Bruce Miles on McPhail

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Resiging Nomar wouldn't be so bad, but unfortunately I really think Neifi will be back for 2006. Just the fact that Macias and Neifi have both been on the roster all year shows that the organization highly values these types, and I don't sense any dissatisfaction with Neifi's performance.

 

That's the day that I lose a lot of hope, if Neifi is brought back.

 

Can you guys tell me why Neifi would be bad as a true 25th man? Unless you bring back Nomar and know he's likely to have at least one stint on the 15-day disabled list then I could see why you wouldn't want him as a backup. But if that's the case you shouldn't re-sign Nomar. I'm just trying to figure out how many better backup shortstops there are in the majors. Okay, maybe you might want to go with Ronny Cedeno. I just hope everyone realizes this is his first season with good offensive numbers. So if he's your backup and Nomar misses a month or two of the year, is Cedeno going to be an adequate offensive player at shortstop?

 

Cedeno > Perez, that's about as succintly as I can put it. If Nomar goes down for a month or two, I think that Cedeno is a better option than Perez.

 

Also, going back to my previous post, to me it would show an approval of what Neifi has done this year. I don't like that in the least, since Neifi has done more harm than good, although whether he would do that next year may be up for debate due to playing time considerations.

[Derwood]

Mike Piazza was a 61st round pick. But he is clearly the exception, not the rule.

 

Where might one find lists of the Cubs' draft choices over the years? Or any other team for that matter?

[frostwyrm]

If Nomar comes back we need a supersub type guy, even if it means overpaying.

[dalgreen]

Resiging Nomar wouldn't be so bad, but unfortunately I really think Neifi will be back for 2006. Just the fact that Macias and Neifi have both been on the roster all year shows that the organization highly values these types, and I don't sense any dissatisfaction with Neifi's performance.

 

That's the day that I lose a lot of hope, if Neifi is brought back.

 

Can you guys tell me why Neifi would be bad as a true 25th man? Unless you bring back Nomar and know he's likely to have at least one stint on the 15-day disabled list then I could see why you wouldn't want him as a backup. But if that's the case you shouldn't re-sign Nomar. I'm just trying to figure out how many better backup shortstops there are in the majors. Okay, maybe you might want to go with Ronny Cedeno. I just hope everyone realizes this is his first season with good offensive numbers. So if he's your backup and Nomar misses a month or two of the year, is Cedeno going to be an adequate offensive player at shortstop?

 

Cedeno > Perez, that's about as succintly as I can put it. If Nomar goes down for a month or two, I think that Cedeno is a better option than Perez.

 

Also, going back to my previous post, to me it would show an approval of what Neifi has done this year. I don't like that in the least, since Neifi has done more harm than good, although whether he would do that next year may be up for debate due to playing time considerations.

 

Are you sure your bias hasn't altered your objectivity when it comes to Perez? I don't necessarily like the guy, particularly if he's anything other than the 25th man, but he's done more harm than good? I don't understand that. If I showed you his numbers and the numbers of games he'd play, you would've been upset? I feared a .230/.250 and an average glove. I'll give the devil his due, his glove saved a lot of pitchers a higher ERA. I don't have a problem with Cedeno starting but only if we can get two studs somewhere in the outfield to offset whatever offensive dropoff that might occur from Cedeno's bat, if he isn't capable of producing offensively. I still don't see how Perez has done more harm than good, though.

[dalgreen]

If Nomar comes back we need a supersub type guy, even if it means overpaying.

 

Which is why I think you bypass Nomar and use the money/trades and pick up at least two studs for the outfield. I'm sick of seeing poor defense and lack of range up the middle. I wish we had a GM that saw the need for two small ball type of guys who have very good gloves who could play 2nd and short.

[biittner77]

Another factor to consider in evaluating position players is the transition from aluminum to wood bats. That alone has ruined many prospects. Ty Griffin comes to mind.

[goonys evil twin]

I still don't see how Perez has done more harm than good, though.

 

.273 .298 .394 - that's just awful. Prior to Nomar's hot August, the Cubs had the worst offensive production at SS of any NL team, and that was 95% Neifi. Whether or not he's been as bad as some thought he might be is not the question (his line is nearly identical to his career numbers). The fact is, he's been awful and has received an incredibly large amount of playing time. Is he an adequate backup SS 25th man? Sure. But you have to do everything in your power to not let him play much at all.

[goonys evil twin]

If Nomar comes back we need a supersub type guy, even if it means overpaying.

 

Which is why I think you bypass Nomar and use the money/trades and pick up at least two studs for the outfield. I'm sick of seeing poor defense and lack of range up the middle. I wish we had a GM that saw the need for two small ball type of guys who have very good gloves who could play 2nd and short.

 

The Cubs don't need small ball types. Bunting will not save this team.

[Larry Horse]

I think the most disturbing part of the article is that MacPhail, after 11 years, thinks the Cubs "are on the right track"?

 

In 11 years, they have made the playoffs twice and that is "on the right track"? That is some scary thinking.

 

Wood, Prior and Z and no stud position players?

 

I would probably term that production in that time frame a "failure"

 

“We’ve had three or four different attendance records. I think those things we’ve done to the park are going to help keep the ballpark viable for the next generation of Cub fans.”

 

There's the kicker. They've made a lot of money. They are definitley successful in that department.

 

And I can't support the "resign Nomar" campaign. Even if he signs for cheap, he can't be depended on to play on a regular basis. I think the last two years have shown that.

[goonys evil twin]

There's the kicker. They've made a lot of money. They are definitley successful in that department.

 

This is why Andy's job is safe, and his thinking is key.

 

I truly believe that Andy really wants to win with the Cubs. And I think the Tribune is very willing to do what is reasonably necessary to win.

 

The problem lies with the old school mentality of the baseball decision makers. They are all about giving responsibility to good baseball people. And in this sport, "baseball people" is a euphemism for members of the good ole boy network. There is no new thinking amongst baseball people, because the primary focus of baseball people is the past. Stick with conventional wisdom, and you won't be led astray. This safe mindset generally keeps you away from 90 loss seasons. But when you take no chances you generally are incapable of 100 win seasons.

 

At this point, the only hope the Cubs have to win under this regime is for Hendry to realize his mistakes and change his ways. Of course that is possible, it's just not very likely. It's either that, or luck. And no Cubs fan is dumb enough to count on luck.

[dalgreen]

If Nomar comes back we need a supersub type guy, even if it means overpaying.

 

Which is why I think you bypass Nomar and use the money/trades and pick up at least two studs for the outfield. I'm sick of seeing poor defense and lack of range up the middle. I wish we had a GM that saw the need for two small ball type of guys who have very good gloves who could play 2nd and short.

 

The Cubs don't need small ball types. Bunting will not save this team.

 

Oops. My bad. I keep forgetting my use of "small ball" isn't the same as others use. When I say small ball I mean I would like to have a 2nd and SS who have little power, but great OBP, great gloves and they know they are basically capable of only singles and doubles. These are guys who know the fundamentals and know their roles and won't deviate from them. They can squeeze, hit and run and aren't afraid of getting two strikes on them. I would love to have 1-2 hitters like that. I'm sick of our guys playing the game like it's a slow-pitch softball game where strike one is really strike two. A balanced lineup with power mixed in and we should have a successful offense. Please, just say no to Nomar.

[JC]

And no Cubs fan is dumb enough to count on luck.

 

Man, I hope you are kidding here.

[CuseCubFan69]

And no Cubs fan is dumb enough to count on luck.

 

Man, I hope you are kidding here.

 

He was in the sun too long on his vacation.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

Sign: Giles, Damon, Furcal, Ryan, Burnett.

Do not re-sign: Lawton, Patterson, Burnitz, Hollandsworth, Nomar, Neifi or Macias (pick one), Williamson.

Re-sign: Dempster, Walker.

 

Let Murton, Pie and any other pups fight amongst themselves for a starting OF gig, to play with Damon and Giles everyday. Cedeno is my SS. My gonzo bullpen is Wood, Dempster and Ryan. My rotation is Z, Prior, Burnett, Maddux and whoever wins amongst Hill, Williams and Guzman.

 

I win 100+ games with this team.

[rocket]

Sign: Giles, Damon, Furcal, Ryan, Burnett.

 

You do realize that there are other teams who are looking to sign free agents this offseason, right?

[AAApittsburgh]

Sign: Giles, Damon, Furcal, Ryan, Burnett.

Do not re-sign: Lawton, Patterson, Burnitz, Hollandsworth, Nomar, Neifi or Macias (pick one), Williamson.

Re-sign: Dempster, Walker.

 

Let Murton, Pie and any other pups fight amongst themselves for a starting OF gig, to play with Damon and Giles everyday. Cedeno is my SS. My gonzo bullpen is Wood, Dempster and Ryan. My rotation is Z, Prior, Burnett, Maddux and whoever wins amongst Hill, Williams and Guzman.

 

I win 100+ games with this team.

 

I say half those FAs turn out to be busts, and the Cubs miss the playoffs. Again.

 

And give Furcal SS money to play 2B? Why?

[fiver]

Sign: Giles, Damon, Furcal, Ryan, Burnett.

Do not re-sign: Lawton, Patterson, Burnitz, Hollandsworth, Nomar, Neifi or Macias (pick one), Williamson.

Re-sign: Dempster, Walker.

 

Let Murton, Pie and any other pups fight amongst themselves for a starting OF gig, to play with Damon and Giles everyday. Cedeno is my SS. My gonzo bullpen is Wood, Dempster and Ryan. My rotation is Z, Prior, Burnett, Maddux and whoever wins amongst Hill, Williams and Guzman.

 

I win 100+ games with this team.

 

Aye...I approve of that roster....And now who can make the numbers add up to 100M or so?.....

[Connor McConnor]

Good God. His team is 18 games out of first. Ended about the same way last year....and all is well?

 

Is it any wonder why this team continues to be an embarassment?

[VVMattVV]

Good God. His team is 18 games out of first. Ended about the same way last year....and all is well?

 

Is it any wonder why this team continues to be an embarassment?

 

How many upper management guys feel the need to be truly geniune during comments to the press?

 

Come on, he's not going to say anything to upset the team or make a controversy.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Sign: Giles, Damon, Furcal, Ryan, Burnett.

Do not re-sign: Lawton, Patterson, Burnitz, Hollandsworth, Nomar, Neifi or Macias (pick one), Williamson.

Re-sign: Dempster, Walker.

 

Let Murton, Pie and any other pups fight amongst themselves for a starting OF gig, to play with Damon and Giles everyday. Cedeno is my SS. My gonzo bullpen is Wood, Dempster and Ryan. My rotation is Z, Prior, Burnett, Maddux and whoever wins amongst Hill, Williams and Guzman.

 

I win 100+ games with this team.

 

Considering Giles will likely get 3/24, Damon 4/38, Furcal 4/39, Ryan 3/21...That's adding 34 million in payroll. I just don't see all of that happening. It would be nice, just not realistic.

[frostwyrm]

I'm really down on Nomar. Relying on him to be next year's starting SS is like relying on Rex Grossman to be next year's starting QB. Another year of Nomar/Neifi at SS will probably not yield results as bad as this year's, but still bad nonetheless. I'd rather go cheap at SS with Cedeno and save money for other purposes. At the very least we'll get good defense from Cedeno.

[cbbryan]

Another factor to consider in evaluating position players is the transition from aluminum to wood bats. That alone has ruined many prospects. Ty Griffin comes to mind.

 

Speaking of Ty, I have alot of his cards still...........anybody ever needs one, just let me know!!!!

[cbbryan]

Sign: Giles, Damon, Furcal, Ryan, Burnett.

Do not re-sign: Lawton, Patterson, Burnitz, Hollandsworth, Nomar, Neifi or Macias (pick one), Williamson.

Re-sign: Dempster, Walker.

 

Let Murton, Pie and any other pups fight amongst themselves for a starting OF gig, to play with Damon and Giles everyday. Cedeno is my SS. My gonzo bullpen is Wood, Dempster and Ryan. My rotation is Z, Prior, Burnett, Maddux and whoever wins amongst Hill, Williams and Guzman.

 

I win 100+ games with this team.

 

Considering Giles will likely get 3/24, Damon 4/38, Furcal 4/39, Ryan 3/21...That's adding 34 million in payroll. I just don't see all of that happening. It would be nice, just not realistic.

 

We're not going to be able to sign all those guys, that's for sure. Secondly, Wood won't be in the bullpen next year if the Cubs have anything to do with it.

 

Does anyone have a figure on what the Cubs lose from the current payroll at the end of the season? Here's a list, but I don't know how many other salaries the Cubs are paying for players no longer w/ them: Sosa (around 18 M), Burnitz (option 7M or 500K Buyout), Remmy(?), Nomar (8M), Walker (option 2.5M or if it vests which it won't 2.75M), Rusch (player option 2M), Perez (1M), Macias (825K), and Holly (900K).

 

I think the Cubs will pick up Walker's option at 2.5M, they may buy Burnitz out if they think they have a shot at Giles. I'd rather pay Giles 8-9 M then Burnitz 7M. Cubs should have a ton of money though.

 

I really don't believe they have a shot at Burnett. Too many teams in the AL East have interest...........Damon too. Wouldn't suprise me if they both got alot more then they were worth. Lugo would be great.

 

I think it's going to come down to an offseason trade for OF help though. I don't know if it will be Dunn, or who. Anyone have a list of 2007 FA? That might help in figuring out who might be available.

[dalgreen]

Are some of you under the impression that Giles will only want a one-year deal? I'm not excited at all about him because I think he'd want at least a three-year deal. Giles will be 35 on opening day next year.

[JC]

Are some of you under the impression that Giles will only want a one-year deal? I'm not excited at all about him because I think he'd want at least a three-year deal. Giles will be 35 on opening day next year.

 

I know there is a lot of interest in him here, but I expect Giles to be a Padre next year.