Michael Cuddyer for 3B

[Southpaw191679666239]

I didn't see any topic on this already, but I would like to sign Cuddyer for 3B and let Ramirez walk. It will fill a hole and even if it's not long-term, it would allow the Cubs to fill the gap for 2012 while they seek other alternatives.

[Cubs Fan Dan]

I didn't see any topic on this already, but I would like to sign Cuddyer for 3B and let Ramirez walk. It will fill a hole and even if it's not long-term, it would allow the Cubs to fill the gap for 2012 while they seek other alternatives.

 

I like Cuddyer but he may get more than he is worth because production has been a little inconsistent. I do like the fact he can play multiple positions.

[SouthSideRyan]

He hasn't played there consistently since '05, and IIRC was pretty poor back then.

[Benchwarmer]

Ryan is right, Cuddyer can't play third any more. But if we fail in the Pujols/Fielder sweepstakes, then he would make a good 1st alternative. In fact, I'd also kick the tires on Jason Kubel for RF who is also a FA. The Twins stress fundamentals in their organization and might be attractive to Team Theo.

 

Another possibility(trade) would be CF Denard Spann. The Twins have Ben Revere in waiting and we could offer a package of Wells or Shark and Colvin.

[Guest]

Ryan is right, Cuddyer can't play third any more. But if we fail in the Pujols/Fielder sweepstakes, then he would make a good 1st alternative. In fact, I'd also kick the tires on Jason Kubel for RF who is also a FA. The Twins stress fundamentals in their organization and might be attractive to Team Theo.

 

Another possibility(trade) would be CF Denard Spann. The Twins have Ben Revere in waiting and we could offer a package of Wells or Shark and Colvin.

The Twins are nearly polar opposite of the typical Boston mindset.

 

Also, the Twins may stress fundamentals, but Kubel & Cuddyer are both pretty brutal defensively, iirc.

[Southpaw191679666239]

Ryan is right, Cuddyer can't play third any more. But if we fail in the Pujols/Fielder sweepstakes, then he would make a good 1st alternative. In fact, I'd also kick the tires on Jason Kubel for RF who is also a FA. The Twins stress fundamentals in their organization and might be attractive to Team Theo.

 

Another possibility(trade) would be CF Denard Spann. The Twins have Ben Revere in waiting and we could offer a package of Wells or Shark and Colvin.

The Twins are nearly polar opposite of the typical Boston mindset.

 

Also, the Twins may stress fundamentals, but Kubel & Cuddyer are both pretty brutal defensively, iirc.

 

Okay - my mistake. I just thought it might be an option. I definitely don't want Aramis back, and would be willing to sign a one-year stop gap ala Pena in the form of Edwin Encarnacion or the like.

[Southpaw191679666239]

Ryan is right, Cuddyer can't play third any more. But if we fail in the Pujols/Fielder sweepstakes, then he would make a good 1st alternative.

 

Would you rather have Cuddyer or Pena as a fall back?

[Guest]

Ryan is right, Cuddyer can't play third any more. But if we fail in the Pujols/Fielder sweepstakes, then he would make a good 1st alternative. In fact, I'd also kick the tires on Jason Kubel for RF who is also a FA. The Twins stress fundamentals in their organization and might be attractive to Team Theo.

 

Another possibility(trade) would be CF Denard Spann. The Twins have Ben Revere in waiting and we could offer a package of Wells or Shark and Colvin.

The Twins are nearly polar opposite of the typical Boston mindset.

 

Also, the Twins may stress fundamentals, but Kubel & Cuddyer are both pretty brutal defensively, iirc.

 

Okay - my mistake. I just thought it might be an option. I definitely don't want Aramis back, and would be willing to sign a one-year stop gap ala Pena in the form of Edwin Encarnacion or the like.

Out of curiosity, why "definitely" not on Aramis? If he signed a team-friendly deal for 1-2 years that wouldn't be attractive?

[Southpaw191679666239]

Out of curiosity, why "definitely" not on Aramis? If he signed a team-friendly deal for 1-2 years that wouldn't be attractive?

 

Because I believe he's already started his decline, stat-wise. I just don't think he's worth it. I don't think he wants a team-friendly deal. I still believe he wants top dollar and feels he can get it elsewhere. Sure it will be tough to match his historic power and production, but is it really worth it in the short term?

[Guest]

Out of curiosity, why "definitely" not on Aramis? If he signed a team-friendly deal for 1-2 years that wouldn't be attractive?

 

Because I believe he's already started his decline, stat-wise. I just don't think he's worth it. I don't think he wants a team-friendly deal. I still believe he wants top dollar and feels he can get it elsewhere. Sure it will be tough to match his historic power and production, but is it really worth it in the short term?

Historic as in 2011? He finished the year as one of the best offensive 3B in the game.

 

I've argued in favor of letting him go, getting a comp pick and investing those millions elsewhere. But I'm not "definitely" against having him come back. I can certainly see scenarios where I'd be thrilled to have him on the team for 2012.

[Southpaw191679666239]

Out of curiosity, why "definitely" not on Aramis? If he signed a team-friendly deal for 1-2 years that wouldn't be attractive?

 

Because I believe he's already started his decline, stat-wise. I just don't think he's worth it. I don't think he wants a team-friendly deal. I still believe he wants top dollar and feels he can get it elsewhere. Sure it will be tough to match his historic power and production, but is it really worth it in the short term?

Historic as in 2011? He finished the year as one of the best offensive 3B in the game.

 

I've argued in favor of letting him go, getting a comp pick and investing those millions elsewhere. But I'm not "definitely" against having him come back. I can certainly see scenarios where I'd be thrilled to have him on the team for 2012.

 

No historically he's hit between 20-30 HRs career since coming to the Cubs, but I still feel he's not worth the risk. Now would I piss and moan if he was back for '12? No, because he's not the only hole/problem on the team. There are more pressing things to address. I would just prefer if he left at this point.

[davearm2]

It may or may not impact how Theo views Ramirez, but it bears noting that he took a bath by re-upping with Mike Lowell not so long ago.

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

I'd rather sign Carlos Beltran to play 3B.

[toonsterwu]

Ryan is right, Cuddyer can't play third any more. But if we fail in the Pujols/Fielder sweepstakes, then he would make a good 1st alternative. In fact, I'd also kick the tires on Jason Kubel for RF who is also a FA. The Twins stress fundamentals in their organization and might be attractive to Team Theo.

 

Another possibility(trade) would be CF Denard Spann. The Twins have Ben Revere in waiting and we could offer a package of Wells or Shark and Colvin.

 

They reportedly wanted a high impact youngster for Span. They asked for Drew Storen from the Nats. I don't believe Shark or Colvin would entice them as much, and their rotation is capable enough on the back end (plus Wells is going to get more expensive in the next year or two due to arbitration). Furthermore, much as I like Span, Brett Jackson will be given every chance to win the CF job in the near future.

[toonsterwu]

Cuddyer as an option in RF or 1st is a decent idea if you can get him on a 1-2 year deal at a decent AAV, but his performance, offensively, has been somewhat erratic over the past 4 years, particularly as it relates to power. Add in that he's coming off a peak season, along with his reportedly plus intangibles, and I wonder if he'll get overpaid on past performance.

 

In RF, I'd rather pay a little more for Kubel, who isn't all that good in RF either. At 1st, I'm not so sure I wouldn't prefer Josh Willingham out of the 2nd tier guys.

 

It's not a great third base FA market. The most intriguing name to me might be a guy who has really struggled in Kevin Kouzmanoff. I think 3rd base, if Aramis leaves, might need to be addressed through the trade market. I still like Chase Headley, and considering we are getting Hoyer and McLeod, that piques the curiosity on that (and since the Padres have a lot of third base talent, particularly in the upper levels, it seems like an intriguing option.

[SouthSideRyan]

Out of curiosity, why "definitely" not on Aramis? If he signed a team-friendly deal for 1-2 years that wouldn't be attractive?

 

Because I believe he's already started his decline, stat-wise. I just don't think he's worth it. I don't think he wants a team-friendly deal. I still believe he wants top dollar and feels he can get it elsewhere. Sure it will be tough to match his historic power and production, but is it really worth it in the short term?

Historic as in 2011? He finished the year as one of the best offensive 3B in the game.

 

I've argued in favor of letting him go, getting a comp pick and investing those millions elsewhere. But I'm not "definitely" against having him come back. I can certainly see scenarios where I'd be thrilled to have him on the team for 2012.

 

No historically he's hit between 20-30 HRs career since coming to the Cubs, but I still feel he's not worth the risk. Now would I piss and moan if he was back for '12? No, because he's not the only hole/problem on the team. There are more pressing things to address. I would just prefer if he left at this point.

 

Umm yeah, Ramirez wasn't a hole/problem.

[BeerHere]

I think significant dollars need to be spent on the 2012 rotation. If signing ARam means that a FA pitcher cannot be had then he needs to be allowed to walk away. I certainly wouldn't complain if he's on the team, provided his contract doesn't block other moves.