Hairston Jr. on the block?

[Banghart]

It's Paul Sullivan, so take it for what it is worth, but...

The Cubs are believed to be shopping Jerry Hairston, who could be packaged with a minor-leaguer for another outfielder or a veteran reliever. Top prospect Felix Pie is expected to be brought up sometime after the All-Star break to play center field.

It would not be surprising since Dusty Baker has never seem enamored with Hairston Jr. as a starter. I am not sure what we could hope to get for Hairston Jr. though. The Orioles tried to trade Jerry Hairston Jr. for a few years before they finally dumped him in return for Sosa. Also it does appear that for better or for worse Felix Pie will make it to Chicago this season, since this is at least the third or fourth report I have read that stated that Pie would becoming up soon or already be here if not for injury.

 

-Banghart

[USSoccer]

let me go on record saying that would be pretty stupid and petty of the Cubs to run a decent leadoff option out of town.

[Backtobanks]

It's Paul Sullivan, so take it for what it is worth, but...

The Cubs are believed to be shopping Jerry Hairston, who could be packaged with a minor-leaguer for another outfielder or a veteran reliever. Top prospect Felix Pie is expected to be brought up sometime after the All-Star break to play center field.

It would not be surprising since Dusty Baker has never seem enamored with Hairston Jr. as a starter. I am not sure what we could hope to get for Hairston Jr. though. The Orioles tried to trade Jerry Hairston Jr. for a few years before they finally dumped him in return for Sosa. Also it does appear that for better or for worse Felix Pie will make it to Chicago this season, since this is at least the third or fourth report I have read that stated that Pie would becoming up soon or already be here if not for injury.

 

-Banghart

 

You need to get rid of Hairston because that .400 OBP is clogging up the bases.

[biittner77]

It's Paul Sullivan, so take it for what it is worth, but...

The Cubs are believed to be shopping Jerry Hairston, who could be packaged with a minor-leaguer for another outfielder or a veteran reliever. Top prospect Felix Pie is expected to be brought up sometime after the All-Star break to play center field.

It would not be surprising since Dusty Baker has never seem enamored with Hairston Jr. as a starter. I am not sure what we could hope to get for Hairston Jr. though. The Orioles tried to trade Jerry Hairston Jr. for a few years before they finally dumped him in return for Sosa. Also it does appear that for better or for worse Felix Pie will make it to Chicago this season, since this is at least the third or fourth report I have read that stated that Pie would becoming up soon or already be here if not for injury.

 

-Banghart

 

I never got the impression they were trying to trade him. It seemed like he would always get hurt just as he was about to break out. Once Roberts emerged they tried to work both of them into the lineup. That's when they moved Hairston to the OF, had him DH and were considering moving Roberts to SS to make room for Hairston until he once again got hurt.

 

Promoting Pie makes no sense unless they're planning on trading Patterson or firing Baker and I doubt Baker is going anywhere.

[rawaction]

Yeah, trading Hairston is a bad idea. He's one of the few players on the team that can take a walk. He doesn't have power, but the Cubs have enough of that to go round and not enough OBP. Trading him would likely add to the problem, as I don't think he and a minor leaguer alone could net the Cubs an OBP machine like Dunn. He could be a cheaper option at 2B next year over Walker. He could even come back on the bench and hopefully play for a manager that will give him regular playing time.

[Roast]

Yeah, trading Hairston is a bad idea. He's one of the few players on the team that can take a walk. He doesn't have power, but the Cubs have enough of that to go round and not enough OBP. Trading him would likely add to the problem, as I don't think he and a minor leaguer alone could net the Cubs an OBP machine like Dunn. He could be a cheaper option at 2B next year over Walker. He could even come back on the bench and hopefully play for a manager that will give him regular playing time.

 

I agree with everything you've said here. Trading him would be a bad idea, unless said trade brings us somebody like a Dunn, which is highly unlikely.

[CUBZ99]

It seems pretty evident that Hairston won't be staying in Chicago longterm anyways. I think there is more to the Hairston situation than any of us know. From reports hardly anybody in the organization likes him. There are constant complaints of his intellegence and ability to play heads up baseball. I even found it interesting the other day when listening to Ron on the Radio and he was going off on Hairston, calling one of his plays "just stupid".

 

If they can get some value, it would probably be a good idea to trade him now. If all they get is Preston Wilson, it would be a horrible trade.

[Roast]

There are constant complaints of his intellegence and ability to play heads up baseball.

 

Hah. Ya know, Thats really sad. One of the few guys on our team who can actually take walks and get on base at a good clip is being accused of such things. :x

[erik316wttn]

Yeah, trading Hairston is a bad idea. He's one of the few players on the team that can take a walk. He doesn't have power, but the Cubs have enough of that to go round and not enough OBP. Trading him would likely add to the problem, as I don't think he and a minor leaguer alone could net the Cubs an OBP machine like Dunn. He could be a cheaper option at 2B next year over Walker. He could even come back on the bench and hopefully play for a manager that will give him regular playing time.

 

Agreed. This team desperately needs a leadoff hitter and Hairston is the best option.

 

Now if you move Burntiz and bring up Pie.....

 

That could be one of the best OF's in the majors in about 2-3 years. Murton/Hairston/Pie, or Murton/Patterson/Pie if Corey gets his head out of his butt.

Edited July 10, 2005 by erik316wttn

[Roast]

 

That would be one of the best OF's in the majors in about 2-3 years. Murton/Hairston/Pie

 

Truthfully, I dont see Hairston with us as a long term outfielder. I see him at second more than center. However, you are right, in a few years, we're gonna have a hella-good outfield if we dont trade it away.

[E.J.]

I'm going to go on record right now and say that if the Cubs bring up Pie I'm going to be pretty upset. I guess they haven't learned enough with the whole Cpatt fiasco.

 

As for Hairston, it only makes sense that this organization would get rid of one of it's best OBP guys. It's pretty obvious that this team doesn't value OBP what-so-ever. :wall:

[erik316wttn]

I'm going to go on record right now and say that if the Cubs bring up Pie I'm going to be pretty upset. I guess they haven't learned enough with the whole Cpatt fiasco.

 

As for Hairston, it only makes sense that this organization would get rid of one of it's best OBP guys. It's pretty obvious that this team doesn't value OBP what-so-ever. :wall:

 

Yeah, leave him down for this year, maybe make him a September callup, but not before. Invite him to ST, let him try to earn his spot on the roster for next year. You don't want to stump his development, as who knows if Dusty would play him? Would he play center?

[Roast]

I'm going to go on record right now and say that if the Cubs bring up Pie I'm going to be pretty upset. I guess they haven't learned enough with the whole Cpatt fiasco.

 

As for Hairston, it only makes sense that this organization would get rid of one of it's best OBP guys. It's pretty obvious that this team doesn't value OBP what-so-ever. :wall:

 

Yeah, leave him down for this year, maybe make him a September callup, but not before. Invite him to ST, let him try to earn his spot on the roster for next year. You don't want to stump his development, as who knows if Dusty would play him? Would he play center?

 

Pulling players up from AA doesnt bother me as much as some. Because, Sometimes it works. (See: Miguel Cabrera, Dontrelle Willis) But, It shouldnt become a practice. I think Pie may be the type of guy you might be able to do that with, pull him up early that is. I think if it helps the team (as i do not see htis year as a lost cause) we might want to think about it. Might.

 

And I think he would probably play center. It seems to me that dusty doesnt like Hairston. I could see him playing Pie over Hairston. Just my opinion.

[TB_11]

Pulling players up from AA doesnt bother me as much as some. Because, Sometimes it works. (See: Miguel Cabrera, Dontrelle Willis) But, It shouldnt become a practice.

 

Those guys should be seen as outliers. For every Cabrera or Andruw Jones that makes an impression so quickly, theres numerous others who would be better served polishing up their games in the minors.

 

That said, I am wholly 100% against the idea of sending off Hairston and bringing up Pie as a solution for this year. If we are bringing up Pie just as a test to see what he can do, fine. But if management expects him to contribute as an everyday player, they should think about giving him more time to develop.

[erik316wttn]

I'm going to go on record right now and say that if the Cubs bring up Pie I'm going to be pretty upset. I guess they haven't learned enough with the whole Cpatt fiasco.

 

As for Hairston, it only makes sense that this organization would get rid of one of it's best OBP guys. It's pretty obvious that this team doesn't value OBP what-so-ever. :wall:

 

Yeah, leave him down for this year, maybe make him a September callup, but not before. Invite him to ST, let him try to earn his spot on the roster for next year. You don't want to stump his development, as who knows if Dusty would play him? Would he play center?

 

Pulling players up from AA doesnt bother me as much as some. Because, Sometimes it works. (See: Miguel Cabrera, Dontrelle Willis) But, It shouldnt become a practice. I think Pie may be the type of guy you might be able to do that with, pull him up early that is. I think if it helps the team (as i do not see htis year as a lost cause) we might want to think about it. Might.

 

And I think he would probably play center. It seems to me that dusty doesnt like Hairston. I could see him playing Pie over Hairston. Just my opinion.

 

But then what do you do with Pie if/when Patterson comes back?

[Roast]

I'm going to go on record right now and say that if the Cubs bring up Pie I'm going to be pretty upset. I guess they haven't learned enough with the whole Cpatt fiasco.

 

As for Hairston, it only makes sense that this organization would get rid of one of it's best OBP guys. It's pretty obvious that this team doesn't value OBP what-so-ever. :wall:

 

Yeah, leave him down for this year, maybe make him a September callup, but not before. Invite him to ST, let him try to earn his spot on the roster for next year. You don't want to stump his development, as who knows if Dusty would play him? Would he play center?

 

Pulling players up from AA doesnt bother me as much as some. Because, Sometimes it works. (See: Miguel Cabrera, Dontrelle Willis) But, It shouldnt become a practice. I think Pie may be the type of guy you might be able to do that with, pull him up early that is. I think if it helps the team (as i do not see htis year as a lost cause) we might want to think about it. Might.

 

And I think he would probably play center. It seems to me that dusty doesnt like Hairston. I could see him playing Pie over Hairston. Just my opinion.

 

But then what do you do with Pie if/when Patterson comes back?

 

Good question. My guess is that Patterson gets traded somewhere. For whatever reason I dont think he has a future with this team. Even though I really do like him.

[E.J.]

I have a feeling we've seen the last of Corey. If he does somehow get it together in the minors I see Hendry shipping him off to another team. There's also the quesiton of whether or not he can actually get it together. I still don't want to see Pie up this year though. Keep Hairston in CF for the rest of the year. His defense isn't that terrible out there. His bat is much needed in this OBP-lacking offense.

[erik316wttn]

Pulling players up from AA doesnt bother me as much as some. Because, Sometimes it works. (See: Miguel Cabrera, Dontrelle Willis) But, It shouldnt become a practice.

 

Those guys should be seen as outliers. For every Cabrera or Andruw Jones that makes an impression so quickly, theres numerous others who would be better served polishing up their games in the minors.

 

That said, I am wholly 100% against the idea of sending off Hairston and bringing up Pie as a solution for this year. If we are bringing up Pie just as a test to see what he can do, fine. But if management expects him to contribute as an everyday player, they should think about giving him more time to develop.

 

Exactly.

[davecubsfan]

But then what do you do with Pie if/when Patterson comes back?

 

Our manager is Dusty Baker, I think we know the ending to that one. Here are some examples

Exhibit A:Hee Sop Choi

Exhibit B:Jason Dubois

Exhibit C:Ronny Cedeno

Exhibit D:Matt Murton

 

He'll sit on the bench instead of playing everyday

[erik316wttn]

But then what do you do with Pie if/when Patterson comes back?

 

Our manager is Dusty Baker, I think we know the ending to that one. Here are some examples

Exhibit A:Hee Sop Choi

Exhibit B:Jason Dubois

Exhibit C:Ronny Cedeno

Exhibit D:Matt Murton

 

He'll sit on the bench instead of playing everyday

 

That's what I was thinking. So don't bring up Pie. At least he'll play everyday in AA.

[mhuber92211]

I actually like the idea of dealing Hairston. I wouldn't want Pie brought up but rather have Greenberg play. Hairston is a poor man's version of Chone Figgins and can be quite valuable to a team who uses him correctly ala Figgins and Freel. I would imagine that a team like SD would be an excellent place for him, especially if Loretta has trouble coming back. Hairston and Maddux for Klesko and Barfield? Entirely possible and an excellent deal for the Cubs.

 

Greenberg is just as much of an OBP guy as Hairston. Greenberg plays MUCH better defense, especially in his natural position of CF. Otherwise, shoud Klesko be acquired moving Brunitz to CF for the rest of the season would work as well.

 

Hairston is a solid role player who complains about his role. This is not a good situation and if he can be moved, do it. Greenberg is a much better solution anyway and I would rather him play over Hairston anyhow. Before the comment about Dusty not playing Greenberg because of experience, lets not go there. We all know the presumptions of the manager, there is no need to rehash it. Rather I would like to see anaylsis of the options presented. THanks!

[burnt out cubbie fan]

Ugh...great, now get to call up another prospect before he is ready so Baker/Clines/Matthews can mess them up. I'm sure Felix will enjoy a large amount of time on the bench. The only way I want him called up is if those three get canned and Von Joshua gets called up to be the hitting coach.

[Jon]

Ugh...great, now get to call up another prospect before he is ready so Baker/Clines/Matthews can mess them up. I'm sure Felix will enjoy a large amount of time on the bench. The only way I want him called up is if those three get canned and Von Joshua gets called up to be the hitting coach.

Come on. Where else other than the majors could he learn the strike zone, improve on base running, see if he can maintain that power, etc.? I mean, there would have to be some sort of "minor league" where players could get ready. But let's stop living in fantasy land and call the guy up.

[Banghart]

I hope that Hairston is not traded away here in the near future because his OBP does make him valuable for this ballclub. That being said he is not a great player or should be considered untradeable either.

 

I am also fully prepared to see Felix Pie called up sometime this year, but I do think it is the wrong move. Not that Felix Pie isn't necessarilary ready, although I do think that he is still too raw to be called up. The main reason is that Felix Pie would be called up to be the savior for a team that still has fleeting hopes of playoffs. This is a worse situation that Paterson being rushed on a team with no hope of contentions.

 

-Banghart

[burnt out cubbie fan]

Not only are we calling him up too early, but we are making him our savior too? Yikes.