Dunn to the White Sox (p. 12)

[E.J.]

Colossal failure on the part of Mr. Tom Ricketts. This is [expletive].

 

You're quickly becoming my favorite NSBB novelty acct.

 

"Grr...Ricketts...grumble...grumble..."

[Clem Fandango]

Yup.

 

Blue Jays Close To Signing A.J. Pierzynski

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [December 2 at 6:42pm CST]

The Blue Jays are close to signing A.J. Pierzynski, according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. Even though John Buck signed with the Marlins and Miguel Olivo declined the team's offer of arbitration, the Blue Jays still have two capable catchers. Jose Molina will return in 2011 and J.P. Arencibia showed power in a late-season call-up and won Pacific Coast League MVP.

 

Pierzynski, 34 later this month, batted .270/.300/.388 with nine homers in 503 plate appearances this year. He is durable, having caught at least 128 games every season since 2001, but his offense slipped in 2010. He posted his lowest on base and slugging percentages since becoming a full-time player.

 

The Dodgers, Marlins and White Sox were among the teams interested in Pierzynski, who had a number of other potential suitors. Chicago did not offer the catcher arbitration, so he would not cost the Blue Jays a draft pick.

 

 

This throws a stick into the bicycle spokes of my dynasty team's future. As if J.P. Arencibia needed another over the hill catcher to block him at the MLB level.

[ChiCubsFan]

Good think Lee and Lilly are off the books this year.

 

We better get Gonzalez or Fielder.

[dew1679666265]

Sure, he's not a consistent force. But the Cubs don't have options. They have to get better at 1B. The 4 years is more risky than $14m per year. They don't have anywhere near the pitching SF had to get away with mediocrity in the lineup, but that is exactly what their plan is.

 

I don't like the idea of signing a bad contract just to sign somebody. We do have a hole at first base, but giving out too many years and too much money to Dunn is not the answer.

 

I'd much rather see us give a good contract to Nick Johnson and re-asses next year than to be saddled with another contract that could go bad for us while Soriano is still on the books.

[dew1679666265]

So how does a guy who could barely get a job two years ago and settled for a 2 year deal for $10 mil per now gets a 4 year deal for $14 mil per year? He is the same player he was then except for 2 years older. I'm not mad the Cubs didn't get Adam Dunn necessarily, but I am mad that there is no money to spend.

 

Two years ago he was an outfielder and his defense was horrific. It was pretty public that teams (including the Cubs) were shying away from him because of that awful defense.

 

Now, he's an average to below average defensive first baseman and teams aren't as scared of him negating his offensive value with terrible defense. Plus, it's possible there was some agreement that he'd be willing to play DH later in the contract. Two years ago, he was completely opposed to the idea.

[davearm2]

Sure, he's not a consistent force. But the Cubs don't have options. They have to get better at 1B. The 4 years is more risky than $14m per year. They don't have anywhere near the pitching SF had to get away with mediocrity in the lineup, but that is exactly what their plan is.

 

I don't like the idea of signing a bad contract just to sign somebody. We do have a hole at first base, but giving out too many years and too much money to Dunn is not the answer.

 

I'd much rather see us give a good contract to Nick Johnson and re-asses next year than to be saddled with another contract that could go bad for us while Soriano is still on the books.

Amen.

 

A prototype DH gets a big deal that's aggressive in both length and dollars, and yet somehow that's evidence that the Cubs are hopeless and the owner is clueless? Get a grip, folks.

[dew1679666265]

Amen.

 

A prototype DH gets a big deal that's aggressive in both length and dollars, and yet somehow that's evidence that the Cubs are hopeless and the owner is clueless? Get a grip, folks.

 

If we were Adam Dunn away from being a dominant team that could win 90-95 and seriously challenge for the World Series, that'd be different. But with or without Dunn we're a borderline playoff team. Our chances of making the playoffs are better with him obviously, but the likely reward simply isn't worth the risk of having 1-2 years of bad Dunn + really bad Soriano.

[davearm2]

Amen.

 

A prototype DH gets a big deal that's aggressive in both length and dollars, and yet somehow that's evidence that the Cubs are hopeless and the owner is clueless? Get a grip, folks.

 

If we were Adam Dunn away from being a dominant team that could win 90-95 and seriously challenge for the World Series, that'd be different. But with or without Dunn we're a borderline playoff team. Our chances of making the playoffs are better with him obviously, but the likely reward simply isn't worth the risk of having 1-2 years of bad Dunn + really bad Soriano.

This is the rationale that seemed to be applied to the Milton Bradley signing. Just sayin'

[Little Slide Rooter]

Sure, he's not a consistent force. But the Cubs don't have options. They have to get better at 1B. The 4 years is more risky than $14m per year. They don't have anywhere near the pitching SF had to get away with mediocrity in the lineup, but that is exactly what their plan is.

 

I don't like the idea of signing a bad contract just to sign somebody. We do have a hole at first base, but giving out too many years and too much money to Dunn is not the answer.

 

I'd much rather see us give a good contract to Nick Johnson and re-asses next year than to be saddled with another contract that could go bad for us while Soriano is still on the books.

 

Id much rather go after Alex Gordon or Chris Davis or just take our chances with Brian LaHair or a Colvin at 1st experiment than dip into the Johsnon/Branyan/Pena/Overbay pool. The fact is, wiothout a big splash, this team isnt going to contend, so I dont think it will make a difference which has been or never will be happens to be manning 1st base.

[Sammy Sofa]

Amen.

 

A prototype DH gets a big deal that's aggressive in both length and dollars, and yet somehow that's evidence that the Cubs are hopeless and the owner is clueless? Get a grip, folks.

 

If we were Adam Dunn away from being a dominant team that could win 90-95 and seriously challenge for the World Series, that'd be different. But with or without Dunn we're a borderline playoff team. Our chances of making the playoffs are better with him obviously, but the likely reward simply isn't worth the risk of having 1-2 years of bad Dunn + really bad Soriano.

This is the rationale that seemed to be applied to the Milton Bradley signing. Just sayin'

 

This is a really, really ridiculous take on this.

[Chisoxillini]

I'm surprised the Sox got him. It's an okay signing, considering Dunn is below average defensively and strikes out way too much. But if he hits like he has for the past two seasons, it will be worthwhile. Especially since Kotsay was penciled in as the DH last year. God, what a disaster that was.

 

Now resign Konerko and AJ and we'll call it an offseason.

 

AJ's on his way North of the Border it seems...

 

That sucks. He wasn't the best, but AJ provided some stability behind the dish. He was probably just tired of losing to the twins year after year. Looks like it's either Miguel Olivo or Tyler Flowers then.

[shnsajax]

I'm surprised the Sox got him. It's an okay signing, considering Dunn is below average defensively and strikes out way too much. But if he hits like he has for the past two seasons, it will be worthwhile. Especially since Kotsay was penciled in as the DH last year. God, what a disaster that was.

 

Now resign Konerko and AJ and we'll call it an offseason.

 

AJ's on his way North of the Border it seems...

 

That sucks. He wasn't the best, but AJ provided some stability behind the dish. He was probably just tired of losing to the twins year after year. Looks like it's either Miguel Olivo or Tyler Flowers then.

 

But now he is going to lose to the Yankees, Red Sox's and rays year after year.

[Chisoxillini]

I'm surprised the Sox got him. It's an okay signing, considering Dunn is below average defensively and strikes out way too much. But if he hits like he has for the past two seasons, it will be worthwhile. Especially since Kotsay was penciled in as the DH last year. God, what a disaster that was.

 

Now resign Konerko and AJ and we'll call it an offseason.

 

AJ's on his way North of the Border it seems...

 

That sucks. He wasn't the best, but AJ provided some stability behind the dish. He was probably just tired of losing to the twins year after year. Looks like it's either Miguel Olivo or Tyler Flowers then.

 

But now he is going to lose to the Yankees, Red Sox's and rays year after year.

 

That's true, but he doesn't have a bone to pick with those teams. With the twins it was personal.

[Little Slide Rooter]

White Sox To Sign A.J. Pierzynski

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [December 2 at 9:26pm CST]

The White Sox have agreed to sign A.J. Pierzynski, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). Rosenthal hears that the sides are moving toward a two-year, $8MM deal, but he notes that the catcher's salary is unconfirmed. Jon Heyman of SI.com confirms that Pierzynski will earn $8MM over two years (Twitter link).

 

 

One way or another, Kenny Williams always seems to get what he wants.

[Sammy Sofa]

White Sox To Sign A.J. Pierzynski

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [December 2 at 9:26pm CST]

The White Sox have agreed to sign A.J. Pierzynski, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). Rosenthal hears that the sides are moving toward a two-year, $8MM deal, but he notes that the catcher's salary is unconfirmed. Jon Heyman of SI.com confirms that Pierzynski will earn $8MM over two years (Twitter link).

 

 

One way or another, Kenny Williams always seems to get what he wants.

 

You can't be [expletive] serious.

[Little Slide Rooter]

White Sox To Sign A.J. Pierzynski

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [December 2 at 9:26pm CST]

The White Sox have agreed to sign A.J. Pierzynski, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). Rosenthal hears that the sides are moving toward a two-year, $8MM deal, but he notes that the catcher's salary is unconfirmed. Jon Heyman of SI.com confirms that Pierzynski will earn $8MM over two years (Twitter link).

 

 

One way or another, Kenny Williams always seems to get what he wants.

 

You can't be [expletive] serious.

 

Its not always good, he just seems to get what he wants.

[Chisoxillini]

White Sox To Sign A.J. Pierzynski

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [December 2 at 9:26pm CST]

The White Sox have agreed to sign A.J. Pierzynski, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). Rosenthal hears that the sides are moving toward a two-year, $8MM deal, but he notes that the catcher's salary is unconfirmed. Jon Heyman of SI.com confirms that Pierzynski will earn $8MM over two years (Twitter link).

 

 

One way or another, Kenny Williams always seems to get what he wants.

 

You can't be [expletive] serious.

 

Its not always good, he just seems to get what he wants.

 

Except for Prince Fielder, Adrian Gonzalez, Miguel Cabrera, Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt, Lance Berkman, etc.

[Sammy Sofa]

White Sox To Sign A.J. Pierzynski

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [December 2 at 9:26pm CST]

The White Sox have agreed to sign A.J. Pierzynski, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). Rosenthal hears that the sides are moving toward a two-year, $8MM deal, but he notes that the catcher's salary is unconfirmed. Jon Heyman of SI.com confirms that Pierzynski will earn $8MM over two years (Twitter link).

 

 

One way or another, Kenny Williams always seems to get what he wants.

 

You can't be [expletive] serious.

 

Its not always good, he just seems to get what he wants.

 

Who gives a [expletive]?

[dew1679666265]

Id much rather go after Alex Gordon or Chris Davis or just take our chances with Brian LaHair or a Colvin at 1st experiment than dip into the Johsnon/Branyan/Pena/Overbay pool. The fact is, wiothout a big splash, this team isnt going to contend, so I dont think it will make a difference which has been or never will be happens to be manning 1st base.

 

First off, Johnson (when healthy, that's a key) is a much, much better player than any of the guys you mentioned. He consistently puts up an OBP over .400. He's a useful player if you have some depth.

 

Which brings me to my next point - why not go for both? Sign Johnson to something like a 1/5 deal (money is flexible, I just used that amount to have a number) and then trade Chirinos for Chris Davis? Or Colvin/etc for Gordon? Start Johnson and when he inevitably gets hurt, you have Gordon or Davis to fill in (though I'd probably start Gordon at first if we got him, though with signing Nick Johnson, Gordon could also serve as third base depth as well).

[TruffleShuffle]

So how does a guy who could barely get a job two years ago and settled for a 2 year deal for $10 mil per now gets a 4 year deal for $14 mil per year? He is the same player he was then except for 2 years older. I'm not mad the Cubs didn't get Adam Dunn necessarily, but I am mad that there is no money to spend.

 

i like how getting $10 million a year is "barely getting a job" in this fantasy world.

[davearm2]

Amen.

 

A prototype DH gets a big deal that's aggressive in both length and dollars, and yet somehow that's evidence that the Cubs are hopeless and the owner is clueless? Get a grip, folks.

 

If we were Adam Dunn away from being a dominant team that could win 90-95 and seriously challenge for the World Series, that'd be different. But with or without Dunn we're a borderline playoff team. Our chances of making the playoffs are better with him obviously, but the likely reward simply isn't worth the risk of having 1-2 years of bad Dunn + really bad Soriano.

This is the rationale that seemed to be applied to the Milton Bradley signing. Just sayin'

 

This is a really, really ridiculous take on this.

The year before signing Milton Bradley, the Cubs had the best record in the NL, but a (perceived) weakness in the middle of the lineup that (allegedly) cost them in October.

 

The "one player away from WS contender" mentality was in full effect that offseason. They saw Bradley as the missing piece, and so they went out on a limb to get him.

 

So how is that so different than the bolded reasoning offered above? Or different at all?

[TruffleShuffle]

because adam dunn is the difference between the cubs being decent and bad, while the hope is that bradley was the difference between being very good and world champion.

[davearm2]

because adam dunn is the difference between the cubs being decent and bad, while the hope is that bradley was the difference between being very good and world champion.

Understood.

 

Earlier dew pointed out that signing Dunn to this deal would've been "a different story" if the Cubs were better positioned to contend for the WS.

 

And I'm saying the Cubs took that same "one player away" mindset into the Bradley situation. As we all know, that ended very poorly.

 

For some reason that was labeled a "really, really ridiculous take." I dunno, seems spot on to me. :shrug:

[Guest]

The reason Bradley didn't work out/wasn't a good idea is not because they signed him with that "missing piece" mindset.

[J.R.]

Colossal failure on the part of Mr. Tom Ricketts. This is [expletive].

 

You're quickly becoming my favorite NSBB novelty acct.

 

"Grr...Ricketts...grumble...grumble..."

 

I can't remember the last time I criticized the Family before yesterday.