My 2006 Chicago Cubs Opening Day Roster

[Brian]

Furcal (SS)

Murton (LF)

Lee (1B)

Giles (RF)

Ramirez (3B)

Walker (2B

Barrett ©

Patterson (CF)

 

Prior

Zambrano

Wood

Maddux

Mitre/Hill/something or other

 

Williams (long man)

Wuertz

Williamson

Ohman

BJ Ryan

Dempster

 

Blanco

Greenberg

Cedeno

some more bench guys.

[MPrior]

First, I think it would be extremely foolish to sign Furcal unless we can get him extremely cheaply (which we won't). There are two far better options:

 

1. Put Ronny Cedeno in the starting role - he deserves it, he'd cost next to nothing, and he should produce nearly as well as Furcal.

 

2. Resign Nomar. Okay, so Nomar got hurt, and he seems to be injury prone. But think - his one injury this year was sort of a freak accident. And if we do get him to play most of the year, we'll have a superstar SS in our lineup (Lee, Ramirez, and a healthy Nomar is TERRIFYING). If he doesn't play enough, we'll have bought him for about half of what Furcal would cost, and we'd have Cedeno waiting in the wings - who, as I've said, could fill in admirably (better than Neifi, anyway).

 

Next, under no circumstances should we get rid of Todd Walker. He's a very good contact hitter with good discipline, and he too will be very cheap. Plus his defense, while not good, is better than most people give him credit for.

 

Let Murton play. He can produce - he's proven that much - and, once again: he's cheap.

 

So all of these cheap players would allow us to spend the money we need to get Brian Giles, a career .400+ OBP hitter. I don't care if he's 34, he will still have that good plate discipline as he gets older.

 

So with just one off-season acquisition, our lineup looks like this:

 

2B Todd Walker

SS Nomar (Cedeno backup)

1B Lee

3B Ramirez

RF Giles

C Barrett

LF Murton

CF Patterson

 

Yes, I realize it's very righty-heavy, but it's still scary. Anyway, I need to go to bed.

[wastra]

I have a hard time accepting a lineup with both Murton and Patterson enxt year as full-time starters.

 

And no, it's not Murton who worries me.

 

I want to give Murt a shot to start full time, but after this year, I hate to go into the season with both him and Patterson and expect to not have a gaping hole out there. I would prefer signing Giles and using someone else as CF next to Murton. If we're essentially keeping Nomar at a discount rate, and going with walker (value priced) and basically spending Sammy's money on giles, I'd like to think an upgrade can be found and afforded for CF as well. Obviously, that's easier said than done, because we'd have to give up value to get value.

 

 

But there should eb at least one or two decent CFers out there who can be had for a reasonable price, and provide insurance. If Murton fails, and Patterson is okay, move CPatt to left. If it's the other way, bench Corey. Either way, it would require a solid OFer on the team.

[ondeckchamps]

I have a hard time accepting a lineup with both Murton and Patterson enxt year as full-time starters.

 

 

 

Please,please no Corey Patterson next year!! No more Nomar,no more Macias.Thank god Hollandsworth is already gone.

[AC036198]

If Patterson is brought back, look at my avatar and repeat 1 trillion times to see what I will do.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

If Patterson is brought back, look at my avatar and repeat 1 trillion times to see what I will do.

 

Will you go ahead an do it now and then come back later and report on the results?

[MPrior]

I totally agree with you about Patterson and Murton - they might become a rather large hole, especially with the pitcher coming after them. My point was that with only one outside acquisition, we'd have a pretty scary lineup (with the glaring problem of that hole at the bottom of the order). So with all of that money we'd be saving, I think it would be possible to go after someone else to help us out in an outfield position.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

I would:

 

2B Todd Walker

LF Matt Murton

1B Derrek Lee

3B Aramis Ramirez

RF Brian Giles (3-4 year deal only)

C Michael Barrett

CF Corey Patterson

SS Ronny Cedeño

 

SP:

Carlos Zambrano

Mark Prior

Kerry Wood

Greg Maddux

Angel Guzman/Rich Hill/Sergio Mitre

 

Bullpen

Closer: BJ Ryan (free agent)

Set-up: Ryan Dempster

Scott Williamson

Mike Weurtz/JVB/Robert Novoa

LHP Will Ohman

LHP Scott Eyre (free agent)

 

I would love to get AJ Burnett, but I think getting Giles and Ryan would be better for the Cubs and I can't see them signing more than 2 big-name FAs (heck, I can only see them signing one). I would stay away from Furcal and Wagner.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

I would:

 

2B Todd Walker

LF Matt Murton

1B Derrek Lee

3B Aramis Ramirez

RF Brian Giles (3-4 year deal only)

C Michael Barrett

CF Corey Patterson

SS Ronny Cedeño

 

SP:

Carlos Zambrano

Mark Prior

Kerry Wood

Greg Maddux

Angel Guzman/Rich Hill/Sergio Mitre

 

RP:

Closer: BJ Ryan (free agent)

Set-up: Ryan Dempster

Scott Williamson

Mike Weurtz/JVB

Will Ohman

Scott Eyre (free agent)

 

I would love to get AJ Burnett, but I think getting Giles and Ryan would be better for the Cubs and I can't see them signing more than 2 big-name FAs (heck, I can only see them signing one). I would stay away from Furcal and Wagner.

[TrueBlueCubFan]

I would:

 

2B Todd Walker

LF Matt Murton

1B Derrek Lee

3B Aramis Ramirez

RF Brian Giles (3-4 year deal only)

C Michael Barrett

CF Corey Patterson

SS Ronny Cedeño

 

SP:

Carlos Zambrano

Mark Prior

Kerry Wood

Greg Maddux

Angel Guzman/Rich Hill/Sergio Mitre

 

RP:

Closer: BJ Ryan (free agent)

Set-up: Ryan Dempster

Scott Williamson

Mike Weurtz/JVB

Will Ohman

Scott Eyre (free agent)

 

I would love to get AJ Burnett, but I think getting Giles and Ryan would be better for the Cubs and I can't see them signing more than 2 big-name FAs (heck, I can only see them signing one). I would stay away from Furcal and Wagner.

 

I agree with everything you said except CPatt. Why would you want someone on the roster who is completely healthy & has a .260 OBP & has 19 walks & 103 K's in limited AB's? I don't get it!

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I would:

 

2B Todd Walker

LF Matt Murton

1B Derrek Lee

3B Aramis Ramirez

RF Brian Giles (3-4 year deal only)

C Michael Barrett

CF Corey Patterson

SS Ronny Cedeño

 

SP:

Carlos Zambrano

Mark Prior

Kerry Wood

Greg Maddux

Angel Guzman/Rich Hill/Sergio Mitre

 

RP:

Closer: BJ Ryan (free agent)

Set-up: Ryan Dempster

Scott Williamson

Mike Weurtz/JVB

Will Ohman

Scott Eyre (free agent)

 

I would love to get AJ Burnett, but I think getting Giles and Ryan would be better for the Cubs and I can't see them signing more than 2 big-name FAs (heck, I can only see them signing one). I would stay away from Furcal and Wagner.

 

I agree with everything you said except CPatt. Why would you want someone on the roster who is completely healthy & has a .260 OBP & has 19 walks & 103 K's in limited AB's? I don't get it!

 

Because he's capable and has put up much better numbers in the past, in addition to stellar defense. My problem is that I don't think you can go into next season with Murton, Cedeno, and Patterson all holding down starting jobs. There's just too much potential for disaster there. Now I'm not saying sign anyone and everyone to make sure they aren't there, but I'd be much more active in the trade market trying to get an outfielder.

 

If I'm able to get a stud corner OF, I could live with Patterson/Cedeno in the 7 and 8 holes. If you make a deal for a stud CF, I'd probably be okay with Cedeno and Murton in the lineup. If Nomar is back and healthy, I could be alright with Patterson and Murton in the OF.

 

Ideally though, you'd sign Giles to play RF, sign(maybe trade for) a stopgap CF(J. Jones?) to play good defense with decent CF output to bridge to Pie(the contract would be 2 years or 1+option so that they can phase in Pie if he struggles), and make a trade for a highly productive LF(the names have been said before, Dunn, Wilkerson, Huff, Gomes, Kearns, etc.). That way your outfield troubles are solved, and you still have the cost effective option at SS.

[goonys evil twin]

I agree with everything you said except CPatt. Why would you want someone on the roster who is completely healthy & has a .260 OBP & has 19 walks & 103 K's in limited AB's? I don't get it!

 

As a longtime Corey supporter who would like to see him given one last chance, I have to admit that I completely understand where you're coming from. It's very difficult to justify bringing him back. The only good reasons I can think of is there aren't any good available CF to replace him, and Felix Pie should not break camp with this team next year. He missed half of this season and prior to this season he wasn't exactly lighting up the stat sheets. I'd rather have him in AA or even AAA next April, showing that the first half of 2005 was for real. I'd like to see an improvement in plate discipline, most notably in the k/bb ratio, and he still needs work on the baserunning. Remember, the majors isn't a place to learn, at least that's what the manager thinks, and if he hasn't shown the willingness or ability to develop any other kids, there's no reason to think he'll do so with Pie.

 

There's still an outside shot that Corey could have a decent season next year, if only they'd stop trying to turn him into Otis Nixon. No, I don't have much confidence in that happening, but I don't see much of a realistic alternative either.

[CuseCubFan69]

I agree with everything you said except CPatt. Why would you want someone on the roster who is completely healthy & has a .260 OBP & has 19 walks & 103 K's in limited AB's? I don't get it!

 

As a longtime Corey supporter who would like to see him given one last chance, I have to admit that I completely understand where you're coming from. It's very difficult to justify bringing him back. The only good reasons I can think of is there aren't any good available CF to replace him, and Felix Pie should not break camp with this team next year. He missed half of this season and prior to this season he wasn't exactly lighting up the stat sheets. I'd rather have him in AA or even AAA next April, showing that the first half of 2005 was for real. I'd like to see an improvement in plate discipline, most notably in the k/bb ratio, and he still needs work on the baserunning. Remember, the majors isn't a place to learn, at least that's what the manager thinks, and if he hasn't shown the willingness or ability to develop any other kids, there's no reason to think he'll do so with Pie.

 

There's still an outside shot that Corey could have a decent season next year, if only they'd stop trying to turn him into Otis Nixon. No, I don't have much confidence in that happening, but I don't see much of a realistic alternative either.

 

The best way for Pie to learn is to watch Hairston/Macias play CF in 2006.

 

IMO, Pie will turn into another Patterson if he is on the opening roster. I hope Hendry has learned this lesson. What about Greenburg for CF?

[goonys evil twin]

The best way for Pie to learn is to watch Hairston/Macias play CF in 2006.

 

What? I don't get the joke. I assume it was a joke because you said Macias should start in center, where's he's awful defensively and quite capable of underperforming Corey's 2005 numbers at the plate.

[TrueBlueCubFan]

I agree with everything you said except CPatt. Why would you want someone on the roster who is completely healthy & has a .260 OBP & has 19 walks & 103 K's in limited AB's? I don't get it!

 

As a longtime Corey supporter who would like to see him given one last chance, I have to admit that I completely understand where you're coming from. It's very difficult to justify bringing him back. The only good reasons I can think of is there aren't any good available CF to replace him, and Felix Pie should not break camp with this team next year. He missed half of this season and prior to this season he wasn't exactly lighting up the stat sheets. I'd rather have him in AA or even AAA next April, showing that the first half of 2005 was for real. I'd like to see an improvement in plate discipline, most notably in the k/bb ratio, and he still needs work on the baserunning. Remember, the majors isn't a place to learn, at least that's what the manager thinks, and if he hasn't shown the willingness or ability to develop any other kids, there's no reason to think he'll do so with Pie.

 

There's still an outside shot that Corey could have a decent season next year, if only they'd stop trying to turn him into Otis Nixon. No, I don't have much confidence in that happening, but I don't see much of a realistic alternative either.

Sign Giles & J.Jones & either bench CPatt or send him back to the minors. He is no longer a capable big league hitter, which his performance the last two years has proven. His defense is stellar, but the big league is meant for good overall players & CPatt is no where close to the major league level for a hitter. He does not belong on anyone's big league club. I still don't get why anyone would still consider starting this guy in CF for 06! It boggles my mind. Everyone's entitles to their opnion, I guess!

[CuseCubFan69]

The best way for Pie to learn is to watch Hairston/Macias play CF in 2006.

 

What? I don't get the joke. I assume it was a joke because you said Macias should start in center, where's he's awful defensively and quite capable of underperforming Corey's 2005 numbers at the plate.

 

Rookies learn from watching veterans goony....ask Dusty if you don't believe me.

[goonys evil twin]

Sign Giles & J.Jones & either bench CPatt or send him back to the minors. He is no longer a capable big league hitter, which his performance the last two years has proven. His defense is stellar, but the big league is meant for good overall players & CPatt is no where close to the major league level for a hitter. He does not belong on anyone's big league club. I still don't get why anyone would still consider starting this guy in CF for 06! It boggles my mind. Everyone's entitles to their opnion, I guess!

 

It boggles my mind why somebody would want to sign J. Jones, who isn't much of an offensive CF himself. He's making $5 million now, and could easily demand $7+ in this market. I don't think either Corey or Jones is a good option.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Sign Giles & J.Jones & either bench CPatt or send him back to the minors. He is no longer a capable big league hitter, which his performance the last two years has proven. His defense is stellar, but the big league is meant for good overall players & CPatt is no where close to the major league level for a hitter. He does not belong on anyone's big league club. I still don't get why anyone would still consider starting this guy in CF for 06! It boggles my mind. Everyone's entitles to their opnion, I guess!

 

It boggles my mind why somebody would want to sign J. Jones, who isn't much of an offensive CF himself. He's making $5 million now, and could easily demand $7+ in this market. I don't think either Corey or Jones is a good option.

 

Wow, Jones has really tanked the last month. Even with that though, his numbers are about middle of the pack for CF. It would depend on the money and length of course, but if we're looking for that stopgap type player I mentioned earlier, he seems to be the only FA that fills the bill.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

I agree with everything you said except CPatt. Why would you want someone on the roster who is completely healthy & has a .260 OBP & has 19 walks & 103 K's in limited AB's? I don't get it!

 

As a longtime Corey supporter who would like to see him given one last chance, I have to admit that I completely understand where you're coming from. It's very difficult to justify bringing him back. The only good reasons I can think of is there aren't any good available CF to replace him, and Felix Pie should not break camp with this team next year. He missed half of this season and prior to this season he wasn't exactly lighting up the stat sheets. I'd rather have him in AA or even AAA next April, showing that the first half of 2005 was for real. I'd like to see an improvement in plate discipline, most notably in the k/bb ratio, and he still needs work on the baserunning. Remember, the majors isn't a place to learn, at least that's what the manager thinks, and if he hasn't shown the willingness or ability to develop any other kids, there's no reason to think he'll do so with Pie.

 

There's still an outside shot that Corey could have a decent season next year, if only they'd stop trying to turn him into Otis Nixon. No, I don't have much confidence in that happening, but I don't see much of a realistic alternative either.

Sign Giles & J.Jones & either bench CPatt or send him back to the minors. He is no longer a capable big league hitter, which his performance the last two years has proven. His defense is stellar, but the big league is meant for good overall players & CPatt is no where close to the major league level for a hitter. He does not belong on anyone's big league club. I still don't get why anyone would still consider starting this guy in CF for 06! It boggles my mind. Everyone's entitles to their opnion, I guess!

 

His performance two years ago was not bad, especially before he got tired in September (he had been working back from injury since January).

[goonys evil twin]

Sign Giles & J.Jones & either bench CPatt or send him back to the minors. He is no longer a capable big league hitter, which his performance the last two years has proven. His defense is stellar, but the big league is meant for good overall players & CPatt is no where close to the major league level for a hitter. He does not belong on anyone's big league club. I still don't get why anyone would still consider starting this guy in CF for 06! It boggles my mind. Everyone's entitles to their opnion, I guess!

 

It boggles my mind why somebody would want to sign J. Jones, who isn't much of an offensive CF himself. He's making $5 million now, and could easily demand $7+ in this market. I don't think either Corey or Jones is a good option.

 

Wow, Jones has really tanked the last month. Even with that though, his numbers are about middle of the pack for CF. It would depend on the money and length of course, but if we're looking for that stopgap type player I mentioned earlier, he seems to be the only FA that fills the bill.

 

At 31 starting next season, I bet he's looking for a lot more than a stopgap opportunity. Plus, he's not even a CF. He's a more expensive Todd Hollandsworth.

[CuseCubFan69]

At 31 starting next season, I bet he's looking for a lot more than a stopgap opportunity. Plus, he's not even a CF. He's a more expensive Todd Hollandsworth.

 

I am so sick of stop gap OF's. Hendry has to trade or sign an impact corner OF or 2006 will be just like 2005.

[TrueBlueCubFan]

At 31 starting next season, I bet he's looking for a lot more than a stopgap opportunity. Plus, he's not even a CF. He's a more expensive Todd Hollandsworth.

 

I am so sick of stop gap OF's. Hendry has to trade or sign an impact corner OF or 2006 will be just like 2005.

That's why B.Giles is a must sign!

[Transmogrified Tiger]

At 31 starting next season, I bet he's looking for a lot more than a stopgap opportunity. Plus, he's not even a CF. He's a more expensive Todd Hollandsworth.

 

I am so sick of stop gap OF's. Hendry has to trade or sign an impact corner OF or 2006 will be just like 2005.

 

Absolutely. To clarify, I was referring to CF, and think Giles is a must in RF, and would like a trade for an impact bat in LF, otherwise Murton gets the job.

[HoopsCubs]

Sign Giles & J.Jones & either bench CPatt or send him back to the minors. He is no longer a capable big league hitter, which his performance the last two years has proven. His defense is stellar, but the big league is meant for good overall players & CPatt is no where close to the major league level for a hitter. He does not belong on anyone's big league club. I still don't get why anyone would still consider starting this guy in CF for 06! It boggles my mind. Everyone's entitles to their opnion, I guess!

 

It boggles my mind why somebody would want to sign J. Jones, who isn't much of an offensive CF himself. He's making $5 million now, and could easily demand $7+ in this market. I don't think either Corey or Jones is a good option.

 

I think the guy Hendry could be targeting to play CF is Preston Wilson, who is a free agent after this season. If his knee holds up, he is a good fielder with a very decent arm. On the plate side, he has a low OBP, but decent SLG, so I would bat him 6th/7th if I managed him. I could see Hendry giving him a 1-2 year deal in the $5-6M per year range. I will say this: similar to the Burnitz situation coming into this season, signing Wilson only makes sense in conjunction with signing (e.g. Giles) or trading for (e.g. Dunn) a corner OF, who will put up better OPS than Preston. If the Cubs sign Preston, and he happens to lead all Cub OFs in the OPS category, it will be another long season. On the other hand, if the Cubs opening day OF is Giles, Wilson and Murton, then very good things could be on tap.

 

Hoops

[rocket]

Hahahahaha, Preston Wilson.

 

The sad thing is that I can totally see the Cubs signing him.