Will Hendry make a move and if so for who?

[Weltazar]

First, let me introduce myself! I'm Weltazar!!

 

The biggest Cubs fan in Central Missouri!!

 

I'm also one of the master minds behind http://confoundedconfines.blogspot.com/. A blog dedicated to the Cubs that I started with some friends about 4 months ago. If you wish to visit the blog please let me know what you think. I am also a long long time visitor to northsidebaseball.com. IMO it is one of the top five most informative sites about the Cubs on the Web. I have a lot of respect for you guys and use a lot of the leads I find here when writing stories and previews on my website. IMO this site posts the most accurate baseball trade rumors and some of the most insightful writing about the Cubs around. As a border line fanatical fan I visit your site almost as much as my own and I want to express my fondness from northsidebaseball.com. Thanks for the outlet you provide and the insightful members you have registered.

 

Ok, enough of the ass kissing! As a rookie poster on your sight please let me know if there are is anything else I need to know.

 

My first post deals with the biggest question of the week.

 

What is Jim Hendry going to do before the trade deadline?

 

Now I know the Nomar is on the fast track back to the team and that Williamson could also play a big role in the bullpen down the stretch, but outside of these two guys, is Hendry going to pick up anyone. From what I hear their biggest need would appear to be relief pitching. Lots of names have been thrown around, but nothing has ever gotten serious. There was talk about getting Kearns, but the Reds appear to be wanting way too much in return and frankly I’m not all that impressed with Kearns anyway! Plus I believe with Matt Murton producing the way he is that it only a matter of time before Dusty is forced to start him more regularly effectively ending any outfield problems the Cubs have. I also know that Kerry Wood is supposed to go to the bullpen when he returns, but I’ll take the wait and see approach there because he may not even be healthy enough to contribute anyway and if he is I hold my judgment until I see him in a couple of relief situations.

 

So, what do you guys think! Is Hendry going to make a move?

[ZZ Thorn]

With all the parity this year it's hard to say - this is the slowest trade deadline week I can recall.

 

I think Hendry will make moves - he has in the past, he has a couple definite long term needs, he has chips to barter with.

 

I think he'll get a reliver if he can swing anything.

[Weltazar]

I found this at http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/cs-050726rogers,1,4759084.column?coll=cs-cubs-utility

 

"One name: Bob Wickman.

 

The Cleveland Indians are a bubble team, only 3½ games behind Oakland in the American League wild-card race through Monday. But their general manager, Mark Shapiro, has a tough call to make because they have more attractive pitching to deal than perhaps any other team.

 

What are the chances the Indians can overtake the Yankees, Boston, Minnesota and Oakland? Shouldn't Shapiro be taking offers for Kevin Millwood, Bob Howry and Wickman, who are signed only through this season? Arthur Rhodes is signed only through next season (at $3.7 million).

 

Imagine if the Cubs could get Millwood (3.19 ERA over 110 innings) and Wickman? That's a combination that might be worth the price of doing business this weekend."

 

Wickman wouldn't be that bad of a pick up. A vet like him could be a stablizing force in the Cubs bullpen!

[Uber]

Agreed it's been slow, I think the deals are going to start snowballing soon, though.

 

There isn't a definate maybe this year, like last year with Nomar - but I'm still hoping for Dunn, Kearns, or Pena. I'll take any 1 of those 3.

 

Also, welcome.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I found this at http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/cs-050726rogers,1,4759084.column?coll=cs-cubs-utility

 

"One name: Bob Wickman.

 

The Cleveland Indians are a bubble team, only 3½ games behind Oakland in the American League wild-card race through Monday. But their general manager, Mark Shapiro, has a tough call to make because they have more attractive pitching to deal than perhaps any other team.

 

What are the chances the Indians can overtake the Yankees, Boston, Minnesota and Oakland? Shouldn't Shapiro be taking offers for Kevin Millwood, Bob Howry and Wickman, who are signed only through this season? Arthur Rhodes is signed only through next season (at $3.7 million).

 

Imagine if the Cubs could get Millwood (3.19 ERA over 110 innings) and Wickman? That's a combination that might be worth the price of doing business this weekend."

 

Wickman wouldn't be that bad of a pick up. A vet like him could be a stablizing force in the Cubs bullpen!

 

Phil Rogers wrote that article, so it's just his uninformed speculation. Wickman has been an okay reliever this year, and his save totals will inflate his trade value. Miller, Rhodes, Howry, Riske, and Betancourt have all been better than Wickman this year, and that's just in the Indians bullpen. I'd love to get my hands on Riske or Betancourt.

[Weltazar]

Agreed it's been slow, I think the deals are going to start snowballing soon, though.

 

There isn't a definate maybe this year, like last year with Nomar - but I'm still hoping for Dunn, Kearns, or Pena. I'll take any 1 of those 3.

 

Also, welcome.

 

 

Thanks,

 

I would also love to have Dunn although I'm not exactly high on the other two and from what I understand the Red have not been very fair in there trade talks with the Cubs making it hard to believe that something well happen between these two teams.

[Weltazar]

Why am I a bench player and you guys are all allstars?

 

If I don't get a chance to play how are you guys going to know if I'm any good!! :shock:

[LuckyPup]

Why am I a bench player and you guys are all allstars?

 

If I don't get a chance to play how are you guys going to know if I'm any good!! :shock:

.....Are you Matt Murton?....... :oops:

[HerbalK]

Maybe when Dusty leaves you'll get some playing time, rook! Welcome to the board, I'll be sure to check out your blog.

[brinoch]

Why am I a bench player and you guys are all allstars?

 

If I don't get a chance to play how are you guys going to know if I'm any good!! :shock:

 

Welcome to the Forum! All you need to do to make "All-Star" status is make a lot of posts. ;)

[hawkeyecub]

It really is difficult to tell this year. Last year, Cabrera seemed the most likely scenario with Nomar as an outside possibility. In 2003 Lowell seemed the most likely early on, but Ramirez was at least discussed and Lofton was speculated once Corey went down.

 

This year there seems to be much less speculation in the media. There are just so few teams that look willing to sell and so few big players who will be free agents this year, that it's really not a buyer's market.

 

Early in the year Huff was speculated but there has been much discussion about dealing with Tampa. Dunn and Kearns have generated the most speculation in the media. There seems to be more sure reports of Hendry's pursuit and fondness for Kearns.

 

I really think Hendry will make a deal to improve the outfield, but unlike the past two seasons I wouldn't be surprised at all if he didn't. He will definitely make some sort of deal before August 31st even if it's very minor.

With our 40-man/Rule V situation, I could see him making a big splash for a left fielder.

[ZZ Thorn]

Agreed it's been slow, I think the deals are going to start snowballing soon, though.

 

There isn't a definate maybe this year, like last year with Nomar - but I'm still hoping for Dunn, Kearns, or Pena. I'll take any 1 of those 3.

 

Also, welcome.

 

I do not want Pena. He's Dunn minus the OBP, and take that OBP from Dunn and you have a one trick pony/weight around the neck of a team.

[Weltazar]

Ok Now I understand how it works! The more post you have the higher your status is. I wish I was Matt Murton, that kids got a bright future!

 

Personally I hope they don't make a trade for a Left Fielder. As I said earlier Matt Murton is the answer in left if Dusty would just give him some regular playing time.

 

I'm hoping that if he does make a move it’s for some bullpen help. This team is still very much in the playoff hunt, but if they don’t get another arm in the pen soon they could be in trouble!

[UBlink]

Why am I a bench player and you guys are all allstars?

 

If I don't get a chance to play how are you guys going to know if I'm any good!! :shock:

 

Sign up for premium and you can choose your own description - maybe Murton should bribe his way into the lineup!

[HoopsCubs]

My prediction is that Jeremy Affeldt will become a Cub by Sunday.

[E.J.]

My prediction is that Jeremy Affeldt will become a Cub by Sunday.

 

I wouldn't have any problem with that. The only thing I'd worry about is Affeldt is similar to Remmy in that he gets out righties better than lefties. We all know the problems that Dusty seems to have in understanding this phenomenon. :roll:

[Transmogrified Tiger]

My prediction is that Jeremy Affeldt will become a Cub by Sunday.

 

I wouldn't have any problem with that. The only thing I'd worry about is Affeldt is similar to Remmy in that he gets out righties better than lefties. We all know the problems that Dusty seems to have in understanding this phenomenon. :roll:

 

I'm not a huge Affeldt fan. He's 26, which gives him some time, but he's getting rocked away from pitcher friendly Kaufmann this year. Last year he had a .300+ BAA too.

[Coach C]

Considering that I get the Royals game here, stay away from Affeldt is all I can say. He's not that good, and he's a walking injury person.

[illiniguy]

Considering that I get the Royals game here, stay away from Affeldt is all I can say. He's not that good, and he's a walking injury person.

so he's an untalented Kerry Wood. Yeah lets avoid that.

[illiniguy]

My prediction is that Jeremy Affeldt will become a Cub by Sunday.

I first read that and thought you said Jeremy Hermida. I wish that was who you said. Although Dusty would just sit on him anyways.

[rickrolled]

I honestly think Hendry will stand pat...it just doesn't really seem like a buyer's market this year. It sounds like Cincinnati is a pretty bad trading partner, although the rumored deal for Dunn that was discussed on this board last week is one I would have done, but I guess Hendry doesn't want to trade Rich Hill. There's been a lot of talk about Austin Kearns wanting to play for the Cubs and Hendry being interested in him, so I think, if we get anyone, it'll be him. I think we also have an outside chance at Huff, but there hasn't been any talk about that lately.

 

I'll just keep hoping for Dunn, but it seems unlikely. :cry:

[ZZ Thorn]

My prediction is that Jeremy Affeldt will become a Cub by Sunday.

 

I wouldn't have any problem with that. The only thing I'd worry about is Affeldt is similar to Remmy in that he gets out righties better than lefties. We all know the problems that Dusty seems to have in understanding this phenomenon. :roll:

 

I'm not a huge Affeldt fan. He's 26, which gives him some time, but he's getting rocked away from pitcher friendly Kaufmann this year. Last year he had a .300+ BAA too.

 

Is Kaufman really pitcher friendly? It was Coors East until they moved the fences back in for the start of 2004. That slowed the run scoring, but is it all the way to 'pitcher friendly' as opposed to nuetral now?

 

Affeldt did very well for KC in 2003 too. I wouldn't object to Affeldt at all. Experience, talent, potential - could turn out to be very good if he stays healthy. Really good stuff.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

My prediction is that Jeremy Affeldt will become a Cub by Sunday.

 

I wouldn't have any problem with that. The only thing I'd worry about is Affeldt is similar to Remmy in that he gets out righties better than lefties. We all know the problems that Dusty seems to have in understanding this phenomenon. :roll:

 

I'm not a huge Affeldt fan. He's 26, which gives him some time, but he's getting rocked away from pitcher friendly Kaufmann this year. Last year he had a .300+ BAA too.

 

Is Kaufman really pitcher friendly? It was Coors East until they moved the fences back in for the start of 2004. That slowed the run scoring, but is it all the way to 'pitcher friendly' as opposed to nuetral now?

 

Affeldt did very well for KC in 2003 too. I wouldn't object to Affeldt at all. Experience, talent, potential - could turn out to be very good if he stays healthy. Really good stuff.

 

In 2004, Kaufmann was the 5th most pitcher friendly park in baseball

 

This year, it's 8th most pitcher friendly.

 

Now that I look at it, Affeldt has been reasonably effective since coming off the DL: 15 IP, 1.80 ERA, 1.53 WHIP(not good), and 9 K/9. I'm not completely against the idea, but I'm not positive he'll be an upgrade, and I fear what we'd give up to get him.

[NorthsideAvenger]

My prediction is that Jeremy Affeldt will become a Cub by Sunday.

 

The Royals are "reportedly" wanting Felix Pie for either Jeremy Affeldt or Mike MacDougal. So I would STAY AWAY from KC until the bring their "demands" down 95%.

[ZZ Thorn]

Affeldt has a lot talent - we aren't going to get him for Trinidad Hubbard. Maybe Hendry can work his magic. MAYBE THEY SHOULD GIVE US AFFELDT FOR STEALING SISCO!!!!