Jonny Gomes for 4th OF Spot?

[Mark Priors Calves]

http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/01/cubs-courting-gomes-as-fourth-outfielder.html

 

29 year old, released by the Reds, right handed.

 

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gomesjo01.shtml

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Jonny Gomes is pretty much Jake Fox, albeit a slightly more proven Jake Fox. Not that bad an acquisition with Fuld's defense as the 5th outfielder, but he's so bad defensively that he's not much of an injury fill-in. I like Nady and Baldelli better.

[Rob]

Jonny Gomes is pretty much Jake Fox, albeit a slightly more proven Jake Fox. Not that bad an acquisition with Fuld's defense as the 5th outfielder, but he's so bad defensively that he's not much of an injury fill-in. I like Nady and Baldelli better.

 

Get out of my brain.

[Clem Fandango]

Jonny Gomes told the Chicago Sun-Times Thursday that he would love to reunite with now-Cubs manager Lou Piniella.

The two worked together in Tampa Bay from 2003-2005. "What the Cubs have to offer, I’m totally OK with," Gomes said Thursday. "They’re asking for a fourth outfielder, and others are looking to start. I’m just looking to get in there. And I think it would be great to get back with Lou. I know how hard he is on young players and expects a lot, but we built a pretty good relationship in Tampa. ... I think it would be a good fit for both sides."

 

Sounds like it might happen

[JonJayCutler]

I like Nady and Baldelli better.

 

Nady is coming off a pretty serious injury and Baldelli has a significant injury history as well. Why not take the healthy player? And although I'd definitely take Nady over Gomes if Nady was healthy, I'm not sure I'd take Baldelli over Gomes even if Baldelli was completely healthy.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I like Nady and Baldelli better.

 

Nady is coming off a pretty serious injury and Baldelli has a significant injury history as well. Why not take the healthy player?

 

Because he's not as good at baseball as Nady or Baldelli.

[Backtobanks]

I like Nady and Baldelli better.

 

Nady is coming off a pretty serious injury and Baldelli has a significant injury history as well. Why not take the healthy player? And although I'd definitely take Nady over Gomes if Nady was healthy, I'm not sure I'd take Baldelli over Gomes even if Baldelli was completely healthy.

 

These guys provide more power off the bench, but Reed Johnson is looking better to me everyday. All these other candidates seem to have a lot of baggage (injury history, can't play defense, etc.).

[JonJayCutler]

I like Nady and Baldelli better.

 

Nady is coming off a pretty serious injury and Baldelli has a significant injury history as well. Why not take the healthy player?

 

Because he's not as good at baseball as Nady or Baldelli.

 

What is so great about Rocco Baldelli?

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I like Nady and Baldelli better.

 

Nady is coming off a pretty serious injury and Baldelli has a significant injury history as well. Why not take the healthy player?

 

Because he's not as good at baseball as Nady or Baldelli.

 

What is so great about Rocco Baldelli?

 

He hits LHP about as well as Gomes and doesn't try to catch the ball with his face.

[RedFlash]

I like Nady and Baldelli better.

 

Nady is coming off a pretty serious injury and Baldelli has a significant injury history as well. Why not take the healthy player?

 

Because he's not as good at baseball as Nady or Baldelli.

 

.279 .324 .444 .767

.241 .330 .471 .801

.280 .335 .458 .792

 

I don't know about that. Nady, even tho he is coming off injury may still fancy himself a starter and still may ask to be paid as one. Baldelli, I haven't been too impressed with him, but he does have OF defensive versatility. At this point with Fuld as the "defensive OF" replacement, I think Gomes might be a better value for the Cubs then Baldelli or Nady

 

 

 

Baldelli

Gomes

Nady

in that order

 

[JonJayCutler]

I like Nady and Baldelli better.

 

Nady is coming off a pretty serious injury and Baldelli has a significant injury history as well. Why not take the healthy player?

 

Because he's not as good at baseball as Nady or Baldelli.

 

What is so great about Rocco Baldelli?

 

He hits LHP about as well as Gomes and doesn't try to catch the ball with his face.

 

So you're willing to take an inferior offensive player who is an injury risk over a healthier player with a better bat because of defense? Nevermind the fact that if either of these players make a start in RF, they'll likely be lifted for Fukudome/Fuld later if a right-handed reliever enters the game. Baldelli has played a total of just 125 games in the last three seasons combined. That is not a lot of games.

[davell]

I'd take Gomes over Baldelli at this point, because the last time Baldelli had 300 plate appearances was 2006. Too much unknown there, for my taste anyway. Even with acknowledgement that Gomes is Fox-like in the field......

 

Hypocritical or not though, even though he's coming off TJS, I'd take a shot with Nady over Baldelli, Gomes, or Dye.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

So you're willing to take an inferior offensive player who is an injury risk over a healthier player with a better bat because of defense? Nevermind the fact that if either of these players make a start in RF, they'll likely be lifted for Fukudome/Fuld later if a right-handed reliever enters the game. Baldelli has played a total of just 125 games in the last three seasons combined. That is not a lot of games.

 

We're talking about a 4th outfielder, he doesn't need to be able to start 150 games. And if Baldelli goes down, the difference between Gomes and whoever replaces Baldelli isn't so great that it's not worth the risk to have the better player(because, again, we're talking about a part time player). Or, if Baldelli's health doesn't check out, go with Nady, who hits LHP like Gomes but doesn't drive a clown car in the outfield.

[Rob]

Baldelli also still has some upside that the others quite frankly don't. A good deal of his decline was related to that strange mitochondrial disorder... a problem that's more likely to be resolved than a complete lack of defensive ability.

 

That's not to say he's a good bet to return to form, but his ceiling still remains.

[Post Count Padder]

I wouldn't mind Gomes at all. I don't know what his defense is like (I don't think it's that good) but he'd be a nice power bat off the bench.

[Rob]

I wouldn't mind Gomes at all. I don't know what his defense is like (I don't think it's that good) but he'd be a nice power bat off the bench.

 

It's abysmal.

 

Were he allowed in the field more often, you'd see him popping up on those "worst defenders" lists with Dunn, Hawpe, and Dye.

[Splendid Splinter]

Baldelli also still has some upside that the others quite frankly don't. A good deal of his decline was related to that strange mitochondrial disorder... a problem that's more likely to be resolved than a complete lack of defensive ability.

 

That's not to say he's a good bet to return to form, but his ceiling still remains.

 

Yeah he does have the highest upside out of all of those guys mentioned for 4th OF. Just so everyone knows.... he doesn't have mitochondrial disorder, they found out this past offseason ('08 offseason) that he has a form of channelopathy, which is less serious and more treatable. Channelopathy is basically a protein irregularity. I don't know if he can still play back to back games yet so if Cubs got him, it means Fuld would get some starts as well if Soriano/Byrd/Fukudome were hurt for a period of time for Rocco can get some rest. I checked his game logs and it looks like he didn't start games 2 days in a row (started 34 games total last year), but he would start 1 game then the next day he could come in to pinch hit, pinch hit then finish the game, or be a def sub towards the end. I like Baldelli, but I'm sure he'll have to play more than 41 games last year (not counting his DH games and pinch hit but actually played on the field) and I'm not sure if he can handle unless his treatment is working out quite well nowadays that he can play back to back games without problems... If he can do that, then I'm all for Baldelli.

 

Also... I'm wondering what type of money all of these guys are asking for as well. That could easily help out on who to choose for the 4th OF. I would like to see the 4th OF as someone who can at least play some form of defense out there cuz if Fukudome is on the bench for a LHP... you're looking at an OF of Soriano/Byrd/4th OF... If it's Gomes/Dye, it'll be very ugly out there... I can't imagine how awful Gomes/Dye would be out there in RF for the Cubs... At least Nady/Baldelli can somewhat hold their own... well Baldelli can and Nady is just a touch better than Gomes/Dye...

 

Gomes/Dye is good for their power which Cubs haven't had that on the bench since Ward '07 or HR power like Glenallen Hill back in the late 90s...

 

If it was up to me, I sign Russell Branyan since he can sub at 1B/3B/LF/RF (he only made 1.4 mil last year so he can be had for cheap), release Hoff, and get a cheap RH power bat like Gomes (or anyone really) where you wouldn't have to worry about him playing defense much.

 

Then the bench would be Branyan/Fontenot/Hill/Fuld/RH power bat... then again... it's IMO and wishful thinking.

[Uber]

I love Jonny Gomes. I dont love his defense.

 

That said, if he comes cheap I'd be for it.

[JeffH]

Baldelli also still has some upside that the others quite frankly don't. A good deal of his decline was related to that strange mitochondrial disorder... a problem that's more likely to be resolved than a complete lack of defensive ability.

 

That's not to say he's a good bet to return to form, but his ceiling still remains.

 

Yeah he does have the highest upside out of all of those guys mentioned for 4th OF. Just so everyone knows.... he doesn't have mitochondrial disorder, they found out this past offseason ('08 offseason) that he has a form of channelopathy, which is less serious and more treatable. Channelopathy is basically a protein irregularity. I don't know if he can still play back to back games yet so if Cubs got him, it means Fuld would get some starts as well if Soriano/Byrd/Fukudome were hurt for a period of time for Rocco can get some rest. I checked his game logs and it looks like he didn't start games 2 days in a row (started 34 games total last year), but he would start 1 game then the next day he could come in to pinch hit, pinch hit then finish the game, or be a def sub towards the end. I like Baldelli, but I'm sure he'll have to play more than 41 games last year (not counting his DH games and pinch hit but actually played on the field) and I'm not sure if he can handle unless his treatment is working out quite well nowadays that he can play back to back games without problems... If he can do that, then I'm all for Baldelli.

 

Also... I'm wondering what type of money all of these guys are asking for as well. That could easily help out on who to choose for the 4th OF. I would like to see the 4th OF as someone who can at least play some form of defense out there cuz if Fukudome is on the bench for a LHP... you're looking at an OF of Soriano/Byrd/4th OF... If it's Gomes/Dye, it'll be very ugly out there... I can't imagine how awful Gomes/Dye would be out there in RF for the Cubs... At least Nady/Baldelli can somewhat hold their own... well Baldelli can and Nady is just a touch better than Gomes/Dye...

 

Gomes/Dye is good for their power which Cubs haven't had that on the bench since Ward '07 or HR power like Glenallen Hill back in the late 90s...

 

If it was up to me, I sign Russell Branyan since he can sub at 1B/3B/LF/RF (he only made 1.4 mil last year so he can be had for cheap), release Hoff, and get a cheap RH power bat like Gomes (or anyone really) where you wouldn't have to worry about him playing defense much.

 

Then the bench would be Branyan/Fontenot/Hill/Fuld/RH power bat... then again... it's IMO and wishful thinking.

 

Mike Fontenot as the only viable backup shortstop?

[Guest]

So you're willing to take an inferior offensive player who is an injury risk over a healthier player with a better bat because of defense? Nevermind the fact that if either of these players make a start in RF, they'll likely be lifted for Fukudome/Fuld later if a right-handed reliever enters the game. Baldelli has played a total of just 125 games in the last three seasons combined. That is not a lot of games.

 

We're talking about a 4th outfielder, he doesn't need to be able to start 150 games. And if Baldelli goes down, the difference between Gomes and whoever replaces Baldelli isn't so great that it's not worth the risk to have the better player(because, again, we're talking about a part time player). Or, if Baldelli's health doesn't check out, go with Nady, who hits LHP like Gomes but doesn't drive a clown car in the outfield.

 

While I agree that they are all interchangeable for the most part, I think you are banking on Sam Fuld getting an awful lot of playing time once Soriano bunny hops a fly ball right back onto the disabled list. Because any of those 3 guys might not be able to play defense well enough to play everyday once the 4th outfielder is pressed into starting duty.

 

How well can Baker play the outfield? If he's adequate, then it probably doesn't really matter as much. Because you could technically promote "the kid" to play SS, let Theriot and Fontenot platoon at 2nd and have Baker be the everyday corner during the time Soriano is out, I suppose. Or have Blanco play temporarily if the kid isn't ready. Under those scenarios, you could still keep the signee as the 4th outfielder.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Then the bench would be Branyan/Fontenot/Hill/Fuld/RH power bat... then again... it's IMO and wishful thinking.

 

Mike Fontenot as the only viable backup shortstop?

 

Is there someone he's forgetting? It will probably be Hoffpauir instead of Branyan, but I have a hard time seeing another backup infielder making the team right out of camp.

[jersey cubs fan]

Then the bench would be Branyan/Fontenot/Hill/Fuld/RH power bat... then again... it's IMO and wishful thinking.

 

Mike Fontenot as the only viable backup shortstop?

 

Is there someone he's forgetting? It will probably be Hoffpauir instead of Branyan, but I have a hard time seeing another backup infielder making the team right out of camp.

 

Hasn't Lou basically said Andres Blanco will be the backup SS?

[CubColtPacer]

Then the bench would be Branyan/Fontenot/Hill/Fuld/RH power bat... then again... it's IMO and wishful thinking.

 

Mike Fontenot as the only viable backup shortstop?

 

Is there someone he's forgetting? It will probably be Hoffpauir instead of Branyan, but I have a hard time seeing another backup infielder making the team right out of camp.

 

Hasn't Lou basically said Andres Blanco will be the backup SS?

 

Yes, Lou has said that he says Blanco as the backup SS. It will probably be down to either Hoffpauir or Fuld for the final bench spot with Fuld having the edge right now.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

So the primary LH PH most days is either Blanco, Hill, or Fuld? Yikes, be ready soon Castro.

[Splendid Splinter]

Then the bench would be Branyan/Fontenot/Hill/Fuld/RH power bat... then again... it's IMO and wishful thinking.

 

Mike Fontenot as the only viable backup shortstop?

 

Is there someone he's forgetting? It will probably be Hoffpauir instead of Branyan, but I have a hard time seeing another backup infielder making the team right out of camp.

 

Oops... forgot about Blanco then yeah.. my bench would be Branyan/Fontenot/Hill/Fuld/Blanco... basically it would be Branyan replacing Hoff's role while also being the 4th OF as well- all in one move... The only problem is we wouldn't have a RH OF to plattoon with Fukudome...

 

Cubs don't have any RH OFs in the minors who is close to being ready or come in to replace Fuld? No wonder they're looking for RH for the 4th OF cuz the rest of the bench will be LH...