Looks like Kearns would like to be a Cub.

[rocket]

Hal McCoy on the rumors, plus he touches on the Dunn nonsense too.

 

Austin Kearns barely dropped his bags in the clubhouse Wednesday when the whisperings began and the questions flew: Was he called up from Louisville so the Cincinnati Reds could showcase him for the Chicago Cubs?

 

And Kearns was in Thursday's lineup.

 

Hendry and O'Brien chatted during Thursday's game, but it wasn't necessary for the Reds to showcase Kearns to Hendry. He loves Kearns, even after Kearns had three hits, including a two-run tie-breaking single.

 

Asked if the price went up on Kearns, Hendry smiled and said, "Who knows?"

 

On Wednesday, a rumor permeated the pressbox: Adam Dunn to the Cubs for outfielder Corey Patterson, pitcher Sergio Mitre and Rich Hill, arguably the top pitching prospect in minor-league ball.

 

Hendry heard the rumor and said, "Too steep. Never offered and never accepted."

 

It is no secret, though, that Hendry will take Kearns, Dunn or Wily Mo Pena if the Reds want to move one of the young outfielders. The Cubs are blessed with young pitching.

 

...

 

In his first two at-bats against Greg Maddux, Kearns doubled and singled, a pretty good showcase, if that's what it was. But for Hendry to deal for him, he has to make certain the price is right.

 

And just for fun, here's Dunn being hilarious and awesome.

 

With the Milwaukee Brewers in town this weekend, the Cubs fans who took over Great American Ball Park are gone.

 

Ken Griffey Jr. was kidding Adam Dunn about tossing a baseball to a Cubs fan and Dunn said, "I only had about a one in 10 chance of hitting a Reds fan. It was all blue out there. They put all those Cubs fan in left field and, man, they were worse than the fans in Wrigley Field. They were all over me.

 

"Those same people who were wearing blue when the Cubs were in town will be back wearing red again," he added.

[Fanzones trumpet]

Are none of you worried about Kearns's stats? He only had a good half-season and that's it. Although he would be an uprade in LF I am a bit worried about it.

 

I wouldn't be worried; I think he'd turn into another Ramirez in Chicago.

[nolanwood]

Are none of you worried about Kearns's stats? He only had a good half-season and that's it. Although he would be an uprade in LF I am a bit worried about it.

 

I wouldn't be worried; I think he'd turn into another Ramirez in Chicago.

 

 

thats what i think too.....with fan support.....i think hed really turn it on....

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Ramirez had success before coming a Cub, major league success. Kearns had one good year as a big leaguer, and did so at a completely unsustainable rate. Sure he might turn it around and translate his minor league numbers into major league success, but he doesn't have the background that Ramirez did when he acquired him.

[Fanzones trumpet]

Ramirez had success before coming a Cub, major league success. Kearns had one good year as a big leaguer, and did so at a completely unsustainable rate. Sure he might turn it around and translate his minor league numbers into major league success, but he doesn't have the background that Ramirez did when he acquired him.

 

Before coming to the Cubs, Ramirez had one great year, one terrible year, and was having a decent half-year. Kearns, like Ramirez, came up very young (straight from AA), and more than held his own. There's no question that he's an All-Star caliber talent when healthy and he's only 25 (the same age as Ramirez when he was traded). Any time I can get my hands on a young player like that who's coming from a bad situation, I'd be thrilled.

[1908]

Ramirez had success before coming a Cub, major league success. Kearns had one good year as a big leaguer, and did so at a completely unsustainable rate. Sure he might turn it around and translate his minor league numbers into major league success, but he doesn't have the background that Ramirez did when he acquired him.

 

Before coming to the Cubs, Ramirez had one great year, one terrible year, and was having a decent half-year. Kearns, like Ramirez, came up very young (straight from AA), and more than held his own. There's no question that he's an All-Star caliber talent when healthy and he's only 25 (the same age as Ramirez when he was traded). Any time I can get my hands on a young player like that who's coming from a bad situation, I'd be thrilled.

Aramis made his MLB debut at 19; Kearns made his at 21. That's a significant difference when evaluating potential stars.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Ramirez had success before coming a Cub, major league success. Kearns had one good year as a big leaguer, and did so at a completely unsustainable rate. Sure he might turn it around and translate his minor league numbers into major league success, but he doesn't have the background that Ramirez did when he acquired him.

 

Before coming to the Cubs, Ramirez had one great year, one terrible year, and was having a decent half-year. Kearns, like Ramirez, came up very young (straight from AA), and more than held his own. There's no question that he's an All-Star caliber talent when healthy and he's only 25 (the same age as Ramirez when he was traded). Any time I can get my hands on a young player like that who's coming from a bad situation, I'd be thrilled.

 

Kearns had one good season in the majors, that can be characterized as lucky, or a fluke due to his ridiculous BABIP. Since then his IsoP and IsoD have remained constant(which indicates he's still got the same power and patience as he did before), but his numbers have caught up with his luck. Sure Kearns is talented, and only 25 with a solid minor league track record. I wouldn't mind him at a discounted price, but I don't think you can expect any improvement out of him if you acquire him.

[Fanzones trumpet]

Ramirez had success before coming a Cub, major league success. Kearns had one good year as a big leaguer, and did so at a completely unsustainable rate. Sure he might turn it around and translate his minor league numbers into major league success, but he doesn't have the background that Ramirez did when he acquired him.

 

Before coming to the Cubs, Ramirez had one great year, one terrible year, and was having a decent half-year. Kearns, like Ramirez, came up very young (straight from AA), and more than held his own. There's no question that he's an All-Star caliber talent when healthy and he's only 25 (the same age as Ramirez when he was traded). Any time I can get my hands on a young player like that who's coming from a bad situation, I'd be thrilled.

Aramis made his MLB debut at 19; Kearns made his at 21. That's a significant difference when evaluating potential stars.

 

Very few players debut at 19 and there are many stars who debut at 21-22. Also, Ramirez didn't have success in the major leagues until he was 23. Kearns had a fine season at 21-22.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I wouldn't be upset over getting Kearns, but I'd still rather have Dunn.

[BigbadB]

Ramirez had success before coming a Cub, major league success. Kearns had one good year as a big leaguer, and did so at a completely unsustainable rate. Sure he might turn it around and translate his minor league numbers into major league success, but he doesn't have the background that Ramirez did when he acquired him.

 

Before coming to the Cubs, Ramirez had one great year, one terrible year, and was having a decent half-year. Kearns, like Ramirez, came up very young (straight from AA), and more than held his own. There's no question that he's an All-Star caliber talent when healthy and he's only 25 (the same age as Ramirez when he was traded). Any time I can get my hands on a young player like that who's coming from a bad situation, I'd be thrilled.

 

There was a legitimate reason Aramis had a "terrible" year in 2002. He injured his ankle early in the season. In April of his "terrible" year, he was hitting .348 at the time he injured his ankle. He came back too soon and it didn't heal properly all year, thus creating his "terrible" year.

[UMFan83]

It's pretty obvious that one of the Reds OF is going to be traded. I think the whole "we're not trading Kearns" front is just a ploy. They are being smart and waiting closer to July 31 when teams start to get anxious. There is a lot of pressure for Jim Hendry to make a move for a starting LF, and this appears to be his target. It was also strange that the Reds management brought up Kearns from AAA all of the sudden, when according to RedsZone, they said a week ago that he wasn't going to come up anytime soon. I think Kearns will most likely be a Cub on August 1, but it remains up for debate how much Hendry will give up for him.

[1908]

Very few players debut at 19...

That's exactly the point. A much higher percentage of players who debut at 19 turn into stars than players who debut at 21. Not that there's anything wrong with debuting at 21. 19 is just much better.

[Fanzones trumpet]

Very few players debut at 19...

That's exactly the point. A much higher percentage of players who debut at 19 turn into stars than players who debut at 21. Not that there's anything wrong with debuting at 21. 19 is just much better.

 

No question on 19 vs. 21 generally. But it would be interesting to know the percentage of players who turned in the kind of season that Kearns did at 21--particularly the plate discipline--that didn't turn into stars.

[justlikethecubs]

I just seen on the ESPN board that someone is trying to state that Kearns for Welly, Mitre will be announced later this afternoon. He cites a Cincy poster going off about it as his source. **disclaimer, I am not saying this happened, just passing along what I read**

[Fanzones trumpet]

Ramirez had success before coming a Cub, major league success. Kearns had one good year as a big leaguer, and did so at a completely unsustainable rate. Sure he might turn it around and translate his minor league numbers into major league success, but he doesn't have the background that Ramirez did when he acquired him.

 

Before coming to the Cubs, Ramirez had one great year, one terrible year, and was having a decent half-year. Kearns, like Ramirez, came up very young (straight from AA), and more than held his own. There's no question that he's an All-Star caliber talent when healthy and he's only 25 (the same age as Ramirez when he was traded). Any time I can get my hands on a young player like that who's coming from a bad situation, I'd be thrilled.

 

True, but it's worth pointing out that Kearns has also been injured the last two years. BTW, I was a big proponent of the Ramirez trade at the time for the same reasons I'd love to get Kearns.

There was a legitimate reason Aramis had a "terrible" year in 2002. He injured his ankle early in the season. In April of his "terrible" year, he was hitting .348 at the time he injured his ankle. He came back too soon and it didn't heal properly all year, thus creating his "terrible" year.

[YearofDaCubs]

I just seen on the ESPN board that someone is trying to state that Kearns for Welly, Mitre will be announced later this afternoon. He cites a Cincy poster going off about it as his source. **disclaimer, I am not saying this happened, just passing along what I read**

It's BS probably and somebody mentioned that trade on this forum, but I would do that trade since Mitre and Welly are not exactly helping us right now anyways. We trade for Kearns and chances are that Corey will be shipped out and Hairston or Gerut will be our starting CF.

[Fanzones trumpet]

Ramirez had success before coming a Cub, major league success. Kearns had one good year as a big leaguer, and did so at a completely unsustainable rate. Sure he might turn it around and translate his minor league numbers into major league success, but he doesn't have the background that Ramirez did when he acquired him.

 

Before coming to the Cubs, Ramirez had one great year, one terrible year, and was having a decent half-year. Kearns, like Ramirez, came up very young (straight from AA), and more than held his own. There's no question that he's an All-Star caliber talent when healthy and he's only 25 (the same age as Ramirez when he was traded). Any time I can get my hands on a young player like that who's coming from a bad situation, I'd be thrilled.

 

Kearns had one good season in the majors, that can be characterized as lucky, or a fluke due to his ridiculous BABIP. Since then his IsoP and IsoD have remained constant(which indicates he's still got the same power and patience as he did before), but his numbers have caught up with his luck. Sure Kearns is talented, and only 25 with a solid minor league track record. I wouldn't mind him at a discounted price, but I don't think you can expect any improvement out of him if you acquire him.

 

The term "fluke" was also used on this board with respect to Ramirez's 2001 season at the time of the trade. And I'd expect big improvement from Kearns, since he's still 2-3 years from coming into his prime.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

I just seen on the ESPN board that someone is trying to state that Kearns for Welly, Mitre will be announced later this afternoon. He cites a Cincy poster going off about it as his source. **disclaimer, I am not saying this happened, just passing along what I read**

 

sweeeeeeeeeeeeet emotiooonnnnn :lol:

[rocket]

I just seen on the ESPN board that someone is trying to state that Kearns for Welly, Mitre will be announced later this afternoon. He cites a Cincy poster going off about it as his source. **disclaimer, I am not saying this happened, just passing along what I read**

 

It's probably BS. But I could see this one going down either way, unlike the Dunn rumor.

[justlikethecubs]

I just seen on the ESPN board that someone is trying to state that Kearns for Welly, Mitre will be announced later this afternoon. He cites a Cincy poster going off about it as his source. **disclaimer, I am not saying this happened, just passing along what I read**

 

sweeeeeeeeeeeeet emotiooonnnnn :lol:

 

hopefully you are referring to the poster on the ESP board as I in now way stated I knew anything about a deal happening. I was just passing along info I seen on another board. Info that others here would have seen sooner or later anyway. In addition, the proposed trade has already been in the paper as being disussed, so it's not like it's anything new. I believe it's probably BS to. But all rumors ar until they happen.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I just seen on the ESPN board that someone is trying to state that Kearns for Welly, Mitre will be announced later this afternoon. He cites a Cincy poster going off about it as his source. **disclaimer, I am not saying this happened, just passing along what I read**

 

Mike Kiley, village idiot[/url]"]With outfielders Ken Griffey Jr., Adam Dunn, Wily Mo Pena and Kearns, O'Brien has one too many if he plans to keep everybody happy and playing. So Hendry is trying to convince O'Brien that it would benefit him to take a couple of his pitchers, perhaps Todd Wellemeyer and Sergio Mitre, and trade him Kearns. Hendry refuses to consider offering highly-regarded pitching prospect Rich Hill in any swap.

[Tracer Bullet]

For what it's worth, Jerry Crasnick doesn't see Dunn or Kearns coming our way.

 

From his ESPN.com chat:

 

Victor (Chicago ): Jerry, are the Cubs going to make any trades before the deadline?

 

SportsNation Jerry Crasnick: (12:24 PM ET ) Victor,

 

Jim Hendry is trying, but he's like a lot of GMs who don't want to trade prospects for temporary solutions. I hate to say that Jody Gerut-for-Jason Dubois is his big deal, but let's put it this way: I doubt they're getting Adam Dunn or Austin Kearans.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

I just seen on the ESPN board that someone is trying to state that Kearns for Welly, Mitre will be announced later this afternoon. He cites a Cincy poster going off about it as his source. **disclaimer, I am not saying this happened, just passing along what I read**

 

sweeeeeeeeeeeeet emotiooonnnnn :lol:

 

hopefully you are referring to the poster on the ESP board as I in now way stated I knew anything about a deal happening. I was just passing along info I seen on another board. Info that others here would have seen sooner or later anyway. In addition, the proposed trade has already been in the paper as being disussed, so it's not like it's anything new. I believe it's probably BS to. But all rumors ar until they happen.

 

no, i wasn't ragging on you, just making fun of the rumors that fly fast and furious around the trade deadline. sweetemotion was the guy who passed on the dunn trade rumor from his "source," on NSBB the other day. it's one thing to pass info and note that it is a rumor and another to pass off info from some mysterious "source" that is somehow in the know when no one else is (you being the former case :wink: ).

[justlikethecubs]

I just seen on the ESPN board that someone is trying to state that Kearns for Welly, Mitre will be announced later this afternoon. He cites a Cincy poster going off about it as his source. **disclaimer, I am not saying this happened, just passing along what I read**

 

sweeeeeeeeeeeeet emotiooonnnnn :lol:

 

hopefully you are referring to the poster on the ESP board as I in now way stated I knew anything about a deal happening. I was just passing along info I seen on another board. Info that others here would have seen sooner or later anyway. In addition, the proposed trade has already been in the paper as being disussed, so it's not like it's anything new. I believe it's probably BS to. But all rumors ar until they happen.

 

no, i wasn't ragging on you, just making fun of the rumors that fly fast and furious around the trade deadline. sweetemotion was the guy who passed on the dunn trade rumor from his "source," on NSBB the other day. it's one thing to pass info and note that it is a rumor and another to pass off info from some mysterious "source" that is somehow in the know when no one else is (you being the former case :wink: ).

 

Agreed, I read most of the 50+ pages about Dunn, so I certainly did not want to come off sounding like I knew anything was going to happen. I certainly don't. All my baseball insight comes from reading those here that are informed.

[rocket]

For what it's worth, Jerry Crasnick doesn't see Dunn or Kearns coming our way.

 

From his ESPN.com chat:

 

Victor (Chicago ): Jerry, are the Cubs going to make any trades before the deadline?

 

SportsNation Jerry Crasnick: (12:24 PM ET ) Victor,

 

Jim Hendry is trying, but he's like a lot of GMs who don't want to trade prospects for temporary solutions. I hate to say that Jody Gerut-for-Jason Dubois is his big deal, but let's put it this way: I doubt they're getting Adam Dunn or Austin Kearans.

 

Maybe we've lost out on Austin Kearans, but hopefully we're still in the running for Austin Kearns.

 

:wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: