Realistic bench options for 2006?

[erik316wttn]

I was thinking last night about what some realistic bench options could be for next year.

 

I think Russell Branyan would look real good coming off the bench and spelling Lee or Aram for a day or two. He'd be a formidable power bat coming off the bench, although the only problem is that his K's will drive you batty. But, I've always loved a guy who can come off the bench and is a legit threat to homer, a la Glenallen Hill.

 

Neifi and Macias should be gone. Macias shouldn't even be on a major league roster. Neifi, if used properly, would be a decent utility infielder, but with Dusty here he won't be used properly.

 

Hairston can fill in at 2nd and the OF.

 

Any other suggestions?

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Branyan, Mark Sweeney, Fontenot, Olmedo Saenz, Chris Woodward, John Mabry all could possibly be useful bench players.

 

NO NEIFI UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES

[CuseCubFan69]

Branyan, Mark Sweeney, Fontenot, Olmedo Saenz, Chris Woodward, John Mabry all could possibly be useful bench players.

 

NO NEIFI UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES

 

I have never seen a player get under your skin like Neifi does. I like your choices...how did Mabry do this year?

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Branyan, Mark Sweeney, Fontenot, Olmedo Saenz, Chris Woodward, John Mabry all could possibly be useful bench players.

 

NO NEIFI UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES

 

I have never seen a player get under your skin like Neifi does. I like your choices...how did Mabry do this year?

 

Mabry was okay, .300/.430 OBP/SLG, but his career marks are better. I almost hesitated to put him on the list.

 

And yes, I think I'm going to have to go on a "Say No to Neifi" campaign this offseason.

[CuseCubFan69]

Branyan, Mark Sweeney, Fontenot, Olmedo Saenz, Chris Woodward, John Mabry all could possibly be useful bench players.

 

NO NEIFI UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES

 

I have never seen a player get under your skin like Neifi does. I like your choices...how did Mabry do this year?

 

Mabry was okay, .300/.430 OBP/SLG, but his career marks are better. I almost hesitated to put him on the list.

 

And yes, I think I'm going to have to go on a "Say No to Neifi" campaign this offseason.

 

If it's between Perez and Baker....I'll take Perez in a heartbeat.

 

Do any of these players play 3rd/1st and hit left handed...as in a good hitting left handed, not a Macias hit left handed?

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Branyan, Mark Sweeney, Fontenot, Olmedo Saenz, Chris Woodward, John Mabry all could possibly be useful bench players.

 

NO NEIFI UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES

 

I have never seen a player get under your skin like Neifi does. I like your choices...how did Mabry do this year?

 

Mabry was okay, .300/.430 OBP/SLG, but his career marks are better. I almost hesitated to put him on the list.

 

And yes, I think I'm going to have to go on a "Say No to Neifi" campaign this offseason.

 

If it's between Perez and Baker....I'll take Perez in a heartbeat.

 

Do any of these players play 3rd/1st and hit left handed?

 

Mabry is LH and plays some first and less third.

 

Sweeney is 1B/OF but RH

 

Fontenot can play 3B and is a switch hitter I believe

 

Saenz plays both corners and is RH

 

Woodward plays some 1B and is RH

[HoopsCubs]

Do any of these players play 3rd/1st and hit left handed...as in a good hitting left handed, not a Macias hit left handed?

 

Branyan bats left, throws right, and has started 31 games at 1B and 193 at 3B.

[CuseCubFan69]

So if the Cubs get these player it makes for a very versatile productive bench. Add to that if the Cubs resign Nomar who can fill in a 3rd and Cedeno who can fill in at SS and 2B. Does this boost Theriot to AAA and if needed he comes up then? Fontenot can also play 2nd so if the Cubs keep Walker...which I doubt, that would push Cedeno to the bench or AAA and Theriot where?

[CaliforniaRaisin]

I would like to see Adam Greenberg on the roster as the 5th OF.

 

I'm all over the Saenz and Sweeney bandwagons, but both of them got extended playing time. I'd bet they have increased their value beyond normal bench player status, so I'm not sure the Cubs will sign either of them (hopefully Neifi has too and the Cubs won't re-sign him :D).

[BigbadB]

Nic Jackson will have an incredible spring and win a back up OF job.

[biittner77]

I would like to see Adam Greenberg on the roster as the 5th OF.

 

I'm all over the Saenz and Sweeney bandwagons, but both of them got extended playing time. I'd bet they have increased their value beyond normal bench player status, so I'm not sure the Cubs will sign either of them (hopefully Neifi has too and the Cubs won't re-sign him :D).

 

If not Grennberg then perhaps Bacon. It would be nice to have some speed on the bench.

[Mark_R]

Why not Diehard?

[photoguy9883]

I would like to see Adam Greenberg on the roster as the 5th OF.

 

I'm all over the Saenz and Sweeney bandwagons, but both of them got extended playing time. I'd bet they have increased their value beyond normal bench player status, so I'm not sure the Cubs will sign either of them (hopefully Neifi has too and the Cubs won't re-sign him :D).

 

If not Grennberg then perhaps Bacon. It would be nice to have some speed on the bench.

 

That's what Neifi and Gremlin are for. :roll:

[burnt out cubbie fan]

Nic Jackson will have an incredible spring and win a back up OF job.

Is he even with the Cubs anymore? I remember hearing a little something about him during ST but I don't remember anything after that. You and Raw might be the only people left on his bandwagon.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Nic Jackson will have an incredible spring and win a back up OF job.

Is he even with the Cubs anymore? I remember hearing a little something about him during ST but I don't remember anything after that. You and Raw might be the only people left on his bandwagon.

 

He was in Mesa this past year, rehabbing, before he had another shoulder surgery and was shut down again.

[burnt out cubbie fan]

Nic Jackson will have an incredible spring and win a back up OF job.

Is he even with the Cubs anymore? I remember hearing a little something about him during ST but I don't remember anything after that. You and Raw might be the only people left on his bandwagon.

 

He was in Mesa this past year, rehabbing, before he had another shoulder surgery and was shut down again.

:( :cry:

[DonnieD]

Mabry is LH and plays some first and less third.

 

Sweeney is 1B/OF but RH

 

Fontenot can play 3B and is a switch hitter I believe

 

Saenz plays both corners and is RH

 

Woodward plays some 1B and is RH

 

Mark Sweeney actually throws and hits Left handed.

 

I would love to get him as a 4th outfielder and possibly even as a platoon with Murton.

[TrueBlueCubFan]

Sweeney or Branyan would be nice a addition for the bench next year. However, that's what I thought about Hansen when he was invited to ST this year & released in favor of Macias. :shock:

[Derwood]

Hey, I thought the thread title was REALISTIC Cubs Bench options.

 

Realistically, this bench will be:

 

Macias

Blanco

Cedeno

Murton

Hairston

 

Only 5 deep because Dusty will insist on 12 pitchers

 

No Neifi because he will be the starting 2B or SS

 

Cedeno and Murton's nice contributions will be rewarded with splinters in their butts from riding the pine.

 

In the meantime, Patterson will again be the opening day CF, whether he deserves it or not. The corner OF spots will be filled by washed up veterans whose best years are behind them.

 

Depressed yet?

[LoneStarCubFan]

If Perez goes away Rich Aurilia will be a Cub in 2006.

[Derwood]

If Perez goes away Rich Aurilia will be a Cub in 2006.

 

Right, pick your poison.

 

BTW, was Rich Aurilia batting cleanup for the Reds not the saddest thing you've seen in awhile (Cubs games not withstanding)?

[LoneStarCubFan]

If Perez goes away Rich Aurilia will be a Cub in 2006.

 

Right, pick your poison.

 

BTW, was Rich Aurilia batting cleanup for the Reds not the saddest thing you've seen in awhile (Cubs games not withstanding)?

 

No. The Cubs LOSING to a team batting Rich Aurilia clean-up is the saddest thing I've seen in awhile.

[BigbadB]

If Perez goes away Rich Aurilia will be a Cub in 2006.

 

Right, pick your poison.

 

BTW, was Rich Aurilia batting cleanup for the Reds not the saddest thing you've seen in awhile (Cubs games not withstanding)?

 

No. The Cubs LOSING to a team batting Rich Aurilia clean-up is the saddest thing I've seen in awhile.

 

Good one!

[Backtobanks]

I would like to see the Cubs get Rob Makowiak for the bench. The problem is someone will probably offer him a starting position someplace.