Restoring the Rosters

[apete6]

This is a series of 30 writeups that analyzes what MLB would be like if everyone just held on to players they originally signed. Cubs would suck, Mariners would be #1. Very cool stuff.

 

http://bases.nbcsports.com/2009/09/restoring-the-rosters-no-1---seattle.html.php

[Little Slide Rooter]

I saw that a little while back. We would be pretty bad, but better than the White Sox, according to these rankings. Im not sure why they have the Brewers so low though. Nice lineup, and a better rotation than they have now.

[CUBZ99]

Neat article. Under those circumstances the Cubs would have a killer bullpen. Its amazing though to see how pathetic they have been at developing any type of position prospects.

[Little Slide Rooter]

I especially like how they have Ted Lilly as the projected ace of a Dodgers staff including Billingsley, Kershaw, and Edwin Jackson

[MSG T]

An inability to develop hitters has forced the Cubs to pay for offense and in many cases they've overpaid. It's a real shame that the wealth of pitching talent and big payrolls have combined to produce just one NLCS appearance and no World Series appearances during the decade. Unless that changes this year, the new ownership should seriously consider replacing GM Jim Hendry.

 

I couldn't agree more with the last sentence, although not entirely for the NLCS and WS reasons they list here. The overpaying for for offense is definitely a part of it. Identifying some senseless factor like LH middle of the order bat or speed etc. instead of just getting good ballplayers is the biggest reason.

[Outshined_One]

That's a horrifically bad lineup.

 

Not a bad rotation and bullpen, though.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

I would totally start Pie over Hoffpauir

[Little Slide Rooter]

I had no idea that Cliff Lee, Jason Bay, Brandon Phillips, and Grady Sizemore were all once proud members of the Natspos organization.

[apete6]

I had no idea that Cliff Lee, Jason Bay, Brandon Phillips, and Grady Sizemore were all once proud members of the Natspos organization.

 

All but Jason Bay were traded for Bartolo Colon in 2003 or 2004.

 

Oops.

[Bote McBoteface]

I'd like to restore the rosters back to how they were in October of 2008. Can we do that?

[jersey cubs fan]

An inability to develop hitters has forced the Cubs to pay for offense and in many cases they've overpaid. It's a real shame that the wealth of pitching talent and big payrolls have combined to produce just one NLCS appearance and no World Series appearances during the decade. Unless that changes this year, the new ownership should seriously consider replacing GM Jim Hendry.

 

I couldn't agree more with the last sentence, although not entirely for the NLCS and WS reasons they list here. The overpaying for for offense is definitely a part of it. Identifying some senseless factor like LH middle of the order bat or speed etc. instead of just getting good ballplayers is the biggest reason.

 

To their credit though, that's kind of been the plan all along. They decided that in order to be like Atlanta they'd draft/develop pitchers and trade for/sign bats. It hasn't worked out all that great, other than the pitchers part. They have been at the bottom of the league in runs scored for much of the decade. Hopefully the Wilken guys do better.

[MSG T]

An inability to develop hitters has forced the Cubs to pay for offense and in many cases they've overpaid. It's a real shame that the wealth of pitching talent and big payrolls have combined to produce just one NLCS appearance and no World Series appearances during the decade. Unless that changes this year, the new ownership should seriously consider replacing GM Jim Hendry.

 

I couldn't agree more with the last sentence, although not entirely for the NLCS and WS reasons they list here. The overpaying for for offense is definitely a part of it. Identifying some senseless factor like LH middle of the order bat or speed etc. instead of just getting good ballplayers is the biggest reason.

 

To their credit though, that's kind of been the plan all along. They decided that in order to be like Atlanta they'd draft/develop pitchers and trade for/sign bats. It hasn't worked out all that great, other than the pitchers part. They have been at the bottom of the league in runs scored for much of the decade. Hopefully the Wilken guys do better.

 

I understand, and I realy don't have a big problem with that basic idea. I just don't like the reasoning for targeting a specific player(LH power bat, speed, versatility etc.). It seems like Hendry narrows his possibilities needlessly when looking at FA, instead of trying to get the best possible player.

 

For example, instead of looking for the best possible 2B, he looks for the best possible LH, fast, top of the order 2B. In some cases being that particular would cause him to not even consider the best player available.

 

Then, on top of that, he'll bid against him self and offer 5/$45 when the next best offer is 3/$18.

 

I don't have a problem with building around trades and FA, just the method they use in determining the players they acquire.

[MSG T]

As a side note, this new format is throwing me off. It's not bad, just looks weird on first view.

 

OK, now it's gone. Anyone now if this is at my end or the NSBB end? Weird.

Edited September 11, 2009 by MSG T

[jersey cubs fan]

I understand, and I realy don't have a big problem with that basic idea. I just don't like the reasoning for targeting a specific player(LH power bat, speed, versatility etc.).

 

I have a problem with it. Pre-prime hitters are an incredibly valuable commodity. The only one the Cubs have actually gone out and acquired is Ramirez, whom they got because Pittsburgh couldn't make payroll and had to dump contracts. Add to that their insistence on targeting specific types of players, and quite often the wrong type of player and it's just incredibly frustrating.

[MSG T]

I understand, and I realy don't have a big problem with that basic idea. I just don't like the reasoning for targeting a specific player(LH power bat, speed, versatility etc.).

 

I have a problem with it. Pre-prime hitters are an incredibly valuable commodity. The only one the Cubs have actually gone out and acquired is Ramirez, whom they got because Pittsburgh couldn't make payroll and had to dump contracts. Add to that their insistence on targeting specific types of players, and quite often the wrong type of player and it's just incredibly frustrating.

 

That I agree with. If they were merely targeting good players, and not worrying about handedness or speed or versatility, I wouldn't have as big of a problem with it. My biggest concern is when the overpay for mediocre guys that, even with that roster linked by the OP, could easily be filled by guys they already have. For example signing Miles for $5 mil, when the already have 2-3 guys that could give them what Miles does, and do it for way less money.

 

I do see what your saying, though, and would like to see them produce position players, at least occassionally.