

 

I like the high upside with Gorzo, though.

[CubColtPacer]

Very interesting comments on the deal.

 

Apparently Pittsburgh asked for Hart for Grabow. With the Lilly injury, the Cubs refused to trade him unless they got somebody else. That's where the other 3 players came in.

 

The Cubs decided to make the deal because Dave Littlefield scouted Gorzelanny's recent starts and recommended him to Hendry.

[jersey cubs fan]

The Cubs decided to make the deal because Dave Littlefield scouted Gorzelanny's recent starts and recommended him to Hendry.

 

Littlefield's involvement, which was obvious and unavoidable considering his history and current position, is probably the scariest part.

[gflore34]

Do you think Hendry's lefty obsession is a result of thinking ahead to the postseason with Utley/Howard/Ibanez?

 

I think he had better worry about making the playoffs first. Actually, the Cubs have needed another lefty in the bullpen since Cotts imploded. Gorzelanny and Marshall add a lot of depth to the starting rotation in case of injuries, poor performance, or team matchups. Also, don't forget the impact of this trade on the future. If Grabow doesn't meet expectations, he could net the Cubs 2 draft picks. Marshall and Gorzelanny could step right in as possible starters if Harden isn't resigned.

 

I wouldn't agree with that line of thinking I suggested in regard to the postseason, just wondered why he has picked up this many lefty arms/projects the last couple months... Grabow won't be netting us two draft picks, and I honestly don't see the need for him and his career 1.45 whip. Sounds like a luckier, lefty version of Heilman. If we needed a loogy, why get one who lefties hit .275 against?

 

Heilman - 47.1 ip, 40K, 30BB, 46 hits, 4.56 era, 1.61 whip

Grabow - 47.1 ip, 41K, 28BB, 43 hits, 3.42 era, 1.50 whip

 

 

I like the high upside with Gorzo, though.

 

I believe this is the best part of deal, in the long term who has the potential to be a better 5th starter? I like Gorzelanny over Hart.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

The Cubs decided to make the deal because Dave Littlefield scouted Gorzelanny's recent starts and recommended him to Hendry.

 

Littlefield's involvement, which was obvious and unavoidable considering his history and current position, is probably the scariest part.

 

Littlefield is a very good scout.