Regular playing OFs who have higher OPS than Burnitz

[HoopsCubs]

We're obviously all focused and hopeful on Hendry finding at least 1 stud OF this offseason, and maybe even 1 stud and 1, who is very good. There are currently 34 regularly playing OFs, who have a higher OPS than Jeromy Burnitz. I listed out their current OPS and contract status.

 

1 Vladimir Guerrero .962 - Under contract through 2008 (option in '09)

2 Miguel Cabrera .962 - Under Marlin control 2009

3 Manny Ramirez .948 - Under contract through 2008 (options in '09 and '10)

4 Ken Griffey Jr. .946 - Under contract through 2008 (option in '09)

5 Andruw Jones .944 - Under contract through 2007

6 Adam Dunn .941 - Under Red control through 2007 (arbitration eligible)

7 Jason Bay .936 - Under Pirate control through 2009

8 Jim Edmonds .926 - Under contract through 2006 (option for '07)

9 Brian Giles .917 - Free agent after 2005

10 Lance Berkman .910 - Under contract through 2010 (option in '11)

11 Pat Burrell .892 - Under contract through 2008

12 Geoff Jenkins .890 - Under contract through 2007 (option in '08)

13 Bobby Abreu .890 - Under contract through 2007 (option in '08)

14 Gary Sheffield .886 - Under contract through 2006 (option in '07)

15 David Dellucci .884 - Under contract through 2006

16 Jose Guillen .861 - Under contract through 2005 (option in '06)

17 Cliff Floyd .860 - Under contract through 2006

18 Shawn Green .855 - Under contract through 2007 (option in '08)

19 Carlos Lee .844 - Under contract through 2005 (option in '06)

20 Kevin Mench .840 - Under Ranger control through 2008 (arbitration eligible)

21 Hideki Matsui .838 - Free agent after 2005

22 Juan Encarnacion .835 - Free agent after 2005

23 Jermaine Dye .834 - Under contract through 2006 (option in '07)

24 Johnny Damon .824 - Free agent after 2005

25 Grady Sizemore .820 - Under Indian control through 2010

26 Luis Gonzalez .818 - Under contract through 2006 (option in '07)

27 Jay Gibbons .804 - Under Oriole control through 2006 (arbitration eligible)

28 David DeJesus .804 - Under Royal control through 2010

29 Emil Brown .802 - Under Royal control through 2010

30 Brady Clark .800 - Under Brewer control through 2007 (arbitration eligible)

31 Preston Wilson .800 - Free agent after 2005

32 Vernon Wells .794 - Under contract through 2007

33 Coco Crisp .793 - Under Indian control through 2009

34 Jason Lane .788 - Under Astro control through 2009

35 Jeromy Burnitz .785 - Under contract through 2005 (option in '06)

 

 

Summary:

 

5 free agents after 2005 - Giles, Matsui, Encarnacion, Damon and Wilson.

 

3 players, who could be free agents after 2005 if 2006 club option is not picked up: Guillen, Lee, Burnitz - Hoops commentary: it would be a miracle if the Nationals and Brewers did not pick up the options

 

2 free agents after 2006 - Floyd, Dellucci - Hoops commentary: both are probable trade candidates this coming offseason, and both would help fill our corner OF roles

 

4 players, who could be free agents after 2006 if 2007 club option is not picked up: Edmonds, Sheffield, Dye and Gonzalez - Hoops commentary: I say Edmonds and Sheffield will stay, and Dye and Gonzalez will be free agents

 

4 players, who are arbitration eligible this coming offseason: Dunn, Mench, Gibbons, Clark - Hoops commentary: with the exception of Gibbons, the other 3 players could easily be viewed as an upgrade vs. what we have now in the OF.

 

3 players, who I have heard will actively be shopped this offseason (all have trade protection): Ramirez, Griffey, Green

 

So, these are the basic parameters. What should/can Hendry do to upgrade our OF?

 

Hoops

[CuseCubFan69]

I would like to see the Cubs go after Burrell and Wells. I'd move CPatt, Walker, cash and a couple of major prospects to Toronto for Wells and Hudson or Adams.

 

I'd trade a host of young pitchers and Burnitz (pick up option) for Burrell.

[swordsman]

How much of an upgrade is enough to make a significant difference? What is the maginal cost of that upgrade?

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I guess that depends on how you define regular playing time. If the minimum is at 300 PA's, Burnitz is 50th in OPS. Those are guys getting some serious PT, and it brings up 15 more guys who are better than JB this year.

 

Also worth noting is that Burnitz's OPS was as low as .766 as recently as 2 weeks ago, and at age 37, his likelihood of repeating the previous year's numbers goes down.

[HoopsCubs]

I guess that depends on how you define regular playing time. If the minimum is at 300 PA's, Burnitz is 50th in OPS. Those are guys getting some serious PT, and it brings up 15 more guys who are better than JB this year.

 

Also worth noting is that Burnitz's OPS was as low as .766 as recently as 2 weeks ago, and at age 37, his likelihood of repeating the previous year's numbers goes down.

 

I think I was looking at 450 PAs (at least 3.3 PAs per team game played)and above, but certainly at 300 and above, you can include guys like Moises, JD Drew, Rondell White, Larry Walker, Trot Nixon, etc...

 

I think we all agree that there is considerable OF talent out there above and beyond what the Cubs had in 2005. We need to get at least 1, preferably 2 of these guys.

[rawaction]

First, an off-subject comment, Man, Griffey is really having a good year. He's quickly returning to elite status. That could be big for the Reds, because they could trade him, get good prospects in return, and not have to pay as much of his salary as once thought.

 

Back on topic. I would love a Giles/Mench combo. That's the most productive realistic combo I can see. I could easily see Preston Wilson in a Cubs uniform, though. If the Cubs cut bait with Corey (which is what I expect via non-tender or trade), they are gonna go after a CF. Wilson is someone the Cubs have had interest in. My guess is the Cubs will get Wilson and Floyd. Murton or Floyd will be forced to play RF.

 

Also of note, I think guys lower than Burnitz right now could be available and could put up better numbers than Burny next year: Huff, Wilkerson, Lawton, Ford and Klesko.

[JC]

First, an off-subject comment, Man, Griffey is really having a good year. He's quickly returning to elite status. That could be big for the Reds, because they could trade him, get good prospects in return, and not have to pay as much of his salary as once thought.

 

As with Griffey's luck, recent reports are that his foot injury is so bad that he is done for the year. That won't help his trade value.

[HoopsCubs]

First, an off-subject comment, Man, Griffey is really having a good year. He's quickly returning to elite status. That could be big for the Reds, because they could trade him, get good prospects in return, and not have to pay as much of his salary as once thought.

 

I may have interpreted it incorrectly, but I thought I saw that Griffey is likely out for the year with a torn tendon on his foot?

[rawaction]

First, an off-subject comment, Man, Griffey is really having a good year. He's quickly returning to elite status. That could be big for the Reds, because they could trade him, get good prospects in return, and not have to pay as much of his salary as once thought.

 

I may have interpreted it incorrectly, but I thought I saw that Griffey is likely out for the year with a torn tendon on his foot?

 

My bad. I thought he got injured and then played afterward. Did he get hurt twice last week?

[1908]

First, an off-subject comment, Man, Griffey is really having a good year. He's quickly returning to elite status. That could be big for the Reds, because they could trade him, get good prospects in return, and not have to pay as much of his salary as once thought.

Why do you think Griffey would okay a trade? He's seemed pretty set on remaining in Cincinnati to date.

[HoopsCubs]

First, an off-subject comment, Man, Griffey is really having a good year. He's quickly returning to elite status. That could be big for the Reds, because they could trade him, get good prospects in return, and not have to pay as much of his salary as once thought.

 

I may have interpreted it incorrectly, but I thought I saw that Griffey is likely out for the year with a torn tendon on his foot?

 

My bad. I thought he got injured and then played afterward. Did he get hurt twice last week?

 

I have no idea Raw. Your information is probably better than mine.

 

By the way, as I said in another thread, I also believe the Cubs will get Preston Wilson to play CF - something like 2 years and $6M per. From my vantage point, it's a good move PROVIDED they also acquire a Giles, Dunn, Burrell type corner OF. It's a terrible move if nothing else is done to address corner OF.

[rawaction]

First, an off-subject comment, Man, Griffey is really having a good year. He's quickly returning to elite status. That could be big for the Reds, because they could trade him, get good prospects in return, and not have to pay as much of his salary as once thought.

Why do you think Griffey would okay a trade? He's seemed pretty set on remaining in Cincinnati to date.

 

I think anyone is tradeable. Threaten to put him on the bench, and he suddenly becomes more open to moving on.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Even with his play this year, would the Braves entertain the idea of trading Jones? He's due to make a chunk of change next season, and I have to wonder if the Braves might want that money to spend elsewhere. They definitely won't be in a position to have to trade him, especially since they'll likely let Furcal walk, but they might choose to trade him the right offer came along. He has one year remaining and might prove to be the perfect stop gap until Pie is ready in 2007.

 

We could offer the Braves Patterson and likely a rule V potential casualty for him.

 

Thoughts?

[rawaction]

Even with his play this year, would the Braves entertain the idea of trading Jones? He's due to make a chunk of change next season, and I have to wonder if the Braves might want that money to spend elsewhere. They definitely won't be in a position to have to trade him, especially since they'll likely let Furcal walk, but they might choose to trade him the right offer came along. He has one year remaining and might prove to be the perfect stop gap until Pie is ready in 2007.

 

We could offer the Braves Patterson and likely a rule V potential casualty for him.

 

Thoughts?

 

I could easily see the Braves trading Andruw. They have some good young OFs. They could move Chipper or Marte to the OF. Of course, it would take a lot more than that trade to get Jones. They aren't in the position where they need to give him away to clear payroll.

[HoopsCubs]

Even with his play this year, would the Braves entertain the idea of trading Jones? He's due to make a chunk of change next season, and I have to wonder if the Braves might want that money to spend elsewhere. They definitely won't be in a position to have to trade him, especially since they'll likely let Furcal walk, but they might choose to trade him the right offer came along. He has one year remaining and might prove to be the perfect stop gap until Pie is ready in 2007.

 

We could offer the Braves Patterson and likely a rule V potential casualty for him.

 

Thoughts?

 

I could easily see the Braves trading Andruw. They have some good young OFs. They could move Chipper or Marte to the OF. Of course, it would take a lot more than that trade to get Jones. They aren't in the position where they need to give him away to clear payroll.

 

One very important fact to keep in mind: Atlanta REALLY starts paying for Mike Hampton in 2006. As part of that way 3-way deal a few years back, in 2005, the Braves are only paying $1.5M of his salary - Colorado is paying $2.5M and Florida is paying $8.5M. But in 2006, the Braves will pay Hampton $13.5M aka $12M jump. Florida owes him nothing starting in 2006, and Colorado owes him nothing starting in 2006 except for the $6M buyout in 2009. Even with Furcal off the books, the Braves do look a bit "ham-strung-ptom."

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Thanks, Hoops. I had forgotten about the Hampton money.

 

What if the Cubs could trade Patterson, Nolasco and Sing to the Braves for Jones.

 

That would add 13 million to the payroll for 2006. We should still have the money left to sign Giles and pick up Walker's 2.5 million option.

 

What about this line-up?

 

Walker 2B

Giles RF

Lee 1B

Ramirez 3B

Jones CF

Barrett C

Murton LF

Cedeno SS

 

Would that be enough offense, or would another move be necessary?

[1908]

First, an off-subject comment, Man, Griffey is really having a good year. He's quickly returning to elite status. That could be big for the Reds, because they could trade him, get good prospects in return, and not have to pay as much of his salary as once thought.

Why do you think Griffey would okay a trade? He's seemed pretty set on remaining in Cincinnati to date.

 

I think anyone is tradeable. Threaten to put him on the bench, and he suddenly becomes more open to moving on.

I think you're oversimplifying things. Players exercise 10/5 rights and no trade clauses all the time.

[hankp101]

Personally I think the Cubs could do a lot worse than spending the necessary money to bring in a stud like Giles and "settling" for P-Dub in CF for 1-1.5 years until Pie is deemed ready. A Murton-Wilson-Giles outfield would likely be much more productive than the Holladnsworth-Patterson-Burnitz combo we have seen most of this year, with a window toward the future. Murton doesn't appear likely to turn into an All-Star, but I think it is realistic to assume that he can be a serviceable "3rd" OFer for years to come. If Pie is ready in 2007, we can hopefully sign a young left power bat (I hear they grow on trees) when Giles comes off the books in 2008 or so and be set for the rest of the decade. I am not in love with Wilson, but I think he is better than most here give him credit for. Plus, that outfield leaves us a nice chunk of change to address the SS/bullpen issues.

[dacheezwhiz]

I liked the vernon wells idea but am also interested in a twin outfielder. Either Jaque Jones or Shannon Stewart would be great. Pluss all wed have to trade is todd walker at maybe a marginal prospect

[ltb]

Even with his play this year, would the Braves entertain the idea of trading Jones? He's due to make a chunk of change next season, and I have to wonder if the Braves might want that money to spend elsewhere. They definitely won't be in a position to have to trade him, especially since they'll likely let Furcal walk, but they might choose to trade him the right offer came along. He has one year remaining and might prove to be the perfect stop gap until Pie is ready in 2007.

 

We could offer the Braves Patterson and likely a rule V potential casualty for him.

 

Thoughts?

 

I could easily see the Braves trading Andruw. They have some good young OFs. They could move Chipper or Marte to the OF. Of course, it would take a lot more than that trade to get Jones. They aren't in the position where they need to give him away to clear payroll.

 

One very important fact to keep in mind: Atlanta REALLY starts paying for Mike Hampton in 2006. As part of that way 3-way deal a few years back, in 2005, the Braves are only paying $1.5M of his salary - Colorado is paying $2.5M and Florida is paying $8.5M. But in 2006, the Braves will pay Hampton $13.5M aka $12M jump. Florida owes him nothing starting in 2006, and Colorado owes him nothing starting in 2006 except for the $6M buyout in 2009. Even with Furcal off the books, the Braves do look a bit "ham-strung-ptom."

 

the braves have been saving up money every year to pay for hampton starting in 2006.

[Nobody youd want to know]

What if the Cubs could trade Patterson, Nolasco and Sing to the Braves for Jones.

 

Lordy, the entire forum screams about the Cubs not developing positional talent, and once we finally do, you want to ship him out? (I'm speaking of Sing, not Patterson.)

 

If I'm Hendry Sing is an untouchable. He's had an excellent season in a pitchers' league. He's my starting RF in Wrigley come 2007.

 

(Imagine that, three home-grown OFs)

[CubfaninCA]

Can't see Griffey being on the block anymore, and Cincy's nearly impossible to deal with.

 

Manny's the guy to go after from that list. Perhaps Burrell will be available too. My guess is that Giles ends up in either LA, Anaheim or Boston. Heck maybe even St. Louis.

[ConstableRabbit]

Is there any obvious reason I'm missing as to why Matsui hasn't been mentioned? Is he assumed to be an automatic Yankee next year, will be be too expensive, or do posters here just not want him?

[nilodnayr]

Nats picked up Guillen's option for 2006

[nilodnayr]

I guess that depends on how you define regular playing time. If the minimum is at 300 PA's, Burnitz is 50th in OPS. Those are guys getting some serious PT, and it brings up 15 more guys who are better than JB this year.

 

Also worth noting is that Burnitz's OPS was as low as .766 as recently as 2 weeks ago, and at age 37, his likelihood of repeating the previous year's numbers goes down.

 

Drop it down to 150 PAs and hes 60th (with the only player not expected to contribute heavily in 2006 being a certain cardinals lifetime minor leaguer). But I dont think Hoops' point was to say that Burnitz is an average corner OF, but rather to analyze who would be an upgrade. But yes, I agree there are many more than 34 players on that list.