Realstic look at 2006+

[reggiemiller rules]

Well first of all Winn isnt on Seattle anymore he got traded. Also if you think that Cpatt or Cedeno could get Guardado a proven veteran closer you are crazy they could get much more then that from other teams.

[Fanatic3332000]

I worked on this during the morning, and got on to post this, and found this thread already going strong. So I will just add my part to this thread. This is what I would like to see for 2006. And want to know if you think it is feasible, I think it is, and it would be "going for it" in 2006.

 

Sign Brian Giles to 2 year $12 million deal.

 

Sign A J Burnett to 5 year $60 million deal.

 

Trade Matt Murton, Rich Hill, Jerome Williams to Reds for Adam Dunn. I would definitely add a couple lower minor leaguers if need be to make this deal happen.

 

Trade Corey Patterson, Ronny Cedeno, Sergio Mitre to Seattle for their closer Eddie G.

 

 

 

I hate trading the kids, but I want to go for it next season, and this is definitely going for it next season.

 

I think you are giving up WAY too much for Eddie G when I honestly feel Demp could out pitch him in the closer role..

 

Eddie is like 35 yrs old...Seattle would have to give me Eddie+Winn just to get one of Cpatt or Cendeno

 

Winn is no longer in Seattle.......I totally agree who would give up Cedeno CPatt and Mitre for Guardado?....seattle already has morse and a couple other SS prospects....why guardado?

[minnesotacubsfan]

Well first of all Winn isnt on Seattle anymore he got traded. Also if you think that Cpatt or Cedeno could get Guardado a proven veteran closer you are crazy they could get much more then that from other teams.

 

well then Seattle would have to get Winn back first, now wouldnt they??

 

seriously though, why eddie fricken G? If I'm trading away that much youth and potential, its for Ryan, Lidge, or Gange in a bigger package...

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

I'd like to sure up second base by trading for either Russ Adams or Orlando Hudson. I'd prefer Hudson, but don't mind Adams. They aren't great, but both are solid players and Hudson is one of the best defensive players in the league, and I think he's a much better hitter than he's showing.

 

Also, trade Richard Hill. People will want to see Barry Zito in him, but he reminds me more of Eric Milton. He loves to give up that HR.

 

Also since I think we should rebuild, I'd try to swing a few trades for prospects who look like they'll turn into something but might be underrated. Think a Denard Span or Alex Romero.

 

Unfortunately, our farm system is pretty unimpressive. Its going to be pretty rough unless we go the Yankee way and buy everything. But I'd rather try for success we can sustain.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I'd like to sure up second base by trading for either Russ Adams or Orlando Hudson. I'd prefer Hudson, but don't mind Adams. They aren't great, but both are solid players and Hudson is one of the best defensive players in the league, and I think he's a much better hitter than he's showing.

 

Walker has been very good at 2B, and has a very cheap option for next year. I wouldn't worry about 2B for next year unless it comes in conjunction with another upgrade.

[erik316wttn]

I'd like to sure up second base by trading for either Russ Adams or Orlando Hudson. I'd prefer Hudson, but don't mind Adams. They aren't great, but both are solid players and Hudson is one of the best defensive players in the league, and I think he's a much better hitter than he's showing.

 

Walker has been very good at 2B, and has a very cheap option for next year. I wouldn't worry about 2B for next year unless it comes in conjunction with another upgrade.

 

I agree. And again, I'm baffled as to why everyone is itching to get rid of Walker.

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

I'm not itching to get rid of Walker, I'd just prefer someone younger. I like Walker.

[marc_foust]

My 25 man roster:

C- Barrett

1B- Lee

2B- Walker

SS- Nomar/Cedeno

3B- ARam

RF- Huff/Giles/Kearns****

CF- Cpatt

LF- Murton

 

 

Bench:

Hairston

Hollandsworth

Blanco

Neifi

Murton

Nomar/Cedeno

 

Starters:

Prior

Z

Burnett/Williams**

Wood

Maddux/Hill/Mitre***

 

Bull Pen:

Williamson

Dempster

Wuertz

Aardsma

Novoa

Rusch

 

 

*Only sign Nomar to a one year incentive laden deal. If no Nomar then Cedeno starts.

 

** I wouldnt mind seeing us get into the bidding for Burnett. If not Burnett then Williams

 

***If Maddux does not retire then he is my fifth starter. I think we can count on him for ten wins and to stay healthy, I will take that from my fifth.

 

****I would go after Kearns first, then Huff and if none of them sign Giles to a 2-3 year deal. I really think that Kearns will flourish in wrigley.

 

 

Also I know that some will criticize my keeping Neifi but I think he is a good bench SS. If Nomar comes back then maybe you can get rid of him and bring up Grieve. Also I like Holla and Hairston as bench players. If used correctly they can be very effective as role players. Hairston is a nice option because he can play many different positions and bat up and down the lineup. If we can add a more established player than Murton I wouldnt mind but I also wouldnt mind seeing him starting.

 

Batting order W/ nomar:

1 Walker

2 Murton

3 Lee

4 Aramis

5 Nomar

6 RF Spot

7 CPatt

8 Barrett

 

W/O Nomar

1 Cedeno

2 Walker

3 Lee

4 Aramis

5 RF Spot

6 Murton

7 CPatt

8 Barrett

[LuckyPup]

Well there are a few places I would concentrate on this offseason-In my mind here is what we need:

 

2SP

closer

OF

2 relievers-

SS

 

-Trade# 1: J. Williams+Leicester+Novoa to Pitts. for Kip Wells+Salomon Torres-

This gives us a servicable starter with a 3.00 era at Wrigley career and a solid long relief guy in Torres-costs us about 4M in payroll for 06. Pittsburgh moves alot of salary and picks up another couple of young arms.

-Re-sign Nomar- 1yr 4.5M + incentives with club option of 9M in 07-

Now we are down to :

 

-sign Brian Giles 3yrs @ 23M-(9,7,6)club option for 4th year for 7M or 1M buyout- I am a fan of Adam Dunn but I don't think he is legitimately attainable. Giles would be a HUGE addition to this club-his discipline and OBP would be a big payoff in the 2 or 3 spot in front of DLee and Aram.Plus this only costs us money-not prospects-

 

-Trade #2-Cpatt(3M)+Hairston(2M)+Mitre to FLA for Pierre(4M)+Mota(3)

 

-Re-sign Dempster 2yrs 9M(4,5)

 

1SP

 

Well we have the solution to this one in house in Kerry Wood(hopefully)- So here's the payroll and lineup:

 

CF-Pierre(4)

2B-Walker(2.5M)

1B-Lee(8M)

RF-Giles(9M)

3B-Aram(9.5M)

SS-Nomar(4.5M)

C-Barrett(4M)

LF-Murton(.3)

Total=41.8M

 

Prior(6M)

Z(6M)

Wood)12.5)

Maddux(9M)

Wells(4)

Total=37.5

 

Dempster(4M)

Williamson(2M)

Torres(1.5M)

Wuertz(.4K)

Ohman(.3k)

Mota(3M)

Wellemeyer(.4)

Total=11.6M

 

Cedeno-.3K

Perez-2M

Grieve-.3K

Blanco-1.75M

Grissom-1M

Total=5.35

 

Payroll=96.25M,

 

but thats just me.

[bannor10]

First I don't agree with trading Barrett...On a team that cannot score runs we need all positions to hit above thier weight...

 

A.J. would be a nice addition but I'm sure the Yankees or dodgers will outbid us....

 

I'm in favor a Furcal at short and re-signing either T.Walker or Grudz for second...With Cedano either traded or the top backup

 

The Cubs should have a lot of money to spend with few top A-list free agents....I see a salary dump type trade coming the cubs way....Say Vernon Wells and Ted Lilly(or this class of pitcher)....

[marc_foust]

No matter what moves are made I believe that we have a core of guys that we can build around:

 

1B Lee

2B Walker

3B Aramis

C Barrett

 

SP- Z, Prior, Maddux

RP- Demp, Williamson,

 

I think that every other position is upgradable. Walker and Barrett while maybe not the top player in the league at their position I think are near the top for production. An to try to replace them would cost time, resource, and money that should be used to improve other positions.

 

 

Other players that handy and not immediate needs are as follows IMO:

C Blanco

SP Williams, Wood, Hill

OF CPatt

SS Nomar

 

Our bullpen and OF need alot of attention. If we can add a big bat to the outfield we may be able to get away with having CPatt and Murton round out the rest of the OF.

 

The SP needs another arm to make the rest fall into place. Maddux and Wood are not going anywhere and Prior and Z are staples. If we can get a FA signing or perhaps a trade then we can maybe go with Williams in the rotation.

 

The bull pen needs some help as well. Demp needs to be resigned. Williamson should be help next year. Ohman is fine as a Loogy. Between Novoa, Wuertz, Welly etc we can either use an arm or trade for other pieces. Aardsma can also be added to the pen.

 

SS is a spot that needs to be addressed as well. If Nomar can be brought back for a cheap contract then go with him but Cedeno is the immediate backup. I also like the idea of moving Nomar to the OF if it can be done.

 

If we can get a player like Huff or Kearns for the outfield and move Nomar as well I believe that will make for a good OF. If no trades are reasonable go after Giles for a short contract 2 years preferably but no longer than 3. Patterson gets another chance if he finishes well this year.

 

The Needs of this team should be addressed in the following order:

 

1) Find an OFer through trade or sign Giles

2) Find a number 3 or 4 starter

3) Resign Demp to close

4) Determine what to do with Nomar (OF, SS, or cut lose)

5) Find a dependable arm for the pen

6) Dump Macias

 

The tradable pieces for this team should include all of following:

Holla, Hairston, Williams, Mitre, Rusch, Neifi, Grieve, Murton, Patterson, Blanco, Novoa, Ohman, Wuertz, Hill, Dope, and most of the rest of farm.

 

Top targets:

Burnett at a price

Giles at a slightly higher price to a 2-3 deal

Another OF: Kearns, Huff, etc.

[TrueBlueCubFan]

The title of this thread is Most Realistic line-up for 06. Some of you must have missed the title by some of your posts. Ex. Arod?both Giles & Burnett? Soriano? Wagner? C'mon none of these are realistic. Giles is the only possibility out of these for the Cubs.

With 40 games still left in the 05' season & late season call-ups still a week & a half away there is still alot TBD.

 

This off-season will be very different from others. The FA market is very thin. Therefore I expect many trades to happen: Example, Kearns,Dunn,Huff,Baez, Soriano,Overbay,Cameron, & Sweeney(KC) all have a good chance to get moved.

 

C- starter Barrett Back-up Blanco. I doubt this will change. Blanco is signed through 06' & is a very solid defensive C. Barrett signed a 4 year deal in the off-season, therefore I wouldn't expect him to be going anywhere. Some of you who think Barrett is the main cause of how the Cubs pitching staff has performed so far in the 05 season is somewhat ridiculous. Barrett is an avg. defensive C who is only going to get better.

 

1B- Lee. He is a FA after the 06' season, if healthy I expect another big year from him. Hopefully, Hendry will be able to sign him to an extension but that will be up to D.Lee & his feeling on whether he wants to test the FA market in 07'. The Cubs do have a couple up & coming prospects a year or two away from ML ready in Dopirak & Sing

 

2B- Hairston. IIRC, he is still arbitration eligible. He will be the Cubs starting 2B in 06'. Walker will sign with Texas once the Rangers move Soriano.

 

SS- Nomar will be a Cub next year. If healthy he will have a shot @ winning comeback player of the year in 06'. I also think the Cubs will resign Neifi Perez. Cedeno will also make the roster out of ST & will start the year as a utlity IF backing up Nomar & Hairston.

 

3B- Ramirez. Look for Fontenot to be the back-up

 

OF- Lawton, Patterson & either Brian Giles,Burnitz, Huff or Kearns will be starting OF's for the Cubs in 06'. I expect the Cubs to work hard to resign Lawton to become the lead-off man in 06 & beyond. Patterson will be pushed hard in ST by PIE, who has a shot at starting CF, but that will all be determined by CPatt & his determination to change his approach & make adjustments @ the plate. Murton & Pie will be the Cubs young OF off the bench.

 

Starters: Barrett,Lee,Hairston,Nomar,Ramirez,Lawton,Patterson,RF

Bench: Blanco,Fontenot,Perez,Murton,Pie,Cedeno

 

Rotation:

Zambrano

Prior

Wood

Maddux

Williams or Guzman

 

Bullpen: 6 spots

Williamson (set-up)

Ohman (Loogy)

 

on the bubble:

Weurtz,Novoa,VanBuren,Aardsma

 

Closer: Dempster could resign depending how he does for the Cubs down the stretch.

Ryan is more likely for the Cubs than Wagner. Baez,Wagner & Ryan maybe the only off-season possibilities for the Cubs @ closer. Therefore, I see Dempster the more likely candidate.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Walker has a cheap option that we'd be crazy not to pick up.

[marc_foust]

We have a core of young players that will hopefully be around for a few years. We also have some veterans who will more than likely only be around until 06.

 

C- Barrett. Barrett is a piece that should be in place for years as well. I would like to see him bat up in the lineup higher due to his ability to walk Blanco is the backup for his work with our pitchers.

 

1B- Lee: sign this man to an extension. He plays almost every game and makes everyone on the team better. If handled right he could be around for years as well.

 

2B- Walker for 06. If we can keep hairston around as backup go ahead. Hairston is pretty versatile so he is not a bad guy to have on the bench. Walker has a cheap option and produces at a great rate for a second basemen.

 

SS- Nomar for 06 only is cheap, a nice incentive laden deal to keep him around for a year. I think Neifi should be kept as the backup so Cedeno can play AAA instead sitting behind Nomar and he can get a shot in 07.

 

3B- ARam. He completes the infield and should be a piece of the cubs for years to come. I would like to see a backup with some pop brought in but if we have to Macias will work.

 

LF- I am not necessarily sold on Lawton but we would be hard pressed to do much better with so many other holes to fill this offseason.

 

CF- Patterson. His defense is solid and he is fine in a 6-7 hole capacity. If he can figure out the plate he can be the player we all want him to be. If not then Pie gets the go in 07.

 

RF- Make a run at Giles but not for any more than 9/3 . If not availibile then look for someone through trade. I really like Kearns and think he could be another ARam/Barrett success story.

 

Bench- Holla, Hairston, Macias, Blanco, Grieve, trade for someone like Blum if poss.

 

Starters:

 

Prior

Z

Maddux

Williams/Hill/Rusch

Wood or Burnett

 

I would like to see Burnett even though it is probably impossible. I wouldnt mind seeing us acquire someone through trade.

 

Pen:

Wood or Guzman

Dempster

Williamson

Ohman

Novoa

Wuertz

 

 

Trade bait for the offseason:

Patterson, Rusch, Mitre, Holla, Grieve, ohman, wuertz, novoa, aardsma, welly, neifi, macias, guzman

 

Non tradable:

Lee, ARam, Wood, Maddux, Prior, Z, Walker, Demp, Nomar, Burnitz, Williamson, pie, sing,

 

I would be pretty disapointed if we didnt move rusch, mitre, welly etc in the offseason to fill either a starter role or a corner OF. I would almost rather keep Wood in the pen with how dominate he is right now if he can stay healthy the whole year doing so. If we can add a starter in the offseason I would really like to see him stay in the pen.

[treebird]

Walker has a cheap option that we'd be crazy not to pick up.

 

if you subsititute stupid for crazy, you realize that it's entirely possible walker is elsewhere next year.

[Cubzfan64]

We have a core of young players that will hopefully be around for a few years. We also have some veterans who will more than likely only be around until 06.

 

C- Barrett. Barrett is a piece that should be in place for years as well. I would like to see him bat up in the lineup higher due to his ability to walk Blanco is the backup for his work with our pitchers.

 

1B- Lee: sign this man to an extension. He plays almost every game and makes everyone on the team better. If handled right he could be around for years as well.

 

2B- Walker for 06. If we can keep hairston around as backup go ahead. Hairston is pretty versatile so he is not a bad guy to have on the bench. Walker has a cheap option and produces at a great rate for a second basemen.

 

SS- Nomar for 06 only is cheap, a nice incentive laden deal to keep him around for a year. I think Neifi should be kept as the backup so Cedeno can play AAA instead sitting behind Nomar and he can get a shot in 07.

 

3B- ARam. He completes the infield and should be a piece of the cubs for years to come. I would like to see a backup with some pop brought in but if we have to Macias will work.

 

LF- I am not necessarily sold on Lawton but we would be hard pressed to do much better with so many other holes to fill this offseason.

 

CF- Patterson. His defense is solid and he is fine in a 6-7 hole capacity. If he can figure out the plate he can be the player we all want him to be. If not then Pie gets the go in 07.

 

RF- Make a run at Giles but not for any more than 9/3 . If not availibile then look for someone through trade. I really like Kearns and think he could be another ARam/Barrett success story.

 

Bench- Holla, Hairston, Macias, Blanco, Grieve, trade for someone like Blum if poss.

 

Starters:

 

Prior

Z

Maddux

Williams/Hill/Rusch

Wood or Burnett

 

I would like to see Burnett even though it is probably impossible. I wouldnt mind seeing us acquire someone through trade.

 

Pen:

Wood or Guzman

Dempster

Williamson

Ohman

Novoa

Wuertz

 

 

Trade bait for the offseason:

Patterson, Rusch, Mitre, Holla, Grieve, ohman, wuertz, novoa, aardsma, welly, neifi, macias, guzman

 

Non tradable:

Lee, ARam, Wood, Maddux, Prior, Z, Walker, Demp, Nomar, Burnitz, Williamson, pie, sing,

 

I would be pretty disapointed if we didnt move rusch, mitre, welly etc in the offseason to fill either a starter role or a corner OF. I would almost rather keep Wood in the pen with how dominate he is right now if he can stay healthy the whole year doing so. If we can add a starter in the offseason I would really like to see him stay in the pen.

 

I usually hate to single any one poster out, but I don't see your 2006 team being anything more than slightly better than this season's team. We've been basically a .500 ballclub give or take a little all season long - that's just not gonna cut it to make a run at a championship.

 

For the amount of money this organization has spent on this team it should be producing much better than it does and I don't want to see us go into 2006 with the same cast of characters.

 

I want this team to change their offensive strategy and get some guys in here who know how to make a pitcher work for outs, how to take walks when they're given to you and how to get on base and run the bases.

 

I just don't see how we improve much if we follow your plan. I don't think anyone on this team should be considered untouchable if they can be moved to make the club better. About the only person I might even remotely consider untouchable is Mark Prior but even he could be had for the right price imho.

[bring stone back]

I realize everyone seems to want Kearns/Dunn might that won't happen. Two players who could dramatically alter the look of the Cubs would be Julio Lugo at 2nd base and Giles in right. We keep complaining that we don't have anyone who can consistently get on base and make things happen but Lugo is the answer. He can hit over .300, get on base and steal 40 bases a year. As much as I like Walker, he is a station to station player and we need to move in a new direction.

[Laura]

Welcome to the forums! :)

[AAApittsburgh]

I realize everyone seems to want Kearns/Dunn might that won't happen. Two players who could dramatically alter the look of the Cubs would be Julio Lugo at 2nd base and Giles in right. We keep complaining that we don't have anyone who can consistently get on base and make things happen but Lugo is the answer. He can hit over .300, get on base and steal 40 bases a year. As much as I like Walker, he is a station to station player and we need to move in a new direction.

I'd rather have Lugo at SS if anything.

[bring stone back]

I'd really like to see Lugo leadoff at second, sign Nomar to another one-year dea, get Giles and re-sign Lawton. Lugo and Lawton setting the table for Lee, Ramirez, Giles and Nomar would be pretty interesting.....

[CubfaninCA]

I realize everyone seems to want Kearns/Dunn might that won't happen. Two players who could dramatically alter the look of the Cubs would be Julio Lugo at 2nd base and Giles in right. We keep complaining that we don't have anyone who can consistently get on base and make things happen but Lugo is the answer. He can hit over .300, get on base and steal 40 bases a year. As much as I like Walker, he is a station to station player and we need to move in a new direction.

 

I'd rather have Lugo @ ss. Nomah's just awful defensively. I don't know if he's overly concerned about getting hurt, which limits him, but the guy's having major problems. Also, my guess is that he'll get hurt again. It seems his body's a wreck. HowevAh, Tampa's an idiot organization, and far worse than Cincy, so it will be difficult to deal w/ them, even if Lugo becomes too expensive for them. Perhaps they'd be happy if they could get Mitre and Welly, who apparently have trade value according to some. My guess is they'd ask for something ridiculous like Pie and Hill.

 

Lugo could leadoff and Walker and Murton could fill the 2nd spot, Lee 3rd, Giles 4th, ARam 5th, Walker or Murton 6th, Barret 7th, Patterson 8th.

The Cubs can use the remainder of their money for another starter. Either Milwood or Weaver.

[marc_foust]

We have a core of young players that will hopefully be around for a few years. We also have some veterans who will more than likely only be around until 06.

 

C- Barrett. Barrett is a piece that should be in place for years as well. I would like to see him bat up in the lineup higher due to his ability to walk Blanco is the backup for his work with our pitchers.

 

1B- Lee: sign this man to an extension. He plays almost every game and makes everyone on the team better. If handled right he could be around for years as well.

 

2B- Walker for 06. If we can keep hairston around as backup go ahead. Hairston is pretty versatile so he is not a bad guy to have on the bench. Walker has a cheap option and produces at a great rate for a second basemen.

 

SS- Nomar for 06 only is cheap, a nice incentive laden deal to keep him around for a year. I think Neifi should be kept as the backup so Cedeno can play AAA instead sitting behind Nomar and he can get a shot in 07.

 

3B- ARam. He completes the infield and should be a piece of the cubs for years to come. I would like to see a backup with some pop brought in but if we have to Macias will work.

 

LF- I am not necessarily sold on Lawton but we would be hard pressed to do much better with so many other holes to fill this offseason.

 

CF- Patterson. His defense is solid and he is fine in a 6-7 hole capacity. If he can figure out the plate he can be the player we all want him to be. If not then Pie gets the go in 07.

 

RF- Make a run at Giles but not for any more than 9/3 . If not availibile then look for someone through trade. I really like Kearns and think he could be another ARam/Barrett success story.

 

Bench- Holla, Hairston, Macias, Blanco, Grieve, trade for someone like Blum if poss.

 

Starters:

 

Prior

Z

Maddux

Williams/Hill/Rusch

Wood or Burnett

 

I would like to see Burnett even though it is probably impossible. I wouldnt mind seeing us acquire someone through trade.

 

Pen:

Wood or Guzman

Dempster

Williamson

Ohman

Novoa

Wuertz

 

 

Trade bait for the offseason:

Patterson, Rusch, Mitre, Holla, Grieve, ohman, wuertz, novoa, aardsma, welly, neifi, macias, guzman

 

Non tradable:

Lee, ARam, Wood, Maddux, Prior, Z, Walker, Demp, Nomar, Burnitz, Williamson, pie, sing,

 

I would be pretty disapointed if we didnt move rusch, mitre, welly etc in the offseason to fill either a starter role or a corner OF. I would almost rather keep Wood in the pen with how dominate he is right now if he can stay healthy the whole year doing so. If we can add a starter in the offseason I would really like to see him stay in the pen.

 

I usually hate to single any one poster out, but I don't see your 2006 team being anything more than slightly better than this season's team. We've been basically a .500 ballclub give or take a little all season long - that's just not gonna cut it to make a run at a championship.

 

For the amount of money this organization has spent on this team it should be producing much better than it does and I don't want to see us go into 2006 with the same cast of characters.

 

I want this team to change their offensive strategy and get some guys in here who know how to make a pitcher work for outs, how to take walks when they're given to you and how to get on base and run the bases.

 

I just don't see how we improve much if we follow your plan. I don't think anyone on this team should be considered untouchable if they can be moved to make the club better. About the only person I might even remotely consider untouchable is Mark Prior but even he could be had for the right price imho.

 

 

I forgot the most importent ingredient, find a new managerial staff(Manager, Hitting Coach, Pitching Coach, Bench Manager etc.). But seriously, do you all see a major overhaul coming? There really are not very many viable options this offseason.

 

I really do not like our chances of signing a top tier free agent like Giles Wagner or Burnett. Hendry is not wild enough to even consider moving Lee, ARam, Barrett, Prior, or Z. And Maddux and Wood arent going anywhere. Nomar, Dempster, Lawton, and Walker all have to be resigned so they wont get traded. That leaves a lot of marginal players and prospects. Since Hendry overvalues our prospects, I doubt teams will like packages he puts together.

 

We may open the pocket books enough to add one major FA, but I am guessing that will be all we will get out of that market. I dont think we will add anything through trade, but maybe a marginal upgrade to what we already have.

 

The single biggest/best move that can be made this offseason will probably be to find a new managerial staff. I really dont think a whole new team will be added this offseason. Unfortunatly we are pretty much stuck with the core of the team and small changes are all that will probably come. The core is not bad and has some young talent. But it is mismanaged and needs upgrades in a few spots. The OF, Pen, and another starter are holes that need filling.

 

We may be able to fill one or two of those holes but i just dont see us filling all of them just like last offseason. I could sit here list a dream team of free agents and players from other teams, but I think this is what the team will look like next season. The title of the thread is a realistic look at 06 and beyond and that is what I think I came up with.

[Cubzfan64]

We have a core of young players that will hopefully be around for a few years. We also have some veterans who will more than likely only be around until 06.

 

C- Barrett. Barrett is a piece that should be in place for years as well. I would like to see him bat up in the lineup higher due to his ability to walk Blanco is the backup for his work with our pitchers.

 

1B- Lee: sign this man to an extension. He plays almost every game and makes everyone on the team better. If handled right he could be around for years as well.

 

2B- Walker for 06. If we can keep hairston around as backup go ahead. Hairston is pretty versatile so he is not a bad guy to have on the bench. Walker has a cheap option and produces at a great rate for a second basemen.

 

SS- Nomar for 06 only is cheap, a nice incentive laden deal to keep him around for a year. I think Neifi should be kept as the backup so Cedeno can play AAA instead sitting behind Nomar and he can get a shot in 07.

 

3B- ARam. He completes the infield and should be a piece of the cubs for years to come. I would like to see a backup with some pop brought in but if we have to Macias will work.

 

LF- I am not necessarily sold on Lawton but we would be hard pressed to do much better with so many other holes to fill this offseason.

 

CF- Patterson. His defense is solid and he is fine in a 6-7 hole capacity. If he can figure out the plate he can be the player we all want him to be. If not then Pie gets the go in 07.

 

RF- Make a run at Giles but not for any more than 9/3 . If not availibile then look for someone through trade. I really like Kearns and think he could be another ARam/Barrett success story.

 

Bench- Holla, Hairston, Macias, Blanco, Grieve, trade for someone like Blum if poss.

 

Starters:

 

Prior

Z

Maddux

Williams/Hill/Rusch

Wood or Burnett

 

I would like to see Burnett even though it is probably impossible. I wouldnt mind seeing us acquire someone through trade.

 

Pen:

Wood or Guzman

Dempster

Williamson

Ohman

Novoa

Wuertz

 

 

Trade bait for the offseason:

Patterson, Rusch, Mitre, Holla, Grieve, ohman, wuertz, novoa, aardsma, welly, neifi, macias, guzman

 

Non tradable:

Lee, ARam, Wood, Maddux, Prior, Z, Walker, Demp, Nomar, Burnitz, Williamson, pie, sing,

 

I would be pretty disapointed if we didnt move rusch, mitre, welly etc in the offseason to fill either a starter role or a corner OF. I would almost rather keep Wood in the pen with how dominate he is right now if he can stay healthy the whole year doing so. If we can add a starter in the offseason I would really like to see him stay in the pen.

 

I usually hate to single any one poster out, but I don't see your 2006 team being anything more than slightly better than this season's team. We've been basically a .500 ballclub give or take a little all season long - that's just not gonna cut it to make a run at a championship.

 

For the amount of money this organization has spent on this team it should be producing much better than it does and I don't want to see us go into 2006 with the same cast of characters.

 

I want this team to change their offensive strategy and get some guys in here who know how to make a pitcher work for outs, how to take walks when they're given to you and how to get on base and run the bases.

 

I just don't see how we improve much if we follow your plan. I don't think anyone on this team should be considered untouchable if they can be moved to make the club better. About the only person I might even remotely consider untouchable is Mark Prior but even he could be had for the right price imho.

 

 

I forgot the most importent ingredient, find a new managerial staff(Manager, Hitting Coach, Pitching Coach, Bench Manager etc.). But seriously, do you all see a major overhaul coming? There really are not very many viable options this offseason.

 

I really do not like our chances of signing a top tier free agent like Giles Wagner or Burnett. Hendry is not wild enough to even consider moving Lee, ARam, Barrett, Prior, or Z. And Maddux and Wood arent going anywhere. Nomar, Dempster, Lawton, and Walker all have to be resigned so they wont get traded. That leaves a lot of marginal players and prospects. Since Hendry overvalues our prospects, I doubt teams will like packages he puts together.

 

We may open the pocket books enough to add one major FA, but I am guessing that will be all we will get out of that market. I dont think we will add anything through trade, but maybe a marginal upgrade to what we already have.

 

The single biggest/best move that can be made this offseason will probably be to find a new managerial staff. I really dont think a whole new team will be added this offseason. Unfortunatly we are pretty much stuck with the core of the team and small changes are all that will probably come. The core is not bad and has some young talent. But it is mismanaged and needs upgrades in a few spots. The OF, Pen, and another starter are holes that need filling.

 

We may be able to fill one or two of those holes but i just dont see us filling all of them just like last offseason. I could sit here list a dream team of free agents and players from other teams, but I think this is what the team will look like next season. The title of the thread is a realistic look at 06 and beyond and that is what I think I came up with.

 

Your point is well taken - unfortunately what you said is correct that your view likely is closer to the realistic view of what next year might look like than most others here (mine included) :-(. As much as you don't see the team really changing that much, I don't see the management organization (or philosophy for that matter) changing either.

 

Sadly that doesn't give me much enthusiasm for the 2006 season :-(

[TrueBlueCubFan]

We have a core of young players that will hopefully be around for a few years. We also have some veterans who will more than likely only be around until 06.

 

C- Barrett. Barrett is a piece that should be in place for years as well. I would like to see him bat up in the lineup higher due to his ability to walk Blanco is the backup for his work with our pitchers.

 

1B- Lee: sign this man to an extension. He plays almost every game and makes everyone on the team better. If handled right he could be around for years as well.

 

2B- Walker for 06. If we can keep hairston around as backup go ahead. Hairston is pretty versatile so he is not a bad guy to have on the bench. Walker has a cheap option and produces at a great rate for a second basemen.

 

SS- Nomar for 06 only is cheap, a nice incentive laden deal to keep him around for a year. I think Neifi should be kept as the backup so Cedeno can play AAA instead sitting behind Nomar and he can get a shot in 07.

 

3B- ARam. He completes the infield and should be a piece of the cubs for years to come. I would like to see a backup with some pop brought in but if we have to Macias will work.

 

LF- I am not necessarily sold on Lawton but we would be hard pressed to do much better with so many other holes to fill this offseason.

 

CF- Patterson. His defense is solid and he is fine in a 6-7 hole capacity. If he can figure out the plate he can be the player we all want him to be. If not then Pie gets the go in 07.

 

RF- Make a run at Giles but not for any more than 9/3 . If not availibile then look for someone through trade. I really like Kearns and think he could be another ARam/Barrett success story.

 

Bench- Holla, Hairston, Macias, Blanco, Grieve, trade for someone like Blum if poss.

 

Starters:

 

Prior

Z

Maddux

Williams/Hill/Rusch

Wood or Burnett

 

I would like to see Burnett even though it is probably impossible. I wouldnt mind seeing us acquire someone through trade.

 

Pen:

Wood or Guzman

Dempster

Williamson

Ohman

Novoa

Wuertz

 

 

Trade bait for the offseason:

Patterson, Rusch, Mitre, Holla, Grieve, ohman, wuertz, novoa, aardsma, welly, neifi, macias, guzman

 

Non tradable:

Lee, ARam, Wood, Maddux, Prior, Z, Walker, Demp, Nomar, Burnitz, Williamson, pie, sing,

 

I would be pretty disapointed if we didnt move rusch, mitre, welly etc in the offseason to fill either a starter role or a corner OF. I would almost rather keep Wood in the pen with how dominate he is right now if he can stay healthy the whole year doing so. If we can add a starter in the offseason I would really like to see him stay in the pen.

 

I usually hate to single any one poster out, but I don't see your 2006 team being anything more than slightly better than this season's team. We've been basically a .500 ballclub give or take a little all season long - that's just not gonna cut it to make a run at a championship.

 

For the amount of money this organization has spent on this team it should be producing much better than it does and I don't want to see us go into 2006 with the same cast of characters.

 

I want this team to change their offensive strategy and get some guys in here who know how to make a pitcher work for outs, how to take walks when they're given to you and how to get on base and run the bases.

 

I just don't see how we improve much if we follow your plan. I don't think anyone on this team should be considered untouchable if they can be moved to make the club better. About the only person I might even remotely consider untouchable is Mark Prior but even he could be had for the right price imho.

 

 

I forgot the most importent ingredient, find a new managerial staff(Manager, Hitting Coach, Pitching Coach, Bench Manager etc.). But seriously, do you all see a major overhaul coming? There really are not very many viable options this offseason.

 

I really do not like our chances of signing a top tier free agent like Giles Wagner or Burnett. Hendry is not wild enough to even consider moving Lee, ARam, Barrett, Prior, or Z. And Maddux and Wood arent going anywhere. Nomar, Dempster, Lawton, and Walker all have to be resigned so they wont get traded. That leaves a lot of marginal players and prospects. Since Hendry overvalues our prospects, I doubt teams will like packages he puts together.

 

We may open the pocket books enough to add one major FA, but I am guessing that will be all we will get out of that market. I dont think we will add anything through trade, but maybe a marginal upgrade to what we already have.

 

The single biggest/best move that can be made this offseason will probably be to find a new managerial staff. I really dont think a whole new team will be added this offseason. Unfortunatly we are pretty much stuck with the core of the team and small changes are all that will probably come. The core is not bad and has some young talent. But it is mismanaged and needs upgrades in a few spots. The OF, Pen, and another starter are holes that need filling.

 

We may be able to fill one or two of those holes but i just dont see us filling all of them just like last offseason. I could sit here list a dream team of free agents and players from other teams, but I think this is what the team will look like next season. The title of the thread is a realistic look at 06 and beyond and that is what I think I came up with.

 

Your point is well taken - unfortunately what you said is correct that your view likely is closer to the realistic view of what next year might look like than most others here (mine included) :-(. As much as you don't see the team really changing that much, I don't see the management organization (or philosophy for that matter) changing either.

 

Sadly that doesn't give me much enthusiasm for the 2006 season :-(

Giving up on the 06' season already? WOW, that's nice!

[Cubzfan64]

Giving up on the 06' season already? WOW, that's nice!

 

I may have misworded what I said there, but your response is also taking what I said out of context.

 

My response to marc_faust's idea's of what will happen in the offseason was basically that if the management and coaching staff don't undergo much change, the offensive "strategy" and "philosophies" don't change and the make up of the team isn't changed very much then I don't see much reason for enthusiasm.

 

I expect there to be some changes in the offseason of course, and I hope they consist of something more than adding a couple bench players.

 

I've gone into every season since the 60's with hope and expectations high, but my tolerance and patience is gradually being tested. I stand by what I meant by my comments that if we go into 2006 with basically the same group of ballplayers and the same ideas of how to play the game, I have no reason to expect any different results than .500 baseball.