Lawton to Cubs for Gerut

[Geech]

Dusty would probably go with Lawton and Hairston at the top because of Todd Walker's power.

[Outshined_One]

So is this all we've done today?

 

It's more than just about every other team out there, imo.

[rawaction]

Not since 2000. I don't believe he's a candidate for everyday CF.

 

And he wasn't good out there.

[TruffleShuffle]

Nice pickup. Would have liked to see something bigger, but unfortunately idiot organizations like Cincy and Tampa held many of the cards. I hope the league moves Tampa to Vegas.

 

Hey, Tampa had a sweet deal with the Red Sox and the Mets that the Red Sox backed out of late in the negotiations. They were about to steal the Mutts' top 2 prospects and 2 of the Red Sox top 10 prospects. Hard to blame their GM for wanting a lot for Huff & Baez since it was a seller's market and since he almost had a huge return on them.

[Guancous]

Lawton for Gerut is much better than Soriano for Pie & Hill. I still can't believe that the Reds didn't trade one of their surplus outfielders. They deserve their fate.

[XZero771679666304]

Of course I'm not going to be happy because we won't make the playoffs. We should've just stayed put.

 

hahaha what? we clearly upgraded in left, and gave up virtually nothing at all. how can you say you are happier staying put?

I wouldnt say that we gave up nothing for Lawton.

 

i would. where was jody supposed to play? he wasn't going to start over hollandsworth, and murton has been playing more and more. he's ben grieve with better defense. matt lawton can legitimately help this team.

 

This move won't catapult the Cubs to greatness, but the team is quite clearly better because of it.

[Mizzou]

So is this all we've done today?

 

It's more than just about every other team out there, imo.

 

I wasn't saying that with a scowl on my face... I had no idea what had gone on today, and I figued that NSBB would be the quickest way to find out.

 

Lawton for Dubois is a great deal for us, and that's essentially what it was.

[OleMissCub]

I like this move, it's not bad. But his defense is suspect, ESPN.com says

 

Lawton covered more ground last year following knee surgery, but remained a defensive liability in left and right field. He covered the gap decently, but any ball hit over his head or toward the line was an adventure. He underwent a serious operation on his right shoulder after the 2002 season and runners have been taking liberties against him ever since. Lawton is a good baserunner and the weight he lost last winter helped him steal 23 bases and score a career-high 109 runs.

[J.R.]

Not that I dont like the deal, but in the national scope of things, this really isnt a blockbuster. I would agree its probably the blockbuster of the pre-deadline deals, bu that doesnt say much.

 

No doubt, I just found it unnecessary for Gammons and the BBTN crew to get a chuckle out of dismissing it.

[abuck1220]

Lawton for Gerut is much better than Soriano for Pie & Hill. I still can't believe that the Reds didn't trade one of their surplus outfielders. They deserve their fate.

 

agreed.

 

and don't knock the reds. obviously their six OFer, no pitching strategy has worked out great for them so far...why mess with it?

[ThePenguin11]

Of course I'm not going to be happy because we won't make the playoffs. We should've just stayed put.

 

hahaha what? we clearly upgraded in left, and gave up virtually nothing at all. how can you say you are happier staying put?

I wouldnt say that we gave up nothing for Lawton.

 

i would. where was jody supposed to play? he wasn't going to start over hollandsworth, and murton has been playing more and more. he's ben grieve with better defense. matt lawton can legitimately help this team.

 

We actually traded Dubois for Lawton if you think about it. I would have traded Dubois for Lawton so we could have a real leadoff man anyways.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I like this move, it's not bad. But his defense is suspect, ESPN.com says

 

Lawton covered more ground last year following knee surgery, but remained a defensive liability in left and right field. He covered the gap decently, but any ball hit over his head or toward the line was an adventure. He underwent a serious operation on his right shoulder after the 2002 season and runners have been taking liberties against him ever since. Lawton is a good baserunner and the weight he lost last winter helped him steal 23 bases and score a career-high 109 runs.

 

BP 2005 says that Lawton was 7 runs above average in LF last year, and dead even in RF. However, PECOTA predicted he would be 2 runs below average this year. Take it for what it's worth.

[DougDascenzo]

Kasper just noted that Lawton has made 85 career starts in CF

But when was the last time he logged time in CF? I want Murton to get his AB's but I don't want Holla starting anymore.

 

So whats your new lineup?

 

Here's some ideas depending on where lawton plays:

 

Lawton

Hairston

Lee

Burnitz

Ramirez

Walker

Neifi

Barret

 

Lawton

Walker

Lee

Ramirez

Burnitz

Barret

Neifi

Hairston

 

IF Lawton plays CF

 

Lawton

Walker

Lee

Burnitz

Ramirez

Holly

Neifi

Barret

 

Lawton replacing Holly improves the offense somewhat significantly...

 

Lawton replacing Hairston doesn't improve things very much IMO... 30 or 40 points of OBP as opposed to the 80 points jump if he plays left.

 

So im all for an outfield of Lawton Hairston Burnitz right now.

[CubfaninCA]

Could Hairston be going to SD for Dave Roberts?? Roberts could bat 8th and solidify the D or the Cubs could bring up Patterson and Roberts could be the 4th outfielder..

[frostwyrm]

Good pickup. Let him lead off.

[NCCubFan]

I merged the newer Lawton thread into the older so all the discussion about the trade can take place in a single thread.

[rickrolled]

Could Hairston be going to SD for Dave Roberts?? Roberts could bat 8th and solidify the D or the Cubs could bring up Patterson and Roberts could be the 4th outfielder..

 

I don't think any deals can be announced this late after the deadline.

[ThePenguin11]

How great would life be today if only Matt Murton had been born a left handed batter? Edited July 31, 2005 by ThePenguin11

[imb]

Could Hairston be going to SD for Dave Roberts?? Roberts could bat 8th and solidify the D or the Cubs could bring up Patterson and Roberts could be the 4th outfielder..

 

I don't think any deals can be announced this late after the deadline.

 

Unless some dumb receptionist in the commisioner's office like, died or something, on the way with the trade papers. If that happened, I can definitely see there being a hold up.

[DougDascenzo]

and here's what i would do when Nomar comes back:

 

Lawton

Hairston

Lee

Ramirez

Burnitz

Nomar

Walker

Barret

 

That's a good lineup/ perhaps switch Hairston and Walker though i like Walker having the RBI opportunities over Hairston...If/when Nomar heats it up then:

Lawton

Nomar

Lee

Burnitz

Ramirez

Walker

Hairston

Barret

 

Of course what Dusty will do when Nomar comes back:

 

Neifi

Walker

Lee

Burnitz

Ramirez

Holly

Barret

Lawton

Edited July 31, 2005 by DougDascenzo

[Geech]

How great would life be today if only Matt Murton had been born a left handed batter?

 

I'm not sure I understand what you mean.

[katway]

It's a good trade. If anything, I hope he provides a much needed spark to the offense or change in attitude. While I liked Gerut's pedigree, he looked lost with the Cubs. Plus, Lawton can play center. I expect that Hairston will be moved back to the bench. Edited July 31, 2005 by katway

[nilodnayr]

Kasper just noted that Lawton has made 85 career starts in CF

But when was the last time he logged time in CF? I want Murton to get his AB's but I don't want Holla starting anymore.

 

So whats your new lineup?

 

Here's some ideas depending on where lawton plays:

 

Lawton

Hairston

Lee

Burnitz

Ramirez

Walker

Neifi

Barret

 

Lawton

Walker

Lee

Ramirez

Burnitz

Barret

Neifi

Hairston

 

IF Lawton plays CF

 

Lawton

Walker

Lee

Burnitz

Ramirez

Holly

Neifi

Barret

 

Lawton replacing Holly improves the offense somewhat significantly...

 

Lawton replacing Hairston doesn't improve things very much IMO... 30 or 40 points of OBP as opposed to the 80 points jump if he plays left.

 

So im all for an outfield of Lawton Hairston Burnitz right now.

 

Well hopefully by friday we wont have to write neifis name in the linup more than twice a week....I think the two options are

 

Lawton

Walker

Lee

Rammy

Burntiz(flip flopped against tough righties as has been ocurring)

Nomar

Hairston

Barrett

 

Lawton

Hairston

Lee

Rammy

Burntiz(flip flopped against tough righties as has been ocurring)

Nomar

Walker

Barrett

 

I think the first is more likely, maybe even with barrett and hairston switched.

[Balsa]

Lawton this year:

 

RISP: .328/.388/.522

Leading off inning: .222/.335/.327

Close and Late: .321/.409/.536

 

Batting Leadoff: .279/.386/.465

 

OBP this year since All-Star Break: .397

Edited July 31, 2005 by Balsa

[ThePenguin11]

How great would life be today if only Matt Murton had been born a left handed batter?

 

I'm not sure I understand what you mean.

 

Duh...I'm an idiot...I was still thinking there was a way to make him a full-time starter. For whatever reason, I was thinking that he'd be competing with Holly. Too many cups of coffee today. I even posted earlier that this should mean the end of Hollandsworth in the starting lineup - suggesting that Murton would platoon against lefties with Lawton facing righties. Thanks for making me feel so stupid.

 

On another note, anyone else notice that the platoon of Matt Murton and Matt Lawton makes for an interesting combination of similar names. Maybe we could call them Matt Murlawton or Matt Lawmurton. Okay, I think it might be time for a nap. I've clearly lost my mind. :oops:

 

EDIT: I remember - I was thinking that Lawton could move to center allowing Murton to play left field - but because Baker would favor Hollandsworth over Murton - Murton would only face left-handed pitchers. Hence, if Murton was a lefthanded bat - he would get the majority of the playing time. I think.

Edited July 31, 2005 by ThePenguin11