Cedeno, Fookie, Hairston, Neifi, Nomar, TWalk

[CubfaninCA]

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.

 

How long have you been a Cub fan?? Don't get your hopes up regardless of how much money they have available.

 

Giles will probably end up w/ either Anaheim, LA or Boston. Either he'll go to a sure winner, in Boston, or stay in SoCal.

 

The Reds were asking a king's ransom for Griffey. Doubtful the Hendry will ante up for Dunn.

 

As for Ryan, he'll get some huge offer, and the Cubs will look elsewhere. I'm cool w/ Dempster as a closer anyway. Just develop someone in the system to close.

[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.

 

How long have you been a Cub fan?? Don't get your hopes up regardless of how much money they have available.

 

Giles will probably end up w/ either Anaheim, LA or Boston. Either he'll go to a sure winner, in Boston, or stay in SoCal.

 

The Reds were asking a king's ransom for Griffey. Doubtful the Hendry will ante up for Dunn.

 

As for Ryan, he'll get some huge offer, and the Cubs will look elsewhere. I'm cool w/ Dempster as a closer anyway. Just develop someone in the system to close.

 

I'm just stating what I believe the Cubs could do. Do you realize the Cubs have a 105 M payroll as we speak? And MacPhail has hinted that it will stay around that area (it better w/ ticket prices always going up year in/year out). The Cubs could have upwards of 50 M to spend depending on who they choose to keep, so I think it's alittle out there to say that the Cubs won't sign anyone significant when they have that much money available.

 

Seondly, Boston's all of a sudden a SURE winner? Outside of last year, when was the last time they won anything. It had been just as long as the Cubs. What Giles will come down to is MONEY.........always does, for the most part. Giles at 10/yr is probably too much, but the Cubs need to commit it to show a sign of wanting to be successful.............not just to the fans, but the other MLB players.

 

The Reds are asking a king's ransom for Griffey.......... Therefore, they'd do the same w/ Dunn? Dunn's a very talented player and they're not going to give him to the Cubs for peanuts, but there is a difference between offseason deals and deadline deals. The Reds have to move an OF, I think Dunn is the most marketable and the Cubs could put up a decent package to get him. I also stated earlier that Floyd would probably be a more likely move. He would obviously come cheaper then Dunn.

 

As for Ryan, you pay to play. Again, the Cubs have the money and Ryan's available. There's really no excuse not to go after him. If they can't get him, resign Dempster.

[CubfaninCA]

Boston's in the playoffs nearly every year now. The Cubs aren't. Also, Boston has about 30 more wins than the Cubs this year.

 

Jmo, but if the Cubs make a big splash it will be w/ a trade. The Trib usually stays away from free agent deals over 4 years. Thus no Furcal or Burnett. Manny, Soriano, Kent and Burrell could all be possibilities. I think the Cubs biggest signing will be a starting pitcher. Maybe Millwood or Weaver.

[KatJ]

Manny, Soriano, Kent and Burrell could all be possibilities. I think the Cubs biggest signing will be a starting pitcher. Maybe Millwood or Weaver.

 

Am I the only one here who groans at the thought of Jeff Kent being our next 2B? First of all, he broke Ryno's HR record - I wince thinking about the Joe Morgan commentary now. Secondly, he seems to bring controversy wherever he goes (Bonds, Bradley).

 

I know Mr. Pornstache puts up good numbers, but I'd rather not switch one 2B who can't keep his trap shut for another.

[Backtobanks]

I think it's a forgone conclusion that Perez will be on this team next year. Unless Walker is traded, I sure don't see Cedeno starting anywhere. With the discussions about signing Furcal or resigning Nomar and bringing back Walker, where do you put Cedeno. This is especially true with Dusty as the manager. Hendry has already stated that he thinks Cedeno should be able to start for this team next year at SS or 2B. Let's keep our fingers crossed that Perez will get an offer to start for some other team. As for Nomar, he really is starting to look like the Nomar of old. If the Cubs can get Nomar at a reduced rate, it might be a good signing with Cedeno getting a few starts per week for Walker and Nomar. Also, having Nomar might be a good idea to back up Ramirez at 3B with Cedeno playing SS. Hopefully, Hendry will realize that certain players (Nomar, Ramirez, Wood, etc.) have a tendency to break down and will be able to have players ready and able to step in.

[CubfaninCA]

Manny, Soriano, Kent and Burrell could all be possibilities. I think the Cubs biggest signing will be a starting pitcher. Maybe Millwood or Weaver.

 

Am I the only one here who groans at the thought of Jeff Kent being our next 2B? First of all, he broke Ryno's HR record - I wince thinking about the Joe Morgan commentary now. Secondly, he seems to bring controversy wherever he goes (Bonds, Bradley).

 

I know Mr. Pornstache puts up good numbers, but I'd rather not switch one 2B who can't keep his trap shut for another.

 

Well, I think the chances of getting Kent are pretty slim. The Cubs will probably have to offer something quite tempting, as it will be difficult for LA to move Kent. Kent's been one of the few bright spots on that team this year.

[NorthsideAvenger]

.338 .378 .574 .952 (in August)

.318 .360 .682 1.042 (in September)

 

 

Anybody realize this? It looks to me that Nomar is playing for another contract (possibly)with the Cubs. We know offensively what he can do, so these numbers are not a fluke, but they are making me rethink what the Cubs should do for SS. Now, don't get me wrong, I really, really like Cedeno, BUT, if the Cubs could bring back Todd Walker for one yr, sign Nomar to a decent 1 yr deal (cause in my eyes, Nomar is looking like he is close to 100% healthy, if he isn't there already) and use 2006 as a bridge for Cedeno, I would love to do that.

 

Then the Cubs could go after Giles and/or Damon with my vengence.

[KatJ]

I want to thank you all for your thoughts on this one. As this thread evolved, it became clear to me that what I posted originally would be the way to go - at least, IMO.

 

Thanks for helping me clarify my position and strengthen my reasoning!