Cubs need an offensively productive RFer...

[CubsHawks25]

I posted this originally in tonight's game thread, but all we're short of offensively *right now* (until 9/1 and callup help) is an offensively productive RFer - not named Burnitz or Hollandsworth. Even if the replacement just slightly better than adequate, its better than either JB or TH have been in the last month or more.

 

Not sure how likely getting Griffey would be, but if we could get him, then shift Lawton if need be... leave Corey in CF and then put Lawton in the other corner spot that Griffey wouldn't be in.

 

 

Its only been just 3 games (in 4), but the current offense has really woken up, adding in both Corey and Nomar's bats, which are hot/heating up. DLee and Aramis have proven they aren't too tired yet to produce. (if only Baker could find ways to get them some rest though, without sacrificing chances to win, that would help immensely)

[burnt out cubbie fan]

I'm going to say no to Griffey unless the Reds eat a portion of that contract. I'm still wouldn't be too excited about having him under contract when he is 39...

[CubfaninCA]

If they traded for Griffey, I can see Dusty sitting Corey instead of Burnitz. :(

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

If they traded for Griffey, I can see Dusty sitting Corey instead of Burnitz. :(

 

This is true.

[CubsHawks25]

If they traded for Griffey, I can see Dusty sitting Corey instead of Burnitz. :(

 

 

This would be why Burnitz would get the ole DFA (IF traded for Griffey or any other 'name' OF).

[CubfaninCA]

If they traded for Griffey, I can see Dusty sitting Corey instead of Burnitz. :(

 

 

This would be why Burnitz would get the ole DFA (IF traded for Griffey or any other 'name' OF).

 

I can't see that happening. They're going to hold out hope for a hot streak.

[hawkeyecub]

What's the point of a Griffey deal? Why take on that enormous contract for a guy who's main value comes from playing CF and is extremely fragile? Long-term it just makes no sense. Plus you're talking about giving up player/prospects, taking on a lot of money, and eating whatever portion is left of Burnitz's contract. He may be an upgrade in the last 1.5 months but he wouldn't be a total difference maker in our position.

Long-term it just makes no sense.

 

We have Corey now and Pie in the future who can man CF. I'd rather use that money (and save some) to add Giles to the corner, use Corey/Pie in CF and go with Lawton in LF.

 

Burnitz is streaky and I think he'll get going soon. Even so, I think with adding Nomar and Corey the starting pitching down the stretch will be a bigger key than RF production.

[CubsHawks25]

I hope Burnitz does get streaky-hot and soon, cause his spot in the order is the only real "hole" right now.

[Warpticon]

What's the point of a Griffey deal? Why take on that enormous contract for a guy who's main value comes from playing CF and is extremely fragile?

 

I think his .282/.359/.539/.894 line is pretty decent at pretty much any spot on the field. Contract and fragility are legit reasons to balk at acquiring Griffey. Production...not so much.

[YearofDaCubs]

Griffey's contract is terrible and although we need offense I would rathe rgive up some of our prospects to acquire a younger, productive OFer than take on Griffey's contract and hive him here till 2008 or something like that.

[SCCubbieFAN]

I too take pass on Griffey. Let's not get sucked into the recent better playing of the team and take a knee jerk reaction by taking on that huge contract with the hope that he will be the difference maker. This team is still very streaky, and I'd rather just let this team see what it can do the rest of this year and then build on that. The only deal I'd be interested in is another starting pitcher, like Glavine who has cleared waivers.

[Guest]

Griffey's contract is terrible and although we need offense I would rathe rgive up some of our prospects to acquire a younger, productive OFer than take on Griffey's contract and hive him here till 2008 or something like that.

While $12.5 million per season is pricey, it's not an outrageous sum to pay a guy who can put up a 900 OPS from CF. My only real objection to acquiring Griffey would be his health questions. (And to a lesser extent his age at the end of the contract.) The Cubs definitely need a lot of OF help next year, though, so I'm open to any deal that would get a player capable of Griffey's production.

[HoopsCubs]

Griffey's contract is terrible and although we need offense I would rathe rgive up some of our prospects to acquire a younger, productive OFer than take on Griffey's contract and hive him here till 2008 or something like that.

While $12.5 million per season is pricey, it's not an outrageous sum to pay a guy who can put up a 900 OPS from CF. My only real objection to acquiring Griffey would be his health questions. (And to a lesser extent his age at the end of the contract.) The Cubs definitely need a lot of OF help next year, though, so I'm open to any deal that would get a player capable of Griffey's production.

 

To me, the decision here comes down to just money. He is owed $12.5M per year '06 through '08 and then a $4M buyout in '09. If a deal was structured in such a way where the Cubs picked up no more than $6.5M per season and $500K of the buyout, i.e., $20M over 3+ years, I'd be all over this.

 

Given the lack of outfield free agents, the freed up salaries of Sosa, Remlinger and Hawkins after 2005 and the fact that the Cubs are one of the top spenders, he is easily affordable if the Reds agree to the Cubs terms.

 

JMHO.

[YearofDaCubs]

Griffey's contract is terrible and although we need offense I would rathe rgive up some of our prospects to acquire a younger, productive OFer than take on Griffey's contract and hive him here till 2008 or something like that.

While $12.5 million per season is pricey, it's not an outrageous sum to pay a guy who can put up a 900 OPS from CF. My only real objection to acquiring Griffey would be his health questions. (And to a lesser extent his age at the end of the contract.) The Cubs definitely need a lot of OF help next year, though, so I'm open to any deal that would get a player capable of Griffey's production.

 

To me, the decision here comes down to just money. He is owed $12.5M per year '06 through '08 and then a $4M buyout in '09. If a deal was structured in such a way where the Cubs picked up no more than $6.5M per season and $500K of the buyout, i.e., $20M over 3+ years, I'd be all over this.

 

Given the lack of outfield free agents, the freed up salaries of Sosa, Remlinger and Hawkins after 2005 and the fact that the Cubs are one of the top spenders, he is easily affordable if the Reds agree to the Cubs terms.

 

JMHO.

I didnt even think of that. If the Reds indeed would pay for a good portion of the salary I agree that would be a good idea. If they dont pay squat and we are stuck with the entire salary then I would say heck no.

[Mark_R]

I'd rather get Brian Giles who is likely to be less money over the same time span and doesn't come with the same durability questions that Griffey does.

[Mark_R]

I'd rather get Brian Giles who is likely to be less money over the same time span and doesn't come with the same durability questions that Griffey does.

[Guest]

To me, the decision here comes down to just money. He is owed $12.5M per year '06 through '08 and then a $4M buyout in '09. If a deal was structured in such a way where the Cubs picked up no more than $6.5M per season and $500K of the buyout, i.e., $20M over 3+ years, I'd be all over this.

 

Given the lack of outfield free agents, the freed up salaries of Sosa, Remlinger and Hawkins after 2005 and the fact that the Cubs are one of the top spenders, he is easily affordable if the Reds agree to the Cubs terms.

 

JMHO.

I think getting Griffey at $6.5 million per would be an absolute steal. Depending on how it impacted the prospect cost, I'd be willing to up that to around $9.5 million per year if my training staff was confident his past injuries were behind him. Looking at the other side of the equation, though, I'm not sure how willing the Reds would be to eat a lot of Griffey's remaining salary. I'm sure they'd pick up a little, but I just don't see them eating half of it unless they got some very good talent in return.

[frostwyrm]

Best thing that could happen for the Cubs outfield now is that the Cubs fall out of WC race as quickly as possible so we can get a good look at Murton and Pie.

[HoopsCubs]

Best thing that could happen for the Cubs outfield now is that the Cubs fall out of WC race as quickly as possible so we can get a good look at Murton and Pie.

 

Best thing? If the Cubs sweep the Astros this week, they're 4 back in the loss column with 40 games left and a ton of momentum on their side. The goal is to win, right? I certainly know I am not rooting for the Cubs to fall out of the WC race.

 

Hendry/Baker should be creative and open-minded enough to insert Murton and Pie (for the struggling Burnitz and so-so Patterson) into the line-up with the goal being to win games.

[YearofDaCubs]

Best thing that could happen for the Cubs outfield now is that the Cubs fall out of WC race as quickly as possible so we can get a good look at Murton and Pie.

 

Best thing? If the Cubs sweep the Astros this week, they're 4 back in the loss column with 40 games left and a ton of momentum on their side. The goal is to win, right? I certainly know I am not rooting for the Cubs to fall out of the WC race.

 

Hendry/Baker should be creative and open-minded enough to insert Murton and Pie (for the struggling Burnitz and so-so Patterson) into the line-up with the goal being to win games.

If we can get back to 4GB I would say we are def back in it. I won't get too excited until we hit that 4GB mark.

[OldHappyCubFan]

Give the Yanks competition for Matsui.

[CubfaninCA]

Best thing that could happen for the Cubs outfield now is that the Cubs fall out of WC race as quickly as possible so we can get a good look at Murton and Pie.

 

If the idea is to improve next year, then I want to see them stay as competitive for as long as possible this year. The last thing I want is for them to finish 14 under .500.

[nilodnayr]

We have one and he just hit a monster home run...FINALLY!

[frostwyrm]

Best thing that could happen for the Cubs outfield now is that the Cubs fall out of WC race as quickly as possible so we can get a good look at Murton and Pie.

 

Best thing? If the Cubs sweep the Astros this week, they're 4 back in the loss column with 40 games left and a ton of momentum on their side. The goal is to win, right? I certainly know I am not rooting for the Cubs to fall out of the WC race.

 

Hendry/Baker should be creative and open-minded enough to insert Murton and Pie (for the struggling Burnitz and so-so Patterson) into the line-up with the goal being to win games.

 

The Cubs have too many teams in front of them and I don't think they're good enough to beat out all those teams.

[CubsHawks25]

Just forget I even started this thread, the Cubs are seeing to it that it matters not what we do to upgrade that position or not the rest of this year.

 

 

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