Cedeno, Fookie, Hairston, Neifi, Nomar, TWalk

[KatJ]

My head is spinning. The players above are spinning around in my head as possibilities for the Cub '06 IF (with EPatt as a dark horse candidate - he's doing well, but needs to spend more time in the farm). Here are my thoughts:

 

-TWalk could spell DLee at 1B when he isn't playing 2B.

 

-Cedeno should be a part of the STARTING team in '06.

 

-If Hendry keeps Neifi, Cedeno doesn't have a prayer of seeing playing time unless starters at SS and 2B get injured. In a pinch, he could also spell Aramis, but I doubt our current manager would allow that.

 

-Hairston would be a decent option as leadoff, has good IF D, and if Hendry doesn't pull the trigger on a CF and Pie doesn't come up or (God forbid) gets injured, he would be serviceable in the OF if CPatt is traded or continues to have no bat of consequence.

 

-Furcal is a great leadoff, but would cost tons of $, would stand in the way of Cedeno's progress, and could get into more DUI trouble.

 

-Getting rid of Neifi and keeping Nomar might guarantee Cedeno more playing time, particularly if Nomar needs to be a PT SS to keep away injuries.

 

I know I don't make the decisions, but at this writing, I'd:

 

(1) ditch Neifi because Dusty plays him too much

 

(2) keep TWalk because his bat is reliable if not always his D - trade him if I could get good value (pen or a reliable ML starter)

 

(3) sign Nomar to another incentive-laden contract (that is, unless someone in the AL West doesn't snatch him up first), and

 

(4) make Cedeno a Counsell (2001 D'Back version) or Freel kind of guy - starts for whoever needs a rest or (as in the case of Walker taking over 1B) subbing for someone else. It keeps him playing, which is the main thing, and during the year or offseason he can settle down at one position.

 

Unfortunately, my opinion changes almost daily. What about you?

[mg420]

i would like to see something like this next year:

sp:

prior

Z

rusch

williams

hill

 

bp:

ohman

piggy

wuertz

jvb

wood

dempster

 

walker 2b

murton lf

lee 1b

brad wilkerson cf

aram 3b

cp rf

barrett c

cedeno ss

[Transmogrified Tiger]

What happened to Maddux?

[Productive Outs]

I'd rather not have Hairston as our lead-off man. His .337 OBP this year and career .334 OBP is simply not good enough.

[treebird]

I'd rather not have Hairston as our lead-off man. His .337 OBP this year and career .334 OBP is simply not good enough.

 

BUT HE LOOKS FAST! AND WALKER DOESNT!

[KatJ]

At the risk of sounding like a message board Nazi, could you all keep to the topic at hand? I'm talking about what to do up the middle next year - don't need a rehash of EACH position, nor a smart alec (sp?) response, without anything substantive to contribute.

[radarluv1]

i would like to see something like this next year:

sp:

prior

Z

rusch

williams

hill

 

bp:

ohman

piggy

wuertz

jvb

wood

dempster

 

walker 2b

murton lf

lee 1b

brad wilkerson cf

aram 3b

cp rf

barrett c

cedeno ss

 

this team would be very inexpensive. i like wilkerson, but is his D better than cpatt? the only reason to keep cpatt is his D, in RF he is pretty awful compared to league average RF. this would be another year of pitiful outfield production.

 

edit: just saying we need a big outfield bat, which has been said before. i dont know who this is would be though.

[CubfaninCA]

My head is spinning. The players above are spinning around in my head as possibilities for the Cub '06 IF (with EPatt as a dark horse candidate - he's doing well, but needs to spend more time in the farm). Here are my thoughts:

 

-TWalk could spell DLee at 1B when he isn't playing 2B.

 

-Cedeno should be a part of the STARTING team in '06.

 

-If Hendry keeps Neifi, Cedeno doesn't have a prayer of seeing playing time unless starters at SS and 2B get injured. In a pinch, he could also spell Aramis, but I doubt our current manager would allow that.

 

-Hairston would be a decent option as leadoff, has good IF D, and if Hendry doesn't pull the trigger on a CF and Pie doesn't come up or (God forbid) gets injured, he would be serviceable in the OF if CPatt is traded or continues to have no bat of consequence.

 

-Furcal is a great leadoff, but would cost tons of $, would stand in the way of Cedeno's progress, and could get into more DUI trouble.

 

-Getting rid of Neifi and keeping Nomar might guarantee Cedeno more playing time, particularly if Nomar needs to be a PT SS to keep away injuries.

 

I know I don't make the decisions, but at this writing, I'd:

 

(1) ditch Neifi because Dusty plays him too much

 

(2) keep TWalk because his bat is reliable if not always his D - trade him if I could get good value (pen or a reliable ML starter)

 

(3) sign Nomar to another incentive-laden contract (that is, unless someone in the AL West doesn't snatch him up first), and

 

(4) make Cedeno a Counsell (2001 D'Back version) or Freel kind of guy - starts for whoever needs a rest or (as in the case of Walker taking over 1B) subbing for someone else. It keeps him playing, which is the main thing, and during the year or offseason he can settle down at one position.

 

Unfortunately, my opinion changes almost daily. What about you?

 

Looking @ it realistically, and going by past history.

 

No chance w/ Furcal. Too long of deal..

 

Nomar goes west and signs for 2 to 3 years. Good riddance.

 

Neifi's back.

 

Cedeno either gets buried on the bench or dealt.

 

Walker gets dealt, as the Cubs may be tired of his big mouth.

 

Hairston doesn't seem to be a Dusty/Hendry fave, so probably gone.

 

My guess is that the Cubs make a really strong run @ Soriano again.

[CubfaninCA]

i would like to see something like this next year:

sp:

prior

Z

rusch

williams

hill

 

bp:

ohman

piggy

wuertz

jvb

wood

dempster

 

walker 2b

murton lf

lee 1b

brad wilkerson cf

aram 3b

cp rf

barrett c

cedeno ss

 

That rotation's pretty shaky.

[somechick]

who's Fookie?

[nilodnayr]

who's Fookie?

 

furcal

[cbbryan]

My head is spinning. The players above are spinning around in my head as possibilities for the Cub '06 IF (with EPatt as a dark horse candidate - he's doing well, but needs to spend more time in the farm). Here are my thoughts:

 

-TWalk could spell DLee at 1B when he isn't playing 2B.

 

-Cedeno should be a part of the STARTING team in '06.

 

-If Hendry keeps Neifi, Cedeno doesn't have a prayer of seeing playing time unless starters at SS and 2B get injured. In a pinch, he could also spell Aramis, but I doubt our current manager would allow that.

 

-Hairston would be a decent option as leadoff, has good IF D, and if Hendry doesn't pull the trigger on a CF and Pie doesn't come up or (God forbid) gets injured, he would be serviceable in the OF if CPatt is traded or continues to have no bat of consequence.

 

-Furcal is a great leadoff, but would cost tons of $, would stand in the way of Cedeno's progress, and could get into more DUI trouble.

 

-Getting rid of Neifi and keeping Nomar might guarantee Cedeno more playing time, particularly if Nomar needs to be a PT SS to keep away injuries.

 

I know I don't make the decisions, but at this writing, I'd:

 

(1) ditch Neifi because Dusty plays him too much

 

(2) keep TWalk because his bat is reliable if not always his D - trade him if I could get good value (pen or a reliable ML starter)

 

(3) sign Nomar to another incentive-laden contract (that is, unless someone in the AL West doesn't snatch him up first), and

 

(4) make Cedeno a Counsell (2001 D'Back version) or Freel kind of guy - starts for whoever needs a rest or (as in the case of Walker taking over 1B) subbing for someone else. It keeps him playing, which is the main thing, and during the year or offseason he can settle down at one position.

 

Unfortunately, my opinion changes almost daily. What about you?

 

Looking @ it realistically, and going by past history.

 

No chance w/ Furcal. Too long of deal..

 

Nomar goes west and signs for 2 to 3 years. Good riddance.

 

Neifi's back.

 

Cedeno either gets buried on the bench or dealt.

 

Walker gets dealt, as the Cubs may be tired of his big mouth.

 

Hairston doesn't seem to be a Dusty/Hendry fave, so probably gone.

 

My guess is that the Cubs make a really strong run @ Soriano again.

 

I don't get all the Furcal talk.............have you seen this guy Cedeno? (Not as much as you'd like, I know) I don't understand the opinion of Nomar signing a 2-3 year deal w/ ANYONE either. Who? What team can take that chance? I think he'll get a 2-3 year deal, but only after being healthy enough to play 130+ games for someone............and I believe it will be the Cubs.

 

What I see happening is Walker's option being picked up. Neifi being offered a starting position with another team and leaving. Nomar signing another 1 year deal, heavily padded with incentives. Hendry pulling a trade for a corner OF and signing another via FA.

 

My other opinion is that you have to have a GREAT bench w/ Dusty. If he's going to fall in love w/ the bench guys, they have to be SOLID players...............not Macias, so I think that alot of money may go into the bench.

 

Here's a line-up that I'd like to see:

 

2B - Cedeno

SS - Nomar

RF - Giles

1B - DLee

LF - Dunn/Floyd (I'd rather have Dunn or Manny, but Floyd would be more likely)

3B - ARam

C - Barrett

CF - Patterson

 

Bench:

 

2B/PH - Walker (option)

OF/1B - Conine (FA)

OF/PR - Kerry Robinson (FA)

OF/IF - Hairston

C - Blanco

3B - McClain

 

Rotation:

 

Z (Opening Day Starter)

Prior

Wood

Millwood/Kip Wells/Padilla (via FA)

Maddox

 

Pen:

 

Wuertz

Novoa

Williamson

Ohman

JVB

 

Closer:

 

B.J. Ryan

 

I know, I know.......I didn't include many young guys on the bench. Not even Murton. I did that because I think Murton could be involved in a deal along w/ Hill. Besides that, what's the use in putting them on the bench if they won't be used? I don't see the point.

 

I also didn't include Dempster because I'm not completely sold on him. My fear is he'll want too much money to be a "closer" and for alittle more money we could get someone that wouldn't make me sick to my stomach when they trotted out to close a game. I don't want to have to take bets on how many guys my closer is going to walk and allow hits to.

 

 

Anyway, I haven't figured the payroll for a team like this, but I would think it would be doable under the estimated 100-105 M payroll.

 

Thoughts?

[abuck1220]

furcal's not a great leadoff man.

 

what on earth happened to his walk rate after 2000? :shock:

[KatJ]

 

Here's a line-up that I'd like to see:

 

2B - Cedeno

SS - Nomar

RF - Giles

1B - DLee

LF - Dunn/Floyd (I'd rather have Dunn or Manny, but Floyd would be more likely)

3B - ARam

C - Barrett

CF - Patterson

 

Bench:

 

2B/PH - Walker (option)

OF/1B - Conine (FA)

OF/PR - Kerry Robinson (FA)

OF/IF - Hairston

C - Blanco

3B - McClain

 

Rotation:

 

Z (Opening Day Starter)

Prior

Wood

Millwood/Kip Wells/Padilla (via FA)

Maddox

 

Pen:

 

Wuertz

Novoa

Williamson

Ohman

JVB

 

Closer:

 

B.J. Ryan

 

Anyway, I haven't figured the payroll for a team like this, but I would think it would be doable under the estimated 100-105 M payroll.

 

Thoughts?

 

I could live with your team. But I would like to see more of an upgrade in the OF (a la Johnny Damon), but that would push the payroll to a (for us) absurd level. And I have a gut feeling that Dusty would play Conine way too much - just a hunch.

 

What about Glavine as a Cub? Just curious.

 

Bottom line is that Neifi has got to go. It's got nothing to do with Neifi, but has everything to do with Dusty. I'm big on Cedeno, and no way does he get off the bench with any regularity if Perez is a Cub next year.

[nilodnayr]

furcal's not a great leadoff man.

 

what on earth happened to his walk rate after 2000? :shock:

 

I think the real question is what on earth happened to his walk rate in 2000? Looking at his career stats, taht year is definitely and abberation. His IsoD never came close to reaching the .099 mark before or after that. One stat to look at, is his pitches/PA which was a decent amount higher that year than any other. Could also be, he was trying to hit for more power after that year, or could be just first year in the league I guess. Either way, I wouldnt expect him to go back to 2000 form, and ESPECIALLY not under the cubs instruction.

[cbbryan]

 

Here's a line-up that I'd like to see:

 

2B - Cedeno

SS - Nomar

RF - Giles

1B - DLee

LF - Dunn/Floyd (I'd rather have Dunn or Manny, but Floyd would be more likely)

3B - ARam

C - Barrett

CF - Patterson

 

Bench:

 

2B/PH - Walker (option)

OF/1B - Conine (FA)

OF/PR - Kerry Robinson (FA)

OF/IF - Hairston

C - Blanco

3B - McClain

 

Rotation:

 

Z (Opening Day Starter)

Prior

Wood

Millwood/Kip Wells/Padilla (via FA)

Maddox

 

Pen:

 

Wuertz

Novoa

Williamson

Ohman

JVB

 

Closer:

 

B.J. Ryan

 

Anyway, I haven't figured the payroll for a team like this, but I would think it would be doable under the estimated 100-105 M payroll.

 

Thoughts?

 

I could live with your team. But I would like to see more of an upgrade in the OF (a la Johnny Damon), but that would push the payroll to a (for us) absurd level. And I have a gut feeling that Dusty would play Conine way too much - just a hunch.

 

What about Glavine as a Cub? Just curious.

 

Bottom line is that Neifi has got to go. It's got nothing to do with Neifi, but has everything to do with Dusty. I'm big on Cedeno, and no way does he get off the bench with any regularity if Perez is a Cub next year.

 

1. Neifi seems to have impressed alot of people this year. He shouldn't be starting at SS, but I think a team will give him the opportunity.

 

2. By retaining Walker as a back-up to Cedeno the Cubs would essentially have a back-up plan in place if Nomar went down. (Cendeno could go back to his natural position and Walker is capable of starting.)

 

3. Conine would probably be a favorite of Dusty's, but I wouldn't mind Conine being the first PH off the bench as opposed to Macias, or Hollandsworth.

 

4. Giles gives you the OBP guy in front of Lee/ARam that you need.

 

5. Dunn would be a PERFECT fit in LF, but he may cost too much whereas Cliff Floyd would be a little cheaper to come by. Both would add pop to the line-up, but I would much rather have Dunn.

 

6. Also, Conine can fill in nicely if the Cubs had any injuries on the corner OF spots, or 1B and can produce like a starter for limited stints.

 

7. I think Glavine's OK, but he has a mutual option at the end of the year (not sure how much). Another LH option would be Washburn, but he'd be switching leagues........never know how a guy will react to that.

[nilodnayr]

 

Here's a line-up that I'd like to see:

 

2B - Cedeno

SS - Nomar

RF - Giles

1B - DLee

LF - Dunn/Floyd (I'd rather have Dunn or Manny, but Floyd would be more likely)

3B - ARam

C - Barrett

CF - Patterson

 

Bench:

 

2B/PH - Walker (option)

OF/1B - Conine (FA)

OF/PR - Kerry Robinson (FA)

OF/IF - Hairston

C - Blanco

3B - McClain

 

Rotation:

 

Z (Opening Day Starter)

Prior

Wood

Millwood/Kip Wells/Padilla (via FA)

Maddox

 

Pen:

 

Wuertz

Novoa

Williamson

Ohman

JVB

 

Closer:

 

B.J. Ryan

 

Anyway, I haven't figured the payroll for a team like this, but I would think it would be doable under the estimated 100-105 M payroll.

 

Thoughts?

 

I could live with your team. But I would like to see more of an upgrade in the OF (a la Johnny Damon), but that would push the payroll to a (for us) absurd level. And I have a gut feeling that Dusty would play Conine way too much - just a hunch.

 

What about Glavine as a Cub? Just curious.

 

Bottom line is that Neifi has got to go. It's got nothing to do with Neifi, but has everything to do with Dusty. I'm big on Cedeno, and no way does he get off the bench with any regularity if Perez is a Cub next year.

 

Who would Damon be an upgrade over? Floyd, Giles, Dunn, or Manny? If you mean to upgrade at all OF positions, then just play Hairston over Patterson.

[cbbryan]

furcal's not a great leadoff man.

 

what on earth happened to his walk rate after 2000? :shock:

 

I think the real question is what on earth happened to his walk rate in 2000? Looking at his career stats, taht year is definitely and abberation. His IsoD never came close to reaching the .099 mark before or after that. One stat to look at, is his pitches/PA which was a decent amount higher that year than any other. Could also be, he was trying to hit for more power after that year, or could be just first year in the league I guess. Either way, I wouldnt expect him to go back to 2000 form, and ESPECIALLY not under the cubs instruction.

 

Furcal's just another guy w/ "perceived value" that doesn't match his actual production. Someone will overpay for him............I just hope it's not the Cubs.

[MPrior]

At the risk of sounding like Dusty, why play Cedeno over Walker? (DISCLAIMER: It's NOT that Cedeno is a rookie and Walker is a veteran - it's that Walker has proven that he's one of the best hitters on this team. Why bench him for someone we don't know is going to be better?) I personally would love to have Nomar come back cheaply, and play him and Walker up the middle (defense is an issue, I know, but I'd rather have very good, relatively cheap offensive production). With Neifi gone, Cedeno would be the super infield sub, and should start fairly frequently for Nomar. This way he would get decent playing time (as there's no one Dusty can play but him in the SS position if Nomar's not in the game), especially if Nomar goes down again, and we'd have a very potent infield which we wouldn't be paying too much for, which would leave a lot of room for fixing the outfield, which is the real issue. I think Giles should be the priority, as he not only makes the weak outfield more potent, but also addresses, to some degree, the abysmal OBP problems this team has had. He's worth a big (but not too long) contract, even at his age.

[CubfaninCA]

My head is spinning. The players above are spinning around in my head as possibilities for the Cub '06 IF (with EPatt as a dark horse candidate - he's doing well, but needs to spend more time in the farm). Here are my thoughts:

 

-TWalk could spell DLee at 1B when he isn't playing 2B.

 

-Cedeno should be a part of the STARTING team in '06.

 

-If Hendry keeps Neifi, Cedeno doesn't have a prayer of seeing playing time unless starters at SS and 2B get injured. In a pinch, he could also spell Aramis, but I doubt our current manager would allow that.

 

-Hairston would be a decent option as leadoff, has good IF D, and if Hendry doesn't pull the trigger on a CF and Pie doesn't come up or (God forbid) gets injured, he would be serviceable in the OF if CPatt is traded or continues to have no bat of consequence.

 

-Furcal is a great leadoff, but would cost tons of $, would stand in the way of Cedeno's progress, and could get into more DUI trouble.

 

-Getting rid of Neifi and keeping Nomar might guarantee Cedeno more playing time, particularly if Nomar needs to be a PT SS to keep away injuries.

 

I know I don't make the decisions, but at this writing, I'd:

 

(1) ditch Neifi because Dusty plays him too much

 

(2) keep TWalk because his bat is reliable if not always his D - trade him if I could get good value (pen or a reliable ML starter)

 

(3) sign Nomar to another incentive-laden contract (that is, unless someone in the AL West doesn't snatch him up first), and

 

(4) make Cedeno a Counsell (2001 D'Back version) or Freel kind of guy - starts for whoever needs a rest or (as in the case of Walker taking over 1B) subbing for someone else. It keeps him playing, which is the main thing, and during the year or offseason he can settle down at one position.

 

Unfortunately, my opinion changes almost daily. What about you?

 

Looking @ it realistically, and going by past history.

 

No chance w/ Furcal. Too long of deal..

 

Nomar goes west and signs for 2 to 3 years. Good riddance.

 

Neifi's back.

 

Cedeno either gets buried on the bench or dealt.

 

Walker gets dealt, as the Cubs may be tired of his big mouth.

 

Hairston doesn't seem to be a Dusty/Hendry fave, so probably gone.

 

My guess is that the Cubs make a really strong run @ Soriano again.

 

I don't get all the Furcal talk.............have you seen this guy Cedeno? (Not as much as you'd like, I know) I don't understand the opinion of Nomar signing a 2-3 year deal w/ ANYONE either. Who? What team can take that chance? I think he'll get a 2-3 year deal, but only after being healthy enough to play 130+ games for someone............and I believe it will be the Cubs.

 

What I see happening is Walker's option being picked up. Neifi being offered a starting position with another team and leaving. Nomar signing another 1 year deal, heavily padded with incentives. Hendry pulling a trade for a corner OF and signing another via FA.

 

My other opinion is that you have to have a GREAT bench w/ Dusty. If he's going to fall in love w/ the bench guys, they have to be SOLID players...............not Macias, so I think that alot of money may go into the bench.

 

Here's a line-up that I'd like to see:

 

2B - Cedeno

SS - Nomar

RF - Giles

1B - DLee

LF - Dunn/Floyd (I'd rather have Dunn or Manny, but Floyd would be more likely)

3B - ARam

C - Barrett

CF - Patterson

 

Bench:

 

2B/PH - Walker (option)

OF/1B - Conine (FA)

OF/PR - Kerry Robinson (FA)

OF/IF - Hairston

C - Blanco

3B - McClain

 

Rotation:

 

Z (Opening Day Starter)

Prior

Wood

Millwood/Kip Wells/Padilla (via FA)

Maddox

 

Pen:

 

Wuertz

Novoa

Williamson

Ohman

JVB

 

Closer:

 

B.J. Ryan

 

I know, I know.......I didn't include many young guys on the bench. Not even Murton. I did that because I think Murton could be involved in a deal along w/ Hill. Besides that, what's the use in putting them on the bench if they won't be used? I don't see the point.

 

I also didn't include Dempster because I'm not completely sold on him. My fear is he'll want too much money to be a "closer" and for alittle more money we could get someone that wouldn't make me sick to my stomach when they trotted out to close a game. I don't want to have to take bets on how many guys my closer is going to walk and allow hits to.

 

 

Anyway, I haven't figured the payroll for a team like this, but I would think it would be doable under the estimated 100-105 M payroll.

 

Thoughts?

 

Nice team, but I think a team w/ Dunn, Giles and Ryan's a fantasy team. Floyd would be nice, but the Mets need all the bats they can find. Perhaps the Cubs can get Jeff Kent.

 

As for Nomah, unlike last year, I think he'll be more open towards playing a position besides SS, which will make him more marketable. However, I don't think he'll get a big deal. Perhaps 2 years and 10 mil, w/ an option.

[CubfaninCA]

 

Here's a line-up that I'd like to see:

 

2B - Cedeno

SS - Nomar

RF - Giles

1B - DLee

LF - Dunn/Floyd (I'd rather have Dunn or Manny, but Floyd would be more likely)

3B - ARam

C - Barrett

CF - Patterson

 

Bench:

 

2B/PH - Walker (option)

OF/1B - Conine (FA)

OF/PR - Kerry Robinson (FA)

OF/IF - Hairston

C - Blanco

3B - McClain

 

Rotation:

 

Z (Opening Day Starter)

Prior

Wood

Millwood/Kip Wells/Padilla (via FA)

Maddox

 

Pen:

 

Wuertz

Novoa

Williamson

Ohman

JVB

 

Closer:

 

B.J. Ryan

 

Anyway, I haven't figured the payroll for a team like this, but I would think it would be doable under the estimated 100-105 M payroll.

 

Thoughts?

 

I could live with your team. But I would like to see more of an upgrade in the OF (a la Johnny Damon), but that would push the payroll to a (for us) absurd level. And I have a gut feeling that Dusty would play Conine way too much - just a hunch.

 

What about Glavine as a Cub? Just curious.

 

Bottom line is that Neifi has got to go. It's got nothing to do with Neifi, but has everything to do with Dusty. I'm big on Cedeno, and no way does he get off the bench with any regularity if Perez is a Cub next year.

 

1. Neifi seems to have impressed alot of people this year. He shouldn't be starting at SS, but I think a team will give him the opportunity.

 

2. By retaining Walker as a back-up to Cedeno the Cubs would essentially have a back-up plan in place if Nomar went down. (Cendeno could go back to his natural position and Walker is capable of starting.)

 

3. Conine would probably be a favorite of Dusty's, but I wouldn't mind Conine being the first PH off the bench as opposed to Macias, or Hollandsworth.

 

4. Giles gives you the OBP guy in front of Lee/ARam that you need.

 

5. Dunn would be a PERFECT fit in LF, but he may cost too much whereas Cliff Floyd would be a little cheaper to come by. Both would add pop to the line-up, but I would much rather have Dunn.

 

6. Also, Conine can fill in nicely if the Cubs had any injuries on the corner OF spots, or 1B and can produce like a starter for limited stints.

 

7. I think Glavine's OK, but he has a mutual option at the end of the year (not sure how much). Another LH option would be Washburn, but he'd be switching leagues........never know how a guy will react to that.

 

Why would Dusty play Cedeno over Walker?? This is Dusty Baker we're talking about.

[cbbryan]

Nice team, but I think a team w/ Dunn, Giles and Ryan's a fantasy team. Floyd would be nice, but the Mets need all the bats they can find. Perhaps the Cubs can get Jeff Kent.

 

As for Nomah, unlike last year, I think he'll be more open towards playing a position besides SS, which will make him more marketable. However, I don't think he'll get a big deal. Perhaps 2 years and 10 mil, w/ an option.

 

Why is it a fantasy? The Cubs have a ton of money this offseason (2 of those players signed could be covered with Sosa's money that comes off the books this offseason) and the moves I've suggested could fit under the projected 100-105 M payroll. The only one you'd have to trade for is Dunn and the asking price for him is certain to go down in the offseason. And while I agree that the Mets need bats, they've reportedly tried to get rid of Floyd the last couple years because of his injuries. I would venture to say that had the Mets not got on a role and become big players in the wildcard, Floyd may not be there now.

 

I understand the questions about why Dusty would play Cedeno over Walker and it's something that I didn't really think about quite honestly. I thought Cedeno at 2B because it doesn't seem as if Nomar would be willing to move to 2B. In reality, I'd prefer Cedeno at SS and Nomar at 2B.

 

On Nomar at 5M per..............again I ask why? Even if Nomar's willing to move to another position, I think there are too many question marks about his injuries. I'd like the Cubs to sign him to a 1 year w/ an option for a second. Maybe even a vesting option on PA.

 

The biggest thing in my mind is that Hendry must safeguard against injuries to any number of players. By keeping Walker, Cedeno, and Nomar the middle infield should be solid. By signing a guy like Conine, you have a guy that can play and put up good numbers for good stretches if needed.

[EricG]

what ever happened to Lewis and Fontenot? I figured they would be a cheap option as a 2B platoon. I say go cheap up the middle and spend some money on corner OF via trade or free agency.

[cbbryan]

what ever happened to Lewis and Fontenot? I figured they would be a cheap option as a 2B platoon. I say go cheap up the middle and spend some money on corner OF via trade or free agency.

 

As much as I like them, with a cheap option on Walker, Nomar re-signed and having Cedeno.............where would they play? I believe the Cubs can upgrade both corner OF positions while still keeping a productive IF.

[goonys evil twin]

what ever happened to Lewis and Fontenot? I figured they would be a cheap option as a 2B platoon. I say go cheap up the middle and spend some money on corner OF via trade or free agency.

 

As much as I like them, with a cheap option on Walker, Nomar re-signed and having Cedeno.............where would they play? I believe the Cubs can upgrade both corner OF positions while still keeping a productive IF.

 

Lewis had a terrible season, he's probably worthless. Fontenot might be a decent bench option at the minimum cost.