Gene Wojo's Memo to Tom Rickett

[Prizefight]

I didn't see this posted anywhere yet, i'm sorry if I've missed it:

 

For once, I mostly completely agree with this. Maybe expand on the In House candidate section.

 

http://espn.go.com/chicago/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=4420521

[Guest]

I don't care too much for that guy. I care even less for his suggestions.

 

Hendry's had plenty of time to do his thing. The time is right to start over.

[fromthestretch]

I don't care too much for that guy. I care even less for his suggestions.

 

Hendry's had plenty of time to do his thing. The time is right to start over.

 

On top of that, Sandberg isn't someone I would consider worthy of serious consideration for a managerial position.

[SouthSideRyan]

And to not retire the # of one of the best Cubs in the numbered era is stupid.

[jersey cubs fan]

So I guess this is the column gimmick du jour.

[jiml60]

I can't tell what's worse, Wojo's 14 reasons or the idiots commenting afterwards.

[cbbryan]

And to not retire the # of one of the best Cubs in the numbered era is stupid.

 

 

+1

[JimSorgi]

Soriano is a good teammate, hates losing, can't stand being out of the lineup and does the best he can.

quality writing

[ctcf]

http://s172.photobucket.com/albums/w20/CTCubsFan/?action=view&current=lolwojo-1.jpg

[gflore34]

I do like the idea of moving Zambrano, can he net the Cubs a major league ready 2b or SS?

[soapy]

I disagree with most of his suggestions, particularly not firing Hendry and trading Zambrano.

[gflore34]

I disagree with most of his suggestions, particularly not firing Hendry and trading Zambrano.

 

+1 on the firing of Hendry, the pieces are here for next season, with the right additions this team will contend in 2010. I don't what all the correct moves are but, I do know one thing - Hendry doesn't.

[jersey cubs fan]

I'd probably trade Zambrano for the right deal, but I get the impression that Z's reputation isn't too high around the league, so I don't know what you could get.

[soapy]

I'd probably trade Zambrano for the right deal, but I get the impression that Z's reputation isn't too high around the league, so I don't know what you could get.

 

What's the right deal? Hell, I'd trade anyone on this team for the right deal. I don't see Zambrano's "ego" as a reason to look to shop him, which is what Wojo seems to be suggesting. He said something like "if the right deal comes along", but I think he really means actively look for a favorable scenario to trade him.

[jersey cubs fan]

I'd probably trade Zambrano for the right deal, but I get the impression that Z's reputation isn't too high around the league, so I don't know what you could get.

 

What's the right deal? Hell, I'd trade anyone on this team for the right deal. I don't see Zambrano's "ego" as a reason to look to shop him, which is what Wojo seems to be suggesting. He said something like "if the right deal comes along", but I think he really means actively look for a favorable scenario to trade him.

 

I would actively look. Carlos has a big contract and a ton of innings on his arm. After 5 straight 200 inning seasons he's going to finish back to back years of sub 200 innings and have his lowest workload since his rookie year. He's a good pitcher, he's done a lot of good things for the Cubs, but I don't think he's worth the $73m they owe him the next year and believe they can do better. There are always pitching starved teams out there and the Cubs have shown year-in year-out and ability to have pitching depth. I doubt Zambrano's reliability going forward and would love to find an impact bat for him, and possibly even come away with a young arm in the deal.

[soapy]

I'd probably trade Zambrano for the right deal, but I get the impression that Z's reputation isn't too high around the league, so I don't know what you could get.

 

What's the right deal? Hell, I'd trade anyone on this team for the right deal. I don't see Zambrano's "ego" as a reason to look to shop him, which is what Wojo seems to be suggesting. He said something like "if the right deal comes along", but I think he really means actively look for a favorable scenario to trade him.

 

I would actively look. Carlos has a big contract and a ton of innings on his arm. After 5 straight 200 inning seasons he's going to finish back to back years of sub 200 innings and have his lowest workload since his rookie year. He's a good pitcher, he's done a lot of good things for the Cubs, but I don't think he's worth the $73m they owe him the next year and believe they can do better. There are always pitching starved teams out there and the Cubs have shown year-in year-out and ability to have pitching depth. I doubt Zambrano's reliability going forward and would love to find an impact bat for him, and possibly even come away with a young arm in the deal.

 

You're supposed to say you're tired of his act (ego, softball games, "skipping treatments", etc.).

 

But all valid points. I'm all for trading one of Dempster, Lilly or possibly Zambrano (though less so) if they bring back Harden.

 

Essentially, they're probably only on the hook for $53.75 million thru 2012. His 2013 player option only vests if he's top 2 in Cy Young voting in 2011 or top four in 2012. I think his numbers are likely worthy of the contract he has, if healthy. That of course is the big question and I concede there are plenty of reasons to be skeptical.

[jersey cubs fan]

I'm also tired of his act. But I don't want that to motivate the trade as it would probably lead to devaluing him and accepting less than what you should get.

[inari]

I'd be up for trading Z and it has nothing to do with his attitude. He plays 100% and loves winning more than anyone else on the team; what's not to like?

 

Its the production that's the problem. Z hasn't been worth his contract since he got it. His bat really adds a lot to his value, a lot more than I think people realize. However, his pitching has been on a continuous downtrend. This year has proved no exception, as injuries and poor performance have hampered him at times, as well as a still dwindling strikeout total.

 

I'm not so sure that the Mets wouldn't be a good place to start shopping him. Omar Minaya's infatuation with big names and Latinos is well known. Z's got both of those going for him. I might be crazy, but I think he'd eat Z's entire contract and give us solid pieces.

[NewUserName]

if the Cubs are not winning because of Z and Milton Bradleys attitudes, I would have to call into question the mental toughness of the other players on the team anyway. If you cant overcome a couple of selfish teammates, you surely are not going to overcome a good team in a penant race.