Nomar Open to a Position Change?

[HoopsCubs]

Check out these links - the third requires registration.

 

http://www.suntimes.com/output/cubs/cst-spt-kiley10.html

 

http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/cubs.asp?id=93256

 

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-050909cubsgamer,1,6830921.story?coll=cs-cubs-headlines

 

There has been a lot of talk about Cedeno, Neifi and acquiring Furcal in the offseason the last few weeks about the SS and 2B positions. And it's been known for a while that Nomar clearly would like to stay in Chicago and now is hinting that he is open to a position change as well, so now it's quite possible he may be in the mix for 2B or even outfield (a la Robin Yount).

 

The odd man out: well, to me it clearly seems to be Todd Walker. Just hearing Hendry's tone on August 31 when discussing holding Walker's option. You just get the feeling Hendry will pick up the $2.5M option and trade him to an AL team for relief pitching.

 

So, the potential combos for SS/2B seem to be:

 

Perez/Cedeno

Cedeno/Perez

Cedeno/Nomar

Perez/Nomar

Furcal/Cedeno

Furcal/Nomar

Furcal/Perez

 

The plot thickens...

 

Hoops

[Rusch33]

If he's willing to do that, I could see Todd being gone.

[Roast]

If he's willing to do that, I could see Todd being gone.

 

Sadly, I think he's gone reguardless of whether nomar switches positions or not. Or even stays on the team for that matter.

[AAApittsburgh]

Am I the only one who would have no problem if the infield was kept the way it was supposed to be on opening day? Lee, Aram, Nomar, Walker. What's wrong with that? Can Walker/Nomar really outproduce Cedeno/Nomar? I don't think it can. Just fix the outfield.

[Balsa]

Am I the only one who would have no problem if the infield was kept the way it was supposed to be on opening day? Lee, Aram, Nomar, Walker. What's wrong with that? Can Walker/Nomar really outproduce Cedeno/Nomar? I don't think it can. Just fix the outfield.

 

I think Hendry has finally accepted that Nomar is injury prone. One of those "fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me" moments.

[CUBZ99]

Am I the only one who would have no problem if the infield was kept the way it was supposed to be on opening day? Lee, Aram, Nomar, Walker. What's wrong with that? Can Walker/Nomar really outproduce Cedeno/Nomar? I don't think it can. Just fix the outfield.

 

I think the Cubs have made it clear that they will upgrade defense at 2b/SS.

 

Nomar in LF would be an instant upgrade over any in house option. With the way Nomar has been hitting I would love to see him in the lineup for a whole season.

[HoopsCubs]

Am I the only one who would have no problem if the infield was kept the way it was supposed to be on opening day? Lee, Aram, Nomar, Walker. What's wrong with that? Can Walker/Nomar really outproduce Cedeno/Nomar? I don't think it can. Just fix the outfield.

 

I think the feeling among the Cubs brass is that Nomar can't play SS anymore, and that Walker has defensive deficiencies and may be their best trade chip.

 

Hoops

[erik316wttn]

Am I the only one who would have no problem if the infield was kept the way it was supposed to be on opening day? Lee, Aram, Nomar, Walker. What's wrong with that? Can Walker/Nomar really outproduce Cedeno/Nomar? I don't think it can. Just fix the outfield.

 

I'm with you. The infield has been the least of our problems this year. Our outfield, bench, and bullpen have been the death of this team. Overall, we have one of the best infields in all of baseball.

 

Ok, how fast is Murton? Don't jump all over me for suggesting this, but what if Nomar could handle left, Murton in Center, Giles in right, Aram at 3rd, Furcal/Cedeno at short, Cedeno/Walker at 2nd, Lee at first, and Barrett behind the plate?

 

Would you be up for that?

Edited September 10, 2005 by erik316wttn

[Beer Kaese]

Nomar will land on the south side.

[Beer Kaese]

Am I the only one who would have no problem if the infield was kept the way it was supposed to be on opening day? Lee, Aram, Nomar, Walker. What's wrong with that? Can Walker/Nomar really outproduce Cedeno/Nomar? I don't think it can. Just fix the outfield.

 

I'm with you. The infield has been the least of our problems this year. Our outfield, bench, and bullpen have been the death of this team. Overall, we have one of the best infields in all of baseball.

 

Ok, how fast is Murton? Don't jump all over me for suggesting this, but what if Nomar could handle left, Murton in Center, Giles in right, Aram at 3rd, Furcal/Cedeno at short, Cedeno/Walker at 2nd, Lee at first, and Barrett behind the plate?

 

Would you be up for that?

 

I was reading your Blog. Do you feel stupid or do you have a mental block on spin?

 

Murton is one of our top trade pieces.

[AAApittsburgh]

Am I the only one who would have no problem if the infield was kept the way it was supposed to be on opening day? Lee, Aram, Nomar, Walker. What's wrong with that? Can Walker/Nomar really outproduce Cedeno/Nomar? I don't think it can. Just fix the outfield.

 

I'm with you. The infield has been the least of our problems this year. Our outfield, bench, and bullpen have been the death of this team. Overall, we have one of the best infields in all of baseball.

 

Ok, how fast is Murton? Don't jump all over me for suggesting this, but what if Nomar could handle left, Murton in Center, Giles in right, Aram at 3rd, Furcal/Cedeno at short, Cedeno/Walker at 2nd, Lee at first, and Barrett behind the plate?

 

Would you be up for that?

 

I was reading your Blog. Do you feel stupid or do you have a mental block on spin?

 

Murton is one of our top trade pieces.

Cubs won't trade Murton until his BABIP falls and he starts to suck. Then we'll likely get a veteran bench player for him. How awesome.

[CubfaninCA]

Am I the only one who would have no problem if the infield was kept the way it was supposed to be on opening day? Lee, Aram, Nomar, Walker. What's wrong with that? Can Walker/Nomar really outproduce Cedeno/Nomar? I don't think it can. Just fix the outfield.

 

I think the feeling among the Cubs brass is that Nomar can't play SS anymore, and that Walker has defensive deficiencies and may be their best trade chip.

 

Hoops

 

Glad they've seen the light on Nomar. & Walker Can Nomar play any position though??

[erik316wttn]

Am I the only one who would have no problem if the infield was kept the way it was supposed to be on opening day? Lee, Aram, Nomar, Walker. What's wrong with that? Can Walker/Nomar really outproduce Cedeno/Nomar? I don't think it can. Just fix the outfield.

 

I'm with you. The infield has been the least of our problems this year. Our outfield, bench, and bullpen have been the death of this team. Overall, we have one of the best infields in all of baseball.

 

Ok, how fast is Murton? Don't jump all over me for suggesting this, but what if Nomar could handle left, Murton in Center, Giles in right, Aram at 3rd, Furcal/Cedeno at short, Cedeno/Walker at 2nd, Lee at first, and Barrett behind the plate?

 

Would you be up for that?

 

I was reading your Blog. Do you feel stupid or do you have a mental block on spin?

 

Murton is one of our top trade pieces.

 

Ok, that was.........random. I don't see what my blog has to do with my argument.

 

Why trade Murton? Here's a crazy idea... why not actually PLAY a positional player from our system? And in a place where he's actually needed, yet?

[erik316wttn]

Am I the only one who would have no problem if the infield was kept the way it was supposed to be on opening day? Lee, Aram, Nomar, Walker. What's wrong with that? Can Walker/Nomar really outproduce Cedeno/Nomar? I don't think it can. Just fix the outfield.

 

I think the feeling among the Cubs brass is that Nomar can't play SS anymore, and that Walker has defensive deficiencies and may be their best trade chip.

 

Hoops

 

Glad they've seen the light on Nomar. & Walker Can Nomar play any position though??

 

I think Nomar can still play short.

 

REmember, he hurt himself at the plate, not in the field.

 

And I'd be willing to substitute defense for his bat. The last thing I want is a good-field, no-hit SS like AGon there again.

[CubfaninCA]

Am I the only one who would have no problem if the infield was kept the way it was supposed to be on opening day? Lee, Aram, Nomar, Walker. What's wrong with that? Can Walker/Nomar really outproduce Cedeno/Nomar? I don't think it can. Just fix the outfield.

 

I'm with you. The infield has been the least of our problems this year. Our outfield, bench, and bullpen have been the death of this team. Overall, we have one of the best infields in all of baseball.

 

Ok, how fast is Murton? Don't jump all over me for suggesting this, but what if Nomar could handle left, Murton in Center, Giles in right, Aram at 3rd, Furcal/Cedeno at short, Cedeno/Walker at 2nd, Lee at first, and Barrett behind the plate?

 

Would you be up for that?

 

Murton looks to have above average speed, but the guy's never played cf. Nomar in lf and Murton in cf would probably be beyond brutal.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Am I the only one who would have no problem if the infield was kept the way it was supposed to be on opening day? Lee, Aram, Nomar, Walker. What's wrong with that? Can Walker/Nomar really outproduce Cedeno/Nomar? I don't think it can. Just fix the outfield.

 

I'm with you. The infield has been the least of our problems this year. Our outfield, bench, and bullpen have been the death of this team. Overall, we have one of the best infields in all of baseball.

 

Ok, how fast is Murton? Don't jump all over me for suggesting this, but what if Nomar could handle left, Murton in Center, Giles in right, Aram at 3rd, Furcal/Cedeno at short, Cedeno/Walker at 2nd, Lee at first, and Barrett behind the plate?

 

Would you be up for that?

 

Murton looks to have above average speed, but the guy's never played cf. Nomar in lf and Murton in cf would probably be beyond brutal.

 

Agreed. If you put Murton in CF, then you need plus-plus defenders at the corners. It's just not worth it.

[erik316wttn]

Well, then you'd have to move Nomar to 2nd then. I want to see Murton starting everyday next year.

 

But damn, I'd hate to lose Walker.

Edited September 10, 2005 by erik316wttn

[CubfaninCA]

Am I the only one who would have no problem if the infield was kept the way it was supposed to be on opening day? Lee, Aram, Nomar, Walker. What's wrong with that? Can Walker/Nomar really outproduce Cedeno/Nomar? I don't think it can. Just fix the outfield.

 

I think the feeling among the Cubs brass is that Nomar can't play SS anymore, and that Walker has defensive deficiencies and may be their best trade chip.

 

Hoops

 

Glad they've seen the light on Nomar. & Walker Can Nomar play any position though??

 

I think Nomar can still play short.

 

REmember, he hurt himself at the plate, not in the field.

 

And I'd be willing to substitute defense for his bat. The last thing I want is a good-field, no-hit SS like AGon there again.

 

Well, you're the same guy who wants Nomar in lf and Murton in cf. :wink: Zambrano would have 2 fits per game. :o

[XZero771679666304]

Am I the only one who would have no problem if the infield was kept the way it was supposed to be on opening day? Lee, Aram, Nomar, Walker. What's wrong with that? Can Walker/Nomar really outproduce Cedeno/Nomar? I don't think it can. Just fix the outfield.

 

I think the feeling among the Cubs brass is that Nomar can't play SS anymore, and that Walker has defensive deficiencies and may be their best trade chip.

 

Hoops

 

Glad they've seen the light on Nomar. & Walker Can Nomar play any position though??

 

I think Nomar can still play short.

 

REmember, he hurt himself at the plate, not in the field.

 

And I'd be willing to substitute defense for his bat. The last thing I want is a good-field, no-hit SS like AGon there again.

 

I'm actually curious to see if Nomar could play LF. I think it would actually be easier on his groin and hammy, since it requires less quick lateral movement than SS or even 2B. Since Hendry has made it clear he wants to get a leadoff guy and imrove the IF defense, I really believe he is going to sign Furcal. I would like to see Cedeno play, so I would like it if he played second and Nomar played LF.

 

I also believe Hendry may well trade for and extend a corner power bat rather than sign a FA.

[erik316wttn]

Am I the only one who would have no problem if the infield was kept the way it was supposed to be on opening day? Lee, Aram, Nomar, Walker. What's wrong with that? Can Walker/Nomar really outproduce Cedeno/Nomar? I don't think it can. Just fix the outfield.

 

I think the feeling among the Cubs brass is that Nomar can't play SS anymore, and that Walker has defensive deficiencies and may be their best trade chip.

 

Hoops

 

Glad they've seen the light on Nomar. & Walker Can Nomar play any position though??

 

I think Nomar can still play short.

 

REmember, he hurt himself at the plate, not in the field.

 

And I'd be willing to substitute defense for his bat. The last thing I want is a good-field, no-hit SS like AGon there again.

 

Well, you're the same guy who wants Nomar in lf and Murton in cf. :wink: Zambrano would have 2 fits per game. :o

 

I only want that if Nomar HAS to change positions. Ideally, I'd keep him at short.

[CubfaninCA]

Well, then you'd have to move Nomar to 2nd then. I want to see Murton starting everyday next year.

 

How about Murton in rf?? Is his arm strong enough??

 

Manny in lf and Nomar @ 2b works for me. Use Walker as part of a package to get Manny.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Well, then you'd have to move Nomar to 2nd then. I want to see Murton starting everyday next year.

 

Murton isn't that good that we should shift people around just so he can get into the lineup. If it falls that we need another corner OF and don't acquire anyone, then sure, put Murton out there. Otherwise, he's not worth building the rest of the roster around him as a mainstay.

[erik316wttn]

Well, then you'd have to move Nomar to 2nd then. I want to see Murton starting everyday next year.

 

How about Murton in rf?? Is his arm strong enough??

 

Manny in lf and Nomar @ 2b works for me. Use Walker as part of a package to get Manny.

 

Ok, I'd part with Walker if this was the case. :wink:

[XZero771679666304]

Well, then you'd have to move Nomar to 2nd then. I want to see Murton starting everyday next year.

 

But damn, I'd hate to lose Walker.

 

I think only one of Murton/Cedeno will be in the Cubs long term plans. I don't feel good about it, but I really think that is the case.

[Havoc 23]

I posted this once before, but I will do it again. I think the infield should like this:

 

Regular lineup:

3B - Ramirez, SS - Nomar, 2B - Cedeno OR

3B - Ramirez, SS - Cedeno, 2B - Nomar

3B - Nomar, SS - Cedeno, 2B - Hairston - Ramirez resting

3B - Ramirez, SS - Cedeno, 2B - Hairston - Nomar resting

3B - Ramirez, SS - Nomar, 2B Hairston - Cedeno resting

 

As you can see there are four options which in my opinion leave us with good offense, and sometimes good defense. If Dusty plans his days off correctly (which he won't), I don't see a problem with this. Trade Walker & Patterson, sign Damon to play center and lead off, get a RF, and find some pitching. Nomar, in my opinion, will come back cheap.