Cubs offer arbitration to Pena, Ramirez

[Vinestal]

Paul Sullivan (@PWSullivan)

11/23/11 8:50 PM

Cubs offer arbitration to Ramirez, Pena, not Wood, Reed, Ortiz, Lopez or Grabow. Wood still expected to re-sign.

[SouthSideRyan]

Wow, pretty surprised about Pena

[A New Era]

Wow, pretty surprised about Pena

 

Hopefully he accepts. I am a big fan of Pena. I wouldn't mind him being here a couple more years while we focus more on SP, 3B, and OF needs.

[davell]

Well, I'm the opposite as I've already said a prayer asking that he does NOT accept. Maybe we have an agreement in place with him so he won't.

[Little Slide Rooter]

Well, I'm the opposite as I've already said a prayer asking that he does NOT accept. Maybe we have an agreement in place with him so he won't.

 

If we dont get any compensation for Type Bs anymore what would be the point?

[davell]

Well, I'm the opposite as I've already said a prayer asking that he does NOT accept. Maybe we have an agreement in place with him so he won't.

 

If we dont get any compensation for Type Bs anymore what would be the point?

This year there still is compensation for B's. I'm guessing it's still after the 1st round and the Type A comp picks, but there still is compensation for this last time. At least I'm almost sure there is, right?

[Sammy Sofa]

Wow, pretty surprised about Pena

 

Hopefully he accepts. I am a big fan of Pena. I wouldn't mind him being here a couple more years while we focus more on SP, 3B, and OF needs.

 

You're the blurst.

[UMFan83]

Does taking a risk by offering Pena arby say anything about Theo's desire to pursue Fielder and/or Pujols?

 

I mean I guess he could think if Pena doesn't accept we will go after them, but if not we can live with Pena. But unless I'm missing something (and I could be) or Theo knows Pena won't accept (unlikely unless they flat out told him they don't want him back, which I don't think is allowed), I'm not sure Theo and co. are dead set on going after the 2 big 1st basemen.

[Little Slide Rooter]

Does taking a risk by offering Pena arby say anything about Theo's desire to pursue Fielder and/or Pujols?

 

I mean I guess he could think if Pena doesn't accept we will go after them, but if not we can live with Pena. But unless I'm missing something (and I could be) or Theo knows Pena won't accept (unlikely unless they flat out told him they don't want him back, which I don't think is allowed), I'm not sure Theo and co. are dead set on going after the 2 big 1st basemen.

 

If there arent any better options, we could live with Pena. However, there is one great option and one amazing option. If Theo plans on pursuing Fielder or Pujols for 6-8 years, I highly, highly, highly doubt that it hinges on whether or not Pena accepts arbitration.

[Sammy Sofa]

Why would Pena accept arbitration if the Cubs sign Fielder or Pujols? Those guys being off the market just increase his shot at getting a bigger deal.

[UMFan83]

Why would Pena accept arbitration if the Cubs sign Fielder or Pujols? Those guys being off the market just increase his shot at getting a bigger deal.

 

I was under the impression that Pena could accept arbitration at anytime, so I figured he would accept after feeling out the market. Of course if the Cubs are already in hot pursuit of Fielder and Pujols, I guess that sends a pretty clear message. I see your point.

[Little Slide Rooter]

Why would Pena accept arbitration if the Cubs sign Fielder or Pujols? Those guys being off the market just increase his shot at getting a bigger deal.

 

Not necessarily. Pujols and Fielder go beyond the 1B market. Teams with a 1B could sign them to DH or move their existing IB to DH or OF if posssible or trade an existing 1B. They're that good. Pena only appeals to teams with an immediate need for a 1B and there are multiple so-so options and only so many teams with an immediate need at that spot. In fact, aside from the Cubs, the teams who have been linked the most to Fielder, The Mariners, Marlins, and Angels all have their own existing 1B.

Edited November 24, 2011 by Little Slide Rooter

[Derwood]

local radio is pushing hard for the Indians to sign Pena

[Guest]

Why would Pena accept arbitration if the Cubs sign Fielder or Pujols? Those guys being off the market just increase his shot at getting a bigger deal.

 

I was under the impression that Pena could accept arbitration at anytime, so I figured he would accept after feeling out the market. Of course if the Cubs are already in hot pursuit of Fielder and Pujols, I guess that sends a pretty clear message. I see your point.

Have you not seen me make this point recently?

 

Why would Pena accept a one year deal with the Cubs if he knows we're pursuing Fielder? He certainly wouldn't get the PT he needs to set up that next contract.

[Little Slide Rooter]

local radio is pushing hard for the Indians to sign Pena

 

 

Personally, I think that The Brewers would be a good spot. If they sign him, acquire an upgrade at SS or 3B, and a few solid back end relievers theyd have a pretty good chance to hold down the division for another year before The Cubs come for it.

[Sammy Sofa]

Why would Pena accept arbitration if the Cubs sign Fielder or Pujols? Those guys being off the market just increase his shot at getting a bigger deal.

 

Not necessarily. Pujols and Fielder go beyond the 1B market. Teams with a 1B could sign them to DH or move their existing IB to DH or OF if posssible or trade an existing 1B. They're that good. Pena only appeals to teams with an immediate need for a 1B and there are multiple so-so options and only so many teams with an immediate need at that spot. In fact, aside from the Cubs, the teams who have been linked the most to Fielder, The Mariners, Marlins, and Angels all have their own existing 1B.

 

Why would Pena not be an option for a team looking for a DH?

[davell]

As long as Pena doesn't accept, Cubs will have 4 of the top 60ish or so picks in the draft.

[Guest]

Potentially another thing in favor of Pena not accepting.... maybe they figure Boras (he's a Boras client, right?) will try not to sign Pena until after Fielder/Pujols sign and potentially set the market and leave a 3rd team a little more desperate.

[XZero771679666304]

I can't see Pena accepting. He signed a 1-year "pillow" deal to prove 2010 Pena wasn't the real Pena and to a large degree, he succeeded. He'll be looking for a 2-3 year deal, and he'll get it from someone.

 

I really like Carlos, but you can't hold on to him with the options available. It's too bad he can't play 3B.

[Little Slide Rooter]

Why would Pena accept arbitration if the Cubs sign Fielder or Pujols? Those guys being off the market just increase his shot at getting a bigger deal.

 

Not necessarily. Pujols and Fielder go beyond the 1B market. Teams with a 1B could sign them to DH or move their existing IB to DH or OF if posssible or trade an existing 1B. They're that good. Pena only appeals to teams with an immediate need for a 1B and there are multiple so-so options and only so many teams with an immediate need at that spot. In fact, aside from the Cubs, the teams who have been linked the most to Fielder, The Mariners, Marlins, and Angels all have their own existing 1B.

 

Why would Pena not be an option for a team looking for a DH?

 

I suppose he could be, but if a 1-2 year DH is what you seek you could probably get someone like Vlad or Matsui for a lot cheaper. Im notsaying that nobody is going to want Pena, just that I dont think that hisnor any other free agents value hinges on what happens with Pujols and Fielder. Theyre more once in a life time if you have the money fet them whether you have an immediate need or not guys. Teams in the chase for those 2 that move one will likely spend the money elsewhere like on pitching or even save it dor next year.

[Little Slide Rooter]

In other arbitration news, The Pirates offered it to Derrek Lee. I hope he accepts because I don't know what else is out there for him. He doesnt have the bat he used to and younger options like Pena and Kotchman might not be too much more expensive.

[Derwood]

In other arbitration news, The Pirates offered it to Derrek Lee. I hope he accepts because I don't know what else is out there for him. He doesnt have the bat he used to and younger options like Pena and Kotchman might not be too much more expensive.

 

Didn't he hit like .330 for the Pirates?

[Little Slide Rooter]

In other arbitration news, The Pirates offered it to Derrek Lee. I hope he accepts because I don't know what else is out there for him. He doesnt have the bat he used to and younger options like Pena and Kotchman might not be too much more expensive.

 

Didn't he hit like .330 for the Pirates?

 

Could be but he's not going to fool any team into thinking he's not 35-36 years old. Maybe some team could show interest on a 1 year but depending on the Pirates arb number he might not get a better offer so why risk it? I can't imagine a contender going after him. He has the same market as Pena and Kotchman. His best bet is if someone like the Mariners or Indians don't fully trust Smoak or LaPorta yet and want a 1 year band aid as opposed to 2-3 of Pena or Kotchman.

[The Post]

I have a gut feeling that GMs have a pretty good idea if a player is going to accept or decline arbitration before they off it to them. Whatever comes of the Pena situation, I'm sure it will be Epstein's desired outcome. I'm not worried.

[JeffH]

As long as Pena doesn't accept, Cubs will have 4 of the top 60ish or so picks in the draft.

 

And, if they sign a Type A free agent, the pick they will lose will be the lowest ranked of those four.