Would you want Matt Lawton for leftfield?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

According to Crasnick, Lawton is available.

 

Littlefield would gladly move Matt Lawton, who is making $7.75 million this year and will be a free agent this winter.

 

Lawton might be a decent acquisition.

 

Here are the numbers:

 

Batting Average

2005: 265

Career: 269

 

OBP

2005: 369

Career: 370

 

SLG:

2005: 430

Career: 421

 

OPS:

2005: 799

Career: 791

 

He's hitting right at his career numbers, so it is likely he'll continue to do so the remainder of the season. He brings a nice OBP and has some modest pop in his bat.

 

We've fleeced the Pirates before; we could try it again.

 

Lawton could be penciled into the lead-off spot and might help the line-up immensely.

Edited June 22, 2005 by vance_the_cubs_fan

[CUBZ99]

.269 OBP this year? Is that a typo?

[Transmogrified Tiger]

.269 OBP this year? Is that a typo?

 

Yeah, .369 is correct

[hawkeyecub]

When he was mentioned before, Hoops brought up that he's taken a big step back in the 2nd half of the season during his career. After I looked at his numbers, it was clear that's the case.

He has a had a tendency to break down in the second half and his numbers have almost aways taken a big step back.

[CUBZ99]

.269 OBP this year? Is that a typo?

 

Yeah, .369 is correct

 

That would look nice at the leadoff spot.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

.269 OBP this year? Is that a typo?

 

Yeah, .369 is correct

 

Yeah it was a typo. I'll fix it.

 

dammit...I really should preview before posting. :x

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

When he was mentioned before, Hoops brought up that he's taken a big step back in the 2nd half of the season during his career. After I looked at his numbers, it was clear that's the case.

He has a had a tendency to break down in the second half and his numbers have almost aways taken a big step back.

 

If that's the case for this year, he's going to finish way below his career norms. I think it is interesting that it appears he is performing right at his career levels for this season.

 

I don't know what it would take to get him. Pittsburg was playing well, but have taken a step back. They aren't going to get into the play-offs and Lawton is a FA. If we eat all the contract, we might could get him for a mid-level prospect.

[ThePenguin11]

He had a nice day today, 3-5, HR, 5 RBI.

[LoneStarCubFan]

Not sure where Crasnick is getting his info. Littlefield said on Baseball This AM that Pittsburgh is essentially out of the contract-dumping business. They may be thinking of dealing Lawton but they aren't going to give him away like they did Ramirez and Lofton.

[USSoccer]

Not sure where Crasnick is getting his info. Littlefield said on Baseball This AM that Pittsburgh is essentially out of the contract-dumping business. They may be thinking of dealing Lawton but they aren't going to give him away like they did Ramirez and Lofton.

 

Minds can change. If PIT keeps dropping out of the race and losing games, and the gates at PNC decrease, they would probably dump some salary. Lawton makes a lot for them.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Not sure where Crasnick is getting his info. Littlefield said on Baseball This AM that Pittsburgh is essentially out of the contract-dumping business. They may be thinking of dealing Lawton but they aren't going to give him away like they did Ramirez and Lofton.

 

And that's exactly what you would expect him to say to keep the fan base interested.

 

Also, Lawton isn't your typical salary dump. He's a FA after this season, so once Pit decides they are out of it, it would be wise to sell him to the highest bidder.

[brinoch]

Not sure where Crasnick is getting his info. Littlefield said on Baseball This AM that Pittsburgh is essentially out of the contract-dumping business. They may be thinking of dealing Lawton but they aren't going to give him away like they did Ramirez and Lofton.

 

And that's exactly what you would expect him to say to keep the fan base interested.

 

Also, Lawton isn't your typical salary dump. He's a FA after this season, so once Pit decides they are out of it, it would be wise to sell him to the highest bidder.

 

Yep. That's smart GMing, not salary dumping.

[AI]

If that's the case for this year, he's going to finish way below his career norms. I think it is interesting that it appears he is performing right at his career levels for this season.

 

I don't know what it would take to get him. Pittsburg was playing well, but have taken a step back. They aren't going to get into the play-offs and Lawton is a FA. If we eat all the contract, we might could get him for a mid-level prospect.

 

PET PEEVE ALERT!!!

 

ITS PITTSBURGH!!!

 

Jake and I thank you. ;)

[BigbadB]

I wouldn't have minded seeing the Cubs get him before the season started, but I really don't see a need for him now. Hairston Jr. is younger and arguably his equal.

[Tim]

Lew Ford

[HoopsCubs]

Lew Ford

 

Where do the Twins need to upgrade? 2B, 3B and SS look like opportunities to upgrade. 5th starter? Lefty in the bullpen to replace Mulholland?

 

Hairston and Remlinger?

[AI]

Lew Ford

 

His stats are nothing special this season. I know his career OBP is pretty good, but his power numbers are nothing special either.

[minnesotacubsfan]

Lew Ford

 

 

 

this is who Murton reminds me of...

[Larry Horse]

Lew Ford

 

I like Lew also

[Old Style Man]

Lew Ford

 

Where do the Twins need to upgrade? 2B, 3B and SS look like opportunities to upgrade. 5th starter? Lefty in the bullpen to replace Mulholland?

 

Hairston and Remlinger?

 

Only problem with that is Remlinger isn't an upgrade over anyone, and I don't think that Hairston is much, if any, better than their current 2b options. They aren't giving up Ford for these guys.

[NorthsideAvenger]

Lew Ford

 

Now if the Cubs could get a LEW more players that can actually play, then they will be in business.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of Lawton. Could we get Lawton for a package of Pignatello and Leicester?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I'm still thinking Lawton might be a decent option. How much would the Pirates really expect to get for him?

 

I don't know why his name isn't being thrown around a little bit more.

 

I'm sure we could get him for a modest package of players since the Pirates will be losing him in the offseason.

 

Assume we could get Lawton for a package of Leicester and Brownlie.

 

We could put this line-up out there:

 

1. Lawton LF

2. Walker 2B

3. Lee 1B

4. Burnitz RF

5. Ramirez 3B

6. Barrett C

7. Patterson CF

8. Perez SS

 

Lawton consistently puts up a .350-ish OBP. He gives a fair amount of slugging as well. He's not the best option, but he surely isn't a poor option.

[Mark_R]

I'd make note of the strong starts recently by Koronka and put his name into the hat for the Pirates. See if they'd bite.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I'd make note of the strong starts recently by Koronka and put his name into the hat for the Pirates. See if they'd bite.

 

I don't even think Benifest is that dumb....but if he is, that would be nice.