So apparently it's Cameron we're after...

[ctcf]

Apologies if this should be elsewhere. Per Rotoworld...

 

Mike Cameron is the Cubs' top option to play center field, reports Gordon Wittenmeyer of the Chicago Sun-Times.

The only thing standing between the Cubs and Cameron is Milton Bradley, argues Wittenmeyer. If and when Bradley is moved, it sounds as if Cameron will immediately be inked, who has manager Lou Piniella's approval. The 37-year old remains an excellent fielder and is also remarkably consistent with the bat, having averaged 22 home runs and 75 RBI over the past 11 seasons with little fluctuation. The right-hander would be a great complementary player on the North Side and would come without a long-term contract attached. Things can always change, but this is one rumor that makes all the sense in the world. Marlon Byrd was also mentioned as a person of interest to the club.

Source: Chicago Sun-Times

 

I'm down.

[OleMissCub]

I'd be satisfied with him, but I'd still love me some Granderson.

[Neuby]

Hopefully we can get Cameron on a one year deal.

 

Piniella/Chicago/Contender= Discount?

[Little Slide Rooter]

Id like Granderson as well, but Cameron is a hell of a lot cheaper both money and prospect wise. Again, it hinges on how much money we can get back from the Bradley contract. The 1.7 we get from Miles is a step in the right direction, however, I hope Grabows 3.5 mil or however much he gets in 2010 doesnt come back to haunt us.

[Guancous]

I'd rather have Cameron for a year than give up the extra prospects and cash to get Granderson. Let's hope the Cubs don't end up eating $18 million in the Bradley trade.

[USSoccer]

This would be a good move.

[JimSorgi]

This would be a good move.

Yeah, that's why I doubt it happens.

[Backtobanks]

Hopefully we can get Cameron on a one year deal.

 

Piniella/Chicago/Contender= Discount?

 

That's the best joke I've heard this week. =D>

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Looking at WAR, Cameron has been a touch better than Granderson each of the last 4 years, excepting 2007 when Granderson was awesome and Cameron was merely good(thanks to a fluky bad UZR). Please sign him.

[dew1679666265]

I really like this news. I hope it happens.

[The Logan]

I'll toss my hat into the pro-Mike Cameron ring.

[Sammy Sofa]

Works for me.

[Outshined_One]

Sounds like a good plan to me.

[cubsfan26]

I hope Grabows 3.5 mil or however much he gets in 2010 doesnt come back to haunt us.

 

I wouldn't worry, going into the offseason Hendry planned on resigning Grabow(or adding a simliar reliever) and bringing in a CF. No matter what people wanna think the Cubs weren't ever going to go into next season with Marmol and Guzman as the only guys with track records, especially with Guzmans history of poor health. Most of the money used on Grabow this season, was the money that would have went to Heilman. The Cubs basically decided he would be traded or nontendered, and they would use that money towards adding a veteran late inning reliever. As long as they trade Bradley(and save some money) they should be able to afford Cameron. Unless of course he ask for some high contract for 9-10m a year. Cameron might be worth that, but his market value is going to be pretty below a guy like Bob Abreu who will be getting 9m in 2010. So Cameron should come at the 6-7m range, with 8m probably being the most. Personally Cameron is the only CF we could realisticly bring in that I would feel good about. Since I don't want Granderson contract on the books or give up the prospects its going to take to get him, and Marlon Byrd is gonna end up getting more money then he's worth.

[FatRalph]

I'm ok with Cameron. I just have a problem with our lead off situation. I am not sold on Fukudome or Theriot in the 1 spot. Seems like only a matter of time until Lou tries selling us on the fact that Soriano is the best for that spot in the lineup. Any other ideas???

[Cubswin11]

I am down, 1 yr. for $6-8 mil. and a club or mutual option for a 2nd year.

 

:good:

[USSoccer]

I'm ok with Cameron. I just have a problem with our lead off situation. I am not sold on Fukudome or Theriot in the 1 spot. Seems like only a matter of time until Lou tries selling us on the fact that Soriano is the best for that spot in the lineup. Any other ideas???

 

My idea is that leadoff hitter isn't a position, and Fukudome is just fine there.

[cubsfan26]

I'm ok with Cameron. I just have a problem with our lead off situation. I am not sold on Fukudome or Theriot in the 1 spot.

 

I could probably live with either guy there, with Fukudome probably being the best option. My only problem with Fukudome is when he's in one his slumps, he's pretty worthless. So he will hurt the team getting the most AB's. When he's hot and going good though he's a great leadoff option, there just very little middle ground with him. But don't be shocked if the Cubs still bring in a 2b who hits towards the top of the order. I think they plan to save a little money and whatever bad contract they take on will be a 2b or SP by trading Bradley. Then use whatever part of the money saved on Bradley towards a CF(mixed with money left to spend and money saved on Miles). After that whatever litle money left will then be used on bargin free agents for probably 2b, SP,bench or for whatever we don't get in return for Bradley.

[inari]

I'd imagine the lineup will stack up like this:

 

RF Fukudome

SS Theriot

1B Lee

3B Ramirez

LF Soriano

CF Cameron

C Soto

2B Baker

 

Right? That's a very right handed lineup (not that I care).

[UMFan83]

I'd imagine the lineup will stack up like this:

 

RF Fukudome

SS Theriot

1B Lee

3B Ramirez

LF Soriano

CF Cameron

C Soto

2B Baker

 

Right? That's a very right handed lineup (not that I care).

 

Not to mention that Cameron has about a 100 point lower OPS vs. righties than lefties over his career.

[Schwarber Fan]

might as well go get a Cub killer to play for us; worked with Jimmy

[UMFan83]

I am down, 1 yr. for $6-8 mil. and a club or mutual option for a 2nd year.

 

:good:

 

Too bad it's gonna be 3 years 21 million with a 10 million option for a 4th year.

[Butterscup1679666578]

This is the only rumored move I've heard this off-season that I wouldn't hate. Go for it.

[cubsfan26]

I'd imagine the lineup will stack up like this:

 

RF Fukudome

SS Theriot

1B Lee

3B Ramirez

LF Soriano

CF Cameron

C Soto

2B Baker

 

Right? That's a very right handed lineup (not that I care).

 

That won't happen if we bring in Cameron(or any RH hitting OF) we will be adding either a LH or switch hitting 2b. Or Fontenot(Hendry brings his name up with Soto/Soriano as guys who need to do better in 2010) will get most of the playing time at 2b.

[Cubswin11]

I'd imagine the lineup will stack up like this:

 

RF Fukudome

SS Theriot

1B Lee

3B Ramirez

LF Soriano

CF Cameron

C Soto

2B Baker

 

Right? That's a very right handed lineup (not that I care).

I could see us filling 2B with Castillo (trade) or O-Dog/Felipe Lopez (FA). That would "balance" out the lineup a bit and provide us with some decent lead off options.

 

Castillo/Hudson/Lopez 2B

Theriot SS

Lee 1B

Ramirez 3B

Soriano LF

Fukdome RF

Cameron CF

Soto C