Cubs looking at middle infielders?

[davell]

In Levine's chat each Tuesday, he's been mentioning Orlando Cabrera as a possibility for a few weeks. This week he also brought up Christian Guzman and Julio Lugo. He's previously said that we'd look at guys like this if we can sign them for a mill or so and they're happy backing up 2B/SS/3B.

 

 

To me, this would be a waste. I don't see any of these guys being able to do anything that Darwin Barney can't do just as well.

[Guest]

In Levine's chat each Tuesday, he's been mentioning Orlando Cabrera as a possibility for a few weeks. This week he also brought up Christian Guzman and Julio Lugo. He's previously said that we'd look at guys like this if we can sign them for a mill or so and they're happy backing up 2B/SS/3B.

 

 

To me, this would be a waste. I don't see any of these guys being able to do anything that Darwin Barney can't do just as well.

 

I don't really see why it matters either way though. They're probably better bets than Barney, and since Barney's ceiling is just a utility IF anyway, having him as additional depth isn't really a bad thing, and at this point in the offseason the money isn't going to be used on another roster spot.

[javy knows my name]

Why do this? Yeah, it won't tie up any resources, but it is annoying

[rawaction]

In Levine's chat each Tuesday, he's been mentioning Orlando Cabrera as a possibility for a few weeks. This week he also brought up Christian Guzman and Julio Lugo. He's previously said that we'd look at guys like this if we can sign them for a mill or so and they're happy backing up 2B/SS/3B.

 

 

To me, this would be a waste. I don't see any of these guys being able to do anything that Darwin Barney can't do just as well.

 

I don't really see why it matters either way though. They're probably better bets than Barney, and since Barney's ceiling is just a utility IF anyway, having him as additional depth isn't really a bad thing, and at this point in the offseason the money isn't going to be used on another roster spot.

 

May not matter with Quade, but past managers (not naming any obvious names) it would matter a whole heck of a lot. You got Castro and DeWitt in the middle IF as of today. Both are young players, I think bringing in a "veteran" like Guzman, Lugo, or Cabrera would just be asking for whichever one they bring in to get 400 ABs at the expense of struggling younger players.

 

I'd rather take my chances of getting a Theriot like 1/2 season out of Barney over getting what I know will be crap out of Cristian Guzman.

[davell]

Yeah, I don't want to jinx Quade, but I do think he'e a guy who's going to let the young guys play through slumps. But, having a "veteran" like Cabrera or Guzman could make it easier for Castro to lose some at bats that he probably needs, if he's struggling at some point. I'd rather not take that chance, Castro means much more than having some veteran on the team that probably doesn't do anything Barney can't do.

 

Plus, that million could be spent towards a INT FA or the draft, where it's more likely to pay actual dividends for our team than adding a Cabrera.

[Guest]

Boy, maybe I'm naive, but I just don't see how replacing Castro would even be considered.

 

And yes, that money could go to other things like international signees, and it could also be used to lower ticket prices for a few games. it doesn't necessarily work that way though.

[davell]

I don't think they'd replace Castro. But, I don't even want a Cabrera or Guzman costing him an additional 50-75 at bats from where Barney could possibly.

 

And the money could certainly go towards something other than the system, but since that's my favorite area of the team for now, I'm greedy in that way. :D

[rawaction]

Boy, maybe I'm naive, but I just don't see how replacing Castro would even be considered.

 

And yes, that money could go to other things like international signees, and it could also be used to lower ticket prices for a few games. it doesn't necessarily work that way though.

 

You are naive if you can trust the Cubs management to handle any situation correctly. That's how you get Damon Buford over Corey Patterson, Neifi over.....anyone, and Hill over Soto for more than 1 game in a row.

[SouthSideRyan]

Boy, maybe I'm naive, but I just don't see how replacing Castro would even be considered.

 

And yes, that money could go to other things like international signees, and it could also be used to lower ticket prices for a few games. it doesn't necessarily work that way though.

 

Yeah, Castro would have to be Ronny Cedeno 2006 to get benched.

 

Seriously? Damon Buford over Corey Patterson is an example of organizational incompetence?? Corey was 20 and in his 2nd professional season. He never should've seen the bigs in 2002, let alone 2000.

[Post Count Padder]

Dumb. They'll probably be better than Barney, but I'd be worried about them getting too many at bats. If Cabrera wants to sign for a mil, get only about 100-150 at bats and mentor Castro in the field, I wouldn't mind that much at all. But I feel like that's just wishful thinking.

[javy knows my name]

It sounds like management kind of wants somebody breathing down Castro's back. Despite the fact that he was fine all season when he was just handed the job. Don't want the latins to get complacent out there, I guess

[Little Slide Rooter]

If we were in need of middle infielders, Guzman, Lugu, and Cabrera woul be intriguing names at the right price. Were not though. Castro and DeWitt are our starters. Darwin Barney and Jeff Baker may never be all stars, but as far as backup shortstop and utility infilder/super sub, there probably as good as any in baseball. To me, it sounds like Hendry has a few extra mil burning a hole in his pocket and looking for something to buy. Youve had a solid off season Jim, quit while your ahead.

[NonProfitCow]

Don't worry, the Cards will gobble up all the shitty ones before Hendry gets a chance.

[Northside Blues]

Boy, maybe I'm naive, but I just don't see how replacing Castro would even be considered.

 

And yes, that money could go to other things like international signees, and it could also be used to lower ticket prices for a few games. it doesn't necessarily work that way though.

 

You are naive if you can trust the Cubs management to handle any situation correctly. That's how you get Damon Buford over Corey Patterson, Neifi over.....anyone, and Hill over Soto for more than 1 game in a row.

 

 

Nonsense.

[SouthSideRyan]

It sounds like management kind of wants somebody breathing down Castro's back. Despite the fact that he was fine all season when he was just handed the job. Don't want the latins to get complacent out there, I guess

 

No idea how you come to that conclusion. Maybe they're not satisfied by Darwin Barney's unremarkable career as the backup SS and right handed bat off the bench when facing lefties.

[Guest]

Yeah, in the list of reasons to add a middle IF, Castro is a distant 4th behind Barney not being able to hit with a tennis racket, DeWitt and Baker being non-proven, and advertising opportunities at the chain of restaurants Cristian Guzman owns in Trinidad & Tobago.

[imb]

it really doesn't bother me, but that's pretty much because i dont like darwin barney's name

[SouthSideRyan]

I'm still pretty upset that Darwin Barney is white.

[Guest]

He's Asian American you racist.

[Sammy Sofa]

I just assumed he was white with a name that awful and snobby.

[Little Slide Rooter]

He's Asian American you racist.

 

I always thought he was mixed. Darwin Barneys about as un-Asian of a name there is. Then again, Im still getting over the fact that Khalil Greene is white.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

I assumed he was like 80 years old.

[questionmarkgrace]

I do think finding a serviceable back up to spell castro from time to time is important. Its not about stealing at bats but just making sure hes fresh, in case he slumps, has a minor injury. etc. This would be a good guy to have around. it would also be nice to have someone not named jeff baker that can play third when Aramis goes on the dl.

 

Plus Im just not that sold with our second base situation. If DeWitt stumbles, Baker cant face righties, Barney hasn't shown me anything yet and then were kind of screwed. By the way for all the DeWitt lovers he actually was worse with the cubs then with the dodgers last year. With the way were built, if we could add a more consistent on base guy it would help a great deal especially if its at or around the minimum salary.

[TruffleShuffle]

I do think finding a serviceable back up to spell castro from time to time is important.

 

we have one, it's darwin barney.

 

Plus Im just not that sold with our second base situation. If DeWitt stumbles, Baker cant face righties, Barney hasn't shown me anything yet and then were kind of screwed. By the way for all the DeWitt lovers he actually was worse with the cubs then with the dodgers last year. With the way were built, if we could add a more consistent on base guy it would help a great deal especially if its at or around the minimum salary.

 

you really think you're going to get a good OBP 2B for near the minimum salary?

[Mark Priors Calves]

When I first heard Darwin Barney's name a few years ago, I thought that he would be a guy that Carl Everett would punch.