Random Cubs Musings

[Felix Leiter]

Len Kasper has talked about the Cubs needing to add a veteran player to teach and help some of the younger players what it takes to play the game and be a steady influence in the clubhouse. He admits that it doesn't have to be an everyday player because, quite frankly all the positions seem to be filled. But he's suggested a Reed Johnson-type, someone doesn't have to play every day but could be like a player/coach. I know others have talked about getting a vet.

 

My choice is a veteran catcher who can be a leader on the field, but those guys don't seem to be available.

[sneakypower]

my choice is Manny Ramirez

[Tangled Up in Plaid]

Henry Blanco.

[jersey cubs fan]

Len Kasper has talked about the Cubs needing to add a veteran player to teach and help some of the younger players what it takes to play the game and be a steady influence in the clubhouse. He admits that it doesn't have to be an everyday player because, quite frankly all the positions seem to be filled. But he's suggested a Reed Johnson-type, someone doesn't have to play every day but could be like a player/coach. I know others have talked about getting a vet.

 

My choice is a veteran catcher who can be a leader on the field, but those guys don't seem to be available.

 

Isn't that Ryan Sweeney? I don't see much value in this type of thing. I'd love to have a good veteran on this team, not for the veteraness but for the goodness.

[Guest]

Wood is the first Bosio success story, the cutter is what made Wood as good as he is to begin with. Wood's case is a good reminder of the fragility of guys with his profile. Not only does he not have wipeout stuff, but as a LHP with his specific repertoire, he walks a thinner line between effectiveness and getting rocked than, say, Ryan Dempster did.

 

Whoops. I thought Wood's good year was two years ago. But apparently even that would have been Bosio, who I thought was hired for this season.

Clearly I've been paying a lot of attention.

 

http://www.cinemablend.com/images/news/37715/_1369324690.gif

[Sammy Sofa]

Guess that's the one good thing from Sveum.

[rawaction]

Len Kasper has talked about the Cubs needing to add a veteran player to teach and help some of the younger players what it takes to play the game and be a steady influence in the clubhouse. He admits that it doesn't have to be an everyday player because, quite frankly all the positions seem to be filled. But he's suggested a Reed Johnson-type, someone doesn't have to play every day but could be like a player/coach. I know others have talked about getting a vet.

 

My choice is a veteran catcher who can be a leader on the field, but those guys don't seem to be available.

 

Isn't that Ryan Sweeney? I don't see much value in this type of thing. I'd love to have a good veteran on this team, not for the veteraness but for the goodness.

 

Yeah, I a vet that allows the Cubs to hedge their bets against one or more of the kids falling on their faces in 2015 and beyond. Ideally, that would be a guy that can play CF and corner OF and wouldn't bitch too much if/when he is riding the pine if all/most of the kids do perform well.

[Guest]

Wood is the first Bosio success story, the cutter is what made Wood as good as he is to begin with. Wood's case is a good reminder of the fragility of guys with his profile. Not only does he not have wipeout stuff, but as a LHP with his specific repertoire, he walks a thinner line between effectiveness and getting rocked than, say, Ryan Dempster did.

 

Whoops. I thought Wood's good year was two years ago. But apparently even that would have been Bosio, who I thought was hired for this season.

Clearly I've been paying a lot of attention.

 

http://www.cinemablend.com/images/news/37715/_1369324690.gif

 

Just another reason to ignore N&G's baseball posts.

[Sammy Sofa]

There was ever a reason to pay attention?

[imb]

There was ever a reason to pay attention?

 

No

[Sammy Sofa]

We get things.

[ddwyer]

With Edwin Jackson needing a change of scenery, I keep thinking about trading him for an expensive position player that may help us (another Milton Bradley for Carlos Silva trade). We can always throw some money into the trade to even out the salaries. I don't see the cubs taking on anything longer than a 2 year contract.

 

My initial thoughts are an outfielder (I don't think that Rusney Castillo really fits Theo's theory for controlling the strike zone) or a catcher. It would be helpful if this person provided the veteran experience that may be desired for the clubhouse. Any ideas for players that may fit the bill?

[jersey cubs fan]

With Edwin Jackson needing a change of scenery, I keep thinking about trading him for an expensive position player that may help us (another Milton Bradley for Carlos Silva trade). We can always throw some money into the trade to even out the salaries. I don't see the cubs taking on anything longer than a 2 year contract.

 

My initial thoughts are an outfielder (I don't think that Rusney Castillo really fits Theo's theory for controlling the strike zone) or a catcher. It would be helpful if this person provided the veteran experience that may be desired for the clubhouse. Any ideas for players that may fit the bill?

 

Josh Hamilton

[Him]

With Edwin Jackson needing a change of scenery, I keep thinking about trading him for an expensive position player that may help us (another Milton Bradley for Carlos Silva trade). We can always throw some money into the trade to even out the salaries. I don't see the cubs taking on anything longer than a 2 year contract.

 

My initial thoughts are an outfielder (I don't think that Rusney Castillo really fits Theo's theory for controlling the strike zone) or a catcher. It would be helpful if this person provided the veteran experience that may be desired for the clubhouse. Any ideas for players that may fit the bill?

 

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/brian-mccann-probably-couldnt-be-given-away-for-free/

 

I really don't want him, but McCann jumped to mind for me. Way too much money and many years, but he's a catcher with leadership experience. The Yankees would be sending us cash for Jackson in this case.

[Guest]

Matt Kemp

BJ Upton

[Guest]

With Edwin Jackson needing a change of scenery, I keep thinking about trading him for an expensive position player that may help us (another Milton Bradley for Carlos Silva trade). We can always throw some money into the trade to even out the salaries. I don't see the cubs taking on anything longer than a 2 year contract.

 

My initial thoughts are an outfielder (I don't think that Rusney Castillo really fits Theo's theory for controlling the strike zone) or a catcher. It would be helpful if this person provided the veteran experience that may be desired for the clubhouse. Any ideas for players that may fit the bill?

 

Josh Hamilton

Not even close to equivalent deals. Hamilton is at $23M/30/30 through 2017.

[jersey cubs fan]

With Edwin Jackson needing a change of scenery, I keep thinking about trading him for an expensive position player that may help us (another Milton Bradley for Carlos Silva trade). We can always throw some money into the trade to even out the salaries. I don't see the cubs taking on anything longer than a 2 year contract.

 

My initial thoughts are an outfielder (I don't think that Rusney Castillo really fits Theo's theory for controlling the strike zone) or a catcher. It would be helpful if this person provided the veteran experience that may be desired for the clubhouse. Any ideas for players that may fit the bill?

 

Josh Hamilton

Not even close to equivalent deals. Hamilton is at $23M/30/30 through 2017.

 

taking on money is the only way to go.

 

 

 

(it was just the first name that popped into my head)

[Clem Fandango]

Brian McCann: Unwritten Rules Cop. I [expletive] hate him and would pay the Cubs money to not acquire him

[Cubswin11]

Mauer

[OleMissCub]

Matt Kemp

BJ Upton

 

Wow, I didn't realize Kemp was so bad. Paid 21 million this year with a negative WAR.

 

And BJ Upton, what the heck happened to him? Not that he was ever great, but he went from back to back 3.0 and 2.8 WAR seasons to -1.3 last year and -1.1 this year. Oh and he's making 13.4 this year.

 

Oh, and the fact that someone as bad at baseball as Edwin Jackson has made 51 million in his terrible career just really saddens me. Also, fwiw, Jim Deshaies is one of his similar pitchers on BF.

[Aaron_Kennelly]

Please, no Brian McCann.

[Guest]

Matt Kemp

BJ Upton

I was thinking of Upton, but he doesn't fit the OP's criteria of only having two more years. Not many do, though.

 

Given that, here's what I come up with that have a rough contract fit:

 

Andre Ethier (2017 + Option, $18M/18/17.5)

Curtis Granderson (2017, $16M/16/15)

Matt Holiday (2016 + Option, all at $17M)

Nick Swisher (2016 + option, $15M/15/14)

Michael Bourn (2016 + option, $13.5M/14/12)

[Bobson Dugnutt]

Carlos Beltran?

[WrigleyField 22]

Matt Kemp

BJ Upton

I was thinking of Upton, but he doesn't fit the OP's criteria of only having two more years. Not many do, though.

 

Given that, here's what I come up with that have a rough contract fit:

 

Andre Ethier (2017 + Option, $18M/18/17.5)

Curtis Granderson (2017, $16M/16/15)

Matt Holiday (2016 + Option, all at $17M)

Nick Swisher (2016 + option, $15M/15/14)

Michael Bourn (2016 + option, $13.5M/14/12)

I'd trade Jackson for any of those, no cash exchanged.

[jersey cubs fan]

Matt Kemp

BJ Upton

I was thinking of Upton, but he doesn't fit the OP's criteria of only having two more years. Not many do, though.

 

Given that, here's what I come up with that have a rough contract fit:

 

Andre Ethier (2017 + Option, $18M/18/17.5)

Curtis Granderson (2017, $16M/16/15)

Matt Holiday (2016 + Option, all at $17M)

Nick Swisher (2016 + option, $15M/15/14)

Michael Bourn (2016 + option, $13.5M/14/12)

I'd trade Jackson for any of those, no cash exchanged.

 

The Mets aren't trading a hitter for substandard pitching, and nobody is taking Jackson without actual relief.